Gleanings from "The Kinmundy Express"

1956

Compiled by Dolores Ford Mobley

 Questions, comments, suggestions should be directed to the e-mail address below.    Permission to copy,  is requested.

>>To search for a specific name, use your browser's find feature. (usually a Ctrl-F) <<

Please note!!! The articles on this web site were originally reported in weekly editions of "The Kinmundy Express" (also known at one time as "The Marion County Express") which are now located on microfilm at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library - Newspaper Microfilm Depository in Springfield, Illinois. Please note that the gleanings listed within this compilation do NOT represent entire articles in most cases, but instead, general and summarized information with special interest being focused upon data which is significant to genealogical research.

January 5, 1956: 

- New officers for the year 1956 were installed at the regular meeting of the Royal Neighbors Tuesday.  Seven members of the Farina Camp were guests at the meeting and acted as installing officers.  Officers installed were: Mrs. Paul WAGONER, Oracle; Mrs. Harry GRAY, Jr., Vice-Oracle; Mrs. Kenneth WILKINSON, Past Oracle; Mrs. Burdette JENKINS, Chancellor; Mrs. Fred GAMMON, Recorder; Mrs. Chris JASPER, Receiver; Mrs. Marjorie CORRELL, Marshal; Mrs. W.R. DOOLEN, Manager; Mrs. Edward JEZEK, Faith; Mrs. George KEEN, Modesty; Mrs. Wesley JONES, Unselfishness; Mrs. Glen WHITE, Musician.  Preceding the installation, Mrs. Arvie SHULER of Alma was given obligations and became a new member.  The new semi-annual password was learned.  

- Salem’s New Year Baby Comes to Kinmundy: Little Miss Benita Anne, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence QUANDT of this city, received quite an honor as well as many gifts, as she was ushered into this world at 8:45 a.m. Sunday in the Salem Memorial Hospital.  She was declared the “New Year Baby” and will be presented with many gifts from the Salem Merchants.  The mother is the former Helen KLEISS, daughter of Fred KLEISS, of this city.  The paternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. August QUANDT of Iuka. 

- Mr. and Mrs. L.C. INGRAM of Decatur have a daughter, Julia Anne, born Jan. 3, in the Macon County Hospital.   Mr. I.D. INGRAM of Kinmundy is the paternal grandfather. 

- Mr. and Mrs. Ivan DeVORE have a daughter born Jan. 2 in the Salem Hospital. 

- Mr. and Mrs. Sammie LOWE have a daughter born in Salem Hospital Wednesday morning. 

- The Village Board of Alma has taken the first steps of imposing the Village sales tax.  The ordinance was introduced at the last meeting of the Village Trustees.  All members present voted in favor of the ordinance.  The ordinance now lays over two meetings before final action is taken. 

- Miss Bertha MILLER, 81, died in the Methodist Home in Lawrenceville, Dec. 30.  Services were held from the Linton Funeral Home in this city Sunday with interment in Evergreen Cemetery.  Miss MILLER is a former resident of this city. 

- Word was received here by relatives of the death of Mr. Lem SCHERMERHORN, which occurred Dec. 31 in the home of his daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Frank QUIGLEY, in Bakersfield, Calif.  He also leaves 2 sons, Clelland and John.  Mr. SCHEMERHORN was 87 years of age and will be remembered by the older residents of this community. 

- Robert JENKINS of Alma received a broken leg Tuesday while digging post holes.  He as standing on the auger to speed the digging and the auger tripped, catching his between the tractor and the post auger. 

- Mike GORDON, 4, had the misfortune of getting his right leg tangled in the wheel of the new bicycle while riding with his brother, Donnie.  The result was a linear fracture of the tibia.  Now his leg will be in a cast for 4 weeks. 

- The Kum-Bak class of the Christian Church held a party at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Paul MONTGOMERY on New Year’s Eve with 19 present.  The president, Mrs. Fred SEE, conducted the business meeting.  The secretary, Mrs. Orphia OUTHOUSE read the minutes and correspondence.  Mrs. Darrell REESE led in Prayer.  The following officers were elected for 1956: Mrs. Clifton LEMAY, President; Mrs. Ray INGRAM, Vice-President; Sec. & Treas., John William McCULLEY.  The entertainment committee was Mrs. Charles KLINE, Mrs. John McCULLEY, and Mrs. Clifton LEMAY with refreshments by Mrs. Ray INGRAM and Mrs. Wyett COLCLASURE. 

- Mr. and Mrs. Clyde BASSETT and daughter, Helen, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles LOWE and daughter spent New Years with Mrs. Effie ROBB. 

- At the regular monthly meeting of the City Council, every member said that they were opposed to a city sales tax, which was recently made possible for the cities and villages by the new state law.  In other business, John PIPER presented his resignation as City Clerk effective Feb. 1st.  Mr. PIPER will soon move his family to Marion where he bid in the position as station agent for the C. & E.I. railroad. 

- H.F. HASSEBROCK has purchased the John HOLT 2 acre tract of land adjoining the city limits on the east and has erected a slaughter house thereon.  He will do custom butchering.  The butchering will be under government inspection and specifications. 

- Jimmie STRICKER, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim STRICKER, is confined to bed with Rheumatic Fever.  He was ordered to bed Christmas Day and will remain for 2 more weeks. 

- Meacham: Friday evening, Mr. and Mrs. Robert FORD and Diana and David called on Mrs. Mary HARRELL, and Sunday afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. John FORD, Janet and Susie, called on Mrs. Mary HARRELL. 

- Public Sale of Ruben CRAIN estate on Jan. 12, located 5 miles east of Kinmundy and 3/4 miles south of James JONES farm. 

- Mrs. Len VASEL returned her husband, Pfc VASEL to Ft. Leonard Wood Monday after visiting in Chicago over the holidays. 

- Mrs. Neil BRASEL left Friday evening for Newport, R.I. to join her husband who is stationed with the Navy there. 

- A 3C Bill BOYD left Saturday for Wichita Falls, Texas after spending furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred BOYD.  He accompanied A 2C Don SAPP, who had been visiting his aunt, Mrs. Marge CORRELL to Texarkana, Texas enroute to Waco, Texas.  

Jan. 12, 1956: 

- Lions and Legion to Settle Feud in Local Gym Astride Donkeys Saturday evening: What will beyond doubt prove to be the most entertaining event for 1956, will take place this coming Sat. night at the High school gym when the local Lions and Legion tangle in a fight to the finish donkey basketball game.  Proceeds from this shall go towards the scoreboard for the new gym so be sure to come out and see these fellows made monkeys of as the burros outsmart their riders.  Heading the Legion team shall be a Mule skinner from a way back, Jim EAGAN.  He has picked five or six Legion members who have no loved ones to leave, or else who have sufficient insurance to take care of their dependents, should the mules prove fatal.  In command of the Lions team, will be Harvey HANNA.  You all will remember Harvey as being the poor fellow, who tried all evening to mount one of these same creatures in a Donkey Ball game some two years ago, but the little animal just didn’t have a likening for Harvey.  Harvey says this time, “I will ride.” Fighting for the position of fifth man on the team are two good boys, and as yet the manager of the Lions can’t make up his mind.  O’DELL and Dwight HANNA are both waiting the fifth spot, but it is doubtful if there will be a donkey to fit either, as Mr. O’DELL will break one down, and Dwight’s legs are a little long.   

- Lloyd BAILEY was guest of honor at a dinner given by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil BAILEY on Sunday.  The dinner was in honor of Lloyd’s birthday.  Guests other than the honoree were Mrs. Lloyd BAILEY and Sue, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne ROBB and son, Mr. and Mrs. Charles BASSETT and family, Mrs. Pola ROBB and children, of Kinmundy; Mr. and Mrs. Dick GRAY and daughters of St. Elmo; Mr. and Mrs. Bob JOHNSON and children; Mr. and Mrs. Ted PHILLIPS and son, Mr. and Mrs. Gene BAILEY and son, of Salem; and Mrs. Bob SAGADINE of Champaign.  Mr. and Mrs. O.I.. ALBERSON of Salem called in the afternoon. 

- Ed BRASEL was honored on his 82nd birthday Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Cliff OLDEN.  Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Leland BRASEL, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis JOHNSON, Mrs. Betty LOGUE and son, Terry, Mrs. Melvin MANESS, Mr. and Mrs. Eddie HALLER of E. St. Louis; Mr. and Mrs. Vernon STOCKER of Savoy; and Mrs. Ed BRASEL. 

- About 35 or 40 men met at Claude HIESTANDs Thursday morning to hunt for a pair of wolves, which have been see a few times by several people.  One wolf was seen and shot at but missed. 

- Have Car Wreck South of Town Friday Morn: The car belonging to and driven by Ernest PITTMAN, and the car belonging to Virl SEE and driven by his wife, collided Friday morning on what is more commonly known as the Snelling Hill in front of the Nobel WESTFALL home, 2 miles south of Kinmundy   Mrs. SEE was traveling north and Mr. PITTMAN, in company with Wilbur WOODEN and Walter PHILLIPS, were going south.  This is a very dangerous hill because the road is narrow and one cannot see an approaching vehicle until on the very top of the hill at the same time.  Both cars were very badly damaged and all the occupants badly shaken up.  They were all taken to the Salem Hospital by Miss Rosalie ALDERSON where they were given an examination for broken bones.  It later developed that Mrs. SEE had 3 ribs cracked.  Miss ALDERSON was on her way to town, in company with her mother, who is a cook at the grade school, to have Mrs. SEE work on her hair. After returning from the hospital, Mrs. SEE carried on her work in the shop as usual.  The natives have been looking for this to happen for the past 40 years and it finally did.  Now we hope that some measure will be taken to make this a safer road.  That will be up to the county Highway Commissioner as this is a state aid road under his supervision. 

- Mr. and Mrs. James STRICKER have a son born Jan. 6 in Salem Hospital named John Michael. 

- Mr. and Mrs. Carroll CROSLEY of Effingham have a son born in the Fayette County Hospital in Vandalia named Mark Edmund.  Mrs. Effie ROBB is the maternal grandmother. 

- Mr. and Mrs. Max METCALF have a son born Jan. 9 in the Fayette County Hospital in Vandalia. 

- Granddaughter Dies: Mr. and Mrs. Glen SIGRIST received word of the death of their granddaughter, Becky, 1 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert SIGRIST, of Plano, Ill.  She died Jan. 2 and was buried in Plano.  Death was caused by intestinal flue and pneumonia. 

- J.E. PIPER, who for the past 8½ years has been local agent for the C. & E.I. R.R., was notified yesterday evening he had been assigned agent at Marion, Ill.  John expects to assume duties at Marion starting within the next 2 weeks.  The PIPERS will sell their property here and move to Marion as soon as possible.  Ronald HALL of Salem will succeed PIPER as C. & E.I. agent at  Kinmundy.  

- Raymond BEARD, 45, of Alma, died in the Salem Hospital Friday after suffering a heart attack a few months ago.  Services were held Sunday from the Alma Christian Church, Bro. James CRAGEN officiating.  Interment was in Alma Cemetery.  He is survived by his wife, Bertha; 1 son, Bill, of Carmi; 2 daughters, Eileen MALEKOVIC of Decatur; and Mary Alice, at home; 2 brothers, Robert of Kinmundy, and Frank of Salem; and 4 sisters, Angie REEVES, Thelma BEARD, and Agnes KRUTSINGER of Xenia; and Esther SNYDER of DeSoto, Mo. 

- Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur WOODEN have a daughter, Martha Darlene, born Jan. 9 in the Salem Hospital. 

- Winners of poetry awards in the National Poetry Associate fall contest were: Junior High: Jimmy WILLIAMS, “Waves”; Gary McWHIRTER, “The Ocean”; Senior High: Judy MULVANEY, “White Christmas”; Bill SEE, “After the Flood”; Joyce SMITH, “Boys”; Carolyn GARRETT, “Spring”; Edith WEST, “Smoke”; Donna COLLET, “Winter’s Arrival”; Barbara HOWELL, “Night”; Charles GRAY, “Dawn”; Carolyn ALBERSON, “Little Sis”; Peg HOOBER, “Erie Sounds”; Jo HESKETT, “Winter Sun”; Janet ARNOLD, “The Wind”; Barbara DOOLEN, “Winter”. 

- The Pioneer Hybrid Seed Corn Co. presented knives to the following students for completing their corn project: Dale HANKS, Darrell YATES, Jim DISS, Charles ERNST; Charles WILLIAMS, Wesley PERKINS, Jimmy COURSON, Larry SULLIVAN, Paul WILKINS, and Nolan McKITRICK. 

- Mr. and Mrs. F.G. “Jack” PRUETT and son, Gordon, moved Saturday to DuQuoin where he is employed by the Internal Revenue Dept. 

- Miletus: Some from this vicinity attended the charivari and shower Friday for Mr. and Mrs. Gale SILL in the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert SILL, near Greendale. 

- Public Auction announcement for Louie SOUTIER on Jan. 17 who has decided to quit farming.   Located 6 miles east of Patoka on Patoka-Kinmundy blacktop the ½ mile north, and 1 mile west.  - Mrs. T.D. MANGNER and son, Terry and Mr. and Mrs. Pat MANGNER of Chicago, were weekend guests of Mrs. H.M. FISHER.  Terry has just recently returned from a 33 month tour of duty in Japan with the A.A.F. 

Jan. 19, 1956: 

- Mrs. Darrell DISS and son, Mark, returned home Sunday from a 3 week visit with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William HUMPHREY in Tampa, Fla.  Frank HUMPHREY will remain in Florida and make his home with his son.

- Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence “Bud” DYER of Odin have a daughter born Jan. 11 in St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia.

- Mr. and Mrs. Bob GEILER entertained at a family dinner Saturday in honor of their daughter, Carla Sue’s 3rd birthday.  Also attending were Mr. and Mrs. Carl DUNLAP, Mr. and Mrs. Harry GEILER and children, Gaye and Bryce.

- Mr. and Mrs. Cecil JONES of Oak Park, Ill., have a son, born Jan. 14 named Bruce Kent.  Mr. and Mrs. C.E. JONES are the paternal grandparents.

- Mrs. BASSETT Installs Rebekahs: Mrs. Florence BASSETT, Past Noble Grand of the Salem Lodge, was installing officer, for Rosedale Rebekah Lodge 371, Friday evening.  She was assisted in the installation by Miss Wilma BOUGHERS, Assistant Marshal; Mrs. Alice LEWIN, Warden and Financial Secretary; and Mrs. Margaret SHUFELDT, Treas. and Chaplain.  Officers installed for the ensuing year were: Caroline YEAGER, N.G.; Paulene JOHNSON, V.G.; Maude HOLT, Secretary; Pearl FISHER, Treasurer; Stella LEE, R.S.N.G.; Alice READNOUR, L.S.N.G.; Margaret SHUFELDT, R.S.V.G.; Florence JACK, L.S.V.G.; Wilma BOUGHERS, Warden; Alice LEWIN, Conductor; Hattie COCKRELL, I.G.; Edna WILLIAMSON, Chaplain.  Refreshments were services by Mrs. YEAGER and Mrs. FISHER.     

- The neighbors of Mr. and Mrs. Bill SIMMONS and sons gathered at their home Sunday for a welcoming party.  The SIMMONS recently moved into the Glen VALLOW farm.  Attending were Mrs. Fannie MILLER, Mr. and Mrs. Walter MILLER, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie DeWERFF, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie BLOMBERG, Mr. and Mrs. Bill LUX and children, Mr. and Mrs. Art HOEHNE, and Mr. and Mrs. LaVerne AMBUEHL and Kevin.

- Mr. and Mrs. Frank KLINE of Alma will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at the Alma Methodist Church on Jan. 22, 1956.  Miss Olive BLURTON and Frank KLINE were married in the home of Jeff DAVIDSON at Tonti, Ill., on Jan. 21, 1906.  They went to their own home, which they had already furnished, near Tonti, where they lived for a short time.  Mr. KLINE, who was working for the Illinois Central R.R. was transferred to Vandalia in 1908 and lived there until 1914 when he was transferred to Mattoon.  They lived there for a year, then moved to Ludlow, Ill., where they lived until 1921.  Mr. KLINE went to work for the I.C. in 1901 and retired in 1953, after having worked continuously for them for over 52 years.  He was section foreman in Farina for 30 years.  The children grew up in Farina and attended Farina schools.  Their family consists of two girls and one boy.  They are Mrs. Hilda KOSS, Harvey, Ill.; Mrs. Imogene HAMMER, Kinmundy; and Dean, Independence, Mo.  There are 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.  The KLINE bought a home in Alma in 1951 and moved there but Mr. KLINE continued to drive to Farina each day to his work on the railroad.  He retired in 1953, and since then, Mr. KLINE has been weaving all sizes of baskets to sell and Mrs. KLINE operates a hobby shop in their home.  A pot luck dinner is planned on Jan. 22 at the Methodist Church in Alma with a reception following at the church with all friends invited.  (A picture of the couple was included.)

- Word was received here Monday of the death of Mr. Olza FOGLE of El Paso, Ill.  He died Monday of a heart ailment.  Mr. FOGLE was the husband of Beda (LAMBORN) FOGLE, a niece of Mrs. Lewella NEATHERY.  They are former residents of Kinmundy.

- Mrs. Ida SMITH and Mrs. Mary COMBS and son, Harry, of Farina, attended the funeral of the former’s cousin, Mrs. Clint STEIN of St. James Sunday.

- Mrs. Selby GARRETT, Mrs. Rada CALDWELL, and Mrs. Clyde GARRETT of Alma were Sunday dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Virgil LIVESAY.

- Word was received here Thursday of the death of Andrew BOUSMAN, of Grand Junction, Colo.  Death was result of an automobile wreck Wednesday evening.  He was a son of Mrs. A.L. SULLIVAN of Alma, and a brother of Mrs. Paul WAGONER and Miss Margaret BOUSMAN of this city.  Mrs. SULLIVAN and Miss BOUSMAN left for Colorado Thursday.

Jan. 26, 1956:

- Mr. and Mrs. Ellis JOHNSON were pleasantly surprised Tuesday evening when most of their family arrived to wish them a happy anniversary on their 22nd wedding anniversary.  Dinner guests were her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed BRASEL, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis BUTTS, and Mr. and Mrs. Cliff OLDEN and sons, Mrs. Doris MANESS and Mrs. Betty LOGUE and son.

- Thomas ANDERSON, Jr. of DeSoto may be the youngest preacher to give a sermon in Wisconsin.   When the Rev. Thomas ANDERSON failed to get back in time for his 11 a.m. sermon due to the wintry country roads, Thomas Jr. filled in for him.  Thomas Jr. is 13 years old.  As the young preacher pronounced the benediction, his father entered the church and added his “Amen” to a service well performed.  Thomas Jr. is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Gray DAVIS and the great-grandson of Mrs. Luther DAVIS, of Chicago, former residents of Kinmundy.

- Mr. and Mrs. John E. PIPER and family were guests to a potluck supper held Wednesday evening in the basement of the Methodist Church, given by their Sunday School classes.  Mr. and Mrs. PIPER moved Monday to their new home in Marion, where Mr. PIPER has accepted the position as station agent for the C. & E.I. railroad.

- Mrs. Maggie KLINE is a patient in the Salem Hospital with a brain concussion and painful bruises received in a fall Sunday.  Mrs. KLINE had just returned from an afternoon visit at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Earl GREENWOOD.  Mr. GREENWOOD had accompanied her as far as the porch and was returning to his car.  Mrs. KLINE reached for the porch rail, slipped and fell backwards striking her head on the brick walk.

- On Jan. 22, 1956, friends a relatives of Mr. and Mrs. Frank KLINE gathered at the Alma Methodist Church to help them celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.  Close to 70 friends and relatives were present at the noon hour at the church.  In the afternoon, a host of friends arrived to congratulate them.  Otis DAVIDSON was present, the only living witness to the KLINE wedding ceremony 50 years ago.  There were nearly 200 guests that day.

- Mrs. Louisa COX, widow of the late Ira COX, died at the home of her sister, Mrs. Mary FULFER, Jan. 20.  Services were held from the Linton Funeral Home with interment in Elder Cemetery.

- John Franklin MAGILL, 81, father of Mrs. Fred Bell MONTGOMERY of Fulton died Jan. 17 at the Callaway Hospital.  Services were held at the Maupin Funeral Home with interment in Hillcrest Cemetery.  Mr. MAGILL was born Feb. 20, 1874 in Richmond, Mo., the son of W. Henry and Laura PATTON MAGILL.  He lived a number of years in St. Louis where he was associated with the Con P. Curran Printing Co., and later lived in Little Rock, Ark.  In recent years, he and his wife lived in Richmond, Mo., and 2 years ago they moved to Fulton living in the Seminole Apartments.  He was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Mo.  Besides his wife and daughter, he leaves 2 grandchildren.  (Fulton, Mo. Daily Sun-Gazette).  The deceased was son-in-law of Mrs. Harriet DeVORE, and brother-in-law to Mrs. W.A. FRANKLIN of this city.  Mr. and Mrs. MAGILL made their home in this city for a few years.  John was a printer by trade and during their stay in Kinmundy, he made this plant his loafing headquarters.  We can truthfully say that he gave us much advice about the trade which has been of much benefit to us since.  We tried many times to get him to work for us, but he preferred to be near his daughter and grandchildren.

- The Tri-City Fishing Club held it’s annual meeting Friday in the City Hall.  The main purpose of the meeting was to compile statistics which had been gathered by several nimrods throughout the past season.  Also to make some scientific plans for the landing of several of those great-grandpappies which have lived in this lake for the past many years.  Time was taken away from the enthusiastic conversations just long enough to conduct the yearly business.  Mr. Pat JAMES was made president for the ensuing year, Jesse GEORGE was named Vice President, and E.E. JAHRAUS was reelected secretary and treasurer.  Directors elected were: F.O. GRISSOM and R.C. MAULDING, Kinmundy; Bill HESTER and Roy YOUNG, Alma; William WHITT and Carrol JAHRAUS, Farina.  Guy ARNOLD was considered the luckiest man in the group.  He was employed as caretaker and watchman for the season.  So now he will get paid for fishing.  It was indeed a very happy meeting.  No matter what the future holds, whether it be wet or dry, hot or cold, sick or well, rich or poor, everyone viewed that they would do more fishing this year than last.

- W. Earl HENSLEY, 73, Chicago, suffered a heart attack Tuesday noon and died enroute to the hospital.  Services will be held in Chicago on Friday.  The body will be cremated.   He leaves an invalid wife, a son and a daughter, all of Chicago.  Earl is a former Kinmundian.

- Mr. and Mrs. Edward ESSARY and daughters moved their personal effects from Mattoon last week to Lakeland, Fla.  Mr. ESSARY is a sales rep. for Walbernize Auto Polish, and will open the states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina.

