he former Kansas City Public Library building is now home to Fairbanks

Scales, as well as other business establishments. We are delighted to have

this opportunity to share with you some of the history of this remarkable

Kansas City landmark.

Construction began on this stately building in 1895, and it was completed in

1897. Designed by prominent architects of the late 19th century, William F. Hackney

and Charles A. Smith, with Adriance Van Brunt acting as a consultant, it is a fine

example of the Second Renaissance Revival style of architecture. The building also

has historical significance as an expression of the period’s burgeoning interest in

broadening the intellectual and cultural welfare of the community.

DescriptionThe former Kansas City Public Library originally had a U-shaped plan with overall

dimensions of 132 feet x 144 feet. The building’s primary facades are located on

the south, west and north and are composed of limestone in various textures.

The main facade faces south and is two stories high, resting on a high foundation.

The building is quite austere and formal, its outstanding characteristics being its

symmetrical proportions and its textural surfaces.

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First Floor Both of the library’s main doorways lead into vestibules through which one

mounts a half flight of marble stairs, passes through swinging doors of oak and

beveled glass, and enters the “Rotunda,” the most imposing room in the building

and the one around which the rest of the first floor rooms are grouped. Apparently

so named by the architects, the rotunda is neither circular nor domed. The flooring

in the rotunda, as throughout most of the public areas of the first floor, is terrazzo

laid over concrete. Narrow bands of red and white ceramic tiles, set in a stylized

geometric pattern, divide the floor into sections of equal size. A wainscot of grey

and yellow marble faces the lower walls of the rotunda. Freestanding Ionic columns

and engaged Ionic pilasters visually and structurally support the ceiling. These

columns and pilasters are placed atop grey marble pedestals.

Second FloorOne east-west and two north-south corridors on the second floor of the original

building outlined the light court which was located between the north-south wings.

The hallways had terrazzo floors and grey marble wainscots. Fluted oak pilasters on

marble pedestals line the hallways.

HistoryIn the late 1800’s there was a national trend to increase opportunities for

enlightenment and advancement to all working people. It was this influence that was

the initiating force in establishing the library. It was created as an ancillary division

of the Board of Education and during its early years operated as a subscription

lending institution. In 1898, the library became free to all who lived or worked in

the school district.

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By 1908, the Library and the Board of Education had outgrown the space. A

$200,000 bond issue was passed to finance the construction of an addition. The

addition was begun in 1916, but it was halted because of war shortages. Everything

was finally completed in 1918.

The library building has been the home to some famous private collections. On

the upper floor, William Rockhill Nelson displayed numerous works of art, a

collection to which he continued to add acquired pieces up to his death in 1915.

The 1917-1918 addition expanded the gallery’s space from one room to three. After

Nelson’s death, eventual plans were made to acquire a separate building to house

the collection, resulting in the opening of the William Nelson Gallery of Western Art

in 1933.

The Kansas City Public Library also contained a science museum on the ground

floor which displayed the “Dyer Indian Collection,” loaned by Colonel Daniel B.

Dyer. Subsequent donations of artifacts and representations of Eskimo and Indian

material culture came from many Kansas City residents. By 1918, the museum

created professional standards for contributions, hired a curator, and moved into

larger spaces in the public library’s addition, eventually moving into the donated

residence of Robert A. Long, following his death.

Ozark National Life Insurance Company is the current owner of the building, and

Fairbanks Scales has been a lessee since 1989. Due to Ozark’s determined efforts,

visitors and employees alike are able to enjoy the building in its restored original

state. One building renovation project entered into by Ozark and Fairbanks in 1988

offered a very pleasant surprise. When an 11-foot high suspended plaster ceiling

(the result of a 1935 modernization effort) was removed, an intricate, hand-painted

fresco ceiling was revealed. This area had been the original home of the

William Nelson Gallery of Western Art. The 3,300 square foot ceiling was in need of

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repair. It took the coordinated efforts of numerous Kansas City professionals, as well

as a sizable financial investment, to restore the ceiling to its original grandeur.

After exploring many alternatives, it was decided that the most cost-effective and

appropriate method of restoration was to transfer the ceiling design onto vinyl

wallcovering via silk screening. The painstaking task took nine months to complete,

but the breathtaking results were worth the effort. This room is currently used by

Fairbanks’ Accounting Department. e

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Fairbanks’ Collection ofAntique Scales

It seems only fitting that a company with as much history and proud heritage as

Fairbanks Scales has chosen to reside in a building rich with its own vibrant history.

