Opinion

Dry summer gives way to fall

Friday, September 23, 2011

100 YEARS AGO

(1911)

The home of the Citizens National Bank in the Masonic Cathedral building is rapidly nearing completion and will be one of the finest banking houses in the state. Workmen have been at work on the new fixtures for some weeks and within a few weeks the room will be in readiness for occupancy.

A baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Gus Sanka at their apartment at 514 E. Wall St. last night. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sanka are fortune tellers and were in the city but for a short stay. The little fellow was named Bonita.

A local ice cream firm shipped 70 five-gallon cans of ice cream to Blue Mound today for the picnic that is in session there today and tomorrow.

We have a refrigerator large enough for you to get prime, juicy meat all the time at out market. -- Fort Scott Meat Market, Bruce J. Maguire.

75 YEARS AGO

(1936)

The driest summer in Kansas history gives way to the fall season at 11:26 o'clock tonight with the weatherman, S.D. Flora, leading the cheering at its passing. "I never want to witness another like it," declared the federal meteorologist. With the exception of 1934, the summer was the hottest on record. The first day of fall was expected to see the mercury climb into the 90s. The meteorologist described the weather as fine for fall crops and pastures.

Fort Scott's new bandshell, which should be regarded as an outdoor theater, is one of the few such type structures in the entire nation. Gerald Griffin, the architect who designed the building in the new city park, told the Kiwanis Club. He said the shell is outstanding in that it is of a monolithic design -- that is, it is one solid piece of concrete, reinforced with steel.

Fort Scott Aerie No.. 264 will initiate the largest class in its history at the lodge room on Scott Avenue tonight when 75 new members will be given the full ritualistic work.

50 YEARS AGO

(1961)

The Block House, which is near the Old Fort, for years a symbol of the Western Insurance Companies, has been given to the city because of the company's change in identity.

Fort Scott City Commissioners reluctantly accepted the building known as the "Lunette Blair Block House," from the Western. The company built the building in 1979, and had used a drawing of it on the company logo.

The building is a replica of a block house which would have typically appeared on military forts during the 19th century. It is located adjacent to the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Since the Western has merged with American States Insurance Companies the Block House logo will no longer be used. Commissioners voted to take over control of the Block House.

25 YEARS AGO

(1986)

Seven Bourbon County residents have been selected to the Board of Advisers of Citizens National Bank, according to bank president James "Tex" Crutcher. The residents selected for a one-year term are Gary Bukowski, Pat Flynn, Jon Garrison, Steve Howell, Bob Johnson, David Lewis and Ron Kastl.

"The board of advisers is vital to Citizens," Crutcher said. "With deregulation in the banking industry and changes in our economy we wanted to establish a forum in which bank officers and community leaders could share their ideas and explore ways to stimulate the local economy."

The new members join eight who are beginning a second term: Dr. Gary Brown, John Crain, Jill Gorman, Dr. Gary Grimaldi, Rick Litwin, Cindy Machado, Pam Vineyard and Lisa Ward.

Flamingo Family Restaurant weekend special: fried chicken, golden fried shrimp, BBQ ribs, 8-oz. steak dinner, $2.99. Highway 69 and 54.