Sewall Paint and Glass Company Building

Frederick Sewall, born to a wealthy Vermont family, moved to Kansas City in 1887 and established the Sewall and Hughes Paint and Glass Company two years later. By 1895, Sewall became the sole owner after buying out his partner Hughes. The company flourished, leading to the construction of a new plant in the West Bottoms district in 1903. A devastating flood that year severely damaged the West Bottoms, putting most of the area under several feet of water. Despite this obstacle, Sewall would complete his building by the end of 1903, marking a new chapter for the company. Despite Sewall's untimely death in 1908, his wife Ruby took over and successfully led the company to innovations like the "rubbing machine" for varnishing automobiles. The company continued to thrive until 1967, when it was acquired by Minnesota Paints, Inc. Today, the building serves as an event space in the West Bottoms district.

The Sewall family has a rich history in Vermont, influencing business and politics in that state. Frederick Sewall, born in 1864, decided to leave the family dynasty behind and head west, moving to Kansas City in 1887 and joining a glass dealer business. He soon left that business, teaming up with A.N. Hughes to form the Sewall and Hughes Paint and Glass Company in 1889. By 1895, the industrious Sewall had bought out Hughes, becoming the sole owner. The Sewall Company quickly outgrew its original location of 11th and Mulberry in the West Bottoms. In 1903, the company commissioned the construction of a new plant designed by A. Van Brunt and Brother, located at 1009 West 8th Street. The West Bottoms were the cornerstone of economic development for much of Kansas City’s industry at the turn of the century. As the railroads of the country moved through the area, many warehouses and commercial enterprises opened in the West Bottoms district, a fact readily apparent by the faded painted advertisements on the sides of many brick facades. 

The construction would be quickly marred by a devasting flood of the West Bottoms in 1903, which left much of the district submerged under several feet of water. It was this flood that many local historians suspect also damaged the business records of this and other companies, leading to an incomplete record of early Kansas City industry. Nevertheless, the building would be completed by the end of that year, marking a new era for the company. However, tragedy would quickly strike Sewall again. Sewall passed away in 1908 due to a horse-riding accident, leaving his wife Ruby to take over the business. Under her leadership, the company continued to thrive, obtaining patents and trademarks for new inventions.  The Sewall Company was a leader in the industry, with trademarks and patents for innovative products like the "rubbing machine" used primarily for varnishing automobiles. The factory operated efficiently, with several key employees like E. Ross Kyger playing important roles.

In 1944, Sewall Paint and Varnish Company became a division of the American-Marietta Company, with E. Ross Kyger remaining as the head of the Kansas City and Dallas divisions. The company continued to grow and innovate, renewing trademarks and expanding its operations until 1967. Throughout its history, Sewall Paint and Varnish Company was a prominent member of the Central Industrial District Association, receiving recognition for its long-standing membership and contributions to the community. Despite being a male-dominated field, Ruby Sewall was able to make her mark in the business world and lead the company to success.

In 1967, Minnesota Paints, Inc. took over the Sewall Paint building, eventually merging with the Valspar Corporation. The building remained vacant for several years until it was purchased by Faultless Starch Company in 1974. The only product of the company that remained at this point was REV, a semi-paste automotive paint. Now, the building serves as an event space for weddings and receptions in the West Bottoms district. 

Millstein, Cydney. National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form - Sewall Paint and Glass Company Building, Mo State Parks. August 21st, 2001. Accessed July 12th, 2024. https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/Sewall%20Paint%20and%20Glass%20Co.%20Bldg.pdf.

Betz, Melanie A.. CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT SURVEY FINAL REPORT, Mo State Parks. June 1st, 1988. Accessed July 12th, 2024. https://mostateparks.com/sites/mostateparks/files/KC%20CID%20Report.pdf.