Classroom

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;In June of 1909, construction began on this building and was completed later the same year. This was a joint venture between Burt Yerrington, a local builder and businessman who lived at 500 Main, and Dr. Johnson Underwood, the local physician who lived at 300 Main. Dr. Underwood arrived in Parkville around 1900. The building was constructed to accommodate two businesses. Dr. Underwood used 109 Main to house the Park Pharmacy, which he owned, as well as his office on the second floor. In the late 1920s, the Vawter brothers were operating Vawter's Super Market, a grocery store, at 111 Main. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;An advertisement in the 1916 Narva (Park College year book) lists "W.F. Vawter - General Merchandise" with no address. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Vawter's Super Market continued to serve Parkville into the 1960s. Vawter's was one of three traditional grocery stores operating in Parkville at the time. The other two were Broadhurst Market at 113 Main and Busch Market at 103 Main. At one time, all of these stores made home deliveries. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;In 1996, the building facade was renovated to be consistent with its historic era.1

111 Main Parkville, MO 
Parkville Artisan's Studio

A look inside Vawter's Super Market, featuring aisles of groceries. An advertisement in the 1953 edition of the Narva, the Park College year book. 

A view of the butcher's area inside Vawter's Super Market during the late 1950s. Pictured are Mr. Vawter, Bill Vawter, and Wilbur Williams.

Parkville Artisan’s Studio is an artist’s studio, gallery, and merchant. Originally erected in 1909 by Bert Yerrington and Dr. Johnson Underwood. Served as Vawter's Grocery.

111 Main Street Parkville, MO

This walking tour includes numerous historic homes as it winds its way south to downtown Parkville, where one can learn the history behind the buildings along Main Street and nearby landmarks. 

Built in 1941, the original business was the Leland Francis Funeral Home/Heritage Funeral Home.1 In 1950, when the Fire Protection Association of Parkville came up short of funds for a new fire truck, Leland Francis signed a financial note so that the truck could be purchased.2 The Francis family owned the building and business until 1986-1987. In 1996, Bill Carson purchased the building.3 The building is currently home to Meyers Funeral Chapel.

401 Main Street Parkville, MO

<div>The Exchange worked with the North Side Telephone Company.&nbsp;In 1929, all capital stock was acquired by Mr. Butler Disman. In 1938, a one story structure was added to the north side to house gears.1</div>

Currently Sugar & Spice Catering & Party Rental.
Erected in 1891, according to “A Walking Tour of Historical Parkville” pamphlet. Built for Captain F. Luthy by Thomas McAuslin. Operated as Parkville Telephone Exchange from 1903 to 1929, which served Parkville, Waldron, Farley, and other nearby small towns.

301 Main Street Parkville, MO 

The first occupant was J.A. Bellar. In 1920, George P. and Victor C. Ringo purchased the building and opened Ringo Bros. Garage. They enlarged the building and included a filling station. They also sold automobiles, trucks, and tractors. The Ringo Bros. operated until 1922 when&nbsp;Joseph Brown opened a carpentry shop in the south half of the building. From 1922-1923, Lon Linder's Garage occupied the building. In 1924, a new filling station was opened in the building.1

Currently unoccupied. Constructed in 1890, the building has hosted many businesses over the years, including Ringo Bros. Garage, Lon Linder's Garage, and Russell and James Gang Gun Shop.

207 Main Street Parkville, MO

Built in 1930, this building originally housed the Hauetter Garage. In the 1940s, the building housed a fire department and filling station in addition to the garage. The building was altered in 1990. The building has also been referred to as the Main Place Mall.1

Multi-unit building. Vapor Up occupies the main unit (Unit 8) on the southwest corner. Oasis Counseling & Enrichment occupies Unit 9, the only other unit that has visible signage. Other businesses include: Aviation Publications; Steven W Nelson, professional services; Ro-Mac Transportation, Inc., logistics; Revolution Arts Center, dance school (Unit 3); Essential Elements: Comprehensive College Planning (Unit 4); Producers Choice Inc, Insurance (Unit 5); Kathy Ayers Consulting, architecture, AND Jim McCall, COUNTRY Financial Representative, insurance (both, Unit 6); Wisdom 4 Life Coaching, LLC (Unit 7).

