100 Year Old Weblog: fairmount park

Showing posts with label fairmount park. Show all posts

May 22, 2025 ~ FAIRMOUNT PARK IS OPENED FOR SEASON.

May 22, 2025

FAIRMOUNT PARK IS OPENED FOR SEASON.

Attendance Record Broken on First Day; Concessions Draw Well.

The amusement park season in Kansas City began yesterday when Fairmount park started on its summer cycle. Despite the threatening weather of the morning the sun came out brightly in the afternoon, and with it came throngs of pleasure seekers. By 7 o'clock last night the park's attendance record had been shoved up several notches and at closing time the turnstiles registered several thousand admissions more than on any previous opening day.

The crowds patronized all concessions freely. Probably the band concerts in the amphitheater and the balloon races over the lake received the most attention. The studio of the Fairmount Feature Film company was one of the places of greatest interest. Several special scenes were photographed for the opening crowds. It was the first opportunity many had had of witnessing the production of a "movie." The dance pavilion, Fairmount Inn, and the children's playgrounds were largely patronized.

The sea beach was not opened yesterday on account of the cool weather, but boating was popular. Fairmount Park is to be managed this year by Sam Benjamin, formerly of Electric park.

April 16, 2025 ~ FATHER SHOT AFTER WHIPPING HIS SON.

April 16, 2025

FATHER SHOT AFTER WHIPPING HIS SON.

Neighbor, Who Protested, Used Gun in Self-Defense, He Says.

SURRENDERS TO POLICE.

William F. George Dies of Wound Early This Morning.

Incensed, he says, because a neighbor, William F. George, a water contractor was beating his 17-year-old son, Fred, Clarence M. Smith shot and fatally wounded George near Fairmount park yesterday. After the shooting Smith boarded a street car and went to police headquarters, where he surrendered to Captain Thomas P. Flahive.

The injured man was taken from his home, near Maple and Kentucky avenues, to the Independence sanitarium. He died shortly after 1 o'clock this morning.

Smith told Captain Flahive he shot George in self-defense. He said George was coming toward him after he had remonstrated with George for beating the boy. He lives at 309 Home street, in the Fairmount addition, one block from George's home. He is 46 years old.

"I saw George beating the boy with a buggy whip this afternoon," he said, "and I did not think it was right. I was in the next yard. When George threw down the whip and struck his son with his fists I called out to him:

Couldn't Stand Sight

" 'Mr. George, you are a damn coward,'

"I wanted to draw his attention away from the boy I have six children myself and could not stand the sight any longer. George quit beating the boy and started toward me, saying, 'I'm going to get you now.' I ran home and called to my wife to get my old army rifle. I loaded it in the yard. George was still coming toward me and I shouted to him, 'You had better leave me alone.' He paid no attention to that. I fired and he fell."

Isaac Johnson, an uncle of Fred George, the boy over whom the quarrel occurred, was in the George yard at the time.

"Fred worked all morning with me while I was driving an ice wagon," Johnston declared. "This afternoon he wanted to go away and play, but his father ordered him to help him at home. Fred objected and his father took a buggy whip to him and also slapped him. When Smith remonstrated, Mr. George threatened to 'attend to him after he finished the kid.' "

Mother Tried to Intercede.
Smith sat in his cell yesterday afternoon with his head bowed on his arms.

"I couldn't stand to see that boy mistreated," he said, and his voice was husky as he talked. "I have six children of my own. I did not want to hit the man, but I intended to frighten him away. He was curing at me and threatening to beat me when I pulled the trigger."

Smith said that when he first noticed George whipping his boy Mrs. George was trying to intercede in her son's behalf.

The bullet from the army rifle penetrated George's abdomen and barely missed his spinal column.

Smith is being held at police headquarters. Shannon C. Douglass, Jr., assistant prosecuting attorney, began an investigation of the shooting yesterday.

April 10, 2025 ~ WORKING ON MOVIE STUDIO.

April 10, 2025

WORKING ON MOVIE STUDIO.

Clubhouse at Fairmount Being Made Over Into Film Workshop.

Work was begun yesterday on the studio and amphitheatre of the Fairmount Feature Film Company at Fairmount park. The club house will form the nucleus of Kansas City's "Universal City" and carpenters started the remodel of this building into a work shop for local film stars.

Extending back from teh studio will be the amphitheatre from which the public may watch the taking of the pictures. The outdoor stage will be built in the center of the amphitheatre.

OVERHEATED; SWIM IS FATAL. ~ Alice Dalton, 22 Years Old, Dies in Fairmount Park Lake.

