Hospitals

Gustave Eisemann, was born in 1926 in Halberstadt, Germany. He lived comfortably with his parents and sisters in Berlin, where they frequented the opera, theater, and museums and where Gustave attended a Modern Orthodox Jewish day school. After Hitler came to power in 1933, he saw Hitler Youth and antisemitic newspapers in the street and his parents became increasingly aware that they were not accepted. As it became increasingly difficult for his father to conduct business with non-Jewish businessmen, the family prepared paperwork to leave Germany, receiving affidavits of support from relatives in the United States. In the spring of 1938, the Eisemanns left Germany, settling in Kansas City, where Gustave entered the seventh grade. Gustave completed his education, including being admitted as one of the first Jewish residents at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He met his wife Elinor during a fellowship in hematology at Boston’s New England Medical Center.

Interview with Arthur Brand about the history of the Jewish community and his family in the Kansas City area. He describes that he and his extended family came to Kansas City from New York City in June 1928, starting Brand and Puritz garment company, and the development and decline of Kansas City's garment industry from the 1930s through the 1970s. He also discusses at length the evolution of the Jewish community from its beginning in the urban core to its eventual shift south Kansas City and later to Johnson County; issues such as assimilation and intermarriage; and the development of institutions including Menorah Hospital, the Jewish Federation of Kansas City, Jewish Vocational Services, and Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, named for his father; and his involvement with a Judaic Studies program at University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Three part interview with Dr. Samuel Rodgers about his life and experience as a Black obstetrician/gynecologist in Kansas City. He discusses segregation and desegregration of patients and staff in area hospitals, his pursuit of community health facilities, engagement with the Black Panthers, the increase in homelessness due to cuts in mental health funding, and other funding issues for local health care entities.

Interview with pharmacist and former Missouri state representative James McKinley Neal. Neal discusses his path to Kansas City and the pharmacy business, his service in the state legislature from 1946 to 1964, his sponsorship of civil rights bills, being elected by a primarily white electorate, and witnessing and promoting the desegregation of many public facilities during that time. He notes that he was the first Black person permitted to stay in a white hotel in the state of Missouri, having previously been required to stay in Lincoln University dormitories while in Jefferson City. He also discusses the accomplishments of his family members, his involvement in the Urban League and Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital, and shares thoughts about the Model Cities program, employment, and education.

Interview with Leah Russell, former resident of the Steptoe neighborhood. She discusses her family's history and their roots in the Steptoe/Westport area from the late 1800s, the families and places in the community, the social life she shared with neighborhood kids, and the role of the local churches, schools, and St. Luke's Hospital in the area.  She also discusses her education and career, leaving Kansas City for other opportunities, 

Interview with Joe Avery, former resident of the Steptoe neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri. Avery discusses his childhood and family history, including growing up at the corner of 43rd Terrance & Washington, attending Penn School, his father's work at Manor Bakery, the Steptoe community and St. James Baptist Church, recreational options in the rest of the city, and encountering segregation. He also discusses living in Flint, Michigan and working in the automotive industry before moving back to Kansas City, and shares memories of St. Luke's Hospital. 

Interview with Dr. Stanley Counts, former pastor of St. Luke's Church in the Steptoe neighborhood. Dr. Counts discusses his family and early life near 24th & Vine, his education, serving as pastor of St. Luke's, as well as other area churches, and his work at Western Baptist Bible College. He also discusses the role St. Luke's Hospital played in the community and his wife and children.

Interview with William Shelby about the history of Westport and the Steptoe neighborhood. Shelby discusses his family's history in Westport dating back to 1870, their founding of the St. James Baptist Church, and his father's work as an educator at Penn and other schools, as well as his personal history growing up near 27th & Tracy, family, and work.  He also discusses St. Luke's Hospital's expansion and relationship with the neighborhood.