Lawrence, Kansas: As Seen Through Vintage Postcards

c.1900-1950

Derek Hanson

Lawrence, Kansas

The text message of the early 20th Century, postcards provided an affordable, visually appealing form of communication.

Maintaining the same postage cost, a single penny, family members, lovers, friends and businesses exchanged messages on these

colorful pieces of paper at a healthy pace for over half a century.

The postcard provided two forms of communication on a single piece of paper. On one side appeared a picture, offering a way to

communicate visually, often through a photograph of a place or building. The other side offered a blank space for written

communication. From simple communications used to keep personal contact and relationships alive, such as “All is well.” to pleas for

additional communication, such as “Why don‟t you write?” to budding courtships, these small pieces of paper record moments in time

from life now long past.

Perhaps an unintended consequence, but nonetheless important quality of the postcard is its permanence. Today‟s text messages

are evanescent. Appearing and disappearing on a screen. No record of these short conversations is likely to exist fifty or one

hundred years from now. Postcards, however, leave a unique, indelible trail. As an author in 1910 noted, “To write of souvenir cards

is to write of the human race and enumerate its foot tracks.” Postcards not only provide a visual record and documentation of places,

buildings and views long gone, but also a beautiful view into the personal lives of fellow human beings living out their lives long before

us.

While a random assortment of vintage postcards can provide a delightful glimpse into history, a selection of postcards from a beloved

city is even more special. Those who have spent time in Lawrence, visiting the University, Massachusetts Street, Old West

Lawrence, East Lawrence and the Kaw, quickly understand the devotion, love and respect for this community its residents have.

Vintage postcards from Lawrence cover each of these areas and more, highlighting community assets as seen from the years 1900-

1950. The collection contained herein provides a unique historical perspective on the city and its past residents and visitors not

granted by a basic history book or even a modern-day tour of the area. Here one can see the buildings and views of the University

that past students of KU saw. Old Fraser, a campus without the beloved Allen Fieldhouse, and horses grazing near Potter‟s Lake

are only a few found here. The cycle of bridges spanning the Kansas River, changing views of South Park, and the different

incarnations of Massachusetts Street can also be seen.

Many of these postcards of local history still contain the unique human stories behind them. When legible, these stories have been

reprinted too. Reading the messages sent from previous Lawrence residents and visitors offers a unique glimpse into human stories

each of us can relate to.

Of further note, each of these postcards are presented exactly as they appear today. The patina of age is not something which

should be edited away. Stains from a drink may have occurred when the original sender was pondering what to write. Postal

cancellation marks stained on the front may be from the storage of treasured love letters in a special stack. Use your imagination.

No matter their source, each mark or dent has become a part of the postcard‟s story. Like wrinkles on an old man‟s face, they all have

a story to tell and without them the work may become asynchronous, losing its place in the historical narrative.

Whatever led you to this book I hope you enjoy these glimpses into the past as much as I have.

D.H.

Postcard History – A Brief Introduction

Collectors and historians of postcards in the United States have distilled the historical timeline of postcards into separate eras,

many of which are represented by cards featured in this book. For each card presented the era and estimated date of creation are

provided. Below is a quick introduction to the different eras and some highlights from each.

Pioneer Era (1873-1898)

The first postcards in the United States were printed exclusively by the United States Postal Service. With pre-printed postage,

these cards remained in the control of the government until 1898 with the passage of the Private Mailing Card Act.

Private Mailing Card Era (1898-1901)

An interim period, the Private Mailing Card Era saw the beginnings of commercially and self-published cards. Writing was still only

permitted on the front of cards and the phrase “Private Mailing Card” had to be printed on the front of every card.

Undivided Back (1901-1907)

Starting December 24, 1901, the US government allowed private printers to change the labeling from “Private Mailing Card”

(previously required by law) to “Post Card.” Writing other than the address was still only allowed on the front. The back of cards

from this era remained undivided by a line. In 1907, European publishers accounted for 75% of all postcards sold in the US.

Divided Back Era (1907-1915)

“The Golden Age,” this era is exemplified by a vertical line on the back of each card. Messages were allowed in the smaller left area,

the address on the right. A blank area for messages was no longer included on the front. Germans dominated printing during this era,

with their printing methods considered the best in the world. World War One brought the supply of German postcards to an end

and lower quality cards from England and the United States became the best options. These production changes quickly led to the

end of the Golden Age of postcards in the US.

