From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for May 11, 1912:

“Last night’s rain measured a total of 3.65 inches according to the official report from the University observatory. The rain came as a welcome visitor to the farmers as the ground was becoming dry and hard endangering the crops. Last night’s rain softened up the ground and the country is expecting some good corn and wheat crops as a result. Out in West Lawrence the ravines were filled with water being carried to the river. The new sewers were crowded for the first time since being put in and carried away an immense volume of water. However, they were able to handle all of it and there was no overflowing…. Several stores in the 800 block of Massachusetts street have about a foot of water in the cellars.”

“There will be no more swimming in Potter’s Lake on the University Campus. Such an order has been issued by the Chancellor and is being enforced. It is the result of the drowning last Tuesday of Ernest Van Dyke in this lake together with the drowning of Leonard Ritchey last year. This order is to remain in effect permanently…. In the future Potter’s lake will serve but as a beauty spot for the campus and a water reservoir for the University. It is connected with pumps to be used in case of fire on the hill. The annual spring regatta will probably be staged on the lake again each spring, but as to swimming in the lake, that is ended.”