Head of the Western passes

100 YEARS AGO

(1912)

Maj. E.L. Marble has some fancy chickens at his home, 114 Eddy St. Not before last Saturday had he evidenced a vicious disposition except toward a Scotch Terrier pup that went into the pen and wished he hadn't. Saturday, the little 21 month-old granddaughter of the owner of the chickens was playing in the backyard. In some way the big rooster got out of his pen and attacked the baby, knocking her down and pouncing upon her viciously. The rooster even fought those who went to the child's rescue, and retired after being persistently kicked off.

Young men join the Y.M.C.A., only $10 for the year: Gymnasium, swimming pool, library, reading room, baths, bowling alleys, Cue Roque.

75 YEARS AGO

(1937)

County Assessor Joe Bonesteel, who lives on the old Griffith farm north of town on the High Drive at the top of Wahr Hill, reported today that last night's fog was so thick that when he looked toward Fort Scott he could see no lights of any kind and could distinguish nothing else that would indicate that there was a city close at hand.

Mrs. Anna Ellis is visiting here from Kansas City. Mrs. Ellis is the daughter of Charles Lotel, who will be remembered by many of the old-timers as the proprietor of a cigar factory which he conducted in the old Kennedy Building in the early '90s.

Sometime Sunday, thieves entered the office room of the Fort Scott Horse Market in the northeast part of the city, ransacked it completely, but nothing was found missing.

Mickey Mouse stole away from Hollywood Friday morning long enough to caper for an hour with the little people of Miss Mary's Kindergarten. During the Christmas party, Alive M. Ruddick was blindfolded and was winner in blowing out a candle.

Over 150 couples attended the dance on Christmas given by the members of the Yacht Club at the Scottish Rite Temple. Many surrounding towns were represented.

50 YEARS AGO

(1962)

(Dec. 24) -- E.C. Gordon, 88, vice chairman of the board of the Western Insurance Cos., died today at Mercy Hospital. During the fabulous growth of the Western Companies -- the Western Casualty and Surety Company and the Western Fire Insurance Company -- Mr. Gordon had served as secretary. In that capacity, he had a direct connection and responsibility for the expansion of the business, and his judgment was solicited in every progressive effort to make the firm what it is today.

It was in August of 1915 Mr. Gordon walked into the little office of the five-year-old Western to become the second man on the staff. Only other member of the firm was Oscar Rice, who had founded the firm in 1910 in a little upstairs room on Main Street. The entire staff totaled seven. Now it totals over 800 nationwide.

25 YEARS AGO

(1987)

Photo caption: "The Southeast Kansas Retired Southwestern Bell Telephone employees recently donated a McGruff puppet and instruction tapes on safety to Fort Scott elementary public schools. Pictured are Claire Schwartz, a representative of the group, presents the McGruff puppet to Rick Werling, principal of Winfield Scott Elementary School. Duane Rector, principal of Eugene Ware Elementary School, looks on." -- Photo by John Lechliter.

Shield of Shelter, 323 E. Wall. Personal service is a matter of personal pride. -- Don Povenmire.

Officers from the Bourbon County Board of Realtors attended the Kansas Association of Realtors Leadership Conference at the Ramada Inn in Topeka. Those attending were Joan Crane president; Richard Fitzsimmons, vice president; and Margaret Needham, secretary-treasurer.

Merl Humphrey, of Farmers Insurance Group of Companies, has been presented with an award marking 15 years of association with the insurance organization.