Explore Mass Street

SMOKE ON THE WATER

600 BLOCK

Back in 1900, the largest employer in Lawrence wasn’t KU—it was a cigar factory owned by a woman. The Boener Brothers factory stood about where Waxman Candles is today. It was operated by Ella Boener after William Boener, her husband and the company founder, died.

Just across the street, Free State Brewing Company is another downtown landmark with a great history. Nearly thirty years ago, Free State opened as the first legal Kansas brewery in over a century. Folks flock to their restaurant in the 600 block for the great food as well as beer.

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POLITICAL HOTSPOT

700 BLOCK

A hotel has stood on this site since Lawrence was founded in 1854, though it was burned down by proslavery activists–twice! Headquarters of the free state movement and symbol of Lawrence, the Free State Hotel was a prime target and its owner, Shalor Eldridge, a determined businessman. He rebuilt the hotel (now called the Eldridge) after each attack, and some say he haunts it to this day.

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A HAVEN OF FUN

800 BLOCK

Had you ventured down the 800 block of Mass Street in the early 1930s, you might have stopped by Wiedemann’s Confectionary Store for a refreshing Nehi soda before heading into Pattee’s Theatre for a thrilling double feature of Bring ‘Em Back Alive and The Midnight Patrol. Small pleasures like sweets and movies helped people make it through the Great Depression. Today, Wiedemann’s and Pattee’s are long gone, but this block continues to offer tremendous variety, including great restaurants and eclectic gift shops. 

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FASCINATING FASHION

900 BLOCK

The dynamic window displays on this corner symbolize a unique economic success story. Weaver’s is one of the few surviving independent department stores in America. Weaver’s has stood at its current location for nearly 90 years, and its inventive window designs (sometimes featuring live models, and always unique) have long intrigued passersby.

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WALK THE RED CARPET

1000 BLOCK

John Wayne was here—during the 1940 premiere of the movie Dark Command.  Republic Pictures sent their biggest stars to Lawrence for the debut of this film (loosely based on William Quantrill’s 1863 raid), where they met and mingled with star-struck residents.  Too big for a single theatre, the film opened in three cinemas simultaneously, including the Grenada. Today, the theatre is a popular venue for live music.

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RALLIES AND RECREATION

SOUTH PARK

South Park—the large green spot just beyond the corner of 11th and Mass Streets—has been part of the Lawrence story from the city’s beginning. This beautiful park witnessed the devastation of Quantrill’s Raid in 1863, hosted women’s rights and antiwar rallies in the late 20th century, and continues to serve as a source of both relaxation and calls to action.