The Watkins Community Museum of History
 Douglas County Historical Society • Lawrence, Kansas

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The back hallway was carpeted in May 2002 and this is where the Alexander Gardner exhibit will be located semi-permanently, featuring the way Lawrence looked on September 21, 1867. These pictures are what are called imperial views. They added about 15% more on each side of the picture. These pictures are just wonderful treasures. John Charlton, a local photographer, went to the J. Paul Getty Museum in California and found these larger views and so he brought them to our attention and we used them as part of a program last June, and they will be on permanent exhibit. The exhibit will include not only the 1867 views, but John took pictures of the same views 125 years later so that people will have the modern reference points. One of the things people who are concerned about getting around in this building should know is that the building had a brick core where the bank vaults were. The bank vaults were taken out when the building was renovated in the early 1970's. So, we now have a modern elevator where the bank vaults were, making all floors accessible.