What we're about...

We specialize in all of your typewriter needs, occasionally selling used typewriters. We carry books centralized around Kansas history, Kansas collegiate coaches and players, and books from Kansas authors. We have Kansas University, Kansas State, and Wichita State apparel, car decals, and decor.  Anderson's also proudly carries a large variety of  Melissa and Doug products. 

As old as the rules of Basketball

A brief comparison of Anderson's and James Naismith, Creator of  Basketball. 
​In 1892, James Naismith published his rules for the game of Basket ball. That same year, Phillip Murray Anderson opened Anderson’s News Stand. Over the last 125 years both Anderson’s News Stand and Basket ball have seen change; basket ball became basketball, and the original 13 rules became upwards of 60 (for the NBA at least). Anderson’s went from selling magazines, newspapers and tobacco to moderately priced school books and paper goods. Naismith was the first basketball coach at the University of Kansas and Phil E., Phillip Murray’s son, was the first Anderson to graduate from college…which just so happened to be the University of Kansas. Synonymous? We think so. 

The 1900s was a century of growth for both Basketball and Anderson’s New Stand. Basketball grew in popularity and was played nearly everywhere by the turn of the century. Anderson’s News Stand relocated into a larger building in 1900, then expanded to two store fronts in 1917. Not only did the store’s square footage grow, but also the inventory. Phillip Murray added a soda fountain, GE refrigerators, radios, athletic wear, and even fine china. In 1920, Phil M trademarked the Kansas Book Dealers Association. A coalition of 800 Kansas bookstores committed to keeping prices low on school books and paper supplies for students. He was the president of this association until his death in 1951. Eight years after the trademarking of the KBDA, Phillip Murray sold his building to the Santa Fe Railroad, so they could construct a new train station. Phil M. relocated to 522 N Main, next to the regent theatre. Naismith also relocated during this time, in 1914 he began serving as Chaplain and Captain in the First Kansas Infantry. By 1917 he was serving in France as lecturer of moral conditions and sex education. James returned to KU in 1919 and took on the role of Athletic Director and retired in 1937 and died in 1939.

Phil M. wanted to be closer to Newton High School (located in what is now Santa Fe Middle School), and in 1938 he relocated the store to it’s current home at 627 N. Main Street. Phil M. spent the rest of his life expanding the stores inventory, and preparing his son, Phil E. Anderson, to take over for him. Phil E. ran the store with his wife Dorothy and four children Dodi, Jon, Brad, and Phil III (during high school and in the summer). Phil III currently owns and operates the store and has been working in the store full time since 1958. Phil III graduated from Wichita State University in 1958 after serving in the United States Army. His wife, Janet Anderson, worked as a bookkeeper for the store. Following tradition, Phil’s three sons, Murray, Milt, and Clay also spent their afternoons summers working in the store. All three would go on to run their own businesses, Milt started Anderson Name Plates. Clay opened Anderson Health Care and worked there until he passed away in 1996. Murray opened Anderson Liquor Store, Gurty’s Burgers, and 12Brew Drive Thru.

The introduction of the internet and online shopping gave Anderson’s an opportunity to reach more customers, and in 2006 Murray and Phil III started listing products on eBay. The eBay store today has almost 2000 different products, most of which are hard to find typewriter ribbons and customizable chenille letters. Also, during this time of expansion Anderson’s Office Supply began selling letterman Jackets for Newton and surrounding area high school students to adorn with their achievement pins and patches from academic and athletic excellence. Today Anderson’s has something for everyone, wooden toys, great pens, and books about Kansas history, lifestyle and food. We just might have what you are looking for, check out Anderson’s in store or at our eBay store (1892store) for more production information. 

Store Hours
MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY
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SUNDAY
9:00 A.M. TO 5:30 P.M.

9:00 A.M. TO 5:30 P.M.

9:00 A.M. TO 5:30 P.M.

9:00 A.M. TO 6:00 P.M.

9:00 A.M. TO 5:30 P.M.

9:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M.

CLOSED

DROP US A LINE

Visit our Store, Give us a call, Or visit our eBay Store! 
Address:  
627 N. Main Street
​​  Newton, Kansas 67114
​Phone:
316-283-3570
​Fax:     
​316-283-1851
eBay Store : 
1892store