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In October 1948 Edward Young after being a candy salesman and truck driver decided with his wife Phinny to settle down just north of the Missouri River in a little unincorporated area and have a small store with cheap gas (4 pumps with no city tax at that time) cheap cigarettes (again no city tax) and milk and bread (essentials). He gradually added on as cash from profits became available.
In 1951 a flood delayed his dream. While getting back into business he heard that the city of Kansas City was talking about annexing this area. He and Mr. Fred Filger went to the state capital in Jefferson City and worked to get the city of Riverside incorporated so Kansas City would have to build around them. That same year the store was flooded with 6 foot of water. With a lot of hard work Mr. Young started over.
In 1957 a fire destroyed the complete Red X building. Again with a lot of hard work Mr. Young rebuilt the 40,000 square foot building and continued to expand until the Riverside Red X hosted over 90,000 square feet of shopping for the Riverside community.
Again in 1993 nature turned against him and he watched helplessly as the Missouri River overflowed its banks and sent 11 foot of water into the store and stayed 11 days. At 80 years of age this did not deter Mr. Young. While the water was still in the store he was making plans to rebuild. Mr. Young was a man of vision. Some old timers in Riverside might remember Zebra Stamps. These stamps were given with your purchases at Red X and only redeemable at Red X. The back part of the store was a gift shop where these stamps were redeemable. Wednesdays were double stamp day and the store would be packed.
Mr. Young was dedicated to the city of Riverside. He served as Alderman for 19 years and mayor for 4 years. His behind the scenes activities were to include establishing the first Riverside Park fund. He donated a 40 acre tract of land where the city established a beautiful park known now as the E. H. Young Riverfront Park. He was responsible for renovating a building and providing the Bell Road Barn Players a place to perform. Mr. Young supported the Public Safety Department and the Park Hill South High School Renaissance program. Mr. Young’s motto after the 1957 fire was “HOME OF HIGH WATER, HOT FIRES AND LOW PRICES”. Mr. Young passed away July 2, 1999 preceeded by his wife by 2 years. His son Zeke Young, of Ozark, Mo. along with over 100 employees, are still carrying out his plans. THE TRADITION CONTINUES!!!!!
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