Historic Newton Downtown Walking Tour
Walking Tour Block Guide East Side
West Side
100 Block .............................. Page 2 200 Block ....................................... 3 300 Block ....................................... 5 400 Block ....................................... 7 500 Block ....................................... 8 600 Block ..................................... 11 700 Block ..................................... 15 800 Block ..................................... 18
800 Block ............................ Page 21 700 Block ..................................... 22 600 Block...................................... 26 500 Block ..................................... 29 400 Block ..................................... 32 300 Block ..................................... 33 200 Block ..................................... 34 Off Main Sites . ............................ 36
Special thanks to ... This walking tour would not be possible without the support of those who gave their time for research, writing, design and proofreading. They are: Pam Navrat, HCHS Volunteer Researcher John Whitlock, HCHS Volunteer Photo Archivist Kris Schmucker, HCHS Curator Keith Sprunger, Historian John Thiesen, Historian Melody Spurney, City of Newton CVB Coordinator Billi Wilson, City of Newton Historic Preservation Planner
This was a 2014 project of the Newton / North Newton Historic Preservation Commission in partnership with the Harvey County Historical Society. All images were provided by the Harvey County Historical Society (HCHS) unless indicated otherwise. Cover Images Top: Half of the east 400 block and 500 blocks of Main Street c. 1908 Middle: Presidential candidate William Howard Taft campaigning from the train in front of the Arcade Hotel in October, 1908 Bottom: Night view into Midland National Bank at 527 N Main c. 1939
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Downtown Newton Historic Walking Tour
Peter Luhn’s Pioneer Store can be seen on the right in this later image of Main Street. It was one of the first three business on Main Street - Courtesy HCHS
This booklet is to serve as a self-guided tour of our beautiful historic downtown and provide you a peek into our past and an opportunity to learn about our exciting history.
It began with the railroad …
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t was August of 1870, when Judge R.W.P. Muse, land agent of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad, and D.L. Lakin, commissioner of the land department, selected a spot on Sand Creek for the town they would call Newton, after Newton, Massachusetts, where many AT&SF stockholders lived. Newton would be a shipping point where cattle, herded along the Chisholm Trail from Texas, would travel on by rail. Muse returned in May 1871 to find the few settlers he had met on his first trip rapidly joined by more. Rail was completed in July 1871 with the first passenger train arriving on 17th of that month. Shortly after, Newton was named a city of the third class on August 27, 1871. Life as a cow town had officially begun. The first three businesses listed were a blacksmith shop, a bakery and Peter Luhn’s Pioneer Store (see above). These were quickly joined by stockyards and other establishments supporting the railroad and cattle trade, some less savory than others. Saloons, dance halls and gambling rooms, along with corrupt officials and cowboys ready to trade their pay for rowdy enjoyment, earned Newton a reputation as one of the wickedest cow towns in the West. 1 • Downtown Walking Tour
Judge Muse stated in his History of Harvey County, published in 1882, “it is an old saying, that a bad beginning ensures a good ending, and if this be true, then will the infamous character… foreshadow an after career of unexampled greatness and prosperity.” When the railhead moved south to Wichita in January 1873, the rowdy element followed it and a peaceful community began to bloom. The economy of Newton might have faltered had it not been in part for the tenacity of its citizens and the efforts of Bernhard Warkentin. A miller’s son from Ukraine, Warkentin came to Kansas in 1872 seeking good farmland. Finding the climate here comparable to the Ukraine, he encouraged around 5,000 Mennonites to migrate to Kansas and bring the hardy seed of Turkey Red, a variety of hard winter wheat. Warkentin was instrumental in the development of wheat farming in Kansas and operated several mills, including the Newton Milling Co. at 301 Main. He also played a role in the organization of the Newton Commercial Club, Bethel College and Kansas State Bank. Originally settling in Halstead, he moved to Newton in 1887 and lived at 211 E 1st Street. His home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is now a house museum with more than 80 percent of its original furnishings.
Sanborn Fire Insurance Map - September 1886
1st Street & Main:
If you could step through time, in 1884, you would see a church standing where South Main Street begins. Salem Evangelical Church, a simple 30x50-foot structure, was dedicated in September 1879 with 11 members. In 1882, mid-sermon, a tornado destroyed the church. No one was killed or seriously injured, but a new building was needed. In July 1883, it was built on the former’s foundation for $1,500. During Newton’s financial boom in 1886-1887, city leaders decided to extend Main Street south. In exchange, they offered the church two lots and a six room house at the corner of Old Main and 1st Street. Today, Salem United Methodist Church resides in this location.
day. The two special windows were preserved and can be seen in today’s building.
The image above is the First Christian Church c. 1957. Below is a view of the east side of the 100 block c. 1900 - Courtesy HCHS
102 N Main:
The First Christian Church on the northeast corner of 1st and Main Streets has served its congregation in this location since 1895. The original building, used for the first 20 years, was sold to the Nazarene Brethren and moved to the corner of 9th and Main. A new brick Greek revival-style church with a centered dome was constructed in 1916. The church web site states “the sanctuary had two special windows installed on the north and the south. They were ‘Christ Knocking at Your Heart’ and ‘The Good Shepherd.’” In 1993, this building was demolished to allow for construction of the building you see to2 • Downtown Walking Tour
118 N Main:
E. C. Gavitt opened Gavitt Automobile Company in a newly constructed brick building at 118-120 N Main in 1907. The April 6, 1907, article of the Evening Kansan-Republi-
J. S. Dillon & Sons storefront at 200 Main with food displayed in sacks and buckets in front of the store - Courtesy HCHS
can begins “Newton is to have a garage – just think of it, a regular city garage, as modern in arrangement and as fully equipped as the biggest city garages of the east.” The building did not have a floor, as automobile fluids would easily be absorbed into the dirt. Gavitt Automobile Co. can be found in City Directories through 1908. The building has seen a number of garages within its walls; however, today it is a health care supply store.
200 N Main:
This building is listed as under construction in 1909. Records indicate it was home to several grocery stores; and, in 1926, it was the first location of J. S. Dillon and Sons grocery in Newton. A second location was opened at 724 sometime between 1934 and 1937. This location, commonly called South Dillon’s, moved in 1957 to 320 Main. Though the building still stands today, Dillon’s is now located on the south end of town near Highway 50.
204-206 N Main:
Built in 1886 in an Italianate style, this building is one of the oldest and more fanciful and high-style buildings on Main Street today. Many businesses have resided within 3 • Downtown Walking Tour
the walls of these two structures since their construction. The first business that appears at 204 is “A La Mode,” a millinery owned by Lena Schmidt, selling ladies hats. At 206, the Owl Pharmacy is the first business listed owned by James Geary, opening in 1887.
208 N Main:
Constructed in the 1920s, this building appears to have served the automobile for most of its existence. In 1920, it was home to Smith’s Garage. In 1940, it was home to Stewart Tire & Battery. In 1967, it was Weibe Tire & Supply. Today, it is home to a different kind of garage…Custom Cuts Garage, a barber shop/salon that caters to men.
212-214 N Main:
Both buildings appear to have been constructed between 1887 and 1891. The Toevs Bros. Groceries & General Merchandise spent many years operating their grocery store at 212. They were noted as a fancy grocery and supplied men’s furnishings until around 1910-1915. The building at 214 was listed as a general store in 1896 (see 224 Main). Later it was a movie theater called the Rex Theater, until the 1930s, when it became the Roxy Theater which ran until 1962.
