Back in time

April 22, 1860 – This is the birthday of W. H. “Major” Ray from Hornersville, MO. He was best known as the little man who for years portrayed Buster Brown. He sang that he lived in a shoe with his dog, Tige.
April 23, 1999 – Fernando Tatis (Cardinals) hit two grand slam home runs in the third inning against the Dodgers.
April 24, 1942: C.H. Laessig died on this day. Early in 1905, he opened the first gas station in the United States at 418 South Teresa in St. Louis. Laessig and his partner Harry Grenner ran a garden hose from a tank to fill up the cars. Prior to that time, most motorists brought a can to the store for gasoline. Laessig and Grenner ended up with a chain of 40 stations across St. Louis.
April 25, 1895 – Cliff Edwards was born on a houseboat at the foot of Church Street in Hannibal. He went on to become somewhat famous as “Ukulele Ike” in St. Louis saloons. His voice is the one that sang Disney’s famous “When You Wish Upon a Star.”
April 26, 1960 At age 32, “Easy” Ed McCauley became the youngest player named to the Basketball Hall of Fame. McCauley was a two-time All American for St. Louis University before starting his NBA career with the old St. Louis Bombers. He helped the St. Louis Hawks win the championship in 1958 and later coached them to a pair of division titles. He later became a television sportscaster and died in 2011.
April 27, 1865 – The Nation’s worst maritime disaster happened on the Mississippi south of Cape Girardeau. Prisoners from Andersonville and soldiers returning to Jefferson Barracks for discharge were on board the steamboat Sultana when it blew up. About 1,800 died.
April 28, 1938 – The first section of line was completed and energized and Licking had electricity.
April 29, 1913 – About 125 delegates were expected at the Mothers’ Congress in Louisiana, MO. This group, started by Phoebe Apperson Hearst of Franklin County, became the P.T.A. April 30, 1926 – In Springfield, officials proposed the name of the new Chicago-to-Los Angeles highway. Because of this, enthusiasts recognize Springfield as the birthplace of Route 66.
May 1, 1999 – Opening of Jim the Wonder Dog Park in Marshall, MO. It commemorates the most amazing animal in American history.