The Gaslight Tavern [1] operates in north Lawrence, Kansas as a bar and coffeehouse [2] and offers live entertainment on a regular basis. While the interior only offers a capacity of 39, there is an unusually large patio area.
The Gaslight did not renew their lease for 2009 and was closed temporarily.[3] It reopened on July 3, 2009.[4][5]
The original Gaslight Tavern was located at 1241 Oread (as in 13th & Oread on The Hill), just off the University Of Kansas campus in Lawrence, Kansas, and was right next to the Abington Book Shop (publisher of GRIST[6]) that was owned by the beat poet, John E. Fowler and wife Sara.[7] The Gaslight was a popular hangout for students and non-students alike over several decades, from the peaceful times of the Silent Generation to the more turbulent times of the Counter Culture.[8]
The Gaslight has been featured in poetry and fiction.[9] During the era of Folk music, the Gaslight opened the stage to local artists. Later, beat poet George Edward Kimball held 'court' at the Gaslight. [10] George was noted for running for Douglas County sheriff in 1970 and losing the race; however, Phillip Hill was voted in, and removed from his office, as justice of the peace. <find ref>
KU student Nick Rice [1] was shot to death in front of the Gaslight [11] by local police during an anti-war riot in Summer 1970.
The building burned in the 70s, under suspicious conditions.[12][13][14][15] [16] The original location of the Gaslight is now a parking area for the KU Student Union.
In its heyday, the Gaslight, as a bar and grill, offered only pale beer and adequate hamburgers. Entertainment consisted of juke-box music, pin-ball machines, and a pool table (and conversation). Live entertainment was not a regular event.