Looking Back: Lot 9, Graves and Ashcroft Addition

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
 
My memories of Lot 9 of the Graves and Ashcroft Addition go back to the early 1950's (yes, I’m old!). However, my family was here when the lot was vacant. My mother was around when it became a storefront, most likely for a general store. I seem to recall that my father told me when he came to Grain Valley in 1922 the store was a “new” general store. Early photographs reveal that they sold shoes.

But who could have predicted that 100 years later, it would house an exhibit from the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC? While the original structure may have been wooden, the current building is brick. It has been a general store, a grocery store (with several proprietors), an upholstery shop, and a gun shop.

Since 1992, it has been known as the Grain Valley Historical Society. Before City Hall was built, it was used by the city for city council meetings. It is currently home to the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce.

While the building has a varied past, beginning Saturday, November 1, it will be home to the Museum on Main Street. Through a grant from the Missouri Humanities, the Grain Valley Historical Society is delighted to welcome the Smithsonian exhibit “Voices and Votes”  to Lot 9.
 
Please visit this wonderful exhibit in our community. Admission is FREE.
November 1 thru December 13, 2025
Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00am - 4:00pm; Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from 1:00pm - 4:00pm
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Lot 9, Circa 1925

Lot 9, Circa 1985

Lot 9, circa 2025
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