August 18, 2025

OVERHEATED; SWIM IS FATAL.

Alice Dalton, 22 Years Old, Dies in

Fairmount Park Lake.

While taking a dip in the lake at Fairmount Park "to see if it would cure her headache," Alice Dalton, a laundry girl, of Dickson Park, died suddenly of heart disease at 9:45 o'clock last night. the reaction by contact with the cold water is assigned to have brought on the attack.

Miss Dalton was 22 years old. She had been sick for over a week. Yesterday evening she took the trip to Fairmount Park to see if a swim in the lake would cause her head to stop aching. She had no sooner waded out to her depth when those standing on the banks heard her screams and saw her sink, much as a person does in drowning. Several men sprang into the water and brought the girl to the shore, only to find that she had been dead several seconds.

HEART FAILS WHILE SWIMMING. ~ John Butterly of Chicago Stricken at Fairmount, Dies.

August 14, 2025

HEART FAILS WHILE SWIMMING.

John Butterly of Chicago Stricken

at Fairmount, Dies.

While swimming in the pool at Fairmount park yesterday afternon John Butterly, 22 years old, died of heart failure. Mr. Butterly lived at 83 Edgemont avenue, Chicago, Ill, and was at the park with W. F. Tobin, 2815 Michigan avenue, Kansas City. Tobin says that Butterly was an expert swimmer and an all round athlete. Dr. William Gilmore, who attended the dead man, said that his death was due to heart failure rather than drowning.

Butterly was swimming in the part of the lake where the water is twenty-two feet deep. He was seen suddenly to go under water, and even though he made no outcry it was evident he could no longer swim. Harry Leidy, the life saver at the park, plunged in after the man and within four minutes had carried him ashore. The fact that there was no water of any consequence in the man' slungs led the physician to believe death was due to heart failure.

Mr. Butterly was a clerk in a gas office in Chicago. He was unmarried. The body was taken to O'Donnell's undertaking rooms and will be sent to Chicago.

KANSAN PUT IN IRONS. ~ Garnett Sheriff Takes No Chances With Alleged Forger.

August 6, 2025

KANSAN PUT IN IRONS.

Garnett Sheriff Takes No Chances

With Alleged Forger.

With his hands shackled to prevent his escape, Sidney Brunner, the alleged forger, was taken back yesterday to the Garnett, Kas., jail by Sheriff B. B. Babb of Garnett. He would not have been placed in irons but for threats told of by Detectives Frank Lyngar and Charles Lewis, who arrested him at Fairmount park the day previously.

"I'm either going to kill the sheriff or he will kill me," they say he said.

The sheriff did not want to take any chances and put a pair of handcuffs on Brunner.

DESERTED BY HIS GIRLWHEN ARRESTED AT PARK. ~ Officers Charge Sidney Brunner With Forging Check on Bank of Kincaid, Kas.

August 5, 2025

DESERTED BY HIS GIRL

WHEN ARRESTED AT PARK.

Officers Charge Sidney Brunner

With Forging Check on Bank

of Kincaid, Kas.

Sidney Brunner, well dressed and handsome, who is said to have sawed out of the Garnett, Kas., jail July 29, where he was held on a charge of forging a check for $262 on the Bank of Kincaid, Kas., in June, was arrested at Fairmount park yesterday afternoon while with a young woman and taken to police headquarters.

The American Bankers' Association notified the Pinkerton detective agency that Brunner was at large and a detective was sent to a room in Kansas City where he had been stopping. Investigation of his trunk disclosed love letters from different young women in many cities, with pictures and locks of hair.

Brunner returned to Kansas City and a detective who, learning that he was enjoying an outing at Fairmount park yesterday afternoon, went there and saw Brunner jauntily coming up the gravel walk with a young woman on his arm. She was gazing into his eyes when the officer stepped up.

"You are under arrest," said the detective.

"You must be mistaken," remonstrated Brunner.

"I guess not," said the officer.

With her head in the air the young woman left both men and was lost in the crowd. The Pinkerton man called up the police headquarters and Detective Charles Lewis took Brunner to headquarters. Out of deference to his handsome face and good clothes he was lodged in the matron's room.

At one time Brunner was fireman on the Missouri Pacific. Later he became a motor car enthusiast and was employed as a chauffeur by several Kansas City families. He would disclose none of their names last night. He will return to Garnett with Sheriff B. B. Babb, who will arrive from there this morning.

STRANGE ADVENTURES OF TWO SMALL BOYS. ~ SAW SIGHTS AND FRIGHTENED THEIR PARENTS.

