Times Past, Jan. 1, 2025
As reported in the 1906 Times Past item below, J. N. [Newt] Ford bought a partnership in the Gainesville business that became Ford & Force and relocated it to a building that is shown in this undated photo of the west side of the Gainesville square. We're unsure exactly which building housed Ford & Force, originally a drugstore, but the report says it was "just south of the bank," which was in the bright-white two-story building in the center of the photo – the first awning from the right. Ford bought out his partner, Harry Force, in 1907, and the drugstore eventually became Ford's Village Market, a grocery store that, except for 11 years (1939-1950), continued to be operated by a Ford family member until it closed in October 1980. The original frame building was rebuilt in brick in 1929 and today houses Mischa Kastning's The Hair Shop and Tanning.
Ozark County News
Nov. 22, 1883
Dr. Small has built a "cyclone" stable for his horse.
The woods are said to be full of game, and our sportsmen are fattening on fried squirrel.
Several thousand fruit trees passed through town the first of the week bound for the west end of the county. Farmers out there are doubtless preparing to raise fruit.
Dec. 26, 1889
Christmas passed off very pleasantly at Gainesville. There was a Christmas tree at the Methodist church Tuesday evening, which delighted the little folks as usual.
The weather has been remarkably warm this fall. Vegetation of various kinds is growing. Thousands of strawberries are blooming and the buds are swelled as though the leaves would put out.
The Democrat
Dec. 7, 1904
The Bank of Gainesville has put in a new Adjustaphone, which is doing excellent work.
J. W. Collins, who sold out a few days ago to Joe Cowden, has decided to remain in Ozark county. He had intended to move to Ark., but he went down and examined the ashy hills of Baxter Co. and returned to Ozark county quite well satisfied.
Ozark County Times
Jan. 12, 1906
The firm of Arnold & Force, druggists, has dissolved partnership, Mrs. Arnold having sold her interest in the business to [J. N.] Newt Ford. . . . The new firm, Ford & Force, has bought the store building just south of the bank where the drug stock will be moved in a few days.
Sept. 19, 1924
Locust items – Will the person who took the aluminum stew kettle from the end of the counter at the left of the door in Newt Ford's store on Saturday of the fair please return it to where they got it. It belongs to Miss Gladys Shelton of this place.
Dec. 26, 1924
J. N. Ford, who has been in a very serious condition for some time following an operation for appendicitis, is now able to be down to the store for a time each day.
Pontiac items – Girls, have your hair bobbed the Buster Brown style. Fatty Barner can do it. Try him while in town on Saturdays. He's there.
Bakersfield News
Dec. 26, 1940
Construction work on the string of flood control dams which may soon be converted to power generating projects in the Ozarks of North Arkansas and Missouri is fully underway with complete crews being pressed into employment to speed up operations before extremely cold weather halts concrete pouring.
At Mountain Home, where the huge Norfolk Dam will be constructed on the North Fork of White River in Baxter County, work is being rushed to complete the Government village which will house the engineers and their families while work is being done on the dam. The village is scheduled to be completed by March. Contract calls for 28 dwellings and garages and water, electric and sewer mains, and the gravel surfacing of roads in the village.
Ozark County Times
Dec. 24, 1964
The Gainesville post office will be open until noon on Christmas morning and will resume its usual service on Saturday, Dec. 26.
The St. Joseph Lead Co. has leased the Isom Corp farm near Dawt and is already drilling to determine the possibility of commercial minerals under the land.