Opinion

Memories spring eternal ...

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

100 YEARS AGO

(1908)

There was cannonading in the calaboose yard yesterday and when the smoke cleared away the official dog catcher had added 17 notches to his gun. The 17 dogs killed were gathered up from the streets the preceding day and as no one called to pay license they were shot. The preceding day 40 were executed, making a total of 57 canines killed. Records show that 225 dogs have been licensed this year. The dog catcher is gathering in a large number of unlicensed dogs each day and from now until midsummer there will be liquidation's, respites, etc., or rattle of musketry, howling of dogs and interments at the animal burying ground. The officers have had no trouble yet from persons harboring unlicensed dogs taking them to the country to escape taxation or stealing tags from those who have paid for the little medals.

75 YEARS AGO

(1933)

Sixteen students will graduate from the Plaza Junior High School tonight, according to the list announced by Prof. E.J. Hawkins, principal. The graduates are Sadie Mae Brown, Amelia Izena Bruce, Sidney Johnson Bruce, Thomas Edward Bruce, Fred Samuel Hill, Genevieve Marion Hill, Goldie Zella Hill, Neolin Hazel Reeves, Lida Irene Burnett, Fred Hillious Crouch, Carrie Lillian Elkins, Walter Jackson Hall, Virginia Morlene Wilkerson, Paula Maxine Wilkerson, Clemmie Charles Parks and James Henry Smalley.

Photo caption: "Challenging the nations of the entire world to outlaw offensive weapons of warfare and to enter into a solemn covenant not to invade each other's territory, the dramatic appeal of President Roosevelt is recognized as directed peculiarly to six countries. These are Germany and France, who are edging toward war in Europe; Japan and China, now at each other's throats in the Orient; and Paraguay and Boliva, now officially at war in South America."

50 YEARS AGO

(1958)

Having studied about John Brown in their history class, 29 fifth grade students from Earl Dunkel's class at Eugene ware School attended the centennial celebration at Trading Post. They also visited the City Hall in Mound City which contains records and historical documents. The trip was made possible through Frank Albright, principal; Mrs. Wayne Watkins, room mother; and Mrs. Dan Stumfoll. Transportation was provided by Herman Hall, Mrs. Roy Dodson Jr., Mrs. Walter Winter, Earl Dunkel and Mrs. Wayne Watkins.

Phillip Frick, Fort Scott High School senior class vice president, was named recipient of the Balfour Award, an honor made through faculty vote. Gary Clayton, president of the high school senior class, received the Olson-Frary-Burkhart Post 1165, VFW, trophies naming him outstanding high school athlete of the year and the outstanding backfield man of the football team.

Elmer's Cafe, 20 S. National, Friday special: salmon croquettes, macaroni and cheese, cornbread and coffee, 60 cents.

HEPLER (By Mrs. J.A. Attkisson) -- The grade school went to Pittsburg's Lincoln Park in conjunction with the all-school picnic. They visited the A.J. Cripe Bakery and went skating.

25 YEARS AGO

(1983)

The Fort Scott High School class of 1983, graduating in Frary Field under a crisp blue sky and full moon thankfully unobscured by clouds, were exhorted to "take only the best from the shelf of life" by graduation speaker the Rev. Roy Weece. Weece spoke to 120 seniors and about five times that many onlookers. Short talks were given by U-234 Superintendent Fred Campbell Jr. and class valedictorians John Miller and Mark Gilmore. Dick Hedges, high school principal, commended Perry Townsend as "an inspiration. Townsend was burned in a vocational agriculture shop accident May 25, yet was graduated with the class.

There were 131 members of the ninth grade class to graduate from the Fort Scott Junior High School. Principal Dale Hammons presented the class. Aaron Witt is the valedictorian and Greg Dalton, salutatorian.


100 YEARS AGO

(1908)

Attention: You are invited to inspect the largest line of imported fans ever shown in this city at D. Prager & Sons.

Notice: All cars going west from early morning until late at night will be going to Fern Lake Park every 20 minutes until the end of the season. -- Superintendent F.D. Martin

Miss Isa Green, principal of the Bell Street School, returned to her home at Redfield this morning.

It is unfortunate for clerks that Decoration Day comes on Saturday this year. Every Decoration Day for years past the business houses have closed at noon, allowing the clerks a half-holiday. This year the stores will close from 1 o'clock to 5 only.

Notice: Now is the time to get your gooseberries at Floral Nursery.

The Decoration Day Committee was out again this morning for the final wind-up of securing funds for the old soldiers, which will be used to defray the expense of Decoration Day. In all, $104.25 was secured and these funds will be ample for all purposes.

75 YEARS AGO

(1933)

A total of 221 graduates of Bourbon County's rural eighth grade schools will receive their diplomas at exercises to be held at Memorial Hall tomorrow afternoon, they being the big majority of the total of 251 graduates of the rural schools this year. Of the 30 others, some have graduated at Bronson, Fulton, Uniontown and Mapleton.

W.N. Cormany has been appointed by the Kansas State Highway Commission in place of Charles Chumlea, who has held the position for several years.

The American Legion Auxiliary, which is sponsoring the Buddy Poppy sale tomorrow for the benefit of disabled ex-service men, has arranged a display in the Kansas Utilities show windows that is drawing much pubic interest. The display shows a hospital bed and patient, with a nurse standing near by. Significance of the display is carried out by poppies on a nearby table and around a poster telling about the Poppy Day sale.

50 YEARS AGO

(1958)

Town and Country (By H.V. Cowan, Tribune Farm Editor): Blaine White, of near Fulton, had cattle at the Thursday sale. He was accompanied by Johnnie Taylor. Johnnie said he is out of school, having graduated from the eighth grade at Fulton.

Three Fort Scott High School junior girls have been selected to attend Girls State on the campus of the University of Kansas. Joan Arkle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Arkle, and Barbara Gench, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Gench, will be sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, City Federation of Women's Clubs and the Rotary Anns. Margaret Stell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M.O. Stell, will be sponsored by the Joseph Thompson American Legion Post Auxiliary.

Tom Cunningham's Market open Memorial Day at Becco's Market located south city limits, Highway 69. Missouri strawberries by the crate. Fancy strawberries, 3 full quart boxes, 89 cents.

25 YEARS AGO

(1983)

Photo caption: "The 1983 Pittsburg State ROTC Award recipients include Tom Ripper, Bronson; Craig Johnson, Chanute; and Kimberly Yvette Wheeler, Fort Scott. Wheeler won the Department of Army Superior Cadet Award and Ripper won the Department of Army Superior Cadet Award."

Four area students have completed work for degrees from Kansas State University. The spring graduates from Fort Scott include Jennifer L. Reed Hinde, doctor of veterinary medicine; John T. Dickerson, bachelor of science in agriculture; and Timothy C. Spears, bachelor of science; and from Uniontown, Perry Hollaway, bachelor of science in agriculture.

Photo caption: "Randy Holt took cover as he reached third with a sixth-inning triple in a Co-ed Slow-Pitch League game at the softball complex "A" diamond K&K Auto Parts third baseman Margie Townsend made the tag in time on Holt, playing for the Fort Scott Merchants, but unfortunately for her, the ball wouldn't cooperate. Merchants posted an 11-8 victory over K&K."