Michael Bushnell
Northeast News

Although there’s a vacant lot where Benedict L. Bredburg’s Metropolitan Grocery once stood, such “corner markets” were the rule rather than the exception in the fabric of communities across the country in the early part of the 20th century.

A handwritten address on the bottom notes the grocery’s location as 5000 E. 9th Street, Kansas City, MO.

Bredberg probably did quite well in his trade, given his store was adjacent to the old Metropolitan Street Railway Company’s trolley barn located across the street to the west.

Railway employees were often good customers and kept an account with the proprietor of the grocery.

In this Real Photo postcard, we see Bredburg standing proudly in front of his store. The canvas awning is up so the sunlight can warm the front of the store.

Signs promoting everything from Kis-Me Gum to mixed paints can easily be seen on the front and sides of the store.

Also advertised prominently is Bredburg’s promotion offering $2.50 in free goods with Surety coupons.

Surety coupons were essentially the same as S&H Green stamps, where filled coupon books were redeemed for merchandise at participating retailers.

The postcard was most likely produced by the North American Postcard company of Kansas City, MO. It was never mailed.