Happenings in December 1948

As a child time seemed to creep along, an hour could seem forever, but as we grow older times slips by so very fast. It's hard to believe that 1948 was 60 years ago.

From the files of the Crittenden Press, here are some happenings in Marion and Crittenden County in December 1948.

December 3, 1948

• The Marion quartet, composed of Messrs. Hillis Hunt - soprano, Mrs. Otha Smith - alto, Otha Smith - tenor, Charles Drennan - bass with Mrs. Hillis Hunt, as accompanist, are appearing over radio station WKYB at Paducah each Sunday morning from 8:15 to 8:45. Tune in and listen to your "home town" quartet on the air.
• At the annual Thanksgiving Pep Rally held on November 23, at Fohs Hall to honor the football boys and the new football queen, Molly Ferguson. After the entrance of the Queen's attendants, Doris Clark, Jo Ann Bealmear, and Jerry Tabor, a trumpet fanfare announced the entrance of the Queen. She was crowned by the Captain of the Football team, Buddy Foster.
• Princeton scored a rather surprising 20-0 victory over the Marion Blue Terrors at Princeton at the annual Thanksgiving Day game. Playing their last gridiron game for Marion were Percy Cook at full back; Runt Johnson, Billy Boy Williamson and Bill Morrill at halfback; Bud Foster and Jimmy Rice at end; Harry Easley and Bobby John Crider at tackle; John Ed Thomas at guard.
• Births at Crittenden County Hospital included: Mr. and Mrs. Carl Maroney, a daughter, Arlena Mae, on Novembr 25th; Mr. and Mrs. Harold G. Moore, a daughter, Brinda Louise, on November 27th; Mr. and Mrs. Allen Hosick, a daughter, on November 30th; and Mr. and Mrs. Odell Fletcher, a son on December 1st.

December 10th, 1948

• Marion will be decorated for the Christmas holidays and work is now underway in preparing the bright lights to be strung around the business section and a large tree has been erected in the court house yard and is ready for the decorations. The merchants have opened their newly decorated windows showing the latest in Christmas gifts and when the lights are turned on the city will take on a different appearance.
• Funeral services were held on Dec. 7th, at the Marion Baptist Church for Mrs. D. H. Postlehweighte, who died at her home on West Bellville St. Saturday following a heart attack, which she suffered only twenty minutes previously.
• Recruit Roy A. Crider, son of Mrs. Eva Crider, of Marion, was graduated this week from the 3rd Armored Division Leaders' Course. Prior to his entrance into the Army on July 31, 1948, Recruit Crider attended Shady Grove School for four years.
• James Bragdon, Mexico resident, barely escaped death last Friday afternoon when a train struck the truck which he was driving while crossing the railroad tracks at Mexico. It is said that the body was dragged several hundred feet down the track before being brought to a stop. Mr. Bragdon was rushed to the local hospital where he is resting comfortably after being treated for several broken ribs and lacerations on the heads and face.

County and City Officers for the year 1922

In January 1922, new and re-elected county and city officers were getting ready to take their turn at leading the citizens in a better and brighter journey than their past officers. From The Crittenden Press dated Jan. 6, 1922 we can find out who these officers were and maybe something about their characters.

List of City Officers

• Mayor: Bebe Boswell
• Clerk: E. L. Harpending
• Councilmen: Charles Daughtrey, R. S. Elkins, Ab Henry, C.J. Pierce, Eb Sullenger, O. L. Tucker
• City Judge: A. M. Gilbert
• City Attorney: J. G. Rochester
• Marshall: Albert Cannan
• Assessor: Tom Wring
• Collector: W. D. Cannan
• Treasurer: Miss Kate Yandell
• Clock Winder: Levi Cook

At the regular meeting January 2, the City Council accepted a contract made by the Mayor and S. M. Jenkins for lights from the first of the year till the first of May. Street lighting is reduced 25 percent saving the town $75 per month.

Even though Marion has been paying a high rate, it is an acknowledged fact that few towns are better lighted, and with a day service of the same quality added to our present service, Marion would be on an equal basis with other towns of same class and could expect her share of individual growth.

From the county court house comes the announcement of the new County Officers:

• E. Jeffrey Travis was sworn in and took charge the first of the month as County Judge. He served as County School Superintendent for several years and as County Road Engineer for some time. He was elected County Judge without opposition. Mr. Travis is a vigorous young man and has had wide experience in the affairs of the county. The people are expecting an efficient administration of the county's affairs, and the Press predicts the people will not be disappointed.
• Edward D. Stone was sworn in and took charge as County Attorney the first of the month and had his first trial on the third of the month. He was educated in the schools of this county and graduated at Cumberland University in the Law School. He is a young man of good morals and the people are expecting him to look well after the interests committed to him.
• Mr. James T. Wright was elected sheriff of the County. He appointed Messrs. Joe Hunter Travis and John T. Pickens as his deputies.
• Mr. James E. Sullenger was elected Circuit Clerk without opposition and took over the office Monday.
• Mr. Learner E. Guess succeeds himself as County Clerk and was elected without opposition. Mr. Guess has served as County Clerk for several years and is a most efficient and painstaking officer.
• John C. Spees took possession of the jail and began operation on the first of the year.

Christmas Eve Rains

It is Christmas Eve in Crittenden County, but as for the weather- it couldn't have felt less like December 24th. It was 58 degress this morning with rain storms. The hills were full of extra water and it made the streams and creeks run and gurgle like a mountain streams sounds as it tumbles over the rocks.

The weather is a fickle thing, who knows by the morning hours the ground may be covered with a blanket of snow.

Vintage Christmas Card

Christmas Card from the Past.

Old vintage Christmas Cards were an item of beauty. This card is from the 1930's. A small card and envelope 3x5 in size.

They remind me of art work, some of the colors are different from what we see today.

Another thing so unique about them is that the envelope was lined with a delicate piece of tissue paper that the colors corresponded with the colors on the card. The red patterned paper at the top of the card is what this one was lined with.

I hope you enjoy it.

O'Possum Ridge School

Our county was dotted all over the country sides with small one room schools. Many were named for families that donated land for the school or for a community located close by. Others had unusual names which made us wonder how they came by their names.

The Heath School, or "Possum Ridge", as it was nicknamed was located in the northern part of Crittenden in the community of Mt. Zion. On Sept. 4, 1885, Robert Heath and wife conveyed approximately one acre of land for a school with the understanding at which time there was no more school the land was to go back to the Heath family farm. This land was bought by M. L. Clift from Robert Heath in August 1927, so when the school closed in 1951 the land was burned back to the Clift family by the Board of Education.

Much fun and community entertainment was held at these school houses. From The files of The Crittenden Press, dated July 29, 1909, comes the news about the debate at Heath School and what a success it was.

The fist fry, ice cream supper and debate at Heath School house Saturday evening was well attended. After everybody had eaten plenty of fish, ice creams and all the trimmings, and refreshed themselves with cold drinks, they listed to a debate of about one hour and a half duration upon the following subject. "Resolved that money is of more benefit to mankind than friendship."