Early Modern Era (1915-1930)

The Early Modern era is easily denoted by the white border left around the picture on the front of each card; an effort to save ink.

No longer printed in Germany, the increase in domestic printing soon led to the first time in which US printers dominated the US

postcard market. Cards from this era have a back which is divided more evenly, making the message area bigger. More description of

the photograph is also often included on the back.

Linen Era (1930-1945)

A technologically improved printing process now meant that images were more vivid and brightly colored. Cards from this era are most

easily distinguished by the high rag content of the card, giving a look similar to linen cloth. Some cards were still printed with a white

border, others were not. Curt Teich is the most notable publisher from this era. Most linen cards were ceased in 1939, but some

publishers continued to produce cards with the linen cloth feel well into the late 1950s.

Photochrome Era (1939-Present)

The Photochrome Era began with the introduction of Union Oil Company photochrome-style postcards in its service stations.

Still the type of postcard produced today, these cards are quickly and easily produced and provide high-quality photos in full color.

Written in an early 20th Century font, this card

provides eleven turn-of-the-century views of

Lawrence. Visible from left to right, starting at

the top, are: the old KU chemistry building, a

view of the campus, the old high school, the

courthouse, the old physics building, Spooner

Hall, the Carnegie library, old Green Hall

(now Lippincott), the Manual Training

School, the old windmill and Bailey Hall.

Undivided Back Era

c. 1901-1907

[1]

“We are prepared to offer money to

first-class borrowers upon improved

farm security at 8 per cent. Interest

and 7 per cent. commission; time, five

years. If you can do the local work

required, 2 per cent of the

commission will go to you. If you do

not care to act, please recommend

some reliable party. Yours truly,

J.B. Watkins & Co.”

Pioneer Era

c. 1880

[2]

A Lawrence landmark of the late 18th to the

early 19th Century, the old windmill stood on

the hill southwest of the present intersection of

9th and Emery. Originally operated as a wind-

driven mill, the structure later served as the

home of Wilder & Palm, manufactures of plows,

planters and other agricultural implements.

Destroyed by fire in 1905, this picture shows

the windmill c.1900 in a relatively run-down

state.

Undivided Back Era

c. 1901-1907

[3]

“On class day those of the Faculty who

had studied at Harvard gave Royce a

little spread. I talked with the Unitarian

minister‟s wife, who is very intelligent and

not at all narrow. Love Arthur.”

Here the windmill appears in a better

state of repair.

Divided Back Era

c. 19--

[4]

“Hello Pat. Did you know that I didn‟t get to

leave until Thurs. Eve? I am going up on this

river on a boating trip this eve. They have been

postponing it ever since Thurs. for me.

Gertrude.”

Undivided Back Era

c.1907

[5]

Beautiful even at night, the Kansas River,

a.k.a. the Kaw, is the largest prairie based

river in the world. Flowing 171 miles from

Junction City, Kansas to Kansas City,

where it empties into the Missouri River, the

Kaw drains a total area of 53,000 square

miles.

Divided Back Era

c. 1909

[6]

“Glenn & Melvin just pledged Sigma Chi – am

tickled to death. Just had to tell you. Let me

know when you go through – we register

tomorrow.”

The Kansas River landing, on the south bank

of the Kaw, is visible here. Downtown and the

bridge to North Lawrence are visible in the

background.

Divided Back Era

c. 1909

[7]

This scene is likely from the landing on the

south bank of the Kansas River just to the

west of the bridge to North Lawrence.

Essentially at the northern terminus of

Tennessee Street, this area served as a

popular picnic area in the early 1900s with a

sandy beach and great views of the river.

Divided Back Era

c. 1907-1915

[8]

“Dear Maudie. This is all the card I

have. This is a view of my old home

town. I was glad to hear from you. I

wrote you some time ago but never

heard from you. Where is Maxie.

Wish I could see you both again.

Love Gus.”

Divided Back Era

c. 1909

[9]

A series of bridges, beginning with a wood

structure, have spanned the Kaw, starting in

1863/64. Before the bridges, residents,

visitors and merchants used various ferry

services for transportation across the river,

a tenuous adventure at best. The –

Railroad tracks are visible in the

foreground.

Divided Back Era

c. 1907

[10]

This bridge across the Kaw, the first west of

Kansas City, was destroyed by floods in 1876

and 1903. Originally a wood structure, the

version shown here is the rebuilt 1903 bridge.

