Osage Theater Circa 1922

Our boat parts and repair shop at 930 Osage, Kansas City, KS has a unique history. In 1922, the newly constructed building opened as the Osage Theater.  Richard Biechelle, owner, built the theater for $50,000 which would seat 1000. Prior to 1922 there had been smaller theater at this same location but I was unable to find details about it. It was destroyed or torn down for this 1922 theater.

The debut movie on February 26, 1922 was “A Sailor-Made Man” staring Harold Lloyd.

The theater ran for close to 30 years in Armourdale. It was a favorite entertainment spot for both kids and adults in this hard working community. I uncovered a Google Book titled, “The Kid from Armourdale” in which Lloyd E Houser describes growing up in Armourdale during the depression.  He mentions finding ways to earn money to go to the Osage Theater on a Friday night.  His young brother, with no money of his own, bawled and bawled his way into going.  Lloyd offered to pay the 1 penny to get Bill into the show as his mom only had 9 cents in her purse. Lloyd’s story of that Friday night is certainly entertaining and can be found here.

In 1948 the theater experienced a roof collapse which injured some customers. The theater was repaired and re-opened for a few more years.

Theater – The Kansas movie theater in the Armourdale community of Kansas City, Kan., was damaged by the 1951 flood. This view shows Kansas Avenue near St. Paul Street. (Photo courtesy of the Wyandotte County Museum)

The 1951 flood of the Armourdale area forced the closing of the theater and it was never to be re-opened.  Apparently repairs were done to the building and the front exterior greatly changed to what it looks like today.  The windows along the side of the building remain the same however.  Inside you can find the projector room and the window through which the movies were shown.  You can even see the arch of the screen curtain and stage. Additionally you can still see water marks on the interior walls where the flood waters crested.

If you stop by during our down time (in the winter) perhaps we can give you a tour.

930 Osage Ave, Home of US Boatworks since 1990.

The projection booth of the Osage Theatre at its opening with Simplex projection

Raise Less Civilized Kids

School is back in session for most of the USA but summer continues to hang on here in the Midwest. We have a many more warm days to enjoy the lake with family and friends! Go tubing, get out the fishing rods, build a bonfire, make s'mores, stay up late! Get out there and make some memories!

 To help get you back on the water while saving money, you can now save over 50% off shipping! Beginning August 17 through the end of the month we are offering $7.95 flat rate shipping* on orders over $100 when you order on-line. Use coupon code 7dollarship at check out.

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Boat Engine Maintenance

• Have you been putting off your recommended Mercury outboard maintenance?
• Are you simply not sure of what to do?
• Maybe you are dreading dragging out the engine manual or doing your internet research?
• Can you even find your engine manual?

For anyone who can identify with the above, this article is for you!

Regular engine maintenance is essential to ensuring your engine will provide you with years of trouble-free operation.  You have a choice to do it  yourself or sit back and let the experts handle your maintenance.

If you want the experts to help, Mercury Authorized Dealers have the expertise and training to handle all of your engine maintenance service and needs.  US Boatworks is a Mercury Authorized Premier Dealer with over 30 years experience in repairing and maintaining Mercury Outboard Motors in the Kansas City area.  Please call to schedule your 100 and 300 hour maintenance of your Mercury Outboard. Keeping on top of the recommended procedures is a great way to keep your engine running trouble free for many years to come.

For the do-it-yourselfer, timely, accurate maintenance is important.  The maintenance checklist at the bottom of the page is a great summary of items to be reviewed at both 100 and 300 engine hours.  The second list is a grease chart for fresh water use to insure the proper product is put into your motor.  Always refer to your specific owners manual or call your authorized Mercury Motor dealer before performing these recommended services.

OILS AND LUBRICANTS  

Oils and lubricants are of course key to keeping your motor parts moving properly.  Avoid being tricked into buying generic or multi-purpose oils which are inferior to genuine manufacturer oils. Mercury Oils and Lubricants are specifically engineered for the unique needs of marine engines and rigorously tested to meet high standards. You can get the most out of your engine while having total peace of mind that your engine is being protected when you choose oils manufactured by your engine manufacturer.

GREASE CHART FOR FRESH WATER USE

STEERING SYSTEMS / CABLE, LINKAGES	2-4-C	100 hrs/at least once a yr
THROTTLE AND SHIFT CABLES, LINKAGES	2-4-C	100 hrs
REMOTE CONTROLS	2-4-C	100 hrs/at least once a yr
PROP SHAFT	2-4-C	100hrs/120 days
SWIVEL PINS	2-4-C	100hrs/120 days
TILT LOCK MECHANISM/TILT TUBE	2-4-C	100 days
DRIVE SHAFT SPLINES (ENGINE COUPLERS)	EXTREME	100 hrs/at least once a yr

MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST	100 HRS	300 HRS
INSPECT ENGINE AND ACCESSORIES FOR VISIBLE DAMAGE	♦	♦
RUN ENGINE FOR CORRECT OPERATION, CHECK FOR ANY ACTIVE CODES	♦	♦
DRAIN GEAR HOUSING AND REFILL WITH GEAR LUBE	♦	♦
REPLACE GEAR LUBE	♦	♦
SERVICE WATER PUMP	♦
INSPECT THERMOSTATS, REPLACE IF NECESSARY	♦	♦
LUBRICATE DRIVE SHAFT SPLINES	♦	♦
INSPECT PROPELLER SHAFT NUT, TORQUE IF NECESSARY	♦	♦
INSPECT IGNITION COMPONENTS, REPLACE SPARK PLUGS IF NECESSARY	♦
INSPECT FUEL TANK, FUEL LINES AND CONNECTIONS	♦	♦
INSPECT FUEL FILTERS, REPLACE IF NECESSARY	♦	♦
CHANGE ENGINE OIL AND REPLACE OIL FILTER (FOURSTROKE ONLY)	♦	♦
INSPECT HIGH PRESSURE FILTER, REPLACE IF NECESSARY	♦	♦
CHECK AND INSPECT ANODE, REPLACE IF NECESSARY	♦	♦