I know that the few posts that I have done may come off negative. Both towards those who run and manage the city and the general public. I do this to incite people to think of what is best for everyone.
I have lived just outside the city limits for 27 years, which by the way, is my entire life. I don't agree to a whole lot that the city does, but I have no real ground to stand on, since I don't live in the city. Although I do shop in the city limits, eat at almost all the the great places to eat, therefore spending my hard earned money in the City.
I frequent Graves Drug, Brown's, Sheer Success, Stage, Grinder Man, Gambino's and even the Burford when it was still downtown. The stores downtown are a great place to shop, even for those hard to find items. All have incredible employees and service. Graves and Brown's both carry item that, believe it or not, you can not find at Wal-Mart. On the flip side I also shop at Wal-Mart. I'm not a Wal-Mart hater, like some, but think that Sam Walton started out like everyone else, with a dream and a loan.
Downtown is beautiful, but it seems to be dying. Just in my lifetime I remember a whole lot more stores than are there now. I remember Downtown Auto Body (now Riverside Auto Body), shoe stores, clothing stores, dry goods. What happened? Big business, unlikely. I really don't know what happened, I can't even come up with a sarcastic remark for once.
The one thing that really sticks out is the loss of one of Ark City's oldest business. Bryant's. I for one would like to know what is going to happen to the building. Will it sit empty like so many others downtown? Or are there plans for something else? Ark City has alot of history, more than any one person could possibly know. Don't let it die with everything else. Back when I was a young punk kid, I could have cared less, but as I have gotten older I want to know more.
It's a sad state of affairs when there's only one place to buy shoes that are affordable but wouldn't be caught dead in them. The "dress shoes" are horrible and nothing along the line of current styles. Of course I'm talking about "Walmart". Stage has shoes but a loan is needed to purchase $60.00 shoes and sports shoes are higher.
With the Burford out in the wheatfield, it looks like "Cowboy 8" lights shining on the building Taking it away from folks that have kids whom loved a Sat. night at the movies,and those that don't have cars to drive, thinking about the many Cowley students we used to see there on a Sat or Sun afternoon. They've lost our business, I know it's only two, but it adds up quickly and hope they realize the inconvience along with time, gas and safety hazards presented by making such move.
Now a hospital in the woods....by the way, just a stopping point to make sure you're still breathing untill you arrive at the real hospital in Winfield.
Generational stores closing, the elderly we all knew and loved passing on, kids that have grown up, moved away and back, shocked to see the sad state of discontent among city leaders and managers, progress being blocked by keeping the big store out of town amd any movement toward to a brighter future.
The possibility of rail service through Ark City that President Obama himself has said money is set aside for rail service, but Ms. Kelly is dragging her feet in getting the application into the state house.
No, it's not the same quaint town it used to be, not as safe, more people, less jobs, sounds like a sisaster in the making.
Thanks for letting me get that off my chest. Sincerely, Tala
I was born and raised in Arkansas City, graduated from the old ACHS, started my adult life in Arkansas City. It was a great place to grow up - we had all the downtown stores, the Burford, the pool hall which is still there, in which I spent a lot of time. Being a youth in Ark City was good. I moved to Winfield in 1990, married, bought a home and would still travel to Arkansas City a good deal to help Mom take care of her home, she was getting on in years. She sold her home in later years and moved to Phoenix, hence with Mom gone, I don`t go to Arkansas City as much - but when I do, I am just sickened. The Arkansas City of today is NOT the town in which I grew up and loved. I go to WalMart or Country Mart at times, and all I hear is Spanish being spoken. Not that that`s a totally bad thing, but most of you get my meaning. A few years ago my wife and I toyed with the idea of moving back to Arkansas City, several reasons - real estate is a bit less expensive, I still have friends there, and I missed Arkansas City. In light of recent events, I`m glad we didn`t. Granted, Winfield has its share of issues, every city does. I used to think Arkansas City was much more progressive than Winfield, as far as trying new things; I had people tell me to wake up and smell the coffee. I thought, "ah, you`re just negative". But maybe they were right after all. But. people, go ahead and trash your city council - it`s easier to do that than get involved and talk with them in a positive manner. They will listen to you if you show an animated concern about the way things are going. I know ours do and will - we just elected a 20-something young man to our city council. I feel sad for Arkansas City - it is a nice town, it is my hometown, and I hope things get turned around.
"it's my hometown...", words that ring so true for me as well.
I've visited your board off and on over the years just as a means of staying in touch. I was born in Hutchinson in 1960 and moved to Ark City in 65.
Life was simple and enjoyable as a child and I was blessed to spend my childhood in Ark City. Dad was the manager of the F.W. Woolworth store and riding my bike down Summit was a way of life. Granted it was a much more peaceful world back then.
As the winds of life blew, the fields of wheat were replaced by the thunder of progress and development of Kansas City. Life just wasn't the same without my hometown.
As I venture on towards 50, my heart still takes me home to Ark City.
-- Edited by Cisco Kid on Sunday 12th of July 2009 10:39:59 PM
Arkansas City has the potential to grow and re-develope it's neighborhoods. Every buisness which is locally owned strives to work through this financial crisis in the united States, and that is one main reason: I suggest, BUY LOCAL when ever you can! Every small business needs you and we all need each other as well. Arkansas City can once more blossom!
The City Officials need to start considering how the City appears? Laws and Codes all ready exist pertaining to properties and how they look: But, they are not being enforced and more and more residential properties are slipping into peeled paint and broken windows even while still being rented out to families. Signs on business' are broken and do not look good: Codes require they be kept up and or removed?