The setting, too, is perfect for displaying our collection of antique Fairbanks scales.

Gathered from around the country, and spanning almost 150 years, our collection

of scales is a delightful and tangible history book of our company’s growth and

progress, as well as a testament to the continued advances being made in our

industry. We hope you will enjoy this nostalgic trip down memory lane with us.

1) IMPERIAL GROCER’S SCALE

Serial No. 299820

This type of scale was manufactured during the late

1800’s until around 1915. This particular scale dates

somewhere between 1877 and 1880. Our catalog from

the era describes the scale as follows:

“nickel plated double beam, upper bar 10 lbs x 1 oz,

lower bar 50 x 1/2 lbs. Scoop Balance at left end of beam

for instant adjustment when scoop is removed or

replaced. Scale finished in black suitably ornamented,

but will be furnished in red at same price if so ordered.

Capacity 250 lbs x 1 oz. Platform 12" x 15".”

This scale sold for $24 with a large tin scoop. Price was$1 more for a brass scoop.

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2) INVINCIBLE SCALE

Serial No. 722798

Patented in 1895. This scale dates between 1895 and

1914 and was used by retail grocers. It sold for $35

with the brass scoop. Our catalog describes it as

follows:

“Automatic Scoop Balance, eliminating chances for

errors through the removal of the scoop. Elegantly

finished in vermillion, suitably ornamented, with

Reinforced Seamless Brass Scoop, and all the brass work

heavily nickel-plated.”

3) ONE-OF-A-KIND

This beautiful hand-carved mahogany scale was made

for the Columbian Expo in Chicago in 1892 (celebrating

the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage). Its

whereabouts were unknown until the 1960’s when it was

returned to Fairbanks. Favorite rumors are that it

travelled with Ringling Brothers Circus, and that it once

weighed the King of England.

4) E. & T. FAIRBANKS & CO.

Patented February 18, 1862

This scale was most likely used as a postal and package

scale, dating before 1915. A unique feature of this scale

is the fact that beam leads in to the scale, instead of

away from it.

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5) EVEN BALANCE SCALE

Model #1

This scale is found in both an 1852 and

1872 catalog, and it is one of the oldest in the

collection.

6) EVEN BALANCE SCALE

Model No. 10006

This even balance scale was manufactured in 1967.

It had a capacity of 2 lbs.

7) UNIT COUNTING SCALE

Model Code 11803

Manufactured in 1961, this scale was popular from

the 1930’s through the 1960’s. It had a capacity of

300 lbs.

8) SPRING DIAL

Model 45-1050JA

Manufactured in 1979, this scale had a capacity of

50 lbs.

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9) RECRUITING SCALE

Manufactured between 1917 and 1919, this scale was

used by the Army for recruiting during World War I.

Similar scales were made into the late 1960’s. Our

1918 catalog describes this scale as follows:

“compact, portable outfit, especially adapted for easy

and safe transportation from place to place...This scale

successfully meets all heavy and varied weighing

demands in camp or on shipboard, for contractor or

builder. It is extensively used as well by city and county

sealers, offering a means of checking the net weight of

sacks and heavy packages of groceries....”

10) “UNION SCALE”

This platform scoop scale with patented

Split-Hoop Scoop and Fork was manufactured

sometime after 1915. Handwritten prices

in the margin of a 1917 catalog tell us that this scale

sold for between $18 and $22 depending on single or

double beam, and brass or tin scoop. Its capacity was

240 lbs.

11) UNIT COUNTING SCALE

Code Model #11087

Manufactured in 1958, this scale had a capacity of

50 lbs.

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12) PORTABLE DIGITAL SCALE

Model 1126D

This portable digital scale was manufactured by

Fairbanks in 1989.

13) HEALTH SCALE WITH FULL

CAPACITY BEAM

Model Code #1265

Manufactured in 1955, this health scale had a

acapacity of 300 lbs.

14) COIN OPERATED PERSON

WEIGHING DIAL SCALE

Manufactured between 1934 and 1935 with a capacity

of 300 lbs, a 1936 catalog describes this scale as

follows:

“Modern design creates interest in being weight-

conscious. When placed in bank lobbies, hotel lobbies,

clubs, restaurants, drug stores, and other commercial

establishments person scales of this type are a highly

effective means of creating business and gaining good

will.”

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15) BEAM FROM A TIERCE OR BARREL

SCALE

This scale was designed for barrel weighing and was

manufactured in approximately 1933. The beam would

have been attached to a 6' wooden frame, and it had a

capacity of 625 x 1/2 lbs. In the 1930’s, the beam alone

sold for $90.

