The Sweeney Automobile and Tractor School, opposite the Union Station at 215 W. Pershing Road, was built by Emory J. Sweeney just before World War I in the early days of the automobile age. Fourteen trades were taught at the school, and during its 10 years of existence 80,000 students received training. During the war 5,400 draftees were assigned to the school. The flu epidemic of 1918 took the lives of 15 students. The building was planned by architects Keene & Simpson, so that it could be converted into a hotel. Because of financial reverses the school was forced to move to smaller quarters. In 1929 the building was acquired by the Business Men's Assurance Co., which renovated and remodeled the structure and used it for the next 33 years. Calvin Communications, Inc., was the next owner. In 1978 the building again changed hands. It now is the corporate headquarters for Riss International. Kansas City Times. May 20, 1983
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