Clang of street car gongs, screech of cable car brakes on the incline down to the depot, the clomp of horse hoofs on pavement, an intermingling of coal smoke from street level trains, whisky fumes wafted from swinging saloon doors and delicious cooking odors from the kitchen of old Blossom House combine in memories of this street, Union avenue in the west bottoms, 60 years ago. The site was opposite the old Union depot, center of railroad travel until 1914. Many Easterners arriving on round-trip excursions decided to stay, and scalpers hawked their return tickets at bargain prices. Three hotels, the Blossom House, New Albany and the Strangers' hotel and restaurant, are pictured. None remains today. Kansas City Times, May 25, 1968.
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