This Week in Kansas City History
To Promote the General Welfare
April 14, 1910: The City Council passes an ordinance drafted by the shy philanthropist, William Volker, which creates the nation’s first Board of Public Welfare.
Bottoms Up
April 7, 1878: Union Depot, Kansas City's first large train station, opens in the West Bottoms after $410,028 in construction costs.
Wrong Way Corrigan
March 31, 1882: In an editorial, The Kansas City Star supports a new streetcar company and argues against a monopoly held on Kansas City transportation by Thomas Corrigan.
Secrets of Chambers
March 24, 1935: Annie Chambers, who owned a 25-room house of prostitution in Kansas City, dies at the age of 92.
Bird Lives
March 12, 1955: Charlie "Bird" Parker, whose innovative performances paved the way for modern jazz styles, dies at the age of 34 after a 15-year addiction to heroin and alcohol.