This image displays most of the east 200 block, starting with 202, c. 1902 - Courtesy HCHS
216-218 N Main:
These buildings were constructed between 1886 and 1891 and all share something in common. In 1885, 216 was known as South Side Grocery. In 1902, 218 was the South Side Barber Shop. Then, in 1921, it was called South Side Tailor Shop. It seems being located south of the railroad tracks provided an obvious business name.
ing served Newton for more than 25 years. It started in 1890 at 214 Main, moving to 226 five years later. Today, the property is remembered best as Supernois Furniture, owned by the Supernois family. It opened in 1946 and lasted well into the early 2000s.
220 N Main:
Construction of today’s building is estimated between 1897 and 1901. In 1902, Peter Park opened his successful meat market here, which operated until the mid-1920s.
224 (226) N Main:
This building was constructed between 1886 and 1891. In the 50th anniversary edition dated August 22, 1922, the Newton Kansan listed W. A. Krueger Dry Goods, Shoes, and Groceries at this address as one of the longer running firms of the time, hav4 • Downtown Walking Tour
W. A. Krueger Dry Goods at 226 (224) Main c. 1920 - Courtesy HCHS
300-306 Main as they appeared c. 1905 - Courtesy HCHS
300 N Main (no longer standing):
The building that once stood here was constructed between 1891 and 1896. It appears to have started as a grocery store. By the early 1920s, it was the Newton Baking Co., which lasted through the 1940s. In 1948, it was listed as Deal’s Cycle Shop becoming Newton Cycle Shop by 1958, which it remained until 1973 when it was demolished.
Did You Know? Not all lawmen were honorable, and in early history many with shady pasts were hired. In 1872, William “Billy” Brooks was hired for a short time to serve as city marshal of Newton. He was also a criminal. In 1874, it is reported that he was lynched in Sumner County for stealing horses.
302 N Main:
This building is the former home of the local VFW Post #971, which formed on October 7, 1930. They moved to this location from 507 ½ Main after 1943. It was sometime after 1998 when they moved to their current location east of the Interstate.
304 N Main:
This building was constructed sometime between 1886 and 1891 replacing an earlier building. It was home to a variety of businesses from cleaning and pressing, radio services, and, later, a liquor store. 5 • Downtown Walking Tour
Photo courtesy of KansasMemory.org, Kansas State Historical Society
322 N Main (no longer standing):
The building that stood here and those at 306-316, were demolished sometime in the mid-1940s. This address was best known as the Swartz Lumber Co. According to the 1884 Sanborn Fire Insurance maps, H. S.
Dean Lumber Yard was listed at this address until around 1889 when it was sold to Chicago Lumber Co. S. M. Swartz, an employee of the lumberyard, purchased interest in the company, and in 1895 organized the S. M. Swartz Lumber Company. The 50th anniversary edition of the Newton Kansan noted the success of the S. M. Swartz Lumber Company with the following, “The Swartz Lumber company has always adhered to its faith in the potency of printers’ ink, and the slogan, ‘On the Square,’ together with the unique number, ‘One-Oh,’ has made the business familiar to every reader of the Kansan, and there is no apparent reason why the centenary edition of this paper should use this story with the addition of the next 50 years.” An image of the building can be seen in the top left corner.
Above is a 1930s image of today’s depot. The two images below are of different angles of the Arcade Hotel, built in 1900, which included the Harvey House Restaurant. The top image on the opposite page is the second depot built in 1882. The bottom image on the opposite page is the first depot, built in 1872 - Courtesy HCHS
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Did you know? Fifth and Main may look like just another intersection today, but it was once the site of the town’s best drinking well. In March of 1871, while Santa Fe engineers were still surveying the town site, Captain David L. Payne, state legislator from the district, saw the need for a good source of drinkable water and agreed to supervise the digging of a well in what is now the intersection. For months it was the only drinkable water available and for several years had a reputation as the best available. A plaque once marked the site, but it has been paved over. A monument can be found near the benches in Depot Park.
400 N Main, Santa Fe Depot:
The Jacobean Revival style building you see today is the fourth version of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Depot built between 1929 and 1930. It was designed by E. H. Harrison at a cost of $350,000 in spite of the depression. Fred Harvey opened his fourth Harvey House Restaurant in 1882 inside the Arcade building (the third version of the depot). He continued to operate in the new depot until closing in May 1957. The pictures here show the depot through its different versions starting in 1872. The first depot was located southeast of the tracks. The walls were lined inside with heavy metal boiler plate to protect patrons from the stray bullets of cowboys. The second depot was built in 1882 at its present site. In 1900, the mansard roof was removed and rebuilt into the third version, the Arcade Hotel. 7 • Downtown Walking Tour
422-424 N Main (no longer standing):
This was the original location of Anderson’s Bookstore. For more, see 627 Main.
View of the east side of the 500 block of Main, Midland National Bank is the building on the corner c. 1882 - Courtesy HCHS
Reese Drug & Jewelry Store at 426 Main. A portion of Anderson’s Bookstore can also be seen - Courtesy HCHS
426 N Main (no longer standing):
John Reese Sr. came to Newton in 1873 at the age of 35. He’d spent the first 20 years following gold in California and Nevada. Upon settling in Newton in 1873, he built the first stone building in front of the only well available at the time. The stone for the building cost $40 per ton and was shipped in from Florence. The building was purchased by the Santa Fe in 1928 and demolished to construct the new depot. The business moved to 511 where the family continued to operate it until 1974.
500 N Main:
The Railroad Savings & Loan was organized in 1896 by a group of railroad men who believed the area needed a home financing agency. It was located in various locations on Main Street before finally taking ownership of the building at this address in March of 1915. At one time, the Railroad Savings and Loan was one of the largest financial institutions in Kansas. Today’s building was built in 1925 and designed by Newton native and Kansas City architect Samuel Greenbaum. It 8 • Downtown Walking Tour
features limestone, granite, marble and brass and is a fine example of American Renaissance Revival architecture.
504 N Main:
From 1938 to 1997, this building was home to a shoe store called Wiley & McCall, and later, McCall’s Shoes. The original storefront is covered by the high quality 1950s façade you see today. This family-owned business operated nine stores in six Kansas communities well into the 1980s. One item of peculiarity to McCall’s was their shoe-fitting fluoroscope. This provided an X-ray of the foot in the shoe to ensure a good fit. McCall’s used the machine until the 1950s when concern for customer safety and radiation exposure began to circulate from medical studies.
506 N Main:
The Western Star Theater opened in Newton at Broadway and Main in January 1907. It was sold in 1908 and reopened at 507 Main. In July 1909, it was sold again and remodeled. It was bought by Mr. Chris Wagner and moved to this address in the spring of 1913 with a new name, Star Theatre. In the fire of 1914, the building itself did not burn, but the equipment was destroyed. Repairs were made and the theater was sold - briefly ‑ and bought back by Mr. Wagner. He continued to operate it until his death in 1920 when his son, Edward Wagner, took over. The Star
Did you know? On August 4, 1914, disaster hit Newton at its heart. Fire started in the Newton Auditorium which was located on East 5th Street. The blaze spread west and north to involve several buildings in the 100 blocks of 5th and 6th Streets and the 500 block of Main. Almost the entire square block was destroyed with five buildings damaged and nine buildings a total loss. The Newton Kansan reported in the 50th anniversary edition that the fire department had recently purchased a new fire engine with this being its first test. It ran continuously for fourteen hours. Total damages were estimated at $400,000.
