“It is in changing that things find purpose.” — Heraclitus  

Yes, there’s a sense of irony is discussing change for a magazine that has changed very little in 110 years. When I leaf through the pages of The Independent – whether it’s last week’s issue or a past issue from, say, 1959, there are topics that haven’t changed in a half century: a wedding or birth announcement, raising awareness for a good cause, raising funds for a needed project in Our Town, poking a little levity (think I Wonders) and celebrating the people who have worked so hard at making Kansas City a vibrant place. But The Independent is far from the same publication that it was 110 years ago.

When this magazine was first printed, it covered political antics in late 19th century Kansas City — and there were a lot of antics to discuss!– for about a decade. The first earthshaking change for The Independent took place about 100 years ago, when the focus shifted from politics to what was then known, politely, as society. What most people didn’t understand then was that many of the proper ladies pictured pouring tea in those early issues were the quiet movers and shakers in Our Town, raising money for social causes and helping build museums, libraries, schools and gardens. What a different city we would live in without those women tirelessly working behind the scenes.

This magazine’s tag line, “Kansas City’s Weekly Journal of Society” was put into place in 1932. Six years later, the indomitable Mrs. Gleed Gaylord took ownership of the magazine and put her own imprint on its pages for the next 44 years, celebrating the city’s exciting growth after World War II, including the creation of the BOTAR Ball in 1949 and The Jewel Ball just five years later. Advertisers flocked to the magazine to announce their distinctive services, including the stylish new Elizabeth Arden Salon at the venerable Emery Bird Thayer Department Store. I cherish the ad that once ran in these pages promoting a full day of beauty at the Arden Salon – facial and make-up session, one-hour body massage, shampoo and set, manicure and pedicure – for $13! Those were the days!

In the 1960s and ‘70s, the magazine grew and prospered, covering everything from Country Club activities to community cultural events. Mrs. Gaylord sold the magazine to my father-in-law, Robert P. Ingram, Jr., in 1983 and very little changed at first, although readers began to notice that the realtors advertising homes in our pages not only promoted new homes in suburban areas, but newly-restored mansions in historic Volker and Hyde Park neighborhoods proving that everything old does become new again.

As one century turned into another, The Independent remained true to its century-old mission: promoting the great causes of Our Town and focusing more broadly on smaller events that color the fabric of Kansas City and make it such a wonderful place to live.

As the first decade of the 21st century closes, and we look toward the year 2010, we announce a new change. It’s a big one: Beginning in January, we will publish double issues every other week, with a minimum of 48 pages dedicated to covering all the things you have come to know and love.

The publication dates may change, but the reason you love picking up this magazine, to stay in tune with your friends through the latest birth announcements, engagements, the center spreads from your favorite balls and galas – that will be as it has always been.

We will happily chat about the upcoming events and make you smile as you note the involvement of so many friends and family who are creating these spectacular events. Not enough you say? Well, then you must go to www.kcindependent.com for a daily update of what is happening. You will find something new and exciting every day, whether it’s a review from the latest performing arts by the best arts writer in Our Town, Paul Horsley, or  event extras from a special party or gala. All these things can be found at the click of a button.

Change – technological, in this case – is just as exciting. Did you ever wonder how to get your picture or that of a friend on the “continual loop” on our home page? Ask me how at 816-471-2800, I’m happy to help.

Change does help us find purpose. The new Independent will be thicker and filled with all of the news and photos your family has loved and followed for decades. And yes, I’ll be writing more regularly, too. You are an important part of The Independent family, and I look forward to sharing the exciting new changes with you over the next few months!