Blaze kills fireman, destroys businesses

100 YEARS AGO

(1911)

The entire power plant of the Fort Scott Gas and Electric Company was destroyed by a fire which originated in the second story of the powerhouse at 9:30 last night. Van Hacket, a member of the fire department who went to work only yesterday morning, lost his life while fighting the flames, being caught and crushed under a falling wall. Fire Chief Joe Ausman, William Libby and other members of the department were slightly injured by the flying brick. The loss of the company is estimated at $100,000. The Rose Cider Mill, just north of the power plant, was entirely destroyed, the loss reaching to several thousand dollars and with no insurance. Fort Scott is entirely without power except what can be supplied by the power plant at the Frisco and for probably three months at the least estimate the city will be in darkness and without street car service. Just south at the Holding Livery Stable, all horses were released. As the horses were being let out, people were leading them over to the Plaza roads.

75 YEARS AGO

(1936)

A year ago, with the vision and power of the Chamber of Commerce as the spearhead, Fort Scott sped forward in a civic promotion drive that brought to the community a group of governemt-financed projects that have now become part and parcel of its progress. The same group today laid down plans for a continuation of the civic development that has brought immense benefits to labor and to community welfare. Fifty business leaders assembled at the Goldlander Hotel. It was a group of thoughtful and determined men, faced with the responsibility of installing the spirit of progress into the community. There are 120 firms and individuals who are members of the Chamber of Commerce of Fort Scott. They would just as soon call themselves "Payroll believers and believers in Fort Scott."

50 YEARS AGO

(1961)

Town and Country (By H.V. Cowan) -- Bert Perry, farming south of Mapleton, says he will soon be 81 years old. He likes to keep his farm with a team of horses for the mowing and light hauling. He says he needs another horse just now for one of his team is about to die from old age.

Fort Scott vocational agriculture students and Future Farmers of America attended the 33rd annual convention of the Kansas Association of Future Farmers of America, accompanied by adviser Milton Kohrs. The State Farmer Degree was presented to Mike Dikeman, Earl Carter, Dale Niemeir, Robert Love and Larry Gilliland. Dikeman was elected state reporter.

Come to Fort Scott May 6 for the grand opening of the Pink Garter Saloon on old Market Square, and while you are here, visit the Historical Museum. -- Sponsored by Fort Scott Business and Professional Women.

25 YEARS AGO

(1986)

Disabled American Veterans and their families and several friends participated in a social evening Saturday in the courthouse basement. Punch and cookies were served by Mrs. Pat Manley and Mrs. Don Torkelson. Linda Dikeman entertained with accordion numbers.

IV Cadet Captain Yvette Mangan, of Fort Scott, ROTC senior at Pittsburg State University, received the 1986 George C. Marshall Award in ceremonies conducted at the Virginia Military Institute, Lexinton, Ky. The outstanding cadet is among 300 college seniors in the United States to receive the nation's top ROTC award for excellence in military science and leadership skills which she earned while attending PSU. While attending PSU, Mangan has received the Department of the Amry Superior Cadet Award for three consecutive years. She plans to pursue a career as an Army officer. She is the daughter of Rex and Rise Wheeler, Fort Scott.