201 Main Street Parkville, MO

Peddler's Wagon was visited by President Barack Obama in 2014.1

Peddler’s Wagon Quilt & Gift Shop is a business selling fabric and quilting supplies. Peddler’s Wagon has been in business since 1982.

115 Main Street Parkville, MO

Hairs To You is a beauty salon located on the first floor which was awarded as "Best of the Northland" by the Liberty Tribune in 2014.

Cafe Des Amis  is an upscale French restaurant  located on the second floor.

The structure was erected in 1844 by twenty-two-year-old German immigrant Joachim Busch. The Busch Market occupied the first floor, while the family resided on the second floor. Frank Busch, between 1903 and 1915, leased the building. Commencing in 1915, the structure occupied numerous businesses, including a plumbing shop, the switchboard office, an appliance store, and Noland Furniture Company that also operated a funeral parlor. During the early 1900s, a female dentist had an office on the second floor. The Busch family continued leasing the building until 1973 when Jack Miller purchased the structure and operated "The Country Store." The building became vacant for a long period of time following the closure of "The Country Store." Proprietor Mary Ann Harvey operated "Cottonwood and Willows" (1989-1998) selling contemporary clothing and home gifts.

112 Main Street

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The Broadhurst family was prominent among Parkville's business leaders for over sixty years. During the 1880s, Columbus Broadhurst began his retail career working in his cousin's general store in Parkville. When his cousin decided to move to Clay County in 1892, he offered his store to Columbus in lieu of salary owed to him. His two sons, T. Frank and William, assisted&nbsp;Columbus to operate&nbsp;Broadhurst's Grocery. The business expanded over the years to include a Reo car and truck agency, farm implement sales, and hardware, in addition to groceries. The Broadhursts also operated the city scale, used to weigh produce for farmers. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Frank took over the business in the early 1900s and leased a building on the south side of Main Street. In 1937, he constructed his own building at 113 Main. Frank was very active in civic affairs, and is remembered fondly for his support of the free Saturday night movies that were shown on a screen erected on Main Street. Townsfolk would set up their chairs on the street and enjoy films each week during the summer.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Frank was killed in a tragic accident in 1942, and his daughter, Frances Neill Broadhurst, operated the store until 1951 when the stock and equipment were sold to Vawter's Grocery at 111 Main. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Other businesses that occupied 113 Main include a public library, a photography studio, a neighborhood bar, an upholstery shop, office space for the&nbsp;Platte County Gazette, and a coffee and fudge business.1

Chaos Boutique is a clothing and gift store. Erected in 1937, according the historical plaque and “A Walking Tour of Historic Parkville” pamphlet. T.F. Broadhurst built the structure and operated a grocery store until his death in 1942. His daughter, Frances, continued the business until 1951. It has also been a library, a bar, and a photo studio.

113 Main Street Parkville, MO

The Parkville Association seeks to preserve, maintain, and promote the historical context within Downtown Parkville. Car Counselors assists individuals to purchase vehicles. The building also occupies a certified emotionally focused therapist. Art4U aims to bring Ukraine, and other European art work along with local art work from the Kansas City area.

Bert Yerrington may have been the constructor of of the building. The construction of the basement began in June of 1909 while superstructure of the building began later that year. 

The first occupant was Dr. Underwoood who operated Park Pharmacy. Dr. Underwood, with his daughters, also operated a local lunch counter next door at 109 Main Street. The building was later home to Main Street Collectables. 

