​Looking Back: Three, two, one, It’s not over yet!

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
 
When this column began over 7 years ago, I had no clue I would write more than 370 stories. My college degree, earned some 56 years ago, was in Home Economics Education.  My older brother was the one with a degree in journalism. I didn’t even like to write papers for my English classes. But here I am, decades later, writing weekly stories. And, I can honestly say I have enjoyed it!

The fun has been writing stories about Grain Valley! Over the years, I have come to appreciate this town more and more. And in this week of Thanksgiving, I am grateful that writing this column has given me the opportunity to learn so much about the town.  Beginning in 1878, the Chicago & Alton Railroad stopped at Sni Creek to take on water and prompted James Cannon to build the first general store.

The town was registered for incorporation in 1884. In 1913, William Rockhill Nelson choose Grain Valley to establish the world famous Sni-A-Bar Farms from 1913 through 1945. 1926 brought us U.S. Highway 40, the Main Street of America, followed by an East Kansas City Airport in the 1950s and finally Interstate 70 (1965).

I’ve been able to learn about the families that have lived here, some with a street or road named for them.  I have spent hours in the local cemeteries and online, tracing the genealogy of many of these families. I’ve learned about Grain Valley during World War I and II, and the Korean War. I learned about Grain Valley during the Great Depression and the much more recent years of prosperity and growth. I have also learned about our schools; from small rural schools to reorganization in 1949; to the excellent school system we enjoy today. Mostly, I’ve learned about the many great and sometimes famous people that have called Grain Valley home.  It has been interesting and informative. But, as I have stated many times, my research often leaves me with more questions than answers.

I have two columns left.  If there is something you would like to read about, please let me know. (COMMENT BELOW) I struggle to know how I should end this column. How do I finish what I started 375 articles ago?
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My favorite photo. Grain Valley, MO. Circa, 1915