![One of Midtown's early local grocery stores was Martin's Market at 1507 W. 47th, seen here in 1940.](https://midtownkcpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/martins-market-1507-w.-47th-west-plaza-600x450.jpg)
Decades ago, Midtown Kansas City had a grocery store in almost every neighborhood. Before the advent of large chain “supermarkets,” grocery stores were often literally mom-and-pop businesses. They grew up along streetcar lines and within walking distance of Midtown residential areas.
This map shows all the groceries within Midtown boundaries in 1949, based on a May 1949 Kansas City Star newspaper advertisement.
The Valentine neighborhood had several small markets in 1940, both on Broadway and Summit Street (which later became Southwest Trafficway).
![Sol's Market at 3305 Summit Street in 1940.](https://midtownkcpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Sols-Market-3305-SUmmit-Valentine.jpg)
The Manheim Park, neighborhood had an A & P market at 4625 Troost.
![A&P-4625-TROOST-MANHEIM](https://midtownkcpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/AP-4625-TROOST-MANHEIM.jpg)
In Volker, residents could walk or ride the streetcar to a Kroger store at 1423 W. 39th.
![kroger-1423-w.-39th-volker](https://midtownkcpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/kroger-1423-w.-39th-volker.jpg)
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.
Leave a Reply