mass. st classics
DESCRIPTION
An overview of the public typography on Massachusetts Street in Lawrence, Kansas.TRANSCRIPT
classicsMassachusetts St.
& their Public Typography
When someone walks down historic Massachu-
setts Street in Lawrence, Kansas for the first time
they will immediately notice the unique charm
and personality that the heart of downtown has
developed. From shops, restaurants, music venues
and bars there is truly something for everyone.
And most importantly, always remember there is
more than meets the eye.
Lawrence was founded in 1854 by the New
England Emigrant Aid society with the hopes of
maintaining the territory staying free from slavery.
Because of this political affiliation Lawrence was
a target for many pro slavery groups, especially
being located close to the Missouri border. The
famous Quantril’s Raid took place Lawrence and
destroyed most of the city on August 21st, 1863.
The rebel guerrilla attack during the Civil War
burned the city to the ground. Lawrence was the
target because of its strong support of slave free
states and territories. But this only made the
town stronger and it has shaped how Mass street
has been constructed today. Many of the loca-
tions on Mass Street have a direct relation to the
rebuilding after the Raid. The typography of each
landmark has a connection with its past.
Massachusetts Street got its name because many
of the founders were originally from Massachu-
setts. Mass quickly became the main street and
the other streets were named after the remaining
states located in the Union. Locals now refer to
the downtown street simply as “Mass.”
Historic Massachusetts Street
600thblock
As the first block of Mass Street when enter-
ing town from the south end, it gives first time
visitors a feel for what downtown Lawrence is all
about. It hosts the first legal brewery in Kansas in
over a hundred years and it is also home to one
of the buildings with the longest and most varied
history in the downtown area which is currently a
movie theatre and music venue.
1989established
mass“because without beer, things don’t seem to go as well.”
636
F R E E S TAT E B R E W I N G C O .This block of Mass Street is home to the fi rst legal brewery in Kansas in
over a hundred years: Free State Brewing Company. As one of the most
popular destinations in Lawrence, they boast a large menu with a lot of
variety and of course their custom brewed beer.
Monday nights bring in the most college students due to the outstand-
ing beer specials. The bar tends to stay at least fi ve people deep on these
nights. On any given weekend customers need to make sure to plan ahead
to wait at least forty minutes for a table. Many choose to use the patio out
front to have a beer or two while they wait their turn to eat. If you are look-
ing for a fun atmosphere and good food and drink on Mass, Free State is
usually your best bet. It is popular among all of Lawrence’s residents.
Why is this a classic?
Free State has very distinct signage above the front
entrance and also a hanging sign with an old looking
image and calligraphic text reading “Free State” and
“Specialty Beers.” Their different marks are very rec-
ognizable throughout Lawrence. It is usually a daily
occurrence to see someone wearing a Free State
t-shirt in Lawrence.
The sign above the entrance uses a “3D” effect with
the bright gold text popping off its green background.
The font is a bold serif. Dark green and gold or a
deep yellow are the colors used for the branding of
the restaurant. The building itself looks aged and the
curved roof add to this. The signage contributes to
the personality of the building.
Free State has definitely embraced all that is Law-
rence in their branding and typography that is used
on their building. They have embraced being the first
legal brewery in Kansas as well as taking advantage
of the history that is part of Lawrence.
The original building that Free State is in used to be
a train and trolley station. It now holds the 14 beer
brewing barrels. Parts of the restaurant have been
restored to preserve its unique history.
There are three different main seating areas, four if
you include the outdoor patio. In addition to the main
level there is also seating upstairs in the restaurant.
The Free State Sign resembles the shape
of the top of the building. There are many
relationships within the typography and
architecture of the Brewery.
Stop in for an ice cold beer and a delicious meal.
“any type of entertainment one could want.”
L I B E R T Y H A L LAdjacent to Free State is yet another historical landmark on Mass: Liberty
Hall. This current day music venue has a 142 year history and has served
many different purposes. In the past it has been used for town hall meet-
ings, concerts, operas and a general meeting area for the town to use.
