Fireworks spark crowd

100 YEARS AGO

(1912)

Probably the largest crowd ever assembled together in the history of Fort Scott was present at Gunn Park last night for the display of fireworks, general estimates placing the number at 115,000. The crowd rapidly increased as darkness approached as all were anxious to witness the fireworks display which was acknowledged by all to exceed in splendor anything of the kind previously attempted here, and an hour before the display was started there was scarcely standing room at any point from which a good view could be obtained around the large lake.

The spacious slope was a large mass of humanity while little else could accurately describe the hill to the east or south. The larger pieces in the fireworks display which lit up almost the entire old Fern Lake Park, showed that even the timbered hill to the south was filled with visitors all intent on enjoying the coolness offered by the park.

Hundreds of rigs from the country were tied about the park. Great care had been used by the committees in charge of the fireworks resulting in a display such as had never before been witnessed here.

75 YEARS AGO

(1937)

The mercury hit the 103 degree mark in Fort Scott yesterday for the hottest day of summer thus far. Today is expected to be as hot, if not hotter. The previous high mark was 100 on June 25. No let up in the hot rainless weather is in prospect for Kansas, federal meteorologist S.D. Flora said today. The corn crop is beginning to suffer from the lack of moisture, and the grasshoppers don't help, he said.

The Tribune limerick editor certainly didn't know what she was starting when she announced the limerick contest last week. The are so many entries that can be considered as winners, additional prizes will likely be awarded. The limerick receiving first place this week was submitted by Mrs. Minnie Hunziker, Uniontown; second was awarded to Vern Champion, Fort Scott; and third to Ed Hicks, Fort Scott. Honorable Mention was given to Guy Cosens, rural Prescott; Ruth Scholfield, Fort Scott; and Delphine Farmer, Devon.

Fort Scott spent a noisy Fourth of July yesterday, but no major injuries. The scorching sun kept many indoors in the cool breezes of the electric fans. Tourist traffic was heavy through the city. Private cabins and streams were the scenes of many gatherings. Gunn Park was the locale for picnic suppers last night and the South Main Street Park swimming pool was crowded throughout the day and last night.

50 YEARS AGO

(1962)

The reunion of the alumni of the Mercy School of Nursing, Fort Scott, drew 180 members from over the United States Saturday.

Among the oldest graduates of the Mercy School of Nursing attending the reunion were Cleo McClellan Fellers, Reno, Nev., and Mrs. Frank Crane Sr., Holdenville, Okla.

The three officers of the alumni who compiled the list of names and addresses of the graduates so all could be contacted for the reunion were Mildred Eshelbrener, R.N., treasurer; Bernadine Shoemaker, R.N., co-chairman; and Irene McDonald, R.N., chairman.

Only two men have graduated from Mercy School of Nursing. They are Eldon Hoover, Fort Scott, and Bill Bailey, Leavenworth. Both were graduates of the class of 1950.

Stumfoll whipped Owen Motors last night in a 3-2 softball game at Main Street Park behind the pitching of Jerry Witt.

Konantz edged Elks 6-5 in Farm League baseball with Terry Hughes on the mound and VFW won over Todd-Payne in PeeWee baseball 6-4. Julius Jackson was the winning pitcher.

25 YEARS AGO

(1987)

No publication.