Times Past: Jan. 10, 2018


We don’t know what occasion brought about this luncheon shared on the north-side lawn of the courthouse, but it may have been part of the open-house celebration marking the opening of the new Ozark County Times office after the original building burned on Feb. 14, 1963. We know the identity of only one person in the photo: Ruby Robins, who owned and operated the Ozark County Times with her husband, Fred Robins, is seated third from right. We speculate that the luncheon may have honored the Times’ correspondents and their families. The undated photo is part of the Ruby Robins collection of photos and memorabilia at the Ozark County Historium.

Ozark County Times

Jan. 11, 1907

The County Court at its last session appointed Geo. W. Boone, W. T. Harlin and Marion Haskins as a committee to select a site and erect thereon a good substantial stone jail for Ozark county. The committee is authorized to sell the old jail and lot and with the proceeds buy a more suitably located lot, and they have traded this lot for a lot on High Street which is one of the most healthy locations in the town.  

 

Jan. 11, 1918

Raymond D. Ball of Nottinghill, who was discharged at Camp Funston a few weeks ago on account of his health, was in town Tuesday and was kept busy telling of his experiences. 

Wm. H. Luna, of this city, is resting from his blacksmith labors for a short time while his foot heals. On Tuesday he had Drs. White and Taylor amputate a deformed toe that was causing him much suffering of late.  

News reached here that Barton Alsup, who joined Company D at West Plains last summer, was in a hospital at Camp Doniphan in a very serious condition. His parents, H. F. Alsup, now residents of South Fork, had been notified to come to Camp Doniphan at once. He is said to have been ill with scarlet fever and now with pneumonia. His many friends here hope for news of his recovery.  

 

Jan. 13, 1938

 Charles F. Grisham, 63, died suddenly Tuesday morning at his home in the south part of town. ... 

He is survived by the wife, four daughters, Mrs. Houston Baxter of Picher, Okla., Mrs. Harry Stone of West Plains, Mrs. Harley Looney and Mrs. Bonnie Looney of this city; four sons, Christy Grisham of Caney, Oscar Grisham of California, Hervil Grisham of this city and Marlyn of the home. Also by two brothers and three sisters. 

...Burial was in the Gainesville Cemetery. 

 

Jan. 14, 1943

Luna – Ted Hambelton spent a two-day visit with home folks on account of his sister Aletta’s sickness. Aletta is recovery nicely. She was threatened with pneumonia. 

Ted looks fine and says he likes army life where he is stationed. 

Arvis Strong is with Uncle Sam’s forces in Alaska. He writes that the bears come into camp and steal their meals and that Alaska is a cold place in the winter. 

Dewey Naugle of Brixey and Miss Marcella Byerley of Rockbridge were married at the recorder’s office in this city Monday, Judge Willhoit performing the ceremony

 

Jan. 10, 1952

 The telephone service of the Gainesville area has returned to normal with the completion of the West Plains toll line. Other Ozark Central telephone company exchanges suffered greater damages, particularly in the Thayer and Alton areas. ... A spokesman for the Ozark Central Telephone Co. stated the damages of the ice is estimated at $47,500 and added the repairs were made on a temporary base in order to restore service quickly. 

 

Jan. 11, 1968

 New Hope – A few mornings ago it was zero here, and the next day the ice was so slick, even the chickens were skating. All five ponds are frozen over. 

 Noble – Mrs. Iva Miller gave Curtis Dennis and Chester Worthey baby goats a few weeks ago. Curtis really loves his goat as he is a bigger pet than our dogs are. He cries like a baby when not played with as much as he would like.  

 

Jan. 6, 1993

The Pontiac VFD completed the addition of a garage in November of last year. The new garage will house the first responder vehicle. John Lloyd donated all carpentry work. Bob Lastinger donated the electrical work, and Ed Smith donated the excavation work including installation of a new septic tank. Jerry Weaver helped with general labor. Materials were purchased by the fire department. 

 

Jan. 13, 1993

Sue Nance was the first in line to purchase the 29-cent Elvis Presley commemorative stamp released last Friday at noon. Postmaster Marilyn Wallace said several people came in early to purchase the stamps and about a half dozen people lined up behind Nance to be the first ones to get them.

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423