New contests at Old Settlers

Editor's Note: A bonus column from Nell Dikeman is available today.

100 YEARS AGO

(1912)

This morning a well known farmer brought in a large load of apples, but was unable to sell very many. He hauled the fruit to the Goodlander Home where he left it. The children "lit" into those apples with squeals of delight and the appreciation they showed will go a longer way with the man than the money they would have brought him.

A man on the Square yesterday was trying to sell a load of cantaloupes. They were small and he did not sell very many until the price was reduced to one cent apiece. It wasn't long until he "cleaned shop." Men were rushing in all directions carrying waste paper baskets and many carried them in their hats.

The annual M.W.A. and Old Settlers Picnic is in progress at Mapleton. Some of the older citizens of our city are spending the day. It is an opportunity to renew acquaintances, while the younger folks form new ones.

75 YEARS AGO

(1937)

(Sept. 1) -- Friday has been set aside by 30 Fort Scott merchants as "Fort Scott Day." To make it the best possible each one of them is offering outstanding articles. The 30 merchants are ready to "get down to cases" and do their part in stimulating business activity as the fall buying season gets underway. Attractive prices are available throughout Fort Scott Day.

Friday morning there will be a free picture show for children at the Liberty Theatre. Tickets may be obtained from your favorite merchants, merely for the asking. You don't have to make a purchase. Send your children for fun and enjoyment and spend your own time profitably shopping in the stores on Fort Scott Day. Scan the list of merchants and find the time to fill those needs.

50 YEARS AGO

(1962)

Enrollment in the Fort Scott School System took another jump today as 2,252 students showed up for classes in the kindergarten through junior college. This is 120 more students than last year's first day enrollment which was a 20-year high. Junior college students totaled 239 today which is 14 above last year's second day figure. The all-time high enrollment in the Fort Scott system was in 1936 when 2,704 students were enrolled.

Three postal employees have been cited by the regional office in Wichita and have received checks totaling $85 for their efforts to improve Fort Scott mail service. Raymond Flanner, distribution clerk, has been presented with a $50 award for outstanding service and superior performance. Lyle Amer was the recipient of $15 for a suggestion for modification of the distribution case, which is expected to save the department an estimated $75 a year. Jim Calame was presented $20 for suggesting a revised parcel arrangement and provide a directory board which is expected to save the department $400 a year.

25 YEARS AGO

(1987)

UNIONTOWN -- The 81st annual Old Settlers Picnic, one of the oldest celebrations of its kind in the state, will feature two new events when it is held at Uniontown Park.

Added this year to the unusual events such as the egg throwing and baby crawling contests will be a tractor pull and a Ranch Rodeo Exhibition.

According to Harvey Shepard, an organizer of the tractor pull, contestants will be divided into two classes -- 8 to 14 and 15 and up.

Prizes will be awarded to the oldest man and the oldest woman present; to the couple married the longest; to the person with a Uniontown address the greatest number of years; and to a former resident traveling the farthest.