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The Hidden Gems of Strawberry Hill: The Neighborhood That Shaped My Family History

A billboard advertising Strawberry Hill is displayed on the corner of North 6th Street and Central Avenue on Friday, Sep. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Kansas. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com

A Serendipitous Encounter with the Past

My journey into the world of genealogy has been filled with unexpected twists and turns, leading me down fascinating paths and uncovering hidden stories. One such discovery was the neighborhood of Strawberry Hill, a vibrant and historic community in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Stephanz Family Connection

My initial encounter with Strawberry Hill came about while researching the Stephanz surname in my family tree. In my blog post about Mathias Paul Stephanz, Jr., I mentioned that he resided at the rear of 411 Sandusky Avenue. This seemingly insignificant detail sparked my curiosity and led me on a deeper dive into the history of this particular address.

Unveiling the Past: The Chops and Wolfs

As I delved further, I discovered that the Stephanz family had neighbors with the surnames Chops and Wolfs (or Volf). Intriguingly, these families also shared a connection to 411 Sandusky Avenue, having lived in the same house at different points in time. This revelation piqued my interest even more, prompting me to explore the history of Strawberry Hill in greater detail.

A Fortunate Discovery: Don Wolf’s Blog and Book

While exploring the rich history of Strawberry Hill, I stumbled upon a treasure trove of information: Don Wolf’s blog and book. Don Wolf, a descendant of the Wolf family who were once neighbors to 411 Sandusky Avenue, had dedicated himself to preserving the history of Strawberry Hill. His work provided invaluable insights into the neighborhood’s past, including stories about the Chops and Wolfs, as well as other families who had called Strawberry Hill home.

Click on the photo to purchase “Croatian Love Story.”

The Heart of Strawberry Hill

Through Don Wolf’s writings and other historical resources, I began to piece together the vibrant tapestry of life in Strawberry Hill. I learned about the neighborhood’s diverse community, its rich cultural heritage, and its significant contributions to the history of Kansas City.

A Legacy of Resilience and Community

As I continued my research, I was struck by the resilience and community spirit that defined Strawberry Hill. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout its history, the neighborhood has persevered, maintaining its unique character and cultural identity.

A Personal Connection to History

My journey into the heart of Strawberry Hill has not only deepened my understanding of my family history but also provided a valuable connection to the broader historical narrative of Kansas City. It is a reminder that every place, every street, and every house has a story to tell, and that by exploring these stories, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the past and the people who shaped it.

Most of the children attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School. I found another interesting blog with photos of Strawberry Hill. One of the pictures I like the most is of his mother walking with groceries – one picture is before the highway, and the other is after. Croatian History.

From the Strawberry Hill Neighborhood Association:

Strawberry Hill History & Culture
“Situated in the heart of downtown Kansas City, Kansas, Strawberry Hill is a Slavic American community with a rich and unique history. It is one of overcoming obstacles and pulling together as a community to thrive and carve out a new home in the Heartland.

During the late 1800s, immigrants from Eastern Europe, a large number of them from Croatia, settled along the riverfront in an area known as “The Patch.” Most of these residents worked in the meat packing industry connected with the livestock exchange.

In 1904, a great flood destroyed many of these homes, forcing residents to move uphill from the river. Many of these immigrant families were forced to build their homes from materials salvaged and recycled from the homes destroyed in the flood and could only afford a narrow parcel of land, giving rise to the modest sized homes in close proximity to each other that dominate Strawberry Hill’s streets and avenues. The wild strawberry vines that covered the hillside gave the new community its name.

Over time, many families chose to grow their homes as their savings and income allowed. Some of the elaborate or stately Victorian homes in Strawberry Hill began as single story homes, or even shot-gun houses, while some of these modest houses have been preserved and retain their cottage size and style. The original paver sidewalks connect the turn-of-the-century folk houses, many of which retain their turned spindle work, stained glass windows, and, above all, their welcoming front porches.

Tragically, in 1918 the Spanish Flu arrived on The Hill. The tightly packed neighborhood exacerbated the spread of the deadly diseased which killed many adults in their 20’s and 30’s, leaving behind many orphans and widowed single parents. In 1919, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church purchased the Cruise-Scroggs home on 4th Street and opened an orphanage to help the orphaned children. It continued to operate as an orphanage until 1988, after which it became today’s museum and cultural center.

