For nearly eight decades, the building located at 119 N. Santa Fe stood as a prominent cornerstone of Downtown Salina. Initially known as Stiefel's Dry Goods Store when it first opened its doors in 1904, the establishment later transformed into Stiefel's Department Store in 1914. In 1974, the esteemed family decided to pass on the torch and sold the business to the Kline Companies, resulting in a rebranding of the store as Kline's in 1980.
However, as the landscape of retail evolved, Salina experienced the unfortunate loss of its beloved downtown anchor store in 1994. The rise of malls and national retailers gradually shifted consumer preferences, ultimately leading to the closure of this iconic establishment. As a testament to its legacy, this photograph was captured during the final moments of the store's closing sale on October 25, 1994.
The image, part of the Smoky Hill Museum's Collection, serves as a poignant reminder of the grandeur and significance this department store held in the hearts of Salina's residents. It encapsulates the end of an era, marking the conclusion of a remarkable chapter in the city's history.
