Blast from the past

Dec. 16, 2009
The Daviess County Library Board of Trustees and library staff celebrated Jan Johnson’s 30th anniversary as library director at their December Christmas breakfast meeting. Jan was presented a watch to mark the occasion to commemorate her many achievements.
Maggie Alden, daughter of Robert and Beverly Alden of rural Hamilton, graduated Dec. 12 from Missouri Western State University with her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Maggie is a member of the Omicron Nu Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Jamie Brinnen auditioned and received first chair E flat contra-alto clarinet for the second year in the Missouri All-State Band. Jamie is a student at Gallatin R-5 High School.
Dec. 15, 1999
Northern Missouri Bancshares, Inc., is purchasing 1005 of the stock of First National Bancshares, Inc., the owner of the First National Bank of Gallatin. Northern Bancshares, Inc., operates rural oriented banks located in Unionville, Trenton, Bethany, Mercer and Centerville, IA.
Brant Batson, a sophomore at Missouri Western State College, was interviewed by Gov. Mel Carnahan last weekend for the position of student representative on the governing board of that college. At MWSC, Brant is active in the “VIP Student Ambassador Program” and Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity.
Brock Griffin and Amber Hackett were named 1999 Barnwarming King and Queen at North Daviess on Nov. 12. After the dance a hay ride was held. The truck was driven by David Iddings and the hay trailer was provided by Jason Ray.
Dec. 20, 1989
Frigid arctic wind sweeping across the Midwest made the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Lewis Mill Bridge brief Friday morning. Sixty-three persons helped celebrate the official opening of the newest span across Grand River. Among those present were commissioners Bill Arthaud and Reuben Heldenbrand, State Senator David Doctorian, State Rep. Phil Tate, Daviess County Road and Bridge Superintendent Artie Hightree and Gerald Miner of the Missouri Department of Transportation.
Local fans who braved Thursday night’s snow and record low temperatures watched Craig Cummings of Gallatin stop Bert Duffy of Memphis, TN, on cuts in the second round of a knock-down, drag-out match, to notch his fourth win in five professional fights.
Coach Larry Holley reached college coaching career victory 300 in an 88-67 William Jewell win over Hawaii-Loa. Coach Holley’s career coaching record stands at 301-213. He began his coaching career at Harrisburg High School in 1968.
Dec. 19, 1979
Janet Greenwood Shepard of Lock Springs and Keith Morrissey of Gallatin were among students of the University of Missouri-Columbia who were candidates for graduation at the close of the fall semester. Shepard’s degree is Master of Science while Morrissey is Bachelor of Educational Studies.
Hamilton’s Bud Henson riddled Gallatin’s 1-3-1 zone defense last night, scoring 32 points in a 70-56 Hornet victory. Charles Parrish led the Bulldogs with 12 points. Craig McBroom came off the bench to add 10 points for Gallatin.
Dec. 18, 1969
There was lots of last minute activity on Dec. 10 in connection with the opening of the new Route 6 bypass in Gallatin. The $2.7 million improvement covers 4.7 miles and includes three bridges, one a 636 foot span over Grand River.
The Inter-County Telephone Company held its annual Christmas party Monday night at Clark’s Wagon Wheel, northwest of Pattonsburg. In a contest for the most attractive telephone window display, the Gallatin exchange display won first place. It was prepared by Helen Franks and Christine Cox.
A dumping ground at Rosedale Corner, two miles east of Altamont, may get some folks in trouble. Those who have been using the roadside for a dump, including folks from Altamont, are advised that offenders are subject to a $500 fine if apprehended.
Dec. 17, 1959
“The Olde Ceramic Shoppe” just west of Jameson is a busy place these days as Mrs. Gertrude McCormick works overtime on Christmas orders. Mrs. McCormick, who has been interested in ceramics and pottery since a girl, now owns two electric kilns and 50 molds with which to make various items.
Over 50 Gallatin businessmen and employees spent much of Monday night shoveling mud and debris from the Gallatin square. It was the first such cleaning in a long, long time. In fact, under one pile of dirt in the gutter, one shoveler found a Wilkie button and that was from the 1940 election.
Gallatin has been selected for the location of a Gambles Store, according to Oscar Fitterer, who announced yesterday that he has signed a contract for his building on the southwest corner of the square for use by this firm.
Dec. 22, 1949
The local grade school building was burglarized last week in what the Missouri State Highway Patrol believes was an “inside” job. The theft, patrolmen believe, was committed by someone who remained in the building when it was closed for the day. The thief, or thieves, took a baritone horn from the seventh grade room and two table model radios.
Thieves entered the Galpin Package Store last Sunday night by breaking in the front door. Cigarettes, some guns and a quantity of liquor were stolen.
The Coffey girls defeated Jameson, 31 to 14, to remain unbeaten in conference standings. Roberts was high for Coffey’s team with eight points. Jameson’s high scorer was Tingler with seven points.