16) COUNTING SCALE

Model #1202

Designed to count very small, light loads not exceeding

10 lbs. Manufactured between 1915 and 1930. Our

catalog from 1919 states:

“The No. 1202 Counting Scale is designed for counting

very small and light articles in loads not exceeding ten

pounds, having regularly a ratio of 10 to 50, or on

special order, 1 to 72, and being sensitive to as low as

five grains. It is a small compact outfit, occupying a

space of but 32 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 12 inches

high.”

17) GROCERY SCALE WITH FULL

CAPACITY BEAM

Patented in 1895, this grocery scale with a full capacity

beam was manufactured in 1900.

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18) RECRUITING OFFICE SCALE

Serial Number E326888

This recruiting office scale was manufactured for the

military in 1916. Its compact design ensured easy and

safe transportation from place to place. The scale also

opened and closed without assembling any parts.

19) PERSONAL SCALE

Serial Number 539399

Manufactured between 1886 and 1889, this scale has

finished cherry woodwork. It was designed for use in

insurance offices, hotels, clubs, race courses and

gymnasiums. Personal scales were touted as the best

indication of a person’s health. Quoting from a period

catalog:

“There is no more important index to general health

than personal weight. Doctors, insurance officials,

physical training experts and all who are interested in

health and development realize and are influenced by

this close connection between physical well-being and

weight. From childhood up, the continual changes in

weight that should come with growth and proper

nourishment are of the utmost importance and can only

be attained through the indications of a reliable per

sonal scale conveniently at hand.”

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20) PORTABLE PLATFORM SCALE

Model #11

This 600 lb capacity portable platform scale was

manufactured between the late 1800’s and the early

1900’s. The catalog guaranteed the customer the

highest scale satisfaction available.

21) PORTABLE PLATFORM SCALE

Manufactured in 1925, this 1500 lb capacity scale with

full capacity beam allows you to use the scale to full

capacity without the use of unit weights. Describing

these scales, a period catalog states:

“For rough, heavy duty in railroad or manufacturing

service where permanent accuracy and durability are

demanded, the scale shown here positively cannot be

equaled.”

22) DAIRY PRODUCTS SCALE

Manufactured between 1918 and 1919 with a capacity of

600 lbs, this scale was used to weigh milk or cream

from farmers. The five beams allow weighments from

5 different farmers into a bulk tank on the platform

without having to remove it between weighments. In

1918, this scale cost $72.

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23) GROCERS’ TRIP SCALE

Manufactured between the late 1800’s and the early

1900’s. In 1906, this scale ranged in price from $6 to

$14.25, depending on whether it was ordered with or

without weights, and with porcelain, brass or iron

plates.

24) RAILROAD TRACK BEAM SCALE

This railroad track beam scale was donated to us

by the Mining Remedial Recovery Company after many

years of service in the Sharon Steel Mill in Midvale,

Utah. This beam was most likely manufactured in the

1950’s.

25) HEALTH SCALE

This health scale was manufactured in the early 1920’s,

but similar designs were also manufactured into the

1970’s.

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26) BUTCHER’S MEAT BEAM

Model #450, Serial Number 573427

This 1,000 lb capacity butcher’s scale was

manufactured between 1886 and 1890. It sold for $45

to $50. As a period catalog proclaims, no weights were

required with this beam.

“A very handsome and convenient Beam for butcher’s

use. It is so hung that it can be swung back against the

wall when not in use, and there are no weights to be

lifted. The whole capacity is on the Beam, requiring no

loose weights, and the weighing is rapidly and

accurately done with the sliding poises. The Beams,

Poises and Hooks are nickel plated.”

27) “UNION SCALE”

Serial Number 541461

Manufactured between 1886 and 1890, this scale is

designed for coarser weighments through the use of the

large platform, and finer weighments through the use of

the scoop.

28) COUNTER PLATFORM SCALE

This counter platform scale was manufactured between

the 1930’s and the early 1950’s.

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29) POSTAL SCALE

This scale has a 15 lb capacity, and it was

manufactured between the early 1920’s and the 1930’s.

Our 1921 catalog states:

“generally adopted by the Government for extensive use

throughout the Post Office Department...All pans and

poises are of polished brass, the scales being durably

and attractively finished in black baked enamel, with

bronze striping.”

30) IMPERIAL GROCER’S SCALE

Serial Number 215462

Manufactured between 1870 and 1875. This scale is

very similar to scale #1 (Serial No. 299820).