In 1957, 219 homes were destroyed to make way for the I-70 bridge. 1st street, 2nd street, 3rd street, and parts of 4th street were destroyed as well as the sections of neighborhood avenues that intersected these streets. Members of our association witnessed the destruction of their childhood homes and lost a portion of their heritage for the sake of the viaduct that connects Kansas City, Kansas to Kansas City, Missouri. St. John’s Park was created in the process of the construction and features a spectacular view of the Kansas City, Missouri skyline.

As recently as 2016, pedestrian trails have been improved as a part of the Riverfront Heritage Trail. This system of trails and pedestrian bridges now allows residents to travel by bike or on foot from Strawberry Hill to Kansas City, Missouri or the nearby Kaw Point Park, among other destinations realized by the extensive network of sidewalks and trails. The pedestrian bridge beneath I-70 near 3rd and Armstrong stretches across the river and features sculptures by a local artist.

The unique history of Strawberry Hill is one of perseverance, hard work, and surviving tragedies as a community. Whether natural disasters, epidemics, economic hardships, or certain destruction in the name of progress…our people have pulled together and weathered the hardest of circumstances. We have built a vibrant and beautiful community from the rubble and continue to thrive as an organized neighborhood that advocates for the preservation of our historic homes and the safety and well being of all residents–regardless of race, gender, age, class, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or political preference.

Our neighborhood association invites you to become a part of our bustling community!”

One of the best depictions of Strawberry Hill is by the artist Marijana Grisnick. Check out these links for her fascinating paintings and a glimpse of where our ancestors grew up.

The Traditions of the Old Land

Marijana’s Childhood

Woman of Strawberry Hill

Business and Homes of Strawberry Hill

Religious Influence

Seasons and Holidays on the Hill

The Highway

Thank you to Don Wolf and the Strawberry Hill Ethnic Cultural Society for preserving our rich history. The below photos are from https://www.croatianhistory.net/etf/kansas.html

Strawberry Hill Don Wolf — St. John’s church before the turnpike in the 1940s. All the homes
between the church and the camera were destroyed for the new road.

Strawberry Hill about 100 years ago — Kansas City, 1907-1910 Erica DeCoursey
© 2004

My unexpected discovery of Strawberry Hill has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my genealogical journey. It has opened my eyes to the rich history that surrounds us and the power of personal stories to connect us to the past. As I continue to explore the depths of my family tree, I am grateful for the serendipitous encounters that have led me to this fascinating corner of history.

I encourage you to embark on your own genealogical journey and uncover the hidden stories within your own family history. You never know what fascinating discoveries await you. And if you have any stories or insights to share about Strawberry Hill, please feel free to leave a comment below. Let’s work together to preserve the rich history of this vibrant community.

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Breaking Through Brick Walls: The Fascinating Journey of the Stephanz Family in Kansas

My Great Grandfather.

The Stephanz family is my most exciting discovery yet. They have been what genealogists refer to as a ‘brick wall.’ Breaking through brick walls is very satisfying! Their Kansas story fascinated me, showcasing how they persevered through a language barrier and maintained their traditions in a foreign land. But I digress.

I’ll start with Mathias Paul Stephanz, Jr. Mat was born on 13 JUL 1894 in Kansas City, Wyandotte County, Kansas. His parents were Mathias Stephanz, Sr. and Mary Swegel. No, wait, that is incorrect. He was born to Matijas Štefanc and Marija Švegelj, but that is yet another story.

Stephanz Family Abt 1905.jpg — Matijas, Mathias, Joseph, Mary, Elizabeth, Marija- 1905 Kansas City, Kansas

Mathias, Jr. was born on a Friday over 120 years ago. My second cousin, Susan, told me that her father mentioned he was somewhat fair-haired when he was young, with blue eyes, and that he was a great father. She said he always spoke about how great his wife, Clara, was, constantly driving them all over or sailing with them across the country and the world, and how she was always packing up everything they owned whenever they moved. Her dad also mentioned that it only took one look from Mat to make all the kids behave. Susan added that Mat preferred Milwaukee over Kansas City because of the fun times they had at the lake, parties, and being with family, especially during the summers.

Mat was baptized in 1894 at St. Joseph’s Parish in Kansas City. He had one younger brother and two younger sisters.

