Harking Back
October 20
25 years ago
A Du Quoin barber with over 38 years to business has decided to throw his hat into the political ring. Wayne Bigham, 57, has announced that he will seek the Democratic nomination for Perry County commissioner. Bigham operates the Razor's Edge Barber Shop in Du Quoin. He is married to Charlene (Reidelberger) Bigham. Their daughter, Rhonda, lives in Chesterfield, Missouri ... Larry Goodwin and his wife, Karen, have announced the purchase of Fisher's Bargain Store on Route 51 north of Du Quoin, now called The Outpost. Goodwin said that the purchase was a result of his job ending at the mine and deciding that it wasn't going to end him, plus he enjoys buying and selling antiques ... Kappa Nu Sorority met at the home of Becky Klein. President Beverly Smigielski opened the meeting. The Halloween parade and treats for Mr. Alverado's special education class were discussed. Those attending were Beverly Smigielski, Rose Alongi, Renee Dorsey, Susan Fulk, Becky Klein, Linda Murphy and Leanna Tanner.
50 years ago
The proposed building plans for the Du Quoin Boys Club Inc. have been tentatively approved by Howard M. Williams, director of building consultation for Boys Clubs of America ... The Marching Papooses, under the direction of Vern Rager, have been assured of a repeat invitation to the annual West Side Nut Club Fall Festival in Edwardsville, Indiana, which will observe its 50th anniversary next year. Rager, in receipt of judges comment sheets, was informed the Marching Papooses had placed eighth in a field of 29 marching bands.
75 years ago
One of the highlights of the annual Music Festival that usually stands out in the memories of the young musicians who attend each year is the colorful military ball, scheduled for Friday night, Oct. 19. Students will dance to the melodies of "The Revelers," an all-student band from Centralia High School. Only those attired in band uniforms or uniforms of the various branches of the armed forces will be admitted to the ball. Girls, of course, will wear formals, according to A.T. Atwood, the director of the festival. Concluding the festival will be a concert by the Festival Band, composed of the top musicians from each organization represented.
100 years ago
A baby boy has arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Crawford in Pinckneyville and has been named William K. Crawford. A "junior" has been added as the new arrival was named for his grandfather, W.K. Murphy, who during his life was one of the leading bankers of southern Illinois ... Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Hamilton of Herrin came to Du Quoin Saturday night and from here they went to the home of Mr. Hamilton's mother, Mrs. Fannie Hamilton of Paradise Prairie. They will also visit with Mrs. Hamilton's father and stepmother, Mr. and Mrs. Will Bailey of Sunfield.
October 21
25 years ago
The Willi Oil Company, founded in Du Quoin in 1920, is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a birthday party this weekend. On Saturday, customers will receive free apples, hot dogs and Coca-Cola. Store owner Justin Willi said the birthday party is a way of showing their appreciation to the people of Du Quoin for their continued support ... Du Quoin Unit District 300 has accepted the resignation of longtime district bookkeeper Juanita Porter, who will retire July 1 of next year. Mrs. Porter began her work in the Du Quoin school system in 1969 under then-superintendent Ray Todd ... Two Du Quoin sisters placed well at a horse show in Martin, Tennessee. Andrea and Sarah Bates won high honors at the registered Quarter Horse Show. The girls are the daughters of Dr. and Mrs. James Bates of Du Quoin ... The Du Quoin American Legion Post #647 gave awards at its meeting. Joe Brewner and Cassie Dintelman, son and daughter of George Brewner, were presented a plaque in honor of their father, a 51-year member, who died on March 5. Dominic Betlejewski and Robert Winthrop were both given a plaque in honor of their 50-year membership.
50 years ago
Airman Connie J. Swallers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter E. Swallers, 723 E. Main St., has received her first U.S. Air Force duty assignment after completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The airman has been assigned to a unit of the Tactical Air Command at Lockbourne Air Force Base, Ohio, as an administrative specialist for training and duty. She is a 1970 graduate of Du Quoin High School ... Pupils of the first, second and third grades and non-graded classes at Lincoln School were visited last Friday by City Police Sergeant Lyle Haner and Officer Donald Woodside as part of a "Safety and Community Helper" unit the children are studying in class.
75 years ago
Mrs. W.W. Parks was hostess to members and guests of the Woman's Club at her home on West Park Street. Assisting Mrs. Parks were Mesdames Frank Selement, Frank Thompson and E.S. Mayor. Mrs. John Underhill, secretary, called the meeting to order. Roll call was centered on topics pertaining to Japan. Following the program, Mrs. Frank Selement was elected vice president and Miss Judith Bergman as treasurer. The special guest for the afternoon was Mary Sullivan. Mrs. A.M. Mathis was welcomed to the club.
100 years ago
Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Rhine and family enjoyed their trip in a covered wagon, that took them through southern Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas ... Frank J. Schleper, Henry Schleper, Anthony H. Godfrey and Miss Ann Schleper spent Sunday in Effingham, where they were the guests of relatives. Another of the guests was an aunt of theirs, a sister of their father - the late F. J. Schleper - who for nearly 50 years has been a Sister in a Catholic convent. This is the first time she has seen the Schleper family, and the visit proved a most enjoyable one.
- Barb Croessman