Author: Fred Atchison

Lawrence has a proud early history of notable women according to Sarah Bell, Development Director at Watkins Museum. Bell has a passion for local history, especially stories about activist women. A number of profiles were shared of women working in the city in the 1800’s. The contributions of black women are often overlooked, but there was Ida Wallace who owned and operated a successful restaurant located on North Massachusetts. At the other end of Massachusetts, black entrepreneurs Amanda Johnson and Medor Renfro ran a popular bakery.

Mary McCullogh was also a successful business woman of the time who operated a restaurant and invested in real estate, making deals with prominent men of the community. Seamstress Mary Barnes taught her trade to young women and hosted Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony on their 1867 visit to Lawrence. There were a number of women doctors practicing in the late 1800s. Lucy H. Taylor may have been the first woman with a degree to practice dentistry.

Sarah Bell does historical walking tours and shares stories of remarkable women who contributed to the community. She earned a Masters Degree in Museum Studies and a Doctorate in History from the University of Kansas.

A greater percentage of Civil War soldiers were mobilized in Kansas than in any other state, according to historian Will Haynes. Haynes provided a vivid account of a difficult period of Kansas history.

Kansas had experienced a decade of border fighting prior to the war, and Kansans believed they were particularly vulnerable. Some 20,00 Kansans fought in the war despite being poorly armed and supplied. They fought bravely in numerous skirmishes and in battles at Wilson Creek and Westport. A black combat unit was raised by Jim Lane, the state’s controversial first senator. Although the war was hard on families left behind, some merchants profited from the war.

Haynes is Director of Engagement and Learning at Watkins Museum and holds a Masters and Doctorate in History from the University of Kansas.

Portugal is a very appealing destination according to Lynn O’Neal, Lawrence Central Rotary member. O’Neal shared his recent vacation experience and provided a delightful program.

O’Neal and his wife Debbie visited four cities in Portugal, took a river cruise, enjoyed the beautiful coastline, and discovered delicious sea food at every stop. They visited walled towns, vineyards, and a chocolate factory. Many Portuguese are English speakers, and it is not an expensive place to visit.

The O’Neals provided Portuguese wines to sample and a tasty traditional custard desert. It was great to be reminded of the pleasures of travel.

On June 10, 1882, three black men were brutally lynched from a bridge over the Kaw River near downtown Lawrence. Ursla Minor, head of the local chapter of the NAACP, reported on the efforts of a local coalition to commemorate the three men. A permanent marker will be placed at City Hall in June near a remaining pier of the old bridge.

Minor is a strong advocate of citizen involvement in community affairs, serving as a Trustee for Lawrence Public Library and as a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board for LMH. Minor is also an accomplished 3-D mixed-media artist.

The new Director of the Dole Institute of Politics , LCR’s own Audrey Coleman, spoke about her responsibilities and the challenge of keeping the organization relevant and successful. Coleman was thrust into the national spotlight with the death of Senator Robert Dole a month after she assumed her new position. Coleman also previewed upcoming programing for the spring.