Our Past Is Present January 25, 2018

January 25, 2018

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

            Today’s program will be in a different format.  Instead of sharing a story about Geary County History, our time together will be spent “charging” your memories about businesses in our town in 1953.  This comes from a list created by J. Howard Shellhaas and Myron Coryell.   Their research included the name of the original business and then what that business was in 1953.  I found it very interesting and hope you will too. Here we go:

            *The Horseshoe Saloon was operated from the early 1870’s until 1906.  In 1953 it was the Firestone Store at 805 N. Washington Street.  Of course, the Firestone Store is now at 128 W. Eighth Street.

            *J.F. Meeder Blacksmith Shop was the Bob Steele Filling Station in 1953 at the corner of Eight and Jefferson.  The Cox Solution Store is now located at 140 W. Eighth Street.

            *The Boller residence, which was built in 1875 at what was the location of the Elk’s Club in 1953. The location was at 505 N. Washington Street.

            *The Farmer’s Home was a restaurant in 1873, but in 1953 it was the Pennell Building at 801 N. Washington Street.

            *The Hall and Porter Drug Store was built in 1870, but later became a saloon and then later yet was the Blattner and Glick Jewelry Store.  In 1953 it was the Lancaster Grocery Store. Bob’s Coffee Shop is now at that location.

            Well… perhaps these have “stirred” your memory and your interest in learning more about previous and current businesses in Junction City.  We have a free “Walking Tour” Guide at our museum, which has 41 businesses identified in our historic downtown area.  Stop by and pick up a copy – take a walk – and create new memories.  You’ll see why we say “Our Past Is Present.”