A Century Ago

 Kansas City's Union Station is having its Centennial Celebration this year.  These photos, from it's construction days, were taken (I'm guessing here) in 1913.  Photography was likely by my Great Uncle Bill Burch who was a plasterer by trade and worked on many of the buildings here in KC. The station was dedicated October 30th, 1914.

Monuments

Dedicated in 1877 Mount Saint Marys' Cemetery is the final resting place for many of Kansas City's founders.  St. Francis Regis was the first Catholic Church in Kansas City, located near where the present day Cathedral stands.  Those interned in it's graveyard were moved to MSM after it's dedicated.  The shot above I call Monuments as it incorporates man's tributes to both the quick and the dead. 

I want to thank Father Joseph Totton for telling me about this photo opportunity!!!!!

                                 Above, a veteran of the Battle of Gettysburg and a fireman.

                Above reads, "Erected to the memory of Charles Kane by his Mother Ellen Kane

                                                    Above and below, resting place of nuns.

Rest In Peace Bishop Raymond Boland

In January of 1993 I was fortunate to be chosen to do Bishop Raymond Bolands ' official portrait when he took over the Diocese of Kansas City/St. Joseph.   We talked briefly on the phone about where to do the portrait and he asked for my suggestions.   Contrary to tradition, which was to use the Cathedral, I wondered allowed if we might use Our Lady of Sorrows... I have always thought that was one of the prettiest churches in Kansas City... to my surprise he agreed and we met there the following week.   He was a very gracious and down-to-earth man who will be greatly missed.

A Walk In Black And White

Strolled along the Missouri today from Chouteau Traffic Way to Riverfront Park.  Above, view from the Park, below, the old Chouteau bridge support viewed through the new.

                             Above, under the new bridge, below, what's left of the old bridge.

Along The Indian Mound Trail

This shows the abundant springs along the Cliff Drive Scenic Byway in Northeast Kansas City.   All are located along the Indian Mound Trail which runs below Gladstone Boulevard from the East Entrance to Cliff Drive all the way to White Avenue.     Take a break from Winter :)

Frozen Kaw

Missouri Low Down

For a variety of reason the Missouri River is quite low at the moment.  While it causes official concern it also provides viewpoint opportunities for those of us with cameras.  A rock jetty which is normally under water is exposed and the "intrepid" can venture out onto it.  Enough has been exposed that one can walk to the center of the river bed.  Above and below the view from that point.

                          Above, looking east showing the exposed shoreline... below looking west.

 Above, the jetty is composed of all kinds of debris, bricks, limestone lintels, river rocks, red granite,
                                                           and undefined rusted metal objects.

                  Above, the view from almost the middle of the jetty back toward the southern shore.

Above, view toward Kansas City from the river bed.  Below, the rock jetty going north from the south shore.