February 12, 2025: TIMES PAST compiled by Sue Ann Jones
It’s not known when the Methodist Church in Gainesville last held services in the building shown on the left side of this photo, but records show that by 1928, O.J. Breeding had bought the church property and opened a store on the site. The photo, from the files of Mary Ruth Luna Sparks, was taken from the southwest corner of the square, looking west up High Street (now Third Street). Another Methodist church was established in Theodosia in 1962.
Ozark County News
Feb. 12, 1895
C. W. Layton lost a fine horse last Thursday night with something similar to blind staggers, and Sunday night his other horse died in the same manner.
John Upton is improving his property in town by having a well drilled in his yard. Sims & Gilmore have the contract and already have the well about 30 feet deep.
The rays of the Dora Sun have penetrated even unto this office, and now a copy of its initial number adorns our desk. The Sun is published by J. A. Hollingsworth, a former employee of this office. Long may she shine.
The Democrat
Feb. 8, 1905
J. T. Luna left here one day last week for Mammoth Springs, where he will engage in business. His family will leave in a few days to join him. Mr. Luna has been with the Wood & Reed Mercantile Co. for several years and has a host of friends at this place.
Dr. C. F. Green of Bakersfield was in town last week to see Dr. J. T. Arnold. Dr. Green formerly lived at this place and has many friends here.
Ozark County Times
Feb. 9, 1906
Messrs. Austin and Rufus Luna and Glennie Harrison left on the stage Wednesday morning for Quincy, Ill., where they will enter the Gem City Business College.
W. W. Luna of this place sold 100 head of cattle this week and is now gone to Mansfield to deliver them.
Feb. 9, 1912
Fair View - Pate Duggins lost his best dog. He doesn’t know what to do until he gets another.
Joe Haskins lost one of his cows. He was feeding them turnips and thinks the cow died from eating the turnips.
The death angel visited the home of Tobe Cutbirth and claimed as his reward the beloved father. We hope he died believing in the Lord. He was a good citizen, a hard-working man and was well liked by all who knew him. … He was buried near Ocie on Feb. 2. Rev. Tom Murphy officiated.
Oak Grove – The meetings closed Sunday at Oak Grove with 23 conversions. Revs. Kastning, Maloney and McAlister left for their homes Sunday evening.
Feb. 4, 1932
Locust – Henry Gunter is digging a cellar.
Lutie – Mrs. Shirley Reich closed a very successful term of school here Friday.
Raymond Ledbetter and J. W. Lee are both building new houses.
Feb. 10, 1938
The Colored Minstrel School sponsored by the P.T. A. held at the high school auditorium Friday night was a scream. A large and well-pleased audience attended.
Center Point – Leonard Owens did practice teaching at New Hope last week.
A. K Reynolds has traded for a Model A.
Feb. 1, 1962
Dora – A celebration in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Luther Southwards’ golden wedding anniversary was held Sunday, Jan. 14. Friends and relatives gathered for a basket dinner at the Needmore Church where they have been active in the church for some 30 years or more.
Mr. and Mrs. Southwards have, with the exception of a few years, always resided in Ozark County. They have for the past 40 years lived on a farm that was homesteaded by Mrs. Southwards’ father on Bryant River near the scenic Aid-Hodgson water mill.
Three of their four children were present for the occasion.