George Snyder's General Merchandise Store

Several people have inquired lately about the progress we have made in getting state recognition for the old store building located just west of the St. Patrick's chapel and old mission school. A letter received by me on May 16 from the Kansas Historic Preservation Office in Topeka states that, "the property is a significant cultural resource that should be preserved, and appears eligible for the National Register of Historic Places."

The history of the building is as follows: The foundation for the building was built in 1860 and the frame structure was finally completed in 1865, built by a John T. Price. It was opened as a store under the management of William S. Blakely, and was strategically located to be one day's travel from the supply stations at Fort Riley. The owner planned to capitalize on the need for supplies by travelers going west on the Butterfield Trail to Colorado and points in between. Soldiers also frequented the trail in their travels between outposts, and were in need of a way station. The store was located close to Chapman Creek for easy access to water.

There was originally a porch covering the door on the south side, and under the porch, several benches and hitching posts for the comfort and convenience of the customers. A large variety of goods were for sale in the basement, and living quarters for the managers were located on the upper two floors.

George Snyder purchased the store from Price and the structure became commonly called the "Snyder Store." The store also served as the post office for the settlement first known as Farmington, later called Chapman.

The heyday of the Butterfield Trail and its supporting businesses was somewhat short lived, as the Kansas Pacific Railroad came to town in 1866-67, and the center of commerce for Chapman shifted to the south, along the Smoky Hill River. Snyder maintained his store at the northern location until 1872, at which time he moved his business to town, across from the railroad depot.

From that time to the present, the building was used as a home for several families, and as a storage facility for others. It has been unoccupied for many years and has deteriorated rapidly in the last 20 years.

It is my hope that the building can be reconstructed and preserved somehow, and placed on the state and national historic registry. With every hail and wind storm however, the walls and roof sag a bit more and I'm not sure how much longer it will stay standing in its present condition.

I appreciate the information many of you have sent me referring to the property. I will be doing research in the next few months, trying to trace the history of the building in more detail for the application to be sent to the state. After 130 years, I hope that time will still be on my side.