From the Lawrence Daily World for Dec. 23, 1908: “The power plant at the university has closed down for the Christmas vacation due to a shortage of coal. The goal is to save enough coal for resumption of activity after the Christmas vacation period. … Local stores have been offering exceedingly fine Christmas attire this year and it not difficult to get into the proper spirit due to such artistry. … The Santa Fe Railway has paid its taxes for the year and the bill comes to more than $20,000. The smallest amount paid was a check for two cents by Mr. Kasold on a lot in North Lawrence. The small amount was the least ever paid here and may be the least ever paid in the entire state of Kansas.”