- Mr. and Mrs. Bob JOHNSON of Salem have a son born Jan. 20 named Michael Robert.  Mrs. JOHNSON is the former Marle BAILEY.

- Mr. and Mrs. Don GESSEL have a daughter born Jan. 15 in the Flora Hospital named Connie Jo.

- Pleasant Grove: Mrs. Virgil ROBINSON and son, Bruce, ate dinner with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Claude HIESTAND, helping her father celebrate his birthday.

- Pleasant Grove: The body of Joe LITTRELL, who died at a hospital in Eldorado, was buried at Lovell’s Grove Cemetery Thursday.  The funeral was held at Salem.  Some from here called at the cemetery to view the body.  Mr. and Mrs. LITTRELL and son formerly lived near Omega.

- Miletus: Mr. and Mrs. Otie TATE attended the funeral for Mrs. Ira COX at Linton Funeral Home Sunday.

- Meacham: Mrs. Mellissa ROY of Sidel, Ill. was buried at Elder Cemetery Friday.  Her funeral service was held in the Baptist Church with Rev. Clyde SINCLAIR officiating. 

- T. Sgt.  Vernon JEZEK arrived home Monday after serving a 2 year tour of duty in Japan.  After a 30 day furlough, he will report for duty at Bunker Hill, Ind.

- In Memoriam of Mother, Mrs. Alice HABEL, who died Jan. 27, 1954.  Sadly missed by daughter, Mary TOLLEFSON.

- Meacham: Sunday afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Junior TATE and children called on Mrs. Mary HARRELL and the children stayed while their parents attended the funeral services and burial of Mrs. Louise COX at Elder Cemetery.

Feb. 2, 1956:

- Word was received here from Mrs. William HUMPHREY stating that her father-in-law, Frank HUMPHREY, who underwent a major operation in the Municipal Hospital in Tampa, Fla. is getting along as well as can be expected.  Frank is 86 years of age, but the doctors said he was in wonderful condition. 

- Bill BALLANCE, son of Mrs. Anna BALLANCE, underwent an appendectomy Saturday in the Fayette County Hospital in Vandalia.

- Glen BUTTS and Dwayne SCHAAL received several cuts and bruises, and Mr. SCHAAEL received a broken finger when the car in which they were riding collided with another one on Route 37 south of Alma Monday afternoon, driven by Carl SLOVER of DuQuoin.  According to reports, the BUTTS car, driven by Glen, was traveling south and a north bound car passed another one.  Glen applied his brakes to give him time to get back in his lane and in so doing he skidded.  They were taken to the Salem Hospital where Glen received several stitches in a cut about his left eye.  He received a severe bruise on the left hip.  Mr. SCHAAL received several small cuts about the face and required stitches in cuts on both hands.  He had a broken finger on his right hand.  The driver in the other car had a punctured lung and cuts on his forehead.

- Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe WIMBERLY have a daughter born Jan. 27 at the Memorial Hospital named Sandra Louise.  The mother is the former Louise SHAFFER.

- Pfc Glen BUTTS returned home Tuesday from Camp Carson, Colo., where he received his discharge from the U.S. Army.

- Maggie E. KLINE: Maggie Ellis KLINE, daughter of John and Augusta HARVEY, the last of a family of 4 children, was born in Alma twp., Sept. 24, 1867, and died in Salem Memorial Hospital on Jan. 25, 1956.  At an early age, she was converted and joined the Methodist Church.  She was active in the church with her singing and faithful work all thru life, and later she united with the Methodist Church in Kinmundy, Apr. 3, 1955.  She was a teacher in the rural school of Marion county for several years.  She married Calvin B. KLINE on March 14,1888, and they had 8 children.  Two preceded her in death, Mrs. Ruby TAYLOR of Holdrege, Neb., and Loren, of Salem.  Her husband died on Oct. 2, 1941.  Surviving are: Mrs. Gail RICHARDS of Elm Creek, Neb.; Mrs. Garnet CHAMBERS of Los Angeles, Calif.; Eugene of St. Joseph, Mo.; and Chester, Merle, and Mrs. Lois GREENWOOD, all of Kinmundy.  In addition, there are 17 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 1 nephew, Maurice HARVEY of Farina.  She and her husband spent their entire life on the farm.  Services were held from the Methodist Church, with Rev. A. Vance COMER officiating, and interment in Evergreen Cemetery.  (A list of relatives attending from out-of-town was included.)

- The Kinmundy-Alma Volunteer Firemen met for their monthly meeting.  There were only 10 present, until the fire siren sounded, and that brought 5 more into the fold.  From now on, the siren will be sounded to remind the members that it is meeting night.  At this meeting, the organization adopted their by-laws.  It was reported that for 1955, there were a total of 20 fires visited by the department, 12 of these were in the country and 8 in town.  There was an estimated loss of $4000 by fire in the entire district.  The trustees of the district have purchased a truck, on which is being mounted a large tank.  This tank will be kept filled with water and make runs to the country fire. 

- Pleasant Grove: Mr. and Mrs. Virgil SEE and son made a short call on her mother Saturday evening and were going to Carlyle to attend a family supper at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Tony KNUF, given in honor of their father, Paul SEE’s birthday.

- Pleasant Grove: Word was received here of the death of Mrs. Ace STIPP whose funeral was held Sunday afternoon at Villa Grove, where Mr. and Mrs. STIPP have lived the last few years.   Mrs. Olive SHREFFLER of Alma, has been with her sister in Villa Grove for some time helping care for their parents, as both have been confined to their bed for some time.  Burial was in Oskaloosa.

- Pleasant Grove: Mr. and Mrs. Tom GARRETT and Tommie ate Sunday dinner with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Francis SIPES helping her mother celebrate her birthday.  Mr. and Mrs. Glen BOYD and Mr. and Mrs. James SIPES were afternoon visitors.

- Brown: Several attended the charivari and shower Saturday night at the Johnny HENKE home for Mr. and Mrs. Dale HENKE.

- Mr. and Mrs. Jamie McGEE moved Saturday to their property recently purchased from Mr. and Mrs. PIPER.

- In Memoriam of  Mrs. Pearl ALEXANDER who died Feb. 1, 1955.  Missed by husband and children.  F.G. ALEXANDER; ALEXANDER families.

- In Memoriam of William Clyde SIPES, who died Feb. 4, 1955.  Helen and girls.

- Mrs. Doris MANESS was guest of honor Friday at a stork shower at the home of Mrs. Cliff OLDEN.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- On Friday, a group of about 25 friends gathered at the home of Donny GORDON to help celebrate his 11th birthday.  (A list of guests was included.)

- Miss Sue WAGONER celebrate her 8th birthday with 14 of her friends and classmates.

- Neighbors and relatives of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey JOHNSTON and family gathered at their home Thursday for a farewell party.  They are moving to a farm which they purchased southwest of Alma.  (A list of those attending was included.)

Feb. 9, 1956:

- August MALINSKY, 77, died in Flora, Jan. 29, after an illness of several months.  He was a retired locomotive engineer for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.  Services were held in Flora with interment in the Flora Cemetery.  He is survived by 1 daughter, Clara, of Flora; and 2 brothers, Frank of Ontario; and Albert of this city.

- We received a letter from Mrs. Annie YOUNG this week stating that she was moving to Carbondale along with her son, Dr. Charles W. YOUNG and family.  Dr. YOUNG is joining the Carbondale Clinic.  Mrs. YOUNG has been residing in DeKalb while Dr. YOUNG and his family have been living in Sycamore where he has been practicing.

- Wally HULTS, who has been spending the past 30 days here with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace HULTS, has returned to Pearl Harbor and will be down in Japan where he will serve as radioman aboard the USS Chimon for the remaining time in the navy. 

- Mrs. Gertrude BRADEN of Alma has been chosen as the new chairman of the Marion County Chapter of the American Cancer Society.

- Mr. and Mrs. Carl CRAIN have purchased the H.L. WARREN property and will move therein in the near future.

- Mr. and Mrs. Fred SEE have a son born Feb. 2 at the Salem Hospital.  He has been named Michael Dennis.

- Mrs. Caddie PATTERSON was transported Friday from the Salem Memorial Hospital to the Yaw Nursing Home in Odin.

- Mr. and Mrs. Wayne BRANDT and daughter moved to Gilman, Ill. Friday.  Mr. BRANDT is a telegrapher for I.C.R.R.

- Mr. and Mrs. George H. BARGH of Champaign have a daughter born Feb. 2 in Mercy Hospital, Urbana named Mary Jo.  Mr. and Mrs. BARGH are the parents of a son, Johnny, 13 months old.  Mrs. Mildred BARGH is the paternal grandmother.

- Mrs. Rose O’DELL, 67, died in the Fayette County Hospital, Vandalia, Feb. 1.   Services were held from the Evangelical and Reformed Church in Farina Saturday morning.  Interment was in Farina Cemetery.  She is survived by her husband, Ed O’DELL of Loogootee; 1 daughter, Mrs. Edna HARRIS, Minneapolis, Minn.; 2 sons, Walter MICHELS, Cleveland, Ohio; and Avon MICHELS, St. Louis, Mo.; 3 step-daughters, Mrs. Melphia HOUSER, Highland; Mrs. Mary HUBBARD, Vandalia; Mrs. Sidonia ALBRIGHT, Wilmington; and 1 step-son, Lewis J.T. O’DELL, of this city.

- Mr. and Mrs. Harvey JOHNSTON and family moved Thursday to the farm they purchased southwest of Alma.

- Mr. and Mrs. Don SMITH have moved to the Mrs. Phil MAY property along Rt. 37.

- Marvin SIPES, Senior at Salem Community High School, was awarded a scholarship at the 4-H X-Tra Yield corn growing contest.  The state average was 119.5 bushels per acre for the X-Tra Yield and despite a long drought and the burning winds of last summer, Marvin still produced 84 bushels per acre.  Marvin is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon SIPES residing in Stevenson twp.

- Pleasant Grove: Doris and Linda ROSE celebrate their 4th birthdays with a little dress up party Linda’s birthday was Saturday, and Linda’s Sunday.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- Miletus: Mrs. Claude MULVANEY received word one day last week of the arrival of Randy Gene in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Eugene WILKINSON of East Peoria.  This is her second great grandchild. 

Feb. 16, 1956:

- Band Stand Razed: The old band stand which has stood on the “public square” for the past 36(?) Years, is being razed by Mayor E.E. JAHRAUS.  And the old fire bell is to come down also.  The band stand, a wooden structure, is pretty well deteriorated.  It served it’s purpose well at the time of its erection but it has not been used for many years.  The old fire bell has outlived it’s usefulness also.  With the coming of the electric siren, the bell has not been tolled for several years.  In fact, we thing the old chain running to the clapper, has been off for some time.  The “town well” under the band stand, which is covered with a slab of concrete is to remain, we are told.  The well is for fire protection and has an eight inch pipe running into it from the Illinois Central water tank.  If need be a valve can be opened and the well filled in a matter of seconds.  This will remain for a few years and then it will be filled when it is found that it is never used.  If and when this takes places, there should be some kind of a ceremony connected with it as that well really is an old landmark within the city.

- Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth SMITH, who recently moved into the Bessie NEAVILL residence have a son born Feb. 9, in the Salem Hospital.  The mother is the former Jean SHANAFELT, daughter of Ike SHANAFELT.  Mr. and Mrs. Warren SMITH of Alma are the paternal grandparents.

- Mr. Jamie McGEE was pleasantly surprised Wednesday afternoon when the P.T.A. room mothers for his room, Mrs. Helen CORRIE and Mrs. George KEEN, visited school bringing with them a three-tiered cake inscribed with “Happy Birthday, Mr. McGEE.”  The class was taken to the cafeteria for cake and ice cream.

- Rev. and Mrs. Walter A. SMITH of Flora have a daughter, Deborah Ann, on Jan. 24.  Rev. SMITH is the District Supt. of the Olney district of the Methodist Church and makes frequent visits here.

- The Married Group had another very successful meeting at Salem Feb. 2.  Hon. Eldon E. HAZLETT of Carlyle, President of the Kaskaskia Lake Project, told the group about the new lake that was to be built at Carlyle.  Square dancing was then called by Floyd Smith.  Sam WINFREY, Reporter.

- Robert LEE was officially appointed City Clerk at a special meeting of the City Council Thursday. 

- Henry HASSEBROCK has rented the building formerly occupied by the Bell Telephone Co. and is putting in fixtures for a meat market.  He is being helped by Chloris WILLIAMS, of Alma, who will be the meat cutter. We understand it will be both a wholesale and retail market.  Mr. HASSEBROCK recently built a slaughter house just east of the city on land he purchased from Mrs. John HOLT.  So the new market will specialize in home killed meats.

- Sunday dinner guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ellis BUTTS, helping celebrate her birthday, were Mr. and Mrs. Loren JOHNSON of McLeansboro, Leo JOHNSON of Salem, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis JOHNSON, Mrs. Doris MANESS and Mrs. Betty LOGUE and son, Terry.

- James E. ROBNETT arrived home Sunday after spending a few days with relatives in various places.  He graduated on Feb. 7th from the New York Institute of Dietetics, Inc. of New York City as a Food Supervisor.  After spending a few days here with his mother, Mrs. Lura ROBNETT and family, he will leave for San Diego, Calif., where he has a position waiting him.

- Mr. and Mrs. G.E. SHREFFLER and family are moving to Salem today (Wednesday) where Mr. SHREFFLER is employed by the Halliburton Co.

- Nicholas V. LOVELL, a resident for many years at South Bend, Ind., died Saturday in Portsmouth, N.H. the home of his son, Clement.  He had gone there 3 months ago from South Bend.  He was born in Salem on May 21, 1866, and was married in Kenosha, Wis., in 1892 to Miss Louise C. BEHRENS, who died in South Bend in 1953.  He was a retired merchant.  Surviving also are another son, Fayette LOVELL of Pasadena, Calif.; 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.  The body was returned to South Bend.  The funeral was there Wednesday with burial in Highland Cemetery.  He was a member of  Portage Lodge 675, F. & A.M., and the Octogenarian Club.  The deceased was a former resident of this city and will be remembered by many of our older residents.  He made frequent visits here to visit his sister, the late Mrs. J.W. WHITTENBURG.

- Elmer POWELL, 84, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Howard SMITH of Alma on Feb. 9.  Services were held from the Linton Funeral Home in this city Sunday, Rev. Austin DONOHO, officiating.  Interment was made in Evergreen Cemetery.  Mr. POWELL was one of the older residents of the Alma community.

- The engagement of Miss Joanne DOOLEN of Colorado, Calif. to Lt. Donald Ames MONTGOMERY is being announced.  Miss DOOLEN is the daughter of Mrs. Bryan C. DOOLEN, Tucson, and the late Mr. DOOLEN.  Mrs. Juanita RANSOM, Monrovia, Calif., and David MONTGOMERY, San Mateo, Calif., are the parents of the fiancé.  She is a graduate of the Univ. of Arizona.  Lieut. MONTGOMERY, a graduate of Brigham Young Univ. is stationed at Reese Air Force Base, Lubbock, Tex.  A June wedding is planned.  The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Mrs. Myrtle DOOLEN, of this city.

- The American Legion and Auxiliary will hold Open House Saturday, Feb. 18, from 2 until 4 p.m.  The public is cordially invited to see their home which has just been redecorated.

- Sgt. and Mrs. Robert MIDDLETON, of Belleville, have a daughter, Feb. 13, in the Scott Air Base Hospital.  The mother is the former Evelyn FEATHER.

- Pleasant Grove: Mrs. Clarence ALDERSON and Mrs. Herbert ANDERSON of Kinmundy, and Mrs. Claude ROSE of Omega Unit were guests at the Pleasant Grove Home Bureau meeting in Brubaker Friday afternoon.  Mrs. Sammie HIESTAND and Mrs. Robert FORD gave a report of their trip to the Farm and Home Week.  Each gave interesting talks of things that impressed them most.  Mrs. Paul WILLIAMS gave a demonstration on mixing nut bread which she served with refreshments.  Points were scored on each kind.  Mrs. Fred MOODY gave the lesson on selecting and using pictures and wall hangings.  Refreshments of cake, cupcakes, coffee and coolade were served by hostesses Mrs. Dalt VANDEVEER and Mrs. Ray VANDEVEER.

- Meacham: Mr. and Mrs. John FORD called on Mrs. Mary HARRELL Thursday evening.

- Meacham: Robert FORD and family, and Glen JAHRAUS and family called on Mrs. Mary HARRELL Sunday afternoon.

- Miletus: Some from this vicinity attended the charivari and shower at the Lewis BURKETT home last Saturday night for their daughter, Rosemary and husband.

- Mr. and Mrs. Ray INGRAM and son were dinner guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John McCULLEY Saturday in honor of their 10th wedding anniversary.  

Feb. 23, 1956:

- F.O. GRISSOM Appointed as Supervisor of Kinmundy Ground Observer Corps: It has been definitely decided by all concerned that our locality would be a strategic point to be bombed should our country be invaded by an enemy.  Realizing this, steps are being taken in the direction of safety.  Mr. F.O. GRISSOM has assumed the responsibility of Post Supervisor for this vicinity.  Mr. GRISSOM will appoint several ground observers and as soon as the weather permits, will take them through a course of training.  After completing this training course, these ground observers will be able to identify any friendly plane flying over, with the aid of field glasses of course.  Should a plane come this way, which cannot be identified, or if it is identified as an enemy plane, the information is relayed to a “filter center” where it will be checked if the information is found to be authentic, then an alarm is to be spread.

- Ray KING, 60, of Louisville, son of Mrs. Martha KING, of Meacham twp., was killed instantly Sunday morning when he drove into the path of an oncoming car, on Route 45.  The deceased was a resident of Louisville and was helping on his son’s paper route.  The morning was extremely foggy.  He attempted to drive onto Route 45 from the side road which leads to the business district of Louisville.  He is survived by his wife Opal, 4 daughters, 2 sons, 2 brothers, and 4 sisters.  Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the present time.

- Mrs. Dorothy KRUTSINGER, 95, died at the home of a daughter in Champaign Thursday.  The body was brought to the Linton Funeral Home Saturday.  Services were held Sunday from the Oskaloosa Church and interment made in the Oskaloosa Cemetery.

- The many friends of Mrs. Al KAYTOR, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.H. MILLER, of this city, will be please to learn that she has accepted the position of Foods Editor for “Look Magazine” in New York City.  She has been Assistant Foods Editor for  sometime.  And upon the resignation of the Editor she was given the position.  This week, Marilyn, as we know her, is in Chicago where she will judge the National Cherry Pie Baking Contest.  Mrs. MILLER went to Chicago Monday to be with her during her stay there.

- Mr. and Mrs. Ralph CORDELL of Birmingham, Ill. have a son born Feb. 20 named Bruce Howell.  The mother is the former Jean LANDESS, a granddaughter of Mrs. C.F. PRUETT.

- Mrs. Ron SWIFT was honored at a pink and blue shower given Wednesday evening at the home of Mrs. J.N. VALLOW.  Mrs. Gerald CHASTEEN and Mrs. Jim WILLIAMS were hostesses.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- Mr. and Mrs. Bert GARRETT and Mrs. Lora ARNOLD attended the funeral of Mrs. Arthur GRANDT.

- Mrs. L.A. ALDERSON returned home Sunday from Jonesboro where she had been helping care for her sister, Mrs. Annie ARNHART.  Mrs. ARNHART, 82 years, fell at her home Feb. 8 and broke a hip.

- Mr. and Mrs. Edward ELSTON have a daughter born Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, in the Salem Hospital.  She has been named Phyllis Jean.

- Brenda WAGONER celebrated her 5th birthday Friday with a party given by her mother, Mrs. Paul WAGONER.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- Graveside services for Terry Gene LAWSON, infant son of William and Gail (GARRETT) LAWSON, of Odin, were held Feb. 15 at Vernon Cemetery.  The child died at birth Monday in St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia.  Survivors include the parents; a brother, Bill; a sister, Connie Sue; and the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Claude GARRETT of Alma.  Mrs. Emma BALLANCE, Mrs. Carl DUNLAP, and Mrs. Bob GEILER attended the services.

- Mr. and Mrs. Jack BARKSDALE, Jr. have a son born Feb. 18 in Salem Hospital.  Mrs. BARKSDALE is the former Paula SMITH.

- Mrs. Marjorie CORRELL and son, Jim, moved Saturday to the property they purchased on N. Monroe St.

March 1, 1956:

- Mr. and Mrs. Marvin BASSETT announce the birth of a daughter born Saturday, Feb. 25, in St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia.  She weighed 9 lbs. and 2 oz. and has been named Marsha Lynn.  Mrs. Otto REESE is the paternal grandmother.

- After reenlisting in the army for 6 years, Specialist First Class Robert A. GRAY of Kinmundy was congratulated in Japan by Maj. Gen. George B. PEPLOE, deputy chief of staff in the personnel section of headquarters Army Forces, Far East and Eighth Army.  Specialist GRAY, whose wife, Margaret, and children, live in Kinmundy, is secretary to general staff.  He is a veteran of WWII.  The son of Leland L. GRAY, Kinmundy, he graduated in 1942 from Kinmundy Community H.S.  (A picture of Leland GRAY and PEPLOE was included.) 

- Mrs. Lillie Mae WATSON, 84, died in St. Louis, Feb. 21.  Services were held from the Methodist Church in Alma, Rev. E.M. DYCUS, officiating.  Interment in Alma Cemetery.

- Robert E. LEE of Breese was recently promoted to specialist third class in France where he is a member of the 7825th Army Unit of the U.S. Army Europe Communications Zone.  LEE, a clerk in the unit’s station complement detachment, entered the army in Aug. 1954 and completed his basic training at Camp Chaffee, Ark.  He arrived in Europe in Jan. 1955.  LEE, son of Mr. and Mrs. John C. LEE of Breese, Ill., graduated from Eastern Ill. State College in 1954.  He is the grandson of Mrs. Stella LEE of this city.

- Mr. and Mrs. Bruce OLDEN of Salem have a daughter born Feb. 21 in Salem Hospital named Tina Marie.   Mr. and Mrs. Rosco OLDEN and Mr. and Mrs. Chester KLINE are the grandparents.

- D.J. ALEXANDER received word Tuesday that his service station had been awarded the “Watchful Gulf Dealer” display award.  This award is being made by the Gulf Oil Corp. for maintaining excellent service.

- T. Sgt. and Mrs. Denton BRASEL have a daughter born Feb. 7 in Costa Rico named Linda Marie.  Sgt. BRASEL is stationed in Greenland at the present time, and Mrs. BRASEL is staying with her parents in Costa Rico.  Mr. and Mrs. Glen BRASEL of Kinmundy are the paternal grandparents.

