From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Aug. 28, 1971:

A fire had destroyed the interior of the Merle Norman Cosmetics Store, 841 Massachusetts, and had caused smoke and water damage to at least four other businesses and two apartments. Preliminary loss estimates by the Lawrence Fire Department were $23,850. Other businesses affected were the Wearhouse immediately south of the cosmetics store; The Town Shop, 839 Mass; Royal College Shop, 837 Mass; Campbell’s Clothing Store, 823 Mass; and apartments above 841 Mass occupied by Dennis Edwardson and Chuck Eddy.

New signs, funded by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, had been posted above the two Kansas Turnpike entrances to Lawrence. A photo showed a banner reading “WELCOME to BIG BLUE COUNTRY” flanked by two signs, “Home of the Kansas Jayhawks” and “Wear your BLUE to the Games.” The first home football game was scheduled for Sept. 11 against Washington State.