Davis Funeral Chapel, The Oldest Business In Kansas, Is Still Standing Today
By Clarisa|Published April 05, 2020
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Clarisa
Author
Born and raised Kansan, Clarisa has lived in both tiny towns and cities during their time here in the Sunflower State. As a busy mother of one crazy kid, two cats, and two geckos, they write whenever there is spare time.
Have you ever wondered what the oldest business in Kansas is, or even one of the oldest? It’s a little hard to tell sometimes due to records not always surviving the years, but we think all of Kansas’ old businesses are equally deserving of excitement. This funeral chapel in Kansas is the oldest business we could find, and we thought we would share it with you. Have you visited this historic business before?
What may be the state's oldest business is also the state's oldest funeral chapel. Davis Funeral Chapel has been around since 1855, and considering the city of Leavenworth itself was founded in 1854, we're not surprised to see the date.
The beautiful original building looked a little odd with nothing surrounding it, but it's amazing to think what they had built back then. Today, Davis Funeral looks a little different, but still retains the charm of a business that's been running for more than a century.
This business started by James B. Davis and his family, originally opened as a funeral, coffin, burial robe, and furniture making business. Arguably the coolest part of being such an old business is serving historical villains that we've only heard of through tales and history books.
People such as Buffalo Bill, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, Bugs Moran, and more have been hosted here over the years. Names like Richard Hickock and Perry Smith have come through as well, making this historic building a much more interesting place than an old business.
It isn't strange to know someone or know a friend of a friend that has been to this family business, or had a loved one come through this way. If you're a longtime Kansan, it may be worthwhile to stop by and see the history of this business for yourself.
Today, the sixth generation of Leavenworth's Davis Funeral owners now runs the place, serving the area's funeral needs. They are the home of Leavenworth's only on-site crematorium, and with the help of a furry companion, your loved ones never leave until all the arrangements are complete. It's a good sentiment that your loved ones are in good hands.