31) IMPROVED POSTAL SCALE

Model 604, 34 oz capacity

Manufactured between 1870 and 1890, it was officially

adopted by the U.S. Postal Service.

32) POSTAL SCALE

Model 605

This 4 lb capacity postal scale scale was manufactured

between 1900 and 1910.

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33) AGATE BEARING TRIP SCALE

This scale was formerly known as an Agate Bearing Silk

Scale. Manufactured between 1920 and 1930, this scale

has a capacity of 8 lbs x 1/100 oz. A 1921 catalog

describes the scale as follows:

“Designed especially for weighing valuable merchandise,

such as fine fabrics, this scale is fitted with agate

bearings to be highly sensitive and extremely accurate.

The pan is of heavy polished brass and turned up on two

sides to conveniently hold the goods to be weighed.

The weight plate is round of polished brass.”

Without weights the scale sold for $40 in 1921. The

addition of weights increased the price to $60.

34) PARCEL POST COMPUTING SCALE

Model 11677

This scale was manufactured between 1926 and 1927.

The scale had a capacity of 70 lbs x 1/4 lb. At the time,

postal scales in offices were not commonplace.

Fairbanks literature from the thirties attempts to

educate people about wanton postal wastage.

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35) TYPE REGISTERING BEAM WITHSHORT IRON PILLAR OUTFIT

Serial Number E647549

Patented in 1916, this registering beam was

manufactured between 1918 and 1919.

It was used for wagon, stock and auto truck scales.

36) INFANT HEALTH SCALE

Model 11484

Manufactured in the early 1930’s, this infant health

scale had a capacity of 35 lbs.

37) EVEN BALANCE SCALE

This even balance scale was manufactured between

1900 and 1918.

38) PACKAGE SCALE

Patented by Fairbanks in 1897, this package scale was

manufactured between 1897 and 1905.

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39) GRAIN TESTER

Model 11192

Manufactured in 1930. According to our catalog from

that same year:

“widely used by grain elevators, large and small, grain

exchanges etc., and conforms to the specifications

recommended by the U.S.D.A.”

40) HOUSEHOLD SCALE

Manufactured between the late 1920’s and the early

1930’s, this household scale has a 25 lb capacity.

41) “HARVARD TRIP SCALE”

Manufactured in the late 1800’s. According to our catalog from the period:

“this scale, which was first designed and made by us for

Harvard University, is intended for elementary

experiments in physics and chemistry, and for general

laboratory use.”

42) POSTAL SCALE

This postal scale was manufactured

specifically for the U.S. Postal Service between 1900

and 1910.

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43) INVINCIBLE SCALE

Serial Number E355395

Manufactured in 1916, this scale had a capacity of

250 lbs. It is similar to scale #2 (Serial No. 722798).

44) GROCER’S EVEN BALANCE TRIP

SCALE

Model #2

This 10 lb capacity scale was manufactured between

1890 and 1900.

45) SINGLE BEAM POSTAL SCALE

Model 605

This 4 lb capacity postal scale was manufactured by

Fairbanks between 1911 and 1921.

46) BUTCHER’S MEAT BEAM

Serial Number F217658

Fairbanks manufactured this butcher’s scale in 1928.

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47) GRAIN TESTER

Manufactured as early as 1908, this grain tester has

three rows of graduations which indicate:

1) The number of pounds per bushel of sample.2) The exact weight of sample.3) The percentage of loss in cleaning.

48) MOISTURE PROOF SPRINGLESS

BENCH DIAL

Serial Number F306673

This heavy duty, moisture proof springless bench dial

scale was manufactured between 1929 and 1930.

49) PORTABLE PLATFORM SCALE WITH

HEAVY WHEELS AND DROP LEVER

Model Number 11 1⁄2

This 600 lb capacity scale was manufactured in 1889

for the weighing of all kinds of merchandise. A drop

lever design relieved the bearings from wear and strain

except during the actual weighing process.

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50) COUNTER BEAM SCALE

Serial Number G617590

This scale was manufactured in 1966 and has a

capacity of 35 lbs.

51) PORTABLE DIGITAL PLATFORM

SCALE

Serial Number G985149EL

This was the first design of the Model 1124D. This

platform scale has a 1000 lb capacity and was

manufactured in 1988.

52) IMPERIAL GROCER’S SCALE

Serial Number 425617

Manufactured between 1886 and 1890, this grocer’s

scale was constructed to combine convenience with a

handsome appearance.

