The Pendergast Machine by Ingrid Weaver

Watch Ingrid Weaver's 2015 National History Day documentary titled "The Pendergast Machine: How Boss Tom Kept Kansas City's Most Powerful Political Machine Alive."

[@randy7928]

As a native of KC, pretty much every concrete bridge and structure that's anywhere near 100 years old gets credited to Pendergast concrete. The railroad bridge over Independence avenue is a perfect example. It's been hit by trucks hundreds of times, yet still stands strong. Whether Pendergast built it or not, he comes to mind every time it survives another hit.

[@budwyzer77]

I kind of like his concrete-based corruption. He made all of our old buildings unbelievably sturdy so he could skim off the top.

[@shaggybreeks]

Robert Altman grew up in that period there, and made a movie, "Kansas City". In the director's comments on the CD, he pretty much confirms what's being presented here.

[@gregbradford7963]

Heard it said that's why Johnson County, KS relatively affluent - folks with money, business interest back then sidestepping Tom's influence...

[@TheFreeThought]

happy to be from here

[@jimking9338]

Thanks, that was so interesting Amazing !!! how Ingrid got the facts and the history together... wish it had been longer

[@okvideos1463]

My grandpas friends dad used to run a garage and he had to go down to his headquarters to fix cars and to get paid

[@latintribe4411]

wow

[@rangerdave1973]

this was AWESOME. I am impressed