40 years ago: Crowds greet President Ford in Topeka

From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Feb. 11, 1975:

  • Chilly Kansans, standing on tiptoes or climbing nearby trees, braved the cold temperatures to catch a glimpse of President Gerald Ford as he arrived at the State Capitol in Topeka today. “This crowd is unbelievable,” Ford said to the shivering, cheering audience. “The thing that has impressed me most is the warm reception I’ve received from the moment I landed. I can’t thank you enough.” Ford shook hands with several in the crowd before entering the Capitol at the east entrance. “I’m told this is the first time in Topeka’s history that the Topeka West and Highland Park High school bands have played together,” he said in reference to the two groups of youthful musicians that greeted him. “That’s the kind of unity we need in America today.”
  • Freezing mist and rain were causing problems for local motorists today, including the driver of one empty school bus. A Lawrence school district bus, owned by R. W. Harmon and Sons, slipped off the road south of Wakarusa School. The bus had already dropped off its load of children and was on its way back to the bus barn when the accident occurred. Harold Milligan, of the Harmon Co., said there was no damage to the bus.