The speakers selected for the debate are as follows: Affirmative, Rufus Robinson, Wilson Rankin and Wesley Clift. Negative, Lonnie Clift, William Fowler Sr., and Wallace Clift.

The debate was commenced by Mr. Robinson, from the affirmative side, who declared that money is the life of the country. He warned the opposition not to confuse love, sympathy and pity with friendship, saying they are different. That money is solid and substantial, while friendship is fleeting as the winds.

On the negative side, Mr. Wallace Clift, pointed out without friendship the world would be full of indescribable wretchedness and misery and loneliness. He held up the miser as an example of a human soul debased by the love of money.

The decision of the judges was unanimously in favor of the affirmative teams arguments.

On The Road with the Press Scribe

Deanwood Historical Marker and the old Deanwood General Store. This store is the only store mentioned in this article that is still in any kind of good condition today. Carlos Travis who owns this property, has a love for the history of the area, and has preserved the store as you see it in the picture.

This article was written in April 1915 by an agent for the Crittenden Press. They would go out traveling over the county side gathering subscriptions for the paper. This is Mr. John B. McNeely's report of one of his trips. These articles make for interesting reading as they tell of the little communities in our county that were then - a busy place.

Our representative J. B. McNeely makes a trip by the way of Starr, Shady Grove, Deanwood and Tribune. Starr is a country store near old Piney Camp ground. J. S. Crayne is the merchant in charge and is doing a good business in general merchandise.

Shady Grove is one of the business centers situated in the eastern part of Crittenden County, near Caldwell, Hopkins and Webster Counties, and is surrounded by a good farming county.

There are two churches, Baptist and Methodist. The sign "Hotel" hangs out at the front gate of Mrs. Josie Towery's and if you choose to walk in and take dinner, you can get a square meal. Across the street from the hotel is Mrs. Birchfield with a fine stock of Millinery goods for the ladies, all new and up to date.

At the corner of main street is the large general merchandise store of Dennie Hubbard. Mr. Hubbard, from all appearance has a large trade and is doing a good business. He is also one of the stock holders in the Shady Grove milling Co., that is doing custom business, and shipping mill stuff to other points.

On main street is the general merchandise store of W. D. Tudor. Mr. Tudor commands a large trade and is doing a fine business.

Then as you pass around you will be sure to meet E. Taylor McConnell. He is the news boy and wants to sell you a paper.

All in all Shady Grove is a pretty little town, the merchants say they have a good trade. It has a blacksmith shop, with Mr. Lamb at the forge. Dr. McConnell, attends the sick, and Mr. Lamb will give you a clean shave.

Our next stop was at Deanwood, this is a country store and post office, J. N. Dean is the merchant and post master. He has a fine trade in merchandise and produce, and is another post master who take the Press. Take notice: Deanwood is the new name for Iron Hill.

Tribune, here you will find W. M. Towery. He runs a store, grist mill and blacksmith shop and commands a good trade in all these lines.

All the merchants we have named in this article do business with us. They are all polite and courteous and will treat you right.

More Community News Items

These news items are from the Aug. 26, 1915 edition of The Crittenden-Record Press. This Midway community was located midway between Marion, Crayne, and the Piney Fork area. Maybe you will recognize some family names from this area.

Midway

• Aunt Mat Wilson died Aug. 15th, after a long illness at the home of her son. She was laid to rest at Piney Fork, where a large crowd gathered to show their last respect. Weep not dear bereaved ones, Aunt Mat is gone from us bu we will soon meet her upon the golden shore, where she'll shake hands with all of us and say "I've been watching for you to come."
• Mrs. Rose Hughes and daughter, Vennie, left for their home in Stratton. Colorado.
• Miss Clara Crayne, of Princeton, is visiting relatives in this section.
• Dozie Hill and W. S. Paris and family attended the funeral of Mrs. Phil Deboe at Marion Sunday.
• Kirby Hunt and wife visited C. L. Hill last week.
• Mrs. Martha Sigler and son, Tiller, visited her brother, J. W. Hunt, near Hurricane Sunday night.
• Henry Agee has returned from Kansas where he has been working in the wheat harvest.

The community of Bellmont was located near by close to the Piney Fork neighborhood.

• Camp meeting closed at Piney Fork last week, with twenty-four converted and some renewed up. We had a fine preacher, and he did some good preaching.
• Several from this neighborhood attended the funeral and burial of Mrs. Phil Deboe at Marion Sunday.
• A goodly number from this place went to Marion Monday.
• School is progressing at this place with Miss Cordie Smart as teacher.
• Aunt Jane Travis is quite feeble and confined to her bed.
• Aunt Katherine James is no better at this writing.
• Emerson Ethridge and Miss Myrtle Conger eloped one night the last of the camp meeting and got married.
• Some from this place attended the tent meeting at Jim McConnell's near Blackburn Sunday night.

Friendship Quilts

Friendship Quilts

Do you have a Friendship Quilt? If you do, you know that is a special gift that was made especially for you or someone in your family.

Quilting is very popular today with the many fancy designs and difficult patterns, but a Friendship quilt made many years ago with it's simple pattern and hand embroidered name is a special thing.

Many times these quilts were made for a special teacher in the little county schools as a gift from her students. They would have the teachers name and year on the center block and then each student's name would be hand-written and then hand-embroidered by that student's mother. After all the blocks were finished the quilt would be assembled and then put on quilting frames at one of the student's homes and there the parents would gathered and finish their quilt by doing all the quilting themselves. Much laughter and good times were had by the mother's at these quilting sessions. Not all were experts at making the tiny quilting stitches, but everyone did their best and it was the love that went in the work that mattered the most. All the time this would be kept secret from the teacher so it would be a surprise at the end of the school year.

The 8th grade class at Crayne School in 1959 made one of these special Friendship quits for their special teacher, Mrs. Annabell Alexander. It was a special gift made especially for her from the students and their parents.

These wonderful times of doing things together in a small rural community are gone now, the closeness and friendships that were formed at these gatherings are only memories. I am so thankful that I have these memories of when I was growing up in the Crayne community and going to school and church in the same neighborhood. All these memories brought back by the sight of just one old worn quilt, maybe it should be called a memory quilt.

Caldwell Springs Still Flows Today

Caldwell Spring

Major Caldwell's spring still flows today. He descriped it as limpid, beautiful and refreshing.

Caldwell Springs History

The Caldwell Springs Church and the new marble marker the church members purchased last summer to mark their cemetery.

This history was written and read by Mr. Marion F. Pogue, of the Frances Community, at the close of his school at Caldwell Springs in 1896.

Backward, swing backward the pendulum of years, we pass through the happy childhood days when we attended the services at the old brick church; backward still it takes us through the mist of half a century before our existence; backward still it goes past the memory of the oldest inhabitant of these sacred precincts today. There we are left like a stranded mariner on a lonely island with only our imagination to paint the scene of this lovely valley.

There we saw the luminary of the day and an unbroken forest which extended for a mile in every direction. But these same hills were here and they guarded this same beautiful valley as jealously as they do today.

