By Michael Bushnell, Publisher

The streetcars dominate the scene in this postcard published by Max Bernstein in the late teens or early 1920’s. Several automobiles are also in view, but the lack of horse and buggy traffic leads us to believe the original photograph was probably taken in the early 1920’s.

Stores and shops display large, overhanging signs, among them is Federman’s Drug Store at 11th & Walnut, a site later occupied by Woolf Brothers. Farther to the north are signs for the Olney Music Company and Household Fair. On the east side of the street is the iconic hand pointing the way to the Altman Building.

In the immediate foreground the Odor Sample Suits sign can be seen right in front of the Alpha Floral Company sign.

Walnut Street between 9th and 10th streets was long considered to be the city’s financial center. The taller tower on the west side of the street is the Commerce Trust Company, located on the northwest corner of 10th and Walnut.

On the corner of 9th & Walnut was the Commonwealth National Bank, Fidelity Trust Company was on the Northwest corner and Missouri Savings Association was on the Southeast corner.

National City Bank stood at 912-914 Walnut, the Western Exchange Bank was at 900 Walnut and the State Bank of Kansas City was at 921 Walnut. The National Fidelity Bank of New York was located in the Republic Building on the Southwest corner of 10th & Walnut.

A canvas banner can also be seen hanging across Walnut in the distance, advertising Auto Races on Saturday the 27th.