Main Street Drug Store Served the Neighborhood

The Karnopp Building at 43rd and Main in 1930. 

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’s block includes residences and apartment buildings in the Southmoreland neighborhood, from 43rd Street south to 44th Street and Main Street east to Walnut Street.

The Karnopp Building, at 43rd and Main, is pictured. The building still stands on the corner. In 1930, it housed Paul J. Mason’s Drugs (above). Mason owned a chain of 13 stores, which he developed into Crown Drugs. By 1940, the store (as seen in the slideshow) was called Dehoney Drugs and sold beer, wine, and liquors.  Nature’s Own now occupies the space.

There were still several houses along Main Street, which commercial businesses have since replaced. Along Walnut Street, there were also several homes. The Babe Hain’s Service Station stood at the corner of 44^th and Main.

The Sanford Fire Insurance map from 1909-1957 shows the same block.

The photos at the end of this post shows all of the buildings that existed when the 1940 tax photos were taken.

All photos courtesy of the  Kansas City Public Library – Missouri Valley Special Collections.