Opinion

More improvements possible at Gunn Park

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

100 YEARS AGO

(1911)

It is said on good authority that W.C. Gunn, who donated the old Fern Lake Park, under the new name of Gunn Park to the city, is to give $5,000 more for improvements on the property. A boat house and a pavilion are being considered. He was out of the city today and could not be reached. However, the source from which the statement comes, leaves little doubt as to the intention of Mr. Gunn. The boat house is not a definite plan, as some of the board members are said to consider that it is not needed at this time. Seven-and-one-half miles of road are being laid out inside the grounds. One can enter with a rig after dinner and ride continuously at slow speed until late in the afternoon before having seen all the park. The road to Stewart Dam from the west side of the park is being made now. It is to be one of the most beautiful short drives in this part of the country.

75 YEARS AGO

(1936)

New hope for government aid in flood prevention here has risen with receipt of a letter from Sen. Arthur Capper to groups interested in flood control to the effect that he had included the proposed work in his amendment to a House bill now pending. Information regarding financial losses sustained here because of high waters was telegraphed the senator the first of the week. "I shall be glad to make good use of this information with the committee in support of the amendment which I have introduced covering flood control works at Fort Scott, the senator wrote. Senator Capper, in his amendment, will propose authorization of funds for levees and track raising "to protect the area where the greatest property value (is) concentrated along Buck Run creek."

50 YEARS AGO

(1961)

Salary increases were endorsed by the city fathers as they met this morning. Mayor William Rardin was sworn in to begin his sixth term and J. Wade Smith was sworn in as finance commissioner. He replaces R.C. (Tot) Coyan who did not seek re-election. Salary increases ranged from 5 cents an hour for experienced labor to $25 for city commissioners and the mayor. Police and firemen received a $15 raise and the fire chief and police chief were raised to $350 a month. Night Capt. Ambrose Kite was given a $20 boost in salary. The city clerk and deputy clerk each received $15. The treasurer and attorney received $10 increases.

Twenty-three Garland grade school students will take a train ride to Liberal, Mo., today leaving from the Frisco depot in Fort Scott. For many of the children it will be their first train ride. They will return to Garland by auto.

25 YEARS AGO

(1986)

A recent report by the Kansas Department of Education credits Uniontown High School with the lowest student dropout rate of nine area high schools in 1984-85. Only two of 149 UHS students dropped out last year and both of those were sophomores. At Fort Scott High School, 22 of 585 students dropped out last year.

About 45 people packed the city commission chambers Tuesday night to protest the paving of the city's brick streets. Commissioners agreed to conduct public hearings before any more brick streets are covered with asphalt. About an hour was spent discussing the historic value versus the cost of preserving the brick streets. Fred Campbell, president of the Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County Inc., spoke in favor of preserving the brick streets, saying that the streets are unique, priceless, and a vital piece of Fort Scott's heritage.