Pickings from Pike’s Past – September 8, 2021
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25 YEARS AGO: COACH GLENN C. SMITH DIES
150 Years Ago – Sept. 14, 1871
Early on the morning of Aug. 30 your reporter availed himself of a seat on the mail coach from Pittsfield to points east, and while the light of the morn was painting the eastern horizon, found himself rapidly enroute to Milton. The atmosphere was cool and pleasant and everything seemed propitious for a most agreeable ride. The coach arrived in Milton at 10 a.m.
James F. M. Meredith of Detroit reports of his grape harvest. He has 200 vines, three years old, which produced 9000 pounds of grapes, a larger yield than he had expected. He plowed the grapes all summer, more than he did his corn.
125 Years Ago – Sept. 9, 1896
The citizens of Nebo deny having any part or lot in the “fizzle” recently held at the Reunion Grounds under the name of a political rally.
Several changes have taken place in the local printing offices during the last week. At the Pike County Times Harry Swan has resigned his position to attend school, and will be succeeded by Miss Ida Bagby. Miss Nora Holloway, formerly of the Pike County Republican office, has gone to Janesville, Wis. to study telegraphy, and Rollo Grimes has entered an apprenticeship at that office.
The Old Settlers of Pike County met at New Canton. A choir sang “Auld Lang Syne” and “Annie Laurie.” The president introduced Uncle Charles Halsey with his big silk hat and silk vest worn 60 years ago. The style of that age seemed to amuse the young people very much. Among the relics on display were a Swedish snuff jug 300 years old, a brass mortar and pestle 125 years old and a large China platter 110 years old.
100 Years Ago – Sept. 14, 1921
September has begun cool and rainy, seeming to promise an early fall.
The Honorable William Elza Williams, of Pittsfield, widely known as a former Congressman-at-large, died unexpectedly at his home last week. He was an eloquent and forceful political orator.
The New Canton Community High School was dedicated Sept. 3. It is a three-story structure of brick, cost estimated at $68,000 and furnishings at $20,000.
Pittsfield’s ball team, accompanied by a large crowd of fans, went to New Canton last week. It was a “hit” for New Canton, as they got 10 hits in the first inning, and scored 8 runs. The final score was 13-3 in favor of the home team.
Bandits about 4 o’clock Thursday morning dynamited the safe in the general store of John Garner at El Dara. They secured a $100 Liberty Bond and about 40 cents in change. This is the third store that has been broken into in the county in the last few days, the others being the stores of Louie Eisenberg at Seehorn and Herbert Franklin at Pearl.
75 Years Ago – Sept. 11, 1946
Plans for Griggsville’s fourth annual Apple Festival are rapidly being completed by the various committees, all of whom are working hard to make this the best festival thus far sponsored by the Civic Club.
About 500 people attended a meeting in Pearl last Wednesday evening to discuss the condition of the village and what should be done to prevent a repetition of floods. Citizens estimated the damage at more than $200,000.
Construction has now begun for a temporary channel for Hardy Creek at Pearl, after word was received from Gov. Green that the state of Illinois will furnish $10,000 for the work.
A large crowd of veterans of two world wars attended the fish fry and installation of new officers at the Pittsfield American Legion Tuesday night. The new officers installed are Sam Jenkins, commander; A. W. Schimmel, Jr., first vice commander; Jack Fulmer, second vice commander and Hugh Carroll, adjutant.
Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow Engelman of Rt. 2, Baylis had a son, David Kent, born at Illini Hospital Sept. 4, 1946.
Mr. and Mrs. Edgar McComber, Pittsfield, had a daughter, Peggy Ann, born at Illini Hospital Sept. 5, 1946.
Pittsfield now has 8 M.D.s and the prospect of a ninth. Quite a change from the war days when two or three doctors had to carry the load. Dr. J. H. Rutledge is the newest in town. Prior to entering into military service in 1941, he practiced in Nebo.
50 Years Ago – Sept. 15, 1971
If you you’ve got an itch to run for the new nine-member Pike County Board, you’d better start thinking about it. The primary election will be Tuesday, Feb. 8, 1972, and the general election election Tuesday, April 4.
Fifteen-year-old Becky Barton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Barton, was selected as the 1971 Pittsfield Fall Festival queen. Forty-three girls were entered in the contest. Becky Jones was first runner-up; Diana Jobe was second; Julie Goewey was third; and Jeanne Lowry and Sue Weil tied for fourth runner-up.
David and Wayne Chamberlain, twin sons of Mr. and Mrs. Gail Chamberlain of Nebo, are enrolled at Northeast Missouri State College at Kirksville. David went there four weeks ago due to football practice.
Jerry Grimes, that cheerful mailman who makes his way around the square each day, had a birthday Tuesday. Evelyn Ockerhausen, with the Pike County Health Department, arranged for him to be greeted with cupcakes, candles and singing at several of the businesses. He had so many cupcakes that he had to have his wife come and collect his “goodies.”
25 Years Ago – Sept. 11, 1996
Governor Jim Edgar opened the new prison work camp just west of Pittsfield Thursday morning with local and state officials on hand. He said, “These work camps across the state have proven to be a cost-effective way to provide needed prison space, while giving a boost to area economies.”
The Ayerco convenience store in Pittsfield came tumbling down early Wednesday morning to make way for a new store on the same property.
Don Mellon was named this year’s parade marshal for the Pittsfield Fall Festival parade. The Pikeland Assistant Superintendent was honored for his contributions to the community.
Glenn C. Smith, 90, well-known Pittsfield educator and coach, died Thursday, Sept. 5 at his residence in Pittsfield. He had a storied football career as a player in high school in Oklahoma and at the University of Missouri. He coached in several places before coming to Pittsfield in 1944, where he taught and coached football, basketball and track until he retired in 1961. While at Pittsfield High School he compiled a 106-37-7 record in football, including four undefeated seasons. In basketball his teams won eight regional titles and one sectional, by defeating rival Quincy in 1949. He returned to PHS as athletic director and assistant football coach from 1966 to 1972.
10 Years Ago
Sept. 14, 2011
Don Peebles, Pleasant Hill, is the new interim director of the Pike County Housing Authority, headquartered in Barry. Peebles started work Monday, replacing Vicki Moyer, whose last day was Friday.
The Carson and Barnes circus came to the Western Illinois fairgrounds at Griggsville Sept. 8 and put on a show for Pike County.
The 2011 New Canton Harvest Festival Queen is Shawnee Irvin, daughter of Chad Irvin and Jackie Love.
The Chambersburg post office was closed by postmaster Terri Smith for the last time Friday, Sept. 8.
• Compiled by Michael Boren
