Production starts at Extrusions

100 YEARS AGO

(1913)

Some time ago agitation was started for street signs. It was led by one of the most respected merchants on Main Street who is in a position to help this good cause a great deal. He offered to do most anything to get the city to take an interest in his idea, but they paid not the slightest attention to him. The matter has been dragging on and every spring the matter has been put off until fall and then in the fall is must rest over until the spring. It has been going around and around in this way ever since the first streets were laid out so many years ago that even some of the many of the citizens have not learned the names of many of the streets. It is an actual fact that half the people on the west side cannot find their way about on the east portion of town. And likewise with the east side residents not being able to find their way about on the west side.

75 YEARS AGO

(1938)

(Jan. 14) -- A fire believed to have started from a defective wire in the garret almost destroyed the palatial brick residence of Dr. J.J. Cavanaugh at 524 S. National Ave. this morning. The loss is estimated at $10,000. The efficient work by the firemen prevented a much heavier loss. The alarm was sent in by neighbors.

The residence, a 14-room structure, was built by H.C. Moore in 1890. Mr. Moore, an early-day lumber dealer, sold the residence to Col. J.H. Richards in 1896.

A disastrous fire visited it while Col. Richards was living in it. The damage was placed at $9,400. The family was gone. A domestic sleeping in the top northwest room, lost her life. Mr. Richards sold the property to C.C. Nelson. Then it was sold to Dr. Cavanaugh, who has occupied it since that time.

50 YEARS AGO

(1963)

Photo caption: "Walter Anthony ties skates on his daughter, Janet, while her brother, Allen, awaits his turn. The frozen pond at the Country Club provides ice for fun and sport." -- Tribune photo

Production at the new Extrusions Inc. plant was begun officially early this morning. "We are now in production," said plant president Joe Ida today.

Some of the machines were functioning as desired, Ida said. But he explained that is to be expected in moving the equipment from Louisville and having to reconnect and arrange it in the new Fort Scott plant.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Household fruit and vegetable budgets are taking a beating because of weather on both coasts. Trade sources say there is little hope for relief from higher fruit prices until new crops come in next fall. Freezes have boosted orange prices as much as 100 percent. Vegetable prices are affected as well.

25 YEARS AGO

(1988)

Photo caption: "A multi-purpose room with a seating capacity of 250 will be the latest addition to the Fort Scott National Historic Site, thanks to a recently completed fundraising drive. Fort superintendent Sheridan Steele accepts a check for $18,415 from Sid Miner, manager of the Lincoln National claims center here. Also pictured are Richard Aydelotte, of the Western Insurance Companies, and Gene Stuart, of American States."

Merchants need to make more of a commitment to their future and that of downtown, it was stressed at a meeting held by the Downtown Fort Scott Project. About 60 merchants, building owners, city officials and people interested in the future of downtown attended the dinner meeting at the Best Western Fort Scott Inn.