Taking a Stand - Writings of William Allen White
Guided tour—Red Rocks State Historic Site, Emporia
Grades—high school
William Allen White was known for taking a stand on issues of importance to Kansans. Through his editorials in the Gazette he managed to catch the eye of both common Americans and presidents. White became known as the "Sage of Emporia" and was admired for his ability to represent the feelings of the heartland. This tour offers the students an opportunity to take a stand on one of three issues important to White, fellow Kansans, and Americans. The three topics are the Populist Party, the Court of Industrial Relations, and the influence of the Ku Klux Klan.
Teachers will choose the topic that their students will pursue. Background information both expository and primary sources will be provided for pre-visit work.
After a short tour of the White home the students will gather in White’s study to participate in an intellectual discussion called a Socratic Seminar. What better setting to stimulate critical and creative thinking than in the home of William Allen White?
Kansas history and civics standards addressed:
Populist Party:
- History: Benchmark 1, Indicator 1: (A) The student analyzes the ways the People’s Party Platform of 1892 addressed the social and economic issues facing Kansas and the nation.
- History: Benchmark 1, Indicator 2.: (A) The student analyzes the text of William Allen White’s essay “What’s the Matter with Kansas?
- Civics-Government: Benchmark 4, Indicator 1: ?(A) The student examines the role of political parties in channeling public opinion, allowing people to act jointly, nominating candidates, conducting campaigns, and training future leaders.
The Court of Industrial Relations:
- History: Benchmark 1, Indicator 5: (K) The student understands the role of the Court of Industrial Relations in solving labor disputes in the 1920s.
- Civics-Government: Benchmark 1, Indicator 2: ?(A) The student analyzes how the rule of law can be used to protect the rights of individuals and to promote the common good (e.g., eminent domain, martial law during disasters, health, and safety issues).
- Civics-Government: Benchmark 4, Indicator 3: (A) The student analyzes policies, actions, and issues regarding the rights of individuals to equal protection under the law.
Ku Klux Klan:
- History: Benchmark 1, Indicator 11: (A) The student analyzes significant developments in race relations (e.g., rise of the Ku Klux Klan).
- Civics-Government: Benchmark 4, Indicator 7: (K) The student explores issues regarding civic responsibilities of American citizens (e.g., obeying the law, paying taxes, voting, jury duty, serving our country, providing leadership, involvement in the political process).
Common Core ELA Standards
Reading for Literacy
- RH.11-12. 1: The student will cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, connecting insights gained from specific details to an understanding of the text as a whole.
- RH.11-12.9: The student will integrate information from diverse sources, both primary and secondary, into a coherent understanding of an idea or event, noting discrepancies among sources.
Cost per student is $2. One adult enters free for every 10 students. Additional adults pay the student rate.
Admission scholarships: School groups from Lyon, Osage, and Coffey counties receive free admission for this tour courtesy of the W.S. & E.C. Jones Trust grant. For more information see tour scholarships for Red Rocks.
Length of tour: approximately 90 minutes.
Number of students in a group: for the best experience, we recommend approximately 25 students per tour.
Registration and scheduling: Contact site administrator, 620-342-2800; or email Red Rocks. Tours must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.
Other guided tours available at the Red Rocks:
Hats Off to William Allen White - Red Rocks
William Allen White and the Reform Era - Red Rocks
Upcoming Events
