Several industries were served in old downtown Emporia, east of the depot and Harvey House.

1977 CLIC

The downtown industries have changed substantially through the years. On the north side of the track was Emporia Wholesale Coffee. It had three spots. #21 was for unloading coffee, #22 was a door, and #23 was for unloading potatos, sugar, etc. Only one door remained in 1983. Today it is gone. AVCO Food now occupies the building.

Theodore Poehler Merchantile, from the Kansas Historial Society collection, FK2.67/E.73. Note the loading dock below.

The bumper track led off of that and served doors at Theodore Poehler Mercantile Company. This became DeBauge Brothers (the beer distributors), then Emporia Food Inc. by 1957, then Industrial Foods. It is Carl Foods in 2001. This track was gone by 1983. For photographs of all sides, click here.

Originally this track ran across Commercial St. and connected to the B&B spur. The origin of that name is unknown to this writer.

Teichgraeber Fertilizer East, City Roller Mill Track, is next. It had a short and a long dock in 1978. By 1983, it was owned by Irsik & Doll Feed Service. Only a warehouse building remains today.

According to CLIC books, opposite Emporia Wholesale Coffee was Fanestil Packing Company (1977). However, Fanestil's is located south of town, is not rail served, and denies every having connection in this location. However, the Rich Coal Company did occupy this location until the late 60s. The track which led to it also served as a team track. It was gone by 1983.

The Jensen Ice House was located east of Fanestil on a double ended spur. It was a 2 story brick structure. This predates my CLIC books but may be shown on late 60's track chart. It burned down in circa 1970, and the Jensen mini-warehouse occupies the property today.

Photos and further information on these industries would be appreciated.