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90 Years Ago
October 4, 1918
Miss Alma Elliott enrolled in Gem City Business College in Quincy. Her brother, Russell Elliott, was a student in Quincy College.
Dr. Rush Turner received a call to report at Fort Riley, Kan., October 15 for duty with the medical corps, having a rating of captain.
Lieut. Russell B. Wilson, a member of the U.S. Army Air Force, was stationed at the French aviation field at D’Avord.
Miss Dona Peters and Merle Tooley were married September 26. The wedding of Miss Alma VanMarter and Gregory Buckman took place October 3.
A total of 1700 persons attended the various Protestant churches in Monroe City, Sunday September 29 in observance of a “Go To Church” drive in the city.

80 Years Ago
October 5, 1928
Miss Marian McAllister and Casey E. Fahy were married October 8 at Holy Rosary Church.
A. Lee Ely was elected president of the Ralls County Farm Bureau to succeed B.F. Finley of Rensselaer who had served as president for six years.
Sam Branch, Boyd Morthland, Mrs. C.E. Frederick and Mrs. John Byrd were elected delegates from Warren Township to Missouri Farmers’ Week at Columbia.

70 Years Ago
October 6, 1938
Miss Isabelle Lefever entered St. John’s Hospital nursing school at Springfield, Ill. She graduated from Holy Rosary High School with the class of 1938.
Seven students were initiated into the Monroe City Chapter of the National Band and Orchestra Honor Society. They were Nancy Pipkin, Eugene Kelly, Joe Christian, Mary Frances Wilson, Marilyn Henderson, Francis Elliott and Marjorie Dean.
The Rev. W.O.G. Potter of St. Joseph was assigned to the pastorate of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He succeeded the Rev. E.H. Farmer, who was assigned to the Canton Church, after serving for seven years in this church.
Mr. and Mrs. A.F. Griffith observed their 55th wedding anniversary October 2.
The wedding of Mrs. Effie Gones to Dr. R.C. Galbraith of this city took place September 29 at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.B. Danner in Palmyra.
J. Nelson Harris, the last surviving veteran of the Civil War in Monroe City and community, died at the age of 98. Harris served with the Confederate Forces of Gen. Sterling Price.

60 Years Ago
October 7, 1948
Mr. and Mrs. Orville Finnigan were parents of a son, Dennis Patrick, born October 2. Mr. and Mrs. John Ellis were parents of a son, John Mack, born October 3.
The Rev. David T. Morrison was returned as pastor of the Methodist Church in Monroe City for his second year. The Rev. T.P. Middleton was returned as pastor of the Florida Circuit of Methodist churches.
Mrs. John L. Evans observed her 100th birthday anniversary October 8. She was the mother of Miss Maude Evans and Mrs. P.F. White of this city, and Elmer E. Evans of Hunnewell. Her brother was Charles L. Elzea, south of the city.
George Settle left for Phoenix, Ariz., to spend the winter.

50 Years Ago
October 2, 1958
Maurice Ritter took in over $700 worth of work in the three day 10th anniversary of Ritter’s Cleaners. He had turned back prices to what they were opening day 10 years prior.
Miss Carol Ann Brasket of Crystal City, Mo., and Dr. Joseph D. Spalding were married September 20 in Tampa, Fla.
According to a census taken by the Catholic men in the community there were 1,201 catholics in Holy Rosary parish and the missions of Brush Creek and Hunnewell.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Greeves observed their golden wedding anniversary September 16 with a family dinner, at which all their children were present.
Carl Simmons had been selected to enter the advanced air force reserve officers’ training program at the University of Missouri.
John Henderson was elected president of the Panther Growl. Ann Long and Becky Boling were elected assistant editors. Jim Studer was elected treasurer of the student council and Peggy Sue Trussell was elected reporter.

40 Years Ago
October 3, 1968
Henderson Produce Company was to close after 70 years of business in Monroe City effective November 1 according to Milt Chamberlain, president of Seymour Foods of Topeka, Kan.
Eighty-three swine were sold at the FFA Swine Sale held at the Purebred Sales Pavilion. The average of $83 per head was an increase of $10 per head than last year.
Football Homecoming candidates included Susan Adams and Monica Talbot, sophomore; Sherry Mudd and Candace Roberts, freshman; Betty Yager and Jeanne Griffin, junior; and Janet Schachtsiek and Jill Hagan, senior.
Miss Connie Bailey of Hannibal and Thomas Thurman of rural Monroe City announced plans to be married in January.
Seaman Guy East left for Treasure Island, Calif., Oct. 1 for two years of active duty in the U.S. Navy. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Russell East.
Cadet Fred J. Chinn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Chinn, was selected for membership in the Wentworth Military Academy’s “Marching Band” in the trumpet section.
Births: a daughter, Paula Sue, October 1 to Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Platt of Kinderhook, Ill.; a son, Jeffery Scott, September 17 to Mr. and Mrs. Joe R. Mudd of Ashtabula, Ohio.
Sp/4 Richard Elliott graduated Sept. 12 from mechanics track school at Fort Knox, Ky.