Note the Union Pacific Depot visible in the

background of this view from downtown looking

toward North Lawrence.

Divided Back Era

c. 1907-1915

[11]

This postcard depicts a view

common to many who have sat on

the benches at the levy or

wandered down closer to the dam.

Although the building farthest to

the left is occupied today by Abe

& Jakes, many of the others visible

here have since succumbed to

history.

Divided Back Era

c. 1910

[12]

“Our Customers Are Our Friends.

July 15th „12

Sirs: The Bowersock Mills will do as they tell

you. I would wish no better firm to deal with.

Respectfully,

Clay Bowersox,

Shueyville, IA.”

Divided Back Era

c. 1912

[13]

This picture was drawn from blueprints

produced by Hendrick and Cochrane, the

consulting engineers for the first concrete

bridge for Lawrence. The picture was

created to give an advance look at how the

new bridge would look.

“This is a card showing our new bridge. Are

you having any watermelons out there? We

have plenty here. Write soon. Olive.”

Early Modern Era

c. 1917

[14]

This view, looking southeast, shows the

new concrete bridge opened in 1917.

Portions of East Lawrence are also

visible, including the bustling industrial

sections of town, a staple during the first

half of the 20th Century in Lawrence.

Today this view would include the new

City Hall, the former riverfront mall

building and many other significant

changes.

Linen Era

c. 1930-1945

[15]

This is a view from the Kansas

River looking east towards

downtown and the dam. At the time

of this picture the concrete bridge

and flour mills dominated the scene.

Today the mills are gone and two

new bridges, circa 1978 and 1980,

span the river.

Real Picture Postcard

c. 1951

[16]

“Dear Friend,

Well – as it is raining and I am in with the

river rats. I only wishes are that you were

here. Lots of Pilsner and Red Chief and

no one here to celebrate with me. If your

ever come over this way stop off it will not

cost you any thing and I think I can show

you a good time as ever your friend Tom

Carr”

Divided Back Era

c. 1910

[17]

This view of South Park, looking north

towards downtown, is unique in that it

shows the old bandstand just before its

replacement in 1906.

“Hello – This is what our park looks like

in the summer at present it is covered with

ice and snow, as everything here is. Will

let you know result of your wast eater –

Sadie”

Undivided Back Era

c. 1907

[18]

Mailed the same year as the previous

card, this postcard shows roughly the

same view of South Park, but with the

new bandstand. Note the size of the

trees in the photo (much smaller than they

are today) and the lack of the fountain

and flowers which are staples of today‟s

park.

Divided Back Era

c. 1907

[19]

The fountain which stands in the left-

hand portion of this picture today (not

present here) was originally a horse

watering fountain located in the middle of

the 9th and New Hampshire intersection.

Dedicated in 1910 by then former

President Theodore Roosevelt, the

fountain was later moved to South Park.

Divided Back Era

c. 1910

[20]

This view of South Park looks east from

the section of the park west of

Massachusetts Street. Note the home

in the left portion of the picture and the

multi-level fountain no longer present in

the park.

Divided Back Era

c. 1907-1915

[21]

Woodland Park, an amusement park on

the eastern edge of Lawrence in the

early 1900s, was the home of a variety

of attractions for children. The Daisy

Dozer rollercoaster, a shooting gallery,

a merry-go-round, “box ball,” and

dancing offered opportunities for

enjoyment throughout the year.

Scholars have noted that the park may

also have influenced Langston Hughes‟

later writings. Divided Back Era

c. 1912

[22]

The Kansas Hermit, Hugh Cameron,

returned to Lawrence after serving in

the Civil War, became a hermit and

lived outdoors. For many years he lived

in the “home” pictured here. A plaque

commemorates the site today at 5th and

Indiana. Cameron was quite the

character, refusing to cut his hair from

the age of 55 onwards and walking to

Washington, D.C. for each

inauguration. He is buried at Arlington

National Cemetery. Divided Back Era

c. 1907-1915

[23]

“Dear Gippy, Am spending a few days

over here with Adrienne and am having a

dandy time. How soon are you coming

home? Lovingly Eva.”

This street scene amazingly survives to

the present. The home on the far left is

1127 Ohio, easily identifiable by its

second story porch. The next home

appears to be 1121 Ohio, followed by

1115 Ohio, each still standing proudly

today. Era?

c.?

