From our files…

August 21, 1908

A fat woman who was recently exhibited in a show near here has died. She reportly weighed 640 pounds.

A Russian working at the North American mine was arrested and charged with intentionally drowning a Russian at the mine some time ago. He admitted to the drowning, but said he just did it for fun. (The Russian was later released by a coroner’s jury and continued working at the mine).

Classes offered by Fredericktown High School: 5 in history, 4 in mathematics, 4 in English, 3 in science, 4 in Latin, 2 in German and 2 in French. Tuition is $2.50 per month.

August 21, 1958

With lead prices dropping below 11 cents, St. Joe Lead Company has gone to a 4 day work week.

Village Creek 4-H members Sue Boland, Barbara Smith and Angie Cook won a blue ribbon at District contests.

Bryan Kennedy and Harry Ralph, of Coldwater, caught a 51 pound catfish on a trotline in the St. Francis River.

The Fredericktown Public Library will move to it’s new location at West Main and Maple (now Park) around the first of the year. The building cost   $4800, and over $10,000 will be spent on renovation

August 25, 1983

Three Fredericktown High School band members were selected for the University of Missouri Marching Mizzou band. They are Rika Magnus, Mark Bryson and Eric Kegley.

Dr. Kevin Roberts harness pony “Flamethrower” became the 1983 World Champion Ameteur Harness Pony at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville.

The Madison County Farm Family representatives to the State Fair was the family of Larry Mouser of Marquand.

August 26, 1998

Two hundred twelve acres has been purchased by the city for an industrial park.

Oliver B. Ferguson was inducted into the Missouri Newspaper Hall of Fame. He served as publisher of the Democrat News from 1946 until his death in 1975 at age 58.

Vivian Raksakulthai will be studing at Oxford University in England.