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The Story of the Plaza Lights
The Story of the Plaza LightsIf you were forwarded this email, click here to subscribe (it's free!) Read this story online | Sponsor this newsletter On December 25, 1925, a single strand of Christmas lights was displayed above the doorway of the Mill Creek Building at the Country Club Plaza. This simple act was initiated by Charles "Pete" Pitrat, the maintenance supervisor of the Nichols Company, and marked the start of a tradition that would grow over the decades. The Plaza itself was conceived in 1912 by J.C. Nichols, who envisioned a shopping center designed to accommodate the automobile age. With its Spanish-style architecture, green spaces, and proximity to Brush Creek, the Plaza quickly gained popularity as a destination for both shopping and leisure. By 1930, the first official Plaza Lighting Ceremony was held, expanding on Pitrat's original idea and incorporating lights across the Plaza. The Plaza Lights grew in scale and became a symbol of the holiday season in Kansas City. Each Thanksgiving, nearly 100,000 people gather to witness the illumination ceremony, now considered one of the most significant lighting displays in the country. There was one notable exception to this tradition. In 1973, during the energy crisis, President Richard Nixon encouraged Americans to conserve energy, leading to the cancellation of the Plaza Lights that year. Today, the Country Club Plaza Lighting Ceremony continues as a cherished tradition, attracting locals and visitors alike. While the event has grown in scope and recognition, its origins—a single strand of lights and a simple vision—serve as a reminder of its humble beginnings. 15% off till Sunday!All vintage posters & photo prints are 15% off through Sunday, Dec 1! Vintage Posters Photo Prints Use code FRIDAY at checkout to activate your 15% discount. As always, shipping is free. Happy shopping! Happy Thanksgiving! -Joe ps: a very popular corner in Brookside...
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Stories from the City - History of Kansas City
Join thousands of others and discover Kansas City's captivating history every week with the exclusive newsletter from KC Yesterday. Sign up now to unlock fascinating stories about the mafia, architecture, prohibition, sports, and everything in between!
The Story of The Hyatt Regency Walkway Collapse: KC's Darkest Day If you were forwarded this email, click here to subscribe (it's free!) Read this story online | Sponsor this newsletter | Shop 📸 Exactly 44 years ago, on July 17, 1981, a catastrophic structural failure occurred at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Two suspended walkways inside the hotel’s atrium collapsed during a crowded evening event, resulting in the deaths of 114 people and injuries to 216 others. It remains one of the deadliest...
The Story of The Jacksons at Arrowhead in 1984 If you were forwarded this email, click here to subscribe (it's free!) Read this story online | Sponsor this newsletter | Shop 📸 July 6-8, 1984: The Jacksons at Arrowhead Stadium In the summer of 1984, The Jacksons launched their North American Victory Tour with three sold-out shows at Arrowhead Stadium. In a rare move, Arrowhead officials accepted a flat $100,000 fee instead of their usual cut of ticket and concession sales. The Victory Tour...
The Story of Sliced Bread’s Invention in Chillicothe If you were forwarded this email, click here to subscribe (it's free!) Read this story online | Sponsor this newsletter | Shop 📸 In the world of everyday innovations, few have had the staying power, or cultural impact, of sliced bread. And it all began in the small town of Chillicothe, Missouri, about an hour and a half northeast of downtown Kansas City. Here's the story! Mural in Chillicothe, MO. Courtesy http://www.homeofslicedbread.com/....