110 Main Street

Documents indicate as location of J. Busch Market. Additional information notes that the adjacent location bears the same market and actually has the historic marker to verify this. The two buildings may have been combined to form a large marketplace. Records maintains second oldest building in Parkville. Current locale of Parkville Coffee, previously Nine Lives, an antique store. Visited by President Barrack Obama on July 30, 2014.

103 Main Street, Parkville MO

SoMA (Synod of Mid-America) is a regional community organization consisting of six presbyteries, 427 congregations, and nearly 60,000 members. SoMA assists member presbyteries with educational support for new ministers, community resources, and executive leadership training for women and other minorities. 

The current structure was built circa 1880-1890. Fritz Kahm (first owner) was a Prussian immigrant who, at age nineteen, initially settled in St. Louis and eventually moved to Parkville. He operated a boot shop on the first floor while residing on the second floor with his family.

Lond Randolph operated on the first floor, over forty years, "Super Cuts for Guys and Gals." Apartments were located on the second floor during those same years. In the early 1970s, Jan Gunn opened "Home Establishments." The second floor housed an attorney's office and a counseling center. In 1997, Gunn was awarded the State of Missouri Street Program Award for her preservation efforts regarding the building.  



102 Main Street

Parkville Jewelers sells upscale jewelry store and specializes in clock and watch repair. Opened in 1998.

Tinsley Relator, opening in 1938, provides real estate consultation and commercial properties. 

106 Main Street

Farm House Collections specializes in Amish-made candles, soaps, lotions, and home décor.

Was formerly St. Martin's Salon although the time of opening and closing is unknown.

104 Main Street

Originally the N. Samuels Dry Goods Store (1890-1918). The Jacobson Brothers purchased the building in 1920 and remodeled the structure. In 1925, Etta Hobbs opened another dry goods store. During the late 1930s, the U.S. Postal Service expanded into the store. The structure is currently owned by Dave Williams and houses Finder's Keepers. 

16 Main Street, Parkville M.O. 64152

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Erected circa 1888. 107 Main is remembered by generations of Parkville residents and hundreds of Park College/University alumni as the location of Herrick "Chick" Hawley's Community Shop. Chick, the son of long term college president Frederick William Hawley, began operating a dry goods store here in 1921 (until he closed his business in the 1960s), later converting his business into a men's clothing store. Chick's store was one of the few local shops that handled clothing.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The second floor of the building was home to Dr. C.H. Hook's dental office for over 20 years. Other occupants have included Anna Sell, a beautician, and Alma Miller, proprietress of the Mad Hatter consignment shop. For a few years, a radio and TV repair shop operated on the upper level.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Although well uphill from the river, this building was affected by the flood of 1993 and took in two or three inches of water, an event that caused business owner Wanda Croasdale to close her basket and ceramics shop. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Photographer Gregg Hejna purchased the building in 1996.1

Cool Vintage Watches is an extension of the structure at 105 Main. The offices of Level Builders, a general construction contractor, are located on the second floor.

107 Main Street Parkville, MO

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The building and its neighbor, 111 Main, were constructed in 1909 by business partners Burt Yerrington and Dr. Johnson Underwood. The doctor's office was on the second floor and the Park Pharmacy, operated by W.D. Laney, occupied the first floor. In 1911, Dr. Underwood bought the pharmacy business, but retained the name Park Pharmacy. Prescriptions were dispensed by Anna Hasengager. The store also had a lunch counter, soda fountain, and sundries department. It was a popular gathering spot for Park College students and local residents for many years. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Dr. Underwood practiced medicine here until shortly before his death in 1954. After World War II, his son Dr. Johnson Underwood, Jr. joined him briefly before moving his office to North Kansas City. In 1956, pharmacist Ernie Scholdberg bought the drug department and filled prescriptions at 109 Main until he moved to another location in 1961. Dr. Underwood's two daughters, Ruby and Roxye, continued to operate the soda fountain and sundries business until 1963. In 1994, the building's facade was renovated by David Williams to reflect the historic era. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Owners prior to W.D. Laney included Campbell and Holt, and J.W. Stokes.1

Erected with 111 Main in 1909. Operated as Park Pharmacy by Dr. Johnson Underwood. Currently houses The Middle, a shop selling local goods from Kansas City and the Midwest region, including t-shirts, candles, prints, etc. 

