At the Midtown KC Post, we cover daily news and bring you information about the community. But we’re also interested in the past and how Midtown got to be the place it is today. That’s why we’ve started the “Uncovering History” project, which includes a book about the history of Midtown Kansas City neighborhoods which is in the works.
We need your help. We’re looking for stories and photos about Midtown, especially the years between 1880 and 1930 when Midtown was being built. If you have pictures and stories, please email us or call us at 816-516-2446.
We’re interested in the following neighborhoods: Center City, Coleman Highlands, Countryside, Crestwood, Heart of Westport, Hyde Park, Manheim Park, Old Hyde Park, Plaza-Westport, Rockhill, Volker, Roanoke, South Plaza, Southmoreland, Squire Park, Sunset Hill, Troostwood, Valentine, West Plaza, and Westwood Park.
We’d love to share your stories and pictures with our audience and include them in the book.
I saw the article about the Crestwood neighborhood in a posting of the Facebook group, Kansas City Memories. My great-aunt and her husband, Clare J. Chapman built a home in Crestwood. Many years ago I recall seeing photos of it being built, unfortunately none of those were saved except one, which I have. It shows a completed home with a group of ladies on the sidewalk. On the back it is dated 1922. I believe their address was 5510 Crestwood Drive. I would be glad to mail the photo if anyone shows an interest.
When I was a student at UMKC back in the late 70’s I drove by the Crestwood home and remembered stories my father told of him having to take the streetcar to cut the grass at the home, there being a fish pond somewhere on the property.
I also recall stories of my great-aunt, Valerie Chapman, either owning or being a part owner of a florist shop in the Crestwood shops area. I don’t know how long she was involved in a business or to what extent. I never took the time to check out that information.
I enjoyed reading the article about the neighborhood.
James Brumwell
Do you know the history of Oscars Lounge? Troost and Armour Blvd