Friday, October 4, 1968
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
13
Red Dog happenings change over the century
By RUTH RODEMACHER
Kangan Staff Writer
Over a period of 114 years, activities at the Red Dog Inn have changed from church socials to psychedelic rock shows.
"Change" seems a little mild to describe the variety of events which have occurred at 642 Massachusetts since the first building was erected over a century ago.
Lawrence was founded in 1854 and at that time a rude one-story frame structure was built to house the Allan and Gilmore hardware store.
Destroyed and rebuilt after the Quantrill Raid, the frame building stood until 1870 when it was torn down and replaced by Liberty Hall.
Liberty Hall was the first public building in Lawrence and in the early days served as a public meeting place. In it were held church socials, dances for young people, and early political meetings of the new state of Kansas. Within its walls early settlers listened to the teachings of such men as Horace Greeley and Henry Ward Beecher.
In 1885 the building was purchased by Justin D. Bowersock, prominent Lawrence businessman.
The building became known as the Bowersock Opera House and was the scene of hundreds of theatrical productions in which KU students took part or attended.
In 1911 the opera house was completely destroyed by fire. Bowersock, however, rebuilt the theater into one of the most splendid and modern opera houses in Kansas. This is the building which still stands today and houses the Red Dog Inn.
Where to go unsolved
Need something to do this weekend? Here's what's happening on the KU-Lawrence scene.
Usual TGIF at the Jayhawk and the Wagon Wheel.
Science fiction fans don't miss "Sin of the Fleshopoids," and "Shoot the Moon" tonight at 7 p.m. in 303 Bailey.
"Once Upon a Mattress" is again being presented at 8:20 tonight in the University Theatre.
The Red Dog Inn will feature The Reasons Why tonight. On tap Saturday night at the Red Dog will be The Happy Medium.
TGIF at the Stables or the Gas Light.
"Petulia," starring Julie Christie and George C. Scott, is playing this weekend at the Granada theater.
Across the street at the Varsity is "Salt and Pepper" with Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford.
Don't miss the KU-New Mexico game at 1:30 tomorrow. Besides an exciting game, Band Day should provide an entertaining afternoon.
For something different why not try horseback riding at Spencer's Riding Academy.
Nineteenth century Lawrence architecture is on display at the Art Museum.
At the Sunset Drive-In, "Rachel, Rachel" starring Joanne Woodward and directed by Paul Newman is showing. The second half of this double bill features Sandy Dennis in "Sweet November."
With a seating capacity of 1,100, the three-story, fire-proof structure was unmatched for elegance in its day.
Delicate rose-tinted walls, walnut furnishings, and richly-hued draperies added to the exclusively Grecian decor of the theater. Murals, soft leather-upholstered chairs, and velvet carpeting inspired observers of the day to comment, "In no theater of equal size in Kansas is the interior decoration so extensive, so cleverly executed, and so artistically harmonized with the entire arrangement."
With the construction of Bowersock's new opera house, Lawrence became a regular stopping place for nearly all big name stars of the era. In fact, Lawrence was a "must" on the routing of big shows. Few big stage names of the day failed to make an appearance at the Bowersock Theatre.
Such famous American stars as Al Jolson, Ethel Barrymore, Irene Dunne and Jeanne Eagles went on stage at the Bowersock.
After 1923 however, stage productions were few. Labor troubles interfered with a few shows and the number of traveling companies gradually diminished. The last full-fledged stage production was "Tobacco Road" in 1937.
After the end of the opera house era, the present building became the Dickinson theater for a short time, and then later the Jayhawk theater. How long the Dickinson remained is somewhat vague, but the name Jayhawk theater appeared in Lawrence newspapers by the mid- 1940's.
The Jayhawk apparently presented a few live-talent performances, but gave them up completely around 1947. After that time the Jayhawk became the center for Lawrence's younger movie-going public until its close around 1957.
From 1957 to 1965 the old
Then in 1965 this old landmark was reopened after having been remodeled. It once again became the center of much activity as the Red Dog Inn.
Bowersock building apparently remained empty.
The Red Dog, which seats 1,400 people, still retains some of the old majestic Bowersock. A five-foot chandelier hangs
above the ballroom floor and a marbletop bar runs the entire length of the mezzanine. A seven-tier balcony is contained within the 50-foot expanse from floor to ceiling.
From church socials to psychedelic music, the old Bowersock Opera House still remains an entertainment center for KU students.
We'll help you keep that all important Total Look!
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Extended Hours to serve you:
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7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Sat.)
daily pickup & delivery to all KU dorms, fraternities and sororities.
GO BIG BLUE Clean the Lobos!
Are American Students International ????
The International Club is not only for foreign students !! Why not explore different cultures besides your own?
We invite you as a citizen of the world to join us on Friday, October 4 at 8:00 p.m.
in the Big 8 and Jayhawk Rooms of the Kansas Union.
Special guests are: Dean William Balfour-Dean of Students
Dr. Frederic Litto
Refreshments will be provided.