Before the days of the American Royal Livestock and Horse Show, the Kansas City Fat Stock Association held shows at the grounds and building at 18th and Genesee. The Kansas City Fat Stock Show Association was formed in December, 1882, and $5,000 capital subscribed. Col. C. F. Morse, manager of the Kansas City Stock Yards, was president of the association and E. E. Richardson, of the same organization, vice-president. Cattle coming to the Kansas City market were of the leggy, angular, long-horned type and left much to be desired when reduced to beef. Shorthorns, Herefords, Angus and Gallaways, all introduced following the Civil War, had worked wonders as extra profit producers both by themselves and when crossed on native stock. The show was planned as an educational feature to demonstrate the value and promote the use of these purebred beef animals. Sales were conducted in conjunction with the show. Buyers came from distant parts of the U.S. and Canada and England for the sales, establishing Kansas City as the livestock market center and influencing its growth. A sign painted on the 18th and Genesee building pictured on the 1905 post card reads Fine Stock Pavilion. Brick from this building was used in the construction of the present American Royal Building at 23rd and Wyoming. Kansas City Star, January 27, 1973.
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