30 Years Ago
September 28, 1978
Bleigh Construction was awarded the bid to build the by-pass around Monroe City. The cost of the project was $2,599,340.15.
The Monroe City Council voted unanimously to build a water line from the tower east to County Line Road. The line was expected to cost approximately $40,000. Diemakers had pledged $10,000 toward the project and the Monroe City Development Corporation, $5,000.
Mayor Owen Benton presented Paul Kinzer with a 25 year pin for his work with the sewer department. Alderwoman Areleta Utterback presented 25 year pins to firemen Carl Shively and Bill Kern.
Births: a son, Joshua Danks, August 26 to Mr. and Mrs. Ray Edwards of Springfield, Ill.; a son, William Bradley, September 22 to Mr. and Mrs. Bill Pfanner.
Jim Kurz was presented the Supersweet Trail Blazer Award for the second year in a row for his outstanding performance and overall achievement as sales and territorial manager for Supersweet Feeds, Higginsville, Mo.
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Kendrick celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary with all 11 of their children present.

20 Years Ago
October 6, 1988
The Monroe City Fire Department was to hosting an open house in observance with National Fire Prevention Week. Members of the fire department include: Rick Adams, Jim Lawless, Pat Kendrick, Paul Yochum, Jerry Botkins, Tony Zeiger, Dan Foster, Keith Hays, Greg Long, David Wilson, Tony Mayer, Ron Williams, Steve Kendrick, Phil Whelan, Bill Thorndyke, Kim James, Bill Elliott, Gary McElroy, captain; Terry Shively, chief; and Mike Hays, assistant chief.
Sims Jewelry was to open at the Mark Twain Center owned by Gary Sims of Macon.
Steve Porter was granted a limited law license to practice law by the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He is the son of Glen and Kay Porter and is a third year law student at the University of Tulsa College of Law.
Births: a son, Adam Nickolas, September 30 to Randy and Holly Parn.

10 Years Ago
October 5, 1998
Taken from the files of The Lake Gazette
Robin Murphy, daughter of Glenn and Becky Murphy, was crowned Football Homecoming Queen and Kip Kendrick, son of Bob and Dianne Kendrick, King. Other candidates included: Jami Mayes, Valerie King, Nola Crane, Kyle Watson, Candace Utterback, Josh Dowell, Megan Shoemaker, Jason Chinn, Kelsey Thompson and Kyle Hays.
Arts In The Park was scheduled for Saturday at St. Jude’s Park. The Monroe City Mural was to be dedicated along with other activities throughout the morning and afternoon.
The Monroe City Fire Department was to host an open house during Fire Prevention Week. Members of the department include: Gary McElroy, fire chief; Bill Elliott, assistant chief; Tony Zeiger, captain; Keith Amos, Stanley Thompson, Darryl Cooper, Jason Scobee, Mark Ramsey, Jason Taylor, David Wilson, Troy Porter, John E. Long, Ronnie Smith, Rich Enochs, Greg Long, Jackie Dean, Terry Osborn, Kevin Lorenson, Larry Greeves, Steve Yates and Robbie Ellison.   557 081001 10/1/2008 his

Paula Baker and her daughter Gabby from Philadelphia were frequent volunteers at The Farm this year. Gabby has found some interesting articles, including this handle that was perhaps from an ice cream maker and a miniture tea cup.

More than 30 volunteers helped solve mysteries at the Historical John A. Quarles Farm archaeological dig near Florida during the 2008 season that ended Saturday, September 27.

“The Farm” became well known when Florida native Samuel Clemens, known to the world as Mark Twain, published his autobiography. He described it as a “heavenly place” for a boy, who spent many summer months as a member of his Uncle Quarles household. It was here he gained many of the ideas for his books, including Jim, who it is believed was modeled after Uncle Dan’l of the farm.

Last year Karen Hunt, current owner of the property, began a fulfilling a dream that began with her Master’s thesis: to excavate the site, layer by layer in an attempt to document many of the author’s stories. Her long-range plan is to restore and reconstruct the Quarles farm over the next few years, through the effort of donations and volunteers.

Terry and Cathy Blakley from Monroe County, south of Paris, stopped by for the open house Saturday. Karen explained that the house they are excavating faced east, toward the lane that ran in front of it then. A replacement house was built south of the old root cellar sometime after 1858. A dated fruit jar was found in the dig house this spring. An 1876 Centennial harmonica was found about 10” down by one fireplace.

