The 1908 photographic post card of an 8-year-old Kansas City Star newsboy was made at the Eastern Photo Post Card Company, 204 E. 12th, one of the 12th Street shops especially popular with out-of-town visitors. Patrons were photographed in a balloon basket in the safety of the studio. A painted backdrop with a panorama of downtown Kansas City gave the illusion of being aloft over the city. Pictured on the post card was Eugene Steinkraus, who sold his papers in front of the old Emery-Bird-Thayer store, across the street from The Star building, when both buildings were located it 11th and Grand. A few years later Eugene was called the Flying Dutchman when he played on the Manual Training High School football team and was a member of the city all-star team. During high school days he also carried special delivery letters by bicycle after school hours from the post office at 8th and Grand. This led to regular employment as a letter carrier in Kansas City, a job he held 36 years. While on duty in 1938 he was instrumental in saving the lives of five of his patrons, the Fanning family, at 4015 East 68th. He kicked in the glass front door and helped them to safety. Neighbors called the fire department, police and doctors, and then Steinkraus finished delivering the mail on his route. Today he is retired, enjoys fishing, and for 20 years has been a delegate to the National Association of Letter Carriers annual convention. Kansas City Times, January 19, 1974.
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