AKS

Boulevard Plaza opened in 1951 as a vibrant shopping destination in Wichita, Kansas. Developed by J.W. and R.W. Womer and designed by architect S.S. Platt, the center hosted a grand opening that drew thousands. Its diverse lineup of businesses included grocers, pharmacies, beauty salons, camera shops, and even a Medical Arts Center. It quickly became …

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Jeremiah Brown Cook (1834–1921), a Civil War cavalry commander, became a successful real estate businessman in Chetopa, Kansas. In 1886, he began building a grand brick home, which cost around $10,000 (equivalent to $335,000 today). Though its architectural style is debated (Italianate or Second Empire), it became a local landmark. Cook retired in his 50s, …

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October of 1917, the plans for this building were finally coming to fruition when the Home National Bank purchased the lot on Gates Corner at 5th and Main Street. A contract was let to Harry Duckworth for the erection of a one-story 22 x 54-foot brick bank building. Materials were shipped and work was expected …

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In July 1872, the Church of the Epiphany initially planned to rent City Hall for services but canceled the contract due to financial constraints. They began building a small chapel on August 26th 1872, 20 feet by 40 feet in size. Over the following year, as funds were raised, the congregation met in various public …

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These three Topeka buildings were owned by Nick Chiles, an African American entrepreneur, political and civil rights activist, and editor who moved to Topeka in 1886. Chiles founded, edited, and published the Topeka Plaindealer, which had the largest circulation of any Black newspaper west of the Mississippi River, from 1899 until he died at age 61 in …

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PHOTO BY MIKE SPIVEY The abandoned homestead of Doctor W.B. Jones, located in a remote area, features a stone engraved above a window with “Doctor W.B. Jones 1878.” Dr. William B. Jones, born on May 5, 1836, in Kentucky, pursued a medical degree in St. Louis, Missouri, graduating in 1879 at 43 years old. The …

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In April of 1877, the Elk County “State” Bank was organized with George W. McKey as President. Just a few short years later the bank was converted to the Howard National Bank. And in May of 1888 work would start on a massive castle-like building for the bank. The Citizen newspaper states, “The Howard National …

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Joseph C. Smith Sr. and Mary Francis Burt Smith had decided that Wellington Kansas would be the place they settled down to have and raise their children. Mary had birthed four children Edwin, Joseph Jr., Nelly, and Harry. Edwin A. Smith was the eldest of the bunch born in 1870, they had brought him from his birthplace of Madison Indiana to Kansas …

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Picture from KSHPO The poor farm’s main building was constructed in 1889-1890 on a parcel of land once owned by W.E. Glover. Glover’s house is still standing. The poor farm’s cemetery is located a few hundred feet north of the poor farm. The buildings on the property have fallen into serious neglect since being abandoned …

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