90 Years Ago
Sept. 1, 1920
Miss Edna Finch and Harold C. Kern were married Sept. 2 in Quincy. Miss Mae McAllister and J.O. Elliott were married Aug. 26 in Holy Rosary Church. Miss Frances Wicks of Center and Delbert E. Stoddard were married Sept. 1 in Hannibal. Miss Juliet Green and Dr. Eugene E. Brown were married in St. Louis Sept. 1. Miss Gladys Utterback and James Orville O’Daniel were married Sept. 1 in Hannibal. Miss Effie Danner of Palmyra and Alvin Gones were married in Quincy Aug. 29.
The Rev. T.M. Barbee resigned as pastor of the Presbyterian Church here to take charge of the Presbyterian School of the Ozarks at Hollister.
A record enrollment of 130 pupils was set at St. Stephen School at Indian Creek. The parochial high school was established in 1916, the grade school being the Indian Creek district school, but taught also by Sisters of the Benedictine Order.
Jasper McClintic, C.A. McClintic and N.A. Drescher bid $135 per acre for the 160-acre farm known as the Glahn farm three miles northeast of Monroe City which was sold at auction. The total purchase price was $21,600.
A total of 495 students were enrolled in the school in Monroe City for the 1930-31 term. Of these 304 were students in the city public school of whom 151 were enrolled in the high school and 153 in the grades. The Holy Rosary enrollment numbered 76 in high school and 115 in the grades.
Lloyd W. King entered upon his 11th year as superintendent of the Monroe City public schools with the opening of the new school year. Faculty assignments were as follows: Roy W. Carpenter, vocational agriculture; L.A. VanDyke, science, mathematics and physical education; Mrs. C.A. Noland, English and home economics; Miss Esther Wilson, Latin and teacher training; Miss Ruth Greear, English and commerce; Mrs. Edgar Knight, social studies and dramatics; Logan Zahn, band and grade school principal; Miss Rice Maupin, instrumental music; Mrs. Glen Mitchell, 8th grade citizenship; Miss Mildred Wade, history and physical education; Miss Manona Shearman, arithmetic and geography; Miss Georgia Renshaw, 1 grade and 9th grade arithmetic; Miss Helen Delaney, 2nd grade and grade school reading; Miss Sallie Pollard, 3rd and 4th grade.
Seven of the teachers of rural schools in Ralls County were from Monroe City, their salaries ranging from $70 to $90 per month. The teachers were: Edyth Boarman, Hereford, $70; Myrtle Settle, Gentry, $75; Jeannette Adams, Rock Lick, $70; Elsie Lewellen, Johnson, $70; Willie Mary Shearman, Huntington, $90; Frances Williams, Yager, $75; Sarah Martin, Salt River, $75.
The Bethel Baptist Association at its 86th annual meeting at Philadelphia, voted to set aside a page in its minutes this year as a memorial to the late David M. Proctor of this city, for the many years as associational treasurer.
80 Years Ago
Sept. 4, 1930
Dr. R. C. Galbraith opened an office in the Union Savings Bank building for the practice of dentistry.
Miss Lucille Moss and Lorraine E. Ross were married Aug. 28 in the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. Moss.
Miss Rosalie Spalding of this city, also Miss Virginia Saunders and Miss Dorothy Tyner of Lakenan, enrolled as student nurses in St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis.
Mrs. Harry Hord and J.S. Kern were married Sept. 2.
Stoutsville was offering three years of high school work. Charles B. Robertson was superintendent with Miss Irene Krummel as the other high school teachers. Mrs. Robertson and Miss Mary Douglas were grade teachers.
70 Years Ago
Sept. 5, 1940
A total of 451 students enrolled in the schools in Monroe City for the 1940-41 term. The Monroe City public school enrolled 144 white high school students and 136 in the grade school and 27 Negro students in Washington high school and 47 in the grades. Holy Rosary parochial school enrolled 61 students in the high school and 76 in the grades.
A.L. Crow was entering upon his sixth year as superintendent of the city public schools. Other teachers in the high school were: W.C. Pevestorff, principal and physical education; Miss Mary Margaret Smith, vocational home economics; Miss Grace White, English and mathematics; Miss Crystal Loughead, commerce; R.M. Luyster, vocational agriculture; Don Randolph, science and assistant coach; John Henry Winn, band and Miss Rice Maupin, instrumental music; Mrs. Lucille Mitchell, principal of the elementary school and teacher of the sixth grade, also history in high school, and Miss Manona Shearman, seventh grade teacher, also geography in high school. Other grade teachers were: Miss Helen Delaney, grade 5 and 6; Miss Sallie Pollard, grades 3 and 4; and Miss Georgia Renshaw, grades 1 and 2.