They lived on Sandusky Ave./411 N. 4th Street (in the rear of the house) on what is known as Strawberry Hill. The addresses confused me until I realized that 4th Street curved into Sandusky, and they lived right on the border of those two roads. So, some census takers show Sandusky, and some show 4th St.

The house is still there. But a highway was built right through Strawberry Hill in 1957, forcing neighbors to move from their homes. See my blog about Strawberry Hill and the people who lived there.

Mathias lived in Kansas City until he was 24 years old in 1919. On July 9, 1916, he wrote a letter to his sister, Mary. The postmark on the letter indicates that it was sent from Detroit, Michigan. I can only assume he was visiting there. In his letter, he refers to his adventures in Toledo. The letter starts with what must be her nickname (written as he wrote with punctuation and spelling).

Dear Squib,

I got your letter all ok. I spent the 4th in Toledo and went to Toledo Beach sure had a good time. I am going to tell you something that I don’t want the old folks to know. I think I’ll marry in Toledo. I’ve got the girl at last I believe and I found her myself too. Her name is Bessie Jacobs. Tell you how I met her Elizabeth’s old friend Frances (can’t read last name) has been trying to land me “ha ha” the old fossil she got me to come over and meet her cousin from Detroit and this little girl happened to be there too and she didn’t introduce us but I made up my mind that I didn’t need any and the funny part of it Bessie told me later that she had her mind made up to know me too but Frances kept on her tail so much that I couldn’t talk to her alone until the next day. She is a telephone operator and I’ve got the job taking her home when I am there now there’s another fellow but his name will be mud before I’m done. Sis, you can talk about fast work, but listen to this I met about 2 o’clock Monday and Wed night about 12 I proposed (she would not give me a final answer yet) She didn’t know me well enough yet but I think my chances are good. I wish you or Leah could come here on a visit and meet her I wonder if she is a big as Joe’s girl she weighs 103 pounds and reaches about to my arm pit and she wears glasses but she can look nicer in them than any girl I ever saw she 19 years old and she can cook and do housework too she’s not a fancy cook but she can put up a meal so I should worry. I’ll think I’ll move to Toledo and go living Alice’s husband is trying to land me a job there and I can be making 100 (word looks like “bones”) in a short time and I know I’ll like it better he’s got 2 uncles that are engineers too so it will all be in the family and I can save more money there too. What’s the matter with the King (Joe’s nickname maybe?) I thought he was going to be a candy maker he better try something where he can learn to be something so he won’t be a common laborer when he is my age I wish you all would move to Toledo you could all get jobs here easy enough and we could all have a dandy time better than in KC I believe. Well sis I guess I told you all I could so I will close now hoping to hear from you soon and tell all my friends hello for me Leah and Joe too (Leah must have been Joe’s sister, Lizzie- maybe a nickname) Tell that King to get a job dam quick and tell the Belgian hello too I almost forgot her.

With Love, Mat

P. S. I repeat I would like picture of the bunch as soon as possible.

This letter is interesting as there are a lot of Stephanz in my research showing up in Toledo. There is even a Mathias, except the age doesn’t pan out. Are there relatives in Ohio we didn’t know about? Are they the ones Mat is referring to in the letter? Is this why he is in Toledo at this time? There is a William R., a Francis J., and a Mathias.

In 2022, I found my answers. Found In A Letter answers these questions.

The marriage mentioned in the letter did not happen. Instead, Mat married Clara Elizabeth Hennig at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1920.

Can you identify the error in the previous record? Augusta was Clara’s mother, but it should indicate Mary as Mat’s mother. Also, Mathias’ name is listed with “neo-Conversus” underneath it. I’m not sure why it indicates him as a convert, as he was baptized in St. Joseph’s Parish in Kansas City.

The directory shows Mat living in Kansas City with his parents in 1916. I wonder what happened between his visit to Toledo in 1916 and his marriage to Clara in 1920 in Wisconsin. How did he meet Clara? Nine months after their marriage, Marguerite, my grandmother, was born in Illinois. I think around 1920, he joined the Navy, but I’m still trying to obtain the records. The department won’t send them to me because I’m not the next of kin. I haven’t appealed this decision yet.

He spent most of the next 47 years in the United States Navy. He was transferred to various locations: Wisconsin in 1920, Illinois in 1921, Pensacola, Florida in 1922, Norfolk, VA in 1926, the Canal Zone in Panama in 1932, Hawaii in 1935, back to Norfolk in 1939, Jacksonville, Florida in 1941, Oregon in 1944, and his last enlistment was in Jacksonville, Florida in 1950, where he retired as the Aviation Chief and made his home there.
However, he didn’t retire but instead became the Finance Officer at American Legion Lake Shore Post 137. Mat and Clara had three daughters and two sons.