July 26, 2025

STRANGE ADVENTURES

OF TWO SMALL BOYS.

SAW SIGHTS AND FRIGHTENED

THEIR PARENTS.

Johnny and Tommy, 10 and 8 Years

Old, Respectively, Had High

Time While Folks Had

Visions of Kidnaping.

TOMMY BEELS.

Without permission of their respective parents, Johnny Sinclair, 10, and Tommy Beels, 8 years old, took a day off from home and spent the whole of Saturday night and Sunday in wandering about the towns and parks surrounding Kansas City, much to the consternation, grief and anxiety of their families.

When the boys were missed Saturday night it was learned that they had gone with an employe of Electric park. Mont Shirley, 29 years of age, who has a longing for the companionship of small boys, being evidenced by his having led other urchins on several days' tours of the surrounding country on previous occasions.

Johnny Sinclair is the only son of Aaron Sinclair, janitor of the Boston flats, 3808 Main street. Johnny's father gave him a dollar Saturday noon and told him to do what as he wanted with the money.

BOYS WENT TO PARK.

Barefooted and without his coat, Johnny looked up his younger friend, Tommy, youngest son of H. T. Beels, 107 East Thirty-ninth street, and proposed a trip to Electric park. Tommy was willing and thought it best not to go into the house for his hat and coat, for his mother might thwart their schemes. So the boys left the Beels home about 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon.

When 5 o'clock came Mrs. Beels missed her son. Within a few minutes, however, he telephoned his mother that they were at Electric park and were going to take a boat ride with a man whom they had found congenial. Mrs. Beels told the boy to come home immediately.

Tommy had other views in the matter and when Shirley suggested an extensive tour of the city, to include Kansas City, Kas., Lansing, Leavenworth, Forest, Fairmount, Swope and Budd parks and all at his own expense, the boy readily fell in with the plan. Mothers were not interviewed.

Dire thoughts of drowning, kidnaping and disaster beset Mrs. Beels when her boy did not materialize at supper time. Persons in charge of the park were questioned and it was learned that the two boys had gone away from the park with Shirley. None knew where.

SEARCH PARTIES ORGANIZED.

Mrs. Beels, at midnight, went to the Sinclair home and inquired there for her son and learned that Johnny Sinclair was also missing. That was the first idea of Johnny's whereabouts which the Sinclairs had. Search parties were organized and the park secured.

Yesterday morning a young man went to the Sinclair home and told that he had seen the two boys and Shirley at the Union depot and that they were going to St. Joseph and H. L. Ashton, a friend of the Beels family, who is well acquainted with the mayor of that city, called him over long distance 'phone and had the town searched for the runaways. Then came a telegram that the three had been seen early Sunday in Leavenworth.

Meanwhile Mrs. Sinclair and Mrs. Beels were beside themselves with fear and anxiety for their children. They secured the promise of the park authorities to drag the lake in the park this morning, and the search for the missing increased in strength and vigilance each hour.

Shirley's family had been notified of the disappearance, and Charles J. Blevins, Shirley's brother-in-law, hastened to Leavenworth, hot on the trail. He returned empty-handed.

TELL OF JOLLY TIME.

About 11 o'clock last night the boys returned home, dusty, wet and tired. They had a wonderful story to tell of their trip and adventures. They had been through every park in the city, and seen the National cemetery and Soldiers' home at Leavenworth from a car and had a jolly time in general. Saturday night was spent in Kansas City, so Tommy Beels says, and the three went to a rooming house. He did not know the location. Late last night Shirley gave the two boys their carfare and put them on a Rockhill car at Eighth and Walnut streets and left them.

Shirley is said to have a habit of giving young boys a good time at his own expense. Two years ago, it is claimed, he took two boys to Leavenworth and stayed there for three days, after which the boys returned safe and sound.

Shirley works in the park and every Saturday he has been in the habit of spending his week's wages upon some boys whom he might meet. His brother-in-0law, Mr. Blevins, said that Shirley is nothing but a boy himself. When he was 4 years of age, according to relatives, Shirley fell upon his head, and he has remained stunted, mentally, ever since. Shirley longs for the companionship of children, and he is attractive to them since he plays with them and talks with them as though he were 9 rather than 29 years of age.

INTERVIEW CUT SHORT.

Johnny Sinclair, nervous, excited, scared and tired, last night told a clear and fairly consistent story of how Shirley and Tommy Beels and he passed the time between Saturday at 2 p. m. and 11 o'clock last night, when the boys returned home.

