Tom Drake's Harness Shop
Nestled beneath the historic streets of Ellinwood, Kansas, lies a testament to 19th-century craftsmanship: Tom Drake's Harness Shop. Established in 1887, this subterranean workshop was an integral part of Ellinwood's unique underground business district, catering to the needs of travelers and locals alike.
Back when horses were the backbone of transportation, harness shops were a lifeline—and Tom Drake’s shop was no exception. Tucked away in the Ellinwood Underground, his workshop was where harnesses and tack were crafted and repaired, keeping the town’s equine-powered world running smoothly. The underground location wasn’t just practical—it offered a cool escape from the scorching Kansas summers, making it the perfect place for long hours of detailed craftsmanship.
Today, stepping into Tom Drake’s Harness Shop is like walking straight into the past. Everything is just as he left it—his tools, his workbench, even the unfinished projects still waiting for his return. When Tom retired in 1920, he padlocked the door and never came back. The space was never re-rented, never repurposed. What remains is a perfectly preserved time capsule, offering an up-close look at the daily life of a late 19th-century craftsman.
Touring the Ellinwood Underground isn’t just about history—it’s about experiencing it. Tom Drake’s shop stands as a testament to the grit, ingenuity, and resilience of those who built their lives beneath Ellinwood’s bustling streets.
