100 years ago: Streetcar company surprises drivers with watermelon feast

From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Sept. 8, 1912:

  • “The Lawrence Auto Club is to make a strong bid for the trophy offered by the National Auto Association for the largest number of cars from any one town in the monster auto parade that is to be held in Topeka during the week of the State Fair. At a meeting of the local club last night much enthusiasm was displayed […] and it is quite probable that Lawrence will be able to secure enough cars from here to carry away these honors. There are now about 75 members of the Lawrence club and it is believed that a large majority of these members will take a day off next week and try to land this trophy for Lawrence…. Leavenworth, Manhattan, Ottawa, Lawrence and many other cities are planning to enter their cars in this parade. Topeka is barred from the contest as that city has an advantage over others in the state and could easily win out.”
  • “This afternoon orders reached the car barn from the office calling upon all the traimen to meet at the barn at 2:45. The men supposed that of course it was ‘official business’ and imagine their surprise when they saw a wagon load of watermelons draw up at the barn shortly afterward. About the same time their wives and children put in an appearance. It was perfectly clear then that the company was ‘setting ’em up’ and the car men proceeded to dispose of the watermelons. The trainmen have no opportunity of enjoying good times with other people as that is their busy time and the management planned a treat for them today. The melons had been on ice for some time and certainly were enjoyed by the carmen.”
  • “Nearly one hundred Eberharts and their relatives gathered in South Park today for the annual family reunion. It was a happy crowd that enjoyed talk over old times together. Some of the relatives had not seen each other before for years and they had much pleasure renewing their acquaintance. For several years the reunion has been held but this is the first time that many relatives from Pennsylvania and other points in the east attended the reunion. One member of the family rode from Arkansas on a bicycle…. There was plenty of fried chicken, a number of excellent cakes, splendid pies, fine potato salad, iced lemonade and a big stack of watermelons, to say nothing of the numerous ‘etceteras’ that go to make up a real picnic dinner. It is needless to say that the visitors did ample justice to the good things set before them.”