Looking Back 12.27.23

LOOKING BACK1932State and federal liquor law violations kept the courts busy.Sandy soil in the city park let water drain away from a proposed ice-skating pond in the city park.Street lights in the Fairbury business district were changed, with four globes on top of each pole instead of having them below.The Fairbury Fire Department responded to a fire call in Beatrice. When Fairbury had its big fire on the south side, the Beatrice Fire Department was pulled by horses and the trip was made on a special Rock Island train. The trip took a little over 30 minutes.The County Commissioners, as a measure of economy, ordered all phones cut off, except the Sheriff's from the county offices. All post office boxes were also cut off. Arrangement were made for the mail to be delivered at the courthouse by city mail carrier, three times a day.1935The Fairbury Journal said over a million dollars of government money had been allotted to this county. This consisted of personal property loans, $200,000; real estate loans, $600.000; federal relief, $200.200 and AAA checks. $340,000. It was also stated that the soldiers bonus, the bill passed by Congress, would bring in about $259,000.The old age pension plan was due to start Jan. 1, 1937, to run at least 18 months. It was estimated it would bring into this county about $75,000. There were 422 applicants, and funds would be provided at $10 a month. This was county funds raised by a tax on gasoline. It was expected the federal government would match this, thus providing $20 a month for each old age pensioner. In spite of all this extra money paid those in need, there was complaint it wasn't enough and the officers in charge were having hard work getting up projects and the like to keep everybody happy and satisfied.1942The next draft “physical” call in this county was for 35 men.There were 36 auto tire inspectors in the county. Holders of gasoline ration cards had to have their tires inspected every two months.The county farm machinery rationing committee allocated new implement purchases on the basis of need.The Army offered an average of $49.58 per acre for land taken for the Bruning air base. This included planted wheat and other damages.1952A number of homes were being built in Fairbury, and Aasen 85 Lien had several business building contracts.S.M. Cressman retired after 35 years as a traveling salesman, the first 15 with Rasse Wholesale Grocery Co. of Fairbury.Lifetime passes for husband and wife were presented to C.H. Fletcher and A.A. Kenny, 50 Year engineers with the Rock Island. Also cited for 50 year' service with the railroad were Pat Connell engineer; Fred Gobel, brakeman; and Bert Shepperd, conductor.1955L.K. Cramb, The Fairbury Journal editor, concluded his travelogue of his European trip, which he had taken. It was entitled “Observations in Europe” and ran weekly in The Journal. The serial was later reprinted in its entirety by FJN in the book, “Beyond Our Borders: Unexpected Travel Writing.”1962The Fairbury High School yearbook, the “Trail” received an honor rating from the national Scholastic Press Association. Ann Eyer was editor; Maureen Gobel faculty adviser.The Mike Schmal home won the Fairbury Jaycees home Christmas lighting contest and their name was to go on a traveling plaque.Mrs. C.H. McGee was honored by the Fairbury Baptist congregation for her 71 years' membership and was presented with a plaque by the pastor, the Rev. William Day.Highest pre Christmas single-day first-class cancellation that year at the Fair-bury post office was 18,042 pieces. There was less letter-sized mail, but total receipts were higher. The Journal didn't say whether high rates were involved.1972Donald Sass succeeded Howard Mannschreck as president of the Fairbury Junior College board.After 35 years of service to the Fairbury National Guard Unit Platoon Sargent Merle L. Beetley has retired.The shortage of fuel oil is given as the reason for Washington, Kansas officials to ask customers to conserve electricity. All possible street lights, including Christmas lights were to be turned off to conserve power.1977Jamie Lee Dux was Fairbury's Baby of the Year, The daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Dux of rural Gladstone earned her title when she arrived at Jefferson County Hospital Jan. 14th, 1977. 1982Mary Schoenrock received the good citizen award from Quivera chapter, DAR.A memorial fund for future renovation or expansion was established by the Fairbury Library Board.1992Allen Jones recorded the fifth 700 series of the 1992-93 bowling season at Pla-Mor Lanes, tallying a 703.

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