Opinion

Memories spring eternal ...

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

100 YEARS AGO

(1908)

There were two sections of the Frisco flyer through here today. This travel north and west is heavier than it has been in years. Sunday there was a special flyer through here with nothing but Pullmans, there being eight of these rolling palaces. The southbound passenger this afternoon was so heavy that two of the big passenger engines were used to draw it.

A rather unusual procedure in police court trials was pulled off the other day when a local man was arrested for being drunk. The man, whose war whoops could be heard for a block, was served with a warrant and later appeared in Judge Winkleman's office and a fine of $5 was imposed. There was some comment made upon this practice. Judge Winkleman was quoted today as saying that where a man entered a plea of guilty, he was not averse to having him brought into his office, instead of being brought into court.

75 YEARS AGO

(1933)

Appearances are often deceitful, sayeth an old adage. And because a man is billed with a circus as a wild man who fights boa constrictors is no sign he really is a wild man. The wild man at the Tidwell carnival grounds has been putting on a "hair raising" act. Chained to a stake and his wild yells send shivers through the spectators. Last night the wild man got a little too wild and in picking up one of the constrictors he threw it and struck a small girl across the face with it, leaving an ugly mark. Sheriff Hyle, who has been keeping an eye on the carnival, happened to arrive at the grounds. The sheriff followed the wild man inside the tent. Taking off his make-up the man exhorted the sheriff, "don't let the crowd get near me." Without make-up the man proved to be one Floyd Howell, of Clinton, Mo. The sheriff advised him it would be best to fold up his act. Mr. Howard agreed, "I'm only getting 15 cents on the dollar, Them snakes in there ain't poisonous. You don't think I'd be in there with them if they were, do you?"

50 YEARS AGO

(1958)

Bob Hixon was elected president of the Fort Scott Chapter of Future Farmers of America. Marvin Ketner was named vice president; Ronald Brown, secretary; Don Hutchinson, reporter; Darrel Howard, treasurer; and Edwin Thurston ,sentinel. Milton Kohrs is the instructor.

A new aluminum diving board was installed at the municipal pool, a gift from Kenneth Pollock, president of Key Work Clothes, Inc. Pollock said he was giving the board because he hoped to stimulate some interest in diving. The new board, which cost $395, is called a lifetime board. The purchase was made from a trust fund established by Pollock, Joe Arkle is leasee of the pool.

Miss Maria Lesher, a teacher in the Fort Scott public schools 32 years, has submitted her resignation. Miss Lesher, juco math teacher, started her career at the junior high in 1926. Miss Lesher will teach at a four-year Missouri college.

25 YEARS AGO

(1983)

Wal-Mart Pharmacy, South Park Shopping Center. -- Steve Davidson, RPh, Mgr.; Robert Spence, RPh. Prompt, courteous service.

Cindy Rae Titus, Fort Scott, has been awarded a master of science degree from Emporia State University.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Goodenough, Hume, Mo., were honored on their 55th wedding anniversary on Aug. 7. The dinner was marked with a dinner at the home of their daughter and family, Bill and Donna Douglas, Carolyn and Marilyn, Fort Scott. Other guests included Mr. and Mrs. Larry Douglas.

Photo caption: "Theresa Buntain, 223 S. Crawford, one of 115 people who donated blood, is seen with a Red Cross nurse Ruth Compton." -- Photo by Tom Braker