In the main details Johnny clung to his story. He fell asleep while being questioned by his father, and that ended the questioning. In substance, he says:

"Shirley invited Tommy and me to go to Swope park, while were were at Electric park, where he was working. We went to Swope park with him and in the evening we went down town and went to several nickel shows.

"Then we went out to Swope park again, but late that night. Shirley wanted to go down town to cash a check. When we got down town the saloons were all closed, and we finally went to bed at a place near Eighth and Main streets.

SAW LEAVENWORTH SIGHTS.

"The next morning we had a nice breakfast of beefsteak and potatoes and coffee, and then we went over to Kansas City, Kas., and there we took a car for Leavenworth. We saw the penitentiary and the Soldiers' Home from the car, and the National cemetery, but we didn't stop there.

We went to Leavenworth and spent the time just running around. That's all we did. I was never there before, and it was fun. We had a dinner of bologna sausage and cheese, and about 8 o'clock we started for home."

Besides the fright which was occasioned the two families of the boys no harm was done, except one of the boys was forced to take a hot bath and swallow a dose of quinine after he reached home. Johnny's original $1, which started the trouble, remains intact. Shirley stood the expense on his pay of $12, which he drew from the park on Saturday afternoon.

Shirley lives one block southeast of the park.

SERVED SANDWICHES AND TEA. ~ Street Car Men Were Too Busy to Lay Off for Supper.

July 6, 2025

SERVED SANDWICHES AND TEA.

Street Car Men Were Too Busy to

Lay Off for Supper.

Twelve hundred ham sandwiches were distributed among the employes of the Metropolitan Street Railway Company at supper time last evening, and each man had copious draughts of iced tea to wash down the food.

The lunching places were Fairmount park, where 500 sandwiches were distributed; Electric park, where an additional 500 sandwiches were given the men, and Forest park, where 200 were eaten. The lunches were in lieu of supper.

The company found employment for all of their men yesterday, and as none were left for relief work, it was found necessary to furnish them with lunch. This was done through the office of General Manager W. W. Wheatley.

SWIMMING RACE AT PARK. ~ Two-Mile and Half-Mile Contests in Fairmount Lake.

June 7, 2025

SWIMMING RACE AT PARK.

Two-Mile and Half-Mile Contests

in Fairmount Lake.

Several thousand persons lined the banks of the lake at Fairmount park yesterday afternoon to watch the boat races and swimming races that were a part of the park's free attractions for the day. And while these thousands were watching these attractions, a few more thousands were seeing the vaudeville show, and others were keeping the concession men and ticket sellers busy.

Sunshine, a rising temperature and the knowledge that no rain was in sight -- that was the reason for the crowd.

There were boat races of a half-mile, a mile and a mile and a half. Then the big event, a race of two miles, was pulled off. It was between William McPike of Warrensburg and C. L. Gardner of Hannibal, Mo. As the contestants fought for the first place the crowd on the bank cheered and picked winners. After several spurts, Gardner finally won the race. A swimming race of one half mile was also one of the interesting events. It was between J. J. Williams and F. R. Polland of this city. Polland won.

The vaudeville show yesterday afternoon was entertaining. The bill included Huffell and Huffell, singers and dancers, McLane and Simpson, comedians and Arthur Browning, a dancer.

Zimmerscheid's orchestra gave two concerts, one in the afternoon and one at night.

"CAPTAIN SCRAPPY" SURVIVED. ~ Rooster Was Buried Under Stable Floor for Seventeen Days.

June 2, 2025

"CAPTAIN SCRAPPY" SURVIVED.

Rooster Was Buried Under Stable

Floor for Seventeen Days.

To be blown away in a cyclone May 24, to land on his back with the floor of the stable in which he had roosted holding him in that position, and nto remain there for seventeen days before he was rescued Monday evening, was the fate of "Captain Scrappy," a "brindle" rooster owned by Alexander Harness, 100 Hardy avenue, Fairmount park. "Captain Scrappy" was immediately given food and drink and had revived to such an extent by yesterday morning when Mr. Harness left for work that he fed himself and drank from a pan of water placed in front of him. The "Captain's" legs appear to be partially paralyzed from his long confinement in the small space beneath the floor.

"When the storm came," said Mr. Harness yesterday, "it took the windows out of the front end of my house, tore off some of the roof and blew my barn away, all but the floor, so completely that I have never found a piece of it. The floor was moved about seventy-five feet.

"All of my chickens were roosting in the barn and how that rooster landed beneath that floor, after being perched above it, would be hard to explain. I lost about eighty young chickens chickens and fold ones, now that 'Captain Scrappy' has been resurrected.

