History Lost And Found

 In 1900 Margaret Klock Armour, then head of the Women's Christian Association spear-headed a drive to raise the necessary $25,000 to build the Gillis Home for Orphans, left above.  It was built on 3.5 acres of land donated by Colonel Thomas Swope.  It was the third location for the home in the city.  In 1905 Mrs. Armour was instrumental in raising the funds for the "Margaret Klock Armour Home For Aged Couples" right above.  The cornerstone was laid for that building on August 31st, 1904.   Both buildings were deeded in 1927 to The Western Bible College For Negroes for $25,000.  Except for a brief two-year period in the mid 1930s, the College was in continuous use for decades.   Unfortunately, as is all too common in Kansas City, the building on the right (and below) was torn down.  The only remaining remnant is the corner stone which is now located on the porch of the Gillis building.   There is also a commemorative stone on the grounds for the 100th Anniversary of Western Bible College.  Since the College was founded in 1890 I'm assuming the memorial was erected in 1990.   This site is at 2119 Tracy. Mrs. Armour has a connection to Historic Northeast in that she is buried in Elmwood Cemetery.

Union Cemetery

Union Cemetery is the oldest public burial site in Kansas City created in 1857.  It's called "Union" because it was a joint project of the Town of Kansas and West Port.  Landlocked now it is surrounded by the upscale development of Union Hill.  McCoy, Alexander, George Caleb Bingham, McGee, Smart...all famous Kansas City names and are buried here.

Above the view looking Northwest toward Liberty Memorial. 

 "Cindarella" is the name on this marker.   Very close to the fairy tale name.  But spelled differently.

                               Above, currently under construction, more apartments/townhomes.

                             The tower of Our Lady of Sorrows off to the right in the background. It stands next to Hallmark.

                                                      Frank, above, was "murdered."

                                            Mamee was all by herself off in the northern section.

                                                           Above, "Poor lonely babies."

                                               Above, Revolutionary War participant's stone.

   As one would expect there are many, many children's graves.  Life was very unpredictable.  I think these are the saddest of sights in a cemetery.

                         Four mausoleums are in Union three occupied and one with space available.

 Below, space available...

                                                                        Above, no name.