When Downtown KC was a powerhouse - A must see for all

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KCK
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When Downtown KC was a powerhouse - A must see for all

Post by KCK »

regardless of what you think Devin, this was a fact. Just like the fact is that now KCMO's population density is 1500 a square mile, and KCK's is 1100 a square mile. I knew you would dispute that, but it is a fact.
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When Downtown KC was a powerhouse - A must see for all

Post by KCDevin »

It isn't really a fact because it doesn't reflect our true density.
In 1960 KC had 475,539 people and 129.8 square miles
In 1970 KC had 507,087 people and 316.3 square miles
Only a gain of 31,548 people and 186.5 square miles, but you know what? Our density went from 3,663.60 to 1,603.10, was that our real density? no it wasn't.

If you were to compare KCKs 18 square miles and 18 miles around downtown KCMO back then, the area in KCMO would be much more dense.

Like downtown has a density of 5,033 people per square mile, but you say the overall cities density is 1,500 per square mile.

By using population divided by area my town would be denser than KCMO and KCK, and you know that definitely isn't true.
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Post by KCK »

Actually KCK even back then had a lot of undeveloped land, so it was actually much more dense too. What you didn't think it just worked one way did you?

You can't pick and choose the stats that you want to use, that is not how it works. Just like I can't choose the counties included in the Kansas City CSA, you can't draw up your own population density stats.
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Post by MidtownCat »

ignatious:

This is an awesome thread.

I really enjoyed the picture of the Westgate Hotel. It really reminds me of the Flatiron Building in New York. Where was that originally located?

The cablecars image was also cool. That was a pretty substantial bridge that lead down to the west bottoms, you can also see the original union station to the left.

Great stuff.
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Post by hethj7 »

ignatius - Is there anyway that any of those photos can be obtained as prints? I really like some of those and it may be really cool to decorate my new place with something like that.
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Post by staubio »

hethj7 wrote:ignatius - Is there anyway that any of those photos can be obtained as prints? I really like some of those and it may be really cool to decorate my new place with something like that.
I was just revisiting this thread because it is worth a visit at least a month and I noticed that nobody answered your question.

Yes, any of the library archive shots can be used to make prints. There is more information on the library website.
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Post by KansasCityCraka »

that would be really cool. ignatius where did you move to?

In 2007 if this post is still around, somebody should update it or make a new one that says "Why KC is a powerhouse".
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Post by KansasCityCraka »

What ever happened to the old street cars/street car rails?
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Post by Tosspot »

KansasCityCraka wrote:What ever happened to the old street cars/street car rails?
They were bought up and ripped out by the Corporate Cabal Of Cocksuckery-- namely GM, Firestone, and Standard Oil.

The reasoning was, destroy all sustainable and efficient public transit infrastructure so everyone will have no choice but to 1) drive a GM automobile; 2) have Firestone tires on said automobile; 3) fuel said automobile with gas from Standard Oil.

Sadly, it is this system of malfeasance that we ask our soldiers to defend.
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photoblog. 

until further notice i will routinely point out spelling errors committed by any here whom i frequently do battle wit
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Post by ignatius »

KC disasters...


W Bottoms..
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Tornado took out the Hannibal bridge...
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W Bottoms of course. This guy was dealing with the building below. Apparently shooting a can for a string to carry a hose up.
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Many more on page 2 ------>>>>>
http://www.kcskyscrapers.com/kcforum/vi ... c&start=30
Many more on page 2 ------>>>>>
http://www.kcskyscrapers.com/kcforum/vi ... c&start=30
Many more on page 2 ------>>>>>
http://www.kcskyscrapers.com/kcforum/vi ... c&start=30
Last edited by ignatius on Sun Jan 30, 2005 5:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by ignatius »

Harry Truman with KC's underworld...

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Post by ignatius »

Construction pics...

Dierks building, 1930
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KCP&L 1930
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Bryant.. 1930..
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I'd love to see the Bryant go residential...
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Park Lane Apts 1935. This is what Highwoods wanted to tear down.
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Fed REserve 1919
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Union Station 1912
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The Nelson, 1932
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Midland Theatre 1926
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Coca-Cola 1915 in distance. Now Western Auto.
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Pickwick Hotel 1930. Still stands. Used to also be bus terminal next door.
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Bus terminal next door. Note the spot for the clock.
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Post Office. 1932.
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Hannibal bridge under construction. 1868. KC became the major city of
the region because of the bridge. It might have been built in St. Joe,
Leavenworth or Omaha.
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Post by ignatius »

The oldest KC residence known at the time of this pic. Built in
1848 at 513 E. 14th Street. I doubt it but anyone know if it still stands? It
would be at the SE loop.

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Post by ignatius »

The oldest indirect photograph I could find. 1960 photograph of an 1850 photograph of a KC circus band.

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Re: When Downtown KC was a powerhouse - A must see for all

Post by KCPowercat »

You know if somebody had the rights to these photos, they would make an absolute TON of money setting up a booth at City market on weekends.  Just think of all the lofts being done right now...lofts downtown just cry out for at least one old school B&W KC shot.  Hell every downtown residence does.

909 had some great shots of that building being built....when I was on the tour somebody said that some company owned many of these pictures and he had bought some from this company.....of course I can't remember it now...it was X & Associates I believe.

This would be a great business oppourtunity or better yet a great source of revenue for the library if their photos were of the quality to be reproduced...I know they have the negatives on most photos, don't they?

Anybody know any company that sells these types of pictures as art?
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Re: When Downtown KC was a powerhouse - A must see for all

Post by Denver Josh »

Great idea KCP-

The copyright from each photo posted on this thread has run out (many, many years ago).  If the Library owns the negatives, theoretically one could produce such a business allowed that the library released the negatives to be copied.  If not for starting a business, anyone in the city could take the old photos and get 'em blown up for personal use without hinderance of copyright infringement.  Copyrights on MOST "art" (music-movies-photographs) do not apply after 50-100 years (unless you're Disney and you pitch a fit).  Yeah I know, copyright law isn't that simple but nobody is going to make claims to a photograph pre 1920.

I want a big picture....
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Post by KCPowercat »

I know you can order copies (large ones) from the library on their stuff but not sure about the quality.
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Re: When Downtown KC was a powerhouse - A must see for all

Post by GRID »

KCPowercat wrote: I know you can order copies (large ones) from the library on their stuff but not sure about the quality.
All views from that tower will be incredible. I'm surprised they are not increasing the height to at least 30 floors.
Last edited by GRID on Mon Sep 12, 2005 12:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by hermit »

Image

Yikes.  Looks like a pretty nasty ice storm.
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Re: When Downtown KC was a powerhouse - A must see for all

Post by KCPowercat »

I have this pic:

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and another hanging in my living room...8x10....quality is awesome.  Ordered from the library and got them within 10 days. 
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