Pickings from Pike’s Past 10.11.23

By Editor | October 10, 2023 |

50 YEARS AGO: 75-BED NURSING HOME UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN BARRY

150 Years Ago

Oct. 16, 1873

Winter draweth nigh. We desire to intimate, so that it shall be understood, that promising to pay in wood for the DEMOCRAT does not affect a payment therefor. The wood must actually be delivered at the office.

A few innocent quails strayed into the courthouse yard Tuesday forenoon, and it was an interesting sight to witness the laborious efforts of some 30 or 40 men devoted to their destruction by rocks, stones, bludgeons, sticks, clubs, and missiles of various sorts.

125 Years Ago

Oct. 18, 1898

The mercury has dropped to 36 and it is snowing to beat the band.

J. H. (Cyclone) Davis of Texas, who opens the local Populist campaign in Pittsfield today, is regarded by Texans as a greater orator than young Mr. Bailey. Mr. Davis is the biggest man in Texas, measuring six feet, eleven inches from “tip to tip,” and the volume of his voice is in direct proportion to his size.

Oct. 21, 1898

Can anybody tell us what has become of the fine old Indian summer this country used to enjoy. It would seem as if the modern weather makers have left it out of the program altogether. On the 18th of October, 1898 snow fell until the ground was fairly covered. Since that time we have had a raw wind and considerable rain.

100 Years Ago

Oct. 17, 1923

A 15-year-old girl in Chambersburg recently died of diphtheria. Other children got the disease and the Chambersburg school has been closed for two weeks.

The Earl G. Gordinier tent theatrical company closed its 24-week tenting season with performances in Pittsfield. The tent, seats, and equipment have been stored in the big barn on the Mrs. Lucia Bates place until next spring, when he will re-open the season in Pittsfield.

Native Jonathan and Grimes Golden apples are selling for $1 to $1.50 per bushel.

Pittsfield defeated Carthage on a very muddy field 19-0 here last Saturday afternoon. It was the first victory for Pittsfield, with close losses to Macomb and Jacksonville this fall. The attendance was small on the rainy day, and as a result, Pittsfield shoulders a financial loss of about $150 on the game.

Wells Ham will be manager of the Kroger store which will open in Griggsville about Oct. 20

75 Years Ago

Oct. 13, 1948

Mrs. Betty Zimmerman Hoover returned from China for a visit with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Zimmerman. Her husband, employed by the U.S. Navy department, is stationed in Shanghai, China. He will join his wife here in December.

Allen Metternich, principal of Pittsfield High School, has been appointed to the Legislative Commission of the Illinois High School Association.

Glenn Smith’s Saukees came closer to winning the Illinois Valley Conference with a 33-0 win over Greenfield. Only Pittsfield and Jerseyville remain unbeaten in the conference.

New Canton’s baseball team won undisputed laurels in Pike County baseball this season, winning both first and second half titles. They won 20 games and lost only to Griggsville.

“Best trip we have ever had in our lives,” said Rev. Joe Maynard who, with his wife, returned Saturday from a three-week’s tour of the west and northwest. The trip was a gift from the Detroit Christian Church, which Rev. Maynard will have served for 10 years the last of this month.

Five officials of the Wabash Railroad met with Barry businessmen last Thursday afternoon to discuss the proposed abandonment of the line through Barry and how the new line would affect freight movement here. They are proposing to build a Barry station three miles northwest of Barry on the highway, U.S. 36.

Gary Gene Wilder, little son of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Wilder of Pittsfield, celebrated his first birthday Oct. 3.

50 Years Ago

Oct. 17, 1973

John Hubbard has a 75-bed nursing home under construction on a six-acre site in the southeast part of Barry. The land was purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mills and the contractor is K. C. Barber of Pittsfield.

Hubbard says a nursing home should not be a place where the elderly wait for death. He says that many patients can be rehabilitated, within certain limits, to be able to cope on their own in the familiar surroundings of their own home, or in the home of a member of their family.

The Barry school board voted Wednesday to authorize the demolition of the 99-year-old school building—no longer needed now that the new addition has been completed. The board felt that the space was needed for parking.

The Early Tindusters formed last October because of their common interest in cars. The new president of the club, Roger Yaeger, owns a bright red 1924 Model T roadster with a turtle deck. It includes a framework for a new top which is now being added.

The Nancy Ross chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding in Pike County last Wednesday and paid tribute to the chapter’s three remaining charter members—Mrs. Strother Grigsby of Rockport, and Mrs. J. E. McFarland of New Canton, both of whom were present for the occasion, and Mrs. Earnest Gay, now a resident of Silver Spring, Md.

Is Farmers State a pretty good place to bank? Buss Davis thinks so. And he ought to know. Buss has been our custodian for 50 years.

25 Years Ago

Oct. 14, 1998

Baylis dedicated its new water tower Saturday morning before a crowd of residents, dignitaries and well-wishers on a job well done. The new 55,000-gallon tank replaces an antiquated 30,000 gallon one that had deteriorated beyond repair. The new water tower was dedicated in honor of Mayor Lyndle Dark.

The 1998 Fall Color Drive promises to be the biggest and best yet, with something for everyone and many activities all over Pike County. The Civil War reenactment at the Pittsfield city lake also promises to be bigger and better than ever with more than double the number of reenactors expected.

Loren Ottwell of Pittsfield is ready for his annual walk. This year it will be from Pittsfield to Nebo on Nov. 7. It will start from the Assembly of God Church at 7 a. m. The distance is approximately 12 miles and mostly downgrade.

The high temperatures in Pike County last week ranged from 58 to 72 and the lows ranged from 54 to 36 degrees.

Pleasant Hill’s powerful offense once again proved too potent for its opponent, racking up 424 yards of offense on its way to a 50-6 drubbing of Palmyra-Northwestern. “We did everything right,” said head coach Tony Merryman, whose 6-1 Wolves wrapped up an undefeated WIVC South season with the win.

Pittsfield cross country runner Brooke Kattelman took top honors at the Liberty Invitational Saturday, leading the girls’ team to a second-place finish. Megan Kattelman finished fourth and Katie Borrowman finished eighth for the Lady Saukees.

10 Years Ago

Oct. 16, 2013

The 25th anniversary of the Fall Color Drive is this year and the idea behind the event is still the same as it was 25 years ago—showcase Pike County.

Pike County Unmet Needs, a coalition formed to assist individuals and families with unexpected needs is in its tenth year. The committee members are Stephanie Dehart, chairman; Chris Bruns, vice chairman; Rita Burbridge, secretary, and Helen Earls, treasurer.

The Nebo Baptist Church will celebrate 150 years this week with a number of activities. Sunday, David Hamilton will be guest speaker and Rhonda Houchins will provide special music for the service that starts at 11 a.m.

• Compiled by Michael Boren