109 Main Street Parkville, MO

Erected circa 1885-1890. Originally owned by Frank Busch, operator of&nbsp;Frank Busch Groceries and Dry Goods Store. In the late 1990s,&nbsp;Papa Frank's Pub operated in this space.1 "According to the 1994 Architectural Survey of Parkville, the original first floor design has not been significantly altered, while the signage areas and frieze have been altered by non-original wood paneling."2&nbsp;In July of 2014, President Barack Obama visited Parkville, MO and made a stop into the Cool Vintage Watches store.3

Currently Cool Vintage Watches. This business was visited by President Obama in 2014.

105 Main Street Parkville, MO

The original structure was constructed between 1927 and 1928. The initial purpose of the structure was Parkville's post office.

14 Main Street, Parkville M.O. 64152

Currently the site of Edward Jones, a financial adviser (ground floor) and Om Prana Yoga (upper floor).

First occupant of this building (c. 1830) was a grocery store. In 1911, the Farmer's Exchange Bank, owned by C.P. Breen, moved to this location. The first major remodeling of the building took place in 1928. During the 1940s, a restaurant was located in the eastern bay of the south facade storefront and an apartment was located on the second story. The bank, at its prime, boasted $50,000 capital and surplus and did business with farmers who utilized the railroad tracks in the area. 

101 Main, Parkville MO

Park President Hawley had the idea to create an industry for Park University. The greenhouse opened to the public on November 8, 1927. It was composed of three buildings making the full structure 4,500 square feet. The initial cost of the greenhouse was $10,000, requiring a dozen students for labor. Adolph Herman was in charge of the program and brought his own experience in floriculture.&nbsp;The greenhouse provided instructive and cultural employment for Park students as the produce from the greenhouse was in demand by the community and city markets. With it being open to public, many members of the community visited the greenhouse for its distinctive beauty in greenery. The &nbsp;greenhouse was scheduled to be disassembled on September 24, 1977, and moved; however, the greenhouse was never rebuilt due to the harsh economic time.Park University also had a canning industry during the late 1800s. The Canning Factory, or Park College Family, was created by Mr. McAfee and was established in 1875. The public had an interaction with the Cannery like they did with the greenhouse as the option of growing tomatoes for canning was available to anyone. The canning factory did well making&nbsp;and saving a great amount of money for the college. The factory was on the second floor of Mackay, but was moved to the water-works building in the 1920s.

The Cannery was created in the late 1800s and the Park Greenhouse was built in 1927. The campus cannery was used to grow and can tomatoes and peaches. The greenhouse was used by students as a work study program to grow crops and seasonal flowering plants to be sold in city markets. 

Park Greenhouse and Cannery

The two structures Stone Canyon occupies were McKeever’s Drug Store and a small ice cream shop. Larger part of the structure is thought to have been built around 1880-1890. McKeever’s drug store was a focal point for the health of Parkville. The ice cream shop served as a meeting place for Parkville citizens. Currently its usage as an easily recognizable name-brand restaurant which keeps it as a center point in Parkville. 

Architectural Historic Surveys state building was also home to McKeon's Sundries. Early owner was Mr. Hauber.

15 Main Street, Parkville MO

The structure was erected in 1927 and provided services to local citizens as a filling (gas) station. The station furnished easy access for drivers on Main Street and FF Highway. Currently the structure is being renovated as a food establishment names Pirate Pete's.