The image in the top right corner is a view of the east side of the 500 block (c. 1900) before the fire destroyed the block in August of 1914. The image directly above is the fire as it was happening with the resulting damage directly to the left. The image on the top left is what was rebuilt following the fire c. 1930 - Courtesy HCHS
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Theatre closed its doors for good sometime between 1940 and 1943.
Two men stand beside the ticket booth of the Star Theatre at 506 Main c. 1915 - Courtesy HCHS
508 N Main:
Following the fire of 1914, this building was home to the Palace of Sweets, a confectionery. It appears in directories at this address until at least 1928 when it became El Patio Sweet Shop. By 1940, it had become the El Patio Café. In 1952, city directories list the property as Graber’s Hardware, which still exists today on west Broadway.
510-514 N Main:
This building was once home to McManus Department Store, which was successfully owned and operated by T. H. McManus. He sold everything from men’s and ladies’ clothing and shoes to grocery items. The building was destroyed in the 500 block fire in August 1914. He relocated to the opera house while a new building could be built, only to have it burn to the ground again in the fire that destroyed the opera house in January 1915. McManus sold the business in 1917 to Axtell & Pendroy. By March of 1918, interests had been sold again and the name changed to Guymon-Pendroy. Ultimately, the store was purchased by Rorabaugh-Kennell Dry Goods in 1920, which had a chain of stores throughout the area.
518-520 N Main:
The history of movie theaters in Newton can be traced almost to their invention. In 1910, the Gem Theatre was opened by H. E. Herbert at 621 Main. It was considered somewhat of a gem in downtown as it had elevated seats, “fine opera chairs” and a seating
The Regent Theater (The Ten Commandments) and other businesses on the east 500 block as they appeared in 1925 - Courtesy HCHS 10 • Downtown Walking Tour
man’s Shoe Shine had partnered with him. Lynch Shoe Store took over by 1940, but Freeman’s remains. Then, by 1956, Ott’s Bootery had taken over the entire business.
526 N Main
First National Bank building at 526 Main c. 1885. What would be the shoe store owned by W. D. May can be seen to the right of the bank building - Courtesy HCHS
capacity of around 300. It ran almost continuously until Mr. Herbert entered into an agreement following the 1914 fire with T. H. McManus for the construction of a first class theater at 520 Main and opened as the Royal Theatre in the winter of 1914. The Royal Theatre was successful despite having been sold several times. In 1921, owned by O. K. Mason, the need to enlarge the theater coincided with community growth and it was closed for remodeling. The stage was reconstructed to allow for vaudeville attractions and seating was increased to allow for 750 individuals. Renamed the Regent Theatre, it operated in this capacity until it was purchased by Twentieth Century Fox in 1955 and renamed the Fox Theater. Today, the name is the same, but the theater is owned by a local non-profit.
524 N Main:
Today’s building was built following the devastating fire in 1914. A shoe store owned by W. D. May was listed at this address during that time. May rebuilt and, in 1926, Free11 • Downtown Walking Tour
Founded by Jarius Edward Neal in June of 1873, the Harvey County Savings bank opened their doors at 604 Main. They were the first Bank in Harvey County. In 1879, a group of Newtonians purchased majority stock and it was renamed Newton City Bank. They received their federal charter in August of 1882 as the First National Bank of Newton and relocated to this address. The bank was the only one of seven that survived the financial panic in the 1890s and went on to purchase the First State Bank of Newton in 1889 and the Home State Bank in 1914. The building was destroyed in the 1914 fire and they took up temporary residence at the Railroad Savings & Loan building until they could rebuild and return a year later. Today, First Bank of Newton carries on its legacy as the oldest bank in Newton and Harvey County at the corner of Broadway and Oak.
600 N Main:
The Kansas State Bank was incorporated in October of 1902 and opened their doors a month later in this location. Bernhard Warkentin served as its first president until his death in 1908. In its prime, it was considered one of the strongest financial institutions in central Kansas. The building was listed as one of the most “convenient, comfortable and handsome bank homes.” The Kansas State Bank was bought by the Fourth National Bank Holding Co. and renamed Bank IV. It was eventually purchased by Bank of
Photocopy of a postcard of the Kansas State Bank at 600 Main c. 1910 - Courtesy HCHS
The Lehman’s Hardware & Implement building can be seen behind the parade activities in 1947 - Courtesy HCHS
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America. In 1977, the building, along with its neighbor at 604-608, was partially demolished and reconstructed into what that stands today.
604-608 N Main:
Samuel Lehman arrived in Newton, from Ohio, in June of 1871. He purchased the lot at 604 Main, building a 25-foot wood frame structure and opening his hardware and implement business. With business expansion, he eventually rebuilt and took over 606 and 608. He is credited with having the necessary hardware and implements to construct many of the original structures in the region. He also had the distinction of selling more Casidy plows in one season than any retail firm in the United States. Mr. Lehman died at the age of 72 in October 1920, leaving his nephew, Clayton Lehman, to take over the business. Lehman’s closed in 1955, after operating for more than 80 years on Main Street.
610-612 N Main:
The building at 610 was constructed around 1910 with modifications to the façade in the 1920s. 612 appears to have been built in the 1880s and housed a harness shop until the 1920s. These buildings are best known for being the home of the Guesthouse Cafeteria. It originally opened a few doors down moving to 610 around 1957-1958. The buffet-style restaurant was the first of its kind in Newton and one of only three in Kansas when it opened. In 1957, the owners chose to integrate and serve individuals of any race, which was several years ahead of the rest of the country. The Guesthouse operated here until the 1970s. In 2012, a shingled awning was removed and the sign for the Guesthouse found. It was restored and is preserved beneath the current awning.
616 N Main:
In 1888, C. F. Claassen started a loan and bond business, hiring J. G. Regier in 1896. Mr. Claassen became involved in the Kansas 13 • Downtown Walking Tour
J. G. Regier Bonds & Loans at 616 Main c. 1920 - Courtesy HCHS
State Bank and sold his interest to Mr. Regier in 1904. Mr. Regier, with his brother W. W. Regier, grew the organization performing loan negotiations on farms and city property, handling municipal and government securities, writing fire and tornado insurance, drafting abstracts of title direct from the county records and selling steamship tickets to and from Europe. With the added workload, they brought their other brother, J. E. Regier, into the firm. In 1919, they purchased this building and remodeled it into a “modern” office, which included adding a vault to allow them to support their large client base. On the north end of the façade, there is a small metal box just below and to the side of the second story window; this is an old burglar alarm still intact from the Regier’s. Regier Title, Inc. continues to operate today at the corner of Broadway and Oak.
618-626 N Main:
Today’s building was constructed in the early 1970s. Before this, five buildings once stood, offering a variety of businesses through the years. M. M. Herbert opened a confectionery called Herbert’s in 1906, selling candy
These are the buildings that once stood at 618-626 Main. Regier’s building can be seen on the far right. - Courtesy HCHS
The Masonic Lodge at 700 Main stands in the background of this image from 1913. In the foreground, the gentleman standing in the car is John C. Nicholson, Newton attorney, city councilman and mayor of the 1900s. Nicholson was one of the visionaries responsible for bringing the Meridian Highway (US Highway 81), a paved road from Canada to Mexico, through Newton. He was also heavily involved in efforts to bring the “New Santa Fe Trail” (US Highway 50) through Newton, extending from the east coast to the west coast. The car sits in the middle of Main and Broadway, which was the intended intersection of these two highways - Courtesy HCHS 14 • Downtown Walking Tour
and cigars. He moved to 620 in 1917 and expanded his offerings. He hosted his customers with attractive showcases, small booths and a large soda fountain, where he prepared his own syrups and candies. This later became Hanna Confectionery, owned by Leo C. Hanna. In 1937 he opened Hanna Furniture Store at 626. The store moved in 1946 to 703705 Main, with his nephews, George J. and Edward L., as new partners. The building at 622 was once the Perfect Bakery, opened by G. S. Arnold in 1921. He based his success on his recipe ingredients, advertising that he did not use any substitutes.