This valley was a hunter's paradise, covered with a tangled growth of cane, paw-paw and sumac. Here is a winding path; let us follow it; it is soon lost in a larger one. Onward we go, though we have frightened a flock of wild turkeys, and yonder goes a drove of deer, scampering down the valley. Here is an open spot. The ground bears evidence of many visitations. We notice many half burned sticks, the remains of a Shawnee campfire. A step further and there bubbles up, as pure and fresh as today, the crystal waters of Caldwell Spring, limpid, beautiful and refreshing. For untold centuries has this life-giving fountain sent forth his precious water to appease the thirst of man and beast.

Later came the pale face and the savage, the buffalo, and finally the deer retired before the crack of his unerring rifle. Over 100 years ago the hardy pioneer adventurers began to pour through Cumberland Gap into Kentucky. Onward they came westward and one afternoon the savage wilderness of this valley was disturbed by its first white settlers - Major Caldwell, of the English army, was the man.

Seeking the security and solitude of this valley he drove before him his cattle, scores of slaves and a train of well laden pack horses. He entered this beautiful valley; drank from the spring; was charmed and looked no further; but forthwith erected temporary residences and slave quarters on the hill above the spring. A large brick kiln was burned and the foundation of a great manor house was laid near where the school house now stands.

But all this was stopped as suddenly as it had begun; only the decaying building and crumbling foundation met the eyes of the next comers. This is all we know of Major Caldwell and his group, why the departure so soon without completing his home and farm land is unknown. But this is how the area came by it's name "Caldwell Springs."

Confederate Soldier Stephen F. Crider

The Confederate government issued stone of Stephen Fielding Crider is located in the Repton Cemetery in Crittenden County.

Although there were many men from Crittenden that served in the Confederate Army this is the only government issued "Confederate" stone located in Crittenden County. The other men have regular stones. There are many Union Army issued stones.

Here is the obituary of Stephen F. Crider from The Crittenden Press dated August 22, 1941. Stephen Fielding Crider, 98, died Sunday afternoon at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Hughey Lowey. Crittenden's oldest citizen, native born, his entire life and colorful career was spent near the scene of his birth.

Veteran of War Between the States Mr. Crider went through dreaded experiences and was once a member of the famous "Morgan Sharphooters" facing death at all times. After cessation of hostilities he resumed operation of his farm and was active in tillage of the soil until advancing age intervened.

Mr. Crider was active until a few days preceding death and celebrated his 98th birthday with his children and other relatives. He was first married to Miss Louticia Burton who died years ago. He was later married to Miss Porcia Gilbert who died several year ago.

Stephen Fielding Crider was the son of Stephen and Sally Brantley Crider.

Thanksgiving Memories from 1954

From the files of the Crittenden Press, the community reporters shares with other readers the happenings of their communities. As the Press came out each week, these items were always looked forward to, this way we keep up with all the local news, happy and sad, what people were doing and activities at the schools and churches. There was always lots of visiting going on. During this Thanksgiving time, let's look back and see some of these happenings in 1954.

Crittenden Press, Dec. 3, 1954

Fords Ferry News -

• Mr. and Mrs. B. H. Brantley, of Washington, D. C., Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Brantley, of Kansas City and Mr. and Mrs. Roe Wofford of Weston community, were the Thanksgiving guests of Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Thomas.
• Mr. and Mrs. John Ed Thomas, of Lexington, and Mr. and Mrs. Donald Guy Thomas, of Evansville, spent the Thanksgiving holidays with Mr. and Mrs. John E. Thomas and relatives of Marion. John Ed is attending the State University.
• Michael and Barry Phillips of Owensboro, visited with their grandparents, Mr. and Mr W. C. Pollock.
• Mr. and Mrs. A. Hollander, of Evansville, were Thanksgiving guests of her mother, Mrs. Anna Lofton.

Glendale News -

• Thanksgiving guests of Mr. and Mrs. Evans Ingram and sons were: Mr. and Mrs. John Tom Riley and Hobart, of Sheridan, and Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie Stalion and Lois.
• Mr. and Mrs. Grover Winders visited with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Billie Dalton, of Tolu.
• Mr. and Mrs. Charles Belt and children spent Thanksgiving with Mr. and Mrs. Sal Belt and children.

Frances News -

• Thanksgiving guests of Mr. and Mrs. Allie Whitt were Mr. and Mrs. Dick Whitt, Sandra and Clark, of Richmond, Ky., Mr. and Mrs. Milton Crouch and children of Evansville, Mr. Homer Millikan of Cape Girardeau, and Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Whitt and Mackie.
• Thanksgiving dinner guest of Mr. and Mr. Linon Simpkins, Sue and Phyllis, were: Mr. and Mrs. Allen Fuller, of Madisonville, and Mrs. Ambie Fuller, of Fredonia.
• Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Walker visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Burl Walker on Thanksgiving.
• Mr. and Mrs. Henry Simpkins had as their Thanksgiving dinner guests, Mr. and Mrs. Everett Crider, Angie, Mr. and Mrs. Austin Brashier, Janet, Rose and Dwight.
• Mrs. Fred Cruce visited her son, Mr. Houston Cruce, Thanksgiving.

Sisco Chapel News -

• Mr. and Mrs. Pete Hicks of Indiana visited Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hicks for Thanksgiving.
• Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Davenport and Donna, and Mrs. Ida Floyd spent Thanksgiving Day with Mr. and Mrs. Mott Davenport.
• Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Roberts and Betty Fritts, Mr. and Mrs. Norbin Davenport, Sue and Connie, visited Thanksgiving with Mr. and Mrs. Walter Henley, Charles and Robert
• Mr. and Mr.s Ralph Floyd and family and Miss Wilma Vaughn had Thanksgiving dinner with Mrs. Ethel Floyd and J. W.

May these community news items from yesteryear bring back happy memories of Thanksgivings of past spent with family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving from me to you.

Society Headlines of February 1928

From the archives of The Crittenden Press comes activities of the past.
February 24, 1928 - Society

• Tolu Missionary Society Meets - The Young People's Missionary Society of Tolu met with Miss Margaret Riley Monday evening, Feb. 20. After the program, refreshments of angel food cake and ice cream were served.
• Entertainment for Tolu Seniors - In honor of the Tolu High School Senior Class, the Juniors entertained with a Valentine party, Feb. 14th, at the home of Misses Martha and Frances Guess. The Valentine idea was carried out in both decorations and refreshments. Games and contests were enjoyed and afterwards a dainty salad and ice course was served. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Belt, Misses Anna Bell Lindsey, Roberta Croft, May Wright, Winifred Lucas, Lois Griffith, Martha Guess, Frances Guess, Messrs. Orlin Guess, Guy Lowry, Garland Griffin, Griffith and Duke Wright.
• Cora Charles Missionary Society - The Cora Charles Missionary Society met Monday in the basement of the Methodist Church, Vice President Louisa Reed in charge, "Mission Schools in China" was the subject of the program.
• Mrs. James F. Price Hostess - Thursday afternoon at her home on North Main Street. Mrs. James F. Price was hostess to the Woman's Auxiliary of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Mrs. George Boogher led in an interesting program and delicious refreshments were served to all present.
• Woman's Club Meets - The Woman's Club met Wednesday afternoon in the club auditorium with Mrs. A. M. Shelby and Miss Frances Gray as hostesses. Miss Leaffa Wilborn, assisted by other club members, presented a program on Lincoln and Washington.
• Party at Lafayette Heights - Mrs. Mark Link entertained the Bridge Club at her home in Lafeyette Heights, Tuesday afternoon. Mrs. Link's hospitality included Mesdames Virgil Threlkeld, Paul Adams, D. O. Carnahan, E. C. VanPelt, George Orme and Miss Ruth Flanary. The prize for high score was awarded Mrs. Virgil Threlkeld.
• Two Table Bridge Club Meets - Mrs. William Barnett was hostess to the the Two Table bridge Club this week at her home on South Main Street. Making up the tables in playing were Mesdames W. V. Haynes, O. S. Denny, W. O. Tucker, James Henry, George Boogher, Clem S. Nunn, Kate Goodlove and Wm. Barnett. Top score prize was won by Mrs. Lemah Nunn while the consolation award went to Mrs. O. S. Denny.

