IN 1977

An engineering report on the feasibility of renovating the Closeout Carpet building at 546 Mass. as a City Hall was to be presented at the next city commission meeting. The report was being prepared by Black and Veatch of Kansas City, Mo. Some critics said the costs would be too high, that parking would be a problem, that there would be serious traffic safety difficulties, and that the end result would not be acceptable.

A sudden warm front with highs in the upper 90s was expected to make everyone forget the recent moderate, resort-like conditions.

Douglas County commissioners approved a $9.2 million budget for calendar 1978, a package that might require a 1.28-mill increase for county taxpayers, depending on the final county evaluation figures. The current mill rate was 22.76, and it appeared that might rise to 24.04.

IN 1962

A peculiarly pleasant July concluded for the Lawrence area. Temperatures had run far below normal for the month, rainfall was generous, and the region had seemed more like Colorado than Kansas most of the month. Some here were chiding family members and friends who had gone to places such as Colorado to “escape the heat.”

IN 1902

On July 31, 1902, the Lawrence World observed, “Those who are rejoicing that we are out of the reach of the hot wind have clearly never came in contact with the genuine article. Men who know it, respect it mightily. There is nothing the hot wind cannot do. It can arrest the crop at the most advanced stage and turn it into rags in a day. We have seen the growing corn lift its head proudly in the morning and defy the world. There was gladness in its look, and the strength of a mighty growing force lent grandeur to its stalwart figure. In the evening it has been limp, lifeless and desolate. The first breath of hot air had struck it, and it shuddered. The second came in a short time, and it dropped its proud head. Then the third came, and its pretty silks curled up and died without a struggle. The fourth came, and the stalk began to crumble. Then the whole army made one desperate onslaught, and the field was laid low. No human general has ever looked upon a field of carnage to see such a complete ruin. The hot wind is next to omnipotence in its strength. Its power for evil would do credit to the prince of the lower region, being measured only by its opportunities. Don’t belittle the hot wind; it may get angry.”