Today Liberty Hall serves as the only independent movie theatre in Law-
rence. They also have live music, along with a movie rental store. The
theatre sits on a corner and appears to take up a lot of the space along the
block. When you enter the theatre for the fi rst time it is surprising to see
how large it is. All of the different parts work together as a unit, though.
Why is this a classic?
1911established
mass644“any type of entertainment one could want.”
Liberty Hall has had a strong impact on Law-
rence’s history, especially that of Mass Street.
It was originally built as the Bowersock House
in 1882 after J.D. Bowersock. He rebuilt this
landmark after the Sheriff of Lawrence burned
down the building that was originally in the
location a few years before. It was built for Op-
eras, but ended up being very multifunctional.
In 1911, it was burned down again.
After the fi re, a new Opera House was built
which cost the city of Lawrence a few thousand
dollars, it was very modern and up to date for
the time. It was three stories high and played
host to operas as well as other assemblies.
In the mid 1930s the Bowersock House changed
its name to Liberty Hall. There were a lot of
renovations done to the exterior and interior
of the building to become more updated. The
most signifi cant change of the building oc-
curred in 1980 with a huge renovation. Liberty
Hall is still one of the most unique buildings
on Mass Street and is a destination that many
remember when visiting Lawrence.
Liberty Hall’s Storied Past
Because Liberty Hall has multiple func-
tions, there are many different kinds of
unique typography on the windows.
Liberty Hall uses dark green canopies with a very
light yellow serif font for the rental store. The the-
atre has a marquee that appears to be very old and
rusted. They use individual letters which all have
their own characteristics and variations.
Even though the font is a sans serif, they still look old
and almost have an antique feel. When looking at
the marquee you get a feeling about it being old and
having been around for a long time.
Bands choose to play here for the unique
Lawrence atmosphere.
There is a lot of personality portrayed through the
marquee because you can tell that it has gone
through a lot over the years.
Even though the color is chipping away, you can still
tell some were originally a blue or red background
with the white capital lettering on top. The textured
feel of these letters adds to the building itself.
700thblock
The second block of Massachusetts street
plays host to one of the most historic
places in Lawrence today, the Eldridge
Hotel. It also holds one of the most
popular sporting good stores in town,
Francis Sporting Goods.
“where elegance and recreation meet.”
E L D R I D G E H O T E LThe historic Eldridge Hotel sits on this block. It was originally built in 1855
by settlers as the Free State Hotel. Over its storied past the Eldridge has
had several different names but always has been the premiere hotel in
Lawrence and a true landmark.
Its elegant typography plays into this distinguished feeling you get from the
hotel. The signage on the corner uses a very sophisticated and simple serif
font. It looks very clean and neat. This is a good feeling to get from a hotel,
especially for future guests. There is not very much typography on the
outside other than the menu and a specials board. They do however have
plaques that tell stories about the hotel’s history in the city of Lawrence.
Why is this a classic?
established1855
mass701“where elegance and recreation meet.”
There are several historical
markers located on the
exterior of the Eldridge
hotel as seen above.
The Eldridge’s Paranormal Activity
It has been said on many occasions that the Eldridge
Hotel is haunted. Ghost Hunters have come in on
numerous instances to seek out the paranormal
activity that some believe has been present for years.
One thing is for certain, the Eldridge has a very
storied haunted past.
There is still a cornerstone from the original build-
ing that now resides in room 506. As a result of this,
many believe that this is the haunted room. There is
also a famous “ghost” picture taken in 1989 during
the Christmas season in the hotel lobby . While the
picture was being taken, the elevator door mysteri-
ously opened. In the photo there is a visible male’s
fi gure in the elevator.
The most recent ghost hunters to come in were the
Wichita based Paranormal Research Group. There
main goal upon coming was to capture audio from
the ghost trying to communicate. They were suc-
cessful and caught a man’s voice in the ballroom and
basement; along with shadows in room 506.
The most recent ghost hunters to come in were the
Wichita based Paranormal Research Group. There
the ghost trying to communicate. They were suc-
cessful and caught a man’s voice in the ballroom and
basement; along with shadows in room 506.
The most historic
corner in Kansas.
established1947
mass731“all the brands for all the sports.”
