Talk of the Town – July 29-August 4, 2024

Welcome to Talk of the Town! Each week, we will provide a comprehensive summary of major events, decisions, and discussions that took place in Excelsior Springs. We’ll highlight public comments, social media interactions, and responses from local leaders to give you a well-rounded view of how these stories are impacting our city. We would love your feedback!

Top 3 Stories from last week:

Posts that got you talking:

Kevin Morgan posted a before and after photo of the building at the corner of Main Street and Excelsior Street, originally known as The RW Pack Furniture Store. In his post into the Excelsior Citizen Facebook Group he states, “The RW Pack Furniture Store at the corner of Main Street and Excelsior. First photo must be from the 1910s because they have a wood burning stove in the window. The second was taken in 2018.”

Many citizens commented on it being the first Crowley Furniture store. The Excelsior Springs Museum and Archives later in the week posted more information about the building:

“A recent post on Excelsior Citizen got a lot of comments recently. Here’s a brief history of that building, which became the R.W. Pack & Company furniture story sometime between 1902 and 1906.

Richard William Pack (09/22/1842-5/4/1927), was a pioneer merchant in Excelsior Springs, moving here in 1902 where he first operated a livery stable (the Saratoga Barn near the Maples Apartments. The livery was torn down in 1906 to make way for a boarding house or hotel.) Pack then entered the furniture business in the building that still bears his name in faded paint on the East Excelsior side.

The R.W. Pack & Company store was expanded in 1913 when the second story of the building was completed, and stock was displayed on both floors, and constituted “a larger stock of furniture than any other store in the county.” R.W. Pack’s obituary described him as “one of the sturdy pioneers of this section of the state, and a man of strong determination and sincere integrity respected and esteemed in the community.” He was born in a log cabin farm in Platte County, and in his 20s, he freighted with a mule team across the plains between St. Joseph, Denver, Co., and Laramie, Wyo.

Later, he was a sheriff for four years in Platte County. Harry Pack apparently ran the furniture store after his father’s death. When the lease on the store’s original location at 112 East Excelsior Street expired in 1929, he moved the store to 113 North Main Street.

In December 1954, the new Crowley & Van Pelt Furniture Co. was located in the Pack building (with an entrance at 111 North Main Street). This was the genesis of the Crowley Furniture store in Excelsior Springs.”

Wednesday evening a storm came through the area that left 60,000 people in the Kansas City metro area without power. Excelsior was luckily saved from the damage this storm caused in other areas. Each time there is a major storm or one with a warning, we start a post in the group that we all use to communicate with each other. It’s very beneficial and the more citizens we have participate, the more we will all know about what’s going on!

Thursday, August 1, 2024 downtown business and property owner Doreen and David Rhodus announced that there would be a Commercial Real Estate Auction for some of their buildings in the downtown. Cates Auction listed the property. They thanked their tenants and patrons for the last 25 years.

Robbie Farabee celebrated his birthday with some chalk art and Laura’s Pizza Buffet! Love the love that this community gives to someone who does so much to bring us everyday joy! Happy Birthday, Robbie!

Teachers from ES are sharing their Amazon wish lists, requesting support from the community for the upcoming school year. Local educators (whether you’re teaching here or live here and teach elsewhere) are invited to share their lists, as well. The post can be found in our Facebook Group. Search “Wish Lists” and then click on “Most Recent”.

Several citizens reported seeing an object hovering north above town but in the comments other citizens posted radar maps showing they were balloons. It had everyone talking about aliens and political conspiracy theories.

Donna Rank shared some wonderful photos of Fiddler on the Roof, which is in its final week of production. It will be showing this weekend August 9th-11th. Get your tickets online now!

Ron Prewitt broke the Internet locally with his shenanigans at the Roberts Robinson Chevrolet dealership. Check out their channel for more of his fun!

Other Noteworthy News This Week:

We love seeing these spontaneously shared words of encouragement from citizens who have experienced something extraordinary throughout the week. Thanks to those who inspire these posts!

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Talk of the Town – July 29-August 4, 2024

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