Days Gone By In Staunton

Thursday, October 14, 1975 -- dipping into old man mose's bucket -- It is quite possible that there are still many persons living in this area, as well as some who spent the early years of their life in this vicinity and are now residing elsewhere, who can remember the St. Louis World's Fair, and perhaps were privileged to enjoy visits to this great event in the summer of 1904. This was of course before the completion of the inter-urban railroad then known as the McKinley lines. Those from Staunton who had the privilege of attending this great exposition boarded the Wabash railroad trains, special rates having been granted for the trip.

I was 12 years old at the time of the great fair, living in Highland, some 30-odd miles from St. Louis. Naturally, everyone who had the time and opportunity made one or more trips to the city to see the remarkable wonders which were on display in the many attractive buildings which took in a large area in Forest Park, which at that time was located what was then the western edge of the municipality, but is now considered near the center of the city. Exhibits of every kind were shown at the fair, mechanical, agricultural, and all other lines of endeavor which had been developed up to that time. Buildings of practically every country contained products and interesting facts concerning almost every nation in the world. On the "Pike" one could visit practically every form of entertainment that was in vogue. While I remember many of the attractions, there were too many to recall with any detail, as the event was 70 years ago.

I was fortunate that an aunt and uncle and their children resided in St. Louis, and I was privileged to visit at their home for a week on two occasions during the summer of 1904, the railroad fare being only $1.00 for the round trip.

One of my cousins was about my age, and the two of us were permitted to spend three days on each of my visits. The average family in those days had but little money to spend for entertainment, and my cousin and I were given the vast sum of 25 cents to spend, of which 10 cents went for carfare to and from the fair grounds. As my relatives lived in South St. Louis, we would board a Jefferson Avenue street car, get a free transfer to one of the many special cars downtown which took us to the fair. So we had only 15 cents to spend, but we managed to conserve this amount, buying a sandwich for a nickel, perhaps an ice cream cone which had been introduced for the first time at the fair. The other nickel went for some kind of souvenir. We tried to visit as many exhibits as time permitted, and returned home with a vast amount of souvenirs given away at the various exhibit buildings.

The great fair was and still is one of my fondest memories.

MOVIE LISTINGS -- The Capitol Theatre in Litchfield (adults $2, children $1) was showing "Jaws" with "Return of the Pink Panther," "The Apple Dumpling Gang," and "Young Frankenstein" coming soon.

The Marvel Theatre in Carlinville (adults $1.50, children $1) was showing "The Apple Dumpling Gang."

The Canna Theatre in Gillespie was showing "Brannigan."

The Dianne Drive-in in Carlinville was showing "Once is Not Enough," and "The Gambler."

Thursday, October 22, 1975 -- homecoming queen -- Following the Homecoming play Saturday evening, October 11, Miss Pat Snell was crowned 1975 Homecoming Queen by retiring queen Miss Becky Feyen. Pat was escorted by Keith Gockel, and attended by Valerie Yarnik escorted by Dan Sherry, Pam Williams escorted by Lee Culp was the first maid of honor. She was attended by Cindy Landers escorted by Terry Murphy. Second maid of honor was Sandy Harmer escorted by Steve Hribernik and attended by Debbie King escorted by Tim Williamson. Carol Schulte escorted by Kurt Neuhaus was third maid of honor, attended by Janet Tipler escorted by Doug Smith.

Homecoming activities included a parade on Friday, October 17, which was repeated (minus the stunts) at half time of the Homecoming football game Saturday, October 18. As part of her duties as queen, Pat presented the game ball to officials prior to kick-off. Following the game, the Homecoming dance was held in the school gym.

In addition to being Staunton's 1975 Homecoming Queen, Pat is the Senior Class President, a member of the National Honor Society, Band, Red Roses. Choir and G.A.A. She plans to attend Lewis & Clark Community Collage after graduation.

Patty is the daughter of Robert and Marilyn Snell.

No Injuries in Accident Sunday -- A one-car accident occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. Sunday, October 18. According to police reports, Lisa Mullens, 18, of Staunton was driving a 1965 Mustang north on Route 4. She reportedly lost control on the curve at W. North Street and the auto turned over.

One passenger, Kathy Lotter of Staunton, was treated and released from Staunton Community Memorial Hospital. Neither Lisa or another passenger, Kevin Simburger of Mt. Olive, required medical attention.

Group to Study consolidation -- Michael P. Verticchio, Regional Superintendent of Macoupin County, announced the appointment of a Citizens Committee of five members to consider the advisability of the consolidation of Macoupin County with neighboring counties. The five members appointed were Dean Basso -Virden, Gilbert Redfern -Carlinville, George Cavanaugh - Gillespie, Walter Ahlemeyer - Brighton, and Edward Treadway - Staunton.

Under Section 3a-3 of the Illinois School Code, Counties of less than 33,000 population as of the 1970 census, are mandated to consolidate by April 1,1977. The population of Macoupin County taken during the 1970 census was 44,557 and therefore Macoupin County does not have to consolidate. However if any neighboring county of less than 33,000 population is interested in consolidating with Macoupin County this committee will examine the possibility, and advise the Regional Board of School Trustees.