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 dont 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. Todays 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 19001950. 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 Potters 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 postcards story. Like wrinkles on an old mans 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]

early 19th Century, the old windmill stood on the hill southwest of the present intersection of 9th and Emery. Originally operated as a winddriven 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]

A Lawrence landmark of the late 18th to the

On class day those of the Faculty who had studied at Harvard gave Royce a little spread. I talked with the Unitarian ministers 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 didnt 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 todays park.

Divided Back Era c. 1907 [19]

The fountain which stands in the lefthand 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]

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.

This is a view of Louisiana Street

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 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]

throughout much of Lawrence in the

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 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]

Century. After passenger service

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 Citys Visitor Information Center, the depot still sees nearly 100 freight trains passing through the Kansas Curve each day.

Early Modern Era c. 1922 [34]

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 architects rendering of the new building.
Divided Back Era c. 1907-1915 [35]

The first incarnation of Liberty Hall

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 Companys 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 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]

donated by philanthropist Andrew

Constructed around 1910, the Lawrence Young Mens 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 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. style building from 1870-1873 on the

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 buildings 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 dont 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 Harpers 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 todays 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 isnt 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, Potters 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 Chancellors 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) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13) 14) 15) No outside sources referenced / just the postcard itself. Just the postcard itself. Windminll, tbd Windmill, tbd Postcard. Friends of the Kaw: http:www.kansasriver.org/content/ks_river_atlas. Postcard. Kansas River beach, park at Tennessee St. from red book? Postcard. Bridges use Wikipedia references, not wiki itself. Same as above. None. Postcard. Postcard and reference to bridge drawings.. Concrete bridge opening date reference needed.

16) 17) 18) 19) 20) 21) 22) 23) 24) 25) 26) 27) 28) 29) 30) 31) 32)

Dates of new bridges reference needed. Postcard. Postcard and reference for old bandstand replacement in 1906. None. Fountain history reference. None. Woodland Park references. Hermit references red book? And city plaque. Ohio Street postcard and site visit by author. Site visit. Adams St. Elliot St site visit. None. Louisiana St. site visit. B/W Mass St. needs info. None. Electric streetcar references. Merchants national bank reference

33) 34) 35) 36) 37) 38) 39) 40) 41) 42) 43) 44) 45) 46) 47) 48) 49)

Union Pacific Depot references.. 100 train cars per day reference Liberty Hall references. Liberty hall references. Courthouse references. Really old high school.. Liberty memorial.. Old post office. Public library source and plaque. YMCA references. Plaque on site and site visit. Site visit. Presbyterian church needs info. Plymouth info and plaque. Trinity Episcopal info plus plaque. Methodist church plaque. Haskell wooden arch info

50) 51) 52) 53) 54) 55) 56) 57) 58) 59) 60) 61) 62) 63) 64) 65) 66)

Haskell.. Haskell.. Haskell. Haskell.. Postcard. Bailey. Old Snow.. Chemistry Postcard. Frazer history Spooner. Postcard and On the Hill quote Snow bssketball stuff Robinson basketball stuff. Marvin.. General view None.

67) 68) 69) 70) 71) 72) 73) 74) 75) 76) 77) 78) 79) 80)

Graduate magazine, December 1903. Postcard. None. Jayhawker 1927 and cattle grazing reference for Potter. Strong back Strong front. Budig basketball and lightining references None. Dyche Union None. None. None. Campanile