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A former Gardner Edgerton High School teacher, Derrick Stockton, is playing a significant role in preserving Gardner, Kansas’s history by breathing new life into a historic downtown building.
Located at 117 South Elm Street, the structure—originally a blacksmith shop—was destroyed by fire in 1897 and later rebuilt in 1905 by the owner’s son.
Stockton, a former science educator, purchased the building in 2021 and spent over a year restoring it. His goal was to honor Gardner’s historical roots while creating a space that would attract regional visitors and support the community’s economic revival.
From Westward Expansion to Modern Destination
Back in the day, Gardner served as a key junction for the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California Trails. The building Stockton restored once helped pioneers prepare for their westward journeys by offering tools, wagon repairs, and horse care.
Now, the site offers a new kind of experience. Stockton launched three businesses under one roof:
- Ash and Anvil, a cigar lounge
- The Bellows, an outdoor bar with a stage on a grain truck
- The Forge, a hidden speakeasy reminiscent of the Prohibition era
Visitors from Shawnee, Bonner Springs, and Lee’s Summit regularly make the trip to enjoy the unique atmosphere.
Sparking a Renaissance in Downtown Gardner
Stockton believes his work contributes to revitalizing downtown Gardner, which was once a place residents had to leave for dining and entertainment. His vision has drawn praise from the Gardner Chamber of Commerce.
Beth Felski, President and CEO of the chamber, emphasized that locally owned businesses like Stockton’s are helping redefine Gardner as a place where people want to stay and invest.
“We’re seeing momentum build, thanks to entrepreneurs—both native to Gardner and newcomers—who believe in the city’s potential,” said Felski.
Growth on the Horizon
Gardner is preparing for further development with new businesses like TJ Maxx and Five Below on the way. Additional hotels are under construction, which are expected to double the town’s hotel capacity, reinforcing Gardner’s growing status as a local destination.
Derrick Stockton’s dedication to preserving Gardner’s heritage through creative entrepreneurship is helping to reshape the identity of the community. By transforming a historic building into a multi-faceted venue, he’s attracting visitors from across the metro while promoting pride in the town’s rich past.
His story represents how small-town revitalization can thrive through local passion and historical appreciation.