From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Dec. 24, 1914:

• “A new smoke proof helmet makes it possible for the firemen to go into the densest of smoke and fight fire. Two of these helmets have been purchased by the Lawrence fire department so that the fire fighting apparatus will be up to date and everything that will make the fire department more efficient will be added. These helmets are of such construction that they cover the head and face and fit tight around the neck. The person wearing the helmet gets the freshest air possible through a tube which drags the floor.”
• “John C. Root, the oldest union printer in the State of Kansas, is in Lawrence, at 916 Vermont Street, visiting his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph M. Werkenthin. Mr. Root joined the International Typographical Union in 1867 at Leavenworth, Kansas, where he was working in the Government Printing office, which was formerly located in that city…. He first became a printer at Wellsboro, Pa., and although 75 years of age, he says that he still loves the compositor’s calling, and is happiest when sticking type at the case.”
• “The merchants are of the opinion that it is hard enough to accommodate the Christmas crowds without being bothered with beggars. Complaint has come to the office of Secretary Sparks that dirty, filthy, ill-savory people are in town today entering their stores and under the pretense of selling pencils, are asking aid. The merchants are inquiring if there is not a city ordinance against such action, and if so why it is not enforced. Three separate cases have been reported.”
• “The city officials report that they are not having much trouble in getting the people to remove the snow from their sidewalks. ‘When we tell the people about the ordinance they comply with the law immediately in most instances,’ said Chief C. M. Fisher this morning. ‘Some of the people do not realize that there is a city ordinance that provides that the snow be taken from the sidewalks but the people are pretty good about co-operating with us,’ the chief went on to say.”
• “Mayor Francisco is in receipt of a beautiful ink well mounted on an oak base. This gift ahs been placed on the Mayor’s desk in the city hall. The present is very useful and helps to make his desk very attractive.”
• “Mayor Francisco makes a request that the people of Lawrence be very careful with their decorations this evening and guard against any possible chance of fire. Any imperfection in the wiring for lights or the use of candles can easily start a fire and that is just what the people must most guard against.”
• “About three hundred and fifty children will enjoy the Christmas services that will be given by the ‘Big Brother’ Elks in the Varsity Theatre tomorrow. The committee has been busy for several days purchasing toys, fruit and candy and preparing them to give to the children. The Elks rooms last night were a scene of activity in preparing the sacks that will be given to the children…. The Elks have been watching all year and they know where the families are that are in need and they have given all of these children tickets to this entertainment…. There will be a big Christmas tree and all of the Holiday decorations that are possible to put in the theatre. Many are the hearts that will be rejoiced with the opportunity to see the Christmas tree and Santa Claus, to hear the music and receive the gifts.”
• “Hunting coyotes has be come one of the most interesting of winter sports. Several of the Douglas county hunters have been in quest of the farmer’s enemy since early fall, but as yet there have been no reports of the capture of any of these marauders. In the middle and western part of the state where the coyote and wolves are more numerous several captures have been reported. The farmers in the western part of the state make systematic hunts for these animals for the safety of their poultry and stock for in the winter when food is scarce they forage the farmers’ stock pens for food.”
• “In the fall distributing season the hatchery at Pratt has stocked Kansas streams with 39 cars of fish according to a report made today by L. L. Dyche, State Fish and Game Warden. The count shows that 328,000 members of the fin tribe have been dumped into creeks, rivers, lakes and ponds in every section of the state. More than 12,000 gold fish were included in the distribution.”
• “Washington, D. C. – President Wilson went golfing today despite a heavy snow storm. Children living along the road he takes to the club were made happy by the arrival of a motor car filled with presents from the White House…. At the capitol plans have been completed for the community Christmas celebration here tonight. A large fir tree stood in the east entrance above the doors of which there appeared in large letters set with electric lights, the words, ‘Peace on Earth, good Will to Men.’ Thousands of persons planned to attend the exercises there.”