Cold weather, good skating

100 YEARS AGO

(1912)

The continued freezing weather has made skating the best it has been for a number of years past and each night large crowds gather at the river and each of the ponds near Fort Scott. The sugar mill pond has proven a popular place for this sport, as in years past, and the crowd there nightly has been a large one. Many are also going to the lakes in the parks and to the river near the city. The ice is now several inches in thickness and perfectly safe for skating. No accidents of any nature have yet to be reported. Sleighing also has been good, as the roads have been covered with ice.

Today was one of the dullest Saturdays the merchants have had during the present season.

All of the merchants had increased their number of clerks recently in anticipation of a rush of business while the numerous sales are on. But the extreme cold weather of yesterday and today prevented shoppers from venturing out and business was duller than on the average weekday.

75 YEARS AGO

(1937)

The drawing for plans for a cottage for a caretaker at the Elm Creek Park, 13 miles southwest of Fort Scott, has just been completed at the office of County Engineer Hubert McCurley. These plans are to be sent in to the WPA district office at Chanute for approval. The plans call for a bedroom, porch, living room, kitchen, dining alcove and bath. The ceilings are to be constructed in old English style with the gables showing overhead.

A fire which started from defective wiring on the upstairs porch of the dwelling caused about $150 damage to the George Lotterer apartment house at 201 S. Lowman St. Sunday evening. The loss is covered by insurance.

The Ralston Feed Company has purchased the plant of the C Coyan Produce Company on West Oak Street and will take possession in the near future.

50 YEARS AGO

(1962)

Photo caption: "Taking part in competition of the Junior Miss contest are these eight girls who will be judged under the direction of the Fort Scott Jaycees: Brenda Lyons, Sharon Harlan, Kathy Allison, Joan Smith, Joyce Tucker, Marilyn Clary, Beth Clayton and Pat Manley." -- Tribune photo

Miss Alice Marble suffered a fractured left wrist Wednesday evening and has entered Mercy Hospital.

UNIONTOWN (By Mrs. Bill Wood) -- Milt McKinnis was honored on his birthday Dec. 28 when his brothers and sisters gathered at his home for fresh oyster soup, pie and coffee. A pleasant surprise was when his brother Jim from Walsh, Wash., arrived making all of the brothers and sisters present but Harvey, who lives in Springfield, Colo.

AMEN -- The twist is about to arrive in Fort Scott. No sprained backs are expected, but residents are sure to get sore finger trying out the new dial telephone service.

25 YEARS AGO

(1987)

Present and former employees of the Western Insurance Companies have established a scholarship in the company's name at Fort Scott Community College. Don Hewett and Charles Grove, former vice presidents at the Western, headed the drive to establish the scholarship. Hewett said, "We would like to see the Western live on."

The Western was acquired by Lincoln National Corp. in 1985 and was consolidated in American States Insurance.

Grove and those who chose to make the Western their life's work now have an opportunity to perpetuate the company's name. The fund, which will be added to the FSCC endowment program, will be matched dollar for dollar by the federal government. Students who receive scholarships from the fund will be known as "Western Scholars."