The Masonic Building

Marion's First Three Story House.

This article and picture appeared in The Crittenden Press Nov. 21, 1895.

The contractors are at work with a vim on the new Masonic building, and if the weather is propitious it will not be long before a handsome three story building will adorn the corner recently denuded by fire.

Mr. Charles Burget drew the plans for the new house, and when his skilled hand begins work something handsome and substantial is sure to be evolved, and this last work of his is no exception to the rule.

The first story of the building will be 84 beet long, and 14 feet from floor to ceiling and the width including the walls i 26 feet. This will be a business room, and the second story will be of same dimensions as the first except, will be only ten feet from floor to ceiling; this room will be used in connection with the first story for business purposes.

The third story will be the home of Bigham Lodge No. 256 F. & AM. On this floor there will be two rooms besides a ten foot hall. The lodge room proper will be 40 feet long, and adjoining this will be the banquet hall, 35 feet long; and from floor to ceiling will be 13 feet. The building will have vestibule, galvanized iron front. The entrance to the lodge will be steps leading up from Bellville Street.

The foundation to the top of the first row of joist will be three feet wide, the walls from thence to the top of the second story will be 18 inches from there up 13 inches. The lodge room will be ventilated by 18 windows; seven on South side, eight on the North and three in front. The brick work will be done by Wm. Turk, of Terre Haute, Ind., and old and skilled contractor, who is well known in Marion, having done work here before.

The wood work has been let to Mr. G E. Boston, the well known contractor and builder of this place, who pushes the business his hands find to do, and who is a thorough master of his calling. This will be the first three story building Marion has ever had, and we are already looking forward to its completion with no small degree of price.

Today this building is owned by Thom Hawthorne. The street level houses The Marion Cafe' and the third level is living space.

Bootlegging in Crittenden County

Crittenden County had it's more than fair share of bootleggers in it's past. You will find interesting tidbits about the capture of some of these in the old Crittenden Presses. One favorite place to sell these illegal spirits was from a boat along the Ohio River. They would pull in the small tributaries along the area and sell from their boats. Such places as Weston, Fords Ferry, and Tolu were favorite rendezvous. Here is an interesting article written in Sept. 1913.

Last week Sheriff Joel A. Pickens received word that a shanty boat was anchored on the northern borders of the county and that the proprietor thereof was disposing red liquor in violation of local option or county unit laws of this county.

The matter was reported to the county attorney and a warrant secured for the arrest of one Julius Cummings. Saturday afternoon the sheriff and deputy D. Gilliland, city marshal A. S. Cannon and county attorney Moore left the city in Kemps automobile for Fords Ferry where a gasoline launch was secured with which they searched the nooks and crooks of the river on both sides until they reached Rosiclare. There they learned that the boat was anchored near the spring just below the town landing.

It was not long until they landed their man who they found alone on the boat. They also captured 168 pints of "Old Hoosier" and turned it over to the officials of Rosiclare to be destroyed and brought their man here and lodged him here in jail.

The party reached here early Sunday morning after an all night trip. Cummings was fined $60 and cost amounting to about $86 dollars.

Monday is the county court and was he was told to go and sin no more. It is very probable he will at least try to seek other fields and will not attempt any more blind tiger operations in the confines of Crittenden County, for awhile anyway.

Veteran's Day Salute, The Ultimate Sacrifice

Ellis B. Ordway, World War I Veteran, the first Crittenden County young man to give the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Ellis B. Ordway was a volunteer in the World War, having enlisted in June 1917 and was sent to Columbus, Ohio where he was kept in training for only a short time, going over seas in the last of June.

He was in Co. A. 16th Infantry. His comrades spoke of him as a brave soldier. He was sent to the front to Argonne Forest, where he was wounded twice by a machine gun in the right leg on the 17th day of July 1918 and he died July 26th, 1918 from his wounds, at age 23.

Although Ellis died in 1918 his remains weren't returned home to Crayne, Ky. until April 1921. His service was conducted by Rev. Smith of Dawson, Ky, in the presence of a large crowd of sympathetic friends at the Crayne Presbyterian Church. The remains were wrapped in the American Flag, for which he fought and died.

The body was laid to rest in the Crayne Cemetery. Ellis B. Ordway was the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Ordway of Crayne, Ky.

(The little community of Crayne lies 5 miles south of Marion, Ky on Hwy. 641. My hometown.)

On this Veterans Day Nov. 11, 2008, may we never forget the eternal debt of gratitude to these young men and women who have fought and many died for our country, so that we may live as we do today. We pray that God will continue to Bless America.

Some Added Information About Lily Dale School

A childhood friend of mine, Nancy Ellen Sutton Lynch, shared some of her personal memories about the Lily Dale School after she read the article posted about Lily Dale School. I thought they were very interesting and worth sharing with the readers of my Blog.

Nancy lived on Lily Dale Road with her parents, Eldon and Beulah Sutton and her brothers. They attended Lily Dale School as long as it was still active. Nancy told me that the last day of school for Lily Dale was Feb. 24, 1950. After that it closed and the students went to other schools near by, such as Crayne and Frances.

Nancy remembers one of her fun past times at the school was crawling under the edge of the building and calling for Doodle Bugs. Anyone remember doing that? I sure do, spent many an afternoon trying to call these illusive little critters to the top of the ground. Children of today don't know of these little activities that we used to do long ago for entertainment. The Doodle bug would make a tunnel straight down in the dry dirt, and we would try to call them back out by saying, "Doodle Bug, Doodle Bug come to the top." I never did succeed, but it was fun trying. It was always a challenge.

Nancy tells us that Mr. Jesse Riley purchase the old school building and tore it down soon after the closing of the school. He built a house out of it at Kentucky Lake, but it later burned down.

Thank you Nancy for sharing your memories of Lily Dale School with us. Memories keep our history alive.

Visit to Lily Dale School in 1900

Lily Dale School House. Located on Lily Dale Road in Crittenden County. This picture is of the last school house and was made in the 1970's by Braxton McDonald. The building has been gone now for several years.

The first building was made of logs and then later replaced with the building in the picture.

