​Looking Back: Old Place, New Face

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
 
When the town of Grain Valley was platted in 1878, the east side of Main Street (then known as Broadway) stretched from Harris Street to Walnut. Lots 1 through 18 were on the south side of the Chicago and Alton Railroad tracks. On the north side of the track was lot 19, 20 (now a parking lot), and Front Street on Lot 21. The remaining lots, 22 through 30 continued north to Walnut Street.
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Today, the lot numbers remain the same as they were in 1878, but they definitely have a new face, especially Lots 22 through 27.

During the Remodel
Left to Right: Lot 25,Hughes Defense; Lot 24, The Local Table & Bar; Lot 22 &23, OG Tattoo
 
On the wall at the Grain Valley Historical Society a 1924 map reveals that lot 25 was a restaurant, lot 24 was a garage, lot 23 was a barber shop in the front and part of the general store on lot 22 in the rear. Further north, lots 26 through 30 had two houses on them.

Broadway, now Main Street, Circa 1915
 
Information from the Recorder of Deeds indicates that while these lots were originally owned by Young & Keshler (22 &23), J. F. Gregg (24), Elisha Moore (25 through 28), and Edward Williams (29 & 30). By 1920 W.A. Cannon owned lots 22 through 28.

Other photos and maps indicate several businesses occupied these lots over the years. (But with a single property owner, it is very difficult to determine what business might occupy the space.) It seems apparent that Lot 25 was primarily a grocery store from as early as 1930 until it closed in 1973. Many older residents may remember when Model Engineering operated a plastics plant from 1956 until the early 1970s.

Ironically, I have not talked to anyone who remembers what businesses occupied lots 22 through 24 during most of the 1940s and 1950s. While they recall there briefly being a beauty shop, a marina, and a used clothing store, all we can be sure of is the grocery store, and the Post Office on lot 26. If anyone remembers more, please contact the Historical Society. It is my hope that one day this mystery can be solved!

Lot 24, Circa 1915
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Lot 25, Circa 1930
Williams Meat Market & Grocery
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