- Miss Marilyn O’DELL was awarded the D.A.R. Good Citizen Award.  She is 17 years old, and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis J.T. O’DELL. (A picture of Marilyn accompanied this article.)

- Mrs. Ida TIPSWORD, 73, a resident of Meacham twp., died in the Salem Hospital on Friday.  Services were held Sunday from the Meacham Baptist Church, Elder Clyde SINCLAIR, officiating.  Interment was in Elder Cemetery.

- Mr. and Mrs. Richard MUNDS of Champaign have a son born Feb. 22 in Burnham City Hospital named Danny Leon.  Mr. and Mrs. Fenton NEAL are the maternal grandparents.

- Mrs. Zelia NEAVILL was found in a coma in her home Monday evening.  Mrs. Herschel PIGG and Mrs. Lewella NEATHERY called for her to attend the Chilli Supper at the school around 6:00 Monday evening and when no one answered their knock, they called a neighbor, Mr. B.O. GARRETT, who forced a back door and found Mrs. NEAVILL slumped on the davenport in a coma.  She was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia for treatment.

- Mr. Leland GRAY was host at a dinner party Sunday given at Crain’s Café in honor of his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Robert GRAY.  Mrs. GRAY and her sons expect to join her husband in Japan in the near future.  Guests included Mrs. Robert GRAY and three sons, Mr. and Mrs. Harold HOLLINSHEAD and son of Laclede, and Mr. and Mrs. Dick GRAY and daughters of St. Elmo.

- Mr. and Mrs. George LONNON, residing southeast of Kinmundy in the old Elder School neighborhood, quietly observed their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 22.  Neither are in too good health, so no celebration was planned at their request.  Mr. George LONNON, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert LONNON, and Miss Virdie SCHOOLEY, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert SCHOOLEY, were married in the home of the bride’s parents in Omega, Feb. 22, 1906, the late Rev. W.J. SIMER, reading the wedding ceremony.  This couple has lived in this vicinity since their marriage.  Upon the death of Mr. LONNON’s parents, they moved to the home place where they have since resided.  They have 2 daughters, Mrs. Myrle HELM and Mrs. Lois ALDERSON.  A son, Robert, died at the age of 24 as the result of a car accident.  Mr. and Mrs. LONNON are both members of the Omega Presbyterian Church.  On their anniversary last week, they received 55 cards, several letters and several presents.  They were very happy to be remembered.

- Meacham (from last week): John FORD and Jack KRUTSINGER called on Mrs. Mary HARRELL Thursday morning.

- Meacham (from last week): Nettie ARNOLD came home from school with Eugena ROSE Thursday night to help celebrate her birthday.

- In Memoriam of Don D. GRAY, who died March 1, 1949, age 56 years.  Sadly missed by father and mother.

March 8, 1956:

- Mr. and Mrs. Merle JACKSON and Mrs. A.J. JACKSON surprised Mrs. C.R. WILLIAMS at her (?) birthday at the home of Mrs. A.J. JACKSON, Sunday.  A delicious chicken dinner was served.

- The Volunteer Fire Dept. was called out Sunday afternoon to extinguish a grass fire on the Orous LEACH farm east of town.  The fire was of unknown origin, and for a while it looked like it would take the whole country side.  The dept. was called out Tuesday afternoon to extinguish a field fire on the Herbert VANDEVEER farm caused from a tractor cushion catching fire.  It was thrown in the ditch alongside the road and the fire took off from there.

- Sgt. and Mrs. Doyle WILKINSON and daughters arrived at the home of his mother, Mrs. Claude MULVANEY Thursday from Germany where he has been stationed the past 2 years.  After a few days visit here , they will go to Camp Lewis, Washington.

- Mrs. Lura ROBNETT received a letter from her son, Jimmy, stating that he arrived safely in San Diego on Thursday.  He left here in his car Monday previous driving a total of 2142 miles.  At the present time he is with Mr. and Mrs. Maxey SUGG. 

- Mrs. Zelia NEAVILL returned home Wed. from St. Mary’s Hospital where she had   been a medical patient for a few days.

- Mr. and Mrs. F.G. SCHOOLEY and daughters, Mrs. Lela SHELTON of Belleflower and Mrs. Lorena PETERSON of Monticello, and Roy HORN of Champaign, spent Saturday afternoon and evening with Mr. and Mrs. Charles BOYD in honor of Mr. BOYD’s birthday which was Feb. 29th, and their golden wedding anniversary (today) Thursday, March 8.  Mr. Mel BOYD, Mrs. Zelia NEAVILL, and Mrs. C.E. WILKINSON were afternoon visitors.  Their daughter, Mrs. Joe D. ETHERTON and son, Jim, of Carbondale visited Sunday in honor of the two occasions.

- Capt. Walter W. “Bill” WILLIAMS, attained Senior pilot rating in the U.S.A.F. in a ceremony on Feb. 23.  Capt. WILLIAMS joined the service as a private in the Army Air Corps in Nov. 1942.  He received pilot’s wings and a commission as second Lieut. in June 1944.  He achieved his captaincy in Jan. 1951.  His hometown is Kinmundy, near where his parents now live.  He and his wife, the former Miss Lola KEDSO of Goldthwaite, Texas, and their 2 daughters, Donna, 10, and Cynthia, 8, reside in Linthicum Heights, Md.

- On March 4, Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher COLE entertained a dinner in honor of the birthdays of Marjorie GREEN, Sam LOWE, Mack ROBB, and Fletcher COLE which are in March.  This gathering has been held for the past 27 years.  Only 2 years were missed on account of illness.  (The names of those attending were included.)

- Mr. and Mrs. Carl K. GREEN of Baytown, Texas have a daughter born Feb. 25 named Karen Antonette.  Mr. Wm. L. GREEN of this city is the paternal grandfather.

- Pleasant Grove: A few friends and relatives called on Mr. and Mrs. Clyde ROSE Wednesday night to help them celebrate their birthday.

- Pleasant Grove: Mrs. Robert FORD, Mrs. Sammie HIESTAND, Mrs. Melvin CURRIE, Mrs. Hollis BAKER, Mrs. Clyde ROSE, and Mrs. Herschel ROSE were among those assisting at Vursell’s Super Market store in Salem Saturday, who are cooperating with the Farm Bureau in a nationwide campaign to relieve the surplus of pork and beef.

- Mr. and Mrs. Darrell LIVESAY and family of Macon visited Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Fred GAMMON and Mr. and Mrs. Virgil LIVESAY.  Their daughter, Regina, remained for a week’s visit also.

- Mrs. Bill BEARD of Carmi, spent last week with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank GARRETT, while her husband was in Oakland, Md. on business.

- Mr. and Mrs. Arthur COURSON celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary Sunday, and Mr. and Mrs. Ira MERRITT were the guests.  About 40 attended.

March 15, 1956:

- Mr. and Mrs. Charles BOYD observed their 50th Wedding anniversary last Thursday in a very quiet way.  A few friends called and they received many cards remembering them on this occasion.  Mrs. BOYD has been in ill health for some time.  Mr. Charles BOYD, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry BOYD, and Miss Edith DENISON, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Horace DENISON, were married in the Methodist Episcopal Church Parsonage in Kinmundy on March 8, 1906, the Rev. N.D. SWEENY performing the ceremony.  They were attended by Claude WILKINSON and Miss Stella DENISON.  Immediately after their marriage, they went to housekeeping on a farm in Meacham twp., and a year later moved to the DENISON farm 1½ miles east of Kinmundy, which farm they still own.  In 1915, the family moved to town where Mr. BOYD has been engaged in various vocations.  At the present time he is secretary of the Kinmundy Twp. Mutual Fire Insurance Co.  Mr. and Mrs. BOYD have 1 daughter, Frances, now Mrs. Joe ETHERTON of Carbondale.  They have 2 grandsons, Dick and Jim, who have both been outstanding 4-H Club boys, both having been awarded trips to the International 4-H Club Congress.

- The Samuel Music Co. of Effingham have delivered a new Hammond electric organ to the Methodist Church Tuesday.

- Wed 40 Years: Mr. and Mrs. Virgil LIVESAY were very pleasantly surprised Friday evening when several relatives and friends joined them at the home of their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Fred GAMMON, to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.  Games were played and light refreshments served by the hostess.  Attending the party were: Mr. and Mrs. Bert GARRETT, Mr. and Mrs. Frank GARRETT, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde GARRETT, Mr. and Mrs. Wes ROBB, Mr. and Mrs. Charles GAMMON, Mr. and Mrs. Orie GREEN, Mrs. Elizabeth ATKINS,  Mr. Raymond ATKINS, of Kinmundy; Mrs. Bertha ROBB of Decatur; Regina LIVESAY of Macon; Mr. and Mrs. Selby GARRETT, Mrs. Rada CALDWELL of Alma; and Mr. and Mrs. Elmer FRIZZELL and daughter of Patoka.

- Charles Price HAMMER, 60, of Wichita, Kansas, died March 7.  He was buried from the Byrd Snodgrass Funeral Home in Wichita.  He was a retired Drug and Sundre Store operator, a member of the College Hill Methodist Church, and the American Legion.  He served under Gen. MacArthur in WWI.  He is survived by his wife, Clara; 4 sons, Donald W. of Wichita; Floyd of Denver, Colo.; Lowell C. of Baltimore, Md.; and Willard, Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, Calif.; 2 brothers, Glen of Omaha, Neb.; Paul E. of Robinson, Ill.; and 2 sisters, Mrs. Clara MEYERS of Decatur, and Mrs. Ben DOWNER of Los Angeles, Calif.  Mr. HAMMER was a native of Kinmundy.

- Mr. and Mrs. George HAMMES of Cicero have a son born March 8 named John Brian.  The mother is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Forrest DOOLEN of Hammond, Ind.  Mr. and Mrs. Charles KELLER and Mrs. Effie ROBB are his maternal great-grandparents.

- Capt. and Mrs. Darrell ROBB of Overammergon, Germany have a son, Robert Glen, born March 10.  The ROBBs have 2 daughters, Bonnie and Patty.  The grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Earl HARRIS of Odin, and Mr. and Mrs. Glen ROBB of Salem.

- Mrs. Sarah MILLER, one of Kinmundy’s older residents, passed her 97th birthday Sunday.  Her family gathered at her home for a bountiful potluck dinner and a day of visiting.  Several pictures were taken.  She was the recipient of 80 cards, several gifts, and 4 beautiful birthday cakes.   Monday, March 12, the neighbors and friends enjoyed a small dinner party in honor of the occasion.  During the dinner “Happy Birthday” was sung by her old neighbors.  Deanna TROUT and Charles GEORGE sang “Let A Little Sun Shine In”.  Relatives attending Sunday were Mr. and Mrs. Walter MILLER, Mr. and Mrs. Ray SIMPSON and daughters, Lincoln; Mr. and Mrs. Bill DUNCANSON and son, Pekin; Mr. Walter MILLER Jr., Rantoul; Mr. and Mrs. Bill MILLER, Tuscola; Mr. and Mrs. Clarence JOLLIFF, Mrs. Opal McNEIL and sons, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred KNOTT and daughters, and Mr. and Mrs. Vince BIERMAN and daughters, Centralia; Mrs. Lida JOLLIFF, Central City; Mr. and Mrs. Frank WILSON and Grover BAILEY, Kinmundy.  (A list of dinner guests, and callers during the day on Monday, were also included.)

- Mr. and Mrs. Virgil LIVESAY and Mr. and Mrs. Fred GAMMON spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Darrell LIVESAY in Macon.

- Mrs. Erma EAGAN and Mr. Mel BOYD were married March 10 in the Grace Methodist Church parsonage in Salem, with Rev. Carl HEARN officiating.  The couple was attended by her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond SWIFT.  The couple will live in his home.

- Frank M. RAINEY, age 58 years, died in the Veteran’s Hospital in Hines, Ill.  Services were held from the Linton Funeral Home March 11.  Burial was in the Alma Cemetery with Rev. Forrest Crouch, officiating.  Mr. RAINEY leaves his wife, 3 brothers, Claude, Harry, and Dan of Alma, an done sister, Mrs. Fred GRIFFIN, residing south of Kinmundy.

- Dewey MAXWELL Dies: George Dewey MAXWELL, 57, formerly of this city, died March 6, in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Phoenix, Ariz.  He had been ill for the past 2 years with a heart ailment.  He was a custodian at Phoenix College.  Services were held from the A.L. Moore Mortuary with burial in Kasi Resthaven Park.  Mr. MAXWELL was born in Kinmundy.  He was a veteran of WWI and served for 3 years in the Panama Canal Zone.  He went to Phoenix 9 years ago.  He is survived by his wife, Birdie; and a son, Ted; both of Phoenix; and a brother Lemuel of Decatur.

- Mr. and Mrs. Morris CHASTEEN lost their home as well as all of the contents including all their clothes by fire early Monday morning.  The fire was caused by an oil stove exploding.  The fire happened at about 5:30 soon after Mr. CHASTEEN, who is employed in Mt. Vernon, left for work.  Mrs. CHASTEEN was ironing at the time. When the stove exploded, the whole kitchen was in flames.  She ran upstairs and awakened the 5 children, who scampered to safety with nothing but their night clothing.  The fire dept. worked diligently but practically the whole inside of the house was gone before it arrived.  Fire Chief Carl DUNLAP came very near being a casualty.  He had gone up the burning stairway to fire the fire upstairs.  In descending, the stairway gave way and Mr. DUNLAP went to the cellar with a part of the stairway on top of him.  He was rescued with no ill effects until in the afternoon when he found that he was badly stoven.   The CHASTEENs have 6 children, 5 at home.  They have 2 girls, ages 6 and 13, and 3 boys, 10, 15, and 19.  In as much as they lost all their clothing, if any of our good neighbors would happen to have anything they think might fit any of the family, including Mr. and Mrs. CHASTEEN, you may leave it at the Fred GAMMON home or at the Will CHASTEEN home.  If you have any bed clothes, leave them with Mrs. Will CHASTEEN.  If you should have any furniture which you are not using, Mr. Cecil BAILEY tells us you can leave it in the old Café Building on Rt. 37.  The building will be unlocked during the day.  So just bring it to the building.  He will lock the building at night.  We understand some of the good ladies of our city are sponsoring a purse for this unfortunate family.  In case you would wish to give some money, you may contact Mrs. Wayne ROBB or Mrs. Junior GORDON.

- Charles BOYD had the pleasure of having his 19th birthday anniversary on Feb. 29.  Inasmuch as he was 80 years of age, many thought that he was mistaken in it being his 19th.  But he informed them that at the turn of the century, there as a period of 8 years when he was not permitted to celebrate the occasion.  Mr. BOYD feels as though he has always been just a bit underprivileged by having a birthday only every 4 years, and on one occasion, 8 years.

- Mr. and Mrs. Herman SOLDNER attended the funeral of their brother-in-law, James MULLEN, in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Bloomington on Saturday.  He had been a patient in the Bloomington Hospital for 2 months.  Mrs. MULLEN is the former Ruth LACEY, a sister of Mrs. Herman SOLDNER.

- Mrs. Kenneth WILKINSON entertained several of her daughter, Linda’s, friends Sunday in honor of her 7th birthday, and the 7th birthday of Nelda REESE, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Darrell REESE.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- Tuesday supper guests in honor of Miss Sarah SIDENER’s birthday were her uncle, Harry BEAL of Harvey, and Rex WIHELM of Chicago.

- Mrs. Wm. WHITESIDE and son, Bill, who has recently been discharged from the U.S. Army , Mr. and Mrs. Ted PHILLIPS and son of Salem, and Merle NULL of Louisville were Sunday dinner guests at the home of Rev. and Mrs. Agnus PHILLIPS.

March 22, 1956:

- After the last stated meeting of Kinmundy Chapter O.E.S. No. 606, the members were invited to the dining room where a beautifully decorated table laden with Pink and Blue gifts awaited the Worthy Matron, Mrs. Art BOYD.  It was a complete surprise and all enjoyed seeing our Worthy Matron accept these gifts.

- Mr. and Mrs. John F. SEE of Centralia, have a son born March 16 at St. Mary’s Hospital.  He has been named Tommy Carl.

- The American Legion Auxiliary held a special meeting March 12 to complete the judging of the Americanism Essays on the subject “My Privileges and Obligations As An American Citizen”.  The final judging was:

Class I - Grades 7th, 8th, and 9th:

1st - Ann HESTER (7th grade); 2nd - Gary GARRETT (9th grade);

3rd - Donna COPPLE (9th grade)

Class II - Grades 10th, 11th and 12th:

1st -Peg HOOBER (12th grade); 2nd - Karen JONES (12th grade);

Barbara DOOLEN (12th grade)

- The 23rd District I.F. Women’s Club met in Centralia and awarded scholarships to the following Kinmundy students: John BALLANCE for a scholarship in music at the Egyptian music camp in DuQuoin; and two conservation scholarships have been approved by the Kinmundy Club and awarded to Mark GARRETT and Jim HUDDLESTUN.

- Mr. and Mrs. T.A. McCULLEY and Dorothy were in Cisne, Sunday, where they attended the funeral of Homer MILNER.  Burial was in the Elmwood Cemetery, Flora.  Mr. MILNER formerly resided west of Kinmundy.  He died suddenly suffering a heart attack at his home in Flora Friday morning.

- Mrs. Addie CROUSE CARROLL, former Kinmundy resident, 78, of Greenville has been named 1956 Illinois Mother of the Year.  The widow of a Methodist minister, Mrs. CARROLL is the mother of 8 children, and step-mother of 5.  Ten have had collegiate training, five have degrees.  Her oldest son, Frank, is a retired major general of the Air Force.  11 children are living and married and there are 21 grandchildren.   She was born near Ingraham, Ill. on Feb. 13, 1878, the 5th of 9 children.  Her first husband, Samuel O. KEPLEY, was a rural school master when they were married.  She was 19.   He entered the ministry and served his first pastorate at Hagarstown, Ill, with a yearly salary of $300. When her husband died 6 years later, she had 3 children. The proceeds of an insurance policy bought a 50 acre farm which she operated with the aid of her father and brothers.  She married Rev. E.T. CARROLL, pastor of the Methodist Church at Grayville, a widower with 5 children.  Five more children were born to them.  When the late Rev. CARROLL died at his last pastorate in Kinmundy in 1933, Mrs. CARROLL returned to their own house in Greenville and took up practical nursing to support her family.

- On Sunday, a family dinner was held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh COPPLE and daughters in honor of the birthday of Mrs. Olga WEISS and Donna and Barbara COPPLE.  Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Richard PAULSMEYER, Mr. and Mrs. Richard PAULSMEYER, Jr. and son, Roy, and Barbara FLETCHER, of near Centralia; Mrs. Olga WEISS, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh LACEY and son, Riehle of Farina; Mr. and Mrs. Merl JOHNSTON, Mr. and Mrs. Walter WEISS and Peggy, and the hostess, Mr. and Mrs. COPPLE, Donna and Barbara.

- Dwight DAY was pleasantly surprised with a small dinner party given by his wife on his birthday, Wednesday.  Guests included Mr. and Mrs. Lewis BUCHKA of Farina; Mr. and Mrs. Enno LIETZ and William POTTEBAUM.

- Pleasant Grove (from last week): Mrs. Sammie HIESTAND and Mrs. Robert FORD were hostesses for the Home Bureau Friday afternoon serving delicious sandwiches and orange-ade.  The Town House, which has been newly painted, looks very nice.  Leo STOCK did the work.

- Brown (from last week): There was no Sunday School or Church at Brown Sunday as they were unable to have a fire.  The chimney has been torn down and a room is being added to the church.  The congregation met and went to 1880 for Sunday School and Church services.

- Miletus: Sfc and Mrs. Doyle M. WILKINSON and daughters, Doris and Monica Lee, left Thursday for Ft. Louis, Wash., where he will be stationed.  They had been visiting his mother, Mr. and Mrs. Claude MULVANEY and other relatives for two weeks.

- Pleasant Grove: Mrs. Bob FORD, who has been very sick with the measles, is feeling much better.  Clyde ROSE was ill with the 3 day measles last week.

- Pleasant Grove: Mrs. Gladys HIESTAND was among those attending the charivari and shower at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Paul STEVENS Tuesday for their son, Mr. and Mrs. Leon STEVENS.

- Virgil LIVESAY attended the funeral of William McNICHOL in Patoka Friday.

- Mr. and Mrs. Orion BUTTS, Mr. and Mrs. Harry THOMPSON and Donald, Sandra Lee and Linda Sue DeVORE attended the basket dinner held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Cy JONES near Xenia Sunday in honor of the birthday of Uncle Cy, who is 94 years young.  He gets around pretty good and has fair health for a man 94.  He said he would be glad when spring comes so he can go fishing.  70 relatives and friends attended the dinner. He received many nice gifts and cards.  A lot of old time music was furnished by Miss ANDERSON and friend at the piano.  Mr. and Mrs. Merl KRUTSINGER and his brother played the violin and guitar, and Mrs. Cy JONES and Andrew DeVORE played the violin.  Several songs were sung by the group.                                               

March 29, 1956:

- The Kinmundy-Alma Fire Protection District was called Monday morning to extinguish a woods fire endangering the house on the ALTOM farm two miles north and west of Alma.  18 of the volunteer force answered the call.

- Mr. and Mrs. H. R. SUGGETT moved here from Chicago two weeks ago to the D.P. SNELLING property which they recently purchased from Byron SILL.  Mr. and Mrs. SUGGETT manufacture novelties for a livelihood and will be able to utilize this large home.

- Mr. and Mrs. Orous LEACH and family attended church Sunday at the Bethel Christian Church near Louisville.  The services were in honor of Harry LEACH, brother of Orous, who with his wife will soon be moving to Pinkneyville.  For 27 years he taught in the rural schools of Clay county, and the Sunday School Supt. at Bethel for 42 years.

- Mr. and Mrs. W.R. DOOLEN were hosts for their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Riley WILLIAMS, of Thompsonville on their 55th wedding anniversary celebration on March 25.  They have 3 sons and 2 daughters, who were all with them.  Namely: Mr. and Mrs. Ira WILLIAMS, Mr. and Mrs. Loren WILLIAMS, and Mr. and Mrs. A.B. WILLIAMS, all of St. Louis; Mrs. W.R. DOOLEN, of Kinmundy; and Mrs. Ferne CLEM of West Frankfort.  They also had 8 of their 10 grandchildren and 5 of the 7 great-grandchildren present.   It was also the 27th anniversary of their son, Mr. and Mrs. Ira WILLIAMS.

- Mrs. Howard HAMMER, Mrs. James EAGAN, and Mrs. Edward ELSTON were hostesses at a Stork Shower in honor of Mrs. Art BOYD at the HAMMER home on March 22.  (A list of those attending and those sending gifts was included.)

