Smith Steam Baking Co. 306-310 E. 17th St.

It was during the end of the 19th century that Smith Steam Baking Company was established, eventually growing so successful as to require 30 bakeries throughout the United States to keep up with demand. Three of those location remained in Kansas City, one of which we see here on East 17th Street, another at 18th and Cherry Streets. The baking company utilized Linofelt to insulate the bread rooms, Duhrkop’s Patent Baker Ovens, which allowed temperature regulation within the oven levels, and manufactured Dead Shot, an odorless, colorless and safe killer of cockroaches, yet gentle enough to use directly on the flour. In 1926 the company was acquired by the General Baking Co., and remained in operation until 1958.