[24]

Although not evident from the picture

at first glance, this view is very familiar

to KU students of the past and

present. The view is of Adams Street,

now known as 14th Street, looking

east from roughly the Alumni Place

intersection. The concrete pillar seen

on the right may be the one still

standing near Stephenson

Scholarship Hall today.

Divided Back Era

c. 1907-1915

[25]

This street scene is from the Pinckney

Neighborhood in Lawrence, somewhere

along 4th Street (formerly Elliott

Street). The homes in this photograph

appear to have surrendered to time, no

longer gracing the presence of

Lawrence.

Divided Back Era

c. 1914

[26]

Although the cross street cannot be

easily identified in this picture there are a

few things which make the view

interesting today. First, this view shows

one of the busiest streets in Lawrence

today as a quaint little street complete

with tie ups for your horse. Although the

magnificent trees lining the street still

exist today, the scene here seems out of

place with what we think of as

Tennessee Street today. Divided Back Era

c. 1907-1915

[27]

This is a view of Louisiana Street

looking north from 8th Street. Looking

at the view today it appears that the

brick house on the far left is 743

Louisiana (without the porch), 723

Louisiana is the third home on the left,

the second home on the left is no longer

present, and the horse tie ups are still in

their place roughly 100 years later.

Divided Back Era

c. 1907-1915

[28]

Massachusetts Street as it appeared likely

around the turn of the century. Although

the street appears to be dirt in this picture,

attempts at paving the main commercial

thoroughfare began as early as the 1870s.

Unfortunately the first attempts used

wooden blocks, a thoroughly modern paver

at the time, but one which began to

disintegrate within two years. Bricks began

to be laid on Mass. St. and across town

beginning in 1900. Undivided Back Era

c. 1901-1907?

[29]

View of Massachusetts Street looking

southwest from the top of a building near

the corner of 8th and Massachusetts. The

university and courthouse are both visible in

the distance in this view. Note the old

storefront awnings, horse-drawn carriages

and puffs of smoke from the numerous

chimneys popping up from roofs along the

street.

Divided Back Era

c. 1907-1915

[30]

This view of Mass. Street, looking

north from 9th, shows a mix of

transportation options, from early

motorcars, to bicycles, to horses and

streetcars. Electric streetcars roamed

throughout much of Lawrence in the

early part of the 20th Century, including

on the campus of KU and over the

bridge into North Lawrence. The first

electric streetcar began operation on

September 20, 1909, the last in 1933. Divided Back Era

c. 1907-1915

[31]

This view of Massachusetts Street

looks north from 8th Street. The

building with a spire on the right-hand

side is the former Merchants National

Bank building on the Northeast corner.

The building was constructed in 1888

for $13,000. Today the corner is

anchored by Tellers. Liberty Hall is the

large building visible in the distance.

Divided Back Era

c. 1910

[32]

Designed by Henry Van Brunt,

the Union Pacific Depot served as

the transportation hub for the city

from 1889 on into the early 20th

Century. After passenger service

stopped in 1971, and freight

service in 1984, the railroad

threatened to tear the building

down. Concerned citizens and the

City spent five years restoring the

building to its original glory. Divided Back Era

c. 1907-1915

[33]

While the picture here was taken only a few

years later than the previous postcard,

note the growth of the tree found in both

pictures.

Now serving as the City‟s Visitor

Information Center, the depot still sees

nearly 100 freight trains passing through

the “Kansas Curve” each day.

Early Modern Era

c. 1922

[34]

The first incarnation of Liberty Hall

appeared on this site (7th and Mass.) in

1856. Converted to an opera house in

1882, the building suffered a catastrophic

fire in 1911. In addition to numerous

contemporary celebrities and intellectuals,

Liberty Hall hosted important lectures

during the suffrage movement by Susan

B. Anthony and others. This postcard

shows the architect‟s rendering of the new

building. Divided Back Era

c. 1907-1915

[35]

Rebuilt based on the drawing on the

previous card, the new Bowersock

Theatre opened in 1912. Although this

view shows the Liberty Hall familiar

today the building was not always a

theatre, nor as well cared for. Before

being restored, the current building

housed such businesses as a 1970s

disco and a punk rock club and served as

a warehouse for the Hallmark Company.