700 N Main:
The Masonic Lodge No. 142 was organized in 1873 with their first meeting held in a school house. They commissioned the construction of this building in 1879 with the lodge rooms located on the second floor. The main floor was planned to serve as rental space for the Harvey County offices and courthouse. The county rented this space twice before finally moving into the newly built Harvey County Courthouse in 1907. In 1931, the building was extensively remodeled, but the original Main Street façade was maintained. In 1961, the front façade was modified to match the south elevation.
708-710 N Main:
These buildings appear to be in place when the Sanborn Fire Insurance Co. drew their first map of Newton in 1884, but could have been reconstructed between the 1880s and 1890s. In the 1880s, the building at 708 served as the Palace Meat Market owned by Joseph Steinkirchner before becoming Western Auto Associates in the 1930s. This business lasted until the 1960s when it became offices. 710 was first listed as F. S. Steinkirchner, a music store. This lasted until sometime after 1916 when it became a café. First called the Home Cooking Café, it became the Silver Moon Café and finally, Edd’s Café. It also served as Connor’s Barber Shop, listed first in 1938, with the Silver Moon Café. Directories indicated the barber shop lasted until 1975.
704-706 N Main:
Both buildings appear on the Sanborn Fire Insurance maps between 1901 and 1909. Swengel & Sons barbers was listed at 704 starting in 1915. By 1921, Swengel’s had been renamed the Santa Fe Shaving Parlor. By 1930, Hetzel’s Clothing Shop had relocated to this address from E Broadway and appears in directories until 1952. At 706, F. J. Angood operated his confectionery in 1913, which appears to have started sometime in 1911 at 700 Main. In 1926, it is listed as Angood & Son Grocers, which is listed in directories until at least 1926.
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Palace Meat Market at 708 (710) Main c. 1880 - Courtesy HCHS
712-714 Main:
These buildings have lost their historic façade, but have stood since at least the 1880s.
The building at 712 has been a variety of businesses from shoe repair to journalism, and even a tire store. While 714 was more consistent with longer running businesses. One of these is listed between the early 1920s and late 1930s was Master Cleaners & Dryers.
716-718 N Main:
C. H. Northfoss Furniture and Undertaking, which appears to have started at 712, once operated a successful furniture business in this building in combination with undertaking services. The building probably dates from 1919 but underwent substantial renovation in the 1930s.
720-722 N Main:
These buildings were both, at one time, owned by Mennonite Church USA. In the 1960s, it was common to cover original brick façades with metal, or other materials. These buildings were no different. In 2002 and 2003, they underwent major renovation and the false metal façades were removed and the original brick exposed and returned to their original design. The building at 722 dates to 1914 when it housed the Herald Bookstore and Mennonite Publishing Shop. Later, it was headquarters for the General Conference Mennonite Church.
Bird’s eye view of the north half of the east 700 block, the 800 block and St. Mary’s Catholic Church c. 1911 - Courtesy HCHS
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724 N Main:
J. S. Dillon and Sons opened their second location at this address between 1934 and 1937. It served the community here until the new store was built at 12th and Main. The image above is from the Christmas season c. 1938.
Did you know? Newton may not appear to be anything like San Francisco, but streetcars used to run along Main Street carrying travelers throughout the business district. In 1887, electric lights lit Main Street for the first time and the first horsepowered street railway cars were installed from 1st to 12th Street. Additional lines were added along Broadway and 1st Streets. This luxury was discontinued when the financial system crashed in the 1890s. It wasn’t until 1911 when it would return in the form of the Arkansas Valley Interurban (AVI). This was a passenger rail line that ran from Wichita to Newton, eventually extending to Hutchinson. In Newton, it came into downtown from W 5th Street, where the AVI depot was located, and ran north to Bethel for a time. It is the use of the automobile that saw to the abandonment of the AVI in July 1938. 17 • Downtown Walking Tour
Courthouse Block:
The 1960s were deemed a time for progress and advancement as Newton began to develop and shape itself around a population with automobiles. This was a time when “progress” meant demolition of the elaborately detailed, historic “dated” structures
to add parking lots and build the “new and improved” sterile, featureless buildings of the time. No other block on Main Street suffered more through these efforts than the east 800 block. The following is a story of the beautiful structures that would never see 100 years. Above is a view of the block c. 1900.
Harvey County Jail:
The Harvey County Jail stands in the background with construction of the new courthouse in the foreground in 1906 - Courtesy HCHS 18 • Downtown Walking Tour
Newton boomed in the 1870s and the need to contain the lawless became more evident as the population grew. In January 1880, a contract was issued to S. Chamberlain for the sum of $5,976 to construct the jail. The contract included a two-story stone building using large slabs of Florence rock. It had two water reservoirs on the east end of the building to retain rain water from the roof. An apartment for the jailer and his family was included. The
building was located in the center of the north half of the 800 block. Upon completion, however, the jail never reached its full potential. The water reservoirs did not perform as intended and the Florence rock was determined inappropriate. Walls were damp and prisoners tended to escape simply by digging out. In 1917, a new jail was approved and constructed. The 50th anniversary edition of the Newton Kansan stated “the present jail should be adequate for the needs of the county the remainder of this century. It is sanitary, strongly built, roomy, and ornate… Cell room is provided to take care of all the prisoners this county will likely ever have.”
First Presbyterian Church:
On the southwest corner of this block stood the Richardsonian Romanesque designed First Presbyterian Church, which organized in 1872. Constructed in 1905, it was the work of architect Charles W. Squires. It was square in shape with towers protruding from the corners and constructed in red brick. In September 1958, the land was sold to the county and the building demolished for green space in 1965-66. Today the congregation is located on Columbus Street. The image above was taken c. 1905. 19 • Downtown Walking Tour
Harvey County Courthouse:
In the early days, the county offices had a hard time finding a place to call home. There were at least three different locations before they settled in the Masonic Temple at 700 Main in January of 1880. They moved to the Bretch Building (811 Main – no longer standing) in 1888. In August of 1896, an agreement was made for the county offices to move back to the Masonic Temple, where they remained until the building at 820 Main was commissioned. In 1906, the plans of architect J. C. Holland were accepted and a contract was issued to Crosby & Sons of Kansas City, MO, for construction. Doors opened on the Richardsonian Romanesque style building in 1907. The most impressive feature was the four-story clock tower that was centered over the entrance of the building. The red brick exterior was trimmed with Bedford stone. The Newton Kansan described the building as “large and roomy and well arranged…The corridors are wide and well planned, being light and well ventilated. The wainscoting throughout is of marble (and) each office of record is equipped with a fireproof vault.” In addition, each office boasted its own fireplace, natural gas, electricity and telephone. Construction of the new courthouse building, which still stands today was completed
in 1966. After serving the county for only 60 years, the quiet beauty of Main Street’s most grand governmental structure was forever erased from the landscape. Today, a stone bench sits beside a bell on the southwest corner of the block. The bell is from the clock tower and the bench had sat near the courthouse stairs. Marble and stone has been used for two local trail markers and as a monument behind the Newton Rec Center on the corner of West 4th and Plum.