Eugene Kelly, son of Mr. and Mrs. E.D. Kelly, entered the Novitiate of the Society of Jesus at Stanislaus Seminary at Florissant.
Miss Helen Bub of DeSoto and James Ritter of this city were married Aug. 31. Miss Margaret Reichoff and Phillip Karcher were married in Holy Rosary Church Sept. 2.
60 Years Ago
Sept. 7, 1950
A total of 588 students enrolled in the schools of Monroe City on Sept. 5, an increase of 38 pupils over 1949. A total of 385 students enrolled in the city white public school of which 162 were in high school and 223 in the grades. Washington School had a grade enrollment of 57. Holy Rosary enrolled 47 pupils in the high school and 99 in grade school.
A daughter was born Sept. 3 to the Rev. and Mrs. E.C. Owensby. She was their second child and second daughter.
Mr. and Mrs. George Dowell were parents of a daughter born Sept. 2.
Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Jarman, southeast of Monroe City, observed their 50th wedding anniversary Sept. 4. The date also marked the 76th birthday of Mr. Jarman.
Miss Marjorie Krigbaum, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Krigbaum of near Paris, and Ivan Lee Lewellen were married Aug. 27.
Miss Matilda Imogene Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Miller of near Monroe City, and Robert Lee Griffith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Griffith of near Paris, were married Sept. 3.
50 Years Ago
Sept. 1, 1960
A total of 981 students enrolled in Monroe City R-I school system on Monday, Aug. 29. There were 32 preschool age children enrolled for the kindergarten, with Mrs. Robert Clark, teacher. Indian Creek elementary school opened with 78 elementary students in all classes.
Miss Donna Boling, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Boling of Spalding, and James Gottman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Everett Gottman, north of Monroe City, were married Sunday, Aug. 21, at the Spalding Christian Church.
Miss Carolyn Simmons, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Simmons of Monroe City, and John Geist, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Geist, east of Monroe City were married Aug. 27, in Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
Miss Cynthia Saunders, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Saunders, of near Lakenan, was named queen of the 72nd annual Old Settlers reunion at Shelbyville.
Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Taylor were parents of a son, born Aug. 29. He was their second son and third child.
Mrs. Jenice P. Rouse, mother of Mrs. Lee Jarman, southeast of Monroe City, observed her 92nd birthday Sept. 5.
The Rev. Harold L. Dodds, pastor of the Methodist Church, attended a school for Methodist pastors on the campus of Central College, Fayette.
Contributions for the Monroe County cancer drive totaled $2,340.77.
Col. A.J. D’Arezzo of St. Louis, district engineer of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, met with the Joanna Dam group for a luncheon at Clarksville, after which he made a survey flight by helicopter over the Salt River basin area to acquaint him with local details of the project.
John Simpson of Memphis was hired by the Monroe City Council as superintendent of the municipal utilities at a salary of $5,500 per year.
H.C. Kern and son purchased the swimming pool property from Lee Pierceall of Washington, D.C., and were to convert it into a laundromat.
Anthony Walker, Ronald Swearingen and Harry Fahle were advanced to Life Scouts in ceremonies in the basement of the First Baptist Church. Robert Barnes, Jr., was advanced to star Scout and Carl Swearingen, Marion Mitchell, James Berlin, Ronald McElroy and Gary Baker to Second Class Scouts. Thomas Overly advanced to First Class Scout and Michael Baker, James Berlin and Howard Willard received merit badges.
40 Years Ago
Aug. 27, 1970
The Monroe City R-I public schools opened with an enrollment of 1099 students. There were 421 in the high school, 218 in junior high and 460 in the elementary.
Joe Davis, manager of the Rainbow Motel, grew a 10-foot tall “Tree” tomato at the back of the motel.
Births: a son, was born Aug. 14 to Rev. and Mrs. Jerome V. Wohlfeil of Lamar, Colo.; a son, Aug. 22 to Dr. and Mrs. Edward A. Beron of Los Angeles, Calif.
Miss Ruth Loutenschlager and Anthony Mayer were married Aug. 21 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
30 Years Ago
Aug. 28, 1980
Miss Caroline Zillion was named Miss Monroe City during the annual Miss Monroe City Pageant held during the Fall Festival. Her royalty included Kallene Downs, first runner-up; Carla Beaver, second runner-up; Carol Gottman, third runner-up; and Lisa Seward, fourth runner-up. Ozzie Osbourn was master of ceremonies.