Early Modern Era

c. 1923

[36]

Proudly anchoring the 11th and

Massachusetts intersection

today, the courthouse was

constructed in 1903-04 from the

plans of architect John G.

Haskell. Haskell, an important

figure in the development of

Kansas, also designed many

structures in the area, from the

state capitol to several of the

churches in Lawrence. Divided Back Era

c. 1907-1915

[37]

Formerly located at 9th and Kentucky, the

old Lawrence High School opened in

1890. The school building featured the

bell brought from Boston to Lawrence in

1856 for the Unitarian Church.

Divided Back Era

c. 1909

[38]

This building, known today as Central

Junior High School, served for many

years as the high school for Lawrence. If

you look closely you will notice that the

stones above the front door still say

“Liberty” today.

Linen Era

c. 1930-1945

[39]

This is the old post office, opened in

1906 on the Northeast corner of 7th

and New Hampshire. Although no

longer a post office, this building still

stands proudly today as the home to

the World Company‟s offices, parent

to the Lawrence Journal-World and

other local media outlets.

Divided Back Era

c. 1907-1915

[40]

A former home of the Lawrence Public

Library, like many throughout the

country, this one was built from funds

donated by philanthropist Andrew

Carnegie in 1904. Still standing at 9th

and Vermont, this building housed the

library from 1904 to 1972. The rear

addition, not yet built in this picture, was

a 1937 WPA project. The building later

served as the home of the Lawrence

Arts Center for several decades. Divided Back Era

c. 1909

[41]

Constructed around 1910, the

Lawrence Young Men‟s Christian

Association was later used as a home

of the Lawrence Chamber of

Commerce and the studios for the

WREN radio station in Lawrence.

The building was located on the

northeast corner of 8th and Vermont

until 1969. The car parked out front is

a foretelling sign, as the site is now

home to a parking lot. Divided Back Era

c. 1907-1915

[42]

Formerly at 8th and Vermont, the

Fraternal Aid Building (built 1904) was

destroyed by a fire on February 8,

1930. The Round Corner Drug Store

is located in the lower left hand section

of the picture on 8th Street. Vermont

Street starts on the right hand side of

the frame. The site is now occupied by

the Standard Mutual Life building.

The stores seen on the right are now a

parking lot. Early Modern Era

1915-1930

[43]

The J.C. Ecke building is located at

945 Massachusetts Street, the

northwest corner of 10th and

Massachusetts. Home to the restaurant

Ingredient and several apartments, the

building retains much of its historic look

even today. The building pictured behind

it no longer exists.

Divided Back Era

c. 1915

[44]

Plymouth Congregational Church,

located at 925 Vermont, is as old as the

City of Lawrence. The first church

established in Kansas, Plymouth was

shepherded by early Lawrence resident

and historian Dr. Richard Cordley for

34 years. The building was designed by

John G. Haskell, also a member of the

congregation, and completed in 1870.

The building on the left has since been

replaced with a parking lot. Divided Back Era

c. 1907-1915

[45]

Trinity Episcopal Church, organized

in 1857, erected this Gothic Revival

style building from 1870-1873 on the

southwest corner of 10th and Vermont.

Note that the First Christian Church

is visible immediately behind the

Episcopal church and the old Lutheran

church, now Haskell condominiums, is

visible behind it.

Divided Back Era

c. 1907-1915

[46]

Located on the northeast corner of 10th

and Vermont, the First United

Methodist Church building was

constructed from 1889-1891. Designed

in the Richardsonian Romanesque style

by John G. Haskell, the Methodist

church has been in Lawrence as a

congregation since 1855.

Divided Back Era

c. 1915

[47]

This picture shows the former wooden

archway with a shingled roof gracing the

entrance to Haskell.

Divided Back Era

c. 1911

[48]

Haskell opened in September 1884 with

twenty-two students. Originally focusing

only on grades one through five,

enrollment quickly jumped to over 400

students by the second semester. This

view shows a main path leading to the

school as it looked one hundred years

ago.

Divided Back Era

c. 1911

[49]

Early students at Haskell studied such

trades as tailoring, wagon making,

harness making, blacksmithing, shoe

making, painting and farming (all for

boys); and cooking, sewing and

homemaking (all for girls.) Later, the

school increased its curriculum beyond

the elementary grades and modernized

curriculum along with the other schools of

the area.