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53) PORTABLE PLATFORM SCALE

Serial Number E864320, Model Number 10.5

This model was manufactured in 1923. According to

the catalog:

“The Fairbanks Portable Platform Scale here finds its

greatest advantage, for its is so easily and quickly

moved about from point to point that one scale becomes

in reality many scales, serving as well one location as

another, weighing equally well all materials.”

54) POSTAL SCALE

Manufactured between 1890 and 1900, this postal scale

has a 16 oz capacity.

55) IMPROVED LETTER BALANCE

Patented in 1859, this 9.5 oz capacity letter balance

was manufactured some time around the year 1876.

56) IMPROVED LETTER BALANCE

This improved letter balance is similar to #55, and it

comes from the same era.

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57) PATENT FLAXSEED SCALE

Patented in 1877, this 16 oz capacity scale was

manufactured around 1891, and it came with a small

brass scoop. According to a catalog from the period:

“The market value of seed is determined by its purity.

These scales are designed for the convenience of grain

dealers in rapidly obtaining the percentage of good

material in any kind of grain, and are particularly

desirable for flaxseed.”

58) PATENT FLAXSEED SCALE

This flaxseed scale is similar in all respects to scale

#57, but it was manufactured in the 1930’s.

59) GENERAL PURPOSE HARDWARE

SCALE

This general purpose hardware scale features two

beams and a removable brass scoop.

60) BENCH SCALE WITH SPECIAL

PURPOSE BEAM

This 50 lb bench scale features a special purpose beam

for fine increment weighing.

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61) GENERAL PURPOSE BENCH SCALE

This general purpose bench scale features a

10.25" x 12" platform.

62) GENERAL PURPOSE BALANCE

This dependable and accurate general purpose balance

was used in both the baking and the hardware

industries.

63) GENERAL PURPOSE BENCH SCALE

Featuring a 10.25" x 12" platform, this general purpose

bench scale was often manufactured to meet specific

customer requirements.

64) DOUBLE BEAM PACKAGE SCALE

Featuring a crow’s foot base, this double beam package

scale was designed with a porcelain material to meet

the special needs of a customer.

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65) PROTOTYPE HEALTH SCALE

This prototype health scale marks Fairbanks’ transition

from building cast iron based scales to manufacturing

scale models with durable fabricated bases.

66) COMMON SENSE GROCER’S SCALE

With a capacity ranging from 1 oz to 50 lbs, this scale

also features agate bearings. According to a catalog from

the period:

“It has agate bearings throughout, is accurate, sensitive

and durable. It is elegant in design and beautiful in

finish.”

67) TOWN & CITY SEALER’S SCALE

This finely finished scale features an iron base

measuring 44" x 12"; a brass column; and a 30" beam.

With a 100 lb capacity, this scale sold for $125.

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68) COMMERCIAL HEALTH SCALE

This commercial health scale was manufactured by

Fairbanks and features a 100% cast material.

69) LINE SCALE

With its wheels removed, this Fairbanks line scale has

been modified to weigh people.

70) UNIQUE PERSONAL SCALE

This unique scale features a shop modification of a

Fairbanks base combined with a dial of unknown

origin.

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71) GENERAL PURPOSE BENCH SCALE

Similar to scale #63, this bench scale also features a

10.25" x 12" platform. It was often manufactured to

meet specific customer needs.

72) GRAIN AND FLOUR SCALE

This small, compact percentage scale features a round

iron plate to hold a brass container of one-quarter pint

capacity. Used to weigh beans, peas or grain of any

kind, it once sold for $12. According to the catalog

from the period:

“Since such material always comes mixed with mor or

less dirt, it is desirable for both buyer and seller to

know both the percentage of good material and the

weight per bushel of any lot so that an equitable price

may be established.”

73) CABINET DIAL SCALE

This Fairbanks Morse dial scale is made of heavy gauge

sheet metal. A secretary could be attached to the front

of it in order to keep scale tickets organized, while not

interfering with the scale operation or maintenance.

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74) PRESCRIPTION SCALE

This inexpensive scale was designed for general

commercial uses without the need of loose weights. It

was used to weigh powder, tea samples and the work of

photographers. It also featured a 2.5-inch movable pan.

The scale sold for $5.

75) “TYPE S” LEVER SYSTEM FROM

AN AXLE LOAD TRUCK SCALE

Fairbanks’ “Type S” lever system is still used in some of

our current truck scale models. The cast iron resists

rust and maintains structural strength throughout years

of every day use.

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