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100 Years Ago
“Judge W.W. Botts, a member of the board of directors of the Mexico, Santa Fe & Perry Company, is home from a business trip to Columbia. Though he says he went to Columbia more to boost the candidacy of Champ Clark for President, he held conferences with members of the Columbia and Northern Electric Road Co. He says Boone is strong for Clark. When questioned in regard to railroad matters, he said the prospective sale of the south end of the Mexico, Santa Fe & Perry electric line to the Columbia & Northern does not look very bright. A blow dealt to the financial end of the purchasing company may put an end to the sale. The real trouble lies in the fact that it is going to take more money to get things into shape for the Columbia & Northern in a financial way than was contemplated and unless the money can be secured, the sale will be called off by them. The Columbia & Northern option on the south end expires next Thursday. On that date the guarantee of $60,000 falls due. ‘However, if this deal is not consummated, we have other propositions to consider,’ he said. ... Every Democrat in Mexico should vote at the primary Monday. ... Every farmer in Audrain County should be arranging for seed corn. ... According to the government agriculture statistics for Audrain County published in The Ledger, the value of farm land in the past decade has increased over 100 percent. ... The first enterprise to come before the people of Mexico this year will be the library proposition. Let us start in the right direction by voting unanimously for the mill tax for maintenance. That is the way to make Mexico grow. ... L.H. Hannah has bought the Orear lot at the corner of Jackson and Hord streets and will build a handsome home in the spring. ... Some unidentified party or parties entered the Presbyterian church Friday night and took $4.13 from the secretary’s desk in the Sunday School room. The desk was opened with the key which was hanging on a nail nearby. Dr. Wallace’s desk in his study was forced open, but only a bank book was stolen. Entrance to the church was made through a window. ... The warehouse of Blattner Bros. Mercantile Co. in Wellsville was burned last evening. A quantity of gasoline and other oils and farming implements were destroyed. The loss was $3,000. ... A fire that seriously menaced the main building of Hardin College and destroyed part of two brick outbuildings was discovered at 3:30 Sunday morning. Perhaps all that saved the college was the wind being from the east and not carrying the fire but a short 30 feet distance toward the principal structures. The roof of the ice house was damaged and a storage building burned in the rear. When the blaze was discovered, the fire drill alarm was sounded and the students prepared to leave the building, if need be, without the least sign of excitement. The blaze, it is thought, originated from a pile of cinders that was too close to a small wooden shed. The fire company was hindered by frozen hydrants and three lines were attached before a flow of water could be had and then it was so weak but slight impression was made on the spreading flames. As soon as the one plug, which was not entirely frozen, thawed, the flames were extinguished in a few minutes. Had the full flow of water been had at first, only one building would have suffered any damage. ... Rex McDonald, owned by B.R. Middleton, is known the world over. Recently, Mr. Middleton has received a number of letters inquiring if his horse is for sale. Mr. Middleton says he has too much home interest to want to dispose of him. ... Edwin, Parker and Finley Marshall, three of Mexico’s well-known baseball players, have signed up with Southern leagues for the coming season. Edwin goes to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Parker and Finley have contracted with the Western Association at Houston, Texas. They will depart shortly to begin the preliminary work of the season. Edwin, who will go to Tulsa, will play in the field. Of the other two boys who have signed up with the Western Association, Parker will try for both catcher and fielder while Finley will play in the outfield. These boys are sons of Mr. and Mrs. John Marshall and have been prominent in local baseball circles.”
