Kansas City Chronicles: An Up-to-Date History

by David W. Jackson

From guerilla warfare and martial law to the elegant dresses of the Harzfeld Parisian Cloak Company, discover how everything became up-to-date in Kansas City (including the phrase "up-to-date" itself, which predates the song in Oklahoma!). Watch as the Jackson County Poor Farm became the state-of-the-art Truman Medical Center and learn why Old Westport is the real McCoy. Meet the resident mouse of the Laugh-O-Gram studio on Thirteenth and Forest, which took food from Walt Disney's hand as Mortimer before taking shape on Disney's drawing board as Mickey. In this collection of his best historical columns, David Jackson delivers a vivid portrait of the people, places and events that continue to shape this fascinating town.

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 16, 2010

Reviews

[MKF]

Though there were some interesting stories in here all of them were really short. The reason I disliked this book was because it's main focus seems to be bringing awareness to the Jackson County Historical Society. Many times the author talks about items you can donate or ask for support for the historical society. If they society is that desperate that they had to write a book for attention it would not be a place on the top places to visit. Throughout the book as well the author tells you books to read or links to visit in order to learn more about what was written. You would think the author would want people to read his book but he just gives a brief mention of a story then sends you somewhere else to learn more. Of course the majority is again for the Jackson County Historical Society that one of the books he recommends he makes sure to tell you you can buy it from them. So if you would like to read a 147 page ad for the Jackson County Historical Society this is the book for you.

[Adam]

‘Twas N interesting book but a bit of a random collection more than a coherent timeline like I was expecting. Still great for those from KC.

[Kristi]

An interesting read

[Katie Hilton]

This is an interesting collection of essays by David W. Jackson, who is archivist for the Jackson Co. Historical Society. I learned a lot about some old families and buildings, both downtown and out in the country.

[Yvette]

Really just a compilation of newspaper stories.