history
Through the Years, Jan. 8
40 YEARS AGO: CHECKING WATER METERS — Two members of Cassville city council and a pair of private citizens aren’t looking for creatures in the hole in front of them, they’re observing water meter conditions on Fair Street in Saturday’s cold.
Through the Years, Jan. 1
30 years ago December 28 1994 — WELLS SIGNS OPEN SHOP PACT; PLANNING EXPANSION Wells Aluminum Inc., with manufacturing plants in Cassville and Monett has signed a one year contract…
Barry County native collecting bits of history
Rural Purdy native David Keeling is sitting on a trove of local history, the result of a hobby he began a decade ago. “I’m a little embarrassed about the amount of stuff I’ve collected in just ten years,” said Keeling, whose hobby has led to a veritable museum of his own making.
Kyle Troutman: 2024 in review
I’ve been pondering this piece for a few days, and every time I do, I land at the same question — where do I even begin? To say this year has been a whirlwind is an understatement. We started 2024 with a gleam in our eyes, coming off our first year of ownership of the Democrat where we enjoyed incredible support and success.
Through the Years, Dec. 25
30 YEARS AGO: JUDGED BEST OF DECORATIONS — Providing a more than adequate identification for Santa Claus as he next arrives in Cassville, this home decoration scheme was chosen best of the town by Chamber of Commerce judges. The home is that of Jim and Helen O’Dell on Fair Street.
Through the Years, Dec. 18
40 YEARS AGO: CHRISTMAS, AN IMPORTANT PHASE — Started in early October, the Little Joe Transplant Fund in Cassville is nearing the halfway point as funds bump the $175,000 figure. Goal of the effort for a heart-lung transplant for six-year-old Joe Starchman is $350,000.
Through the Years, Dec. 11
40 YEARS AGO: SANTA IN SPECIAL VISIT HERE — Saturday was a special day in Cassville, Santa Claus took time out of his busy schedule to pay a visit here. The results were obviously good, the expressions on faces of youngsters who got a visit were ample reward.
Jeremiah Buntin: The Recorder of Deeds
The Missouri Governors Records from the Missouri State Archives and accessible through the Missouri Digital Heritage website is an interesting place to investigate the nooks and crannies of history. These records from 1837-1901 mostly consist of handwritten letters asking the governor for favors such as pardons and appointments, or signed petitions for various causes, or resignations from local offices. In 1852, Barry County Clerk William Hubbert, of Cassville, wrote Missouri Governor Austin Augustus King notifying him of a vacancy in the State Senate caused by the death of Littleberry Mason and that an election would be held immediately.
Lynn Hilburn: It’s that time of year
Although we were poor, most of the families and people that we knew were in about the same boat. For the children and families that attended the rural schools of Barry County, late fall and Christmas was some of our favorite times of the year.
Through the Years, Dec. 4
40 YEARS AGO: FREE ENTERPRISE WORKS — Typical examples of free enterprise were the actions of two young ladies in Cassville during last Wednesday morning’s awaking to snow covering the ground. Tracie Hill, 14, and Jennifer Dinsmore, 10, took the opportunity of being out of school to earn a few bucks shoveling snow from sidewalks of businesses. Their efforts were rewarding, plus saving owners the trouble of doing the job themselves. A quick warmup of temperatures in the 60’s over the weekend removed all traces of the first ground-coverer of the season.