Undivided Back Era

c. 1906

[50]

After a period of industrial, high school,

then vocational-technical emphases,

Haskell evolved into a junior college in

1970. Changing its name to Haskell

Indian Nations Institute in 1993, the

Haskell of today has an enrollment of

over 1,000 and continues to maintain an

integration of American Indian/Alaska

Native culture into its curriculum.

Divided Back Era

c. 1907-1915

[51]

The football field visible in this postcard

saw nationally famous Haskell players

and teams from the early 1900s to the

1930s. From All-American John Levi,

whom Jim Thorpe called “the greatest

athlete I have ever seen,” to the

undefeated team of 1926, Haskell

football teams were nationally renowned,

feared and respected. Today, Haskell is

home to the American Indian Athletic

Hall of Fame. Linen Era

c. 1930-1945

[52]

“Dear Edith. Have you heard – I am

here attending the State U.I have

been so awfully busy for the last month

I have not had time to write a letter but

will try to do better now. I think this is

one of the finest places on the earth.

Am a freshman. – Maude. 1313

Vermont Street.”

Undivided Back Era

c. 1904

[53]

Originally built to provide additional

space for the growing chemistry and

pharmacy programs, replacing the original

chemistry building (card #56), Bailey Hall

took its present name in 1938. The

building, opened in 1900, was located in

its present site “in order to provide for the

lighting of the basement.” Note the

hitching post for tying up horses in front

of the building.

Divided Back Era

c. 1913

[54]

Old Snow Hall, originally located in front

of present day Watson Library, was

designed to house the insect/natural

science collections of the University for

direct study by students. The building‟s

namesake, Francis Snow, was known for

encouraging students to go with him on

collecting expeditions during summer

vacations, wandering the state of Kansas

and much of the Southwestern U.S.

looking for specimens. Undivided Back Era

c. 1906

[55]

“Chemistry Hall,” the third building ever

built on the KU campus, was established

to remove the chemistry department from

the basement of Old Fraser where

students and faculty frequently

complained of gases rising into the

hallways and classrooms above. To be

sure a new building was necessary the

state legislature sent a committee to smell

for themselves. Funding was approved

soon afterward and the building

completed in 1884. Undivided Back Era

c. 1901-1907

[56]

“Dear Sis. – This is where I go to

school. How do you like the looks of it? I

have put away your letter and have not

time to hunt it up so don‟t remember what

questions you asked. Am plugging away.

Got plenty of studies and plenty of work.

T.F.K.”

“I take german in „g‟ and algebra in „A‟

English on the far side and geology and

the other stuff in Snow Hall.”

Divided Back Era

c. 1909

[57]

The previous postcard shows the 1871

drawing for what was then referred to as

the “New Building.” Dedicated in 1877,

after its newness wore off the building

was rechristened University Hall, a name

it held for several years until being

changed to Fraser Hall in 1897 in honor

of John Fraser, chancellor of KU from

1868 to the mid 1870s. Razed 1965, the

site is now occupied by the modern day

Fraser Hall. Old Snow Hall is visible in

the background to the right. Divided Back Era

c. 1907-1915

[58]

Originally constructed as a library from

funds donated by William B. Spooner

of Boston, the building was described

by Harper‟s Weekly as “a building

simple in construction, convenient,

adequate in its detail and thoroughly

modern in design.” Librarian Carrie M.

Watson (yes, that Watson) patrolled

the stacks for a number of years before

the building became home to the

Spooner-Thayer Museum of Art and

now (?) Divided Back Era

c. 1907-1915

[59]

“Cousin Katie: I hope you are getting

settled nicely and that the chickens are

well cared for by Susie. Am expecting

to spend Saturday evening on the river

with a Katie who attends K.U. – Your

Cousin, Isaiah.”

Note Old Fraser in the background.

Divided Back Era

c. 1907

[60]

The basement of this building, with its

11‟ tall ceiling, served as a home of

Kansas Basketball from 1898-1906,

along with a roller skating rink at 807

Kentucky (now a parking lot) and the

YMCA at 937 Massachusetts (also

now a parking lot). Old Snow, dedicated

in 1886 later suffered from foundation

issues and was razed in 1934. New

Snow Hall now proudly takes its place a

little further down Jayhawk Boulevard

today. Divided Back Era

c. 1910

[61]

Old Robinson Gymnasium used to stand

roughly where Wescoe Hall does today.

