By SALINA POST
Salina Post proudly presents Flashback Friday in partnership with the Smoky Hill Museum. Enjoy a weekly tidbit of local history from the staff at Salina Post and the Smoky Hill Museum as we present "Salina-Flashback Fridays."
The Campbell House
Nestled in the heart of Salina at 122 South Ninth Street, the Campbell House was one of the first homes built in Salina. This historic home was built by Alexander and Christina Campbell, who began construction in 1870.
Alexander Melvin Campbell, a pioneer of Salina, Kansas, was a significant figure in the city's early development. Born in Paisley, Scotland, in 1834, he emigrated to America in 1847, eventually settling in Kansas in 1855. In 1857, Campbell co-founded the Salina Town Company, becoming the city's first merchant, postmaster, and settler. His contributions to Salina's growth were substantial, including establishing the first store and post office, where he played a vital role in the local economy and community.
Campbell's career was marked by his dedication to public service and his business acumen. He ran a successful mercantile business and was actively involved in the postal service, even during challenging times, such as conflicts with Native American tribes, where he served as a sergeant.
His wife, Christina, was the first white woman to reside in Salina and was instrumental in managing the store and post office. The couple's business thrived, and Campbell continued to be a key figure in Salina until his retirement in 1900.
As one of the earliest homes in Salina, the Campbell House has witnessed the evolution of the city over more than a century and a half.
Unique for its time, the house featured a swimming pool, a luxury that was rare in the late 19th century. The Campbells also took an innovative approach to protect their home from Kansas’s infamous tornadoes by pouring sand into the walls, adding a layer of security to their home.
In 1931, the Campbell House saw some additions. Despite these changes, the home remains on its original site, continuing to be a significant piece of Salina’s architectural and cultural heritage.
The Campbell family grew in the newly plotted town of Salina. Their family grew to include several children: Christie Addison, who married Nelson H. Loomis; Margaret, who married George M. Hull; Alexander Melvin Jr., who married Effie Davis; Mary McQualter, who also married Nelson H. Loomis after Christie’s death; and William Phillips Campbell.
Alexander Melvin Jr. and Effie Davis were the parents of one child, Mary (1901-1987), who married Martin Palmer in 1932. Mary and Martin had one daughter, Susan (1941-1997), who never married. Mary Campbell Palmer’s lifelong best friend was Julia Shellabarger Porter, whose daughter Florence married Howard K. Loomis. Florence and Howard were named trustees of Mary’s estate.
In addition to their contributions to Salina’s history, the Campbell family left a lasting legacy through generous artifact donations to the Smoky Hill Museum’s collection, including 691 items in 1986, 219 items in 1997, 4 items in 2002, and 21 items in 2006. The original Smoky Hill Museum artifact collection was housed in the Campbell Home.
In 1879 Town founder W.A. Phillips organized the Saline Co. Historical Society. According to museum documents, all members were required to donate an item to join the society.
Want to live in a piece of local history? The Campbell Home is up for sale.
