Days Gone By – Jan. 8, 2015
20 YEARS 1995
It was more than 30 years since the Community Players staged productions at Long Memorial Hall in Farmington. Although the group disbanded after only three productions, Dr. Bill Chastain had the foresight to put the $225 left over from the troupe into a bank account. Thanks to accrued interest, the money grew to $913.81, which Janet Douglas, Bill Chastain, John Cozean and Becky Landrum presented to Long Hall Restorations Committee treasurer Willa Dean Meyer.
Becky Landrum was one of the founding members of the Community Players and has fond memories of the sawdust years. She said the first play was “Arsenic and Old Lace,” followed by “Dirty Work at the Crossroads” and also “Send Me No Flowers.”
Mrs. Landrum said she and a number of others from the old Players group agreed to give the money to be used to fix up Long Hall.
St. Francois County Sheriff Dan Bullock said the new county jail was off to a good start and should be up and running by the next year, depending on weather conditions.
The new facility would house 116 inmates, as opposed to the 52-inmate capacity allowed by the old jail.
30 YEARS 1985
A civil rights suit brought against the City of Farmington and Mayor Ronald Stevens by a former member of the police department opened in U.S. District Court. The trial, before Judge Steven Limbaugh was scheduled for two days.
40 YEARS 1975
Hartrup Real Estate held their awards dinner at the Grecian Steak House. Mrs. Gertie Hellen was presented a plaque and gift certificate honoring her as “Salesman of the Year 1974” for top sales.
50 YEARS 1965
The former US-67 Farmington by-pass which was renamed Missouri Highway 32 by the State Highway Department, was given a Farmington street name by the city council.
Recognizing the contributions made to Farmington by the Karsch family, one of the oldest resident families here, and the personal service which Fred M. Karsch has given to the city as its clerk for numerous years, the roadway was named Karsch Boulevard.
The road extends from city limit to city limit and span the length of Farmington. There are numerous homes and commercial locations along the route.
P.N. Hirsch and Company move into their new and larger store in Farmington. The store is located where only seven months before a disastrous fire destroyed the original two story structure. The building was owned by Frank Plumlee and was built under contract by Gifford Lumber Company.
60 YEARS 1955
The St. Francois County Community Concert Association presented the first concert of the season. Appearing the on the program was Herman Godes, brilliant young pianist from Lativia.
A change was been made at the local Federated Store. Dr. C.H.G. Toennier, owner of the store became the acting manager. He succeeds Clint L. Hooper who has been manager of the store since it was opened.
70 YEARS 1945
The B.H. & W Variety Store was sold to Isaac E. Jenkins and Carl A. Jenkins who operate similar stores at Kennett, Missouri and Paragould, Arkansas. The store opened in Farmington in 1939 by Jesse Heck, Bailey Walker, and Roscoe Brune.
Private Clarence E. Wann of Forrest Street, Farmington was been awarded the bronze star for “heroic achievement in connection with military operations” against the Japanese in June, 1944 in the Maffin Bay campaign. Wann braved a hail of Japanese machine gun, mortar and rifle fire to climb Lone Tree Hill and assist in evacuating wounded men to safety. The situation said his action “contributed to the saving of lives” of his buddies.
