I just love old pictures…Don’t you? Old photographs offer a glimpse into the past and depict history in such a unique and fascinating way. It is amazing how much things continue to change, and these 14 vintage Kansas photos prove just that.

1.) Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway shops located in Topeka (1943)
Wikimedia Commons
These three men are seen working with a small steam drop hammer at the local blacksmith shop.
2.) Santa Fe Avenue in Salina (1955)
Flickr/anyjazz65
From the words of Flickr user anyjazz65, "This is on Santa Fe Avenue looking north. The bank clock is visible at the Iron Street corner. Across the street are those old shops: Gibbs, Epps Bootery, Seitz, Linck Pharmacy. The quartet headed toward us are in the latest fashion for the year. There were no shopping centers, no Wallyworld. When you shopped you strolled the downtown sidewalks."
3.) Emporia (1910)
Flickr/Dave
This postcard depicts Sixth Avenue in Emporia during the early 20th Century.
4.) Topeka Tornado (1966)
Wikimedia Commons
The infamous tornado caused F5 damage to parts of the city.
5.) Unknown Location (1930)
Flickr/danzil raines
A Kansas farmer tends to his fields during the summer of 1930.
6.) First National Bank of Hoxie (Unknown Date)
Flickr/whitewall buick
In addition to the bank, the building was once home to a public hall and Charles H Beers' Dry Goods Store.
7.) Smith Center Stagecoach Gift Shop (c. 1960)
Flickr/Roadside Pictures
Does anyone recognize this shop? I was unable to find any information regarding its history or whether or not it's still open.
8.) Kansas City (1951)
Flickr/clotho98
The back of the photo reads, "This picture of humiliated children is from 'I Love A Rabbit,' Vet's Bldg. Linwood & Paseo."
9.) Kansas City (1910)
Flickr/Don... the UpNorth Memories
This vintage postcard depicts the "Modern Farmer."
10.) Fox Theater in Winfield (c. 1950's)
Flickr/Pete Zarria
Sadly, the Fox Theater closed its doors in the early 2000's.
11.) Basehor Kansas High School Basketball (1940)
Flickr/ajmexico
12.) Firestone Store in Girard (c. 1920)
Flickr/John Tewell
According to Flickr user John Tewell, "Firestone Store, Floyd Tewell and owner, south side of square towards the east end of the block, Girard, Kansas, about 1920 My Father Floyd Tewell was born Dec. 1903, went to Girard High School through his junior year, he quit school to go to work in this store. They sold tires, automotive items, fixed tires and replaced the tops of horse carriages and the rubberized fabric insert tops of automobiles. On his 80th birthday Girard High School honored him by giving him a honorary High School diploma for being a well liked successful business man in Girard. Would anyone know the Firestone Store owners name for the period in time?" Can anyone help out Mr. Tewell?
13. Carney (c. 1908)
Flickr/Don... the UpNorth Memories
Around the turn of the century, President William H. Taft stopped in Carney as part of his national speaking tour.
14.) Kansas State Capitol in Topeka (1912)
Wikimedia Commons
The Kansas State Capitol was completed in 1903 and has been continually updated and modernized since.

Did you recognize any of these locations?

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