The Journal
Tumbledown of Gilliss House
Contributed by James A. Tharp
The
Spring 2004 JOURNAL of the Jackson County Historical Society features Tumbledown
of Gilliss House Contributed by James A. Tharp
In the April 12, 2004 Kansas
City Star editorial, Jane F. Flynn relayed that “the late Lewis Mumford,
renowned architectural critic, commented about the built environment, “In the
city, time becomes invisible.” She then asked, “How many of our buildings are
we willing to let fall before the city can no longer see its history?” Kansas City lost the Gilliss
House long ago, but other significant buildings are in jeopardy today. Take
positive action so future Kansas Citians may see their history through its
structural and cultural landscapes. This article comprises slightly
edited re-printed newspaper articles about the Gilliss House (often spelled
as “Gillis” and known at various times as the Claiborne House, the Western,
the American, the Eldridge and the Union Hotel) from the mid- to late-1800s.
The structure stood majestically beside the Missouri River at Westport
Landing since the origin of the Town of Kansas and through the infancy of
Kansas City. Keep in mind that thirty years of bustling Kansas City history
transpired between the printings of these articles. Former JOURNAL contributor
James A. Tharp, who is reading early newspapers for his personal enjoyment,
found these and we thought they were worth bringing to light once more,
especially as Kansas City progresses on its plans to preserve the Town of
Kansas site as an archaeological park.
Websites offering more information: Defining Town of
Kansas (PDF file) Honorable Mention
of the Gillis House Another
Personal Family History Site Eldridge Letters in
Kansas City Kansas City
Star Tribute to Early Kansas City Civil War Era Mention of
Gillis To order this JOURNAL edition, subscribe or join JCHS click
here. |
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