May 21, 2025: TIMES PAST compiled by Sue Ann Jones
Above: This 1919 photo was taken at the family dinner when Fred Wright, standing, left, came home after the end of World War I. His family gathered in celebration of his homecoming but also mourned the loss of Fred’s twin brother, John, who had died of influenza in France. The dinner is believed to have been set in the Gaulding Cemetery. Fred, in uniform, stands at left beside his mother, Gertrude Wright. His father, John Wesley Wright, sits across the table, front right. Below: Thirty-seven years later, this photo of Fred Wright with his wife, Bonnie Gardner Wright, and their granddaughter Carol Cantwell was taken in September 1955 at their general store in Hammond. The Wrights were the last owners of the store, which closed a few years after this picture was taken. Both photos are from the collection of Janis Wright Cantwell and were shared by her relative Cinita Brown.
Ozark County News
May 30, 1895
More interest is being manifested in the Decoration than was previously anticipated. Before ten o’clock, the streets were thronged with people, and others continued to arrive until noon. At 2 o’clock all business was suspended, doors were closed and the throng, headed by the O.C.P. Band, marched to the Cemetery where the usual solemn rites of Decoration were performed. As we go to press the attraction is toward the ball ground where the first and second nines of the “Gaines-villins” will cross bats in a match game. We have not time to give the result of this game. Suffice it to say the first nine are badly beaten.
Bakersfield News
May 27, 1905
The oil prospect at this place is assuming a most interesting stage, and the excitement daily growing more intense. One drill is working day and night, other machines will be put to work as soon as they can be shipped in.
F.R. Cook, of West Plains, has secured options on 100 acres of land. Mr. Cook went East to get a large drill and expects to be back here sometime next week, fully equipped with oil drilling machinery.
Throngs of people are coming in to Bakersfield every day, and oil is the only topic of conversation.
Ozark County Times
May 29, 1925
Howards Ridge items – We had quite a hail storm here Saturday night which did considerable damage to crops and gardens.
J. D. Baxter and wife were considerably bruised and shaken up one day last week when a mule they were driving ran away. Both are able to be up and about but are not fully recovered.
Ad - Eggs 23c, cream 32c.
Lawndale items – There will be a decoration at the James cemetery May 30.
May 31, 1945
Relatives and friends were made happy a few days ago when they received word from Pfc. Quentin Amyx, who was reported missing in action in Czechoslovakia.
Mrs. Blanche Irwin, War Food Assistant, will test pressure cooker gauges at the Hardenville store Tuesday, May 29th, from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. The lid of the cooker is all that is necessary to bring.
May 27, 1965
Awards were presented to the highest ranking students from each class at the Gainesville high school at the commencement exercises Thursday night. The winning senior was Glois Loftis; Barbara Rackley and Carol Huse tied for the junior award. Goldie Sewell won for the sophomore class, and Judy Duggins for the freshman class. . . . The first prize of $25 in the senior essay contest sponsored by Dr. M. J. and Judy Hoerman was awarded to Loy Ewbank.
May 22, 1985
The Ozark County Times was sold Friday to Russell and Donna Walker of Walker and Walker Abstractors, Gainesville. They took over ownership the same day from Ruby Robins.
Mrs. Robins and her husband, the late Fred Robins, had purchased the paper in January 1959 and began publication in February. After the death of her husband in June 1967, Mrs. Robins succeeded him as editor and publisher.
May 25, 2005
Top grads from Ozark County’s four high schools are Bakersfield, Kristy Lawrence, valedictorian, and Crystal Evans, salutatorian; Dora, Hannah Roeyer, valedictorian, and Lora Downen, salutatorian; Gainesville, Leslie Harris, valedictorian, and Sally Ledbetter, salutatorian; Lutie, Will McKee, valedictorian, and Amber Myers, salutatorian.