- Patience and perseverance paid off for one Kinmundy person last week.  Orville GORDON, Jr. was notified Friday that his answer to the “Little Stinker” had won $200.  The “Little Stinker” is a form of crossword puzzle published every week in the Decatur Herald.  Jr. sent 37 puzzles before the winning one last week.

- Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie SWIFT have a daughter born March 26 in the Salem Hospital.  She has been named Marsha Lynn.  The mother is the former Sue WILLIAMS.

- The mobile X-ray unit will be in Kinmundy all day April 6.  The purpose of this program is to find new cases of tuberculosis and get them under supervision.

- Mr. and Mrs. Wayne ROBB are the foster parents of a boy born March 19 in Salem Hospital and named John Eli.

- Meacham: Mrs. Mary HARRELL spent several days the past week with Mr. and Mrs. John FORD in Alma.

- Brown: Mr. and Mrs. Howard HAMMER and children, were Sunday dinner guests of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank KLINE in Alma, celebrating Mrs. KLINE’s birthday.  Mrs. Laura SMITH of Alma was also a guest.

- Pleasant Grove: Mr. and Mrs. Virgil ROBINSON and children attended the revival at Pleasant Grove Sunday and ate dinner with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Claude HIESTAND.

- Pleasant Grove: Mr. and Mrs. Herschel ROSE were pleasantly surprised Wednesday night when they, with Mr. and Mrs. Clyde ROSE, returned home from Iuka to find a nice supper awaiting them.  It was their wedding anniversary.  Mr. and Mrs. Robert LANE and daughter, who’s anniversary was the next day, were there to help them celebrate the occasion.  Others present were Charles and Myron HANKS and Oulrey HANKS and families, Ralph and Russell ROSE and families.  Mrs. Russell ROSE and Ricky came after attending a party at her mother’s, Mrs. Avery BRANCH.

- Clarence Ray HOWARD of Rockford, Ill. died suddenly March 20, while at work where he was employed at the Thrift Remesen Printing Co.  He was son of Samuel and Susan HOWARD, and born June 4, 1891 at Atwater, Ill.  His parents moved to Clay Co., Ill. when he was 5 years old, and he grew up in the Bethel community.  In 1911, he married Agnes KUHLIG, who died 2 years later.  On Dec. 25, 1916, he married Florence PEARSON, also of Clay Co.  In 1941, he and his family moved to Rockford where he resided until his death.  He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother, Cephas; a sister, Estella; and an infant daughter Vivian Rae.  Surviving are his wife, Florence; 2 sons, Warren D. of Rockford, and Ralph P. of Beloit, Wis.; 1 daughter, Mrs. Virginia GARMAN of Rockford; 5 grandchildren; a foster sister, Mrs. Hazel IMES of Denver, Colo.  He was a double cousin of Orous LEACH of Kinmundy; and a cousin of Mrs. Addie MONTGOMERY of Kinmundy, Mrs. Tom GREGORY of Iuka, and Mrs. Roy WILLIAMS of Champaign.  Services were held in Rockford, then the body was taken to Clay county with interment in the family plot at Golden Cemetery.

April 5, 1956:

- The home of Mr. and Mrs. Ruben CRAIN was destroyed by fire Tuesday morning.  Practically all the contents were lost too.  The fire dept. made quick work of the blaze after it arrived but it had too much headway.  There was no one at home at the time.  The blaze was discovered by section men on the Illinois Central track.  From all evidence, the fire started on the enclosed back porch, spread to the kitchen, and then to the rest of the house.  Everyone is at a loss to know just what did cause it, as Mrs. CRAIN said there hadn’t been a fire in the store for 2 days.  We would say there was very little salvage left in the house.

- Carl Bernard LANE, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil LANE, has received a discharge from the Armed Forces and returned home Saturday evening.  He has spent the last three years in the service and the last two of those years were spent in Okinawa.

- Four Kinmundy teenagers barely escaped serious injuries Saturday night while returning home from Salem.  Those involved were Mark GARRETT, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carroll GARRETT; Gary OLDEN, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford OLDEN; Clara BRASEL, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glen BRASEL; and Kathleen O’DELL, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis J.T. O’DELL.  The car involved belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Ralph SULLENS, of Chicago, who were visiting here in the GARRETT home.  The accident happened north of Salem on Rt. 37.  The boys and girls were returning home from 10 p.m.  A transport truck coming south, had slowed down to make a left turn in at the Circle Drive.  A Convertible car was following the transport and undertook to pass it, running head-on into the car driven by Mark GARRETT.  They said it all happened so quick no one had a chance to prepare for the crash.  Miss BRASEL went through the windshield and received lacerations of the forehead.  GARRETT received a brain concussion.  OLDEN received a broken nose and neck lacerations.  Miss O’DELL received lacerations of the forehead and scalp.  The four were taken to Salem Hospital and given first aid.  All were dismissed except OLDEN, who was treated for bleeding.  He remained in the hospital until Wednesday.  The other 3 occupants, at the insistence of Mr. Carroll GARRETT, went to Patoka Sunday morning where their wounds were stitched together.  The girls were back in school Monday.  GARRETT was required to remain in bed until Wednesday.

- Word was received here by friends of the death of Mrs. Louisa SPEER, a former resident of this city.  Mrs. SPEER died in the home of a daughter, Miss Eunice SPEER, in Bloomington, Friday night.  Burial was made Tuesday in Alma, Kansas.  Mrs. SPEER is also survived by another daughter, Mrs. Leona PITZER.  In 1941 and 1942, Leona, before her marriage, was the Home Economics teacher here in the high school.

- Word was received here Tuesday that Wayne BRANDT of Gilman, formerly of this city, was in a car accident Tuesday.  He was returning from work in Farmer City and was taken to Gibson City Hospital.  Although not critically injured, the complete extent of his injuries was not learned.  Mr. and Mrs. Jack DISS, and Mrs. BRANDT of St. Peter, left for Gilman Tuesday.

- The Lions Club Easter Egg hunt Golden Egg winners were Linda ROBB, Jerry GRAY, and Stanley TATE, and each were awarded an Easter Basket filled with Candy eggs, gifts of Mrs. Mildred BARGH. 

- Farm Advisor’s Column: On March 28, Ed THURN, Farm Bureau Farm Management Fieldman held the Spring meeting of the Farm Bureau Management Cooperators at the Farm Bureau Hall.  Those cooperators present were John SHAFFER, Jack J. BARKSDALE, Ray VANDEVEER, Robert FORD, H.J. BARKSDALE, Kenneth PARRILL, John FORD, Ben YOUNG, Dale YOUNG, Fred HAWLEY, Ed THURN, James BROOKS and yours truly.   The Farm Bureau-Farm Management Service is a complete accounting system that not only gives a complete picture of the farm operations on the farm but also tells the complete accounting system that not only gives a complete picture of the farm operations on the farm but also tells the complete story of the soils, crops and livestock enterprises.  Several thousand Illinois farmers attended the Illinois Swine Grower’s Day at the Univ. of Illinois on March 29, where a complete program was given on feeding, management, disease and insect control and also a very interesting speech on farming in Russia given by H.M. STEEDOM, an Iowa farmer that was a member of the 1955 delegation to Russia.  The farmers who attended from Marion County, at least the ones I know of were Roy HALL, Vernon HALL, Jim REEVES, Bill SEIDEL, Glen HICKS, Kenneth PARRILL, Bob FORD, John SHAFFER, Earl PURDUE, Earl JUPIN, and the POWELLs who just moved on the farm that had belonged to Johnny LONG.

- Mrs. Wayne ROBB was guest of honor at a dinner given by her mother, Mrs. C.E. BAILEY, Thursday, in honor of her birthday.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- Mrs. George KEEN entertained March 27 in honor of her sons, Beryl’s 12th birthday.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- In Memoriam of husband and father, Andrew JACKSON who died Apr. 5, 1955.  Sadly missed by wife, Nelda, and children, Mr. and Mrs. Merle JACKSON, Miss Martha JACKSON, Mr. and Mrs. C.R. WILLIAMS, Mr. and Mrs. Jack HONN, Mr. and Mrs. A.K. GEIBE, Mr. and Mrs. K.E. JACKSON, Mr. and Mrs. C.P. MINGEE, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. E. BOOTH.

April 12, 1956:

- Denny GRAY and Joyce JOHNSON crowned King and Queen of Junior High Carnival: The Junior High Carnival was held Saturday evening in the High School Gym.  It was sponsored by the P.T.A. with proceeds going toward curtains for the new gym.  A large crowd gathered and enjoyed the different types of stands and booths, and one of the closest contests in choosing the King and Queen that has been held in a number of years.  After a short program was presented with Mrs. Francis HAMMER doing a very capable job emceeing, a duet by Phyllis WOOTER and Barbara ALLEN; Baton twirling by Brenda GRAY and Jan HANNA; several accordion numbers by David GERKIN of Kinmundy; Janet HAMMER of Bridgeport, Donna DOTY of Bridgeport, accompanied them vocally on some of their numbers; a tap dance trio, the ALLEN Sisters; P.T.A. Mother’s Chorus cleverly introduced by Mrs. Eugene SHUFELDT, and dressed in old fashioned attired, sang several selections.  The Coronation took place at 10 o’clock.  The King and Queen and their attendants were preceded to the thrones by the crown bearers, Barbara BASSETT, tiny daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles BASSETT, and Duane FORD, small son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lee FORD.  They were followed by Karen BALLANCE and Richard WINKS, representing Mrs. LEWIN’s room; Marolyn ALBERSON and Chuck GARRETT, representing Mrs. SEE’s room; Pauline SILL and Ronnie SMITH, representing Mr. McGEE’s room; and the King and his Queen, Denny GRAY and Joyce JOHNSON of Mrs. WALKINGTON’s room.  The King and Queen, Denny GRAY and Joyce JOHNSON, were crowned by the runners-up, Pauline SILL and Ronnie SMITH.  Marolyn ALBERSON and Chuck GARRETT placed third, and Karen BALLANCE and Richard WINKS were fourth.  Barbara Kaye HAMMER played the processional and recessional.

- The frame house of Mr. and Mrs. Dave WOODEN south of town was completely destroyed by fire Friday night near midnight.  Our community was visited by a severe electrical storm and the family thinks the house was struck near the chimney.  The family cat awoke the daughter and she was able to help her father and mother to safety.  Had the cat not been in the house perhaps more serious loss would have been suffered.  Our fire dept. was called at 11 o’clock and made a quick run to the farm.  Because of the hard rain the private unimproved road was almost impassible.  A poorly and lightly constructed creek bridge made it impossible for the heavy fire truck to get near the house.  The WOODENs are now living in the house on the Ralph HIESTAND farm.  There will be a miscellaneous shower for them Saturday night at Brubaker.

- Neighbors and friends of the Dave WOODEN family will hold a shower at the Brubaker Town House Saturday.  The WOODEN’s house was completely destroyed by fire Friday night.  Anyone having anything they wish to donate but no way to get the donations there, call Dukes Grocery in Brubaker and Mr. DUKE will call for them.

- Word was received here Monday by Mrs. John HOLT of the death of Mrs. Junia DAVIS HASELDEN SAGE at her home in Berkeley, Calif. on April 5.  Services were held in Berkeley and burial was in Idaho Falls, Idaho in the family lot.  Mrs. SAGE grew to womanhood here in the home of her aunt, Mrs. Mattie MILLIGAN.  She and David HASELDEN were married here and were the parents of Christine HASELDEN at home and one son, John, of Black Foot, Idaho, who with his family, survives.  Other survivors are a niece, Mrs. Glen WHITE, of Kinmundy; a brother, Burrell, of Fairfield, and a sister, Velma COMPTON of Browns, Ill.  Early in their married life, the HASELDENs left Kinmundy for Chelly, Idaho, where they have reared their family.  After the death of Mr. HASELDEN, she married Mr. SAGE and moved to California. 

- Mesdames Clyde BASSETT, Pearl FISHER, Paulene JOHNSON, Maude HOLT, Bessie NEAVILLE, and Stella WILKINSON attended the 5th semi-annual district 25 meeting of the Rebekah assembly in the Oak Park Gym in Salem on Thursday afternoon.

- The fire department has answered four calls the past week.  The Dave WOODEN home, a field fire on the Jack BARKSDALE, Jr. farm southeast of Kinmundy, a grass fire near the overhead south of Alma on Rt. 37, and a grass fire on the vacant lot north of Cornelia O’BRIEN’s home in the city.  These firefighters are really on the ball and Kinmundy should be proud of them and their equipment.

- Francis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph MULVANEY, is returning from head injuries received as the result of falling from a pickup truck belonging to Ingram’s Elevator last Tuesday evening.  He was hospitalized for a few days but is now back in school. 

- Mrs. Laura ROSE of the Pleasant Grove community suffered a stroke Thursday evening while in the yard of her home.  It has affected her left side.  She is confined to her bed in the home of her son, Clyde and wife.  Mrs. ROSE has written news for our paper from the Pleasant Grove Community for several years. 

- Alf LEMAY submitted to an emergency appendectomy in St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia Wednesday.  The appendix had ruptured.

- T. Sgt. Denton BRASEL arrived here from Greenland Sunday.  Sgt. BRASEL will meet his wife and four daughters, who are flying from Costa Rica, in Miami, Sunday.  They will return here and live in their trailer while Denton returns to his army post in Greenland.  He expects to come home in September.

- Mrs. Elizabeth ATKINS returned home Sunday after a two weeks visit in Hartford, Ill. in the home of her daughter, Mr. and Mrs. J.H. BACKENSTO.  Raymond ATKINS went to Hartford for his mother and returned her home.

- Pvt. and Mrs. Melvin MANESS are parents of a daughter born April 8 in St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia named Kathy Sue.  She is the former Doris JOHNSON, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ellis JOHNSON.

- Jimmie, the 5 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Duane HANNA of Salem entered Children’s Hospital in Chicago on Monday where he will undergo cardiac surgery.

- James EAGAN has returned to his work as a cook for a bridge gang of the C. & E.I. R.R.  James had a five weeks leave because of illness.

- Mrs. Junior BUTTS was seriously injured Wednesday afternoon when the pickup truck which she was driving, overturned.  Mrs. BUTTS was alone in the truck and was driving east on the Kinmundy-Louisville road near Hampsten’s Store, when the truck left the road and overturned, pinning her under the cab.  She was taken to the Fayette County Hospital in Vandalia and then on to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, where it was found that she has a back injury.  It will be necessary for her to remain there for some time. 

- Dr. and Mrs. Dwight HANNA visited Paul HANNA in the Benton hospital Sunday.  Mr. HANNA was seriously and painfully injured Tuesday while loading logs on a truck near Kell.  Mr. HANNA was working down in a ravine and the tractor was up the hill with the engine running and the vibration caused it to backdown on him.  He suffered both feet broken and the lower right leg.  Paul crawled up the hill to his truck and drove it to Kell by lying in the seat using his hands on the clutch and break.  He was taken to the Salem Memorial Hospital and then transferred to Benton where he underwent surgery.  He is resting and expects to return to his home in Kell Wednesday or Thursday of this week.

- A total of 283 persons were x-rayed by the mobile x-ray unit at Kinmundy Friday.

- The Glen BRASELs enjoyed a family reunion with their children in the home of Mr. and Mrs. James BRASEL Sunday.  They were all dinner guests except their daughter and family, Mr. and Mrs. Sammie HIESTAND.  They called in the afternoon.

- Mrs. Margaret GRAY and sons visited in Waukegan, Ill. over the weekend with Mr. and Mrs. Deward ROYCE, they accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Dick GRAY and daughters of St. Elmo.  Mrs. GRAY and her sons will soon leave for a 2½ year stay in Japan where her husband, Robert, is stationed with the Army.

- Pleasant Grove (from last year): The revival at Pleasant Grove closed Sunday night with some victories won, and nice crowds have been attending from other churches.

- Pleasant Grove (from last week): A large number from here attended the funeral of Alfred STORMENT at Zion Church Monday afternoon.

- Miletus (from last week): Mrs. Lula WAGONER MULVANEY died in the Jewish Hospital in St. Louis March 27.  The body was brought to Linton Funeral Home and services were held at Brown Christian Church, conducted by Rev. Arlie MULVANEY.  Burial was in Parker Cemetery.  She leaves her husband, Robert MULVANEY; 4 daughters and 1 son, and several grandchildren.

- Brown (from last week): A large crowd attended the funeral of Mrs. Lou MULVANEY, Friday at Brown Christian Church.

- Pleasant Grove: Mr. and Mrs. Ray VANDEVEER are the proud parents of a baby girl born Sunday night, April 8th.

- Fred KLEISS and Mildred visited a few days last week in Pesotum with relatives, and while there attended the Silver Anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Julius MAGSAMAN in Tolono, nephew of Mr. KLEISS.  They also attended the funeral of a distant relative, Pauline WEBER, Saturday in Pesotum.

- Local items from last week: Mr. and Mrs. Maurice WILLIAMS and family of Park Ridge were weekend guests of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harley HILL.  They were accompanied by Mrs. Cora WILLIAMS, who visited her children, Russell and Richard WILLIAMS, and Lura ROBNETT and families.  Sunday they all helped Mrs. ROBNETT celebrate her birthday with a dinner in the Russell WILLIAMS home.  Mrs. Ida WILLIAMS was a dinner guest.

- Local items from last week: A 2C Bob MIDDLETON and daughter of Scott AFB visited her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph FEATHER, Saturday.

- Local items from last week: Sunday dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Paul MONTGOMERY were Mr. and Mrs. Masel HANKS and son, Mr. and Mrs. Robert LANE and daughter, and Mr. and Mrs. Floyd COURSON and son of Omega.  The dinner was in honor of Mr. COURSON’s birthday.

April 19, 1956:

- Mrs. Addie CROUSE CARROLL, Greenville, receives Illinois Mother citation Sunday.  A group of Kinmundy folks were among the some 500 people who witnessed Mrs. Addie CROUSE CARROLL receive the citation as the Illinois Mother of 1956 at Greenville College Sunday.  The awards were made by the American Mothers Committee of Illinois.  The Illinois citation was presented by the Hon. William G. STRATTON, Governor of Illinois.  It will be remembered that Mrs. CARROLL is the widow of the Rev. E.T. CARROLL, who died while he was pastor of the Methodist Church in Kinmundy in 1933.  (A picture was included with this article.)

- The Jolly Girls Club met April 12 at the home of Mrs. Melvin GEILER.  Seven members answered roll call.  Officers for the coming year were elected.  President, Mrs. Orphia OUTHOUSE; Vice-President, Mrs. Melvin GEILER; Sec-Treas, Mrs. Kenneth WILKINSON.  The next meeting will be with Mrs. Darrell REESE, Apr. 26th.

- James Duane HANNA: James Duane, son of Duane and Daisy SPROAT HANNA, was born Dec. 21, 1950 at Salem and died at Children’s Hospital in Chicago on Apr. 13, 1956.  He is survived by his parents; a brother, Randy; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry SPROAT of Louisville, and Mr. and Mrs. Ross HANNA.  Services were held from the Christian Church in Kinmundy with burial in Evergreen Cemetery.   (A list of relatives attending from a distance was included.)

- The Scattered Farmers 4-H Club met at the Omega Townhouse Apr. 3, with 9 members and 3 guests present.  The Vice-President, Boyce WHITE, was in charge of the meeting.  Janet Sue ROSE, Reporter.

- Mr. and Mrs. Erschel JENKINS and children are moving this week to the property they recently purchased from Mrs. Mel BOYD.  Mr. and Mrs. Ben JENKINS of Alma will move into their property, which has been occupied by the former.

- There was a very light vote cast throughout the district Saturday, for the election of School Board members, however, there was no competition, since there were three to be elected and only three candidates.  Results of the election by polling place are: Omega: Wm. HESTER 10, Floyd JONES 10, Ray VANDEVEER 10; 9 yes for selling of schools and 1 no.  Alma: Wm. HESTER 16, Floyd JONES 16, Ray VANDEVEER 15; 15 for selling of schools.  Kinmundy: Wm. HESTER 41, Floyd JONES 42, Ray VANDEVEER 43; 42 for selling of schools.  Total vote cast was 69.

- Mr. and Mrs. Francis KRUTSINGER have a daughter born Apr. 15 in the Salem Hospital.

- Soloists and a Clarinet Trio from the local band participated in the Grade School Contest held at Salem April 14.  Solists and Ensembles who received an ‘A’ rating are entitled to participate in the State Grade School Contest at Herrin on May 11.  Those who are eligible for this honor are Sharon EAGAN, Janet FORD, Richard GRAGG, Mark SWIFT, Carol GEORGE, and Beverly WILLIAMS.  Ruth CURRIE also received a first rating for Clarinet Solo. Receiving second rating medals for their solo performance were Carol GEORGE, Robert SHUFELDT, Warren SHUFELDT, Susan KLINE, Marolyn ALBERSON, Darlene MARSHALL, John DISS, Jo Ann ANDERSON, and Robert DONOHO.  Harrison COLCLASURE and Mary Jane ANDERSON rated third with their solos.  

- Mrs. Elta May SMITH of Centralia died Saturday after an illness of 4 months.  She was born in Lone Grove twp., Fayette County, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James WHITEHEAD.  She taught school in Fayette county for 11 years.  She married Bert R. SMITH in 1918.  Services were held at the Galbreath Funeral Home in Centralia, and at the Zion Lutheran Church in Loogootee, with burial in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery there.  The deceased is the daughter-in-law of Mrs. Ida SMITH and the sister-in-law of Mrs. Dwight ALEXANDER of this city.

- A birthday dinner was held at the home of J.C. McCARTY Sunday, celebrating the birthdays of 8 members of the family and Larry ELKINS.  Dinner guests were: J.C. McCARTY, Mr. and Mrs. J.M. McCARTY and daughter of Iola; Mr. and Mrs. B.E. McCARTY and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. G.F. McCARTY of Salem; Mr. and Mrs. Glen McCARTY and son, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry McCARTY and children, Mr. and Mrs. Donnie McCARTY of Kinmundy; Mr. and Mrs. Sam FEHRENBACHER and son, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer MARQUART of Olney; Dale McCARTY and family of Louisville; Mrs. Ed KINCAID and children of Flora; Mr. and Mrs. Orin PLOWMAN and daughter, Mrs. Agnes PETTIGREW and Bill DAVIS of Tolona.  Afternoon callers were Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth ELKINS and children; Herbert VANDEVEER and son of Kinmundy; and Mr. and Mrs. Myron CRAIG of Alma.

- Mrs. Margaret GRAY and sons, Gary, David, and Freddie, left Tuesday morning for Japan to join her husband, S.F.C. Robert GRAY who is stationed there.  They expect to remain there for 2½ years.

- Meacham: Mrs. Junior BUTTS was taken to St. Louis Hospital Wednesday after she received injuries from her truck turning over on her near the Meacham townhouse.       