"My neighbors were helping me move the barn floor Monday night, just seventeen days from the time of the cyclone. When I saw the 'Captain' lying there flat on his back I naturally believed him to be dead but when I picked him up he blinked when the light struck his eyes. By holding his mouth open we managed to get food and water down the fighting rooster's throat. This morning he had revived considerably and I believe I may save him yet again. When I go home this evening I am going to massage his cramped limbs and see if some action cannot be rubbed into them."

Mr. Harness is employed by the George B. Peck Dry Goods Company.

MORE ROOM FOR VAUDEVILLE. ~ Bandshell at Fairmount to Be Enlarged to Accommodate Crowds.

May 31, 2025

MORE ROOM FOR VAUDEVILLE.

Bandshell at Fairmount to Be En-

larged to Accommodate Crowds.

The vaudeville show at Fairmount park for this week was well liked yesterday and last night. workmen will begin today to construct more tiers of seats in the bandshell amphitheater, so that the extra crowds will be accommodated. The bill this week includes Rand's dog circus, Meyers and Mason, comedians and kickers and Tachakira, a Japanese wire walker.

Although the weather was a bit cool, that didn't interfere with the opening of the beach yesterday and several hundred persons were in the water.

Special preparations have been made at the park for the crowds today. At 9 o'clock tonight a fireworks display will be shown on the side of the lake opposite the boathouse. The vaudeville show will be given twice in the afternoon and twice at night.

SWIMMING AT FAIRMOUNT. ~ "Come On In, the Water's Fine," Says the Press Agent.

May 30, 2025

SWIMMING AT FAIRMOUNT.

"Come On In, the Water's Fine,"

Says the Press Agent.

If the sun shines today -- and the weather department says it is sure to this afternoon -- it will bean the beginning of the swimming season at Fairmount park. The sunshine of the last few days has warmed the water to a very comfortable degree and with the improvements that have been put in on the beach, the water should be very enjoyable today.

Today a new weekly vaudeville bill begins at the park. Rand's dog circus is one of the principal acts, consisting of a troupe of thirty dogs that do nearly everything except talk. Of course, they bark as a substitute, but that isn't admitted as conversation. Among the dogs is "Marvelous Ted," a wire-walking dog. Meyers and Mason are comedians of the unusual kind. Tackahira is a Japanese wire-walker and does many things that are novel. There are to be two shows this afternoon and two at night. Between the shows Zimmerschied's orchestra will give a programme.

Tomorrow is Decoration day and that means a large crowd at Fairmount park. Because of this and because of the day, the park management has arranged a fireworks display which will be given at 9 o'clock at night. They pyrotechnics are to be fired from the balloon grounds, across the lake from the boathouse, and will include about everything in the fireworks line that can be exploded at night. Of course, there will be the usual pinwheels, skyrockets in bunches. Roman candles by the box and many novelties. Four vaudeville shows will also be given tomorrow.

FAIRMOUNT PARK OPENS. ~ A Balloon Race One of the Features Advertised for Today.

May 23, 2025

FAIRMOUNT PARK OPENS.

A Balloon Race One of the Features

Advertised for Today.

Fairmount park opens today. This afternoon at 3:30 o'clock, the free attraction that has given the park a part of its popularity -- a balloon race -- will be given. The race is between L. M. Bales of Kansas City and R. V. Porter of Minneapolis. The management of the park has announced that there will be a regular schedule of races at the park this summer. The free vaudeville which will take the place of the band this year is also to be another one of the important features of the park. The bill is to be given in the band shell, twice in the afternoon and twice at night on Sundays and once in the afternoon and twice at night on the week days. It includes this week the Gee Jays, a European novelty troupe, Anisora and Leonita, M'lle Triende, a rolling globe artist, who has been featured for several seasons with circuses and Abdallah, the Arabian gymnast.

There are several new concessions at the park this year and among them is "Darkness and Dawn,' something new in the scenic line.

Of course the lake is still going to form one of the main amusement places this year. Last season, at the early part of the season, many thousand small fish were brought from the fish hatcheries at St. Joseph and placed in the lake. These have grown considerably during the winter and have made fishing much better. The bathing beach has been improved and the boating facilities have also been made better.

SCORES INJURED IN A STORMSWEPT SUBURB. ~ TORNADO STRIKES MOUNT WASHINGTON.

May 15, 2025

SCORES INJURED IN A

STORMSWEPT SUBURB.

TORNADO STRIKES MOUNT

WASHINGTON.

