As part of our Uncovering History Project, the Midtown KC Post is examining each block in Midtown. A set of 1940 tax assessment photos is available for many blocks.
Today, we look at residences and businesses in the South Hyde Park neighborhood, from 45th Street south to Brush Creek, from Gillham/Harrison to Troost.
As you can see from the photos below and in this Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, Troost Avenue was dominated by auto-related businesses in 1940. The block included the Fire Department Hose Company 31 and Fire Engine Company 11.
Along Gillham were rows of small bungalows that make up much of South Hyde Park’s internal streets.
Photos courtesy Kansas City Public Library, Missouri Valley Special Collections.
I lived with my parents at 4501 Gillham Road from by birth, January 1964 until sometime in 1970. I recall that home being divided into three apartments. We lived on one floor at the time of my birth, I believe the third floor and then a few years later, we moved to the second floor.
Good times.
My uncle was one of the co-owners of McClure-Norrington Chevrolet. Apparently it began around 1934 and sold to Bill Sight Chevrolet in 1969. Many family members worked there. I was between 4 and 8 when I used to accompany my Dad to work sometimes. A 3 wheel motorcycle that they towed cars with was my favorite memory. The showroom, parts department, offices, and wash bay were ground level, 2nd and 3rd floors were the repair areas and the roof was for new car inventory. A circular ramp/drive allowed the vehicles to access each floor. The new year models were a big event as they arrived with a canvas cover over the cars and stored on the roof until the day in September they were revealed to the public.