Did You Know This About Geary County History?
By Dr. Ferrell Miller
Geary County Historical Society Board Member
“The Painted Lady”
Today’s story is about the house on the corner of Fifth and Adams Streets. The information is taken from an article written by Eric Stahl, a Geary County Historical Society Board member.
“The house, located at 301 West Fifth Street, is a grand old Victorian house nicknamed “The Painted Lady” because the color scheme is appropriate for a Victorian “painted lady”. The lot on which the house currently stands was the original site of the First Congregational Church.
The Congregational Church was completed in January of 1869. By 1909, the church membership was only about 25 persons and the building was in need of upgrades. The Congregational Church Society of New York sold the property to Thomas B. Kennedy, who in turn sold the church building to the Trustees of the First Christian Church of Junction City. They had the building moved off the lot.
Thomas Kennedy had his Victorian house built on the property. Kennedy moved to Junction City with his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Maxwell Kennedy. After working for the Rockwell Merchandise and Grain business, Thomas started his own bank with his cousin, M. C. Kennedy and later that bank consolidated with the First National Bank. Thomas Kennedy was the President of First National Bank for over 25 years.
Following Thomas Kennedy’s death the property was deeded to Mary I. Green in 1932. In 1943, Miss Green deeded the same property to Mrs. Rose Darcy and Claire Dickman for $7,500. Claire Dickman opened Claire’s Dress Shop in the Steadman building in the 700 block of North Washington. While Claire owned the home, her sisters Nell and Rose lived with her. The house was divided into three apartments and each sister had her own floor. Walls were added for separate entrances and each floor had a kitchen. After Claire’s death the house changed hands twice and was eventually restored to a one family residence again.”
The house was recently sold by Jan and Curtis Gray. A 1914 Pennell photo shows the Kennedy house. This photo may be seen on page 207 and 208 of the book Set In Stone, which we have for sale at our Museum.
“Locations Of Some Businesses Then And Now”
Today’s format different than the usual. Instead of sharing a story about Geary County history, this article is being provided to “stir” your memories about businesses in our town in 1953, where they were located and the identification of the business which is now at that location. This comes from a list which was created by J. Howard Shellhaas and Myron Coryell. Their research included the name of the original business and then what that business was in 1953.
*The Horseshoe Saloon was operated from the early 1870’s until 1906. The Horseshoe Saloon is pictured in the opening of the tv series “Cheers”. In 1953 it was the Firestone Store at 805 N. Washington Street. The Firestone Store changed locations and is now at 128 W. Eighth Street.
*The J.F. Meeder Blacksmith Shop was the Bob Steele Filling Station in 1953 at the corner of Eighth and Jefferson Streets. The Cox Solution Store is now located at 140 W. Eighth Street.
*The Boller residence, which was built in 1875 at what was the location of the Elk’s Club in 1953. The location was at 505 N. Washington Street. The Elk’s Club is now at 723 S. Washington Street.
*The Farmer’s Home was a restaurant in 1873, but in 1953 it was the Pennell Building at 801 N. Washington Street. It later became the Gamble’s Department Store and is now the location of the 8th Judicial District, Victim Assistance Coordinator and other offices.
*The Hall and Porter Drug Store was built in 1870, but later became a saloon and then later yet was the Blattner and Glick Jewelry Store. In 1953 it was the Lancaster Grocery Store. Bob’s Coffee Shop is now at that location.
Perhaps these have “stirred” your memory and your interest in learning more about previous and current businesses in Junction City. We have a free “Walking Tour” Guide at our museum, which has 41 businesses identified in our historic downtown area. Stop by and pick up a copy – take a walk – and create new memories. The Geary County Historical Museum is located at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets and is open between 1 and 4 in the afternoon Tuesdays through Saturday.