Pickings from Pike’s past:75 YEARS AGO: PITTSFIELD HIGH SCHOOL TO HAVE ITS FIRST HOMECOMING
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150 Years Ago
Oct. 19, 1871
Senator J. M. Bush, chief editor of the Pike County Democrat, has been complimented by the Springfield Register as “a tip-top editor and gentleman and worthy of the kindly esteem of all of the people.”
A general meeting was held recently of the officers of all Chicago banks in which business had been interrupted by the fire. Their assets were found to be in satisfactory condition, and all said banks resumed business.
125 Years Ago
Oct. 14, 1896
Wheat is looking fine and the present outlook is for a fine crop. Clover hauling is progressing and turning out well. Corn is remarkably good, and is coming out of the shock after the recent rains in fair condition.
We don’t like to criticize our laws or courts of justice, but if bullies are allowed to fill up on “extract” and take the town, the marshal who has the sand to suppress the same ought to be protected by our laws.
The K. P. lecture course this season is the strongest yet attempted by this enterprising society, and consists of General John Gordon, the Temple Quartette, the Mozart Symphony Club and Prof. J. B. DeMotte.
Postmaster Than Davis is about the proudest man in Barry, all on account of his having moved into his new post office.
100 Years Ago
Oct. 19, 1921
The Atlas Consolidated School was closed last week on order of Dr. J. H. Welch of Rockport, on account of several cases of diphtheria involving families in the district.
A new safe is being installed in the New Salem bank to replace the one blown up by “yeggs” several weeks ago.
Mrs. Elizabeth Gay of Summer Hill will spend the winter in Gulfport, Miss. with Drs. Fred and Emma Gay, the former of whom is her son. Her many friends will be glad to know that Dr. Emma V. Gay is very much improved in health after a long and serious illness.
75 Years Ago
Oct. 16, 1946
Pittsfield Community High School is having its first annual homecoming on Friday, Oct. 25, and it will definitely be the highlight, spot-light event of the fall season.
Seven tons of waste paper have been collected by the Boy Scouts and their helpers in Pittsfield.
Omer Bridgman continues publishing the Baylis Guide, which he acquired in January, 1931. He had been foreman of the Pike County Republican shop since January, 1945, while also publishing the Guide. Getting along with Omer is as easy as falling off a log. Harold Willard, who had been shop foreman for 11 years, has returned to that position.
50 Years Ago
Oct. 20, 1971
Mayor Frank Penstone at Tuesday night’s city council meeting announced his intention to “devote practically full time” to city business, effective almost immediately, as he is retiring from his work at the apple orchard. Penstone said that any business that has a payroll of $100,000 (the size of the city’s payroll) needs an administrator to make decisions.
Veterans Day will be observed in Pittsfield Monday, Oct. 25, with a program at 11 a.m. on the south side of the courthouse, sponsored by Post 152, of the American Legion. It will be the first time in several years that any kind of a patriotic Veterans Day program has been held locally.
25 Years Ago
Oct. 16, 1996
Helen Wright is retiring as head librarian of the Pittsfield Public Library after more than a quarter century of service there.
There will be an open house for Dee Wombles, who will celebrate his 104th birthday Oc.t 20, 2-4 p.m. at the New Canton town hall.
Helen A. H. Hackman, 88, of Pittsfield, died Wednesday, Oct. 9 in the Pittsfield Healthcare Center.
Bob Dunn was recently honored by Brent Manning, director of the state Department of Natural Resources, with the “Longevity Award” in recognition of 30 years continuous service to DNR.
10 Years Ago
Oct. 19, 2011
With pleasant weather and colorful leaves, the Pike County Fall Color Drive has once again been a boost to Pike County. Peggy Hill, a co-chair for the color drive, said that she felt this year continued the event’s tradition of bigger crowds.
Roger and Dorothy Hooper Yaeger will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary Oct. 30. Roger and Dorothy were married Oct. 30, 1961 at the Westside Christian Church in Springfield.
ν Compiled by Michael Boren