April 26, 1956:

- The K-A Fire Dept. reports one alarm this week that happened on Thursday to the Pete GRAGG farm west of Alma to extinguish a woods fire. Little damage was estimated.

- Miss Judy DONOHO was guest of honor at a party given at her home Monday April 16th.  Eleven friends were present to help celebrate her 11th birthday.

- James Wilson GAMMON, 81, died at his home in Alma Monday afternoon after suffering a heart attack about an hour previous to his death.   Services were held from the Alma Methodist Church with Rev. Forrest CROUCH officiating, with other ministers assisting.  Interment will be made in the Martin Cemetery.  Besides his wife, Myrtle, he is survived by 3 children of a farmer marriage: Glen of Clinton, Iowa; Lola of Chicago; and William of Salem; and by 4 sons by his second marriage: Elmer of Forest Park, Ill.; Andrew of Champaign; Harry of Benton; and Ira of Carmi.  He also leaves a half-brother, Chas. GAMMON of this city.  Mr. GAMMON was a native of Alma, and a retired Methodist minister.  For several years he has been President of the Village Board of Trustees, more commonly referred to as Mayor.

- Mr. and Mrs. Junior GARRETT announce the arrival of an eight lb. son, named Terry Jay, born in the Fayette County Hospital, April 13.

- Mr. and Mrs. Ronald PETERSON of Spokane, Wash., have a son, Randall Ray born April 20th.  The mother was formerly Miss Donna BACKENSTO, granddaughter of Mrs. Elizabeth ATKINS of this city.

- Mr. and Mrs. Albert MALEKOVIC of Alma have a daughter named Lorie Gaye born at Salem Hospital on April 20.  Mrs. MALEKOVIC is the former Eilene BEARD.

- Mr. and Mrs. D.A. ARNOLD of Salem have daughter born in Salem Hospital on April 23 named Martha Anne.  The ARNOLDs are former residents of Kinmundy.

- Mr. and Mrs. Glen DOOLEN have a daughter born Apr. 24 in the Salem Hospital named Kathy Lynn.  Mrs. DOOLEN is the former Dorothy FEATHER.

- Three Univ. of Illinois students from Kinmundy will receive class honors on May 4.  They are Sophomores John Gilbert DOOLEN and Zola Marie ROBNETT, and Junior, David Marion SCHOONOVER.

- At a special school board meeting on April 17, the newly elected members were sworn in and a new executive staff appointed.  Taking office were President, Bud ROBNETT, re-elected; Vice President, Ray VANDEVEER; Secretary, Mrs. Maxine ROBB, re-elected.  Other members of the board are Floyd JONES, Ervin SOLDNER, Wm. HESTER, and Mont RITTER.

- LINDER-MANGNER Married: Mrs. Lillie LINDER and Mr. Danny MANGNER were united in marriage on Apr. 18 in Mt. Vernon at the Baltimore Tabernacle, Rev. Ace SUMMERS performing the ceremony.  They were attended by Miss Eilene MULVANEY of Iola, and Charles NORMAN of Farina.  Mr. MANGNER has recently purchased the W.T. WILKINSON farm south of town and the couple will make this their new home.  Friends of the couple had a miscellaneous shower at the Legion Hall in Farina Sunday with approximately 80 people attending.

- Thomas N. SLANE, 83, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Robert BEARD, Tuesday from a heart attack.  He was visiting there at the time. He has been in poor health for several months.  Services will be held from the Linton Funeral Home with interment in Phillips Cemetery.  Besides his wife, Ida, he is survived by three sons, Willie and Arlie, of Kinmundy; and Harold of Gary, Ind.; and two daughters, Dorothy BEARD and Dema FLORENCE, both of Kinmundy.

- John DOUDERA, 62, died in the Veteran’s Hospital in Marion, Ill. on Apr. 20.  Services were held from the Linton Funeral Home, Rev. Forrest CROUCH, officiating.  Interment was in Martin Cemetery.   He is survived by 6 brothers, Frank, Joe, Tom, Ed, George, and Harry, all of Alma; and one sister, Mrs. Clyde OSBORN, Alma, with whom he made his home.

- Mrs. P.T. CURLEY entered St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia Saturday following a stroke.  His condition is reported as serious.

- The Navy Department announced the promotion on Apr. 16 of N.R. BRASEL, son of Mr. and Mrs. B.G. BRASEL of Kinmundy, to radioman, third class, USN, while serving aboard the destroyer USS Hyman with the Atlantic Fleet.

- A Chicago family were victims of an auto accident Saturday night.  Mr. and Mrs. Billy Jo FLANAGAN and two daughters were enroute to Desarc, Ark. to visit his parents, when the car swerved into a bridge abutment about 3 miles north of Kinmundy.  The impact tore the engine loose from the car, and is was found a few feet from the car, which had overturned in a 10 ft. ditch.  FLANAGAN, age 22, was dead on arrival at the Salem Memorial Hospital and his daughter, Linda Jo, 4 months old, died four hours later.  Mrs. FLANAGAN, 19, and another daughter, Brenda, 4, were hospitalized with multiple cuts, bruises, and possible fractures.  The bodies were taken to Arkansas for burial.

- The Legion Auxiliary and the C.B. Club held a miscellaneous shower for Mr. and Mrs. Rube CRAIN in the Legion Hall Thursday. 

- Mr. and Mrs. Ben JENKINS moved to their home here Apr. 23 on Mrs. JENKINS’ 56th birthday.  The JENKINS have lived in Alma the past few years.

- Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie HALL moved their house trailer to the property of Mrs. Neil TROUT Monday from Salem.  Mr. HALL is the C. & E.I. Station Agent who replaced John PIPER.  Mr. and Mrs. HALL have a 1 year old son.

- Mr. and Mrs. Rolland ALDERSON of Urbana have adopted a baby boy, 14 months old, named Curtis Rolland.  He came to make his home with them Apr. 21.

- A 3C Larry SULLENS graduated Apr. 3 as weather observer at Chanute AFB.  He will be stationed at Westover AFB near Springfield, Mass.  He, with his wife and daughter, left Sunday morning in order to report for duty there Tuesday.

- Beginning Apr. 29, the C. & E.I. schedule for the Meadowlark passenger train will change it’s schedule.  It will leave Kinmundy at 7:01 a.m. and will return at 10:57 p.m.  This allows 6½ hours in Chicago for shopping or visiting.

- Meacham: Robert SLANE, who is in the armed services near Kansas City, Mo., is visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William SLANE and friends.

- Pleasant Grove: Listed were those who visited Mrs. Laura ROSE, who is convalescing from a recent stroke at the home of her daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph HIESTAND.

- Pleasant Grove: Will HIESTAND left Friday by bus to Mattoon, where he was visiting to attend the wedding of his granddaughter, Lena Mae LOREY on Saturday.  From there he went with his son to their home in Indiana, where he will visit for awhile.

- Mr. and Mrs. Ervin CHEATUM attended the DIPPOLD-REEDER wedding in the Farina Methodist Church Sunday.

- Pfc Melvin MANESS of Ft. Worth, Texas, is spending a 15 day furlough with his wife, Doris.

- Mrs. Pauline JOHNSON returned home Monday from Chicago where she had spent the last 10 days visiting her brother, W.L. NEIL, who is still a patient in the Veterans’ Research Hospital.

- The Kinmundy Wide Awakes 4-H Club met with Warren and Robert SHUFELDT on Apr. 17, with 20 members, 7 who were new members.  Officers elected were: President, Gary ERNST; Vice President, Robert SHUFELDT; Sec., Warren SHUFELDT; Treas., Larry LEACH; Reporter, Jim JONES; Recreation Chairman, Farrol ARMSTRONG.

- The Twilight Circle of the WSCS of the Methodist Church met Apr. 22 at the home of Mrs. Helen HANNA.  18 members answered roll call.  Mrs. Nelda JONES was welcomed as a new member.  Officers elected for the coming year are: President, Ruby ARNOLD; Vice President, Elsie McGEE; Sec., Marcelline AMBUEHL; Treas., Eileen HEICHER; Reporter, Alicia WHITE. 

May 3, 1956:

- The farm home of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin “Jack” YATES, located 1 - 1/4 miles south of the Brown Church in Omega twp., was completely destroyed by fire Saturday evening about 6:45 p.m.  The cause of the fire is unknown.  Mrs. YATES was in Salem at the time and Mr. YATES was at the home of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Claude MULVANEY.  One son, Darrel, age 15, was there and had done the chores.  At the time, he and a neighbor, Otis BROWN, was in the pasture driving a cow into the BROWN pasture.  Masil BROWN had driven his car over to pick up Otis, when he drove into the yard, he noticed the house aflame on the inside.  He sounded his horn at length which attracted the attention of the boys in the pasture.  But when they arrived, it was impossible to save anything.  Darrel remembered that his mother kept her new sewing machine near a certain window.  By breaking the window, he managed to save it.  But in attempting to get some other belongings, he was badly burned about the face, arms and hands, which necessitated a trip to a doctor.  At present, the family is staying with Mrs. YATES’ sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Charles WILCOXEN.  They have 3 children, Darrell, 15, Dannie, 6, and Denzil, 5.  Some help has been extended this good family in the way of clothing.  A shower will be held Saturday night at the Brown Church, at which time you may bring anything you like.

- Mr. and Mrs. Art BOYD announce the arrival of a daughter (just what they wanted after having two boys) born Apr. 27 in the Salem Memorial Hospital.  She has been named Linda Sue.

- Claude MULVANEY: Claude, the only son of Emmitt and Nora CAMBELL MULVANEY, was born in Meacham twp. on June 24, 1892, and died at his home Apr. 26, 1956.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.  He spent his youth and early manhood in the vicinity in which he was born.  He married Nellie BURKETT and to this union one daughter, Irma, was born.  Later he went to Chicago where he was employed for a number of years.  While there, he married Mrs. Martha MITCHELL, a widow with 3 children.  After her death, he returned to Meacham twp. in 1947 to reside in his homeplace.  On Sept. 2, 1948, he married Mrs. Gertie WILKINSON, who survives.  Other survivors are his daughter, Mrs. Irma LANE, E. St. Louis; 5 step-daughters, Mrs. Shirley HURLEY, Wheeling, Ill.; Mrs. Tootie BREITER, LaGrange Park, Ill.; Mrs. Vera TATE and Mrs. Irene YATES of Kinmundy; Mrs. Hildred WILCOXEN, Iuka; 3 step-sons, Robert MITCHELL, Chicago; Gerald WILKINSON, Olney, and Doyle WILKINSON, Ft. Lewis, Wash.; 2 grandchildren and 25 step-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Mrs. Eda ADAMS, Kinmundy, and Mrs. Rabia Evelyn BALLARD, Champaign; and several nieces and nephews.

- ALEXANDER-SEAGRAVES: Sunday afternoon in the First Christian Church in Christopher, Ill. occurred the marriage of Miss Patricia ALEXANDER and William H. SEAGRAVES.  A reception followed the ceremony in the Church basement.  The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alex ALEXANDER of Christopher.  Mrs. ALEXANDER is the former Miss Helen REESE of this city, a foster sister of Otto and Jesse REESE.  The couple will live in Evanston, Ill.  Mrs. Mildred REESE SUTTON and daughter, Donna, and Paul HEICHER of Farina, were guests.

- Larry BASSETT, 9 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles BASSETT received a badly cut finger on his right hand Saturday morning while investigating the mechanics of a cleaning machine.  He was taken to the Salem Hospital where it required 6 stitches.

- Mrs. Allie NELMS, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Harry DENNIS, attended the funeral of her great-granddaughter, Sandra STIVERS, 19, in Springfield, Monday.  The girl was a victim of a freak accident on Friday.  She, in company with her father, Floyd A. STIVERS, were in a car.  They had stopped for a red light when a bolt of lightening struck the 11 story First National Bank Building, dropping a part of the cornice, which struck Sandra, killing her instantly.  The father was uninjured.  Sandra leaves a twin sister, her father and mother, the former Miss Doyne COMBS, daughter of Mrs. E.S. COMBS, all of Springfield.

- Pvt. Melvin MANESS left Saturday for Carswell AFB in Ft. Worth, Texas, after a few days visit here with his wife, Doris, and daughter.

- Mr. and Mrs. F.O. GRISSOM and Mrs. E.P. HOLT entertained Miss Luella PARRILL to a surprise dinner Monday in honor of her 94th birthday.  Upon her arrival in the GRISSOM home, she found the following relatives awaiting her: Mrs. Henry SPECKER, Brownstown, Mrs. Alonzo CHURCH, Mattoon; Mrs. Joe MALONE and daughter, Kathy, and Mrs. Schuyler PARRILL, of Farina.   At 3 o’clock, another surprise was given her when several neighbors (who were listed in the article) marched in singing “Happy Birthday”.

- Thomas Nelson SLANE, son of Jake and Wealthy SLANE, was born Oct. 29, 1872 in Clark Co. near Casey, Ill., and died Apr. 24, 1956.  He was married to Ida Mae SHORT on Dec. 10, 1899 to this union was born 6 children, 4 sons and 2 daughters, 1 son dying in infancy.  He leaves his wife, Ida; and 5 children, 3 sons and 2 daughters: Willie and Arlie SLANE of Kinmundy; Harold SLANE of Gary, Ind.; Mrs. Dorothy BEARD of Kinmundy, and Dema SLANE at home.  He also leaves 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.  Services were held from the Linton Funeral Home with Elder Clyde SINCLAIR officiated, and burial in Phillips Cemetery.

- Robert BRANSON, age 83, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Lottie PROVINES, in Sumner on Monday.  He had been in poor health for the past several months.  Mr. BRANSON was a former resident of Kinmundy.

- After the regular meeting of the Kinmundy-Alma Volunteer Fire Dept. Monday evening.  The ones who were present were treated to sandwiches, cake and coffee at Crain’s Café by O.V. GRAGG of Alma.  A few weeks ago, Mr. GRAGG had a grass fire at his farm which was extinguished by the department.  He wanted to pay them for their work but they can’t accept gifts like this.  And so he treated them.

- The children of Mr. and Mrs. Guy SHAFFER gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Leon MILLER Friday evening and enjoyed a fine potluck supper honoring Mr. and Mrs. SHAFFER’s 40th anniversary and six members of the family having birthdays in April.  Those attending were: Mr. and Mrs. Guy SHAFFER, Mr. and Mrs. John SHAFFER, Sammy, Susan, and James; Mr. and Mrs. Herbert ANDERSON, Joan, and Mary Jane; Mr. and Mrs. Paul SHAFFER, Larry and Patty Sue; Mr. and Mrs. Herbert VANDEVEER, John and Ernest; Mr. and Mrs. David SHAFFER, Twila and Richard; and Mr. and Mrs. Leon MILLER, Vivian and Sudie.

- Meacham: Mrs. Mary HARRELL has been home this past week.  Miss Eula CRAIG is staying with her.

- Pleasant Grove: Mr. and Mrs. Paul SMITH and children have moved back into their home, which the neighbors have repaired after their house caught fire last Monday and was badly damaged.

- In Memoriam of Mary BILEK, who died May 4, 1955.  Missed by James V. BILEK and family.

May 10, 1956:

- Women Roll up sleeves and determine the City of Kinmundy must be cleaned up: A delegation of men and women representing the various clubs and organizations of the city met with the City Council at the regular meeting last week to offer their services to help in a general clean up of Kinmundy.   At this meeting it was decided to start work on the following projects: clean up the I.C. right of way, ask for some safe and sane foot crossings over their tracks, cut the weeks and brush on the streets, clean up vacant lots, and to notify nonresidents to do so or the council would have it done and th cost would be added to their taxes.  Also to improve the road to the cemetery.  The following permanent organization was formed: Dan HIESTAND (Lion’s Club), chairman; Mrs. Wm. BROOM. (Jr. Women’s Club), Secretary; Mrs. F.O. GRISSOM (Women’s Club), Treasurer.  Publicity committee is Mrs. Dwight HANNA, Mrs. H.M. FISHER, Mrs. O.I. LEACH with Editor J.N. VALLOW as an Ex-officio member of the committee.  Now be prepared.  A committee will call you within the next few days if your property needs cleaned up.  Meet them with a smile or better still do the job before the committee calls. 

- Mac GARRETT SP3 U.S. Army returned home Thursday after receiving his discharge May 2.  He has spent the past 18 months in Okinawa.  Mac is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Carroll GARRETT.

- Richard MOTCH, who is stationed in Pearl Harbor has received a promotion to AD2, which means second class petty officer.  Richard re-enlisted in August and has been in Pearl Harbor the past 8 months.

- Mrs. Burdette JENKINS and daughters, Linda and Wanda, attended the wedding of her nephew, Wayne LINDER, to Miss Geraldine KEMP, both of Odin, Saturday, at the Christian Church in Dix.  - Mrs. Neil BRASEL of Providence, R.I. arrived home Monday for an indefinite visit with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. B.O. GARRETT.  She will remain here while her husband, who is in the U.S. Navy, is on a tour.

- Mr. and Mrs. Darrell DISS and son left Friday for Tampa, Fla., where they will make their home.

- Mr. and Mrs. Earl LANE, Mr. and Mrs. Abbie COX, Mrs. Frank JOHNSON, Cecil LANE, Marshall CRAIG and Miss Eula CRAIG attended the funeral of Mr. Estus NORMAN in Farina, Tuesday.  Mr. NORMAN died at the Vandalia Hospital Sunday from pneumonia.

- K.A.H.S. won the Conference baseball title by defeating Clay City at Farina on Friday.   Also the track team took third in the Midland Trail Conference track meet in Olney on Saturday.  Included in the winners were Jim HUDDLESTUN, 1st in High Jump; Lowell WHITE, 2nd in Mile; Larry SHANAFELT, 2nd in ½ mile with Paul WILKINS placing 4th; Mark GARRETT tied for 3rd in pole vault; the freshmen and Varsity relay teams both placed 3rd and the following placed 4th: David LEE, Freshmen, 440; Charles WINKS, Varsity, 440; Gary OLDEN, Discus, and Morris MAXEY, baseball throw.

- Graveside services were held Sunday for the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph THOMPSON who live in Meacham vicinity.  Burial was in the Elder Cemetery with Elder Clyde SINCLAIR officiating.  Mr. THOMPSON is a brother of Mrs. Morris CHASTEEN of Kinmundy.

- Jim GARDEN was taken to Vandalia Hospital Thursday evening where he was a patient until Saturday when he was transferred to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis.  He apparently was bitten on the neck by a Black Widow spider.  Mrs. GARDEN, who accompanied him to St. Louis, returned home Sunday.

- Pleasant Grove: Arna BEGGS, 83 year old uncle of Dwan LOWRY ate supper and spent Tuesday night with them, and then returned to his home in Dongola on Wednesday.

- Brown: A large crowd attended the shower for Mr. and Mrs. Jack YATES Saturday night at Brown Church.

- Personal Items Crowded out last week: Mr. and Mrs. Glen JOHNSON and Johnny spent Friday evening in Alma with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.B. JOHNSON.  The father was celebrating his 83rd birthday.

- Personal Items Crowded out last week: Mr. and Mrs. Lewie SULLENS returned home Saturday after accompanying their son, A 3C and Mrs. Larry SULLENS and daughter, to his base at South Hadley Falls, Mass.

- Personal Items Crowded out last week: Mr. and Mrs. Fred FLETCHER of Charleston visited Saturday at the home of her sister, Mr. and Mrs. L.J. HAMMER.  They were all dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Francis HAMMER, honoring Mr. and Mrs. L.J. HAMMER on their wedding anniversary.

- Mr. and Mrs. Virgil LIVESAY called on Mr. and Mrs. Selby GARRETT in Alma Sunday evening.                    

May 17, 1956:

- Carolyn ALBERSON, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. K.V. ALBERSON, of Kinmundy will be the choice of the Kinmundy Unit of the American Legion Auxiliary to the 1956 session of Illini Girls State.  The 16th session will get underway on the campus of MacMurray College in Jacksonville on June 19th.  (A picture accompanied this article).  Rosalyn LOWE, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles LOWE, has been chosen as an alternate.

- At the regular meeting of the Marion County Rural Youth held on May 10, 1956, new officers were elected as follows: President, Ferva CLIFTON; Vice-President, Jimmie BRITT; Secretary Reporter, Dorothy WILLIAMS; Treasurer, Max MERCER.

- Clarence C. “Paddy” GRAY, only son of Henry C. and Sophrona CLIMER GRAY, was born in Kinmundy, Jan. 23, 1878, and died May 8, 1956 in the Fayette county Hospital in Vandalia.  He was married Oct. 7, 1903 to Winifred BLACKBURN and they lived a very happy life until three years ago when she preceded him in death.  At the age of 14 years, he began working at the butchering trade and finally became an expert meat cutter, working for various employers.  In 1921, he went in business in Kinmundy.  A few years later, he migrated to Litchfield where he operated a grocery and meat market.  But the love of Kinmundy was too great for him and his good wife, and they returned to Kinmundy a couple of years later, again entering the business world.  He continued to operate his store until his health would not permit him to work any longer.  He will be sadly missed by his 5 sisters, who are: Mrs. Effie DAVIS, Litchfield; Mrs. Louise RAMSEY, Springfield; Mrs. Jessie NEAVILL of Whittier, Calif.; Mrs. Bessie MUNDY and Mrs. Frankie COX, of Kinmundy, and several nieces and nephews.  Services were held from the Linton Funeral Home with Elder Clyde SINCLAIR officiating.  Interment was made in Evergreen Cemetery.

- Darrell DISS returned here Thursday from Tampa, Fla., where he had taken his family, and household goods.  He left again Sunday with another truck load of family possessions.  Darrell closed out his wholesale business and the buildings were purchased as an investment by his father-in-law, W.M. HUMPHREY.  The old frame building was sold to Charles DISS, who will raze it within the next few days.  Darrell has accepted a position as assistant manager of a Public Super Market in Tampa.

- Word was received here this morning (Wednesday) of the death of Albert JONES, 62, a brakeman for the Illinois Central Railroad.  He was found dead in his bed in Champaign.  The body will be brought here for burial.

- Joanne DOOLEN, daughter of Mrs. Bryan Clyde DOOLEN of Tucson, was married Saturday to Donald Ames MONTGOMERY, son of Mrs. Juanita RANSOM of Monrovia, Calif. and David MONTGOMERY of San Mateo, Calif.  They were married at the First Methodist Church in Tucson, Ariz.

- The World History Class of the High school is preparing for the Kinmundy Centennial by trying to assemble a history of early Kinmundy.  They would appreciate it very much if anyone has any historical records or any facts they could use.  Anyone having any information for them may contact Mr. LEITZ or any history student.