Crittenden Press, Feb. 15, 1900 - Tuesday Feb. 6th, 1900, was a grand day for the pupils of Lily Dale school. The appearances of many of the patrons and friends of the school shows their appreciation of the good work done in their district by Mr. P. M. Woodall, the teacher.

The forenoon was past in reciting the routine of lessons. Those who heard this part of the exercises are satisfied that Mr. Woodall is a good teacher. By noon the house was packed; a sumptuous dinner was then served. Just in time to take a part in the above, the Woodall band arrived to make music for the occasion.

The afternoon programme was composed of speeches, recitations, etc., which showed marked improvement on the children in this line. Several valuable gifts were then presented by the teacher to those who received the most head marks in the various spelling classes. May Jacobs, Marvin Scott, Johnnie Cole, Elvah Jacobs, Curtis O'Neal and Ernest Ordway were the lucky ones.

Then some rousing speeches were made by the trustees, and a general sweetening up in the confiscating of twenty five pounds of candy.

This closes a day long to be remembered by the merry juveniles.

Fairview School and Community

Fairview School was located on top of Childress Bluff, which is an elevation on the left side of U. S. Highway 60 West near the Crittenden-Livingston County line. The area was also called New Salem.

Childress and Brown schools were combined in the early 1900's and named Fairview. A new wooden frame school house was built to house the students from both schools. There were outbuildings and a cistern in the yard. The iron pump at the cistern was a great delight since there were few homes that had a pump at it's well.

Also near by was the Susie Bealer fluorspar mine. Many new families had moved into the district while the mine was in operation. There was a large enrollment at the school. All 8 grades were taught by one teacher.

Some of the families of the Fairview district were Redge Yates, Audrey Brown, Leslie Howard, Higdon Howard, Charlie Wring, John Koon, Milt Childress, Grocer Damron, John Cox, Roy Simpkins, John Simpkins, Felix Tyner, Robert and Bud Kirk families, George Clayton, Allie Hicks and Dewey Hayes.

Some of the teachers were: Nannie Paris in 1891, Raymond Hunt, Owen Davenport, Bertie Kirk Thompson, Bertha Ramsey, James B. Kirk, Ina Stembridge, Nell Brown Wheeler, Audrey Brown, Jim NcNeely, Mary Young Conyer, Stella Dean, Haydon Harpending, Belvie Howard Childress, Willard Montgomery and Jessie Cummings.

Crittenden Press August 25, 1905 - Fairview Community Items.

• Mont Davenport, J. E. Wring and Ed Summers have each lost a valuable horse lately.
• J. W. Wilson, who recently returned from Missouri is suffering from a severe case of chills and fever.
• Owing to the excessive rains the campers at the Howard Medical Spring will decamp earlier than usual this season.
• William Shreeve, while returning from town the other day had the misfortune of his horse running off with him throwing him in a brier thicket and scattering sugar and coffee for half a mile.
• Ed Summers is giving this section of road the best working it ever had. He is putting the big hill near New Salem in apple pie order.
• Fairview school house stands on a high elevation in the southwest portion of Crittenden County. Our district has a neat, substantial frame school building with a veranda in front and furnished with all the modern apparatus that is generally found in county schools. B. L. Bibb is in charge of our school.

The Grand Jurors in 1891

Another interesting article from the archives of The Crittenden Press. Thanks for the roving Press reporter we are able to learn some informative facts about the people of yesteryear. I'm so thankful we have these colorful articles, I have learned much history and genealogy tidbits by having them available.

Dec. 17, 1891

While in search of news for the Press the reporter tapped on the door of the grand jury room, and a dapper little fellow with a cravat of black beard, opened the door and said, "Walk in."

Seated in the center of a circle of the twelve men chosen to investigate the boys, might make some people uncomfortable, but of course no newspaper men has any irritability on that score.

• There was Uncle George Boaz, who was born near Lexington 74 years ago. He is a Baptist and a Democrat.
• J. R. Jennings next in point of age was born in Virginia 71 years ago. He is an old school Presbyterian, in politics he is Independent.
• T. J. Yandell is 66 years old, was born in Hopkins County. He is a Presbyterian and Republican.
• Joseph Hina was born in France 61 years ago, reared in Germany, is now a good American citizen. He is a Cumberland Presbyterian and a Republican.
• R. L. Wilson is 55 years old, like a great many of our citizens he was born in Tennessee. His politics run smartly with those of Uncle Joe Hina.
• A. C. Deboe first saw the light in Caldwell County 51 years ago. He is a Baptist; his first vote was for Stephen A. Douglass, but now he usually votes with the Republicans.
• G. W. Parish is 47 years old, was born in Hopkins County, is a Baptist; his first vote was for Buchanan, and he is for Cleveland.
• R. N. Grady was born in Bourbon County 46 years ago. He is a Methodist and a Republican.
• J. F. Snyder is 46, born in Tennessee, is a Baptist and a Republican.
• T. A. Minner is 44, and is the only member of the jury born in Crittenden. He has been a Democrat and a Methodist 44 years.
• A. J. Rutherford in 41, born in Christian County. He is a Methodist and a Cleveland man.
• G. W. Perry is 87, born in Tennessee; he is a Baptist and a Republican.

When the reporter reached the door, he found it locked and was informed that it would require half a bushel of apples to open it. The apples were sent for, the door opened and we left a might good lot of men.

Among The Farmers, Part II

Saturday October 25 was a beautiful day in rural Crittenden County. It was one of those perfect autumn days that you dreamed about when it is 90 degrees in the shade in the middle of summer.

As I took a scenic drive on S.R. 1901, or as we older folks call it, Seminary Loop Road, I was awarded with this beautiful sight. Wanted to share it with everyone.

From the Crittenden Press, June 1897. Among The Farmers, Part II.

• Mr. David Gilliland, one of the tireless farmers of the Hurricane country, was in town Tuesday. Dave is small in stature but it is said that when it comes to moving things on a farm he can do more than two large men. He has charge of Foster Threlkeld's big farm this year and is keeping up with his 250 acres of growing corn.
• Occasionally a farmer takes hold of an old farm and makes a thing of beauty of it. One notable instance of the kind is Dan Green took the old Akers place, on the Fords Ferry Road when it was thought past redemption, and the old fields had been termed out for years. Dan set his wits and muscle to work and now he has as cozy a little place as there is on the road. The persimmon bushes and gullies have disappeared and in their stead are productive fields, a handsome cottage, which has taken the place of the old house, and everything around him has a prosperous look.
• Mr. Albert Weldon of Tolu was in town Tuesday. Albert has recently retired from the mill business and invested more extensively in farms. He has a fine farm near Tolu.
• J. N. Bracey figures on threshing out fifteen hundred bushes of wheat this season.
• Mr. John Asbridge brought a lot of fine honey to town and soon disposed of it. He took 100 lbs. from four stand of bees. He has his hives so arranged that the honey is deposited in one pound cases and these are sold without breaking the comb.
• Mr. E. L. Horning hauled two loads of tobacco to town last week.
• Col. A.D. McFee, one of the best farmers of the Fords Ferry section, is selling his last year's crop of corn this week. He sold at thirty cents per bushel, and will deliver several hundred bushes.