Births: a son, Marc Edward, Aug. 8 to Mr. and Mrs. Doug Wohlers of Aranzville, Ill.; a daughter, Aug. 14 to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Platz of Columbia; a daughter, Mary Virginia, Aug. 16 to Mr. and Mrs. Doug Touck of Independence; a daughter, Aug. 22 to Mr. and Mrs. Terry Brown of Warren; a son, Glyndall, Tully, Aug. 20 to Mr. and Mrs. Steve Tonsor; a son, Adam Michael, Aug. 24 to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Bichsel of Denver, Colo.; a daughter Jessica Lynn, Aug. 19 to Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Moss.
Mr. and Mrs. William Long celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary with a party at their home on Aug. 19. The couple was married near Ely in 1923.
Miss Pam Alcorn and Harold Hooper were married Aug. 2 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church by Rev. Father John Groner.
Christy Spalding, daughter of Larry Spalding and Mrs. Ann Fray, was one of the winners in the 4-H beef cattle show at the Missouri State Fair. She placed with her early summer yearling heifer. Other local youths who participated in the fair were Scott Fray, Kevin Jones, Richard Harrison, Mitch Drew, Michael Powell and David Ketsenburg.
20 Years Ago
Aug. 30, 1990
The Monroe City Booster Club was trying to raise money to build a new weight room at the high school and had raised a total of $7,000 towards the $20,000 needed to build the facility.
The Monroe City Jaycees were sponsoring their annual Labor Day fundraiser. The Jaycees raised $9,600 in 1989.
The Farmers Elevator & Exchange was to plan its 70th annual stockholders meeting. Bill Janes was manager and Mike Utterback was manager of operations of the elevator, which employed 15 people. Over $50,000 was to be distributed in patronage refunds.
Births: a daughter, Laura Ann, Aug. 14 to Jay and Lynette Williams; a daughter, Alexis Deann, Aug. 17 to Steven and Dana Fahle; a daughter, Megan Nicole, Aug. 27 to Mr. and Mrs. Keith Geist.
A surprise celebration was held Aug. 26 for Charles and Phyllis Foster for their wedding anniversary. The couple was married Aug. 28, 1959 at the Arch Street Methodist Church in Hannibal by Rev. B.A. Vangiesen.
10 Years Ago
Aug. 29, 2000
Taken from the files of The Lake Gazette
Monroe City native, Adam Kendrick was to be one of the bull riders to participate in the Mark Twain Lake BOA Championship Finals Labor Day Weekend. He is the son of Scott and Cheryl Kennison of near Centralia.
The enrollment of the Monroe City R-I school district was down from projected numbers of last years totals. The current enrollment was 808 students. There were 499 students in the elementary and middle school, while there were 309 students at the high school.
Births: a son, Jonathon Matthew, Aug. 20 to Matt and Tina Saxbury.
Members of the 129th Infantry, 37th Division of World War II Veterans met in Monroe City for their 18th reunion. Thirty men and women and nine guests were among those attending. Mrs. Russell Smith was hostess. Her husband served with Company A from Nov. 3, 1942 to Dec. 23, 1945.
 

By Nancy Stone
Although gold had been found in Alaska as early as 1861, the influx of thousands of prospective miners came in the late 1890s, nearly a half century after the California gold rush. News from the Monroe and Shelby county men who faced hardships along the Overland Trail in 1849-50 was slow to reach home. Letters were often sent back with those who gave up early and were then published in local newspapers months after they were written.
By 1898 the long wagon trains and the related hardships along the Overland Trail from St. Joseph, Missouri, to northern California were a thing of the past. Railroads facilitated travel to the Alaskan gold fields. The telegraph and regular mail service had improved communications but letters that gave detailed accounts of the prospects for riches in Alaska were still welcome additions to the local newspapers. When those who had been in Alaska returned, editors found their experiences were of great local interest. One such interview was published in the Monroe County Appeal. As James B. Davis predicted, it was only a question of time until Alaska became a Mecca for pleasure and health seekers, such as Lake Gazette columnist, Frieda Marie Crump, who shared her recent vacation experiences and frustrations that pale by comparison to those of those who went to Alaska in search of gold a century ago.
From the Monroe County Appeal, August 17, 1900:
James B. Davis, who returned to Paris last week after an absence of more than two years in Alaska, thinks that territory has a bright future as producer of gold, timber and other articles of commerce. In conversation with an APPEAL man on Tuesday he said:
“While it is true that thousands of men have lost large sums of money and months of time in a vein search for gold in Alaska, it is also true that some of the best paying mines in the world have been located in that territory. The big trading and transportation companies have used these strikes to create the impression that all of that immense country was so rich with the precious metal that all a man had to do was to go up there and gather it up. This false impression caused tens of thousands of men to rush into Alaska and as most of them knew nothing about prospecting or the hardships that awaited them they found nothing but bitter disappointment instead of a golden future. But, on the other hand, others made rich strikes enough to prove that gold exists up there in paying quantities. Contrary to general opinions, the territory has not been thoroughly prospected, nor will it be for years to come. No man should go to Alaska who is not willing to stay a good long time, exercise patience, and endure the hardships that accompany intelligent prospecting.
