Old Hometown

Local writer Sarah St. John pulls from the Journal-World archives to compile reports of what it was like to be in Lawrence decades ago.

World War I in Lawrence: Brides shun wedding marches by German composers

Editor’s note: Local writer Sarah St. John compiles reports of what it was like to be in Lawrence 100 years ago during World War I. According to a local musician, the familiar strains of the “Here Comes the Bride” or “The Wedding March” were to be banned from this year’s weddings, ...

World War I in Lawrence: Independence Day celebrations have a military bent

Editor’s note: Local writer Sarah St. John compiles reports of what it was like to be in Lawrence 100 years ago during World War I. “The eagle will scream louder this Fourth of July than ever, in spite of the absence of the resonant firecracker and the spectacular sky-rocket.” This was ...

World War I in Lawrence: Residents urged to cut back on sugar

Editor’s note: Local writer Sarah St. John compiles reports of what it was like to be in Lawrence 100 years ago during World War I. Among the food restrictions imposed by the war were limitations on meat, wheat products, and sugar — the latter being especially difficult for families ...

World War I in Lawrence: Chamber of Commerce meeting ends in prayer for troops

Editor’s note: Local writer Sarah St. John compiles reports of what it was like to be in Lawrence 100 years ago during World War I. The Lawrence Journal-World reported this week on a local meeting which culminated in a resolution for a daily moment of prayerful silence: “While it hardly ...

World War I in Lawrence: Italian flag flies over Lawrence post office

Editor’s note: Local writer Sarah St. John compiles reports of what it was like to be in Lawrence 100 years ago during World War I. On Friday, May 24, 1918, local residents observed the unprecedented sight of the flag of another nation flying over the U.S. Post Office in Lawrence. It was the ...