Did you know? Lawmen were just as much at risk as other Newtonians in taking a bullet from the rowdy cattlemen of the day. In November of 1871, Captain Carlos King, the city marshal, was the first officer in Harvey County shot and killed in the line of duty by a man named Edwards. In November 1872, a man named Fitzpatrick shot and killed George Halliday, a justice of the peace. Fitzpatrick was later killed by Mr. Johnson, the city marshal at the time, who was attempting to arrest him. 20 • Downtown Walking Tour
Saint Mary’s Catholic Church:
Among the few remaining grand structures that serve as testament to the beautiful architecture and splendor of Newton’s financial boom sits at the northeast corner of 8th and Main Street. It was constructed in 1902 in the Romanesque Revival style. Two members of its congregation, Irish natives William and George Hanna, were hired to design and construct the church. The congregation built the school building in 1909 and, in 1914, the brick rectory was completed. In 1918, European artist, Theodore Brasch completed frescos on the interior of the church.
817-819 N Main:
The structure at 817 was built sometime between 1915 and 1917 and was first home to a grocery store, which was common at this address with names like Becker Grocery and Fey & Son Grocery. In 1958, Sherwin Williams was listed at this address. Today’s building at 819 was built around 1929 and was home to Enn’s Super Service Center, an auto service station, in 1934. An image of this business can be seen at the bottom of the page.
815 N Main:
The Bretch Building at 811 Main (left), which is no longer standing, and Newton Cornice & Tin Works at 815 Main (right) c. 1910 - Courtesy HCHS
This building was constructed in an Italianate style in 1888 by William Bergh, a metal worker, for his business, Newton Cornice and Tin Works, which he operated with his brother. Mr. Bergh was well known for his skill in the trade. In 1918, he retired and the building served as home to a variety of other businesses through the years. In 1971, it earned another mark in history, serving as home to the first Hispanic owned business on Main Street. Russ Cueller moved his sewing machine shop here where it operated until 2010. Today the building has fallen into disrepair and is at risk of demolition.
Enn’s Super Service Center as it appeared in c. 1933 - Courtesy HCHS 21 • Downtown Walking Tour
811 N Main (no longer standing):
This building, designed by W. L. Ross, built in 1888, it was known as the Bretch Building after its owners. It was a three-story brick structure designed to serve as the Harvey County Courthouse. The Bretch Brothers, successful grocers in the 600 block, were described as sparing no pains or money to make the structure a magnificent one in every detail. As it would turn out, the county offices only rented the space until 1896, when they returned to 700 Main. After the county offices vacated, it was home to a variety of businesses over the years. It served some time as the Ideal Carriage Co. and Bethel Business College. It was torn down in 1994 and the site is now a parking lot.
801 N Main:
Officially organized in 1874, the First United Methodist Church congregation formed through the efforts of Milton M. Haun who settled in the area to perform missionary
22 • Downtown Walking Tour
work in 1871. According to the church’s website, Mr. Haun preached his first sermon in Newton at the Golden Rule Saloon (527 Main area) from a beer barrel pulpit, “following the final hymn several cowboys drew their sixguns and took off their hats. They used the guns as persuaders to urge the ‘congregation’ to contribute to the collection-plate hats.” In 1883, the congregation, then known as First Methodist Episcopal Church, built the first church building on this site. It was a frame Gothic style structure. The image below is from c. 1900. The church before you today was constructed around 1917 in a Greek Revival design with an addition built in 1964.
725 N Main:
This building is first represented, based on plans, on the Sanborn Fire Insurance maps in 1909. Designed by James Knox Taylor in the Renaissance Revival design, it served as the post office until 1963 when it was moved to its current location on the corner of W 4th
and Poplar. This building then served as the school district administration offices for many years. It stood vacant with a business or two occupying it until it was purchased in 2011 by Cornerstone Law. The effort to preserve the original character and use of the building can be found inside by the use of old mailbox panels as wall dividers.
cret, the week before by a judge in probate court on a Sunday morning. She returned to her parents in Halstead and he to his in Newton. The following week, he brought her “home” to Newton, where they lived with his parents. The building at 717 was built between 1909 and 1910 and home to Howard S. Dickey Music Store starting around 1912.
713 N Main:
Built sometime between 1909 and 1915, this building is identical to 709. In 1916, this building housed an auto service station. In 1921 it is listed as Modern Electric Equipment and in 1923 it was Royston Motor Equipment.
709 N Main:
Sanner’s Fruit, Vegetables & Feed Store at 715 Main c. 1902 Courtesy HCHS
715-717 N Main:
Sanner Feed & Seed Store was established in 1893 by James Sanner at an unknown location. After being open a year they moved to the Masonic Temple. Business continued to grow and they moved to a location in the 600 block before finally selecting a site and building at 715 Main in August 1902. They moved from this building in 1912 due to continued growth of the business, which ran until 1962 when it was sold to William S. Armfield. An interesting story of E. R. Sanner, son of James, and his bride, Miss Alma Bard was noted in the Evening Kansan-Republican on June 28, 1904. The couple had been married, in se23 • Downtown Walking Tour
This building was built sometime between 1909 and 1911 with Klaassen & Marten opening by 1912. In 1913, it was listed as Marten’s Motor Co. (709-711 Main). The Harvey County Kansas History states the Marten’s Motor Co. suffered additional damage in the days following the fire that destroyed the opera house. A wall, damaged by the fire, collapsed into the showroom destroying several automobiles on display and causing an estimated $8000 in damages. Marten’s Motor Co. is listed at this address until 1921 when directories indicate they relocated to 120 W Broadway.
One of the cars destroyed by the wall collaspe following the opera house fire in 1915 - Courtesy HCHS
701-707 Main buildings following the fire. 707 retained the projecting second story window but lost the third floor - Courtesy HCHS
707 N Main:
This building was originally part of the Ragsdale Opera House façade and was home to, among others, a hotel and a secondhand store before the fire. Following the fire, it spent some time as a grocery store called Becker’s Grocery before this business moved to 817 between 1938 and 1940.
703-705 N Main:
Today’s buildings were built sometime between 1915 and 1918, following the fire that destroyed the opera house. The Post Office is listed at 705 after moving from 504 Main sometime between 1884 and 1886. By 1901, it had moved to the first floor of the Opera House where they remained until their building at 725 was completed in 1910.
Above is an image of the Opera House fire and the facing page shows the aftermath - Courtesy HCHS 24 • Downtown Walking Tour
701 N Main, Ragsdale Opera House:
The building you see today, which was built after 1915, is only a shadow of the structure that first occupied this lot. The Ragsdale Opera House was noted as Newton’s largest and most beautiful building while it stood.
25 • Downtown Walking Tour
It was built at a cost of $80,000 by James M. and Thaddeus P. Ragsdale in 1885. The auditorium was located on the second and third floors with seating available for 800 individuals including eight private boxes. Dudley Dodgion Toevs describes the auditorium in
his book Newton: Remembering Yesterday Today saying “Ornate designs and graceful columns were carved into the proscenium arch about the stage. Directly over the center of the arch was a portrait of Shakespeare.” The Opera House opened December 1885 featuring a comedy called “Uncle Dan.” In total, the Opera House hosted 695 plays, 72 concerts, 38 operas, 26 animal acts, lecturers like Helen Keller, political campaigns, and former Newton resident and metropolitan opera tenor Orville Harold. More than just a performing arts center, the ground floor housed six businesses, including the Newton Post Office. The Kansan housed their headquarters and their equipment in the basement. The Ragsdale brothers went bankrupt during the financial crisis of the 1890s and lost the mortgage. J. H. Knoepker bought it in 1905 and changed the name to Knoepker Opera House in 1907. Fire destroyed the building on January 1, 1915, suffering the loss of $150,000 and one life, Willis T. Green, who had been living
in the private apartment of the Opera House.
