Kansas City Reveals Hidden Film Treasures from the 1920s and 1930s

Kansas City Unveils Hidden Treasures from the Past

Kansas City, often hailed as the “Paris of the Plains”, is no stranger to a rich history replete with culture, art, and some of the best barbecue this side of the Mississippi. However, what if I told you that this vibrant city has a collection of aged moving pictures just waiting to be unearthed? It could just be the surprise we’ve all been waiting for!

A Blast from the Past

For years, films and videos being added to Kansas City’s historical archive seemed as rare as winning the lottery. While photographs have documented the life and times of KC since the late 1800s, capturing the daily hustle of Kansas Citians in the early 20th century through moving pictures has been a challenge. Apart from a few newsreels that popped up at big events, there wasn’t much to showcase the vibrancy of Kansas City during the 1920s and 1930s.

Michael Wells, a special collections librarian at the Kansas City Public Library, notes, “It’s been tough. Many people approach us looking for film footage from this time, and we’ve struggled to find anything relevant to share.” However, this year, everything is about to change, all thanks to one curious local!

An Unexpected Film Finder

Enter Joe Tomelleri, a Leawood resident with a passion for vintage film collecting. Joe, who has a master’s degree in biology, took a rather unusual path to become a collector of old home movies. He started gathering these artifacts as a hobby and soon found himself with a collection bursting at the seams.

“I’ve bought a bunch of home movies from the 1920s and 1930s,” Joe shares, “and the best part is they’re often quite affordable since not many folks own projectors anymore.” His collection features various reels mostly documenting the travels of families who had the luxury of leisure time back in the day.

A Surprising Discovery

One of Tomelleri’s biggest finds came unexpectedly when he purchased a batch of unmarked reels from a seller in southwest Missouri. He was about to discover something remarkable. As he settled down to watch them, a familiar scene unfolded before his eyes—a Kansas City Blues baseball game from 1927, complete with 16,000 cheering fans and a marching band!

The film also revealed glimpses of the city itself, capturing moments that had previously slipped through the cracks of time. “I noticed a man who looked an awful lot like Tom Pendergast. I was hesitant to reach out about it—what if it was just someone who happened to resemble him?” Joe notes. Fortunately, he mustered the courage, and that moment inspired something bigger!

“Reel Rare: Found Films From Old KC” Debuts

Joe’s discovery has led to the creation of an exciting five-part video series called “Reel Rare: Found Films From Old KC”, made in collaboration with the library’s Missouri Valley Special Collections. The first installment is already buzzing with excitement, and four more will follow in the coming weeks, showcasing these historical gems. Each episode will feature clips from Joe’s treasure trove coupled with insightful commentary from local historians who will help piece together the story behind the films.

The Beauty of Moving Images

What makes these newly found moving images so special? According to Jeremy Drouin, another library special collections manager, it’s the authenticity. “When you see actual footage, it adds depth and life to the history. Details like the way people walked or the vintage cars cruising by—these worlds come alive,” he explains.

Are you ready to take a trip down memory lane and feel the buzz of Kansas City as it once was? Watch the series and perhaps you’ll see familiar faces or locations! It’s a delightful peek into the past that locals won’t want to miss!

With the unveiling of these remarkable films, Kansas City is ready to dance in the spotlight of its hidden history—one reel at a time. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let’s explore the cinematic treasures of our lovely city!