Many Homes Wrecked or Demol-

ished -- Trees and Poles Razed,

Air Line Train in the

Twister's Path.

Sweeping across the country just east of Kansas City, a tornado tore down many buildings and injured more than twenty persons about 6 o'clock last night. The greatest damage was done in the neighborhood of Mount Washington and Fairmount park. The storm originated near the intersection of the Blue Ridge road and Fifteenth street, and crossed the country to the northeast.

Little damage was done by the tornado until it reached the street car line at Mount Washington, and from there until it reached the Missouri river it left only wreckage in its path. It moved some houses from the foundations, demolished others, and razed trees and telegraph poles. Many persons were injured by flying timbers. Several of the injured are not expected to live, and quite a number not bruised suffered from nervous shock.

ROOFS 200 FEET IN AIR.

Wreckage was blown high in the air, and witnesses say that roofs were seen at an altitude of 200 feet. Timbers carried onto the street car and railroad tracks delayed transportation, and made it dangerous for traveling. Flying timbers threatened injury to all those who braved the storm to go the the assistance of the unfortunates whose homes were demolished. Immediately after the force of the tornado had passed, men and women gathered to the aid of those needing it and surgeons were sent for from Independence.

Many miraculous escapes were recorded and the storm played havoc with everything in its path. Trees several feet in diameter were uprooted and then broken off, while telephone and telegraph wires and poles were blown down which tended to make the work of rescue the harder. As fast as the injured persons were found friends and neighbors carried them to their homes and summoned medical aid.

TRAIN IN TRACK OF STORM.

The Air Line train, which is due to leave Independence at 5:45, was directly in the path of the tornado, and at Mount Washington narrowly escaped being wrecked. A roof whirling in the air 200 feet high passed over the rear coach, and the end of the roof tore a hole in the top of the car. A timber was driven into the roof of the coach, and was sticking there when the train pulled out.

The concrete and steel bridge of the Chicago & Alton crossing the electric line leading to Fairmount park was moved four inches from its foundation. Residences on the hill were blown down and the wreckage strewn along the Chicago & Alton and Missouri Pacific tracks.

The storm struck the ground at various places, and where it did any damage its path was estimated to be about 150 feet wide. Many persons saw its approach and attempted to avoid it by running across the country or retiring to the cellars of their homes. One woman who ran into a barn was left unconscious on the ground, while the barn was whipped off the ground and carried away. What became of it was not known last night.

LIKE A LURID DUST CLOUD.

Those who noticed the storm as it approached their neighborhood, said that it seemed to gather velocity and destructiveness as it neared Mount Washington. The cloud, looking like a reddish dust cloud, twisted and whirled with rapidity. It would travel high in the air and then swoop down to earth, smashing and damaging everything it struck.

Throughout and preceding the tornado there was a heavy rainfall. Shortly after the crest of the storm had passed the wind swept territory, the work of rescue was well under way. Later the rain continued, and delayed the recovery of property which had been blown away.

CAUGHT UNDER WRECKAGE.

The low hanging cloud, as it swept around Mount Washington cemetery, took on a funnel like shape when it neared the Metropolitan tracks. The home of George Ogan at 915 Greenwood avenue was the first in the path of the storm. Mr. and Mrs. Ogan, with their daughter, Mrs. J. Jenkins, were in the house, which was lifted from its foundation. After it passed the Ogan home the storm redoubled its fury.

John Archer, a Metropolitan motorman, who was working on a new house near the street car tracks, was struck by a flying timber. Dr. Gilmore, who treated him, found that he was suffering from a severe scalp wound.

At the barn of A. J. Ream not enough timbers were left to show that it ever existed. Mr. Ream's large house, fifty feet to the east, was not damaged. Across the street car spur to Fairmount park, Orli Can's home was blown to pieces. No one was at home.

Next to the Cain home was a new building being erected by C. L. Green, an insurance man, who is in Cleveland, O., at the present time. In the rear was a small cottage in which the family lived. When the storm struck Mrs. Greer and the two sons attempted to reach the cellar. The mother was not injured, but the boys were caught by the house as it ripped from the foundation. A. J. Ream rescued the boys from under the wreckage.

CHRISTIAN CHURCH DESTROYED.

Adjoining the Greer home was the residence of Will McCay, a decorator for Emery, Bird, Thayer Dry Goods Company. Mrs. McKay and her 8 year old daughter, Grace, were in the dining room. The roof was carried fifty feet away. Both were hurt.

Next in its path the storm destroyed two large residences belonging to H. D. Jett, a commission man. Mrs. Jett and three children were in the smaller of the two houses. The building was completely destroyed. None of the four were injured.

