Independence in Montgomery County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Brunswick Bowling Alley
1905
| — | Historic Landmark | — |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 23, 2023
1. Brunswick Bowling Alley Marker
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.
Location. 37° 13.404′ N, 95° 42.347′ W. Marker is in Independence, Kansas, in Montgomery County. It is on East Main Street (U.S. 160) just east of North Pennsylvania Avenue, on the left when traveling east. The marker is mounted on the subject building, on the right side of the front entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 116 East Main Street, Independence KS 67301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Kansas. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers
this page online
Regarding Brunswick Bowling Alley. Contributing property, Independence Downtown Historic District, National Register of Historic Places № 06000624.
From the National Register Nomination prepared by Kristin Schodorf, March 2005:
The Independence Downtown Historic District comprises primarily the core downtown of Independence, KS. These buildings consist mainly of Neo-Classical, Classical Revival, and Commercial styles. The town of Independence was incorporated on July 23,1870. There were several devastating fires in the early years and not many buildings survived past 1883. Because of these early fires the city passed an ordinance requiring construction to be stone or brick using fireproofing methods. Virtually all the buildings in the district are constructed of brick, concrete, or stone, or combination of same.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 23, 20232. Brunswick Bowling Alley MarkerThe marker is on the right side of the entrance.
The oil and gas boom of the late 1800s and early 1900s provided for modern construction, such as using reinforced concrete and steel in buildings. As is typical of historic commercial structures, some downtown buildings have experienced alterations over the years. The overall historic character and appearance of the downtown district is still present.• • • 116 East Main Street:
The tract at 116 East Main was vacant in January 1902, but the current building was shown as a one-story masonry building used as a bowling alley in May 1905. The property was listed as the Brunswick Bowling Alley in 1908 with Hafer Brothers as proprietors. It was a restaurant in the 1920s. The Singer Sewing Machine agency and Noller Typewriter Company were located at 116 East Main in 1937 and 1939.
Thisis a one-story commercial building with an entrance to the side of the storefront display windows. The building is three bays wide. It is constructed of brick with a flat roof and parapet. Decorative elements include pressed metal eave sheeting covering the facade and an ornamental cornice with end blocks. The storefront has been substantially altered with modern metal windows and entrance door. The storefront is also obscured by a shingled awning and attached signage.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 23, 20233. Brunswick Bowling Alley (1905)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 19 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 23, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