Charred wood and glass fragments have been uncovered that show the placement of rooms. Hunt said the archeological evidence supports that logs from the original home were probably removed and used elsewhere, and then the remaining part of the foundation burned after the new house was finished. The dig house was probably used for storage for a time but was gone by the turn of the last century. The replacement farm house that was previously recognized as the original Quarles farm house burned in 1924.

When work begins May 25-30, 2009, volunteers will begin excavating the kitchen area. This area, and the slave quarters which will be the focus of other digs, hold the promise of uncovering even more artifacts that will help bring the adventures of a youthful Sam Clemens to life, not only for those working on the project, but future generations.

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Dale Whitman, professor and dean emeritus of the School of Law, receives congratulations from a law alumnus. Robert L. Hawkins Jr. and his wife, Elizabeth Hunter Hawkins, gave $1.1 million for a faculty chair named in Whitman’s honor.

A donation of $1.1 million to the University of Missouri School of Law will create the first faculty chair, the Robert L. Hawkins, Jr. /Dale A. Whitman Chair.

MU School of Law alumnus, Robert L. Hawkins Jr. and his wife, Elizabeth Hunter Hawkins, recently made the donation that also will honor their friend Dale A. Whitman, who was a professor at the MU School of Law and served as dean from 1982-1988.

“For more than 60 years, Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins dedicated their lives to service. Their commitment has meant a great deal to the University of Missouri, especially in the construction of Hulston Hall,” MU Chancellor Brady Deaton said. “We are able to say with certainty that law students will forever recognize the names Robert L. Hawkins Jr. and Elizabeth Hunter Hawkins.”

During his tenure as dean, Whitman helped develop the campaign to construct Hulston Hall, the School of Law’s current location that was dedicated in 1988. Hawkins refers to Whitman as having “saved the law school” with his work.

“Our hope is that this endowed chair will bring a professor of great national stature to the MU campus,” Hawkins said. “I also am pleased to honor my great friendship and admiration for Dale Whitman by including his name in the first faculty chair for the law school. Nothing either one of us could do for the school could be too much.”

Robert Lewis Hawkins Jr. graduated at the top of his class from the MU School of Law in 1948. As a law student, he was a member of the Order of the Coif and served as editor of the Missouri Law Review. From 1948 -1951 he was an associate with the law firm of Hunter, Chamier & Motley in Moberly. In 1951, Hawkins opened a law practice in Monroe City. While there, he served as the city attorney of Monroe City and prosecuting attorney of Monroe County. In 1956, Hawkins moved to Jefferson City, where he practiced law for the remainder of his career.

Hawkins served on the Board of Governors of the Missouri Bar for 11 years and was president of the Bar from 1973-1974. He also served 12 years on the Board of Trustees of the Missouri Bar Foundation. Hawkins was the first lawyer from outstate Missouri to be elected to the 31-member Board of Governors of the American Bar Association, where he chaired the Association’s Finance Committee. From 1983-1991, Hawkins was a member of the Supreme Court of Missouri Advisory Committee, which had oversight in matters of legal ethics and lawyer discipline.

Always a supporter of the MU School of Law, Hawkins chaired the fundraising efforts for the private funds portion of Hulston Hall. He served as trustee for 10 years and as president for the MU Law School Foundation for two years. He also was a charter member of the MU Law Society, the leading financial support group of the law school.

Elizabeth Hunter Hawkins graduated from Jefferson City Junior College in 1941. The next year, she married Robert L. Hawkins Jr. A Girl Scout since the age of 10, Hawkins remained active in the organization through her teen years. In Moberly, and later in Monroe City, Hawkins served as a Girl Scout leader and helped organize kindergartens in public schools.

After moving to Jefferson City in 1957, she served as secretary of the Women’s Guild of Faith Lutheran Church. She also served as an advisor for the church’s youth group and on the church’s Board of Trustees. Mrs. Hawkins is a 60-year member of PEO, Century Study Club and is a lifetime member of the Cole County Historical Society. She was a charter member of the Missouri Governor’s Mansion docents and served for 30 years. She is also a genealogist, writing books for each of her children and grandchildren and tracing her and her husband’s families back to the 12th century.

The Hawkins’ gift puts the MU School of Law over its $17 million goal in the For All We Call Mizzou. In the past eight years, alumni and friends have contributed $17,002,803 to the Law School.

“Reaching this milestone has greatly enhanced the university’s ability to provide an outstanding legal education and serve the legal profession and the public,” Deaton said.

