From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for May 12, 1911:

“It is not a kindness to encourage a man to come to Lawrence when the outlook for his business is not good. There is before the people of the town, printed in the Journal-World yesterday, a proposition for a hotel and opera house, neither of which do we need. The Eldridge house is a credit to the city and is run as carefully and economically as is possible. The opera house is being rebuilt along modern and improved lines and ahead of the town. It is not fair to give aid and comfort in an attempt to ruin both these institutions…. It is said that the plan contemplates an expenditure of over $100,000, and our citizens will be asked to provide for $50,000. It seems to the Journal-World that the proposition as suggested is to say the least, and to put it mildly, uncalled for. Lawrence has under contract at this time a modern spacious fireproof steel reinforced concrete opera house, in fact the foundations are in place and the house will be opened in September. Has anybody been asked to subscribe for the ‘Bowersock,’ or has any stock been offered or any bonds floated? Lawrence has the same need for two opera houses that a wheelbarrow has for two wheels…. We will welcome to our good town all who want to make for themselves investments here that promise success, but not at the expense of those who for a generation have had faith in Lawrence and who have shown their faith by their works.”