Today, the journey began. Mom and I headed out of Fredonia, Kansas to meet Sis, my daughter Jacoba, at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri for lunch. Fifty-six years ago my parents celebrated their wedding with a breakfast reception at Harvey House in Union Station. Mom hadn't been to Union Station since.
We arrived easily and met Jacoba in front of Union Station. First order of business was lunch at Harvey's. The hostess graciously seated us at a table on the open air second floor of the restaurant overlooking the concourse! What an amazing view!
We all three enjoyed a wonderful lunch with a lot of visiting and Mom sharing memories. After our meal, off we went to explore the main floor of the station. Mom had a fulfilling trip down memory lane, and we truly enjoyed her journey.
We wrapped up our afternoon at Union Station visiting the ground floor museum in the east wing, enjoying the photographs and exhibits of the early days of the station. When we came to the photograph murals, Mom regonized so many of the features within the photos. She shared with us how the street cars ran, how the park was one of her favorite places as a small child, and how Signboard Hill had looked in the 1940s.
I was really interested in where her family business, Zahner Diaper Service, had been, and could not visualize the layout of the area before Crown Center was constructed. Mom looked carefully at one of the large panoramic pictures and easily found 2305 Grand Avenue. The diaper service was in the building which sported the Sunshine Biscuit billboard.
We were all three so excited. What great memories Mom shared today, and what great memories we will share for years to come.
At the time what exactly did a diaper service do? What was it used for?
ReplyDeleteThe Zahner Diaper Service laundered cloth diapers and delivered/picked up diapers to homes weekly. Remember disposable diapers had not been introduced to the market yet. Towels for restaurants were also laundered and delivered.
DeleteWhat did the diaper service do? Was it helpful to the community?
ReplyDeleteThe Zahner Diaper Service laundered and delivered cloth diapers. It was a helpful service offered to the community, disposable diapers were not available at that time.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to the diaper service?
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to the diaper service?
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to the diaper service?
ReplyDeleteIn 1976 my grandfather Bernard Zahner died. His three daughters had families of their own, and two daughters lived out of state. The diaper service was sold to General Diaper Service, and then it was relocated out of the downtown Kansas City area. The building was later torn down, as were others in the area, to make room for Crown Center.
ReplyDeleteWhen did Harvey House open? What year?
ReplyDeleteLate 1800s, need to review my research more for a specific year.
ReplyDeleteLate 1800s, need to review my research more for a specific year.
ReplyDeleteDid they just wash and deliver diapers or did they sell new diapers too?
ReplyDelete-Tanner L
Do you know how many diapers they laundered every day?
ReplyDelete- Sierra L
How long has Union Station been around?
ReplyDeleteHow long has the Harvey House been in business?
ReplyDelete