Looking Back: July Calendar Page - Lot 9, Graves and Ashcroft Addition

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society

506 Main Street
 
Frequent readers of “Looking Back” will recognize this photograph that appeared on the July 2024 calendar page. I only wish I knew more about the Worthmore Shoe Store. As previously stated, my research indicates it was taken between 1912 and 1915. The Williams Building, on the left, was built in 1910.

Because the Worthmore Shoe sign in only a banner and not permanently attached to the building, it is impossible to determine who might have owned the building or ran the store.  According to a 1904 Grain Valley City Directory, George Kreigel owned a shoe repair shop, but again, there is no documentation, yet, to connect Mr. Kreigel to this location.

I can tell you that at some point the wooden structure was replaced by the brick building that occupies 506 Main Street today. This is the current location of the Grain Valley Historical Society. I hope to make a trip to the Jackson County Recorder of Deeds office in the near future to determine the lot 9 owner when the current brick structure was built.  I hope to have an answer for you soon!
 
If you are reading this on July 25, I hope to see you TONIGHT.
 The Grain Valley Historical Society is hosting our annual Ice Cream Social,  506 Main Street
5:00pm - 8:00pm. All you can eat, $6 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12!
Come enjoy a good old fashion evening!