May 7, 2025: TIMES PAST compiled by Sue Ann Jones
The tent theater mentioned in the 1935 Times Past item below may have resembled this tent that housed the “Famous Talkie Tent Show” Forrest and Oveta Glass brought to Bakersfield’s Fourth of July celebration in 1939. The undated photo accompanied a story by Jim Cox in the July 1981 edition of the West Plains Gazette that described early moving-picture shows. The photo was first reprinted in the February 2019 edition of the Old Mill Run.
Ozark County News
May 3, 1883
The farmers of this county are falling out with cotton as a crop. They find there is better pay in raising corn and “small grain” and raising stock to feed it to. One experiment after another teaches that this county is better adapted to raising stock than anything else.
Bakersfield Boomerang
May 3, 1883
On Wednesday, May 7th, Springfield will have a “Bargain Day,” and the Railroad will run excursion trains from all directions.
Ozark County Times
May 7, 1915
Howards Ridge items – Born to Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Bushong Tuesday, a boy.
Three hounds made a raid on S. A. Stevens’ sheep Sunday night and Monday and killed six and wounded many others. Sheep owners beware.
Lawndale items – W. F. Tilman sheared goats Sat.
May 8, 1925
Trachoma causes more blindness than any other eye disease, and it is catching from one person to another. On June 2, 3 and 4 will be the first time the people of Ozark county will have the opportunity to have expert care and treatment for suffering from this disease. The clinic will be conducted at the courthouse and will last three days. All persons are invited and examinations and treatment is free to all.
May 9, 1935
The Palace Talking Picture Show will be here all next week, starting Monday, May 13. One lady will be admitted free with each adult ticket on Monday night. The big waterproof tent with its high back chairs will be located on the lot by the Ebrite Second Hand store. . . . Admission 10c for children, 20c for adults.
Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Baker were happily surprised Friday, April 19th, when friends and relatives arrived at their home bring musical instruments and announced there was going to be a party. . . . There were about 95 in all, and they pronounced it a very merry party indeed.
May 4, 1950
Hi-Romance items (Mrs. L. W. Farmer, correspondent) – Calvin Hawkins is the owner of a new Studebaker truck.
Nottinghill items (Mrs. D. H. Baker, correspondent) – Our 4-Hers are practicing on a play they plan to give at the school house in the near future.
May 8, 1975
The annual parent-son banquet at the Gainesville chapter of the Future Farmers of America was held in the high school gym Friday night. . . . Tedd Cotton was given the Star Chapter Farmer award, and Mike Overturf received the Star Green Hand aware.
May 3, 1995
Tickets are now on sale for the community school play at Lutie School, which is to be held May 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. with a matinee at 3 p.m. on May 7. . . . The play [“Time and Time Again” by Tim Kelly] is directed by Sandy Walker and Shelly Anderson, and will feature students, faculty and various community members.
May 4, 2005
Winners of Grandparents’ Day awards [at Gainesville Elementary School] are . . . Arlene Merriman, youngest grandmother; Mrs. John Bordier, grandmother who traveled the farthest to attend (1,800 miles); Audean Watson and Pat Whisnant, grandmothers with the most grandchildren at Grandparents’ Day; Earlene Crisp, oldest grandmother in attendance; Robert Merriman, youngest grandfather in attendance; John Bordier, grandfather who traveled the farthest (1,800 miles); Darrell Watson, grandfather with the most grandchildren at Grandparents’ Day; and Warren T. Simpson, oldest grandfather in attendance.