Thanks to Wichita State University reference librarian Robin Tiemeier, who made copes of the relevant Wichita Eagle articles for me.
From the tiny Iola KS Register, a somewhat waggish and impertinent article about some silliness surrounding the upcoming celebrations of the grand opening of Wichita's new Union Depot:
Iola KS Iola Daily Register July 19, 1913, page 4 (http://www.newspaperarchive.com)
Wichita, of course, has grown in large degree beyond total dependence upon the local trade, and so in spite of the threatened crop failure the city is going ahead. A new million dollar hotel has been financed and work on it will soon begin. Two or three new business blocks are going up, one of them, a 6-story wholesale house. Meanwhile the railroads are pushing the great new union depot which is to cost them something like $2,000,000. It is to be completed by October and a comical controversy is raging in the newspapers as to the particular kind of liquid that shall be used in dedicating. The suggestion of champagne of course, brought out many protests, and substitutes have been suggested ranging all the way from Arkansas river water to malted milk. Which reminds me somehow that the favorite soda fountain beverage through all this section seems to be what they call the "Bryan high ball," the same being concocted of grape juice, diluted with carbonated water." [end]
Notwithstanding the regional snarkiness, Wichita was justifiably proud of its brand spanking new Beaux-Arts gem, as evidenced by this story, the last of about 15 stories on the festivities surrounding the opening:
Wichita Beacon, 9 Mar 1914: (
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"Monday, March 9, 1914
NEW STATION NOW IN USE
All The Dedicatory Formalities Are Finished.
VISITORS BY THE THOUSANDS
Ex-Mayor C.L. Davidson Announced The Opening.
Red Fire Was Burned On Douglas Avenue And Main Street Saturday Night - Hockaday Purchased The First Ticket
Wichita's union station is running with a clear board and a full head of steam. She swung on to the main line Saturday and was making time yesterday and today.
The opening attracted thousands of admirers Saturday afternoon. The real visiting day was Sunday. From morning until night the concourse, main waiting room, and dining room were crowded.
The formal opening of the station was made by C. L. Davidson Saturday afternoon. Judge Wilson introduced Mr. Davidson. On the platform, besides Mr. Davidson and Judge Wilson, were C. W. Y president of the Terminal Company; A. E. Sweet, general manager of the Rock Island; C. W. Felt, Santa Fe chief engineer; Judge Sluss; F. W. George, President of the Wichita Business Association; C. J. Skinner, resident engineer; Chester I. Long, R. R. Vermillion.
Red Fire Along The Streets
Saturday evening the Merchant’s Association spent $75 for red fire and fireworks to celebrate the station opening. That money was contributed by businessmen. Wichita burned red between 8 and 10 o'clock. It was a noisy Saturday night, like the carnival nights of street fair days. Everyone rejoiced over the station by making a noise with any contraption handy.
The new terminal plant is down to working trim. Passenger offices are on the second floor. On the third floor are offices of Superintendent Ransom Stephens. Chief Agent Murphy has offices in the gallery over the general ticket office.
Eating House Is Serving
The Harvey dining room opened for service yesterday with imported chefs and smiling waitresses. It was festooned with wonderful pastry creations. The Harvey newsstand and fountain were compelled to open Saturday. Every department is in full swing today.
F. W. Hockaday, president of the Hockaday Auto Supply Company, purchased the first ticket sold from the Union ticket office. He was in line 6 hours. He purchased a ticket to Kansas City and a Pullman ticket. He will frame these and have them displayed in his store on East Douglas Avenue. Every train yesterday went on to the “L” without a hitch. The new station is used by the Santa Fe, the rock Island, the Orient, and the Frisco."