40 years ago: Officials begin assessing damage to computer center after bomb blast

From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Dec. 14, 1970:

  • Kansas University authorities were still awaiting necessary clearances before inspecting Summerfield Hall to determine how much structural damage had resulted from a recent bombing [see OHT for Dec. 12, 1970]. In the meantime, unofficial estimates of the damage were ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Fortunately, the design of the building had allowed the main force of the blast to escape through doors and windows, and the $3.5 million GE-Honeywell computer had not been damaged. About 300 magnetic tape files had been cracked or broken, but tapes containing research, administrative, or other valuable information had been safely stored elsewhere. As part of the investigation, six truckloads of material had been sifted through. The type of explosive used had not yet been determined.
  • A cash reward of $2,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the bombing had been offered by the Douglas County Reward Fund, which was composed of representatives of the Lawrence City Commission, Douglas County Commission, and the KU administration. In addition, a state reward of $500 had been offered by Gov. Robert Docking.