University Daily Kansan
Friday, April 19. 1974
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Lawrence Bars and Beer Changed Little in 10 Years
BY DIANE YEAMANS
Kansas Staff Reporter
A few of the owners have come and gone and a couple of names have changed; but most of the college bars in Lawrence haven't changed much during the past 10 years. A college bar will always be a college bar and a symbol of college life.
Some bar owners, interviewed recently, said they thought bars and students today were much the same as in the middle '60s. They also believed that sophisticated than before, as well as quitter—more collegiate than during the early '70s, they thought, a student seems to be looking for a good time.
Some changes common to all the bars mark the passing of time. Juke boxes with arm that reach out to grab a record and plop it on the turntable have been replaced with electric flashing neon lights. Game units have become more crowded because of the addition of football tables. The music sounds a little different—the Beatles and Dave Clark five have faded into the folky flavor of Carole Kringle and Crowd, Stills, Nash and Young. Even more recently, a nostalgic era of the 'r' rock in the '50s.
The bar owners also said their sales had been increasing steadily, probably because of a strong economy.
Ace Johnson, owner of the Stables, said today's students were more reserved in their drinking. Eight years ago, he said, students worked at drinking. It used to be that the Stables 150 to 200 regular customers never saw the inside of the Hawk building. The only regular customers, Johnson said, Barb疼痛 is emphasized more today, he said, perhaps because one bar meets all the needs of the students.
Committee Nominees Receive Notification
Prospective members of a search committee for a director of outreach were sent letters yesterday informing them of their involvement in the executive vice chancellor, said yesterday.
Announcement of the committee will be made early next week after formal acceptance of the appointment is made by the board. The applicants are there. Seven positions to be filled.
Paperbacks
"POSSSESSED" (Gold Medal, 95 cents) by Hans Holzer describes how the dead make use of the living. Holzer is said to be a leading investigator of psychic phenomena. "MURDER WITH MIRRORS" (Pocket, 95 cents) by Agatha Christie is about Jane Marple, the spinster detective who is one of the greatest creations of English literature.
Generally, the owners didn't look too favorably upon the activism of 1908 to 1971, when drug sales were up and beer sales down. The activist era was hard on bars.
Two bars, the Gaslight and Rock Chalk, were frequented by what has been called the hard-core activists and drug-users. Law enforcement officials were always nearby. The bars were eventually closed. The Rock Chalk was completely remodeled into Flagship International Sandwiches. It has recently changed hands and names is now called the ARK. The Gaslight reopened as the Mount Oread Bar and Grill, and has changed hands once since the name change. A spokesman for the Mount Oread Bar said it was a "historic" university, now owning the building, plans to tear it down.
Most of the changes in other bars are scarcely noticeable. When students cram through the doors on any night of the week, the bars appear nothing more than crowded. But some changes are worth noting.
Louise Williams of Louise's bar at 10175 Massachusetts St. offered schoners—a 32 ounce glass of beer—to the beer scene. More than 400 people generosity to her customers until she died Jan. 9, 1972, of cancer. Now the bar is owned by two former KU students although the name and the schooners are unchanged; they drink on the walls of animals drinking beer.
The Wheel has a new floor and new signs that reflect its close link to the University; but the wagon wheel chandeliers are stillJohn Wooden hasOwned the bar nine years.
Wooden also owns the Harbour at 1031 Massachusetts St. st., along with Louise's, is shared by the students and townpeople. The two lights hanging over the table pools give the Harbour the flavor of a pool hall in a Humphrey Bogart movie.
Perhaps the biggest change in the Hawk has been in ownership. H. G. McMann, long familiar to KU students, sold the bar two months ago and it had been necticing the sale of the bar again. But the red-and-blue booths and panelled walls have been the same for 10 years or more. The sounds of pibball and baseball crept the walls of the adjacent game room.
Something always seems to be happening at the Stables. Johnson tries to make the bar more convenient for and attractive to his customers. Johnson said that he had spent nine years improving his bar and that he was planning even more parking space.
The biggest addition to the Stables has been the Sanctuary, a class A private club that opened in January 1972 in the hayloft above the old stable. The Sanctuary will be expanded this summer. Johnson said, to smoke and barbeque pits on a roof netto.
Although Gary Bennett still owns the building that houses the Bierstert, he began
leasing the bar to James Thrasher last summer. A couple of booths have been installed in the front door and pike box, and a tattooed lady has been replaced by numerous antique dresses. Dark Budweiser door. Door. Door. The basement of the Biertube.
A few new bars have been added to the beer scene although it may be some time before they are permanent additions to tradition. One is Mother's, formerly Mother Mary's, 2406 Iowa St. The bar hasn't been the typical college bar. Contemporary
paintings by KU students have covered the walls, and the area by the fireplace has been covered by real, shag carpeting on the walls of Massachusetts St. opened last year and is more along the traditional lines of the college bar. Its decorations consist mostly of wood carvings.
The third new bar is the Ball Park in the Hillcrest Shopping Center. The Ball Park is owned by two KU professors who invented the bar's novel game, Ball Park Baseball. The game matches baseball teams from both leagues and all years, and a computer
program produces a probable outcome of the match.
The bar owners agree that private clubs are becoming more popular. Besides hard liquor, Johnson said, private clubs offer entertainment and a cosier atmosphere.
Changes in lawrence bars have been few, maybe because college students and beer are as traditional as final exams. One piece of philosophy most everyone will agree on is the be student, ban owner, professor or Lawrence citizen—a beer is a beer is a beer.
S.U.A. Fine Arts & University Friends of Art Present Kenneth Clark's
CIVILISATION FILM SERIES
THE SMILE OF REASON APRIL 21
The art and sculpture on display in this visit to the Eighteenth Century might be characterised as a Gallery of Smiles. With notable exceptions (e.g., the etchings of Hogarth) this was an age happy in its belief that, through reason and moderation, the millennium was at hand. The political paintings of David, the salons of De Troy, the sculptures of Hudson all reflect the optimism of Voltaire and the Encyclopaedians who would, "advance mankind by conquering ignorance."
Woodruff Auditorium 7:00 p.m.
CASSEM'S
"Home of Fine Clothing for Men and Young Men"
Welcomes You to the KU Relays
While you're here for the relays be sure to stop in and get your official KU tie exclusively at Cassem's.
811 Mass.
843-3160
The "Woolworth" sandal from Bare-Trap.
Soft lattigo leather on a wooden wedge. Comfort
and style all in one super package. Try a pair—now.
Bunny Blacks Royal
College Shop
837 MASS. VI 3-4255