For those who live in Kansas City, the name William Volker is synonymous with his philanthropic works throughout his life. Born in Hanover, Germany in 1859, Mr. Volker moved with his family to Chicago in 1871 and took his first job at the age of 14 as a clerk in a dry goods store. He later continued pursuing education by studying accounting at a business college that lead him to a job as an accountant for a picture frame business. Wanting to start his own company, he took the money he had saved up and moved to Kansas City in 1882. Experiencing great success with his business, he opened up stores in other big cities. One of Kansas Cities wealthiest residents, he remained humble, often giving anonymously. His donation of 40 acres was developed into what is now known as the University of Missouri – Kansas City. Make sure and stop by the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio at 3616 Belleview. Benton was an American painter and muralist. The fluid, sculpted figures in his paintings showed everyday people in scenes of life in the US, strongly associated with the Midwest. He was born in Neosho, Missouri and called the Midwest home for most of his life. His work can also be found in the Nelson Art Gallery and the State of Missouri capitol building in Jefferson City. Roanoke Park is at 3601 Roanoke Road, full of great new playground equipment for endless hours of fun. The 39th Street area is still a thriving part of Kansas City full of a wide variety of unique shops, eateries, bookstores and more just waiting to be explored. This area is located about 10 minutes southwest of downtown Kansas City.