Mathias Stephanz 1916 Kansas City — Mathias Stephanz, Jr. 1916

Mathias Stephanz circa 1918-1920 — Mathias P. Stephanz, Jr. abt 1920

Chief Mathias Stephanz circa 1930s — Chief Mathias P. Stephanz, Jr. 1930

Present Ranking F-4-D F.R. -31 Mar 1941- (Men transferred to Fleet Reserve upon completion of 20 years who were serving in the regular Navy on July 1, 1925, or who reenlisted under continuous service immediately thereafter.) ACMM (PA) (Aviation Chief MACHINISTS’S MA)

1941- Paul, Virginia, Buddy and Mat

1941- Paul, Mathias, Clara, Virginia, Clarice

Buddy and Mat 1941

Paul and Bess wedding, Clara & Matt in background

Alice & Ralph Hennig, Clara and Matt, Clarice and Virginia

Marguerte, Al, Sharon, Clarice, Clara, Matt Stephanz — Marguerite, Sharon, Albert, Clarice, Clara, and Matt. Bishop Kenny Catholic High School Graduation- 1957

Virginia, Clara and Matt Stephanz 1959 — Virginia, Clara, and Matt- Christmas 1959

Jeanne, ARW, Mathias, Ruby 1963

Clara, Marguerite, and Mathias Stephanz circa 1967 — Clara, Marguerite, and Mathias- VA Hospital in Tuskegee, Macon County, AL 1967

Although Mat passed away at the VA hospital in Tuskegee, Alabama, his body was transported back to Jacksonville, FL to be buried in Riverside Memorial Park that October.

What a life Mat led! Still, he died too young, at the age of 73. I wish I could have known him in person. I can only imagine the stories he could have shared with me as a kid growing up in Kansas, as a young adult with a young family, and during his very successful Navy career. Oh, the places and things he must have seen.

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Hidden In A Letter

Five years ago, I blogged about my great-grandfather, Mathias Paul Stephanz, Jr. In it, I posted a letter he wrote to his sister, Mary.

~~~

The postmark and what he wrote on his letter says “Detroit, Mich”. I can only assume he was visiting. In his letter from 1916, he refers to his adventures in “Toledo”. He starts it with what must be her nickname, (written as he wrote with punctuation and spelling.)

“Dear Squib,

With Love, Mat

P. S. I repeat I would like picture of the bunch as soon as possible. ”

~~~~~~~~~

In November of 2022, my 1st cousin, 1x removed (my mom’s 1st cousin) instant messaged me asking. “The Ohio connection is still a mystery, right?” She found a person on Facebook that lives about 20 minutes from her who has a maiden name of Stephanz and has connections to Toldeo, Ohio. I had to refer back to this letter to re-familiarize myself with the details.

So, with her name and the names of her uncles and her half-siblings, I decided to create an Ohio Stephanz family tree to see what I could find. Sure enough, I was able to build her tree. I was able to trace it back to another Mathias Stephanz, born in Austria. The kicker is that he was born the same month and year as my great-grandfather and he married a Clara. However, this Clara’s last name was Latour. About a month later, he married Marie (maiden name unknown) in Wyandotte, Kansas! This has to be our Kansas connection! But, I need proof.

And why did he marry again only a month after Clara died? Well, see this article for the reason.

There were other connections. In the letter, he mentions Alice and that her husband’s uncles are engineers, “keeping it all in the family.” The Toledo Mathias’ sons work with the railroad. And, his daughter Francis had a daughter named Alice. She is only a couple of years younger than the Kansas Mathias. Could this be the Alice he was staying with when he wrote the letter?

We now know that Mathias and Marie had a son before he came to the states, according to the news article. What was his name? We know Marie came to Kansas after they separated, did she bring her son?

How is the Ohio Mathias Stephanz connected to the Kansas Mathias Stephanz?

That, my friends, is the million-dollar question. I am hoping by blogging this story, someone connected will contact me. I also hope my cousin’s meeting with the Ohio Stephanz baker will shed some light.

Update: Read “Hidden In A Letter” Mystery Solved for the conclusion!

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