At the southwest corner of Independence and Overton avenues the storm did its worst. The Christian church, a building erected four years ago, was wrecked beyond recognition. Not a wall was left standing. Had the windstorm struck two hours later, the building would have been occupied, as revival services are held every night.

J. S. DeBernardi's home, directly south of the church, was shifted from its foundation, and Forest, his 10-year-old son, was slightly injured. Charles F. Miller's residence, fifty feet to the west, was shifted from the foundation, but no one was injured, though the family were at home.

Mr. and Mrs. J. S. DeBernardi, the parents of J. S. DeBernardi, lived directly across Overton avenue from the Christian church. The five room cottage was literally blown away, and Mrs. DeBernardi was dangerously injured. Her left arm was broken and she was later taken to Independence for treatment. A new house belonging to J. S. DeBernardi, fifty feet away, was also blown away.

HOUSE TOPSY TURVY.

In its course, the storm next struck the home of W. B. Rich. The house was shifted form its foundation. Steele Byrd's new residence was also shifted from its foundation. The Kefferly home, adjoining the Rich's, had its roof blown away.

Fortunately no one was at home when the storm struck the home of J. Peak, the proprietor of the Fairmount Lumber Company. The house was turned completely over and deposited upside down in the cellar. A new residence belonging to G. R. Baker was next, and was totally destroyed. No one was living in the building.

The storm then jumped the deep ravine between Mount Washington and Fairmount addition. John Robinson's cottage was the first struck and was completely demolished. Mrs. Robinson and her 1-year-old daughter were dangerously injured. J. W. Ferguson's cottage was next destroyed. Mrs. Ferguson was injured, but the two children were not touched.

HELD TO FENCE POST.

Fred McGrath's home, directly north, was also destroyed, and Mrs. McGrath was dangerously injured. Directly north of the McGrath home Mr. and Mrs. John Reed were living in a tent. Mr. Reed was not at home, and when Mrs. Reed saw the cloud she started to run. Finding that it would be impossible to get away, she seized a piece of fence post and managed to cling to it until the wind was over. Her arms were badly lacerated.

A block north the two-story residence of Alexander Harness was demolished. Mrs. Harness received several scratches. A new dwelling across the street in the course of construction was demolished. The one-room home of James Patterson, a laborer, was blown away. Patterson escaped with slight injuries.

From Patterson's home the tornado lifted and no further damage was reported. Sugar Creek, directly in line with the tornado, only experienced a strong wind.

STORM STOPS STREET CARS. ~ Traffic on Many Lines Delayed by

May 15, 2025

STORM STOPS STREET CARS.

Traffic on Many Lines Delayed by

Water, Broken Poles and Ob-

structed Tracks.

The service of the Metropolitan Street Railway Company suffered severely from yesterday's storm. Mud and stones on the track at many places on all lines held up cars for 20 minutes at a time. Although all help available was hurried to such places to clear away the impending debris, most of the cars on the long lines, like the Quindaro boulevard line, were from half an hour to a full hour late in arriving at their terminals.

It was said at the general office at Fifteenth street and Grand avenue at 8 o'clock that three-quarters of a mile of trolley wires was down near Fairmount park, and that twelve poles had been broken off at this point. Also it was said service was temporarily suspended on the West Side line in Kansas City, Kas., because of debris across the tracks in the vicinity of Riverview.

INJURED WIFE'S MOTHER DOESN'T BLAME HUNTER. ~ MRS. SCANLON TELLS SON-IN-LAW SHE IS HIS FRIEND.

March 22, 2026

INJURED WIFE'S MOTHER

DOESN'T BLAME HUNTER.

MRS. SCANLON TELLS SON-IN-

LAW SHE IS HIS FRIEND.

Husband Declares Reform School

Was Suggested as Place for

Girl -- Tells Story of

Marital Troubles.

Charles Hunter, 19 years old, who shot and dangerously injured his wife, Myrtle Hunter, Friday morning, yesterday told visitors of the trouble that led up to his crime, and which is causing his detention at police headquarters. He said he loved his wife, but her waywardness caused the trouble.

When the boy and his child wife were married by Michael Ross, J. P., the mothers went to the court house with them to give consent. The girl's mother called at police headquarters yesterday afternoon to see Hunter. She told him she was still his friend and would do all she could for him.

"Even if Myrtle dies, Charles, we won't blame you," the prisoner was told.

