Scenic Byway Goes Volcanic

In an area not known to be seismic alarming signs of island creation are underway. North Terrace Lake is churning with potential new lava land. Kansas City Parks and Recreation has mobilized to move the newly nesting geese to safety until the danger has passed. A team from the US Geological Survey is on site to measure seismic activity and gaseous outflow.

Photo courtesy of the estate of B. Finch.

FDIsee

View from Penn Valley Park of the "new" FDIC Building.

One Last Farewell

This is the last time I'll probably blog about this... The wonderful Victorian Duplex at 2116 -2118 Minnie is gone. This structure achieved landmark status in 1989.

Built in 1888 by L.A. Copley it was Chateauesque in design with B.H. Brooks as the architect.

Original occupants were: 2116, Henry Albers, wholesale flour business. 2118, LeGrand A. Copley, the builder, who previously lived at 409 Wabash.

What the Missouri State Landmark survey said: "This duplex is a rare example of the Chateauesque style in Kansas City, Missouri. Main or south elevation features entry porches, east and west bays, featuring classically-inspired columns. Inconspicuous entrances, south elevation. Fenestration is double-hung, sash-type with multi-panes. Prominent terra-cotta lintels feature intricate, low-relief carving. Pedimented dormers feature arched fenestration with brick voussoirs. Other features include terra-cotta pinnacles with crockets; and terra-cotta false arches with basketweave brick design, low-relief carving and decorative keystones. Cornice line features carved brackets. Two=tier porch, north elevation, non-original."

The first image is a copy of a copy of the photo with the Missouri Landmark Survey taken in 1989. The second image is last Monday, 3/23, just before demolition. The last image is how Kansas City and a negligent owner treat historic properties.

Thank you to Kent Dicus who provided me with a copy of the Missouri State Landmark Survey.

Humor for Monday

Your caption here.

Ice Cradle

Japanese Maple leaves to be.

Recovery

Every year I worry about my Japanese Maple leaves making too early an appearance. The rain Saturday froze on the buds and, I hope, helped protect them. Still frozen early this morning. The forsythia I don't worry about... they're hardier.. and the little redbuds? Well... they just never seem to learn.

Harlem in KC

On the north side of the Missouri River between the Heart of America Bridge and the Downtown Airpot lies Harlem. Called by that name since the middle of the 1800s it was for many a village in an urban setting. Harlem had church, school, markets and quite the fishing industry for years despite being flooded repeatedly . 1881, 1903, 1951... just to name a few. Comes from being right on the riverfront. Today the levee blocks most of the view of the city to the south and only a few homes remain. This part of North Kansas City is now mostly industrial. St. Peter's Church, picture above, proclaims itself Orthodox Catholic.