History of Eskridge Photo Story
About the Story
Eskridge is a small town located on a plateau in Wabaunsee County, surrounded by hills, and farmland. The town contains a mix of active buildings, preserved historical structures, and abandoned or aging properties that reflect different stages of its development. While some areas still function as part of the local community, other parts of town show signs of decline.
This story focuses on how Eskridge physically represents change over time. By photographing both recreated or preserved historical buildings alongside structures that have been abandoned or deteriorated, the project shows how the town’s past and present exist side by side. Eskridge is defined by the people who continue to live and work there, but also by the buildings that remain as reminders of its earlier growth and activity. This matters because it helps document how small towns evolve, and how history remains visible even as communities change.
photo COURTESY of the legends of kansas
photo courtesy of the legends of kansas
photo COURTESY of the Wabaunse County historical museum
photo COURTESY of the Wabaunse County historical museum
photo COURTESY of the
Wabaunse County historical museum
photo COURTESY of legends of kansas
photo COURTESY of legends of kansas
photo COURTESY of legends of kansas
Main Street in Eskridge, Kansas, is shown in this 1910 archival photograph lined with active storefronts and businesses. The street appears busy and developed, reflecting a period when the town served as a local center for commerce and agriculture. This image provides historical context for the project by showing what Eskridge looked like during a time of greater economic activity.
Main Street in Eskridge, Kansas, is shown in this post-1913 fire archival photograph with rebuilt storefronts lining the street. The buildings reflect a period of recovery, as businesses were reestablished after much of the area was damaged by fire. This image provides historical context for the project by showing how the town rebuilt and continued to function following a major setback.
Main Street in Eskridge, Kansas, is shown in this 2026 photograph featuring the same row of shops seen in earlier historical images. While some buildings remain in use, others show signs of age, vacancy, or change over time. This image highlights how the town has evolved, showing the lasting presence of its past alongside shifts in activity and use.
The Security State Bank in Eskridge, Kansas, is shown in this 1907 photograph with a group of people gathered outside the building. The scene reflects a time when local banks served as central meeting points for business and community interaction. This image provides historical context by showing the role of financial institutions in the daily life and growth of the town.
The Security State Bank in Eskridge, Kansas, is shown in this 2026 photograph with cars parked outside and visible wear on the building, including broken windows. Despite signs of aging, the bank continues to operate. This image highlights how long-standing institutions adapt over time, remaining active even as their physical appearance reflects change.
A postcard image from around 1910 shows the Security State Bank in Eskridge, Kansas, as a prominent and well-maintained building. The structure appears central to the town’s business district during a period of growth and activity. This image provides historical context by showing the bank’s early presence and importance in the community.
The Security State Bank in Eskridge, Kansas, is shown in this 2026 photograph as it continues to operate within the town’s business district. While the building shows signs of age, it remains in use and serves the local community. This image highlights the bank’s continued presence and reflects how long-standing institutions persist even as the town around them changes.
The Strand Theatre in Eskridge, Kansas, is shown in this 1959 photograph with vintage cars parked out front. The theatre appears active and central to community life, serving as a place for entertainment and social gathering. This image provides historical context by showing a time when local theaters were important cultural spaces in small towns.
The building that once housed the Strand Theatre in Eskridge, Kansas, is shown in this 2026 photograph now operating as the Eskridge Public Library. The structure has been repurposed to serve a different role in the community while maintaining its place in the town’s layout. This image highlights how buildings in Eskridge adapt over time, reflecting changing needs while preserving connections to the past.
Main Street in Eskridge, Kansas, is shown in this 1907 photograph with a row of storefronts, horse-drawn carriages, and early signs of commercial activity. Pedestrians and workers are visible along the street, reflecting a developing business district in the town’s early years.
Main Street in Eskridge, Kansas, is shown in this 2026 photograph featuring the same area as earlier historical images, now with updated buildings, parked cars, and reduced foot traffic. While some structures remain in use, others show signs of aging or change in purpose.
City Park in Eskridge, Kansas, is shown in this 1908 photograph featuring the town’s bandstand as a central gathering place. The structure served as a location for community events, music, and social activity during the early 20th century.
The bandstand in City Park in Eskridge, Kansas, is shown in this 2026 photograph as it remains a part of the town’s public space. While the structure has aged, it continues to stand as a reminder of past community gatherings and events. This image highlights how shared spaces persist over time, even as their use and significance may change.
The bandstand in City Park in Eskridge, Kansas, is shown in this mid-1960s photograph as a maintained and active part of the community. The structure appears intact and continues to serve as a gathering place for local events and activities.
The bandstand in City Park in Eskridge, Kansas, is shown in this 2026 photograph as it still stands within the park. While the structure shows signs of age, it remains a visible part of the town’s landscape.
A row of storefront buildings sits along Main Street in Eskridge, Kansas, in this 2026 photograph, with several cars parked along the curb. Some buildings appear maintained while others show signs of vacancy. This image highlights the current state of the town’s business district and reflects the mix of activity and decline present in Eskridge today.
Detail images from buildings in Eskridge, Kansas, show rusted metal, peeling paint, and cracked, painted-over windows in 2026. These close-up views highlight the effects of time and limited maintenance on older structures. Together, these details emphasize the gradual physical decline present in parts of the town’s built environment.
A deteriorating stone building sits off Main Street in Eskridge, Kansas, in this 2026 photograph, with collapsed walls, exposed interior structure, and overgrown vegetation. According to public records and map imagery, the building was still standing as recently as 2013 but had partially collapsed by 2019. This image highlights the physical decline of some structures in the town and reflects changes in maintenance and use over time.