Opened in 1907, the gym was named for

the first Kansas Governor, and Free

State hero, Charles Robinson.

Designed to look like the Springfield,

Mass. YMCA where James Naismith

invented the game of basketball., the

building contained 1,500 lockers and

3,000 seats and served as a home court

for Kansas Basketball from 1907-1929.

The building was razed in 1967. Divided Back Era

c. 1908

[62]

Marvin Hall opened 1908 and is named for

Frank O. Marvin, former Dean of the School

of Engineering. The building was home to the

School of Engineering from …. To …. Now

Marvin Hall is home to frenetic architecture

and urban planning students.

Divided Back Era

c. 1907-1915

[63]

The University of Kansas campus as it

appeared in the late 1800s and early

1900s. This view looks south down

Oread Avenue and was likely taken

from the top of a water tower (visible in

card #65) which used to stand near the

present day Ecumenical Christian

Ministry building.

Divided Back Era

c. 1912

[64]

Although many of the buildings seen

here continue to stand the view from this

spot has changed dramatically over the

years. In addition to today‟s paved

roadways and concrete sidewalks, this

view lacks Danforth Chapel, Smith Hall

and the Kansas Union. The white house

in the background still stands (?), but is

hidden by several buildings. Soon the

Oread Inn will dominate the skyline as

the old water tower once did. Divided Back Era

c. 1907-1915

[65]

“It requires no prophet to foretell a time

when the entire hill shall be cultivated

with the highest art of the landscape

gardener, and crowned with buildings

from end to end.” Graduate Magazine,

Dec. 1903.

This picture shows the beginnings of the

landscaping program as young saplings

have recently been planted.

Divided Back Era

c. 1909

[66]

“Doing Lawrence this week. There are

19 buildings on the University Campus &

several more to be constructed soon.

2700 students & 300 teachers. Be good,

Alf.”

Note the lack of buildings and the stark,

barren landscape. The campus as viewed

here appears as a desert landscape

dappled with buildings.

Divided Back Era

c. 1914

[67]

This is a view of campus from in front of

Spooner Hall looking southeast. Old

Fraser Hall is on the left. Dyche and

Lippincott (old Green) are visible on the

right. Compared to today, note the old

streetlamp, different plantings and lack of

a traffic booth.

Linen Era

c. 1930-1945

[68]

“Potter Lake isn‟t very big, but what a

multitude of thrills it holds, give the

proper proportions which are as follows:

Twenty five percent damsels, twenty

five percent males, twenty five percent

water, twenty five percent swimming and

diving. Mix Well.” – Jayhawker 1927.

Originally constructed to hold

additional water for the fighting of fires,

Potter‟s had cattle grazing nearby at

least as late as 1913. Early Modern Era

c. 1921

[69]

Construction of the Administration

Building, named Frank Strong Hall in

1938, began in 1909 and took until 1924

to be completed. The East wing, the first

section built, stood by itself from

1911until 1918 when the West wing was

finished. The center was not complete

until the end of 1923. This picture shows

the back of the building, with Potter Lake

visible in the foreground.

Linen Era

c. 1930-1945

[70]

Note the streetcar tracks visible in the

street. The streetcar line ran between

Bailey Hall (to the right of this picture)

and Strong Hall on a North and South

route. The first plans for streetcars on

campus called for a tunnel under Mount

Oread to emerge near Marvin Hall.

After the tunnel scheme failed to come

to fruition the route seen here was laid

out. Streetcars roamed campus from

1910 until their replacement by busses in

1933. Early Modern Era

c. 1930

[71]

The original Hoch Auditorium was

designed to have two balconies and a

floor level even with the stage (much like

the Lied Center). Dedicated in 1927,

Hoch served as the home of Kansas

Basketball from 1929-1955. Players

such as Clyde Lovellete and Dean

Smith called this building their home

court. Lightning destroyed the building in

----. Budig Hall, a near-replica on the

exterior, now graces the site. Linen Era

c. 1941

[72]

Jayhawk Boulevard as it appeared

seventy or more years ago from the top of

Marvin Hall. No Wescoe Beach, old

Robinson and old Fraser can still be seen

in the distance and the trees sure do look

new! Note the old car in front of Strong

Hall, Old Robinson on the right just

beyond Hoch and the planter box in

front of Hoch still found today, often full

of tulips in the spring.

