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Kansas City, Missouri, circa 1906. "Convention Hall." For four days only, a "Grand Skating Masquerade." 8x10 glass negative, Detroit Publishing Co. View full size.
This simple posting of a convention center in KC is a classic example of how delightfully informative this website can be. Look at what we can learn:
1) site was rebuilt for the Demo convention of 1900
2) roller skating in this era was both personal recreation and professional shows ("Skating on Wood"?)
3) we get the chance to compare "before" and "after" views of our world - I like to use Google Maps to find a street view.
This location was only about a mile east of the stockyards, which explains the industrial, and somewhat unclean surroundings. A present-day view shows substantial urban renewal - with a modern convention center.
I work across the street from this site. The building was demolished in 1936 and is now an underground parking garage with a park above. Barney Allis Plaza (as it is now known) has tennis courts, outside seating, fountains and hosts events throughout the year.
The Billboard, Oct 31, 1908.Skating Rink Notes and News
By Earle Reynolds.
…
The Richardson Ball-Bearing Skate Company, of Chicago, has recently sold to Manager Louis Shouse, of the Kansas City Convention Hall, a large consignment of Richardson Ball-Bearing Rink Skates. Manager Shouse expects to open his big rink a few days after election. The Convention Hall will be artistically decorated and made into one of the finest rinks in the country. Manager Shouse is a past master in the amusement business and has been a successful rink manager for a number of years. He has played all the leading skating attractions in the country including Chas. L. Franks, Nellie Donegan, the Famous Rexos, and a number of others. He will play many P.E.R.S.A. [Professional Roller Skaters' Association] acts the coming season, in addition to running a series of national championship races.
…
Hardware Dealers' Magazine, 1904.
The original Convention Hall that was built on 13th at Central Street in 1899 was destroyed by fire on April 4,1900. The Democratic National Convention was scheduled there over July 4. So this replacement "fireproof" structure was designed and built in 90 days using some parts of the old shell that were still sound. The convention was held as scheduled (with 16-year-old Harry Truman serving as a page boy) and nominated William Jennings Bryan. The Republican National Convention was held there in 1928 and nominated Herbert Hoover. The Convention Hall was demolished in 1936.
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