627 N Main:
Phil M. Anderson began working in 1892 selling newspapers on Santa Fe trains for the Murphy Brothers at the age of 15. In 1894, he went into business for himself purchasing an 8x16-foot stand at 420 Main selling newspapers, candy, tobacco, cold drinks, and homemade baked goods, which were made by his mother. He met every train from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm. In 1900, his earnings allowed him to move into a room at 422 Main and buy 424 next door a couple of years later. He moved the business to 522 Main in 1929 and moved once more to 627 Main in 1938. Today, the business is the oldest continually operating business in Newton and is still owned by a direct Anderson descendant, Phil Anderson III. This building was built in 1883 and still retains most of the original floor plan. Inside, a sliding ladder used to retrieve merchandise is still used.
View of the west side of the 600 Block as it appeared in 1963 with F. W. Woolworth’s at 619 Main clearly visible - Courtesy HCHS 26 • Downtown Walking Tour
625 N Main:
This building appears to be on site in 1896 with a remodel in 1930. Weis & Holinde Billiard Hall was listed at this address at that time. They are listed here until the mid1940s.
thing.” Hogan’s was a success and lasted 55 years on Main Street, closing in 1970.
619 N Main:
This building is commonly called the Boyd Building as it was built by Dr. Gaston Boyd, Newton’s first doctor. Boyd came to Newton in March of 1871 and is reported to have attended to the men injured in the gunfight of August 1871. Dr. Boyd built the building for his medical and surgical practice on the site of his wood frame “bridal cottage” in 1896. He also offered rental space for other businesses. In 1913, F. W. Woolworth’s opened and eventually expanded to three storefronts. The building was remodeled in the 1930s to what you see before you today. Woolworth’s closed in the 1980s following a nationwide decline in the firm.
615-617 N Main:
These buildings appear to be on site between 1896 and 1901, both were remodeled in the 1930s along with 613 and 619. 615 has spent most of its life as a confectionery, with a variety of names starting in 1902. 617 was a cigar company for many years. First, the Sheridan Cigar Co. from 1902-1920, then Scherer Cigar Co. until at least 1948. By 1952, it had become a Gambles.
613 N Main:
This building was listed on this site starting in 1884 and remodeled in 1930, which is probably the date of the current façade. Originally, this building was J. F. McGrath Grocers but was bought out by Bretch Brothers Grocers in March 1886. They operated in this location until November of 1888 when time they moved to 624 Main but maintained this building as rental space. In 1913, R. L. Hogan opened Hogan Store, called “The Racket” where he offered “a little bit of every27 • Downtown Walking Tour
Dickey’s Drug Store c. 1883 at 611 Main with its original façade - Courtesy HCHS
611 N Main:
This building, also known as the Terra Cotta building, was built in 1879 by J. B. Dickey, owner of Dickey’s Drug and Jewelry. Today’s façade is the result of a 1929 redesign by Wichita architect Ed Forsblom. He added the green terra cotta tiles and sunflowers making this building different from any other on Main. Dickey’s Drug and Jewelry was one of the more successful early enterprises in Newton. It began when Mr. Dickey, who started as a boy working in drug stores, came to Wichita to work for the Post Office. In his early 20s, he decided to try his hand at cattle and resigned. Then, in 1871, he came to Newton suffering from chills and fever in search quinine and found a new drug store. He got into a dispute with Mr. W. P. Pugh, the owner, over the high cost of the drug, which ended with an agreement that Mr. Dickey would buy out the store, take over its invento-
Exterior of the Conrad & Dutcher Clothing at 607-609 Main ca. 1911 - Courtesy HCHS
ry, and pay Mr. Pugh a $65 lease on the small wood frame building. Dickey’s moved to 611 around 1875. The business remained until it closed sometime around 1962.
605-607 N Main:
In the late 1890s and the early 1900s, Hanlin’s filled the storefronts from 601-607. In 1909, directories list Conrad & Dutcher, a dry goods, millinery and ladies furnishings, at 607. Dutcher had a new partner in 1917 and the name was changed to Dutcher & Conner, which operated here until they moved in 1926 to 609. Sometime between 1930 and 1938, two long running businesses View of the west side of the 600 block c. 1905. Hanlin’s storefront is on the left side with the bell tower of the Ragsdale Opera House visible on the far right - Courtesy HCHS
28 • Downtown Walking Tour
established at these addresses. 605 was listed as Graves Drug Co. and 607 was listed as Townsend Dept. Store. By 1962, Townsend’s had become Cunningham’s, which was also a department store. Cunningham’s appears to have operated at 607 until at least 1991. Grave’s ceases to appear in directories by 1971.
601 N Main:
This building dates from around 1890 with modifications made sometime after 1909. S. A. Hanlin came to Newton in April of 1890 with J. W. Lostutter, opening their first retail establishment “The Racket” that same month.
After about a year, Lostutter left to open a mercantile in Emporia. The Hanlin Mercantile Company had several spaces at 603 and 605 before taking over 601 in 1897. Hanlin was noted for his honest, savvy, shrewd business methods and his company continued to grow with stores in McPherson, Arkansas City, Wellington, Wichita and Medford, OK. In 1912, he formed a new partnership with S. V. Shelp changing the name to HanlinShelp Mercantile Co., which allowed Hanlin to step away from active supervision of the company. This continued until the death of Mr. Shelp in 1914, when J. J. Lewis, longtime friend of Hanlin’s, purchased Shelp’s stock and the company was renamed Hanlin-Lewis Mercantile. By 1915, Hanlin sold his interest and retired from the firm altogether to pursue other successful business endeavors in Newton and the surrounding area. Hanlin-Lewis Mercantile continued until at least 1923 when it appears to have been sold and renamed The Cayot Mercantile. By 1938, city directories list J. C. Penney Co. at this address where it operated well into 1990s.
527 N Main:
Midland National Bank opened in March of 1893 at 500 N Main. In 1907, they purchased the building at this address from Peter Luhn, who was one of the first three businesses to establish in Newton in 1871. The building underwent extensive remodeling several times; first in 1907, again in 1922 and for the last time in 1977. It was during the 1977 remodel when the stone wall from Peter Luhn’s Pioneer Store was exposed. The wall was preserved and can still be seen inside the bank today. The bank is also notable in the history of the Suderman family. Herman E. Suderman, who came to the United States from Russia in 1885, originally worked for the German National Bank as a janitor and messenger boy, a job he took when he was 13 years old. In 1902, he went to work for Midland. By 1903, he was a director and named vice president. His son, John, succeeded him in 1954. The Sudermans are still involved in 29 • Downtown Walking Tour
Midland National Bank at 527 Main c. 1911 - Courtesy HCHS
the operation of the bank today.
517-519-521 N Main:
This building can be dated to 1878 with an altered storefront from around the 1930s. M. C. Moore, the Red Front (Boots & Shoes) and N Barnum & Co. all had early homes in this building. N. Barnum & Co. was one of the more well-known dry goods stores on early Main Street, opening in September of 1878 in the Ragsdale Opera House building. They moved to this location as early as 1884 before moving again, around 1900, to 517. Upon
N. Barnum & Co Storefront at 517 Main c. 1910 - Courtesy HCHS
their opening, they boasted in the July 11, 1878, edition of the Newton Kansan they had one of the “best assorted stocks of dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, hats and caps, and etc., to be found anywhere.”
address. Reese Drug Store remained in the family until the building was sold in 1974.