- Fifty years ago, the a news item appeared in “The Kinmundy Express” telling of the WHITLOCK wedding.  This clipping was read at a dinner party honoring the 50th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. F. Waine WHITLOCK of Spearfish, South Dakota.  They were married Apr. 29, 1906 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J.T. SEXTON in Kinmundy.  The contracting parties were their daughter, Miss Anna, and Mr. Francis Wayne WHITLOCK of Dix, Ill., the Rev. H.C. SHARP of the C.P. Church, officiating.  The bride was employed in the Central Office of the Hull Telephone Co. for the past 4 years.  The groom had taught in the Kinmundy Public Schools.  The couple made their home in Dix after the wedding.  The anniversary dinner party on Sunday was held at the home of Mrs. Matilda COLE, a long time friend of the family.  Present in addition to the honored guests were Mr. and Mrs. A.G. TEAGUE of Nisland.  Mrs. TEAGUE is Mr. WHITLOCK’s sister.  They couple has lived in Spearfish, South Dakota since 1919, and have 2 daughters, Lorraine WHITLOCK of Mt. Vernon, Wash., and Mrs. Floyd MAHNKE of Wallace, Idaho.

- There will be a miscellaneous shower for Mr. and Mrs. Coleman GREEN Saturday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Oulrey HANKS near Omega.  The GREEN’s home and store burned Saturday night, May 12.

- Mrs. Dan HIESTAND entered Vandalia Hospital May 6 and underwent a tonsillectomy Monday.

- Howard F. BLOMBERG, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles BLOMBERG, of Kinmundy, is scheduled to graduate from recruit training May 12 at the Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Ill.

- Pleasant Grove: Cecelia SMITH and children had a surprise supper and party for Paul SMITH Saturday night.  It was his birthday.

- Miss Helen BASSETT and Mrs. Fred GAMMON were business visitors in St. Louis Tuesday.

- John McCULLEY of Ft. Wayne, Ind. celebrated his birthday here Sunday with his wife and son, and Mr. and Mrs. Thurman McCULLEY, Dorothy McCULLEY, and Harmon LENHART as dinner guests.

May 24, 1956:

- Frank E. SCHERMERHORN of Seattle, Wash., age 77, died in Emmanuel Hospital in Portland, Ore. on May 22.  He was the eldest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. A.V. SCHERMERHORN, former residents of this community.  He is survived by 2 sons and 2 grandchildren of Portland, Ore., and 2 sisters, Mrs. J.A. BROOM, Alma, and Mrs. J.C. BROOM, Effingham.  Funeral and burial will be in Seattle, Wash.

- Gilbert DOOLEN, Dwight DAY, P.H. ROBNETT, Carl DUNLAP, and Jesse GEORGE were handed their diplomas from the Univ. of Illinois Friday in a ceremony benefitting the occasion in Centralia.  These boys had completed a 6 week course know as a “Fireman’s School” conducted by the U. of I.  The boys have taken 3 hours each week, making a total of 18 hours for the course.

- Mrs. Ida SMITH attended the wedding of her granddaughter, Miss Orval Lee SMITH, daughter of Bert SMITH in Centralia, Saturday, May 19 to Fred HOFFMAN of Hoffman, Ill.  The ceremony took place in the home of her sister, Mrs. Norman GRANDT.  The bride is also the niece of Mrs. Dwight ALEXANDER, of Kinmundy.

- In the Christian Church, Colfax, Illinois, in the presence of their immediate families, Miss Ellen Louise WYANT because the bride of Lawrence BAKER of Colfax, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leon BAKER of Iuka.  They will be at home on a farm near Colfax, where the groom has employment.

- Mr. W.M. PIPER, father of Paul PIPER, died suddenly at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C.A. ROGERS, in Villa Grove, May 19.  He was 92 years of age.  Mr. and Mrs. Paul PIPER attended the funeral, which was held at the Methodist Church in Ina, Ill.

- Mr. and Mrs. Howard HAMMER and children, and Mr. and Mrs. Orie GREEN attended the wedding Sunday of Mrs. GREEN’s youngest son, Earl HAMMER, of Decatur, and Miss Marjorie McINTIRE of Cisco at the Baptist Church in Cisco, Ill.

- David H. “Hickory” BOUGHERS, son of William and Anna BOUGHERS, was born Dec. 22, 1881 in Kinmundy, and died May 17, 1956.  He was married to Bessie E. GROSE, Oct. 13, 1902.  They had no children of their own but took two children to raise.  A niece, Elsie BRUMLEY, and a nephew, Delbert BOUGHERS, who both preceded him in death.  He spent most of his life around Kinmundy, except for the six years that he spent in St. Louis as a motorman for Wellston car line.  Six months ago he lost his only brother, Seph BOUGHERS.  He leaves his wife, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, and nephew.  Services were held from the Linton Funeral Home with Rufus G.D. GERKIN, minister of the Christian Church officiating.  Burial was made in Evergreen Cemetery.   (A list of those attending from out-of-town was included.)

- The K-A Fire Dept. was called Tuesday morning to the Milburn JONES home west of town, where a two story smoke house was burning.  Fire Chief, Carl DUNLAP, estimated the damage at approximately $500.  The fire was caused by a kerosene stove on which Mrs. JONES was heating water.

- Mr. and Mrs. Ken JACKSON of Anaheim, Calif. have a daughter born May 16th named Janell Jaye.  Mrs. Nelda JACKSON is the paternal grandmother.

- The highlight of the week was the Junior-Senior Prom and Banquet, which was held Sunday night.  The theme was “Moonlight and Roses”.  Speeches included ones by Charles BUNDY, Junior Class President; and Charles ERNST, Senior Class President .  The gym was decorated like a rose garden.  At 10:30, Barbara DOOLEN, was crowned Prom Queen.  The runners up were Karen JONES, and Mary FEATHER.  The Junior attendants were Rosalyn LOWE and Carolyn ALBERSON.  Each was accompanied by their escorts.  The Queen chose Wayne SHANAFELT for her escort.  The attendants escorts were, respectively, Pat DONOHO, Bill JONES, Charles BUNDY, and Keith DISS. 

- Several from this vicinity were in the graduating class at McKendree College, Lebanon, Sunday.  They were Mrs. Alice LEWIN, Mrs. Goldia DUNLAP, Dwight KLINE, Mrs. Katherine WILLIAMS, and Mrs. Rada CALDWELL.  Mr. and Mrs. Merle JACKSON, Mrs. Nelda JACKSON, and Mrs. Roy FOGERSON attended the exercises.

- Miletus: Several attended the shower for the Coleman GREEN family given at the Oulrey HANKS home.  The GREEN’s home and store at Ferrin was destroyed by fire May 13.

- Brown: Mr. and Mrs. Fenton NEAL, Velma, and Forrest, and Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy DRECHSEL, were Sunday dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence NEAL and son, Dale.  They were celebrating Dale’s birthday.

- Brown: Mr. and Mrs. Leon BAKER and family, and Mr. and Mrs. Marvin MULLER spent the weekend in Colfax, Ill. and attended the wedding of Louise WYANT and Lawrence BAKER Saturday.  There will be a charivari and shower at the Leon BAKER home Saturday night for them.

- The Jolly Girls Club met at Crain’s Café Thursday and left from there for their annual outing.  They enjoyed a chicken dinner at the Holiday Steak House near Olney, and afternoon of site seeing in Olney.  Mrs. Orphia OUTHOUSE, President; Mrs. Melvin GEILER, Vice Pres.; Mrs. Kenneth WILKINSON, Sec. & Treas.; Mesdames Ray OLDEN, Harry GRAY, Jr., George KEEN, Darrell REESE, Paul WAGONER, Clifton LEMAY, Vernon ALLEN, and Marjorie CORRELL attended.

- The Scattered Farmers 4-H Club held their regular meeting May 8 at the Omega Townhouse.  Janet ROSE, Reporter.

- The Junior Women’s Club met May 15 at the home of Mrs. Pola ROBB.  14 members and 4 guests were present.  The following officers were installed: President, Mary STEINLICHT; Vice Pres., Imogene HAMMER; Program Chairman, Pola ROBB; Sec., Mary Jane PHILLIPS; Corresponding Sec., Marie ELSTON; Treas., Helen HANNA.

- The Sunrise Sircle of the WSCS met May 17 with Mrs. Eugene SHUFELDT, hostess, and Mrs. B.F. LINTON, co-hostess.  Officers for the coming year are: Chairman, Mrs. C.E. WILKINSON; Vice-Chairman, Miss Alta BAGOTT; Sec., Mrs. Jesse REESE; and Treas., H.M. FISHER.

May 31, 1956:

- SHAFFER Reunion: A family reunion was held May 27 at the Bryan Memorial Park in Salem in honor of Russell SHAFFER of Riverside, Calif., who has been here the past 10 days visiting his mother, Mrs. N.H. BLACKBURN and other relatives.  Those attending were: Russell SHAFFER, Riverside, Calif.; Mrs. Noel SHAFFER and family, Harvey; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth SMITH, Decatur; Mr. and Mrs. Harrison AARON, Mr. and Mrs. Charles KELL, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph HIESTAND and daughter, and Mr. and Mrs. Lowell DISS, Jr., Salem; Mr. and Mrs. N.H. BLACKBURN, Mr. and Mrs. Lowell DISS and family, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph ROSE and family, Mr. and Mrs. Herschel ROSE and family, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde ROSE and sons, Mrs. P.M. ROSE, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil LANE, Mr. and Mrs. Burdette SHAFFER and family, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond SHAFFER and family, Mr. and Mrs. Marion SHAFFER and family, Claude ROSE, Mr. and Mrs. Russell ROSE, Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe WIMBERLY and Charles WILLIAMS, of Kinmundy.

- Mr. and Mrs. Edward JEZEK of Salem have a daughter born May 28 in Salem Memorial Hospital.  She has been named Lou Ann.  The mother was the former Miss Jane HESKETT.

- A basket dinner was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles BLOMBERG, Sunday, in honor of their son, Howard BLOMBERG, home on leave from the navy.  Those attending the dinner were: Mrs. Wayne BRANDT and Teresa, Gilman; Mr. and Mrs. Charles DISS and Karen, Salem; Mr. and Mrs. Carl CURTIS and sons, Charleston; Howard BELKER, Altamont; Mr. and Mrs. Orville DISS, Mr. and Mrs. Robert YOUNG and daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Francis HAMMER and Barbara and Mr. and Mrs. J.H. DISS and Johnnie.

- A surprise birthday dinner was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil SHREFFLER in Alma, Sunday in honor of their daughter, Mrs. James EAGAN.  Those attending were Mr. and Mrs. Forrest WILLIAMS and Mr. and Mrs. Henry WILLIAMS of Alma, Mr. and Mrs. Hartzel POWELL and children of Clay City, Mr. and Mrs. Howard HAMMER and children, and Mr. and Mrs. James EAGAN and family.

- A photo of the twenty high school graduates to receive their diplomas next Monday evening which included: Duane GRAY, Peggy HOOBER, Marilyn O’DELL, Barbara DOOLEN, Karen JONES, Mary FEATHER, Freda BLACK, Janet ARNOLD, Florence CONANT, Charles ERNST, Lester CHASTEEN, John JOHNSON, John GRAGG, Carroll CRAIN, James HESTER, Kenneth FORD, Norman SULLIVAN, Jim HUDDLESTUN, Richard DOUDERA.  The Commencement Program was also included for the June 4, 1956 graduation. 

- Marilyn O’DELL, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis J.T. O’DELL has been named Valedictorian of the Senior Class.  (A photo was included.)

- Karen JONES, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar JONES, has been named Salutatorian of the Senior Class.  (A photo was included.)

- Forty-six Junior High School students will graduate here next Tuesday evening.  A photo of the graduating class was included with the following: Thomas PERKINS, Cathern WAGONER, Barbara LANE, Janet WILLIAMS, Viola O’DELL, Phillis YATES, Frances HIESTAND, Donna SWIFT, Marva COBB, Beverly WILLIAMS, Sandra JENKINS, Joann ANDERSON, Karen BALLANCE, Vervadene SLANE, Steve SCHOONOVER. Jerry MULVANY, Ronnie SEE, Ronnie MULVANEY, Ronald TATE, Billy CARTER, Marvin CHASTEEN, Gene MONTGOMERY, Donnie KEEN, George HERRINGTON, Patricia CORRIE, Paulene SEE, Sandra WHITE, Sylvia McKITRICK, Coleen MORROW, Wayne MULVANY, Ronnie SMITH, Tom BOYD, Floyd BLACK, Marvin WILKINSON, Carroll MULVANY, Carl BEERY, Richard WINKS, Warren SHUFELDT, Harrison COLCLASURE, Larry JAMISON, Donna FORD, Patsy BEARD, Sue ERNST, Carolyn WOODWARD, Arline HARRELL, Exie ARNOLD.  The Program for the commencement was included.  Graduation is June 5, 1956.

- Mr. and Mrs. Bill BEARD of Carmi visited last week with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank GARRETT.

- Mr. and Mrs. Emmitt GARRETT of Pauls Valley, Okla. are spending a few days with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank GARRETT and Bill GREEN.  They called on Mr. and Mrs. Virgil LIVESAY Monday afternoon.

- The Public Sale of the Maggie E. KLINE estate will be June 6, 1956, located 2 miles south and 2 miles east of Kinmundy.  Chester B. KLINE, administrator.

- Mr. and Mrs. Virgil LIVESAY attended the Memorial services at Sandy Branch, Sunday afternoon.

- An All Sports Trophy was awarded by the Girls Athletic Association to the Senior team who won 3 out of 4 events.  The team included Janet ARNOLD, Marilyn O’DELL, Peggy HOOBER, Karen JONES, Barbara DOOLEN, and Mary FEATHER.  (A picture was included of the girls with their trophy.)

- Mr. and Mrs. Virgil LIVESAY and Mesdames Wes ROBB and Fred GAMMON spent Tuesday afternoon in Centralia.

- Mrs. Donald YATES was honored at a stork shower May 26, at the home of Mrs. Don HUDDLESTUN, assisted by Mrs. Wayne WILKINSON.  (A list of those attending was included.)

June 7, 1956:

- Word was received here Tuesday evening of the death of Manuel WELSH, of Dudley, Mo., a former resident of this city.  Death followed an auto accident near Neosha, Mo.  Mr. WELSH was driving his mother to Oklahoma City.  The mother was killed instantly and Mr. WELSH died soon afterwards.  The word was received by Mr. and Mrs. Dow GREEN, of Mt. Vernon, Tuesday evening.  In turn, they called relatives here before leaving for Dudley.  Mr. and Mrs. GREEN said they would call her upon their arrival in Dudley.

- Glen DOOLEN, according to City Clerk Robert LEE, is to be the new City Treasurer just as soon as the City Council can muster a quorum to officially appoint him to fill the unexpired term of G.E. SHREFFLER, who resigned several months ago.  During the interim, there has been no treasurer.

- Darrell MULVANEY, age 4, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph MULVANEY had the misfortune of getting his left foot in a power mower while it was in operation.  Two tows were damaged to the extent that about 8 stitches were taken.  One joint on the toe next to the little toe had to be removed.

- Mrs. Stella BALLANCE died in the Passavant Hospital, Jacksonville, Saturday, from generalized cancer.  Services were held from the Kinmundy Methodist Church, Rev. A. Vance COMER officiating with interment in Evergreen Cemetery.  Estella Mae BALLANCE, daughter of Isaac and Alice MILLER, was born in Fayette Co., Ill. June 6, 1887, and died June 2, 1956.  She spent her childhood days in Fayette county.   On Nov. 3, 1903, she married J. Lem BALLANCE of Kinmundy, where they spent the greater part of their lives.  Mr. BALLANCE died Aug. 22, 1950. (DFM note: Article misprinted death date as Aug. 22, 1850.)  They had 2 children: Mrs. Edwin V. STEVENSON, Godfrey, Ill., and Mrs. John E. PETERS, Meredosia, Ill., who survive.  Also left are two grandchildren: Miss STEVENSON, Godfrey, and Mrs. L.C. FRICKE, Champaign.  She was a member of the Kinmundy Methodist Church, Kinmundy Chapter No. 606 O.E.S., and the Kinmundy Unit of the Marion County Home Bureau.

- Mr. and Mrs. Don WEST of Decatur have recently purchased the E.C. BARGH property and are now making this their home.

- A party was held in the Kinmundy City Park, June 1, with Miss Sharon DOOLEN.  18 were present.  Sharon’s mother, Mrs. Roy DOOLEN, was assisted by Mrs. Paul SWIFT.

- A trailer truck, loaded with 16 tons of onions, went out of control on the curve just west of the C. & E.I. underpass on Rt. 37, early Monday morning, and wrapped itself around a large tree on the north side of the road on the Charles NEAL property.  There were not as many onions lost as a person would think, although the trailer was a complete wreck and the tractor very badly damaged.  The truck was from Texas and was driver by Louis SHEARER of Bell City, Texas, who received only a small cut on his arm.  His wife was riding with him, and was taken to Effingham Hospital for treatment of a head injury, but dismissed that afternoon.

- Russell SWIFT, 60, a resident of Alma, but formerly of this community, died in the Salem Hospital Monday after being ill for the past several months with creeping paralysis.

- The Kinmundy Menuettes met May 26 at the Methodist Church. The following were elected officers: Suzanne HIESTAND, President; Sharon EAGAN, Vice President; Sue ERNST, Sec. & Treas.; Francis HIESTAND, Reporter; Carol GEORGE, Recreation Leader.  Mrs. Irwin PARRILL gave a talk entitled, “What is 4-H?”.  14 members enrolled this year.

- A family picnic dinner was held Sunday at the Patoka Lake with the following present: Mr. and Mrs. Arthur AVEY, Cincinnati, Ohio; Mr. and Mrs. Ernest JONES and children, Shanahan; Mr. and Mrs. Bill FRAKES and children, Collinsville; James HAMMER, Decatur; Mr. and Mrs. Orie GREEN and Mr. and Mrs. Howard HAMMER and children.

- Mrs. Lewella NEATHERY, attended the wedding of her grandson, Loy Morris SIMCOX, son of Mrs. Pauline SIMCOX, of Vandalia, and Miss Joan HAWKEY, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford HAWKEY of Farina on Saturday in the Methodist Church in Farina.  Others from here attending were Mr. and Mrs. Burdette MAXEY.

- Mr. and Mrs. I.D. INGRAM and Mr. and Mrs. Ray INGRAM and daughters attended the commencement in Windsor, Tuesday.  Nancy JOHNSON, daughter of Mrs. Lucille INGRAM JOHNSON, was one of the graduates.

- 136 plates were served to the members and guests of the Kinmundy Alumni Association in the new grade school gymnasium Saturday by members of the P.T.A.  The guests included 13 members of the graduating class.  Mrs. Ronald POLANKA of Peoria, as president, presided, and Charles ERNST, President of the Class of ‘56 gave the response.  At the roll call, Pearl FISHER, class of ‘98, Vera McCULLEY, ‘10, and Mildred BROWN, ‘14 were the three oldest members present.  Group singing was led by Mrs. Francis HAMMER, and music was by the BAILEY Trio.  Officers for next year are Helen JEZEK, President; Betty LOGUE, Vice President; and Jane LOWE, Sec.-Treas.  Rev. L.B. WALKINGTON, Pastor of the First Methodist Church, Robinson, member of the class of ‘25, made an excellent talk.  (A list of those from out-of-town attending was included.)

- Ashes of the late Earl HENSLEY of Chicago, were deposited on the family lot in Evergreen Cemetery, June 2.  A short graveside service was held with Rev. A. Vance COMER officiating.  Relatives accompanying the ashes were his son, Mr. and Mrs. Waller HENSLEY, Chicago, and nieces, Mrs. Gail McGRUE, South Bend, Ind., and Mrs. Bessie PARRILL, Farina.

- A surprise birthday coffee was held Friday at the home of Mrs. John McCULLEY in honor of Mrs. Thurman McCULLEY’s birthday.  Present were Mrs. E.O. ZIMMER, Mrs. Lavern GRAY, Mrs. Bob LEE and daughter, Sharon, Mrs. Rufus GERKIN, and Mrs. John McCULLEY and son, Russell.

- Dr. and Mrs. Dwight HANNA attended the funeral of Erich MAGNUS in St. Peter, Sunday.

June 14, 1956:

- Mr. and Mrs. Bernard HIENIE of Alton have a son, David Wayne, born June 11.  He is the first great-grandson of Rev. and Mrs. Angus PHILLIPS.

- George HOYT and fiancee, Miss Betty STRASSER of New York City, came to visit his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank HOYT, in Salem.  They spent Tuesday afternoon in Kinmundy and paid this office a visit.  George was employed in this office before going into the army.  He received his discharge June 8, and will accept a position with the Fairchild Publishers, Inc., of New York City.  The couple tells us they will be married sometime next May.

- The Kinmundy Chapter of the Future Farmers of America won the Illinois State Safety Contest last Friday at the State FFA Convention in Springfield.  Paul WILKINS, President of the local chapter, and Jim HUDDLESTUN, Chairman of the local Safety Committee, piloted this endeavor throughout the year. Also Don THOMPSON spoke in the Sectional FFA Public Speaking Contest on Safety.  At the convention, Larry LEACH played in the Illinois State FFA Band.

- Army Specialist Third Class John C. BEERY, son of Mr. and Mrs. Guy L. BEERY, Kinmundy was recently assigned to the 9th Infantry Division in Germany.  Specialist BEERY, a truck driver in the division, entered the army in June 1953, and completed basic training at Ft. Riley, Kansas.  He arrived in Europe in Nov. of 1953.

- Funeral services for Mrs. Fannie SCHWARTZ of Salem were held Saturday from the Linton Funeral Home and interment made in Evergreen Cemetery.  (A list of relatives and friends from out of town was included.)

- Mr. and Mrs. Cleve DOOLEN had all of their children home with them Sunday.  They were Mr. and Mrs. Carl DOOLEN and family of Oklahoma City, Okla., Mr. and Mrs. Mark HEADLEY, Mr. and Mrs. Norman SHOWERS and sons, Alton; Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert DOOLEN and family, Mr. and Mrs. Roy DOOLEN and Sharon, and Mr. and Mrs. Cecil GARRETT and sons.

- Russell C. SWIFT was born in Marion Co., Ill., July 25, 1895, the son of Moses and Elizabeth GREEN SWIFT, and died after a short illness in Salem Hospital on June 4, 1956.  He was married to Charlene WILLIAMS and 3 children were born, namely, Maxine MORRISEY of Paris, Ill., Burdette, Ewing, Ill.; and Valda MORGAN, Tulsa, Okla.  The mother died in 1931.  He was married to Iris JACKSON of Alma in 1934, and they had 2 children, Ronald and Donna, of Alma.  He leaves his wife, Iris; and the 5 children mentioned; 3 grandchildren; 2 brothers and 2 sisters, Mrs. H.F. DENNIS, Mrs. Tom HELPINGSTINE, and Raymond SWIFT of Kinmundy, and James SWIFT of Iowa.  He worked for Kendricks Co. in Salem for a number of years.  Services were held at the Linton Funeral Home in Kinmundy, with Rev. SHEPHARD, officiating.  Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.  (A list of relatives and friends attending from a distance was included.)