“When I left Magic City on July 19 the claims were panning out well. Claim No. 10 on Mission Creek was working five men and was yielding an average of $100 per man per day. Our claim is only 1320 feet above No. 10 and though we had been able to do but little prospecting we found enough gold to convince us that it is good property. Our best days’ worth washed up $50 worth of gold. The biggest nugget we found was worth $51. On another claim adjoining ours a nugget worth $169 was found. Bed rock is close to the surface at Eagle City, but it is hard to do much work without thawing machines. Henry Wright, one of our party, will make one of the machines for our use next season.
“The camps from one end of the Yukon to the other were practically depopulated by the stampede to Cape Nome, but since the beach up there proved such a fake the men are returning to their up-river claims.
“Provisions were very high in all the camps last winter. When I left in July flour was selling at $10 per cwt; canned meats at 50c per lb can; butter at $1 per lb; beans, 35c; sugar, 20c; beef, 50c; tobacco, $1.50.
“Considerable live stock was coming in and selling at fancy prices. At Dawson City a month ago I saw 40 hogs sold at 25c a lb; sheep at 25c and cattle at same price. The first shipmates, however, were twice as high. The cattle brought down the river to Dawson City sold at $600 per head.
“I saw the beef cattle that were brought in for the United States Army posts in the territory. The contract called for good ones and the price paid ranged from 54c to 58c a pound on foot. This would make a 1200 lb. steer worth nearly $700. Most if the stock is shipped to Skagway; driven across to the lakes and carried down the Yukon.
“The trip from Dawson City to Seattle can now be made without hardships. The railroad across the mountains to the lakes gives fine service and passes through some of the finest scenery in the world. The fare is 5c a mile. After reaching the lakes the trip to Dawson can be made on steamers that have all the modern conveniences and comforts. A first-class ticket from Dawson to Seattle sells at $175.
“I made a trip down the Yukon to St. Michaels last fall. The beach down there was literally lined with the wrecks of steamboats and mining machinery that had been abandoned by disappointed prospectors. Men who spent fortunes building boats for the Yukon trade found on reaching Alaska that the two big trading companies had monopolized everything. There was no business for the boats and no sale for them. To take them back to the States was out of the question and all that remained was to abandon them.
“I see that another effort is being made to boom the Koyukuk country. That country has been thoroughly prospected and not an ounce of gold was ever found, and these last reports of rich strikes are only started to catch a fresh crop of prospectors to be fleeced by the trading and transportation companies.
“A steamboat captain who is a friend of mine told me that while in the office of one of these companies he heard the officers planning another stampede to both the Kayukak and Tamous Rivers. They get men to report fabulous fields of gold and the rush that follows creates a big demand for their supplies.
“Alaska has timber enough to supply the world with lumber for years. The streams are full of the finest of fish and berries of all kinds grow to perfection. I suppose it is as healthy a country as could be found. With the ease, comfort and moderate exposure with which the trip can be made it is only a question of time until Alaska will be a Mecca for pleasure and health seekers.
“Those who go up there in search of gold must go prepared to stay a long time, do plenty of hard work and deny themselves many of the comforts of home.
“Dawson City is still the metropolis of the Klondike ranges, and has grown to be quite a good sized town. It has electric lights, telephones, hotels, printing office and well stocked stores, livery stables, etc. Hotel board can be had at $4 a day. The telephone company makes rates as follows: phones per month, $30; messages--to Forks, $1.40 each; to Nome, $2; to Dominica, $3.
“The police court at Dawson does a big business. A man is fined on slight provocations, the fine seldom being less than $100 and costs.
“There is not a telephone line into Dawson City, messages being received in four days from Seattle. The newspapers get all the late news by wire and the Klondikers are no longer ignorant of what is going on in the outside world. The daily papers sell at 25c a copy, or $40 per year. They are run by Americans, and as the majority of their readers are from the States, they are devoting as much space to politics as though Dawson City was the metropolis of a doubtful state instead of the metropolis of an English mining territory. The shirt waist man is in his glory at Dawson, and as a sign of these fashionable airs it points with pride to an Indian who wears golf pants.”