50 Years Ago
Members of the Mexico police and fire departments with over a year of service with the city were presented bars and stars for their uniforms in a brief ceremony at city hall Friday afternoon. City Manager Robert Semple made the presentations. Ten members of the fire department have served a total of 82 years, averaging over eight years each. In the police department, 15 men have served a total of 97 years, averaging 6 1/2 years each. Fire Chiefs Tom Merritt and Capt. Bill Rawlings of the fire department have each served 17 years, the longest periods. Police Chief Earl Jones has 12 years of service with the city. ... It all began (according to The Bulldog’s Growl) two years ago, when Sherry and Ken met after a basketball scrimmage. This led to a date, and later to the fateful day of Nov. 27, 1960, when the two were brought together under the golden ties of ‘steadyship.’ Sherry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hamlett of 1221 S. Coal, is an active member of the Pep Squad, seldom misses any of the ball games, of which she collects action pictures (when we win). Other than Ken, Sherry loves to twist, ice skate, park at the drive-in and pizza. As a romantic, Sherry also loves springtime. She heartily dislikes all the signs of winter – snow, the flu and Cadets. Ken, whom we all recognize as MHS’ Boy Athlete, is quite an active fellow. A ‘hayseed, Ken lives on a farm 10 miles east of Mexico with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Avery. When not playing football or basketball, he passes his time with the French Club, Key Club, Student Council, fishing, hunting and Sherry Hamlett. Kenny is ‘wild’ about all food and sports. He, however, is somewhat dejected by the condition of our gym. ‘Not having a gym to play in, and wondering where we go next weekend,’ naturally peeves him. Sherry, a 5-foot-7 blue-eyed brunette, is perfectly described by her beau as ‘good looking.’ Ken too has blue eyes, brown hair but is much taller at 6-1. These statistics, plus the fact that they like each other, makes them unmistakably MHS’ Cutest Couple. ... The Mexico Bulldogs contracted a severe case of the low-scoring horrors Saturday night and finished fourth in the Fulton Tournament. Mexico went under to Hannibal 73-58. The loss completed a vicious circle which has seen the Bulldogs lose eight of their nine defeats to the top six teams in The Ledger basketball poll. Hannibal had been the only team which Mexico hadn’t played among the top six. (Editor’s note: Future MHS football coach Jim Valentik, scored a game-high 24 points for the Pirates.)”
25 Years Ago
“The Mexico City Council authorized preliminary work on a new airport runway and accepted bids for refurbishment of the former Griffin Chemical building at its regular semi-monthly meeting Tuesday night. The council also considered an ordinance calling for an election April 7 to ratify a franchise for the Consolidated Electric Service Co., allowing the company to provide electric service within the city limits east of Sunset Lane and Vandiver Village. ... More entries in the Mexico Motto contest: ‘A City With a Great Past and a Better Future’ and ‘Down-Home Town Loaded with Big-Town Possibilities.’ ... About 450 people enrolled Monday night for adult education classes, according to Bill Maloney, supervisor of vocational and adult education in Mexico. This is in addition to the 550 who enrolled several weeks ago. Mr. Maloney said this is a slight decrease in enrollment from a few years ago. ... Audrain County’s first Navy hero, Admiral Samuel Glenn Fuqua, 87, died Tuesday at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Atlanta, Ga. He had received the nation’s highest honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor, for his heroism on Pearl Harbor Day and was the oldest recipient of the honor. He was born and raised at Laddonia where he and his wife, the former Edna Hammett, attended high school together. The Fuquas have lived in Atlanta for several years. ... (A Ledger editorial review) recalls that in 1909 one of the first (Boy) Scout troops in this country was organized in Mexico, Mo., by the late Roy Ferris, prominent local businessman and religious leader. He was the son of the late G.D. Ferris, who was a man of rare talents as an industrialist and community builder. A number of flat-topped houses in Mexico today are a residue of homes he built to take care of a growing requirement of this city’s progressive population. These were known as ‘Ferris flats.’ (Editor’s note: The original editorial ran Feb. 19, 1958.)”
10 Years Ago
“The first Bulldog Invitational Academic Bowl was held Saturday at Mexico HIgh School and the home team fared very well, coming in second. The winner was Helias; Boonville took third and Rock Bridge fourth. Throughout the day several teachers, retired teachers, Dan Hartshorn, assistant principal at MHS, Robert Marty, school board president, and numerous parents served as competition judges, food servers and supervisors of registration and tabulation rooms. Several junior varsity team members also worked in the competition rooms performing whatever tasks were asked of them. Mexico individual scores included Matt Kreyling, co-captain 590, who also was second-highest scorer in the tournament; Andrew Arkills, 150; Peter Kreyling, 140; Ben Erdel, co-captain, 130; Josh Mongler 130; Nathan Killian, 60, and Chris Borgeson, 20.”
The Yesterday In Mexico column is published daily in The Mexico Ledger. An expanded column is published on Fridays.
Call the circulation department (573) 581-1111 for subscription information.