Madman: This is a good question you brought forth and I respect your right to view things in a different light than others. That is the American way!
While the large chain stores have affected downtown business that effect comes by the choice of the citizens of Arkansas City. Downtown could re-develope itself if the City Officials started to aid the small business as it "has aided" the chain stores. Granted they have decorated the street and it does look nice: However, decorations do not bring new businesses or customers to established business's in the downtown area. A combined effort by all is needed to re-establish downtown shopping.
In a few days the new hospital shall open and maybe it is time all accept that it is here? A positive attitude may see the new hospital is an added need filled?
By the way: The old Bryants store is occupied with a new business. Guess some have not driven by and looked? Stop in and say hello....The owner is very friendly and helpful. I hear he also likes to eat cake?
Yes! Arkansas City can grow and developers can look at downtown locations if the citizens as well as the elected decide downtown is the heart of the City.
Granted the US Economy is trying to recover from an almost "Depression Event" blamed on housing and that we all know now was not the real truth: Yet! All the bailouts went to private entities that forced government entities to falter like Fannie May as an example. Still even today the small businesses have remained unaided and unsupported by the Government. And, we have seen this effect downtown and every where in the Nation. No COLA for two years has set back all the receipients as prices continued to go up while corporations still pay out billions in bonus checks simply due that they received total bail out funding.
Downtown can grow! The choice is up to every citizen of Arkansas City.
Blessings.........Annlee
-- Edited by Annlee on Thursday 3rd of March 2011 05:21:00 AM
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Annlee Cakes 408 East 5th Avenue Arkansas City, Kansas Next door to the Fire department Native American Jewelry and Crafts Wedding Cakes our Specialty......by appointment Phone: 620-441-8656
Hey Madman I see you are still beating the drum of progress and change. I haven't dropped by for awhile, but in reviewing the board topics it dosen't appear that I've missed much.
I need to ask, is it that folks in A.C. don't give a rat's ars or could it be that discussing local issues on this board is not the thing to do?
Has anything changed over the past twelve months or so, or is life still just day to day as is as will always be?
Dang Cisco "progress and change" makes me sound like a politician or someone running for an elected office. Trust me I am not ready for that and I don't think I would get elected if I were ready. I have seen what happens to those who buck the system and try to instill common sense. The backlash is horrible.
Now moving on...I hope business is good Annlee. I currently don't need any cakes, but when I do I have your number!
Now aside from that...A wise man once told me that a person can spot the demise of their town when the antique shops move in. My question is, what does it mean when those antique shops begin to close? (i.e. the Antique Mall by Graves) Don't take that wrong, I'm not bashing the antique shops, I just thought it was a funny story, and possibly true?
I gotta say Cisco, you got me on that progress and change deal. How about this, progress is a little behind and change is still comin'.
I have caught word through the grapevine that there could possibly be two or more businesses for sale in town. Now these are currently open and will remain so because the owners are not aggressively seeking buyers but would sell if the terms were right. I myself would love to own these, given that they are well established and have been a staple of the community for a number of years. I have not spoke with the owners but my sources are trustworthy, and I have no reason to doubt them.
I'll be honest, I don't have the money to buy them, nor is my credit good enough for a bank to take the risk and loan me the money needed. Each one would need remodeled and massive improvements made and large sums of money would be needed to take on these endevors. I just don't have that money.
Progress and Change
We need to progress towards change for sure. By the same note ideas need to be given to those willing to risk their hard earned money to start a new business in this city. The city government also needs to back those individuals in some form or another.
I keep thinking back to some of the history of Ark City and I am reminded of a man who came to this town and opened a store. In the humble beginning the store was located in a one room building. Over the years this man grew his business. He would travel to New York City and bring back with him the latest fashions and fabrics. He bought in bulk, savings of which he could pass on to his customers. He sold things on credit, havimg faith in people that they would pay their bill.
The man had many other endevors, both increasing his wealth and industry within Ark City. Throughout his many projects he still had the time and drive to operate his little hometown store. This store moved and occupied several buildings through the years, finally culminating to this:
During 1916-17 a magnificent home was erected for this store at the corner of Adams Avenue and Summit Street. There are other buildings in the state taller, but none so well constructed nor so thoroughly equipped for its present purposes. The building is 100 by 132 feet, five stories high, with basement and sub-basement and built throughout of concrete and of fireproof material. Large as the building is it is none too large for the vast volume of business transacted by the Newman Dry Goods Company. The store is equipped with one freight and two passenger elevators and a spiral for the delivery of goods. It has an improved heating and cooling process, and in hot weather air is drawn through a curtain of water. The heating plant is in the sub-basement. The sub-basement comprises two floors and there has been such a liberal distribution of light that the entire basement is as well lighted as the upper floors. The basement is so arranged that wagons and trucks can be driven to this floor direct from the street above and every facility has been provided for the prompt and efficient handling of goods. The first floor has a large gallery or mezzanine story. The second floor is for general merchandise, men's goods and dry goods, the third floor is for women's ready to wear goods and carpets, the fourth floor is house furnishings and furniture, while the fifth floor is a warehouse and stock room. One feature of the building is a marquee twelve feet wide, extending from the building over the sidewalk and providing shelter against the sun and rain.(Source /skyways.lib.ks.us/genweb/archives/1918ks/bion/newmanaa.html)
Yes Mr. A.A. Newman had drive and determination. He built his business from the ground up, with help from the community.