Stately Monuments

W. T. Carloss monument on the left and on the right is the impressive monument of R. L. Moore. Both stones are in the Mapleview Cemetery at Marion, Ky.

Years ago when a new monument was created the Crittenden Press would sometimes publish an announcement about the impressive stone that would be set at the cemetery. Here are two of those stones that were noted in the Press.

July 4, 1907 - The Woodmen of the World decorated the grave of Sovereign W. T. Carloss, as an honor to his memory and to express a brotherly reverence for his worth. The Woodmen formed a line of march at their Camp in town, and headed by the Silver Cornet Band of Marion, followed by a large number of Woodmen marched to the cemetery, where a large crowd of people had assembled to witness the ceremonies.

The Woodmen ceremonies were very beautiful and most appropriate. The band furnished music on the way to and from the cemetery.

Jan. 5, 1893 - Henry Bros. the marble men of Marion, have been contracted by the Moore family for the erection of a monument over the grave of Mr. R. L. Moore. It is a $1,400 piece of work and when completed will be the handsomest in the county. It is to be of gray granite, and the shaft rises sixteen feet in the air and it is six feet square at the base.

This handsome and tasty piece of work will probably be the first to adorn the new cemetery at Marion. The remains of Mr. Moore now rest at Mr. Zion, and will be moved to Marion when the monument is ready to be set.

On The Lighter Side

From the archives of The Crittenden Press come many interesting and unusual stories. Here are two amusing little articles that will surly bring a smile to those who read them. They probably couldn't be used in our paper today, but they bring us a glimpse of our past and the humor that the Press reporter could see in otherwise troubled circumstances.

The Crittenden Press, Sept. 25, 1913 - Kissed and Made Up Differences. But the county couple kept the community well stirred up while the trouble lasted.

A most exciting series of events springing from domestic troubles of Tom Myers and wife, of this county, was brought to a close here when Myers was fined $30 in the County Court for wife beating.

On last Tuesday Myers and his wife had some difficulty during the progress of which he bestowed sundry blows, slaps and bruises upon her and so terrified her that she fled their home and sought refuge in Fredonia, which is near their home.

Noticing her absence for the next several days the neighbors concluded that the woman had been killed, and so they dragged creeks, ponds and cisterns near Myers premises in an endeavor to locate the body.

Naturally they failed to find her and when they next heard from her she was in Marion , where she swore out a warrant, charging her husband with wife beating and in addition asked that he be put under a bond to keep the peace.

Saturday night the sheriff started out to find Myers and arrest him that he night be placed on trial. He failed in his search and later developments show that while he was making his midnight ride to protect the women, who was apparently in terror of her husband, she and her erring spouse resided peacefully in Fredonia. Monday morning both Myers and his wife appeared, and at her request he was allowed to plead guilty to accept a fine of thirty dollars whereupon they departed in apparent peace and harmony with every assurance that they would "live happily ever after."

Feb. 19, 1926 - A Different Return Of A Marriage License

Recently County Clerk D. A. Lowry issued a marriage license upon request of the hopeful groom. The usual procedure is for the happy couple to quickly go find a minister before whom they promise to take each other for better or worse and the officiating minister then properly fills out the blank lines that the event has taken place according to law and returns it to the clerk so that he may complete his records.

In this specific case, however, something seems to have gone awry. After several days of watchful waiting for the return of the license Clerk Lowry was rewarded by having it come back with the blank spaces still in the same condition as when they originally left his office - but a note came with it signed by the original applicant stating that the papers were being return for cancellation because no property was found.

Clerk Lowry is still wondering.

Genealogy Society Goes To Dycusburg

The Crittenden County Genealogy Society goes to Dycusburg Sat. Oct. 11th. Matthew Patton was our host for the day.

Front row, left to right. Anna Rhea Belt Porter, behind Anna Rhea is Betty Charles Mitchel from Clay, KY, Connie Brasher Gould, Rita Owen Travis, and Judy Kemp Owen.

Second row: Doyle Polk, Fay Carol Crider, Matthew Patton, Dale Owen (husband of Judy) and Gary and Renata Dycus. Gary and Renata had seen the Dycusburg.com site on the internet and decided to drive all the way from Texas to spend the day with the Dycusburg crowd. Gary's family was originally from this area. The group is standing in the Dycusburg cemetery, this was part of our program, as Matthew took us on a tour and told some interesting facts about some of the stones.

Our meeting began in the Dycusburg Methodist Church with a interesting history on the community of Dycusburg and some of it's tragic fires that destroyed the business section. Then Connie Brasher Gould shared some history about the beautiful little Methodist Church as her ancestor's had a hand in constructing some of the interior.

We then walked down to the location of the new Veteran's Memorial marker. The marker is located on the lot where the Dycusburg City Hall used to be.

We ended our program with a tour of the cemetery. It was an enjoyable and interesting day. It is wonderful to see Matthew Patton and his family and friends trying to protect and preserve their community's history.

History of the Levias Community

Crittenden County was blessed with many small home-town communities with businesses, schools, churches and their own post office, now all that is gone but the names of the communities. The names live on carrying on what little history is left of their area. This history is of the little community of Levias, which was located about 6 miles West from Marion. You could get to Levias by turning off Highway 60 East at Midway and also by a side road from S.R. 297. It is still noted on our county maps. The history was written many years ago by James B. Kirk who passed away Aug. 28, 2000 and is buried in the Union Cemetery, which is located next to Levias. Jim loved genealogy and his hometown community of Levias.

LEVIAS - At the close of the Civil War, Loyd Levi Price, a young single man from Tennessee, who had fought for the north, bought two acres of land in the Union Baptist Church neighborhood. This was six miles from Marion, and one-fourth mile off the Marion-Salem Road. A county road then, but now known as U.S. Hwy. 60 West.

Price built a house, married a local girl and built a store building. He stocked it was groceries that he received by boat put off at the Tolu landing, some 10 miles away. He had a splendid trade, as the store was located halfway between Marion and Salem. It was a place the women could take their eggs for sale, or to trade for groceries and small items in the dry good line.

Price saw the need of a post office in their neighborhood and applied to the Post Office Department in Washington for an office to be opened and put in his store. Prior to this the settlement had no name but it must be named to have a post office. He asked for the village to be name Levi and call it the Levi post office. The Post Office Department notified him there was already a Levi Post Office in Kentucky and the closest they could name it would be Levias. From that time on the village went by the name of Levias.

There was a Union Baptist Church dedicated in 1810 and a Union School. With these, and a post office Levias began to grow. It was on the map, a thriving little community of church going and God loving people.

A few houses were soon built around the store. A gristmill was put in operation and later a second store was built by Charles LaRue. It was stocked with groceries, general merchandise, a set of stock scales and a scale house. A house was built for a voting place for the Fourth Precinct, called Union Precinct. A third store was soon built and operated by C. C. Bebout.

Industries of this little community were farming, a sawmill operated by O. G. Threlkeld, a barrel mill run by Uncle Jack McClure of Tennessee, a blacksmith shop operated by Ed Mayhugh and later operated by R. E. Wheeler. Dr. Billy Paris was the first doctor nearby, later Dr. Ernest Fox located in Levias.

