Our Past Is Present January 22, 2018

January 22, 2018

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            Today’s story is about the house on the corner of Fifth and Adams Streets. The information is taken from an article written by Eric Stahl, a Geary County Historical Society Board member.    

“The house, located at 301 West Fifth Street is a grand old Victorian house nicknamed “The Painted Lady” because the color scheme is appropriate for a Victorian “painted lady”.   The lot on which the house currently stands was the original site of the First Congregational Church.  That church was completed in January of 1869.  By 1909, the church membership was only about 25 persons and the building was in need of upgrades.  The Congregational Church Society of New York sold the property to Thomas B. Kennedy, who in turn sold the church building to the Trustees of the First Christian Church of Junction City.  They had the building moved off the lot.  Thomas Kennedy had his Victorian house built on the property.  Kennedy moved to Junction City with his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Maxwell Kennedy.  After working for the Rockwell Merchandise and Grain business, Thomas started his own bank with his cousin, M. C. Kennedy and later that bank consolidated with the First National Bank.  Thomas Kennedy was the President of First National Bank for over 25 years.

Following Thomas Kennedy’s death the property was deeded to Mary I. Green in 1932.  In 1943, Miss Green deeded the same property to Mrs. Rose Darcy and Claire Dickman for $7,500.  Claire Dickman opened Claire’s Dress Shop in the Steadman building in the 700 block of North Washington.  While Claire owned the home, her sisters Nell and Rose lived with her.  The house was divided into three apartments and each sister had her own floor.  Walls were added for separate entrances and each floor had a kitchen.  After Claire’s death the house changed hands twice and was eventually restored to a one family residence again.”  The house is currently owned by Jan and Curtis Gray.  A 1914 Pennell photo shows the Kennedy house.  This photo may be seen on page 207 and 208  of the book titled Set In Stone, which we have for sale at our Museum.   And… that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.