Turbulent weather had moved through the area on the previous evening and had caused tornado-like conditions in eastern Kansas. No injuries were reported, but several residents reported damages. A tornado apparently passed over south-central Douglas County but did not touch down. Baldwin resident Solon Markley described the sound as being “like a jet plane aloft.” Elsewhere in the state, the storms caused three deaths in Fredonia, Wichita, and Newton. The heaviest damage was reported at Iola, where a tornado damaged between 150 and 175 houses.

Despite earlier announcements of the change, many Lawrence residents were startled to pick up their phones and hear the new “hummer” dial tone which had replaced the old “buzzer” sound.

A concrete block had been tossed through the window of Peterson’s Liquor Store, and 63 bottles of whiskey were taken. The store was located at 910 N. Second Street.