As years went by, due to failing health of Mr. Price, the Levias Post Office was moved to Charles LaRue's general store. This was a waiting place for mail arrival delivered by the Marion-Salem Star Route. Next came the rural route out of Marion Post Office, a mail delivery of all was made in a line of travel on the road nearest your house. Soon everyone had their own mail box and proudly displayed their name on their box. It was hard for Levias to lose the post office.

Mr. Loyd Levi Price was taken by death, and his store was then operated by Clarence G. Settles. Levias was still a very active trading center untill the death of Mr. Settles wife. Soon after her death and the death of Mr. Settles, the store in Levias closed. It was sold and a dwelling built nearby.

All industries, except farming and mining fluorspar, moved nearer to U. S. Highway 60. This community was known as Midway, as it is halfway between Marion and Salem. Businesses in Midway were Loftis Grocery, Ramage Grocery, Midway T. W. Sale and Service operated by Neil Marin, Fritt's Lawn Mower Service, Lal Conyer's sawmill, Midway Service station, Russell Davidson's Saw Shop, Teer Grocery and Patmore Seed Store owned by George L. Patmor.

All this is gone now, only the names of the once busy communities, and a few of the orgininal family members live on the remind us of these once loved little hometown communities of Crittenden County.

At Grandma's

From the Crittenden Press, dated August 25, 1925, comes an interesting article about a visit to Grandma's house and all the good memories that goes with one of these visits. Indeed a good memory of yesteryear.

At Grandma's. Since, and even the time before the poem written by Riley, all boys and girls more than enjoy the large stock of culinary products of grandma's cupboard.

The days when a visit is made to Grandma's, chickens are expected to meet their doom in a heroic way, and all other good eatables are suppose to march in orderly way before our vision.

On August 14, 1925, the grandchildren of Mrs. Rushing Meyers, who lives with her son, Edward Rushing, called Aunt Lillie Edward Rushing, and made known to her that they were coming to Grandma's and how much they expected to eat. She, being an excellent lady, called on all the kinsfolk and invited them to join her at Grandma's.

Early Sunday morning, everyone was ready to start on their most enjoyable trip. Even away below Marion you could hear the car wheels rolling from the homes of J. R. Postlethweight, Albert Conger, Fred Gilbert and David H. Postlethweight, they each brought their families and were joined at Grandma's by the families of John Rushing, Reed Woodall, Edward Rushing, J. O. Belt, Gilbert Rushing, Albert Cannan, Aunt May Belt, and Misses Ida and Alma Elkins, daughters of Pink Elkins.

Everybody arrived early. After two hours of waiting a shadow of gloom seemed to settle over the faces of all the hungry ones. There had never been even a sound in the kitchen, not even any smoke could be seen curling from the kitchen flue.

The only hope was that Uncle Ed would refill the water bucket with ice water. At twelve o'clock dinner was announced ready and what a surprise.

A table with a seating capacity of fourteen was loaded with so many good things we can't name the half of them. Each one in his turn was helped to ice cream. Eating and merry making lasted until 3:30, when every filling station was served.

Everyone enjoyed a great day, but I think Mrs. Bertha Postlethweight and Albert Conger had the most thrilling time. Bertha drove a wild Lizzie without brakes and Albert one with wings. He was a new man at the wheel and tried to keep up with her.

Go with us to Grandma's next year for a wonderful time. Written by one who was there, David H. Postlethweighte.

Among The Farmers

An old time horse pulled farm hay rake. Something you don't see much of any more, although they are still used by the Amish in our county. This photo was made on the Aunt Jane Tabernacle Road, and is owned by Jr. Beechy.

There used to be many of the old time horse drawn and small tractor pulled implements to be seen, but they are a thing of the past now, and with the increased need for money and the scrap iron at a high price, they will indeed be a thing of our past.

This article is titled Among The Farmers, it was published in The Crittenden Press in the year 1897. It seems Crittenden County had a large agriculture business at this time and good hard working farmers to produce the crops.

May 1897

• W. H. Ordway, one of the most extensive tobacco in the county has a fine crop this year.
• Mr. G. H. Shreever says in the View neighborhood there is a one hundred acre wheat field, that is ready for cutting.
• John Shaffer has been selling some mighty fine strawberries. He raises them as large as peaches and has a half a dozen different varieties.
• Mr. George Hughes of Weston advertises the Rose Eran, an Irish potato new in this section. He has been raising potatoes all his life and pronounces this the best variety he has found.
• Mr. A. J. Bennett, of Tolu, was in town Tuesday. He is one of the extensive farmers of the Tolu section, the greatest corn growing neighborhood in the district. Mr. Bennett has 300 acres of corn planted.
• J. H. McDowell of Shady Grove says there will not be more than half the acreage of tobacco in his section this year.
• Mr. J. F. Conger, one of the thrifty farmers of Pleasant Hill neighborhood, had nine acres of tobacco set the middle of last week.
• W. C. Tyner has plowed his corn three times and says he has the best in the neighborhood.
• Squire E. H. Taylor, of New Salem, as he is familiarly known, has one of the prettiest homes on the Salem Road, and has a fine farm too. He is a successful farmer, while making his farm produce well.
• Joe Samuels of Repton was delivering corn to parties in town yesterday.
• George D. Kemp of Shady Grove brought his old reaper down to town Wednesday and exchanged for a new one.
• Horace Williamson is the only man who reports that he will have a larger acreage of tobacco this year than last.
• Mr. E. L Nunn of Bells Mines was in town Tuesday. When called on for the news he said with enthusiasm "A fine rain yesterday, we are up with our work and crop prospects are encouraging.
• Mr. Owen Boaz, who owns a pretty farm on the Dycusburg Marion Road, was in town. Mr. Boaz is one farmer who does believe in the virtue of commercial fertilizers. He is in good spirits over the prospects of a good crop.
• Mr. William H. Bigham reports that the farmers of Chapel Hill neighborhood are done setting out tobacco.

Oak Hall Community Items

Let's take a visit to the little community of Oak Hall and see what was happening in the year 1911. This community was located in the western area of our county. Another community close by was Forest Grove. Visiting and keeping in touch with your neighbors was a very important part of these people's lives.

Crittenden Press, June 22, 1911

• Wheat cutting is all the go at this writing; corn is growing very fast on account of the recent rains.
• Miss Arlie and Austin Shelton, of Dixon, Ky., who have been visiting their uncle, W. G. Conditt, returned home Monday accompanied by Miss Grace Conditt, who will be their guest for a few days.
• Messrs Rufus and Roy Terry, of Chicago, Ill., visited friends and relatives in this vicinity last week.
• Walter Worley and Miss Stella Robinson, of Forest Grove, attended Sunday School at this place Sunday afternoon.
• Our Sunday School is preparing to have some Children's Day exercises in the near future.
• W. L. Terry and family passed through the neighborhood Sunday evening enroute home from a visit to W. B. Rankin.
• Mrs. Caroline Belt visited her daughter, Mrs. J. U. G. Cleghorn, last week.
• Miss Susie Barnes gave a birthday party to quite a number of her young friends Friday evening, and everyone present reported a nice time.
• We all hope that these talked of turnpikes will materialize in the near future; but in the meantime some respectable dirt roads would come in pretty handy.

