Downtown, North from R.A. Long Building

Ray, Mrs. Sam (Mildred Kitrell)

Postcard view of Downtown Kansas City, facing north from the roof of the R.A. Long Building at 10th Street and Grand Avenue.

Buildings

R. A. Long Building

Postcard

Mrs. Sam Ray Postcard Collection (SC58), See finding aid: https://kchistory.org/islandora/object/kchistory%3A63953

Downtown KCMO

SC58

Early photographers seem to have favored views taken from rooftops of tall buildings for use on postcards. This one was made from the roof of the R.A. Long building at 10th and Grand, looking north. The Hotel Victoria sign on the top of the building in the center of the postcard helps locate the area. The hotel was built on 9th Street between McGee and Oak in 1888 by George Helmes. It had 140 rooms, all suites with private bath. An early history of American hotels by Jefferson Williamson gives credit to the Victoria for being the first hotel in the country to have a private bath for every room. Handsome, rounded bay windows faced the street. The hotel burned Feb. 2, 1960. Many remember the spectacular night fire of unknown origin, and the sight of the firemen with their equipment covered with ice. Firemen rescued 35 people from the burning building. The hotel was destroyed and several adjoining buildings were badly damaged. Today the old hotel site is occupied by a parking facility. Kansas City Times, June 15, 1984.

20000608

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