- Harry DAVIS Dies: The following is taken (in part) from the Bloomington, Illinois Daily Pantagraph of June 6, 1956.  Harvey Harry DAVIS, 66, of Bloomington, a retired Illinois Terminal Railroad Foreman, died at Brokaw Hospital on June 5.  He retired 3 years ago because of ill health.  His funeral was held at Trinity Lutheran Church with burial in East Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery.  Mr. DAVIS was born Feb. 22, 1890, a son of Edmund and Sarah NOWELL DAVIS.  He married Anna RUEGER, Apr. 4, 1915, in Bloomington.  Surviving are his wife, son, Melvin, and daughter, Mrs. Shamel MOORE, and 6 grandchildren.  A brother and step-brother preceded him in death.  He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.  Death came as a result of a heart attack on May 29, 1956.

- Mr. and Mrs. C.R. WILLIAMS had the following guests for supper Sunday, Mr. and Mrs. Richard WILLIAMS and children of Farina, Mrs. Ida WILLIAMS, and Mrs. Nelda JACKSON.  The occasion was in honor of Aunt Ida WILLIAMS’ 86th birthday.

- Mr. and Mrs. Ray INGRAM and family, Mr. and Mrs. Wyett COLCLASURE and family, Mr. and Mrs. John W. McCULLEY and son and Mr. and Mrs. Paul MONTGOMERY enjoyed a chicken supper at the Tri-City Lake, Sunday, in honor of Paul’s birthday.

- Boys will be boys, but one is to meet with accident, maybe fatal, in the next 30 days: The City Council is publishing a warning in this issue of The Express regarding fast and boisterous driving on the streets.  They have jurisdiction only within the city limits.  When Mr. JAHRAUS brought this in to be published, we had an agreement with him that we would publish it with the understanding that the warning would be carried out.  He gave his word that it would.  Otherwise we would but have wanted our space with the publishing.  Due to lack of funds, the City Council saw fit to temporarily abandon the position of City Marshal.  Since that time, most everyone have conducted themselves in an orderly manner.  But now, some of the younger generation seem to think that they can take over things, especially with their cars and motorcycles.  It has been very popular for these young fellows (we can’t call them boys because some of them are married men with families) to equip their cars with dual and straight exhausts as well as many other noise makers.  For quite some time, it was the custom of these youngsters to have “chicken” races on Main street.  They would start their cards at the bank corner and race across the hard road without a stop.  Yes, it was a thrill, but they were lucky.  Had a car or truck been on the hard road they would have killed themselves, as well as the occupants of the other car or truck.  But that has died down.  Now, the popular sport is a “drag race” as they call it.  They will line their cars up two and three abreast at the bank corner, shift into low gear, tramp the accelerator to the floorboard, and come down through the main street.  It seems as though they just warmed up there, and then they head east of town on the blacktop road and finish the race.  The motorcycle boys ride along as referees.  Yes, the boys are getting a thrill out of this, but they are also flirting with the undertaker.  We know that boys will be boys and that the writer was once a boy himself, and we realize that we did do some dangerous things then but when we found that we were face to face with death, we generally quit.  We know that a majority of these boys who are “putting on this show”, do not have enough worldly goods accumulated to pay a funeral bill.  And we also know that it would hustle a lot of their parents to do likewise.  But all that is secondary.  The point is would you like to give up your son?  We know you wouldn’t.  So parents, in the name of all that is righteous, talk with your lads and show them where they are so wrong in driving recklessly. If you don’t we predict that before a month has lapsed, some mother’s son will be a victim of an accident caused by this kind of driving, right here in Kinmundy.

- Senator Everett M. DIRKSEN will be attending Republican Day at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Reunion on June 27th.

- Mrs. Ida SMITH and son Wilson of Austin, Texas attended funeral of Arthur STINE in St. James, Wednesday.  They were Wednesday supper guests of Mrs. Doty REYNOLDS of St. James.  They also visited Mr. and Mrs. C.C. PONTIOUS of St. James.

- Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd HAMMER spent the weekend in Charleston with Mr. and Mrs. Fred FLETCHER and Mr. and Mrs. Paul BAGOTT Sunday.  They all went to Turkey Run in Mitchell, Ind., where they had a family gathering.   Others present were Mr. and Mrs. Bert GUBBINS of Muncie, Ind.; Mrs. CARAWAY and family of Kalamazoo, Mich.; Mrs. Mortin LEAVITT and sons of Cleveland, Ohio; Mr. and Mrs. Francis HAMMER and daughter and Miss Barbara ALLEN.

- Mr. and Mrs. Jamie McGEE and children were in Granite City last Saturday attending the wedding of his sister, Miss Rose Mary MAHON and William JOYCE, both of Granite City. 

- Mr. and Mrs. Erwin CHEATUM attended the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. C.H. HOLSAPPLE in the First Christian Church in Salem Friday.  Saturday they attended the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd BROCKETT in the Catholic Church in Edgewood.  Also Sunday, they attended the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. James WARE in the Methodist Church in Farina.

- Dickie LANE, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul LANE, celebrated his 4th birthday, June 9, with a party at the home of his parents.  (A list of those attending was included.)

June 21, 1956:

- Boys and parents are co-operating with city authorities in stopping auto racing: We received a few “thank you’s” this past week for the editorial we carried last week about the fast driving and boisterous youngsters and the prediction that some one of them would meet with an accident, probably fatal within 30 days.  We don’t believe that there was a single one of these coming from the offenders or from the parents of the offenders.  However, we did not publish this in hopes of getting any praise from it.  As a rule, we generally get just the opposite.  All we cared about was merely warning the parents as well as the participants of what to expect.   And if we could change their destinies, we figured that would be pay enough for the time, effort, and space devoted to this cause.  Some of us will devote much time, effort, and money to help some good cause, like the prevention of T.B., cancer, heart trouble, Red Cross, and many other worthy causes.  And yet we fail to take a little of our time to talk with our boys and girls about the danger of the automobile.  The automobile is a far worse killer than any disease.  The reason for that is practically everyone rides in an automobile. Since last week we have not heard a single complaint about the driving about town.  There may have been some, but we do not know of it.  And there may have been some east of town, but we do not know of it either.  Nor do we know anything about the city employing a part time policeman.  The last time we talked with the mayor, he mentioned about getting members of the City Council to take turns in Patrolling.  We only hope the Council does not have to spend any money for this purpose.  So thank you, boys and parents for cooperating.  Thank you for saving yourself from an accident probably a fatal one.

- Army Sgt. Cecil A. BRIM, son of Mr. and Mrs. James A. BRIM, Kinmundy, recently was graduated from the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy at Fort Riley, Kansas.  BRIM, a section leader in the 1st Infantry Division’s 1st Quartermaster Co., entered the Army in 1941.  Sgt. BRIM’s wife, Jeanne, lives in Junction City, Kan.

- William R. CLARK, son of Mrs. Bertha K. CLARK, of Kinmundy, was promoted to Marine  Sgt. on May 23, while with the 3rd Marine Division in Japan.  He is a baker assigned to Detachment 3, 3rd Marine Regiment, a unit of the 3rd Marine Division.  Before entering the service, he attended Salem H.S., Salem, Ill.

- A basket dinner was held Sunday in the Bryan Memorial Park, in Salem, in honor of the 74th birthday of Mrs. Lillie SCHNEIDER.  Those present besides the honoree were Mr. and Mrs. Adolph THOMAS, Jr., and Fred THOMAS of Sandoval, Mr. and Mrs. Loren CRAIN and son of Laclede, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard WILLIAMSON, Mrs. Betty SMITH and children, Leslie and Loretta, and Merle and Edna SCHNEIDER.  Afternoon callers were Mr. and Mrs. Ervin SCHNEIDER and family.

- Loyd HANKS, son of Stewart and Nancy SIMMONS HANKS, was born near Omega in Marion county, Apr. 25, 1883.  His parents, one sister and two brothers preceded him in death.  He died at his home in Farina, June 13th.  On Sept. 9, 1906, he was married Bessie COMBS.  Surviving him is his wife; one brother, Guy; a sister, Maude COMBS; and an aunt, Nellie DRAVANTZ.  Services were held from the Brown Church with Bro. Oscar HAWKINS officiating.  Interment was made in the Phillips Cemetery.

- Mr. and Mrs. W.R. DOOLEN had with them all their children last Saturday for a family gathering.  It was the first time their son, Charles, had been with the rest of the family for 4 years.  Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Charles DOOLEN and daughters of Everett, Wash.; Mr. and Mrs. Bennie DOOLEN and children of Mt. Carmel, and Mr. and Mrs. Ron SMITH and son, of Atlanta.

- A birthday party was held at the home of Mrs. Harry HITCH, of Farina, June 19, in honor of Mrs. HITCH’s birthday.  Those attending from here were Mrs. F.A. PORTER and Mrs. Howard HAMMER.  Also present were Mesdames Frank KLINE, Frank DAY, and Ed FORD of Alma.

- Staff Sergeant William R. MIDDLETON, of Alma, was recently selected to attend the Air Force’s Russian Language School with 4 weeks pre-Russian course at Kelly Force Base, Texas, and then to a major university for 22 months of intensive study.  He is presently assigned to the 2460th Air Reserve Flying Center at Scott Air Force Base.  Before assignment here, he was stationed at Eleuthera (Bahamas) British West Indies.  He is the son of Mrs. Nina MIDDLETON, now of Alma.  A graduate of Kinmundy H.S., and he is married to the former Evelyn FEATHER, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph FEATHER, of Kinmundy.

- Miss Zelma VALLOW and Mrs. Mabel GARDNER of St. Louis, Mrs. Ida WILLIAMS, Mrs. Amelda VALLOW and Mrs. Laverne KEEN were guests in the J.N. VALLOW home Tuesday evening, the occasion being to honor Zelma on the 54th birthday.  Also aunt Mabel, whose 65th birthday was the next day.  A birthday cake was baked by Mrs. KEEN.

- James WHITE, son of Mr. and Mrs. Glen WHITE, was one of the graduates to receive a degree at the commencement exercises held at Southern Illinois University Sunday.  James received a Degree of Associate in Technology.  A reception was held for the parents, at president MORRIS’ home, Sunday.  Mr. and Mrs. Glen WHITE attended this reception.  Others attending the commencement exercises were David WHITE, Mr. and Mrs. Charles WHITE, Mrs. Bessie NEAVILL, Miss Barbara GARRETT, Mr. and Mrs. Merle JACKSON and Mrs. A.J. JACKSON.

- Alice EMBSER GESS Dies: Mrs. Jessie EMBSER received a message from Minneapolis, Minn., Sunday, stating that her daughter, Alice GESS had died from a stroke suffered Saturday.  She was 64 years old.  The funeral will be Thursday in Minneapolis following the arrival of her children from the West.  She is survived by her aged mother, her husband, Harry GESS, seven children, and four brothers, Frank, Kinmundy; Ted, Nokomis; Jerome, Benton; and Leno, Harvey, Ill.

- Mr. and Mrs. Cliff OLDEN and family had a birthday dinner in their home Sunday, in honor of Mrs. OLDEN’s twin sisters, Mrs. Eddie HALLER and Mrs. Vernon STOCKER.  Those present for the dinner were Mr. and Mrs. Eddie HALLER of East St. Louis, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon STOCKER of Savoy, and Mr. and Mrs. Ed BRASEL.

- Mrs. Dudie NELMS WOLFE, 81, died at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin D. WILLIAMS, in Bondville, June 16.  Services were held Monday from the Christian Church in Kinmundy.  Bro. Rufus G.D. GERKIN, officiating.  Interment was made in the mausoleum in Evergreen Cemetery.  She is survived by 2 daughters, Marcelline of Bondville, and Edith of Centralia.  Her husband, Ellis WOLFE, died about a year ago.

- A JONES family dinner was held June 17 at the American Legion Hall in Kinmundy.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- Mesdames Bert GARRETT, Frank GARRETT, Fred GAMMON, Virgil LIVESAY, and Wes ROBB were in Alma Saturday evening attending a stork shower for Mrs. Bill BEARD.

- Harry BRASEL, CT2, arrived home Monday for a 30 day leave after spending the past 2 years in Japan.

June 28, 1956:

- Mrs. Pete CURLEY returned Wednesday from Chicago, where she has been with her husband, P.T. CURLEY, the past 8 weeks.  He is a patient in the Illinois Central Hospital.  She reports him improving satisfactorily and enjoys his mail very much.  He will remain in the hospital awhile yet.

- Due to the convalescing from an appendectomy of Miss Carolyn ALBERSON, who was the delegate to attend the 1956 session of Illini Girls State, the Alternate, Miss Rosalyn LOWE, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles LOWE, attended the past week.  This was the 16th session of the program, and was held at MacMurray College in Jacksonville.  (A picture was included.)

- Misses Brenda GRAY and Jan HANNA were in Salem Monday twirling in the non-professional contest, held this week during the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Reunion.

- At the last meeting of the American Legion, the following were elected for the coming year: Commander, Roy DOOLEN; First Vice Commander, B.J. GARRETT; 2nd Vice Commander, Wayne ROBB; Adjutant, Maxey SPENCER; Chaplain, Omus LEACH; and Finance Officer, R.R. ATKINS.

- Jesse GEORGE has installed a new refrigerated vegetable counter.  The old counter was repaired and moved farther back in the store for a dairy counter.  This is quite an improvement for the store.

- The annual American Legion Homecoming will be held July 3rd and 4th in the City Park.  Entertainment will be furnished by the Auxiliary on the 4th.  There will be concessions and rides for the kiddies.  The public is invited.

- Attends Concert: Mr. and Mrs. John FORD and Mr. and Mrs. Vernon GRAGG of Alma, Mesdames Jesse GEORGE, James O. EAGAN, and Francis HAMMER attended a concert of the Egyptian Music Camp at DuQuoin, Friday night.  Dick GRAGG and Janet FORD of Alma, and Misses Sharon EAGAN and Kaye HAMMER, who had spent the past week attending the Music Camp, accompanied their parents home.

- Mr. and Mrs. G.E. SHREFFLER and family are now very happily domiciled in the city of Carrier Mills, Saline Co., Ill., where Mr. SHREFFLER has new visions of becoming cashier of the Egyptian State Bank.  He is on the bottom rung of the ladder now, but hopes in begin climbing soon.  In a short note, they state they have read every sign board in the community but can find nothing about the home folks.  So they want us to send them the paper.  It seems as though the people are different from here.   Ed says everybody calls him “what”.  He introduces himself as “SHREFFLER”, and they immediately say “what.”  We know he is also happy that he now lives in a country where he can go barefooted.

- Junior GARRETT has accepted a position as assistant cashier of the State Bank of St. Peter and will assume his new duties there on July 2.  Junior has been a faithful employee of the local bank and we know he will be missed.  Mr. Albert MALKOVICH of Alma, has been trained to take his place as a bookkeeper.  We wish Junior the best of luck in his new position.

- Mrs. Alice MILLER, 85, died at her home here Friday.  Services were held at the Linton Funeral Home, Rev. A. Vance COMER officiating.  Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery.  Alice Patrina THIEMAN, was born in St. Louis, Sept. 6, 1870.  She married Dr. Hugo MILLER in 1890.  In 1895, they moved to New Florence, Mo., and to Kinmundy in 1899.  Dr. MILLER died in 1947.  She is survived by 2 sons, Oswald K., and Arno. H., both of Kinmundy.  She also leaves 7 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

- Mrs. Myrtle SCHOOLEY, after retiring from her position in Champaign, has been living with her sons the past month.  She moved into her new home east of Mrs. Jessie EMBSER, Saturday.

- Burdette BRASEL is recovering from painful bruises suffered when their car which he had jacked up to repair, fell on him last week.

- Mrs. Clifford PARRILL met with a very painful accident Thursday when she pulled a skillet, which had been left on a burner turned on high, off the stove.  In taking the skillet smoking with hot grease from the stove, she spilled some of it on her left foot.  She is confined to her bed with burns on the right hand and left foot.

- Mrs. Paul PIPER attended the wedding of her nephew, Bill HAMILTON, of Whittington, and Mis Ivoline GULLEY, of Waltonville, at the Methodist Church in Waltonville on Sunday.

- Mrs. Dwight DAY Jr. is suffering from a badly injured index finger, the result of getting her hand in an electric fan one day last week.

- The annual DISS Reunion was held June 24, at the Kitchell Park, in Pana with nearly 100 present.  The following attended: Mr. and Mrs. Marlin DISS, Hooper, Colo.; Mrs. Robert WALKER and children of Leadville, Colo.; Ed JONES, of Borger, Texas; Mr. and Mrs. Carl CURTIS and sons, of Charleston; Mr. and Mrs. Fred YOUNG of Plymouth; Mr. and Mrs. Howard VOELKER of Altamont; Mr. and Mrs. Francis HAMMER and Kaye, Miss Barbara ALLEN, Mr. and Mrs. Orville DISS and Leroy, J.H. DISS and Johnnie, Mr. and Mrs. Lowell DISS and sons, Mr. and Mrs. Charles BLOMBERG and sons, Mr. and Mrs. Robert YOUNG and daughters, Rudy SLANE and Bill YOUNG.  Mr. and Mrs. Marlin DISS, Mrs. Robert WALKER and children and Ed JONES left here from Pana in the afternoon for their homes, after spending several days here with relatives and friends.

- Honored at Salem Reunion: The Annual Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Reunion being held in Salem this week, was named for Ed HARRELL this year.  It is the custom of this organization to name the reunion each year in honor of some deceased soldier or sailor.  Mr. HARRELL was chosen this time, he being a veteran of the Spanish-American War.  The widow, Mrs. Mary HARRELL, was honored Monday evening by being on the stage.

- Mrs. Flora STALLINGS and Mr. and Mrs. Henry GREEN of Arlington, Va., Mrs. Mildred BARGH, and Miss Ruth ROHRBOUGH attended the funeral of Mrs. S.M. DAVIDSON in Salem, Wednesday.

July 5, 1956:

- Members of the Kinmundy Sportsmen Club are invited to come to the Illinois Central Lake Sunday morning at 7 o’clock and get your apportionment of quail to be released in the community.  There are 500 quail in the pens and should be plenty for everyone, but first come, first served.

- Guests of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. DISS at a picnic at Boston Lake Saturday were: Mr. and Mrs. Howard BOND, Napoleon, Ohio; Mr. and Mrs. Floyd HARWOOD and family, of Hartford, N.Y.; Mr. and Mrs. Paul GREEN and son, Russell MAXON and Laverne LUEHSINGER of Milton, Wis.; Mr. and Mrs. Sidney KNUDESON of Duluth, and Roy GREEN of Farina.

- Our community was visited by quite an electrical storm Monday afternoon, followed by a downpour of rain.  When the storm first hit, the lightening struck a barn on the Kenneth ARMSTRONG farm, 2½ miles southeast of town, causing it to burst into flames.  At the time, Mr. ARMSTRONG and son, Farrol, were near Iuka, helping his father with his wheat harvest.  Mrs. ARMSTRONG as home alone.  She was so excited, she could do nothing.  Maxey SPENCER, who was working on the Harley HILL farm, adjoining the ARMSTRONG farm, saw the blaze and turned in the alarm.  The fire dept. made the run through the downpour of rain, but upon reaching the scene, found that very little rain had fallen in that vicinity.  They also found the barn was too far gone to try to save.  And so all effort was concentrated on the surrounding buildings.  The granary filled with wheat and corn was badly charred in places.  The barn contained 500 bales of clover and alfalfa hay and 150 bushels of corn.  A binder was stored in one of the sheds attached to the barn.  Both the barn and contents were partially covered with insurance.

- The Allen Wildcats 4-H Club met at the home of Eugene KENLEY, June 25.  The meeting was called to order by president, Ivan WILKINS.  After going down to see Eugene KENLEY’s corn, talks were given by Ivan WILKINS, Hazel ALLPHIN, and Frances HIESTAND.  Reporter, Joan ANDERSON.

- Mrs. Clifford OLDEN returned home from the Salem Hospital where she had been receiving treatment for burns.

- Mr. Bill GARRETT received painful bruises and lacerations Wednesday when he got his leg caught between the tractor and combine.  He was taken to a doctor for treatment and it was determined that there were no bones broken, but several stitches were required.  He will be inactive for awhile.

- Mr. and Mrs. Gene ERNST and daughter, Shirley, attended the wedding of Miss Martha Ann HOTZ, of St. Peter, to Cline WELLS, of Farina, Sunday.  The ceremony was performed at the St. Peter Lutheran Church.

- Mrs. Philip MAY, of Farina, and Mr. and Mrs. Harry RITTENHOUSE, attended the SMITH family reunion at Fairview Park in Centralia, Sunday.

- Henry EDWARDS, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Allen EDWARDS, and Miss Juanita LIMES, daughter of Ray LIMES of Farina, were married at the Christian Church in Kinmundy, June 28, Bro. Rufus GERKIN, officiating.  The couple is now at home in Salem, where the groom is employed at the Brown Shoe Company.  Guests at the wedding were his sister, Mrs. Kenneth WILKINSON, and daughter, Linda, Mrs. Ray LIMES, Mr. Roley BRIMBERRY, Mrs. GERKIN and son, David.  The couple were guests at a charivari and shower held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth WILKINSON, Saturday.  (A list of those attending the shower and sending gifts was included.)

- Albert C. DUNLAP was presented his 50 year pin by the Kinmundy Lodge No. 398, A.F. & A.M. at a special meeting held for the occasion, Saturday.  The pin was presented by Carl DUNLAP, a Past Master of the Kinmundy Lodge, and son of A.C. DUNLAP.  District Deputy Grand Master Bryce JONES of Louisville was present and made a few remarks.  Mr. DUNLAP was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Landmark Lodge No. 422, Chicago, June 8, 1906, when 22 years of age.  He transferred to Kinmundy Lodge No. 398 on May 7, 1924.

- Word was received here Saturday of the death of Wilfred SNELLING, a former resident of this city, which occurred in Phoenix, Ariz.  He was 66 years of age.  The body will arrive in Salem on July 4th, and will be brought here for burial.

- Mrs. Mary MAYER, 85, a resident of Meacham twp., died in Fayette county Memorial Hospital on June 29.  Services were held from the Linton Funeral Home Sunday with A. Vance COMER officiating.  Interment was made in Indianapolis, Ind. on Monday.

- Mr. E.E. BROWN was honored at a dinner in Herrin Tuesday given by the Standard Oil Company.  He was presented with a beautiful wrist watch for 35 years of service to the company.  Mrs. BROWN and Dwight DAY accompanied him to the dinner.

