Category: News

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.

Thanks to DGE Stephanie Meyer and everyone involved in planning the 2022 Heartland PETS Conference last weekend in Wichita.  It was the best training programs I have attended in a long time and provided helpful information to help me prepare for my year as President.  

I also want to thank Rotary International President Elect, Jennifer Jones for her inspirational message and insightful leadership for our great organization.  She is a perfect role model to show my granddaughters they can accomplish anything they commit to.  Thank you Jennifer. 

Jim Evers, President Elect 
Lawrence Central Rotary

Dr. Bob Dinsdale, a soon-to-be-retired ENT physician at LMH, is a long-time Lawrence resident with a decades-long passion for history, especially the stories of the people and events that have shaped our town. His walking tours around the community provide insight into little-known facts and trivia about Lawrence and the people who preceded us.

Dinsdale shared the stories of Charles Langston and John Lewis Waller, contemporaries in Lawrence during the late 1800s.  Well-educated and politically active, together they helped to shape the community.  Eventually their grandsons Langston Hughes and Andy Razaf met in New York City where together they fostered the arts and political activism that helped create the culture of the Harlem Renaissance.   

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.