Santa Claus is coming

100 YEARS AGO

(1912)

Today has been generally observed over Fort Scott as Thanksgiving Day. Business has been suspended over all of the city for much of the day, the banks and practically all offices remaining closed for the entire day while stores opened until noon. The post office made one delivery this morning but the rural carriers were given the entire holiday.

The annual Thanksgiving service was held this morning at the Methodist church. Many of the men employed at the railroads and various manufacturing institutions were given a holiday today. Few trains were run, many of the railroad men having been given the opportunity to spend the day at home enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with their families. This evening, the annual Thanksgiving supper will be served at the Y.M.C.A. rooms for the roomers there who are away from home and the employees. This has become an annual feature and has proved a popular one.

75 YEARS AGO

(1937)

Santa Claus is coming to town! He will be loaded with sacks of candy which he will distribute to every youngster who comes to Memorial Hall. Santa will be the guest of honor at the annual Christmas party sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Youngsters 12 years of age and under are invited. If they are accompanied by their parents the latter will be admitted with them.

The doors to the hall will be open at 9:30 a.m. with Santa expected to put in his appearance at 10 o'clock. On the program with the famous character will be the Fort Scott school band. There will be several acts of vaudeville. Cope Forbes is chairman of the committee arranging the details and it promises to be a great Christmas party.

50 YEARS AGO

(1962)

Board of Education members issued a statement pointing out that the proposed $450,000 physical education plant "is an excellent solution to our facility needs." The statement explains that "this is written so that the voter may understand the viewpoints of the Fort Scott board members who favor the plan.

Declaring that "our need for a physical education plant has been apparent for many years," the statement is signed by J.D. Lightwine, Dr. Harold Croan, Ralph Whiteside and R.W. Cullor, board members.

(Nov. 29) -- LONDON (AP) -- Sir Winston Churchill will celebrate his 88th birthday Friday. Over the last 10 years -- by special messengers presents and greetings have poured into his London home.

The Board of Directors of the Fort Scott Lions Club unanimously endorsed the proposed $450,000 physical education plant for the high school and junior college.

The Fort Scott Grange 1517 was organized in 1912. The anniversary will be observed with a party at the regular meeting Dec. 6.

Say Merry Christmas every week of the year with gift subscriptions to the Weekly Fort Scott Tribune for $2.50 a year outside of trade territory.

25 YEARS AGO

(1987)

Photo caption: "Gloomy, wet weather played havoc with the 'Come Home for Christmas' celebration Friday afternoon and evening, although a large crowd managed to attend evening festivities at the Fort Scott Scottish Rite Temple. An afternoon parade was canceled because of the constant cold rain, and Santa elected to light the downtown lights from inside the Scottish Rite Temple. Pictured here is a young girl as the first in a long line to meet Santa in his workshop. Also, Santa leads a large crowd of children and their parents from the workshop to the Scottish Rite Temple. The event, sponsored by the Fort Scott Project, marked the start of the local merchants' Christmas season." -- Photos by John Lechliter.