by Murrel Bland
Susan Maier said it was time for a celebration.
She made the suggestion at a recent meeting of the Historic Westheight Neighborhood Association. She is a board member. The origin of the neighborhood can be traced to 1915 when the area was platted. The year 2015 marks 100 years, Maier said.
So the association decided to have a celebration that will be from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, in the park area near 22nd Street and Washington Boulevard. Food and beverages will be served. Mayor Mark Holland will present a proclamation at 3 p.m. recognizing the anniversary.
Maier said there has been a serious effort to attract all present and former Westheight residents.
The Westheight community can trace its roots to the spring of 1844 when the Wyandotte Indians arrived from Ohio. The Rev. Esquire Grey Eyes built a small Methodist church at what is now 22nd Street and Washington Boulevard; it became known as the “Church in the Wilderness.”
According to terms of a treaty of 1855, the Wyandotte Indians yielded its tribal status to three members of the tribe—John Sarahess, Jacob Whitecrow and John Bearskin. At the end of the Civil War, Hanford N. Kerr began assembling property for a farm.
Jesse Adrian Hoel established a real estate company in 1912. The bulk of the Kerr farm became Hoel’s development. There were deed requirements including uniform setbacks and limitations to residential use.
The “Roaring 20s” saw considerable sales in Westheight. Hoel offered an exclusive membership in a golf club as a benefit for buying property in Westheight. That club was where Wyandotte High School is today.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1300 N. 18th St., at the entrance of Westheight, will hold an open house from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. In case of inclement weather, the entire celebration will be held at St. Paul’s.
Maier said that there has been discussion about holding a similar celebration next year.
For more information, telephone Maier at 913-321-5425.
Murrel Bland is the former editor of The Wyandotte West and The Piper Press.