The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1922-06-22
Kissing Bros.
(BY R. KENNETH EVANS)

One of the largest exclusive shoe stores in West
ern Kansas carrying line of shoes for the whole
family and for all purposes is that operated by
Kissing Brothers in Hays, and which was originally
established here in 1914. Standard made shoes ma
tionally known carried in this stock which in
cudes the latest styles for seasonabe wear and those
who wish to appear well dressed and secure shoes
Warranted for their service and satisfaction, will find
here just what they are looking for.
In addition to the shoe department this firm al
so maintains an extensive cleaning and pressing de-
partment which is one Of the best equipped IN this
section of the state and which has been factor in
the development of such enviable reputation for
The Kissing brothers store was originally estab-
Hshed In 1914 in what was known the Ryan block.
Shortly after establishment in fact in 1917, the
business was moved to the Knoche building in the
room now occupied by c. w. Reeder & Son clothing
store.
The steady growth and development of this
business again made 1t necessary to branch out and
in 1919 the firm constructed their present building,
modern IN every respect, and after dsposing of the
cIoChlng STOCK 70 Reeder q Son. occupied the new
store in 1920. From the time of opening the instu-
ton the growth has been steady and substantial
I'll To-Day II IS recognized as one OF the leading bust
ness institutions of Ellis county, attracting trade from
a wide range of territory because of the extensive
lines handled IN shoes and the excellent work done in
the cleaning, pressing and tailoring departments.
The shoe stock includes a complete line of mems
and women's dress and work shoes Walkover and
Cantilever lines in women's shoes are nationally
known and nationally advertised and includes the
latest creations in shoe For men the Wakover
known and standard made. The stock of shoes
ried at all times will invoice in the neighborhood of
ever found in a city the size of Hays.
Extensive buying connections and conservative
buying eliminates many of the disagreeable features
usually attached to shoe store where the manage
ment is not conservative as here 1t is seldom that
shoes carried in stock out of season Or in other
words the management realizes just about how
many shoes will be disposed of each year and keeps
the stock up to the minute in style The latest foot
appliances are carried and this coupled with the fact
that those in charge of the shoe department thor
oughly understand fitting shoes, assures every Gus
toner of getting just the shoe the shape of their foot
demands.
AS stated above, the cleaning plant is one of the
most complete in Western Kansas and includes three
washers eXtractOrs, deodoriZer gasoline clari1er,
underground gasoline system. The entire plant is
protected by automatic steam fire extinguisher
which is protection against garments being destroy
ed by fire this system perfect fire pro-
lection can be secured. Two Hoffman presses,
operated by steam also used in this department.
Garments received at this institution for clean
ing and pressing also minor repaired. That is
buttons are replaced rips sewed up, etc. In addi-
ton tailoring department is operated which is
The plant has capacity for so to 100 suits day and
one day service is one of the attractive features
Garments be sent to Bissngs in the morning and
returned the same evening ready for wear All
work IS absolutely guaranteed
All the altering for practically all the larger
stores of the city is done in the tailoring department
OF this institution and experienced alterer for
Ladies wearing apparel is employed. A garage is
operated in connection with the plant which makes it
possible for the management to make deliveries of
clothing, matter how bad the weather may be, by
driving into this institution and its shelter for the
loading of the wagons A truck is maintained for
deliveries and calling for work.
Parcel post agencies maintained by the firm
in almost every town in Western Kansas which
brings much business to Hays Parcel post charges
are paid one way all work sent in.
This is the type of institution which is rapidly
making for the city of Hays enviable reputation
commercial and distributing center.