08.21.2023

SUBSCRIBE | REFER

Today’s Forecast

40º | Rain/snow mix | 98% chance of rain |
Sunrise: 7:37 a.m. | Sunset: 5:12 p.m.

🚗 A short trip into KC’s car history

Three ways Kansas City shaped the car industry

Recognize this beauty? This is the same convertible you would have seen in “Back to the Future.” It’s currently on display at the Kansas City Automotive Museum. | Photo by KCtoday

Buckle up and get your road trip playlist ready. It’s time for a trip down memory lane detailing three ways the City of Fountains impacted the car industry.

We’ll navigate with help from the Kansas City Library and the Kansas City Automotive Museum.

🛠️ Manufacturing

Cars gained mass popularity at the start of the 1900s. Henry Ford capitalized by launching Ford in 1903. Just three years later, he sold ~50 cars to Kansas Citians, prompting him to open an assembly plant at 10th and Winchester, KCMO in 1913. This was the first Ford plant built outside of the Detroit metro.

ford assembly plant.jpeg — Kansas City’s Ford assembly plant. Though it looks a little different, this building still stands today.
|
Photo courtesy of Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library

Shortly after, General Motors followed Ford’s lead and started manufacturing here, too.

Outside of the big wigs, KC had a number of local manufacturers and dealerships rev up during this time, including The Stafford Motor Car Company, Midwest Motor Company, Beggs Motor Car Company, and Severin Motor Car Company.

One of the most impressive companies was Roberts’ Motor Mart by Homer B. Roberts.

Homer was a US Army World War I and World War II veteran and the first Black man to make the rank of first lieutenant. He was also the first Black man in the country to own a car dealership.

pendergastkc.org.jpeg — The Roberts’ building, where the first Black car dealership was located, can still be found at 19th and Vine Street.
|
Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Library

His dealership was located at 19th and Vine Street in a mixed-use building he owned. There, he brokered deals to Black car buyers to whom other dealers would not sell.

He started his business with seven used cars, grew it into a Ford showroom, and made Roberts’ Motor Mart one of the top dealerships in the nation.

Kansas City also left tread marks in the racing world, and was instrumental in the adoption of Front-Wheel Drive.

Drive deeper into KC's car history

What year was KC’s wooden speedway built?

A. 1903

B. 1950

C. 1945

D. 1922

Take a guess

Events

Monday, Aug. 21

Bingo for Books | Monday, Aug. 21 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Kansas City, Kansas Public Library South Branch, 3104 Strong Ave., Kansas City, KS | Free | Patrons of all ages are invited to join KCKPL South for a fun game of BINGO where the prizes are books.

Tuesday, Aug. 22

Women’s Division Luncheon | Tuesday, Aug. 22, Tuesday, Sept. 26 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Haymarket Event Center, 618 Cherokee St., Leavenworth, KS | $15 | Join other professional women of the Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce for professional development workshops and an educational presentation.
3rd Annual Community LINC Changemaker’s Cup | Tuesday, Aug. 22 | 6 p.m. | Kansas City Bier Company, 310 W. 79th St., Kansas City, MO | $25-$50 | Sip beer, play life-size beer pong, and support Community LINC’s mission to end homelessness in Kansas City.

Wednesday, Aug. 23

Jam Night | Wednesday, Aug. 23| 8 p.m. | Jerry’s Bait Shop, 13412 Santa Fe Trail Dr., Lenexa, KS | $0+ | Bring your whole band, go solo, or just sit back and listen to this open jam night.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Real Estate

Lux Living is living it up. Overland Park City Council voted to rezone Metcalf Village. This will allow the St. Louis-based developer to build 900+ apartments and 35,000 sqft of retail, office, and restaurant space at 159th Street and Metcalf Avenue. (Kansas City Business Journal)

Coming Soon

Sickies, a Dakota-based burger joint, is coming to Overland Park — at 7111 W. 95th Steet. The spot offers indulgent items like a glazed doughnut burger. Its space will resemble a mechanic’s garage and feature a keg room. An opening is TBD. (Shawnee Mission Post)

Edu

Here’s some paw-sitivity. Last week, a new Pawnee Elementary welcomed a new class of Panthers. The school was one-of-five in the Shawnee Mission School District selected to be completely rebuilt as a part of a $264 million bond approved by voters in 2021. (Shawnee Mission Post)

Development

The Crossroads’ film row is starting to see action. Last year, developer Shirley Helzberg announced plans to renovate the vacant MGM & Universal Pictures buildings — located at 220 W. 18th St and 214 W. 18th St. — into office spaces. Check out the renderings.

Health

Did you know we have one of the country’s most prestigious cancer centers in our community? The University of Kansas Cancer Center is designated as a “Comprehensive” cancer center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Read: It’s the highest level of recognition awarded by the NCI, and is the gold standard for cancer centers. Learn more.*

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

Outdoors

👟 Walk the walk every weekend

KC Walk Club helps women find friendship

In the words of the great Run D.M.C, walk this way. | Photos by Kelsey Schnicker

Kelsey Schnicker and Jessica Shauwecker founded KC Walk Club in hopes of connecting with other local ladies.

Now, every weekend club members meet up for a short walk, capping off the event with a stop at a local eatery.

“Making friends as an adult can be hard, but I feel like I’ve truly met some amazing people through walk club,” member Meghan Schmitt said. “Plus, who doesn’t love ending a walk with a good latte every weekend?”

The free group now has almost 600 members and celebrates its one-year anniversary Thursday, Aug. 24.

To commemorate this monumental stride, the club will walk along Berkley Riverfront on Tuesday, Aug. 29 at 6:30 p.m. The walk will end at Betty Rae’s, where its first walk took place. A full circle moment.

Anyone interested in joining should simply show up wearing their best walking shoes.

Share KCtoday

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

Facebook

Twitter

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_14}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.

Claim your rewards

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Charmaine

From the editor

There is an old brick road in Roanoke that seems to be protected by a historical society and dectective Charm is on the case.

If you have any fun pictures, memories, or information that will help my investigation, let me know.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY