William J. "Cable Car" Smith

William J. Smith, buried in Elmwood Cemetery, was a real estate investor and street railway and construction industry executive.  Born near New York City in 1836 he came to Kansas City in 1866 as founder of "the first store here for the sale of wagons, agricultural implements and seeds" located on the east side of Market Square.  He became president of the Kansas City Railway Company.

Elmwood Cemetery is celebrating its 150th Anniversary on October 1st, 2022.  Use the link to get more information.   https://www.facebook.com/elmwoodcemkc

His extraordinary house on Troost. 

Maintaining the Honor

My good friend Brad Finch has  a new line of work that helps people maintain the appearance of their ancestors' graves.    He, with the most modern methods, cleans tombstones.   He let me watch in Elmwood Cemetery as two stones belonging to veterans of the First World War were restored to near perfect condition. 

                                       The process starts with a good soaking, front and back. 

Above, next a non-toxic, non-abrasive cleaning solution is applied.  It has to sit then for 10 minutes with constant refreshing to keep it moist. 

                                                               Next is a gentle scraping. 

  

                                                        Then a soft brush is used. 

A good rinse , front and back. 

                                        Above, more brush, below, small brush for crevasses . 

Another good rinse, final touchups and allow to dry.   The remarkable thing about this process is that the stone keeps looking better and better the more time passes.  Brad's website is:  https://www.gravematterskc.com

Before above, after below.  The soldiers will be remembered. 

 

A Tale Of Two Houses

 Two of the latest renovations in Historic Northeast...these in the Scarritt Renaissance Neighborhood. Both homes were taken down to the studs for a total remodel.  

                                                        3422 Saint John Avenue  1900

Listing: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3422-Saint-John-Ave-Kansas-City-MO-64123/2286199_zpid/

                                                         3426 Saint John Avenue  1920

3422 and 3426 share the garage complex in back...each have two-car garage and a studio sized space above each garage which can be built out as needed.. 

Listing:  https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3426-Saint-John-Ave-Kansas-City-MO-64123/2286200_zpid/