'Band shell' unveiling planned

100 YEARS AGO

(1912)

LONDON (May 10) -- That all the members of the crew of the Titanic on the night of the disaster didn't act in a manner expected from men of their calling is being slowly drawn out from witnesses at the British Board of Trade inquiry. It came out during the hearing that the firemen of the Titanic, when the water entered their quarters, raided the third-class saloon of the preservers. Certainly, as is pointed out, they were not needed by the passengers as the vessel carried only a small proportion of her complement of third-class passengers. That importance is attached to the action of the firemen, however is shown by questions put by Lord Morsey, as to how the men reached that part of the vessel. From another witness, S.J. Ruel, a bathroom steward, it was also learned, after close questioning, that there was a rush on life boat No. 15, which left the Titanic with only four or five women and three children, while 61 men got away in it.

75 YEARS AGO

(1937)

The Civic Improvement Committee of the Chamber of Commerce is planning May 20 as a formal presentation of the new park shell at the South Main Street Park. The new structure has been commonly termed a "band shell." But it was emphasized that is a misnomer, as it will be used for all kinds of musical programs, addresses, dramatics, and in fact for almost any kind of an entertainment. Tests at the shell have indicated that it will prove most satisfactory from an acoustical standpoint.

City commissioners took an option on eight lots along the east side of Main Street between Sixth and Seventh for use as part of the South Main Street Park and it is expected they will be purchased in the near future. There is only one building in the area, a dwelling house, to be razed.

50 YEARS AGO

(1962)

Mercy Hospital, with the second largest payroll in Fort Scott, holds a position of major importance in the community.

If we go back to the year 1960 we find that 2,628 patients from Fort Scott entered the hospital, with 606 more coming from Linn County, 471 from other towns in Kansas, 437 from the state of Missouri and 42 from other states. During that year there were 408 babies born at Mercy Hospital. In 1961, the figures increased considerably. One could safely say that Mercy Hospital and its associated medical facilities account for expenditures of at least $1 million a year in Fort Scott.

Final plans of a lease contract for a proposed aluminum plant in Fort Scott were completed and are ready to be signed by Joe Ida, president of Aluminum Extrusions Inc., and Fort Scott Industries Inc. Ida said he is ready to come to Fort Scott and would like to start work immediately on plans and specifications for the building.

25 YEARS AGO

(1987)

Photo caption: "Fort Scott High School sophomore Jared Witt and freshman Scott Markland teamed up to split a pair of doubles matches Friday at the high school courts, beating their opponents from Altamont-Labette County 6-1, 6-0 but losing to dependence 6-2, 6-4 in No. 1 doubles. The Tigers beat Independence 3-1 and Altamont 4-0 to sweep the triangle and improve their mark for the spring to 5-1." -- Photo by Bob Weems

Photo caption: "Steve Buerge, president of Security State Bank, as a deputy Bourbon County Clerk, takes minutes during today's County Commission meeting with Commissioners Ralph Reed, Joe Ludlum and Walt Campbell." -- Photo by Anna Laudati.