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

J.W. Fitz: The Grocer & Meat Man

1890

— Historic Landmark —

J.W. Fitz: The Grocer & Meat Man Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 23, 2023

1. J.W. Fitz: The Grocer & Meat Man 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° 42.366′ 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 west/left side of the facade. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 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: Drug Store/Cigar Factory (a few steps from this marker); New York Ice Cream & Candy Co. (a few steps from this marker); Brinkman's Grocery Store/Opera House (within shouting distance of this marker); Brunswick Bowling Alley (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas B. Covell Dry Goods Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Merchants Transfer & Storage Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Zutz & Son Grocery Warehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Gentlemen's Clothing Store (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Independence.

Regarding J.W. Fitz: The Grocer & Meat Man. 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
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 23, 2023

2. J.W. Fitz: The Grocer & Meat Man Marker
The marker is mounted on the left/west side of the facade, between the second-floor entrance and the storefront window.
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.

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. • • • 110 East Main Street:
When this two-story masonry building was shown in 1890, 1902, and 1910, it was used as a grocery with a lodge room on the second floor. John C. Smith was the grocer in 1908 and J.W. Fitz was listed in 1911. From 1916 to 1939 the Sanders Electric Company occupied the building. On the second floor a clubroom was still shown in 1923 and 1931.

This two-story commercial building has a recessed central entrance flanked by display windows.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 23, 2023

3. J.W. Fitz: The Grocer & Meat Man
The rear addition is 1½ story. The front facade has three bays. The building was constructed of brick with a stone foundation. The building has a flat roof and parapet. The storefront features large display windows and a multi-pane transom. There are three paired metal casement windows in the openings on the second floor. There is a glazed wooden entrance door in the storefront and a wooden stair to the second-floor entrances from the alley to the east. Decorative elements include tile bulkheads, a fabric awning, smooth-cut stone windowsills and hoods, flush brick panels with stone ornamental blocks, a stone parapet cap.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 25, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.