10 Main Street, Parkville M.O. 64152

The original building was constructed in 1885, the year The Platte Gazette was established.&nbsp;While&nbsp;The Gazette has relocated within the confines of Parkville several times, it did eventually move back into the small building by the railroad tracks when the 1999 coal train accident&nbsp;occurred. In addition to the newspaper,&nbsp;The Gazette&nbsp;printed business cards, letterheads, envelopes, sale bills, and other miscellaneous items. School supplies were sold in the Fall, and "Greeting Cards, Fine Stationary, Gift Boxes, Holiday Novelties, [and] Decorations" were sold at Christmastime according to old advertisements.&nbsp; Ruth's Antiques, an antique store, owned and operated in the building after&nbsp;The Gazette&nbsp;moved locations. Ruth's Antiques ended operations following&nbsp;the 1993 flood, and&nbsp;The Gazette reportedly moved back in after another interim business (Aunt Ada's Country Store - 1996).

The structure originally housed the Platte County Gazette newspaper building. Founded in 1885 by J.P. Tucker. The Gazette weathered the 1993 flood and 1999 coal train incident. Due to the train accident and structural damage, the building was torn down.

1 Main, Parkville MO

The building was constructed between 1880 and 1890. It was the home of the Moon-Elliott Lumber Company. It was the successor to Luthy &amp; Co., which was founded by Captain Franklin Luthy, a lumber dealer who came to Parkville in 1857. He served in the Civil War at Fort Leavenworth and returned to his lumber business after the war. Much of what we know about the Moon-Elliott Lumber Company comes from the advertisements placed in&nbsp;The Platte County Gazette, including that the name changed in 1920 to Elliott Lumber and Hardware Company, and in March 1951 became the Layman Lumber Company. The company's offices were in the front of the building and the lumber yard was set up out back.&nbsp; Period in the newspaper advertisements&nbsp;indicated a&nbsp;full-line of funeral supplies, lumber, kits for building houses, paints, hardware, tools, stoves, mowers, rakes, horse blankets, and lap ropes to name a few. The lumber yard and store were operated until the 1970s when the buildings were purchased and remodeled by Elmer "Sugar" Bell for "The Doll Shop"; an antique doll museum, repair, catalog and sales operation.&nbsp;

Building was home to Moon-Elliott Lumbar Company, the successor to Luthy and Co., a lumber dealer that came to Parkville in 1857. The company’s offices were in the building proper while a lumber yard was housed in the rear of the building. Wooden facade and porch were added to original brick front, which remains intact.

3-5 Main, Parkville MO

&nbsp;Local college and city leaders knew construction would be expensive so they contacted Ella Park Lawrence (daughter of George Park) and her husband George Lawrence. the Lawrence's donated the land site that had once been her father's newspaper location. In addition, they donated $15,000 dollars to the college to construct the plant. The first engineer to be hired for the design was Mr. Squires; unfortunately he suffered some personal injuries off-site so the college and city leaders hired Mr. Charles Patrick Breen from the firm Smith, Rae, and Lovett.The construction started in 1917 and by January 1918 the plant was only half completed due to lack of laborers and the college students serving in World War 1, and the wartime rise in material costs. Another labor problem slowing down construction was the influenza epidemic of 1918 which closed the college for several weeks. In October 1918, the building and smokestack was completed; unfortunately, there remained not enough funding to purchase the boilers, dynamos, and pipes needed to connect &nbsp;the plant to the college and local businesses and residences. In July 1919, the college and civic leaders celebrated the opening of the plant and commencement of operations. The plant continued operations till the floods of 199. Following the floods, the power plant was closed. Currently the structure is owned by Thomas Hutsler.

The Power Plant was constructed to furnish heat and electricity to Park College and residents of Parkville using coal brought in on the railroad and water from nearby Missouri River. The concept for the plant started in 1916 when it became difficult and expensive to haul coal up the hill to the college.

Parkville Missouri Walking Tour

111 Main Street Parkville, MO

Introduction

Images

Backstory and Context

Sources