This Week in Kansas City History

"The Frank Lloyd Wright of Kansas City"

Louis Curtiss Studio, 1989

July 1, 1865: Louis Curtiss, whose innovative architecture and flamboyant lifestyle will make a lasting imprint on Kansas City after his 1887 arrival, is born in Belleville, Ontario.


Kidnapped!

Mary McElroy. Photo courtesy The Kansas City Star

May 27, 1933: Mary McElroy, daughter of city manager and member of the Pendergast political machine Henry McElroy, is kidnapped from her Kansas City home, only to be released after 34 hours and a $30,000 ransom is paid.


Shades of Gray

Civil War Flag

April 30, 1861: A Confederate flag is raised in Kansas City, prompting Mayor Robert T. Van Horn to call in Union troops from Fort Leavenworth for support.


The Annexation That Wasn’t

Robert T. Van Horn

January 21, 1879: The Kansas Senate approves a proposal to move the state border eastward in order to annex Kansas City, a plan that is blocked by the Missouri legislature.


The Great Indoors

Pla-Mor entertainment center sign

November 24, 1927: The Pla-Mor Ballroom, the largest indoor amusement center in the country featuring a ballroom, bowling alley, billiard room, and an ice skating rink, opens to a crowd of 4,100.