For almost a century, the Jenkins Music Company was a major force in the music retail industry. Starting as a one-room shop in Kansas City, it grew into a regional network of more than a dozen stores. At its peak, Jenkins Music Co. claimed to be the largest music retailer in the world.

Reader Linda Caldwell recently asked What’s Your KCQ? about its history after fondly reminiscing about her own high school practice sessions at the old downtown store. While the company is long gone, Jenkins’ lesser-known past is worth exploring.

In 1877, John Woodward Jenkins moved with his family from Elburn, Illinois, to Leavenworth in search of musical opportunities. He sold instruments on the road but soon longed to establish a permanent music business of his own.

When the Jenkins family arrived, Kansas City was home to just a few thousand people. Main Street, running from the riverfront to Seventh Street, was lined with restaurants, saloons, offices, and shops. Starting any business — let alone a music store — was a risky move in early Kansas City.

Read the rest of the story at KCHistory.org. Plus, access The Kansas City Star articles, both past and present, on the Library website with a Library card.