December 10, 2025: TIMES PAST compiled by Sue Ann Jones
The 1919, 1926 and 1982 mentions below of heavy rain reminded us of this photo, which we first published in 2014. The late Donna Walker said then that her grandfather, who lived east of Almartha, was at the Almartha store one day when a “very large, ominous cloud appeared in the northwestern sky.” Her grandfather hurriedly loaded his purchases into his Model T and set off for home. When he came to the ford at Spring Creek, the Model T entered the crossing, and water splashed up over the engine. “The motor died, and try as he might, he could never restart the engine,” Donna said. “All he could do was leave the car in the ford.” Torrential rain had already fallen on the headwaters of Spring Creek. Flood waters came rushing down the creek with such force that the car tumbled over and over as it was pushed down the creek. In the photo, taken by an unknown photographer, “A group of family members and neighbors are shown gathered on the edge of the creek viewing the pieces of Grandfather’s Model T.”
Ozark County News
Dec. 8, 1898
James Combs returned from Oakland, Ark., last Sunday evening. He reports considerable excitement over the prospect of the new railroad going through that country.
Mr. Elisha F. Luna and Miss Martha Marsh were married today in the Circuit Clerk’s office, Judge J. W. Kastning officiating.
Ozark County Times
Dec. 5, 1902
We escaped having a burnout Friday morning at the newspaper caused by the stove pipe in the room overhead falling down. But it was noticed in time to prevent damage.
Wood and Reed sold a team of mules last Saturday for $225.
Dec. 11, 1908
Lilly Ridge – Mrs. Jane Luna is busy hauling her cotton to town this week.
There will be preaching and foot washing conducted by Rev. Cobb at the Sallee school house on the second Sunday in this month, also dinner on the ground.
Charlie Grisham left Tuesday morning for West Plains after a load of goods for Gainesville merchants.
The Blacksher Bros. had a wood chopping at their father’s last Tuesday.
Nov. 28, 1919
The heavy rain on Tuesday raised the creek here so that the mail truck attempting to cross the creek stalled in mid-stream and had to be abandoned until morning when it was hauled out.
Cal Smith took some turkeys to West Plains for Ben Breeding last week.
Longrun – James Stehle has found his way back to his old home on Big Creek. He has been to Arizona.
Nov. 5, 1926
Rockbridge items – Last Friday morning, Mrs. Edna Campbell, Douglas county candidate for Recorder, drove into the creek at the first ford above Rockbridge, the car was stalled in the creek and before it could be started, the water rose so rapidly the car was overturned and carried about 30 yds. downstream. Mrs. Campbell and the driver waded out and went to the Hugh Edwards home, where they secured help. They tied the car to a tree with a rope until it could be removed from the water. It was not badly damaged but so water-soaked it was Sunday afternoon before it could be started.
Dec. 1, 1932
Lilly Ridge – The residence of B. E. Downard burned down last Tuesday. Neighbors here and at town rushed to save the home. Mrs. Downard’s visited with J. N. Hill’s Tuesday and Wednesday nights and Thursday night with Geo. Crawford’s.
New Harmony – Mrs. Huston Richison received word from her sister, Mrs. Faye (Beard) Williams, that her husband was taken to the soldiers’ hospital at Leavenworth, Kans., last week and was in critical condition and they didn’t think he could get well. Mrs. Williams is going to him as soon as she can get rid of their stock. They were married about a year ago. He is an ex-soldier.
Dec. 8, 1948
The body of a man found on a Missouri Pacific train near Norfork last week was identified as Walter Kneezer of Lodi, Wisconsin. The body was identified and taken back to Lodi by a brother. Death of the man was held as a suicide.
Dec. 1, 1960
Four prizes were given to those who registered last week at the grand opening of the Western Auto Store here in its new building, Howard Wade announced.
The first prize of a radio was won by J. O. Thompson of Hardenville while the electric blanket was awarded to Lucie Martin of Theodosia. The other two prizes were a record player won by Sina Harley of Gainesville and a chair won by Barbara Chaney of Gainesville.
Dec. 9, 1982
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rule and daughter, Gladys Taylor, the wife of Leroy Taylor of El Paso, Texas and Gainesville... was awarded the “Order of the British Empire” in knighting ceremonies by Queen Elizabeth last July.
The award was given to Rule because, as vice president and general manager of National Iron Ore in Monrovia, Liberia, W. Africa, he has greatly aided the country of Liberia.
Dec. 9, 1982
Rainfall on Thursday and Friday, measuring between 7 to 10 inches in various parts of Ozark County, brought Bryant Creek and North Fork River to their highest flood stages in the memory of many older residents. . . .
By Friday morning the Bryant had reached 4 1/2 feet inside Hodgson Mill, and the North Fork was flowing rapidly under Dawt Mill, having completely covered the mill race or dam.