There are no traffic lights nor patrolmen in this 1909 scene on Main street, looking north from Twelfth street, but shoppers seem to be crossing the street casually and safely. Only one automobile is in sight but two street cars and a horse and buggy are seen in the background.On the East Side of the street (right) the one-story tailor shop of Edmond Metzger, 1119 Main, had a billboard over his place, advertising the Corbett System and we can fit you, $10.00.Kline's Specialty Store sign was painted at the top of the exterior of an ornate 4-story brick building, 1113-1115 Main. The store was established by E. B. Kline in 1906. It is the only place of business pictured here, that operates in the same location today. The store now extends through the block and has an additional building and entrance on Walnut Street. A Knox variety store was north of Kline's at 1109 Main. Browning-King, Clothing for Men and Boys occupies the corner of Petticoat Lane and Main, a site now occupied by the 11-story Harzfeld store building erected in 1913. Harzfelds has also been extended to Walnut street above the first floor level. Across the street west (left foreground) was the round street clock of Frederick W. Meyer, Jeweler, 1114 Main. (He was not related to the present day Walnut street jewelers, Leon and Louis Meyer). Peerless, Novelties, fancy goods and jewelry is seen in left foreground at 1112 Main. The Parisian Cloak Company of Sig Harzfeld was next at 1108-1110 Main. It was founded in 1891, making it the oldest establishment pictured still operating today. The bright red and gold sign of Knox Variety Store was at 1104 Main, and many of our early postcards were made for this firm and its other store across the street. May-Stern Company Carpets, Stoves and Furniture had the large sidewalk sign and business at the end of the block, 1100 Main. Far in the background, crossing overhead at Eighth and Main was the viaduct track of the Metropolitan Street Car Company leading west to the Eighth street tunnel into Kansas City, Kansas. On the return, Quindaro and Central avenue cars stopped at the old Union depot in the West Bottoms and brought back many out-of-town customers for a pleasant interlude of shopping and theater in the big city. Kansas City Star, December 6, 1969.
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