Pickings from Pike’s Past: 75 YEARS AGO: PIKE COUNTY’S GENERAL HOBART GAY COMMANDING FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION IN KOREAN WAR
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150 Years Ago
July 22, 1875
A new fence at the Baptist Church in Pittsfield adds much to its good looks.
Thinking a few lines from the northeast part of our county (Chambersburg) might be acceptable I thought I would try the arduous task of being a correspondent for the Democrat, which I like to read, although differing in politics.
W. A. Hume has been enlarging his store house in which we understand he intends to keep a complete stock of millinery goods, which will be a good thing for the fair ones of the Burg.
125 Years Ago
July 25, 1900
Some of our industrious farmers in the Clover vicinity have begun plowing for wheat, with the new crop in the shock. A man must have grit to the backbone when he thinks of the failure for the last four years and then goes on plowing.
The Illinois exhibit of apples sent to the Paris exhibition by the state horticultural society was awarded the first highest prize in the temporary competition of July 20. Among the contributors we find the name of Fred Shaw of Summer Hill.
Four preachers were discoursing to the people of Griggsville on the street the past week—one at a time, however.
All the regular church services will be resumed at the Pittsfield Christian Church next Sunday. Both congregation and preacher have had a good rest and now should buckle down to hard work again.
Four Latter Day Saint missionaries trekked into Pittsfield from the far west last week and have been holding evening meetings on the streets. They got into a wind-jamming contest with a local Seventh Day Adventist Tuesday evening and the debate will be continued from night to night.
100 Years Ago
July 22, 1925
to double the working force and payroll of the Pittsfield shoe factory have been made to a committee of Pittsfield businessmen. The International shoe factory is asking for help from the city in building a larger facility.
Judge and Mrs. Paul Grote have filed a petition with the city clerk, asking that their property on West Perry Street be taken into the city of Pittsfield.
75 Years Ago
July 18, 1950
Old Rock Hill schoolhouse down in the hills of south Pike County is serving another purpose now. It has become the center for the Mississippi Valley Christian Service Camp. Seven rural churches in the area originally sponsored the camp back in 1945. These were the Christian Churches of Detroit, Milton, Green Pond, Pearl, Nebo, Pleasant Hill and Baytown. Other Christian Churches have later joined the movement—among them Rockport, El Dara, New Hartford, Griggsville, Chambersburg and Payson.
There is now a massive new Pike County Service company Quonset Hut located on the east edge of Pittsfield. It is 40 by 160 feet with a concrete floor and large adjacent parking area.
The new Spurgeon store will have its grand opening next Wednesday, July 26. The store will be located in the building on West Adams Street, formerly occupied by R. C. Gray Chevrolet Company.
Dr. and Mrs. Fred Berry and daughter Kristy left Saturday morning for an extended trip to the West, including a visit with Mrs. Berry’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank King who live in California.
July 20, 1950
Lemons of Milton died suddenly a few days ago. Last Tuesday, neighbors from miles around rallied to assist the widow in saving the crops that were ready for harvest. There were 84 men and 15 combines to harvest the oats and another crew of men put up the hay. Also 34 women (with at least 13 children) prepared a tremendous noon meal for the volunteer harvesters.
The funeral for Otis Lemons was one of the largest ever held in Milton. The Christian Church was filled to capacity and there were 125 or more on the outside. Services at the church were conducted by pastor, Rev. Hansel Eason, assisted by Rev. Joe Maynard.
Pike County’s highest ranking officer of World War II, and Chief of Staff for General George Patton, General Hobart Gay, is now in Korea commanding 15,000 men of the First Cavalry Division.
50 Years Ago
July 23, 1975
The old time art of threshing lived again as the annual threshing day at the William Wombles Sny View Farm west of Atlas drew a crowd of more than 1200 persons.
The First Lutheran Church of Princeton was the setting for the June 29, 3 p.m. wedding of Carol Cook of Princeton and Glen Cooley of Macomb. Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Cook of Princeton and Mr. and Mrs. Elza Cooley of RR 2, Pittsfield.
Mrs. Julie Boren of Nebo this week joined the news staff of the Pike Press as a reporter, feature writer and photographer
Burrows Alignment, Pittsfield’s newest alignment shop is NOW OPEN
25 Years Ago
July 19, 2000
If initial reaction is any indication, organizers are hoping for a big turnout at tomorrow night’s 911 informational meeting at the Farm Bureau at 7 p.m. Pike County does not yet have a 911 emergency phone system.
Work to make the Pittsfield United Methodist Church handicap accessible began last week as workers arrived to install a wheelchair lift in the foyer of the church, leading into the sanctuary.
At a recent auction the El Dara Methodist Church building was sold to Cecil Scranton of El Dara for $14,000 and the bell was sold to Don Weinberg of Quincy for $1,250.
Jack Buchanan started raising elk in 1994. Currently, the Pea Ridge Elk Ranch is home to nearly 250 animals: 80 mature bulls, 125 cows and 45 calves.
Elizabeth Caldwell of Pleasant Hill, a member of the Pleasant Hill FFA chapter, was recognized at the 72nd Illinois FFA convention as a candidate for the American FFA degree. After approval by the national FFA, she will receive the degree in special ceremonies at the National FFA convention in Louisville, Ky in October.
10 Years Ago
July 22, 2015
The off-road trails at Heartland Lodge near Nebo opened last weekend and Gary Harpole, owner, says the turnout was amazing. Harpole said there around 100 riders from all over the Illinois-Missouri area and from some other states as well.
County Clerk Donnie Apps announced that effective immediately, all four Pittsfield precincts will vote at the Crossroads Center.
The Pittsfield Saukees and Pleasant Hill Wolves had a seven-on-seven touch football summer scrimmage in Pittsfield July 14.
Compiled by Michael Boren
