100 years ago: Rising rivers and ‘real live grasshoppers’ mark spring’s arrival

From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for March 20, 1912:

  • “The local police this morning secured a clue that may lead to further development in the ferry incident in which three University students are said to have taken part Sunday afternoon. It was learned that a man who was wanted in Kansas City for stealing brass was supposed to be traveling this way about that time and that the man may have been the one taken across the river by the students. Word has been sent on ahead telling of the affair at Lawrence and asking the officers west of here to look out for the man.”
  • “Reports of high water west of Lawrence reached here today. Although there is no perceptible rise in the Kaw river here it is reported that the water is high at Topeka and west of that place that the rise is coming rapidly. The Journal-World received many inquiries today about whether high water was coming or not.”
  • “Another sure indication that spring has come was discovered this morning — some real live grasshoppers. Rather small, to be sure, but then they mean warmer weather just the same, and just give them time and they will grow. The particular specimens referred to were brought to the Journal-World office this morning and are growing nicely.”
  • “The local police department has been asked to assist in freeing the Santa Fe depot of loafers. The officials of the road complained that they were very much annoyed by this sort of thing and have asked the police department to enforce more strictly the ordinance against such trespassing.”