The current Commerce Bank was not always in Kirkwood – in fact, an entire theater was located here. Given the name of “The Amory,” it was one of the most notable structures in Kirkwood from 1892-1904 when it still stood. It occasionally served as a gymnasium and public meeting hall before it burned down the day of the opening of the World’s Fair.

Downtown Kirkwood, the busiest part of central Kirkwood, used to look very different. This 1911 postcard illustrates what the view facing east on Main Street looked like. The street was later renamed to Argonne in honor of the Kirkwood residents who fell during the Battle of Argonne during World War I.

Now a park, this populated street corner looked quite different to how it is today. The original structure no longer exists, but made room for the many new buildings, one being the Kirkwood School of Rock, where many Kirkwood students learn about music and play in bands together.

The Heinzelmann’s building has gone through many alterations during its time standing. One feature that stands out is the brand new exterior. Initially sporting wood siding, it now has a stucco finish, and no longer features the porch and the several signs that were present in 1910.