100 Years Ago
“Judge W.W. Botts, a member of the board of directors of the Mexico, Santa Fe & Perry Company, is home from a business trip to Columbia. Though he says he went to Columbia more to boost the candidacy of Champ Clark for President, he held conferences with members of the Columbia and Northern Electric Road Co. He says Boone is strong for Clark. When questioned in regard to railroad matters, he said the prospective sale of the south end of the Mexico, Santa Fe & Perry electric line to the Columbia & Northern does not look very bright. A blow dealt to the financial end of the purchasing company may put an end to the sale. The real trouble lies in the fact that it is going to take more money to get things into shape for the Columbia & Northern in a financial way than was contemplated and unless the money can be secured, the sale will be called off by them. The Columbia & Northern option on the south end expires next Thursday. On that date the guarantee of $60,000 falls due. ‘However, if this deal is not consummated, we have other propositions to consider,’ he said. ... Every Democrat in Mexico should vote at the primary Monday. ... Every farmer in Audrain County should be arranging for seed corn. ... According to the government agriculture statistics for Audrain County published in The Ledger, the value of farm land in the past decade has increased over 100 percent. ... The first enterprise to come before the people of Mexico this year will be the library proposition. Let us start in the right direction by voting unanimously for the mill tax for maintenance. That is the way to make Mexico grow. ... L.H. Hannah has bought the Orear lot at the corner of Jackson and Hord streets and will build a handsome home in the spring. ... Some unidentified party or parties entered the Presbyterian church Friday night and took $4.13 from the secretary’s desk in the Sunday School room. The desk was opened with the key which was hanging on a nail nearby. Dr. Wallace’s desk in his study was forced open, but only a bank book was stolen. Entrance to the church was made through a window. ... The warehouse of Blattner Bros. Mercantile Co. in Wellsville was burned last evening. A quantity of gasoline and other oils and farming implements were destroyed. The loss was $3,000. ... A fire that seriously menaced the main building of Hardin College and destroyed part of two brick outbuildings was discovered at 3:30 Sunday morning. Perhaps all that saved the college was the wind being from the east and not carrying the fire but a short 30 feet distance toward the principal structures. The roof of the ice house was damaged and a storage building burned in the rear. When the blaze was discovered, the fire drill alarm was sounded and the students prepared to leave the building, if need be, without the least sign of excitement. The blaze, it is thought, originated from a pile of cinders that was too close to a small wooden shed. The fire company was hindered by frozen hydrants and three lines were attached before a flow of water could be had and then it was so weak but slight impression was made on the spreading flames. As soon as the one plug, which was not entirely frozen, thawed, the flames were extinguished in a few minutes. Had the full flow of water been had at first, only one building would have suffered any damage. ... Rex McDonald, owned by B.R. Middleton, is known the world over. Recently, Mr. Middleton has received a number of letters inquiring if his horse is for sale. Mr. Middleton says he has too much home interest to want to dispose of him. ... Edwin, Parker and Finley Marshall, three of Mexico’s well-known baseball players, have signed up with Southern leagues for the coming season. Edwin goes to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Parker and Finley have contracted with the Western Association at Houston, Texas. They will depart shortly to begin the preliminary work of the season. Edwin, who will go to Tulsa, will play in the field. Of the other two boys who have signed up with the Western Association, Parker will try for both catcher and fielder while Finley will play in the outfield. These boys are sons of Mr. and Mrs. John Marshall and have been prominent in local baseball circles.”
