100 years ago: Committee forms plan to destroy horticultural pests

From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for March 18, 1913:

“‘Burn the Chinch Bugs.’ That is the new slogan of the Horticultural Society of Douglas county. At a meeting of the society held Saturday at the court house a committee was appointed to begin an active campaign against the little pest of the wheat field…. It is the plan to burn off all meadows, pastures, roadsides and fence corners where the bugs exist. It is the plan to make a ten day fight on the bugs with the hope that they can all be wiped out within that time.”

“It is reported by several Lawrence automobilists that the surrounding county roads are in excellent condition as a result of recent dragging.”

“Good bright colored bark of Sassafras root at Woodward & Co.’s. For more pronounced blood disorders use Woodward’s Blood and Liver Renovator.” … “To add efficiency to any course of meditation take a good walk every day with a Kodak as an incentive. A camera is ‘good medicine’ in itself. Woodward & Co. are ready for your spring needs in that line.” … “Rexall Spearmint Flavor Tooth Paste is very refreshing. 25c tubes at McColloch’s Drug Store.”

“At a meeting of the board of directors of the city library of Olathe yesterday afternoon, the contract for the erection of a $10,000 Carnegie library was let. It is to be completed by August 1. The site, given by the board by the city, is on North Chestnut street, just outside the business section. A tax for the support of the library has been levied and $1,200 is raised each year thereby.”

“Topeka. — Evidence showing there were frequent quarrels between the minister and his wife regarding religion and also that he had on several occasions placed his hand in his wife’s mouth to prevent her screaming in public places to humiliate him, was introduced in the trial of Rev. W. L. Beers, charged with killing his wife by forcing her false teeth down her throat. According to the testimony of persons who talked to the minister immediately after the tragedy he admitted having forced his fingers in her mouth to prevent her screaming and that his action followed a fight between them.”