Bottom's Up is a First Friday of the month antique show. I've mentioned it on my blog before because I set up and sold there a lot last year. Since then, they've moved to a new location- it's only a couple of blocks from the old place- over the railroad tracks, or under the overpass- but the "new" old building is a world away.
(entrance to the building)
During the late 1800's and early 1900's, the West Bottom's area of Kansas City was a hub of industry. The railroad and steamships converged there, and it became the second largest stockyards in the United States.
Unfortunately, the "bottoms" part of West Bottoms meant it was low ground, and prone to flooding. Because of changes to the cattle industry and several floods over the years, businesses left the Bottoms- but they left behind some beautiful buildings.
Bottoms Up is located in the Stowe Hardware Building. When you step inside the door, you'll know exactly where you are- don't you love the old subway tile?
Unlike a lot of neighborhoods of old buildings, these haven't been "modernized" and the details that made them so special are still there- like this wall of peeling paint.
I know peeling paint isn't everyone's taste, but every one of those layers tells a story- I don't have any idea what the story is- it's enough just to know that there IS a story.
Right inside the front door is a wire cage elevator- it's not a working elevator, but it just adds to the mood. This picture was taken from the stairs behind the elevator.
(Floral wreath medallion over the elevator cage)
As I walking back to my car, I couldn't help but notice some of the details on other buildings- like this little second floor cupola.
Or this frieze on the side of the Dil Pull Tractor Company.
I don't know why these little details of old building make me happy- but they do.
Speaking of happy-the very first picture in the post- of the sunflowers in the window- is from Melinda Dennis's booth. I told her how much I like the display and she apologized that some of the sunflowers were dying. I told her I thought they were perfect- and she said "they just make me happy". That's how I feel about seeing these great old brick buildings with their wreath topped elevators and peeling paint.
The inside of the building has as much character as the outside, and the dealers have embraced this and come up with great displays. I took lots of pictures inside, too- I'll post them later in the week.
(When researching this post- because you know, I always thoroughly research anything I put on my blog- she said in a not quite believable voice- I came across a Flickr photo set. Check it out if you'd like to see some more interesting old buildings.)
