Independence in Montgomery County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Zutz & Son Grocery Warehouse

1890

— Historic Landmark —

Zutz & Son Grocery Warehouse Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 23, 2023

1. Zutz & Son Grocery Warehouse Marker

Inscription. [title is inscription]

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • 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 1890.

Location. 37° 13.405′ N, 95° 42.343′ 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, at the west/left edge of the facade. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 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 are within walking distance

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of this marker: Brunswick Bowling Alley (here, next to this marker); Brinkman's Grocery Store/Opera House (here, next to this marker); New York Ice Cream & Candy Co. (a few steps from this marker); J.W. Fitz: The Grocer & Meat Man (within shouting distance of this marker); Kasigan Oil, Gas & Power Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Merchants Transfer & Storage Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas B. Covell Dry Goods Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Drug Store/Cigar Factory (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Independence.

Regarding Zutz & Son Grocery Warehouse. 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
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 23, 2023

2. Zutz & Son Grocery Warehouse Marker
The marker is on the left edge of the facade.
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.

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. • • • 120 East Main Street:
Two adjacent, one-story masonry buildings were shown at 120 East Main in March 1890. In 1902 120 East Main was used as a warehouse, possibly for the Zutz grocery. In 1910 the front of the building was a lunchroom while the rear half was a “grocery wareroom” with a door into the rear of the Zutz store. S.E. Gross operated the lunchroom in 1911 while Leak and Son were proprietors of the billiards hall. 120 East Main housed a restaurant until
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 23, 2023

3. Zutz & Son Grocery Warehouse
c. 1931. It was the Jones Brothers grocery in 1937 and 1939. Both barbers and billiards were listed in the 1920's. The property later housed the Motor Equipment Company in 1937 and 1939.

Two similar adjacent, one-story structures have been combined and their storefronts substantially altered. Decorative elements include stone pier bases and brick cornice detailing. The transom area is covered with wood. The building has recessed double storefronts. The building was constructed of brick and has a flat roof and parapet.

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 10 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on October 23, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2, 3. submitted on October 24, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.