County Court Items of Interest

The old County Court books in our Court House reveals much history of our past. Here are some interesting items that I found recently.

County Court Book 13, page 43, Feb. 26, 1906

• On motion of L. Berlin a resident of this county and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that he is a man of good moral character, it is therefore ordered that he be granted License to peddle goods, wares and in a one horse vehickle in this county for one year from this date. Said Berlin's description is as follows: age -29 yrs, height- 5 ft 5 ins, weight - 128 lbs., dark complexion, dark hair and blue eyes.
• It is ordered by the court that George Ann Adams and her two children, aged 2 and 6 be and they are hereby declared pauper's and that they be delivered to the keeper of the poor house for care and attention as the law directs.
• On motion of Charles T. Riley, a citizen of this county and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that he is a man of good moral character, it is therefore ordered that he be granted license to peddle patent medicine in the county for one year and who's description is a follows: about 30 years of age, 5 ft 5 ins in height, weight 154 lbs, light complexion, blue eyes, light hair and sandy mustache and is to travel on foot in selling said articles.
• On motion of B. B. Terry, a citizen of this county and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that he is a man of good moral character, it is therefore ordered that he be granted license to peddle goods, wares, merchandise, jewelry, drugs, ect, in the county for one year. His description is as follows: 35 years of age, wight about 160 lbs, light red hair, light complexioned, height-5ft 10 ins and blue eyes, and is to travel in a one-horse wagon.
• June 13, 1906 - It is ordered by the court that Stephen and Melvina Marvel residents of this county be and they are hereby declared paupers and that they be delivered to the keeper of the poor house for care and attention as the law directs.

Odessa School

Located several miles from Marion on the Blackburn Church Road used to be a little one room school that few people now remember. It was named Odessa School. The picture at right was made in the 1970's after the school had been discontinued for many years. Today the school house has been remodeled and is used as a family dwelling.

From the files of The Crittenden Press dated, Jan. 5, 1911 we can find out what was happening at Odessa School.

The 6th, 7th and 8th grades are doing some good work. The third grade pupils are coming right on - just watch them. The first and second grades will soon be promoted. The average attendance is 32.

Our trustee, C. H. McConnell, and Superintendent, E. J. Travis, have had new patent seats placed in the school house. This is a great improvement over the long "bench."

The school enjoyed a pleasant trip to the old noted Saltpeter Cave last Friday afternoon. This is one of the wonders in East Crittenden.

The Honor roll of Odessa school for the 4th week ending Dec. 16th, is as follows:

• First grade - Robert Herron, Roy Herron, Leslie D Avis, Allie McNeelye, Delmer Travis, Elsie Coleman and Lucy McChesney.
• Second grade - Alma Herron, Lexie Coleman, Robert Warren, Leona Coleman and Ray Travis.
• Third grade - Lera McConnell, Jessie Travis, Hubert Herron, Herbert Herron, Roy Coleman, Richard Edlder, Freddie Travis, Sarah Elder, Dixie Travis, Allie McChesney, Ila Stembridge, Dixie McChesney.
• Fifth grade - Nellie Davis, Pearl Travis, Lewis Coleman, Herbert Vanhooser, Ernest Davis, Cora McConnell, Ila Winn, Ray Eldr, Lena Coleman and Rosa Herron.
• Seventh grade - Robert Vanhooser, Henry McConnell, Hodge McNeeley, Mable, Maud and Ethel McConnell.
• Eighth grade - Cole McConnell.

News item written by their teacher J. B. McNeeley.

Native Sons Return To County

In July 1934 Crittenden County was having an "Old Home Week" for Crittenden County natives that were scattered throughout the land.

From all corners of the United States, they returned to visit friends and relatives that they had not seen for many, many years. Perhaps never before were so many of Crittenden County's sons and daughters back home at one time.

Among the ones that had been away for several years, Hal Dorr heads the list. He left Marion in 1899 and this was his first trip back in 36 years. Mr. Dorr now resides at Los Angeles, Calif. While here he visited Miss Anna Eliza Johnson, Dallas Dunning, Howard Henry, W. O. Tucker and others in Marion and Pate Stewart and Kit Shepherd at Tolu.

While here Mr. Dorr met one of his boyhood neighbors, Massie Champion, who now lives in Oklahoma City, Okla., who was back for the first time in 27 years.

Mr. T. N. Cochran say he remembers very distinctly when the Dorr family moved away, as he was superintendent of the Marion Methodist Sunday School at that time, and the Dorr family with two other families moved away about the same time taking 25 members of the Sunday School that then numbered less than one hundred.

Mr. and Mrs. Lacy Nunn and daughter, of Columbia, La., were here for the first time in seven years. They were visiting Mr. Nunn's relatives here.

Alvie Walker, a resident of New York City, for the past 9 years, visited his mother, Mrs. Sarah Walker At Deanwood.

Ray C. Love and children, of Titusville, Fla., visited Mr. and Mrs. Walter Love for their first return in 14 years.

The Fiddlers

Here is another fun activity that took place at the Marion Opera House in April of 1902.

The Old Fiddlers Contest proved to be one of the most successful entertainments Marion has ever enjoyed. The Opera house was packed with people, and thirty-four old fiddlers decorated the stage with their goodly appearance and charmed the listening throng with their old time melodies.

When the curtains rose the thirty-four violins were pouring forth the stirring strains of "Dixie" and the audience rose to its feet and cheered and cheered.

After this came the contest between six of the fiddlers with the "Arkansaw Traveler" as the theme. Dr. W. F. Randalls won the prize.

Then came the various other contests, all with their unique and charming features. The greatest interest centered in the contest of the "Best Old Time Fiddler." All of the old pieces were heard in this, Dan Tucker, Yankee Doodle, Old Back Joe, Billy in the Low Ground, Leather Breeches, Natchez Under the Hill, Fisher's Hornpipe, Devil's Dream. Each fiddler chose his own piece.

The prize hung in the balance until J. H. Johnson, the man with the green fiddle, stepped to the front and began his medley of all old tunes. His violin laughed, wept, sang in the soft tones, stormed, screeched and cooed. In a minute he had the crowd with him, and in two minutes he had demonstrated that he was the master of the occasion. He won the capital prize.

Other who won prizes were: Leeson Lawson, Barney Thurman, of Blackford, J. M. Loovorn of Marion, T. E. Bartley, Robert McCarrol, Dr. Bourne, John Morris of Hopkinsville.

Our own boys won the plaudits of the audience, Charley Davis, Jim Loovern, Billie Marvel, Billie Duvall made sweet music and enjoyed the occasion.

J. H. Johnson, the winner, lives at Fords Ferry, played a fiddle made by a Fords Ferry man, - Lee Yeakey. He is an artist.

Edgie Gregory, of Dycusburg, edged in with his banjo to the delight of the audience.

The old time melodies charmed the audience for over two hours.