515 N Main:
It appears this building was on this site by 1886 with a remodel to the façade in the 1930s. The Public Library resided on the second story of this building in the 1890s. In 1887, Thanhouser & Son was located here offering women’s clothing and accessories for several years. Conrad’s Drugs & Jewelry also resided at this address. W. K. “Billy” Smith, came to Newton in 1884 and worked in the drug business with several druggists on Main Street before finally forming a partnership with F. P. Hinkle in the former Clark House hotel. He bought out Mr. Hinkle in 1906 and, upon the condemnation of the Clark House in 1912, moved south of the tracks briefly before purchasing 515 Main in 1916. His business operated here until around 1920.
513 N Main:
Dating from around 1890, this building was home to a B. C. Johnston & Co., a dry goods store. Between 1902 and 1905, the Newton Music Company moved to this address. They sold and repaired pianos and organs, sheet music, and, based on advertising, bicycles! The façade was remodeled around 1918 to give it a “modern front,” which remains today. Records indicate the Newton Music Company operated successfully at this address until around 1930.
511 N Main:
This building was constructed after 1901 with the façade remodeled in the 1930s. Reese Drug Store moved to his address in 1928 when the Santa Fe bought the remainder of the east side of the 400 block to build the depot that still stands today. The store, now operated by Mr. Reese’s sons, John Clark and Walter Peck, continued the business at this 30 • Downtown Walking Tour
Century Clothing Co. at 509 Main c. 1900 - Courtesy HCHS
509 N Main:
According to advertising, the Commercial Bank was established at this address in 1878 by E. H. Hoag. Mr. Hoag, so successful in his business endeavors, built the home at 303 E Broadway, as a fine example of the wealth he enjoyed. However, his bank did not survive the financial crash of the early 1890s and appears to be among the first to fail. Following the bank’s closure, the building was home to another well-known business, Century Clothing Company, which had earned the distinction of the longest continuously operating clothing store in Newton. H. M. Walt established his men’s clothing store at this address in 1893. He sold it in 1901 to a corporation of local business men. It then became Century Clothing Company. The business remained here until sometime between 1922 and 1944 when it moved to 523 Main. In 1975, due to the expansion of Midland National Bank, the business relocated to 505 where it remained until closing for good in the mid-1990s.
A night time photo of Reed’s Clothing Store window display at 507 Main c. 1939 - Courtesy HCHS
507 N Main:
This building was once home to Reed’s Clothing Store, owned by Horace Reed. He sold men’s clothing and accessories. City directories indicate it operated from at least 1905 through 1955. The current, high quality façade is from a 1950s remodel.
505 N Main:
This building appears on Sanborn Fire Insurance maps as early as 1886 with additions
to the rear of the building over time. Today’s storefront has been heavily modified from its original appearance. It has served a variety of businesses over the years from a barber shop to men’s clothing, even billiards.
501 N Main:
This building, known as the Randall building, was designed by architect C. W. Terry of Wichita in the Renaissance Revival style and built in 1911-1912. J. A. Randall was a cattle-
A view of the west side of the 500 block starting with the Randall Building at 501 Main c. 1917 - Courtesy HCHS
31 • Downtown Walking Tour
Murphy’s Hotel at 411-413 Main c. 1901 - Courtesy HCHS
man and business entrepreneur who settled in Newton in 1873. He was a silent partner and manager in Muse & Spivey Co., a lumber yard on Main Street. He was also partner in their real estate business. In later years, this building would be home to Sears and Firestone.
427 N Main:
Once known as the Hart Building after the original owner, this building was built around 1879. Of architectural interest, you might notice the grey hearts under the cornice. The variety of businesses that once resided in this building is quite broad. According to the Sanborn Fire Insurance maps, they range from grocers and clothing to a movie theater, billiards, and restaurants. In the 1880s, Bee Hive Clothing House was located on the north end offering men’s clothing and fixtures. Not to be confused with the Bee Hive Book Store that was located at 504 Main. Both were owned by different individuals. The Bee Hive Clothing Store closed sometime in 1894. 32 • Downtown Walking Tour
421-423-425 N Main
It is estimated these buildings were constructed around the same time as 427 as they appear to be identical in overall design. In 1911, George W. Kates moved his drug and jewelry store to 425 Main from 524 Main. It eventually became Sterba Jewelry Store, owned by Mr. Sterba, who was the general watch inspector for the middle division of the Santa Fe Railroad.
419 N Main:
In 1905, the Newton Telephone Company relocated to the second floor of this building. According to the Evening Kansan-Republican, on June 3, 1905, the Bell offices were “abolished for all time to come” and moved to this address. The Newton Telephone Company would act as agent of the Bell and “all their lines will be accessible from the board of the home company.” The space was remodeled entirely and they would “install one of the most modern and up-to-date plants to be found in Kansas.” The current façade is estimated to be from the same construction time
frame as the other buildings on this block.
409-417 N Main:
This site has been a popular location for those interested in pulling business from the numerous trains that ran through Newton. At this location, the Howard House Hotel, later the Clark’s Hotel (405-409), Enterprise Hotel (411-413), Brunswick Hotel (417) and the Murphy Hotel were located at one or more of these addresses at one point. The Murphy Hotel was the largest. It was located on the second floor and spanned, at one point, from 409 to 417. Restaurants and laundry facilities typically filled the first floor rentals.
Santa Fe Land Office (no longer standing):
Built in 1871, this is one of the first seven stone buildings constructed in Newton and it stood until 1967. Located on the west side of Main Street, south of the Santa Fe tracks, 40 to 50 feet north of the Old Mill, it was once known as the Real Estate and Land Office owned by Muse & Spivey. They were Santa Fe land agents selling land to early residents
and businesses. Following the land office, it served the community as a variety of businesses until 1962 when it became vacant and neglected and finally condemned and torn down. The image above is from 1965, shortly before its demolition.
301 N Main:
This building was built in 1879 for D. Hamill’s Monarch Mills, then bought by Bernhard Warkentin in 1886 and renamed the Newton Milling Company. Warkentin is known for his encouragement of the Mennonite migration and bringing the seed of the Turkey Red hard winter wheat variety with
Bird’s eye view of Newton Milling & Elevator Company c. 1922. Hotel Newton can be seen on the left side - Courtesy HCHS 33 • Downtown Walking Tour
Front view Hotel Newton at 225-227 Main c. 1900. Lee & McDaniel New & Secondhand Furniture has the first floor - Courtesy HCHS
them. Because the Turkey Red was hard to mill, following his purchase of the business, Warkentin introduced a new kind of mill, a roller mill. The hardy, high-yield wheat variety thrived in Kansas and its enormous productivity made this region the breadbasket of the world. In the 1970s, the building was at risk and was actually in the process of demolition when Lloyd Smith, a local manufacturer and inventor, bought the building. The roof had been mostly demolished before it could be stopped. During restoration, the original blueprints were found, enabling reconstruction of the mansard roof. Today, the Old Mill houses several businesses and a restaurant. The home of Bernhard & Wilhelmina Warkentin, at 211 E 1st, is now a house museum.
225-227 N Main:
No longer standing, this was the location of, first, the Globe Hotel, then Hotel Newton. Standing three stories tall, it served a number of businesses on its first floor with the hotel
34 • Downtown Walking Tour
residing on the second and third floors. The Newton Hotel took over the Globe sometime between 1896 and 1901, operating until at least 1919. The building was demolished in the early 1970s.