The reform school was suggested by Mrs. Scanlon as the best place for the girl wife. Hunter informed a visitor yesterday. But he said he loved her and wanted to keep her at home if possible.

THREAT OF REFORM SCHOOL.

She left home one day and the mother announced her intention of having the police find the girl and sending her to reform school according to the story Hunter tells. Instead he asked her to wait and allow him to give her another trial. Hunter promised to find her and keep her at home.

After four days' search he declares he found her at a house on East Eighth street in company with another young woman and two men. While Hunter was in the room a rambler placed his arm around his wife and caressed her, which made him frantic with shame and anger. From there he took his wife home and she promised him she would remain away from her former haunts.

Then he says a clerk in a clothing store began to pay her attentions. Hunter said this clerk went to the Scanlon home last Thursday and asked for Myrtle. He made a second trip to the house in the afternoon. Mrs. Hunter opened the door, but refused to allow him to come in. Hunter said he was at the head of the stairs on the second floor and upon asking who the visitor was started down. The man left and his wife and Mrs. Scanlon prevented Hunter from following him.

WAS DRIVEN TO DESPERATION.

From the trials he had with his endeavors to keep his wife at home and the attempts by the clerk to take her away, Hunter claims that he was made desperate and driven mad. The climax was reached Wednesday night when the man is said to have collected a gang and announced his intention of going to the Hippodrome and going home with Mrs. Hunter.

Hunter and his wife were standing near the skating rink when the persistent admirer came up and spoke to the wife. She tried to avoid him and when she was unable to do so Hunter says he objected.

"I'll take her home if you have to go home in the undertaker's wagon," Hunter said he was told.

According to Hunter, his uncle, Claude Rider, 1728 Troost avenue, stepped up and said he was going to take a hand in the affair. As his uncle came up Hunter declares friends grabbed him and took him across the street while the other men fought. The police arrested them and took them to No. 4 police station where they were charged with disturbing the peace.

"I believe my mother-in-law was trying to arrange to send Myrtle to the reform school when I shot her," Hunter remarked.

He said he got the pistol at the Scanlon house and that it belonged to his wife's father. The condition of Mrs. Hunter was worse yesterday, but it was said that she still has a chance to recover.

Of late years Hunter has been following the skating rinks and in the summer has had charge of the rink at Fairmount park. At one time Hunter was an office boy for an afternoon newspaper and later became an advertising solicitor.

BUSY DAY AT FAIRMOUNT. ~ Biggest Sunday Crowd of the Season There Yesterday.

August 31, 2025

BUSY DAY AT FAIRMOUNT.

Biggest Sunday Crowd of the Season

There Yesterday.

There was a large attendance at Fairmount park yesterday, the largest since the Fourth of July. Everything at the park was busy. Graham, the "human fish," gave his last performances at the park yesterday afternoon, and last night. In his act, Graham ate, smoked and drank while under water, enclosed in a large glass-tank. He also gave an exhibition of the actions of a drowning person.

Wheeler's band played two interesting programmes. In the music was that of the "Girl Question" which opens the season at the Grand theater.

The bathing beach is a popular place with park visitors, and the fishing in the big lake is the very best.

DRINKS MILK UNDER WATER. ~ Graham, the "Human Fish," the Attraction at Fairmount.

August 23, 2025

DRINKS MILK

UNDER WATER.

Graham, the "Human Fish," the At-

traction at Fairmount.

Graham, the "Human Fish," is to be the free attraction at Fairmount park today. A large glass tank, filled with water, is used. He descends into the water, and while under the surface eats and drinks a bottle of milk. To do this he must exhale enough air from his lungs while under water to correspond to the amount of air displaced by the milk. Graham gives an exhibition of a drowning person, showing the various actions, from the time the person falls into the water until he lied apparently dead at the bottom, showing the struggle under water. The shows will be given near the circle swing and will take place at 3 and 4 o'clock in the afternoon and at 9 and 10 o'clock at night.

Fishing is still good at the lake and so is the bathing. The concessions are all doing a rushing business and the band has a full programme for the day.

BOYS HAD A GREAT DAY. ~ Orphans From Perry Memorial Home at Fairmount Park.

August 14, 2025

BOYS HAD A GREAT DAY.

Orphans From Perry Memorial Home

at Fairmount Park.

One hundred children form the Perry Memorial home were given an outing at Fairmount park yesterday afternoon. they were in charge of Mrs. J. C. Tarsney, patroness of the home, and several Sisters. The children were taken to the park in a special Metropolitan street car, and immediately after their arrival there they were served a luncheon. The concessions were free to the youngsters and they had the time of their lives.