Linen Era

c. 1930-1945

[73]

Lewis Lindsay Dyche, the “Dashing

Kansan” and namesake of this building

became nationally famous for his

endeavors in exploring the natural world

and his life-like displays of natural

history. Dyche Hall, completed in 1902,

honors this long-time professor at the

University who originally started as a

poor KU student in 1877, camping for a

few months on the site now occupied by

this building and hunting after school

hours for his food. Linen Era

c. 1942

[74]

The original Kansas Union, seen here,

opened in 1927. The “Memorial” in the

official title of the building denotes it as a

monument to the 129 men and women of

KU who perished in the first world war.

The building served as commons and

dining hall for men and women and central

meeting place for over forty years until its

destruction in 1970 (by arson?). The

present day building retains much of the

appearance and details of the original,

minus the vines of course. Linen Era

c. 1930-1945

[75]

No that is not a typo. For many years

KU was referred to as Kansas State

University (that other school was the

Agricultural College). Standing in this

spot today would certainly reveal a

different picture. One with many

dormitories, new campus buildings, Iowa

Street filled with traffic and far less

open land.

Linen Era

c. 1930-1945

[76]

This view shows the heart of the KU

campus, Jayhawk Boulevard and its

many halls. Relatively new Memorial

Stadium dominates the northern end of

campus and the lack of the Campanile is

very evident. Perhaps most striking is

what is missing – any hint that this

campus is located in a city. At this point

in time Lawrence had not yet wrapped

around the University.

Linen Era

c. 1930-1945

[77]

Although similar to the previous view, this

postcard shifts slightly lower, taking a

more distant view. Familiar buildings are

still visible, including the Chancellor‟s

residence at the very bottom and the

Kansas Union in the lower right.

However, the lack of parking lots on

campus and the prevalence of trees

throughout the scene lend the KU of

1945 a bucolic feel.

Linen Era

c. 1945

[78]

“It was a music new to Kansas.” P 156

ku

Dedicated 1951.

Real Picture Postcard

c. 1951

[79]

Sources By Postcard Number

1) No outside sources referenced / just the postcard itself.

2) Just the postcard itself.

3) Windminll, tbd

4) Windmill, tbd

5) Postcard.

6) Friends of the Kaw: http:www.kansasriver.org/content/ks_river_atlas.

7) Postcard.

8) Kansas River beach, park at Tennessee St. – from red book?

9) Postcard.

10) Bridges – use Wikipedia references, not wiki itself.

11) Same as above.

12) None.

13) Postcard.

14) Postcard and reference to bridge drawings..

15) Concrete bridge opening date reference needed.

16) Dates of new bridges reference needed.

17) Postcard.

18) Postcard and reference for old bandstand replacement in 1906.

19) None.

20) Fountain history reference.

21) None.

22) Woodland Park references.

23) Hermit references – red book? And city plaque.

24) Ohio Street – postcard and site visit by author.

25) Site visit. – Adams St.

26) Elliot St site visit.

27) None.

28) Louisiana St. site visit.

29) B/W Mass St. – needs info.

30) None.

31) Electric streetcar references.

32) Merchants national bank reference…

33) Union Pacific Depot references..

34) 100 train cars per day reference…

35) Liberty Hall references.

36) Liberty hall references.

37) Courthouse references.

38) Really old high school..

39) Liberty memorial..

40) Old post office.

41) Public library – source and plaque.

42) YMCA references.

43) Plaque on site and site visit.

44) Site visit.

45) Presbyterian church – needs info.

46) Plymouth – info and plaque.

47) Trinity Episcopal – info plus plaque.

48) Methodist church – plaque.

49) Haskell wooden arch info…

50) Haskell..

51) Haskell..

52) Haskell.

53) Haskell..

54) Postcard.

55) Bailey….

56) Old Snow..

57) Chemistry…

58) Postcard.

59) Frazer history…

60) Spooner.

61) Postcard and On the Hill quote…

62) Snow bssketball stuff

63) Robinson basketball stuff.

64) Marvin..

65) General view…

66) None.

67) Graduate magazine, December 1903.

68) Postcard.

69) None.

70) Jayhawker 1927 and cattle grazing reference for Potter.

71) Strong back…

72) Strong front….

73) Budig – basketball and lightining references…

74) None.

75) Dyche…

76) Union…

77) None.

78) None.

79) None.

80) Campanile…