I'm a native Wichitan—born here in 1946—and probably among the very few who actually remembers the Frisco Depot on Douglas. I was about seven years old when they razed it. The city took a terrible hit during the years 1951-1955, and lots of the older structures were altered or bulldozed. I remember the bell tower on the county courthouse, the remaining floors of the Sedgwick Block [where KG&E put its building], along with several other structures. I've been doing Wichita research—mainly the downtown area—for decades, now. Of course, the depots that lined Douglas are among my projects: from west to east—Midland Valley, Arkansas Valley Interurban, Missouri Pacific, Union Station, Santa Fe [first and second versions], Rock Island, and, finally, Frisco. Being an artist, I have a number of reconstruction renderings planned, which is why I try to do the most intense research I can before planning a painting. There was a lot of change that went on around the Frisco Depot, even during its brief existence as a depot [it later became a center for WWI servicemen, a tire store, a Willys/Jeep dealership, and finished as a used car dealership, among other things]. So, I'm having to nail down a specific time to represent and take into account the construction around it, the paving of Douglas, the placement and removal of the crossing gates, the removal of the tracks crossing Douglas, the installation of the newer streetlamps, the development of the adjacent park, etc. And, of course, figure out which Frisco locomotives would have been likely to use it as a station. There are two photos with 0-6-0s, probably built around 1911-1913, but the autos in the background are from the 1940s. By then, it didn't function as a depot. I want to represent it when it actually served as a passenger station. I'm anticipating that I'll find some answers from the Frisco site! Danny
Welcome aboard, Danny. Lots to see around here; I suspect you'll find a good portion of what you're looking for around here. Best Regards,
Welcome to this fabulous resource site. I am from Ellsworth and have done some research of Wichita. One of the resources you can use are the Tihen notes. I have a link and this is a great one stop shop to find all the events you are asking about and someone else did the research. Enjoy! http://specialcollections.wichita.edu/collections/local_history/tihen/
Thanks! I've pretty much worn out the computer researching the wonderful Tihen notes....also the microfilm! Mary Nelson here at the WSU Library is an absolute gem, as are Michelle Enke [Wichita Public Library] and Jamie Frazier Tracy [Wichita Historical Museum]. This site has helped alot, too. I'm trying to nail down an appropriate locomotive to place in the painting with the depot—one that would have been in service here in Wichita between 1903 and 1910.
Danny, Welcome Aboard! There in Wichita are two Wichita Sub fans, Tony LaLumia (friscotony) and Bob Hoover (friscofriend). They would be very good sources for you.
Just saw your posting. I live in the 13th and Woodlawn area. I have been collecting information since about 1970 and would be happy to share it with you. I can be reached at 316-682-3947 most afternoons and evenings. I am most happy to share this info with anyone. Tony LaLumia t_lalumia@cox.net
Couldn't get in to the Library because of the holiday.....Thanks for your reply and kind offer, Tony. I'll be getting in touch when I get a few more facts nailed down! Danny
One of the most common engines of the time was the 4-4-0 for passenger service followed by the 4-6-0.
