July 16, 2025: TIMES PAST compiled by Sue Ann Jones
This undated photo was taken by M. C. Stephens looking west at the “steel bridge” that was completed over the North Fork of the White River (now Lake Norfork) in Tecumseh in 1924 at a cost of $50,063, according to “A History of Ozark County 1841-1991.” The people in the photo are unknown, but they had apparently gathered to be photographed at the newly completed bridge that was considered a modern marvel at the time. The bridge, 18 feet wide, continued in service until it was replaced in 1988 by the current 38-foot-wide bridge, which was built at a cost of $2.1 million (including removal of the old bridge). This photo is one of many historical images shared on the Dora School Library’s Facebook page.
Ozark County News
July 10, 1890
Mrs. Jacob Suter of Big North Fork died June 30 with consumption. She leaves a husband and several children together with many friends to mourn her loss. We beg to tender them our heartfelt sympathy.
Ozark County Times
July 14, 1911
Rockbridge – We made a mistake in our last week’s items in saying that B. V. Morris was putting in electric lights. It is gas.
Prof. Briggs’ musical and moving picture show entertained here Wednesday night. One of his main features was a sentimental song, “You can never repay your mother,” sung and accompanied by Prof. Briggs. Although up in years, he can trip the light fantastic with the grace of a 16-year-old.
Trail – Mr. Perry Coy and family have just arrived at this place with a load of furniture. They will make this their home this summer and fall while Perry teaches our school.
July 16, 1915
Nottinghill – A cat belonging to H. C. Shaull’s family, having lost her family of kittens, has adopted a young rabbit. At last reports they were getting along nicely.
Some of our young folks attended the music party at Chas. Baker’s last Friday night.
July 6, 1917
Roy Rose and Miss Ester Blizzard of a few miles west of town greatly surprised their many friends by being united in marriage Sunday. The ceremony was performed at the home of Rev. J. W. Sullivan, Rev. Sullivan officiating.
July 13, 1944
The Bank of Gainesville will celebrate their 50th anniversary July 24, 1944. All friends and customers are invited to come in and see us. We hope to have a program for your pleasure. Yours truly, J. C. Harlin, President.
Pontiac – School began here Monday with Mrs. Blanche Mahan as teacher.
July 14, 1949
A few years ago Ozark County had a few cases of polio. A son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Farless of the Never Fail district, a few miles south of Gainesville, was stricken. He was taken to the hospital at Columbia where his life was saved, but he still has to walk on crutches. There were a few other cases reported.
Last week Jimmy Lee Rose, 11-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. George A. Rose, became suddenly ill. His father, who is sheriff of Ozark County, said that the first indications of the disease appeared on Sunday when he noticed the boy walked stiffly and complained of pains in his head.
By Tuesday he had a temperature of 101 and was taken to a physician in Gainesville. … On Thursday night he was taken to Springfield for further treatment and was sent on to University Hospital at Columbia, where he has been critically ill. At this time he is reported to be much improved.
A second case reported at University Hospital at Columbia was Louanna, 20-month-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Byerley of Souder, who was very ill, but we understand is also improving.
July 9, 1970
The theatre here which has been closed for more than two years will reopen soon under the name of the Crest Theatre. Mr. and Mrs. Richard McClay will be the managers.
The building is now being redecorated, air conditioning is being installed, restrooms are being added, and the lobby is being remodeled. …
Mr. McClay has been in the theatre business for 30 years in California. He and his wife, Lola, and their daughter, Laurie, 8, now live in the Squires community. They are renting the building here with option to purchase from Howard Pettit in Ava.
July 19, 1995
Bakersfield items (Anna Lee Ellison, correspondent) – There’s not much happening in Bakersfield this week. Everyone is busy canning beans, berries, plums and corn and mowing hay. Frances and Mary Lamb hauled us 400 bales this week. . . . Our plum tree did its best this year. We picked up 80 gallons and have a few more to go.