Whether or not the Christmas Nativity Scene will appear atop the Oak Hill Cemetery hill this year reminds me of a situation that was prompted by telephone conversations several years ago that were completely uncalled for had adequate preparations been in place.

The story presented was that city administration had notified the Chamber of Commerce about the concern of interested parties regarding the poor condition of the figures that prevented crews to take the figures out of storage and put them in place.

The problem rotated around timing of the notices since the display is lighted the night of the Christmas parade.

Been repaired

Designed and supervised in construction years ago by Frances Lattimer, the scene has been a highlight of the holiday season for the community for many years. The artist, head of the art department, in her days, annually refreshed the figures and made sure the re-installation was completed correctly.

Apparently, that was not in the view of City Hall or the administration.

As this is being written it is hopeful the project can receive enough priority to be on time for the regularly scheduled timing for the public to enjoy.

Hopefully, the disinterest, or whatever caused this disturbance in the community, or any similar action will be noted be city government.

Remember drive through?

Cassville’s last holiday mishap was the drivethrough display in City Park, sponsored by virtually every business and some professional people. The extensive lighted figure facility was one of the most extensive undertaken here.

It was a far cry of the streamers that were wrapped in cedar and strung across the street in early days.

Unfortunately, vandals struck the park project one night destroying most of the figures. Although suspects were at hand, in those days, no one was ever charged, and salvage was returned to sponsors.

Harken 1970s

When this Nativity Scene was hung over the wires, it was easy to think back to the 1970s when Cassville was working its way through a number of industrial prospects and recall how the community responded.

In those days the community could easily boast of having more manufacturing jobs in the community than it did population. And that was no bunk!

There were jobs available for anyone who wanted to work.

No one interfered with farming, running a few cattle, raising houses of chickens or other sources of income, making the community financially sound. Also, there was a feeling of pride toward having accomplished some goals and reaching a status of stability and progress.

Boast or brag

It’s the choice of the reader toward what they might consider the following, but that’s no matter at this point. The success of the 1970s era came through the Industrial Development Corporation, with cooperation by the Chamber of Commerce. A combination and input of efforts including city government made Cassville.

Through projects there was $41.3 million allocated through the federal government toward future needs for development. The funds came in two packages to be administered by the city, Unfortunately, later administrations borrowed against the funds for unintended projects and possibly were never returned to the intended funding or dispersed to programs with no actual connection to industrial development.

Credit due

There were lots of people involved in the working organizations in those days. Serving as chairmen of the IDC was one of the most important factors in my newspaper career. Working with the group that led efforts put us in touch with hundreds of business and professional people who supported our plans.

Bill Easley was vice-chairman throughout those years and served as a navigator to keep the ship float. Easley’s financial experience and general knowledge of working with people was one of the most important contributions that could come to the group. Through his guidance in some cases the project would move steadily toward completion.

His willingness to give of his time, knowledge and feelings for Cassville will always be remembered.

Truman Baker served a number of years on the Commission and was succeeded later by Steve Burch. City government’s manager was longtime mayor Bill LeCompte with Stan Kelley going on the IDC board at a later date.

Not to be forgotten was Joe Ellis, always counted upon to provide legal advice and other information on each project.

These projects included FASCO, Alvey Conveyors, Wells Windows and Doors, Justin Boot with Precise Mfg. coming later locating on IDC land they purchased.

Funding Buying land for these projects meant going from door-to-door with each donor writing checks to the best of their ability. There were a couple on the list carried by Easley and I that borrowed money at a bank to support those major investors in the community.

One of the sites cost $500,000 and the other $35,000.

Wonder what they would cost these days? Might amount to a sum that could be unreachable by today’s standards.

Bob Mitchell is the former editor and publisher of the Cassville Democrat. He is a 2017 inductee to both the Missouri Press Association Hall of Fame and Missouri Southern State University’s Regional Media Hall of Fame.