217-219 N Main:
According to the 1891 Sanborn Fire Insurance Sanborn map and the Newton Daily Republican, F. Winger moved his soap factory to this address which was in a wood frame building. However, it, and the wood frame building, were gone by 1901. In 1909, a new single story stone building is showing as planned construction.
209-215 N Main:
The Newton Air Dome, also known as “Peoples Summer Theater” was an open air theater that could seat 1,000 people. It was constructed between 1907 and 1909. In 1926, records indicate the theater had been replaced with a one-story auto sales building. The two-story section bears a marble plaque
The Carnegie Library in the midst of construction in 1903 - Courtesy HCHS
above the parapet that reads “Bachman 1924” indicating its construction date.
203 N Main:
Newton’s public library struggled to find a permanent home for many years, usually residing on the second floor of a number of downtown businesses. It wasn’t until J. W. Patterson, president of the Library Board, wrote to Andrew Carnegie for assistance. In March of 1902, he learned they would receive $10,000 to construct a free public library as long as Newton would furnish $1,000 annually for maintenance. Seeing the need for a larger amount, civic leaders offered $1,500 annually toward maintenance if Carnegie
35 • Downtown Walking Tour
would provide $15,000. This was accepted and construction began in 1903 on land donated by E. C. Lewellyn. The building was designed by William W. Rose, a Kansas City architect, and constructed by Reikowsky and Bartel of Hutchinson. The grand opening was held on March 14, 1904. An addition was added to the west side of the building in 1924 and the basement was remodeled to add a children’s section in 1934. The building served the community until the new library was built in 1973. Today, it continues to serve the community as home to the Harvey County Historical Society and Archives.
Bird’s eye view of the Roundhouse c. 1900 - Courtesy HCHS
Significant Sites just off Main Street Newton Roundhouse off of West 4th Street
When the railroad laid tracks through Newton in the early 1870s, one of the many necessities that followed was a locomotive roundhouse. The first was built in 1871 but it burned to the ground in 1880. It was rebuilt in 1888 with nine stalls. Four more were added in 1891. Santa Fe division headquarters had moved to Nickerson in August, 1879. In 1897, through the tireless efforts of city leaders, they returned and moved the Nickerson Roundhouse to Newton. The native stone roundhouse was dismantled stone by stone, loaded into coal cars and rebuilt as an addition to the Newton roundhouse. This brought the total count to 32 stalls. In 1907, nine more stalls were added. It served the railroad into the 1950s when, at 12:01 am on January 1, 1955, it was officially closed and later razed. Today, only the turntable remains.
a carriage factory, using the skills he’d learned as a wagon maker and wheelwright for the Union Army during the Civil War. Krehbiel became an important part of the community, co-founding Bethel College and making important donations to the college and the Bethel Deaconess Hospital. To the east of the building is the John Jacob Krehbiel Memorial Park, which is surrounded by the same fence that originally surrounded his home that once stood here. The factory buildings were restored by his descendants and local citizens, under the leadership of the Newton Fine Arts Association, after the building was deeded to the organization in 1993.
128 E 6th Street-Newton Carriage Works
The Newton Carriage Works, today it is an art gallery called Carriage Factory Gallery, was once a carriage factory owned by John Jacob Krehbiel who came to Newton from Iowa in 1879 with his family. He purchased the Angood Blacksmith shop on east 6th Street with his partner, George L. Epps. In 1883, he bought out Epps and turned the business into 36 • Downtown Walking Tour
Newton Carriage Works c. 1914 - Courtesy HCHS
1 2 6 9 2 3 4 6
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Did you know? Newton began as the shipping point for the cattle trade. And where there are cattle, there are cowboys. With cowboys, liquor, ladies and trouble tended to follow. There were several saloons and dancehalls in Newton that catered to this crowd. Reports say the atmosphere here rivaled that of Dodge City. Accounts of those who died by the pistol number anywhere from 40 to 50, though Judge R. W. P. Muse states in his History of Harvey County 1871-1881 this number is grossly exaggerated and actually to be around 12. The most notorious of gunfights is commonly called the “Newton Massacre” or “Gunfight at Hide Park,” which occurred in August 1871. On August 11, there was an argument between Mike McCluskey and Billy Bailey, both lawman, which turned into a fist fight; ending in gunshots and Bailey dead from his wounds a day later. McCluskey fled only to return a few days later. Angered friends of Bailey’s from Texas were in town and vowed revenge. When McCluskey initially came to Newton he’d befriended a young man, James “Jim” Riley, in the final stages of tuberculosis. So loyal of a friend was he, that he became known as “McCluskey’s Shadow.” On August 19, McCluskey went to Perry Tuttle’s Dance Hall (located on W 2nd Street). Hugh Anderson, and other friends of Bailey’s, entered sometime after midnight. Anderson shot and mortally wounded McCluskey who was able to fire his gun before he died, hitting Anderson. Reports say Riley had been standing by the door when the men entered. Disturbed by the death of his friend, he locked the door and pulled his revolver, emptying the gun, then walked out and was never seen again. Two men died instantly, three others were wounded but recovered. Anderson survived his wounds, but was crippled for life. Newton’s rowdy cowboy days were short-lived, and in 1873 the railhead was completed to Wichita and Dodge City, the rowdy element followed it.
Sources:
Newton Kansan: December 31, 1874, pg. 2 / January 7, 1875, pg. 2 / August 15, 1878, pg. 3 / Nov. 7, 1878, pg. 1 / August 17, 1906, pg. 8 Newton Kansan, 50th anniversary edition, Aug 22, 1922 – pg. 19, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 32, 48, 50, 61, 63, 64, 81, 84, 85, 90, 95, 121 Newton Kansan, 125th Anniversary Edition, Aug. 21, 1997 titled “Investing in Newton’s Future” by Shakila Saifullah, pg. 14 Evening Kansan-Republican: June 16, 1904, pg. 4 / June 28, 1904, pg. 1 / June 3, 1905, pg. 1 / August 2, 1906, pg. 1 / Nov. 29, 1906, pg. 2 / April 6, 1907, pg. 1 / April 26, 1907, pg. 1 The Newton Daily Republican: August 12, 1886, pg. 3 / Jan. 3, 1887, pg. 1 / Jan. 14, 1887, pg 1 / May 15, 1887, pg. 1 Ad / June 17, 1887, pg. 4 / Nov. 22, 1890, pg. 4 / Aug. 31, 1894, pg. 4 Newton City Directories Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps – 1884 through 1915 Newton Kansas #1 Santa Fe Rail Hub 1871-1971 by L. M.
“Mike” Hurley Voices from Newton Oral Histories from the StoryCorps Interviews in 2008, Chapter 1 – In Business on Main Street, Interviews with Dick McCall and Phil Anderson III Rediscovering Newton: An Interpretive Architectural History by Christy Davis, 1999 Newton, Remembering Yesterday, Today by Dudley Dodgion Toevs, pg. 17, 89, 94 Harvey County Kansas History Pg. 70, 78-97 Kansas Memory: Kansasmemory.org/item/213408 First United Methodist Church website: www.firstchurchnewton.org First Christian Church website: www.firstchristianchurchnewton.org First Bank of Kansas website: www.firstbankks.com Article by Hannah Heinzekehr at www.mennoniteusa. org/kansas-restaurant-a-pioneer-in-food-service-racialintegration/ The Building at 815 Main by Kristine Schmucker, HCHS Curator, blog post on www.hchm.org Two Trails of the Twentieth Century: John C. Nicholson and Newton, Kansas by L. Robert Puschendorf