Information
Landmark: Bharat Kala Bhavan MuseumCity: Varanasi
Country: India
Continent: Asia
Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, Varanasi, India, Asia
The J.C. Penney Historic District is a collection of buildings in Kemmerer, Wyoming, that represent the early commercial and residential development of the town, particularly associated with the J.C. Penney Company.
Visual Characteristics
The district comprises approximately 20 buildings constructed primarily between 1900 and 1930. Architectural styles include early 20th-century commercial vernacular and some residential styles of the period. Materials are predominantly brick and wood, with some stone foundations. Building heights range from one to three stories. Colors are typical of the era, featuring muted earth tones and painted facades.
Location & Access Logistics
The J.C. Penney Historic District is located in the central business district of Kemmerer, Wyoming. It is situated along Lincoln Highway (US Route 189) and adjacent streets. The district is approximately 1 mile from the main Kemmerer city limits sign. Parking is available on street and in designated public lots within the district. No specific public transport routes directly serve the district; visitors typically arrive by private vehicle.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The district's origin is tied to the establishment of the J.C. Penney Company's first store in 1902 by James Cash Penney. The area developed as the commercial hub of Kemmerer, a town founded to support local coal mining operations. The buildings reflect the growth and economic activity of the early 20th century in a Western American frontier town.
Key Highlights & Activities
Visitors can walk through the district to observe the historical architecture. The J.C. Penney Store Museum, located in the original store building, offers exhibits on the company's history and the town's development. Photography of the period architecture is a primary activity. Informational plaques are present at several key locations.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available in public facilities and some businesses within the district. Shade is provided by awnings and trees along sidewalks. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. Food vendors and restaurants are located within the district and immediately surrounding blocks.
Best Time to Visit
The best time of day for photography is late morning or late afternoon when sunlight provides angled illumination on the building facades. The best months for visiting are from May through October, offering milder weather conditions. No tide-specific considerations apply.
Facts & Legends
The original J.C. Penney store in this district was known as "The Golden Rule Store" before the company adopted the J.C. Penney name. A local anecdote suggests that James Cash Penney himself personally greeted many of the early customers, establishing a direct connection that influenced his business philosophy.
Nearby Landmarks
- Kemmerer City Hall - 0.1km West
- Kemmerer Public Library - 0.2km Northwest
- Fossil Butte National Monument Visitor Center - 12km Southwest
- Kemmerer Municipal Golf Course - 1.5km East
- South Lincoln Medical Center - 0.8km South