50 Years Ago
Members of the Mexico police and fire departments with over a year of service with the city were presented bars and stars for their uniforms in a brief ceremony at city hall Friday afternoon. City Manager Robert Semple made the presentations. Ten members of the fire department have served a total of 82 years, averaging over eight years each. In the police department, 15 men have served a total of 97 years, averaging 6 1/2 years each. Fire Chiefs Tom Merritt and Capt. Bill Rawlings of the fire department have each served 17 years, the longest periods. Police Chief Earl Jones has 12 years of service with the city. ... It all began (according to The Bulldog’s Growl) two years ago, when Sherry and Ken met after a basketball scrimmage. This led to a date, and later to the fateful day of Nov. 27, 1960, when the two were brought together under the golden ties of ‘steadyship.’ Sherry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hamlett of 1221 S. Coal, is an active member of the Pep Squad, seldom misses any of the ball games, of which she collects action pictures (when we win). Other than Ken, Sherry loves to twist, ice skate, park at the drive-in and pizza. As a romantic, Sherry also loves springtime. She heartily dislikes all the signs of winter – snow, the flu and Cadets. Ken, whom we all recognize as MHS’ Boy Athlete, is quite an active fellow. A ‘hayseed, Ken lives on a farm 10 miles east of Mexico with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Avery. When not playing football or basketball, he passes his time with the French Club, Key Club, Student Council, fishing, hunting and Sherry Hamlett. Kenny is ‘wild’ about all food and sports. He, however, is somewhat dejected by the condition of our gym. ‘Not having a gym to play in, and wondering where we go next weekend,’ naturally peeves him. Sherry, a 5-foot-7 blue-eyed brunette, is perfectly described by her beau as ‘good looking.’ Ken too has blue eyes, brown hair but is much taller at 6-1. These statistics, plus the fact that they like each other, makes them unmistakably MHS’ Cutest Couple. ... The Mexico Bulldogs contracted a severe case of the low-scoring horrors Saturday night and finished fourth in the Fulton Tournament. Mexico went under to Hannibal 73-58. The loss completed a vicious circle which has seen the Bulldogs lose eight of their nine defeats to the top six teams in The Ledger basketball poll. Hannibal had been the only team which Mexico hadn’t played among the top six. (Editor’s note: Future MHS football coach Jim Valentik, scored a game-high 24 points for the Pirates.)”
25 Years Ago
“The Mexico City Council authorized preliminary work on a new airport runway and accepted bids for refurbishment of the former Griffin Chemical building at its regular semi-monthly meeting Tuesday night. The council also considered an ordinance calling for an election April 7 to ratify a franchise for the Consolidated Electric Service Co., allowing the company to provide electric service within the city limits east of Sunset Lane and Vandiver Village. ... More entries in the Mexico Motto contest: ‘A City With a Great Past and a Better Future’ and ‘Down-Home Town Loaded with Big-Town Possibilities.’ ... About 450 people enrolled Monday night for adult education classes, according to Bill Maloney, supervisor of vocational and adult education in Mexico. This is in addition to the 550 who enrolled several weeks ago. Mr. Maloney said this is a slight decrease in enrollment from a few years ago. ... Audrain County’s first Navy hero, Admiral Samuel Glenn Fuqua, 87, died Tuesday at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Atlanta, Ga. He had received the nation’s highest honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor, for his heroism on Pearl Harbor Day and was the oldest recipient of the honor. He was born and raised at Laddonia where he and his wife, the former Edna Hammett, attended high school together. The Fuquas have lived in Atlanta for several years. ... (A Ledger editorial review) recalls that in 1909 one of the first (Boy) Scout troops in this country was organized in Mexico, Mo., by the late Roy Ferris, prominent local businessman and religious leader. He was the son of the late G.D. Ferris, who was a man of rare talents as an industrialist and community builder. A number of flat-topped houses in Mexico today are a residue of homes he built to take care of a growing requirement of this city’s progressive population. These were known as ‘Ferris flats.’ (Editor’s note: The original editorial ran Feb. 19, 1958.)”
10 Years Ago
“The first Bulldog Invitational Academic Bowl was held Saturday at Mexico HIgh School and the home team fared very well, coming in second. The winner was Helias; Boonville took third and Rock Bridge fourth. Throughout the day several teachers, retired teachers, Dan Hartshorn, assistant principal at MHS, Robert Marty, school board president, and numerous parents served as competition judges, food servers and supervisors of registration and tabulation rooms. Several junior varsity team members also worked in the competition rooms performing whatever tasks were asked of them. Mexico individual scores included Matt Kreyling, co-captain 590, who also was second-highest scorer in the tournament; Andrew Arkills, 150; Peter Kreyling, 140; Ben Erdel, co-captain, 130; Josh Mongler 130; Nathan Killian, 60, and Chris Borgeson, 20.”
The Yesterday In Mexico column is published daily in The Mexico Ledger. An expanded column is published on Fridays.
Call the circulation department (573) 581-1111 for subscription information.
