Even 100 years ago, it was 12-12-12

100 YEARS AGO

(1912)

Tomorrow is Dec. 12, and the year is 1912. December is the 12th month, so people who abbreviate the dates will be able to write 12-12-12. This has been possible for the last 12 years. And before that, there were 88 years when it was impossible to do so and after tomorrow it will be 88 more years before it will be possible again. Only the people who must keep account of the days notice these little things and the bookkeeper who must write the date several hundred times a day has found that to abbreviate by placing the date, the number of the month on the calendar, and the last part of the year -- the first being understood -- it is a quick and simple method of writing the date.

75 YEARS AGO

(1937)

Winter's frigid grip on Fort Scott and vicinity has been getting just a little tighter each night this week. Last night, the mercury sank to 4 above for the coldest night of the winter. It was one degree under Wednesday night's low of 5 above. The maximum yesterday was 24.

The Bourbon County Wolf, Fox and Coon Association has named a committee to investigate the stealing and harboring of local coon and fox hounds. The association intends to prosecute the thieves if they are found. They ask that anyone finding these dogs to advertise the same in the local newspaper. There are reports that there are men picking up these dogs for serum companies or getting them for different dog traders at a distance. The association is determined to stop the practice.

Christmas clearing sale of coal heaters at Penniman Hardware Co.

No heating plant has been installed in the old building on the Plaza in which army officers years ago had their quarters and which is now being restored to its former state to be used as a museum. The workmen depend upon the six large fireplaces to keep them warm.

50 YEARS AGO

(1962)

Streets and Utilities Commissioner A.W. Dickerson said he has several inquiries from persons desiring information about leasing lots on Lake Fort Scott. He pointed out that none of the lots will be leased up until Jan. 2.

The physical education plant approved by voters Dec. 4 may be built for $72,000 less than estimated, the architect told the Board of Education. Warren Corman, associated with Williamson and Loebsack architectural firm, said careful selection of building material and equipment could trim the cost 15 to 20 percent. A 20 percent cut would trim the overall cost to $378,000 instead of the proposed $450,000

Not included in these figures is the amount needed to buy three lots on the southeast corner of Ninth and Scott for the new physical education plant. The board, in a 3-2 decision, voted to start condemnation proceedings for the purchase of three lots on the southeast corner of Ninth and Scott.

25 YEARS AGO

(1987)

Holiday music will be provided in downtown Fort Scott during the lunch hour Friday by the Fort Scott Community College Jazz Band and FSCC Chorus. The FSCC Jazz Band is directed by Ronda Bailey and the choir is directed by Greg Turner, FSCC music director.

On Tuesday, music will be provided by Winfield Scott Expressions.

The second-grade chorus will perform Wednesday and the fourth grade chorus on Thursday. The groups will perform under the direction of Larry Swaim.

Mr. and Mrs. Herman Toepfer, 736 Lowman, observed their 65th wedding anniversary quietly Dec. 4. She is the former Lottie Fry. They spent most of their married life in farming on Route 4, Fort Scott.

There four children: Earnest and Kenneth Toepfer, Elizabeth Ashbrook and Mildred Defebaugh.