City sees gains in business

100 YEARS AGO

(1911)

To give every man and woman over 60 years of age a pension from the United States Treasury is the surprising proposal of a congressman. What most old people need is help in keeping up strength and vigor. Thousands of them know that the greatest help they can get is our delicious cod-liver and iron preparations without oil, called Vinol.

Vinol renews the energy and strength of old people because it enriches their thinned blood and improves their appetite and digestion. It is so pleasant to take that they like to use it. We guarantee Vinol to give perfect satisfaction, or pay back your money. -- Prichard-Blatchley Drug Co., Fort Scott.

According to reports of the American Charities Association, poor families in Fort Scott are in need of small cook stoves, carpets and clothing for children of school age. Any of these necessities and comforts for poor families will be thankfully received by Mrs. Mason, matron for the American Charities. Her telephone number is 1745.

75 YEARS AGO

(1936)

Police climaxed a swift search for a stolen motor car last night with a fast moving gun fight in Gunn Park with an unidentified man who escaped as two officers fired at him in the darkness. The car was a 1935 Pontiff coupe. It was stolen last night from the driveway at the C.D. Sample home, 812 S. National Ave. Notified of the theft of the car, police launched a search for it.

About 9 o'clock, night patrolmen drove into Gunn Park and came upon the coupe in the south end of the grounds.

The two policemen drove their car across the road in an attempt to block the thoroughfare and prevent the escape of the bandit. The thief spun the car into movement and cut around the police car. Finding himself a target for police bullets the thief brought the coupe to a quick halt and leaped out with the two officers following. He ran into the darkness and was lost.

50 YEARS AGO

(1961)

During the decade of the '50s Fort Scott made remarkable gains in new business, even though they were not reflected in a population increase.

A survey made by The Tribune discloses that 37 new retail, service businesses and manufacturing companies were started in the past 12 years.

The fact that the 1960 census reflected a slight decrease in population instead of a gain for Fort Scott during the same period seems to be explained largely by the spreading of the city residential area out into new districts beyond the city limits. Four new industries were established in Fort Scott during the past decade appear to have excellent growth prospects. They are Peerless Products Co., makers of aluminum storm doors and windows; Mid-America Business Forms Inc., printers of specialized business forms; Vib-Riter Co., maker and distributor of duplicating stencils; and Westport Manufacturing Co., makers of advertising specialties.

25 YEARS AGO

(1986)

The United Way drive has reached 96 percent of its $62,000 goal since it began Sept. 18, said Mary Lynn Cartwright, 1986 drive chairman. Although the drive encountered setbacks this year because of the October flood, Ms. Cartwright believes it has been a successful campaign.

"The response from our community has been wonderful, she said. "Bad things bring out the best in the people of our community. People pitched in to make up for the losses due to the economy and the flood. The well-known spirit of our community is reflected in the fact that we have made 96 percent of our goal despite all the negative influences."

Some businesses showing significant increases are Lincoln National Western American States, The Tribune, Ward-Kraft, Security State Bank, Sequin Printing, Bruce Marble, Citizens National Bank and Mid-Continental Restoration.