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

Gentlemen's Clothing Store

1885

— Historic Landmark —

Gentlemen's Clothing Store Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 23, 2023

1. Gentlemen's Clothing Store 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 1885.

Location. 37° 13.388′ N, 95° 42.376′ W. Marker is in Independence, Kansas, in Montgomery County. It is on East Main Street (U.S. 160) just east of South Pennsylvania Avenue, on the right when traveling east. The marker is on the left/east edge of the building facade. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 103 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 of this marker: Thomas B. Covell Dry Goods Store

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

Regarding Gentlemen's Clothing Store. 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
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 23, 2023

2. Gentlemen's Clothing Store Marker
The marker is beside the door, on the left/east edge of the facade.
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. • • • 103 East Main Street:
The presumed date of construction (1883) is cast in the shield centered at the second story cornice of this building. The property was a dry goods and shoe store from 1885 until 1905. It was the Lewellen-Williams and Henry S. Jenkins furniture store in 1910. By 1918 the building served as an annex to the Haas Clothing Company next door. Leon and Morris Haas moved to 209 N. Penn in 1940 and sold the building to the Davis Furniture Company. The building is currently used as a pizza
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 23, 2023

3. Gentlemen's Clothing Store
restaurant.

This commercial building has rectangular footprint with a two-story front facade and one-story rear addition. It is constructed of brick with a flat roof and parapet. Decorative elements include Italianate windows hoods, a metal cornice with brackets, modillions, and a center shield with date. The first floor storefront is modern with the entrance to the side. The transom area has been covered with wood. In 1987 the entire second floor front facade was rebuilt with modern brick and the window openings filled.

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