40 years ago: Mid-block crossing signals on Mass Street remain controversial

From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Feb. 23, 1975:

  • Six weeks ago, the Lawrence City Commission had come close to removing the controversial mid-block crossing signals downtown. Commissioners instead had decided to reset the lights’ timers, allowing pedestrians to cross more quickly. The commission was to study the effects of the change at this week’s meeting and decide on what to do with the lights. Lawrence City Manager Buford Watson said he was not planning to make any recommendations. “The state law has changed since they put the lights in,” Watson said. “You now have to stop for anyone in a designated crosswalk.”
  • Movies playing in Lawrence theaters this week included “Lenny” with Dustin Hoffman, “The Towering Inferno” with an all-star cast, “Thieves Like Us,” “That’s Entertainment,” “The Klansman,” and Walt Disney’s “The Strongest Man in the World.” A combo meal of a fish sandwich with “crisp fish, tasty bun, and special sauce” with French fries and a small soft drink was available for 84 cents at Sandy’s on Ninth Street. (Cherry turnovers were also available for 15 cents.)