Harking Back
25 years ago
The Du Quoin council Tuesday promoted longtime Du Quoin fireman, Brett Crain, to the position of assistant fire chief, filling the rank following the retirement of Donald Brayfield. In a companion action, the council approved the promotion of fireman Joe Riggio to the rank of captain ... Pinckneyville Commissioner of Public Property, Sammy D. Peradotta, announced that he would seek the Democratic nomination for Perry County Circuit Clerk ... Homecoming Week has begun at the Du Quoin High School, highlighted by Friday night's game against the Anna-Jonesboro Wildcats and the coronation of a new homecoming queen on Saturday. The queen candidates are Tennille Hamilton, Shawna Asbury, Jill Pyle and Trisha Harrell ... George and Wanda (Russell) Maksin of Elkville celebrated their 50th anniversary with a family dinner at B.J.'s Garden Inn Restaurant in Du Quoin.
50 years ago
Pinckneyville's new public library was officially dedicated with an open house and reception at the spacious new facility on South Walnut Street. Present were members of the City Library Board and special guests included Mayor Jack Bender and the city council. Members of the Pyramid Business and Professional Women's Club, sponsored a reception tea in the study room in the west end of the library ... The Monday Club celebrated its 53rd season with cake and golden punch served from a lovely, appropriately decorated table in the home of Mrs. W.B. Guthrie, assisted by Mrs. Paul Dickens. Mrs. M.E. Kimmel was in charge of the program. She told of how the club was organized in December 1917 and recalled many delightful programs and anecdotes from its past history.
75 years ago
Mr. R.P. Hibbs, assistant principal of DTHS, received from the national office of the National Forensic League, the much coveted diamond key for distinguished service as speech director and debate coach. The diamond key is the highest honor that can be paid to a speech director. At the present time, there are only five or six coaches in the United States who are eligible to own one ... Harry McRoy has been employed as truant officer for the city school system, Superintendent J.T. Lewis O'Dell announced. He will replace George Nevill who resigned some weeks ago.
100 years ago
Rollin M. Brown, assistant manager of the department store of the Dowell Store Co. at Dowell, transacted business here yesterday. He reports his store is doing the biggest business since it was established two years ago and during the past week the volume of trade has been more than the force of clerks employed could conveniently handle. Additional help has been arranged for the firm and is looking forward to wonderful business coming this winter ... Donald Willi, who has a position with the Old Ben Mining Corp. at Christopher, spent Sunday visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Willi, on South Division Street.
- Barb Croessman