Call it whatever you want, we call KC “home.” | Photo by @mikedayphotography
What’s in a name? As it turns out, quite a lot.
We’re indulging in some Kansas City history today, specifically with a look at local toponymy, the study of place names.
Barbecue Capital of the World
Henry Perry, the “father of Kansas City barbecue,” helped set the blazing path for the rise of KC’s world-famous cuisine. In 1908, Perry started selling smoked meats from a pushcart in the city’s Garment District. The meats he cooked included possums, hogs + raccoons. Psst — the popularity of these meats was why Kansas City, MO was almost named “Possum Trot” and “Rabbitville.”
Heart of America
In 1914, local lawyer Edward J. Shannahan dreamed up the “Heart of America” slogan for advertising purposes — a phrase the then-Chamber of Commerce adopted for a campaign persuading tourists to stop in KC on their way to the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition World’s Fair.
“Heart of America” eventually became the city’s official slogan in 1915, and its still honored today through metro-wide celebrations like the Parade of Heartsand the most popular piece of KC merch ever: the KC Heart tee.
Crown Town
Crown iconography is everywhere in KC, and its not just from our newly minted NFL dynasty. It seems to have started with KC-based Hallmark adding the crown to its logo in 1954, then eventually breaking ground on Crown Center in 1968. Nowadays, the biggest crown in KC sits atop Kauffman Stadium’s jumbotron.
BOOlevard 2024! | 10 p.m. | Boulevard Brewing Tours & Recreation Center | Free entry | Head down the haunted hallway (if you dare) to discover creepy cocktails, bloodcurdling beers & bevvies, and a ghostly lounge with dark and devilish decor.
Friday, Nov. 1
Pink Antlers Holiday Home Tour | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | 2004 W. 49th St. | $10 | Walk through this Westwood Hills home decked for the Christmas season with Pink Antlers favorites, plus receive a Pink Antlers discount code.
Dia de los Muertos Celebration | 5-9 p.m. | Guadalupe Centers | Free entry | Share the history of this colorful holiday at Kansas City’s oldest celebration, featuring a traditional altar, ceremonial dancers, vendors, and food trucks.
Leslie Jones: Live | 8 p.m. | Uptown Theater | $39.50+ | The actress and SNL alum is bringing her comedy to this Kansas City stage.
Saturday, Nov. 2
KC Local Holiday Market | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Thompson Barn, Lenexa | Free | ‘Tis the season for 55+ local vendors, warm cups of Brew Haha Coffee, and giveaway raffles.
NKC Fall Fest | 12-5 p.m. | Velo Garage and Tap House, North Kansas City | $5+ | Celebrate the best in local music + craft beer at North KC’s annual party on Swift Street featuring music, dancing, food trucks, family-friendly events, and more.*
Remember the potential Riverfront parking structure? The plan for a ~$91 million, 1,491-space garage was struck down by Port KC this week. Instead, the site — which is currently a temporary gravel lot — will be absorbed by the KC Current’s surrounding mixed-use development. (KCBJ)
Development
SomeraRoad’s transformative vision for the West Bottoms reached another key milestone. Yesterday, KCMO held a groundbreaking for major infrastructure projects — including rebuilding + improving existing roads and sidewalks — in the district, as part of the city’s commitment to the public-private partnership.
Opening
A cup of JoCo. Olathe Farmers Market staple Hermetheus Coffee is brewing up a brick-and-mortar location in the city’s downtown. Come early 2025, the duo-roastery + coffee shop will offer customers the chance to roast their own java thanks to a robotic roaster co-pilot. (Johnson County Post)
It opened one year after WWII ended, now Goodden Jewellers Inc. is closing its doors today after 78 years. The family owners of the downtown jewelry shop, which specialized in the sale + repair of custom watches and jewelry, are retiring — but not ruling out returning to the business online. (Kansas City Star)
Job
We’re looking for a rising star media seller to be our Sales Executive in charge of National Brand Partnerships with a primary focus on sports newsletters. Apply to join the 6AM City team.
Tech
Don’t let password vulnerabilities put your personal data at risk. Protect your online accounts with Keeper Security. New customers can sign up starting at $1.50 per month.*
The Buy
The Buy
A three-pack of NIVEA’s cocoa butter in-shower body lotion — apply, rinse, and go to moisturize dry skin without adding another step to your routine.
After a long week, I feel lucky to live so close to Crestwood Shops and its quaint bistros + wine bars. One place I haven’t explored yet is Aixois — though I’m always jealous of the casual diners I see eating al fresco on it’s gorgeous string-light-lined patio. Maybe I write tomorrow’s newsletter from the coffee bar...
Answered
Answered
Our Pumpkin Carving Contest winners
We had few submissions this year, but your City Editors still wanted to shout out those who sent in their gourd-geous creations.
From left: “Jailbird Jack” — Allie W., “Home Alone” — Stefan F., “Untitled” — Anonymous
