The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-11-27
SHOWS A BIC CAIN
North Side Business, Is Sign of
Prosperity.
Community Spirit Most Notice
able i'm First Ward.

peka,'' a South side man remarked to
North Topeka business man not long
since. '-is the way you folks hang to-
gether. I like your community spir-
it," And this is true, not only as
regards the social life of the commun-
ity but the business life as well. The
citizens of North Topeka are working
individually and collectively for the
betterment of North Topeka, while in
no sense neglecting the good of the
city at large.
There has been a marked improve
ment in business conditions in North
Topeka in the last two years. Many
new enterprises have located in this
section of the city, and the increased
demand for business houses has re-
suited in the remodeling of nearly
every unoccupied building on Kansas
avenue, and the re-decoration of 9TH
ers not requiring more extensive re-
pairs.
The federal building at Kansas ave-
nue. and Gordon street, under con-
be ready for occupancy February 1.
1t is one-story in height, but contains
ample room for all necessary work of
the sub-statioh, and the office fixtures
and furnishings will be of the most
convenient and approved style The
grounds are extensive, sown to grass,
and planted to trees and shrubs.
Concrete driveways from both Kan
sas avenue and Gordon street lead to
ample concrete parking space in the
rear of the building. This is the most
important Improvement in North To-
peka since the building of No. l fire
station, which is directly across the
street from the federal building.
The Kaw Valley National bank
building, finished this year, is one ex-
ample of the progress North Topeka
has made in commercial lines. Having
already two old established banks, the
need for another to accommodate the
increasing business of the North side
and OF the adjacent rich farming coun-
try, was apparent, and the Kaw Valley
National was established, occupying its
own building at the corner of Kansas
avenue and Laurent street. The two
older banks, the Citizens State and the
Shawnee State banks, are in modern
quarters on the west and east corners
of Kansas avenue and Norris street,
respectively.
The Farmers Creamery company.
incorporated in the last two years, To-
Gated on the corner of Kansas avenue
and Gordon street, is one of the large
enterprises of the state, and is fncreas-
ing its output daily.
The Topeka Packing company is an
other growing concern that plans to
extend its business further next spring,
and will build larger quarters on its
property at SIG Kansas avenue.
newspaper, the Shawnee Chief The
proprietors also publish several papers
for nearby towns. An up-to-date JOB
office is operated in connection with
the newspaper, where high class work
is turned out.
Milling Interests.
The milling and elevator interests OF
North Topeka are extensive and OF
years standing, the Page Mills, for
merly the Mid-Continent, the Inter
Ocean, the Kaw Milling company, the
Derby Grain company, and the Golden
Belt being among the most important.
The Blue Point Milling company, re-
Gently established in North Topeka, is
a three-process mill, making flour,
shorts and bran in one process. 1t
deals directly with the farmer, grind
ing his grain for a per cent OF the
product
The schools of North Topeka are. of
course, on a par with any in Topeka.
and are the cause of many country
families moving to North Topeka. The
attendance in the lower grades at both
Quincy and Grant schools increased to
such an extent this term that addi-
tional rooms and teachers were found
necessary. The school buildings of
North Topeka are unusually well
equipped. Grant has been remodeled
and brought up-to-date, and Quincy is
one of the finest school buildings west
"
school for colored children, is also q
large modern building. It, as well as
Grant and Quincy, has a kindergarten
department and manual training.
Demand For Houses.
The coming of many new families to
North Topeka caused demand for
houses that soon assumed serious pro-
portions. Property constantly changed
hands and rents increased. The day
came when a house in fairly good con-
dition could not be found for rent in
North Topeka. The North Topeka
Civic club agitated the question of
forming an investment company of
North Topeka men, backed by North
Topeka capital, that would build new,
or buy and remodel old, houses, later
selling them and thus relieving the
housing situation. From this action
the Kaw Valley Investment company
was started. The company is formed
of substantial business men of North
Topeka and already a number of
houses have been built and sold, and
others are in course of construction
The North Topeka Civic club has
been the means the past year or so. of
obtaining q number of improvements
for North Topeka. from the city ad-
ministration. An oven has been fur
nished Garfield park and a swimming
pool has been promised for next year.
The proceeds from the Garfield park
concessions Will IN the Iuture De used
for improving Garfield park only, as
was stipulated when the park was
given to the city by citizens Of North
Topeka
Community Club.
The purchase of the Community
house. while bought from subscrip-
lions from North Topeka citizens and
business men. was made possible thru
the efforts of the North Topeka Civic
club, and that II fills a long felt want
is demonstrated by. the frequent and
steadily increasing calls for its use for
various meetings.
Nothing has been done. other than