The For All We Call Mizzou campaign total for all of MU’s schools and colleges combined is now $973 million. The university will celebrate raising $1 billion in spring 2009. Private gifts to the campaign enhance MU’s ability to compete nationally and internationally for the best students and faculty and provide broad access for students of all economic backgrounds to Missouri’s flagship university.
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An exciting array of planes, Apache and Blackhawk helicopters, parachuting exhibitions and military displays will highlight Saturday’s renaming of the Monroe City Airport to the CPT Ben Smith Airfield.

The event will be held at the Monroe City municipal airport from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, to honor Smith, who was killed in Iraq in November of 2006. Present to honor the fallen soldier will be many members of his family, fellow graduates of West Point Military Academy, fellow soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division and his fellow classmates from the 1983 graduating class of Monroe City R-1 High School, who will hold their 15-year-class reunion on the day that would have been Smith’s birthday.

Young people 8-17 who are inspired by Smith’s valor and dedication to country also will be given an opportunity to participate in the Young Eagles program. Local aviators will provide educational opportunities for youngsters, in addition to providing free flights that day for participants. Groundschool will be held at 10:00 a.m. and is a prerequisite to get a free flight.

Smith was the pilot of a Army Blackhawk.

The son of (Swinkey) Bill and Kathy Smith, Smith had graduated from Monroe City in 1993, He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served two years in South Korea., before being accepted at West Point Military School where he was commissioned as a lieutenant upon graduation in 1999. He received helicopter training at Fort Rucker, Ala., where he met his wife, Margaret Bradley, who also was in training. She will be present for the event.

There will be numerous military and political dignitaries on hand during the day’s event which also commemorates the 40th anniversary of the opening of the local municipal airport.

The schedule of events is as follows:
6 a.m. to 2 p.m. - aircraft arrivals and departures
7 a.m. - pancake breakfast served by Chamber of Commerce
9 a.m. - posting of colors, singing of National Anthem and playing of patriotic tunes by Monroe City R-1 High School Band
10 a.m. - Young Eagles Ground School and pre-flight training
10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. - free airplane flights for Young Eagles
10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. - barbecue by Indian Creek and Monroe City Knights of Columbus
11 a.m. - dedication in airport hangar
2 p.m. - closing ceremony

Apache and Blackhawk helicopters, the University of Missouri Air Evacuation Helicopters, specialty aircraft and aircraft owned by Monroe City aviators will be on display. Displays of Smith’s memorabilia and displays by the 101st Army Airborne and Missouri National Guard also will be available for viewing throughout the day. There also will be kiddie train rides.   519 081001 10/1/2008 nws

PJ Gannon of the legendary St. Louis Irish Arts, will headline the entertainment at Arts in the Park on Saturday, October 18, at 11 a.m., in Monroe City.

From Dunmore, Galway, Ireland, Patrick James became a physician, married and then emigrated with his family to take a position in St. Louis in 1967. By playing music on the piano accordion and harmonica, PJ encouraged his family to learn music and to keep the Irish traditions alive. PJ worked in hospital throughout St. Louis as a physiciatrist (sic) for almost 50 years. Now fully retired, he enjoys teaching weekly lessons in singing, recitation and harmonica at St. Louis Irish Arts.

PJ is the winner of two senior Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann championships on the harmonica. In September, PJ traveled to the Comhaltas cultural center Bru Boru in Cashel, Ireland for the official release of PJ Gannon - Harmonica and Harp, featuring slow airs on harmonica accompanied by his daughter, Eileen Gannon on harp, as well as recitations by various poets including the famous, W.B. Yeats.

Eileen Gannon
As the youngest child of Helen and PJ Gannon, Eileen was born into music at St. Louis Irish Arts. She began playing Irish harp at the age of seven. Eileen completed in the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, which is the All-Ireland Music Championships, and won the Senior Harp All-Ireland in 2000.

Eileen earned the Bronze Congressional Medal. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in music from St. Louis University and masters degree in ethnomusicology from the University of Limerick in Ireland.

Eileen completed the Teastais Teagaisc Cheol Tire (TTCT) course, a program created by
Comhaltas to certify teachers of traditional Irish music, in 2002.

Eileen has recorded on all of the St. Louis Irish Arts albums including the most recent PJ and Eileen Gannon on Harmonica and Harp.

Eileen has been teaching at S. Louis Irish Arts for 16 years and specialized in Irish harp. She also teaches classical harp technique. Currently, she conducts classes for grupai cheol, harp and piano accompaniment.

Aside from teaching Irish music at St. Louis Irish Arts, Eileen is an aerobics instructor and dance specialist for Springboard to Learning - a not-for-profit program that provides cultural opportunities for St. Louis public school students.
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