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…