F R A N C I S S P O R T I N G G O O D SFrancis Sporting Goods is another store located on this block. They are
defi nitely the most popular sporting goods store on Mass Street. They carry
a lot of brands so no matter what you are looking for there is a good chance
you will be able to fi nd it there. Francis sporting goods t-shirts are also very
popular in Lawrence, especially with college students.
They use a bright red and white color palette with a friendly lowercase serif
for the name in their logo. This is very attention getting and nearly impos-
sible to miss. They also have lights in their window with all of the brands
that they sell for potential customers to see.
Why is this a classic?
This building was originally called The
House Building and it was the only struc-
ture on Mass to survive Quantrill’s Raid.
Over 60 years of kickin’ Mass!
800thblock
This block holds another set of two Lawrence
landmarks that have made their mark on the
street and the community; the Sunflower
Bicycle Shop and Ernst and Sons Hardware.
“one of the best bike shops in the nation.”
S U N F L O W E R B I K E S H O PSunfl ower Bike Shop is a favorite among Lawrence residents and the logo
is one of the most recognizable around town. They have expanded their
inventory and now have athletic biking apparel as well as countless types of
bikes, which can also be custom made.
The text has a hand written feel and it is all contained in an oval shape.
They also use signs in the store windows that look hand painted such as
the “open” sign and another reading “Sunfl ower Outdoor Bike.” This per-
sonalization really makes the store community friendly and inviting.
During Quantrill’s Raid this location was the Merchants Ridenour and
Baker. They were among the fi rst to rebuild in 1863 in the aftermath of the
raid. It also burned down in 1997 causing the owners to completely rebuild.
Why is this a classic?
established1972
mass804“one of the best bike shops in the nation.”
Sunflower Bike Shop has several hand
painted signs in their windows.
One of the best bike shops in
the country.
established1880
mass“used to be where everyone got everything.”
826
E R N S T & S O N S H A R D W A R EErnst Hardware is another Lawrence Landmark. It has the feeling of an
old fashioned hardware and convenience store. It is very apparent upon
entering the store that it has been around for a very long time. They have
new products as well as products that you can tell have been sitting on the
shelves for many years.
It has a lot of antique looking signage. It has a large Dutch Boy Paints sign
hanging high above the door. There is a small sign with the Ernst and Son
Hardware hanging in front of the door. It is just black and white and looks
very old. They also have hand made signs in the windows that add to its ap-
peal. During Quantrill’s Raid this location was the Merchants Ridenour and
Baker. They were among the fi rst to rebuild in 1863 in the aftermath of the
raid. It also burned down in 1997 causing the owners to completely rebuild.
Why is this a classic?
Ernst and Son Hardware has been around long
enough to see the many, many changes that
Mass Street has endured. They are now in the
fourth generation of operation in the Ernst
family. They are doing something right to have
survived the changing times with the economy
and community.
They have kept the original cash register, wood
fl oors, wood drawers and even a sliding ladder.
All of the wood work was done in house for the
drawers, fl oors and ceiling.
Ernst and Son is defi nitely one of the oldest
stores left on Mass Street that is locally owned
and operated. When you walk into the store,
it is obvious that some of the merchandise has
been sitting on the shelves for perhaps a decade.
The charm of this store truly makes it a Law-
rence classic, upon entering you know that you
are in a place that has seen the many different
faces of Mass over the years.
The Local Hardware Gem
Ernst & Sons has been selling Dutch Boy
Paints since they opened.
Ernst & Sons has been selling Dutch Boy
Paints since they opened.
This book was written and designed by Jenny Kondrasuk in the
Fall of 2010 in Patrick Dooley’s Designer as Author class at the
University of Kansas. Typefaces used include MrsEaves and Trade
Gothic and it was constructed using Adobe Indesign and Photo-
shop. The camera used was a Sony Cyber Shot 14.1 Megapixel
digital camera. Sources included: www.history.lawrence.com,
www.watkinsmuseum.org, “Our Fiery History,” www.visitlawrence.
com, www.freestatebrewing.com, www.eldridgehotel.com, www.
sunfloweroutdoorandbike.com, www.francisteamsales.com,
www.downtownlawrence.com and Katie H. Armitage’s Images of
America: Lawrence Survivors of Quantrill’s Raid.
Credits