Yesteryears
25 YEARS AGO
MARCH 30, 1975
Ben Minturn, a native of Florence now living in Phoenix, Ariz., has kept up with the old home news in the Bulletin and has saved the town's free delivery and $4,700 paid annually postal employees. Postal receipts have been on the decline in Florence. It was so serious that Shamus O'Brien, the postmaster, has announced that the office would be placed in a lower classification, with resulting salary rate cuts unless receipts were increased $800. O'Brien feared it could not be done. Then came a letter from Minturn, who had learned of the plight of the old home town. It follows: "Dear Shamus: I am enclosing certified check for $1,000 payable to the post office, for which you may send as soon as possible $900 two cent stamps inside rolls; $100 five cent stamps. If this does not clarify your situation there, wish you would let me know."
Tidbits from the past: Aug. 28, 1881, the first Methodist service was held in their own church. On March 31, 1900, the Harvey House served its last meal. They served supper to passengers on train number 17. On May 31, 1923, population of Florence was 2,013; Peabody, 2,022; Marion, 1,931; Hillsboro, 1,593. The first television in Florence was delivered to L.C. Day Plumbing and Heating Company, Jan. 20, 1950.
50 YEARS AGO
APRIL 2, 1953
Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Mann announced the birth of a son on March 26 at St. Luke Hospital in Marion. He weighed three pounds four ounces and they have named him Thomas Clifford.
A Marion County boy, Frederick Funk of Hillsboro, has been chosen as one of two Kansas youths to spend three months this fall and winter in India on the International Student Exchange program. He is 22 years of age and a 4-H leader for the French Creek Valley 4-H Club.
75 YEARS AGO
MARCH 29, 1928
Mr. Ables has bought the 120 acres which comprise the Florence golf course and has announced that he expects to build a real playground for the folks of this community. He has men at work rebuilding tees, greens and otherwise rejuvenating the golf course. He also has purchased the old National building opposite the depot and will move it to the golf grounds. A tennis court and other means for outdoor sports also are planned.
The telephone rang. "Hello, is this the Bulletin office? Pat Dunegan just got killed down here in the yards. Thought you'd want it for the paper." Such was the conversation which took place about five o'clock Saturday afternoon. Most everyone you met on the street was expressing sympathy for Pat. But a neighbor went to the Dunegan home and found Mrs. Dunegan doing the evening chores. She was astonished and inquired of Mr. Dunegan. Mrs. Dunegan informed her that Pat was in the house, and very much alive.
106 YEARS AGO0
APRIL 2, 1897
Lieutenant Peary recently laid a plan for Arctic research before the council of the American Geographical Society. The plan includes the reaching of the North Pole. It was heartily endorsed by the council and a subscription to word its accomplishment was promised.
Representative Spalding of Michigan introduced a joint resolution in Congress providing March 30 for the annexation of Hawaii to the United States. The resolution will undoubtedly pass overwhelmingly and go to the President for his signature.