- Fred KLEISS and daughter, Mildred, and Philip QUANDT attended the KLEISS-BEHL Reunion in St. Joseph’s Hall in Pesotum, Sunday.  There were 400 present.

- Miletus: W.O. and Mrs. C.L. RAMSEY and daughter, who have been stationed in Newfoundland called on several in the neighborhood.  Mrs. RAMSEY is the niece of Mrs. Gertie MULVANEY and Clint KITCHEN.  He is being transferred to the Philippine Islands.

- In Memoriam of Diane DOOLEN, little daughter and granddaughter, who died 1 year ago, July 4th.  Mr. and Mrs. Wesley DOOLEN and Michael, Mr. and Mrs. Earl DOOLEN.

July 12, 1956:

- Twenty-four of the immediate family of John A. BROOM of Alma attended his birthday party the 4th of July.  Those attending were Mrs. Richard BROOM and sons, Waynesboro, Penn.; Charles Jr. and Linda BROOM of Miami, Fla.; Mr. and Mrs. Walter BROOM and sons, and Mr. and Mrs. Howard BROOM and family of Salem; Mrs. John A. BROOM, Elizabeth BROOM, Mr. and Mrs. Dale BROOM and Veronica, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest BROOM and family of Alma.

- Mr. and Mrs. C.R. ALDERSON went to Champaign Saturday to visit their son, Mr. and Mrs. Rolland ALDERSON and son.  C.R. became suddenly ill and underwent an emergency operation for a perforated ulcer of the stomach in the Carle Hospital, Champaign, Saturday night.

- CT 2 Harry BRASEL, son of Mr. and Mrs. Burdette BRASEL, and Miss Alice FRIMEL, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Al FRIMEL, of Odin, were married at the Baptist parsonage in Centralia on July 8, Rev. Forrest WEEMS officiating.  The attendants were Mr. and Mrs. Bud DYER of Odin.  CT 2 BRASEL was a graduate of the K.C.H.S. in 1950, and Mrs. BRASEL from the Odin H.S. in 1952.  He will return to his duties July 15.  Mrs. BRASEL will continue to work as bookkeeper at Montgomery Ward in Centralia.

- A 3C. and Mrs. Larry SULLENS of South Hadley Falls, Mass., have a daughter born July 10.

- Herbert VANDEVEER is suffering from a badly bruised and cut left hand from the result of getting the hand caught in a power scoop while it was in action.  Several stitches had to be taken.

- Mr. and Mrs. Erwin CHEATUM have purchased the residence property in which they are living from Mrs. Lulu COCKRELL. 

- A birthday potluck was held July 8 in Salem Park in honor of the birthday of twins, Harvey JOHNSTON and Mrs. Clark HAMPSTEN.  Those attending were Mr. and Mrs. Harvey JOHNSTON and children, Mr. and Mrs. Clark HAMPSTEN and Donnie, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil HAMPSTEN and family, Mr. and Mrs. Glen HAMPSTEN and family, Mr. and Mrs. Bill FOGLER and Dennie, and Mr. and Mrs. Rufus ADAMS and Connie.

- Wayne SHANAFELT Severely Burned by Power Line: Wayne SHANAFELT, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl SHANAFELT, of Alma, met with an almost fatal accident near Mattoon last Thursday.  He was working for the Kuykendall Drilling Co.  He was taken to the Mattoon Hospital where he is recovering according to reports.  The accident came as Wayne, while riding atop of a rig, which was moving from one location to another, attempted to lift a high tension wire with a board to allow the truck to pass under it.  He received a severe charge which knocked him to the ground.  In falling a distance of 12 feet, his head struck the truck on the way down, causing a fractured skull.  At the present time, Wayne is suffering from a skull fracture and severe burns from the electricity.  He will be required to remain in the hospital for about 6 weeks.  According to reports, he will then enter a hospital in St. Louis for skin grafting.

- Mr. and Mrs. Chuck GARDEN of Salem have son, July 3, in St. Luke’s Hospital, St. Louis, Mo.

- A surprise birthday supper was held July 5 at the Salem Park in honor of Mrs. Carol BASS’ birthday.  Those attending besides the honoree were: Mesdames Richard WIMBERLY, Minnie BASS, Roland BALL and Donald BALL and children of Salem; Roy BASS, Mr. and Mrs. Claude WILKINSON, Mr. and Mrs. Claude WILLIAMS and Mr. and Mrs. Sam LOWE and John David.

- Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher COLE and Mr. and Mrs. George COLE attended a COLE reunion in Mitchell Park at Pana, Sunday.

- The City Council voted to have a city sales tax and truck delivery ordinances drafted by the City Attorney.

- Mr. and Mrs. Elmo WILLIAMS and daughter of Rockfalls, Mr. and Mrs. Sam LOWE and John David, and Mr. and Mrs. Sammie LOWE and daughter, Joyce, were in Jerseyville, July 4th, attending the LOWE Reunion at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin ROGERS.

July 19, 1956:

- The Kinmundy Women’s Club celebrated it’s 10th anniversary July 15 with about 65 members and guests participating, with Mrs. Lura ROBNETT, President, presiding.

- A potluck birthday dinner was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Dick GRAY of St. Elmo in honor of the birthdays of Mrs. Frances GRAY, Miss Shirley BAILEY, Mrs. Belle SUTTON, and Ted PHILLIPS.  Those attending the dinner were: Mr. and Mrs. Ted PHILLIPS and son, of Salem; Misses Shirley BAILEY and Kay WALTHAM, Champaign; Mrs. Charles BASSETT and children; Mrs. Pola ROBB and family; Mr. and Mrs. C.E. BAILEY, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne ROBB and family, and Mr. and Mrs. K.V. ALBERSON and family.

- Mr. and Mrs. James LANE have a son born July 9 in Salem Hospital.  He has been named Kevin James. 

- Mr. and Mrs. Charles WHITE have a son born July 16 in St. Luke’s Hospital in St. Louis.

- Mrs. Harriet DeVORE of this city will celebrate her 104th birthday on July 24, in the home of her daughter, Mrs. W.A. FRANKLIN.  Although Mrs. DeVORE is bedfast, she seems in good health and enjoys her mail and visits by her relatives and friends.

- Mrs. Reindl BAYLIS entertained several relatives and friends, July 4th, in honor of Reindl and Mrs. John ILG’s birthdays.  Those present were Mr. and Mrs. John ILG and Rosemary, Mr. and Mrs. Henry EDWARDS, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth WILKINSON and Linda, Ellis WILKINSON, Mrs. Lora BAYLIS and Mrs. Mabel FOX.

- Kenneth CHANCE of Mitchell, is suffering with blood poison in his arm.  He was reported better, Saturday.

- Meacham: Mr. and Mrs. Glenn JAHRAUS and family called on Mrs. Mary HARRELL Sunday afternoon.

- Mr. and Mrs. Fred GAMMON and sons, and Mr. and Mrs. Virgil LIVESAY are spending this week in the Smoky Mountains.

- Donn and Max HAMMER and Philip BOSLEY of Bridgeport came Sunday to spend this week with Mr. and Mrs. Wes ROBB and Mr. and Mrs. L.J. HAMMER and other relatives and friends.

- Mr. and Mrs. Harry THOMPSON attended the funeral of Carl HARRELL of Oskaloosa, Thursday.

July 26, 1956:

- The 4-H Club prize winners at the County Fair in livestock and agricultural classes were included.

- Mr. and Mrs. Bob LEE of Breese have a son born July 15 in the Breese Hospital.  He was named Gary Wayne.  He is the great-grandson of Mrs. Stella LEE.

- Mr. and Mrs. Xon WILKINSON of Harvey have a son born July 20.  He has been named Jerry Ellis.  Ellis WILKINSON is the paternal grandfather.

- Mr. and Mrs. Burdette JENKINS and daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Ray OLDEN and family, and Mr. and Mrs. Cliff OLDEN and sons enjoyed a picnic supper at the Salem Park Sunday in honor of Gary’s 15th birthday.

- The Methodist Church is going to build a new parsonage.  The vote was 66 to 10 in favor.

- Robert D. HALL, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward E. HALL of Kinmundy, and Clyde W. HAYS, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. William P. HAYS of Alma, have both enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.  They enlisted under the “buddy system” plan which assures them of remaining together during their basic training. 

- A picnic dinner was held in the Kinmundy City Park Sunday in honor of Charles GAMMON’s birthday.  Those attending were Mr. and Mrs. Harry GAMMON and family of Benton; Mr. and Mrs. Ira GAMMON and family of Carmi; Mrs. Ethel GAMMON and Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence LINDER and family of Iuka; Mrs. Myrtle GAMMON of Alma; Mr. and Mrs. Charles GAMMON and Mr. and Mrs. Fred GAMMON and sons.

- Word was received that Mrs. J.H. CASSIDY of Webster Groves, Mo. has suffered a stroke in her home.  She is the former Miss Jennie PHILLIPS.

- Ellis E. VALLOW, son of Oliver P. and Clarissa SCHOOLEY VALLOW, was born near Omega, Marion co., Ill. on Sept.  2, 1875.  When a small lad, he moved with this parents to Kinmundy, where he grew to manhood.  In 1898, he was married to Miss Blenda NICHOLSON of Chicago, and they set up housekeeping in Kinmundy, where he had employment in the coal mine.  In 1903, the family moved to O’Fallon where he became a mine manager.  Four years later, the family moved to Livingston, Ill., where he was mine manager for 38 years.  The wife died in 1942.  Because of his age, Mr. VALLOW retired from the coal mine 13 years ago, and went to work as a caretaker of the Calumet Country Club at Homewood, Ill.  He retired from this position last April because of ill health.  He died in the hospital at Jefferson, Wis., while visiting with a daughter, aged 80 years, 10 months, and 17 days.  Surviving are 9 children: David, Valpariso, Ind.; Oliver, Livingston; Glenn, Peotone; Velma STREICH, Ft. Atkinson, Wis.; Vernon, Chicago; William, East Hazelcrest; Clyde, Knox, Ind.; Lottie GERTSEL, Matteson; and Ellis, Jr., East Hazelcrest.  Three children died in infancy.  Also surviving are 25 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and 4 sisters, Mrs. Ida WILLIAMS, Kinmundy; Mrs. Cora WILLIAMS, Park Ridge, Ill.; Mrs. Bertha BROWN, Kansas City; and Mrs. Mabel GARDNER, St. Louis.  The body was brought here to the Linton Funeral Home, and services were held from the Funeral Home.  Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery.  (A list was included of relatives attending.)

- The Calvary Missionary Baptist church congregation who have been holding services at the Happy Hollow School have moved to the Alma Hatchery Building, which they have recently purchased.  The location of the building is 1½ miles south of Alma, and 1/4 mile west of the old Mt. Moriah corner.

- Thursday and Friday marked the end of ten one room schools located in Meacham, Omega, Alma, Tonti and Foster twps.  The schools being of no further value as a school to the Kinmundy-Alma School District, they were sold.  Six of the schools were sold on Thursday, and four were sold on Friday.  Following are the purchasers:

Omega: Building $175; land $800; by Omega Township

Greenridge: Building $320; land $90; by John R. MAZANEK

Oak Grove: Building $155; land $70; by Jack OSBORN

McHaney: Building $315: land $265; by Ivan HICKEY

Happy Hollow: Building $115; land $65; by Melvin CURRIE

Allen: Building $125 by Norman DUKE; land $132.50 by Herschel ROSE

White: Building $100 by Ernest BROOM (no land offered)

Booker: Building $170 by Ed BUTTS (no land offered)

Miletus: Building $210; land $144; by Orion BUTTS

Brown: Building $360 by Roy WHITNEY (no land offered)

- Meacham: Kenneth ARMSTRONG is rebuilding the barn that was recently struck by lightening.

- Mr. and Mrs. Howard HAMMER attended the funeral Sunday of Clarence PROUDFIT of Mt. Vernon.

- Mr. and Mrs. Frank GARRETT visited Sunday afternoon with Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher COLE.

- The LEACH Reunion was held at the O.I. LEACH residence July 22.  The usual basket dinner was served from tables set on the lawn.  49 were in attendance.   (A list of those attending was included.)

Aug. 2, 1956:

- Mr. and Mrs. Arthur ELLEDGE of Edgewood have moved into the George KESSLER Sr. property in the northeast part of the city.   Mr. ELLEDGE will be employed by Mr. B.F. LINTON as an apprentice embalmer.

- Mrs. Chester KLINE returned Tuesday after spending the past week visiting her sisters, Mr. and Mrs. Bob HILKERT and family of Evanston, and Mr. and Mrs. Peter BURKE and daughter of Chicago.  While there she attended a prenuptial shower in honor of her niece, Miss Joan HILKERT, of Milwaukee, Wis.

- Florence Elizabeth STORRS, a life long resident of Kinmundy, died in the Wurtzler Nursing Home in Odin on July 29, 1956 at the age of 86 years, 11 months and 5 days.  She is survived by one cousin, Mrs. Jennie BATCHELDEN of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Services were held from the Kinmundy Christian Church with Bro. G.D. GERKIN, officiating.  Interment was made in Evergreen Cemetery.

- Word was received here last week of the death of Mrs. M.A. THRASHER, a former resident of this city, who died at her home in Wheatland, Wyo.  She leaves her husband and one son, Lloyd of Glen Ellyn, Ill.  Mr. THRASHER was at one time principal of our schools and later County Superintendent of schools.  They moved from Salem to Wheatland, where he followed his professional.

- Mrs. Charles McCLAINE, age 78, died Tuesday in Flora Hospital, after a lingering illness of many months.  She has been living in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ann PRUETT in Flora.  Mrs. McCLAINE is survived by 4 daughters, 1 son and 5 step-children, Mrs. John LEE and Mrs. Burdette BRASEL being 2 step-daughters.  Services will be held in the McMackin Funeral Home in Salem Thursday with burial in East Lawn Cemetery.

- There was a Pink and Blue shower on Friday for Charlene GORDON given by Betty RUNGE and Dorothy FURRY.  (A list of those attending and sending gifts was included.)

- Mrs. Maude FURRY was called to Salem Saturday due to the serious illness of Mrs. W.O. BORING of Salem who had suffered a light stroke that day.               

- Mr. and Mrs. Darrell FORD of St. Elmo have a daughter, Louanne Denise, born July 25th in the Vandalia Fayette Hospital.  Mrs. FORD is the former Miss Dolores MAGNUS of St. Peter.

- The Marion county Extension Council held their first meeting this past week and elected Roy DOOLEN, chairman; Roy HALL, Vice Chairman; and Wm. SEIDEL, Secretary.  The men who have accepted the responsibility and appointment to the new council are Riley KEELE, Salem; Bruce PUGH, Patoka; John TELFORD, Salem; Leon TATE, Kell; Roy DOOLEN, Kinmundy; Roy HALL, Iuka; Wm. SEIDEL, Sandoval; and Gene ARNOLD of Iuka.

- Mr. and Mrs. Don YATES of Champaign have a son, Dean Edwin, born July 28th.  The grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Dean BAKER, and Mr. and Mrs. Jack YATES.

- In Memoriam of husband and father, Richard Hall FEATHER, who died July 30, 1951.  By wife, Mary Eva FEATHER, and children

Aug. 9, 1956:

- George H. BARGH, dean of foreign students at the Univ. of Illinois has been appointed administrative assistant in the office of Univ. President, Dr. David HENRY.

- The annual BROWN Reunion was held at the Effingham Park in Effingham on Aug. 5th with a basket dinner.  The officers for the coming year are Mrs. Fred FLETCHER, President; Mrs. Tillie O’CONNELL, Vice-President; Mrs. Roy STEVENS, Sec’y-Treas.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- Charles Fletcher DEW, 93, nearly 50 years the chief engineer of The Kansas City Star, died today at St. Mary’s Hospital after a long illness.  He was taken to the hospital Friday.  Mr. DEW started work for The Kansas City Star in 1906 and rarely missed a day at his job until about 3 years ago.  He retired and gave up his duties at The Kansas City Star building in August, 1955, because of failing health.  His first job as an engineer was for the old Kansas City Cable railway system.  He took pride in having designed the railways’ first power house at 8th street and Woodland Ave. and having turned the switch and started the first car moving.  Between the railway job and his joining The Star, Mr. DEW had worked as engineer of the power plants at New York Life Ins. Co. buildings here and in Minneapolis.  He was born in Kinmundy, Ill. and came to the Kansas City area 76 years ago.  His family operated a mule freight company between Westport Landing and Osawatomie, Kan.  Mr. DEW was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic church and the union of operating engineers.  He made his home in recent years with a granddaughter, Mrs. Robert WASSON of Kansas City.  He also leaves a sister, Mrs. Martha WATERHOUSE, Lawrenceville, Ill.; a grandson, John M. BURKE of Hickman Mills; two other granddaughters, Mrs. Charles E. MAUPIN and Mrs. Donald J. DRUMMOND, both of Kansas City; and 8 great-grandchildren.

- A picnic supper was held at the John W. McCULLEY home Friday in honor of Thurman McCULLEY’s birthday.  Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Thurman McCULLEY and daughter and Harmon LENHART.

- Mr. and Mrs. Jim GARDEN and children moved Wednesday to Fairfield where they will make their home.

- Those helping Miss Myra PHILLIPS celebrate her birthday at the home of her parents, Rev. and Mrs. Angus PHILLIPS last Tuesday were, Mr. and Mrs. Roy CONN and Mrs. William WHITESIDES, of East Alton, and Mr. and Mrs. Ted PHILLIPS and son, of Salem.

- Alma Lad Killed on Route 37 North Friday Evening: John FOX, 13, son of Mr. and Mrs. George FOX, residing in Tonti twp., west of Alma, was killed by a car as he crossed the hard road at the 37 Drive In Theatre north of here Friday evening.  He died enroute to the Salem Hospital in the Linton Ambulance.  The lad had been in Kinmundy and hitch hiked a ride with Ershel JENKINS of this city, a driver for the Kendrick Transport Co.  JENKINS let him out at the theatre and drove on.  The lad walked from behind the transport truck, into the path of a south bound car driven by Jerry Lee RANDALL, 19, of Mt. Vernon.  Passengers with him were Harvey TYLER, Bluford, owner of the car, and Lee BULLOCK, Opdyke.  They were enroute home from Joliet where they have employment.  John was in the 8th grade in the local school.  He is survived by his parents, a sister, Mrs. Patsy SMITH, Mason, and a brother, Robert, at home.  Funeral services were held Monday from Givens Chapel with Elder Verl CLIFTON, officiating.  Interment was in Martin Cemetery north of Alma.

- The Fire Department was called to the Jerry McCARTY farm in Meacham twp. Monday to put out a barn fire of unknown origin.  Mrs. McCARTY discovered the fire and sent in the alarm, Mr. McCARTY was in the field.  The department arrived in time to save an adjoining building and did excellent work in smothering the flames of the barn.  As soon as Mrs. McCARTY turned in the alarm, she spent much time in persuading a calf to get out of the barn. She finally succeeded as the burning timbers began to fall.  There were two older hounds and two hound pups under the barn.  They wouldn’t come out and they perished.  The barn contained 180 bales of alfalfa hay, 50 bales of straw, and 250 bushels of oats. 

- Mr. and Mrs. C.E. BAILEY had as their dinner guests Sunday, in honor of their daughter, Mrs. Charles BASSETT’s birthday, the following children: Mrs. Bob SAGADINE and Miss Shirley BAILEY of Champaign, Mr. and Mrs. Dick GRAY and daughters of St. Elmo; Mr. and Mrs. Bob JOHNSON and family and Mr. and Mrs. Gene BAILEY and son of Salem; Mr. and Mrs. Charles BASSETT and children, Mrs. Pola ROBB and family and Mr. and Mrs. Wayne ROBB and sons.  Afternoon visitors were Mr. and Mrs. Ted PHILLIPS and son of Salem.

- Mr. and Mrs. Ron SMITH of Atlanta, have a daughter born July 31st in the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital at Lincoln.   She was named Rhonda Lee.  Mrs. SMITH is the former Lela Mae DOOLEN, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.R. DOOLEN.

- Homecoming at Pleasant Grove Sunday: The Annual Homecoming of the Pleasant Grove Church will be held Sunday, Aug. 12.  Rev. Forrest CROUCH will bring the message at 11:00 o’clock.  The usual basket dinner will be held at noon.  A part of the afternoon program will be set aside for the older members of the Church.  Rev. Burdette WALKINGTON, pastor of the First Methodist Church of Robinson for the 5th year, and a former member of the Pleasant Grove Church, will bring the afternoon message.  There will also be some special musical numbers.

- On Wednesday evening, Mr. and Mrs. J.N. VALLOW, entertained to a picnic supper members of the Centralia Gideon Camp and their families.  After supper, the regular monthly business meeting was held.  A report of the International Convention, held in Atlanta, Ga. was given by Robert BELL and Earl EGGERS.  The Gideons is an association of Christian Businessmen and is interdenominational.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- Services for George E. HERRICK, 69 years old, of Indianapolis, died Aug. 2nd in Shirley Brothers Drexel Chapel with burial in Washington Park Cemetery.  Mr. HERRICK died Monday in his home.  He was born in Kinmundy and had lived here many years.  Mr. HERRICK had retired after 18 years as maintenance man for the Chevrolet Commercial Body Division, General Motors Corp., and he formerly was secretary-treas. of the old Thiele Furnace Company.  As a member of an orchestra, Mr. HERRICK toured the country in his youth.  He was a member of Sahara Grotto and the Grotto Band, Center Masonic Lodge, Greensburg Chapter, and Council of Masons and Raper Commandery, Knights Templar.  He is survived by his widow, Mary I. HERRICK; a daughter, Mrs. E.M. MURPHY of Anderson; a sister, Mrs. Mabel MARTIN, of Van Nuys, Calif., and one grandchild. (From the “Indianapolis Star”)

- The Kum-Bak Class had a farewell surprise Monday evening for Mr. and Mrs. Jim GARDEN, who will soon be leaving for their home in Fairfield.  Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Clifton LEMAY and son, Mr. and Mrs. Paul MONTGOMERY, Mr. and Mrs. Paul SWIFT and children, Mr. and Mrs. Ernie MULVANEY and family, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth WILKINSON and daughter, and Mrs. Rufus GERKIN and children.

- A farewell swimming party was held Monday at the Salem Pool for Miss Rosalie GARDEN, who is soon to move to Fairfield.  The hostesses were Mesdames Nora OLDEN, Mabel OLDEN, and Ruth GARDEN.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- Among those receiving a Master’s degree at Southern Illinois University at the end of this term were Dan S. RAINEY, Jr. of Alma, and Ford See MILLICAN of Kinmundy.

- Mrs. Glen ROBB of Salem was pleasantly surprised Sunday when several relatives and friends came to her home to help her celebrate her birthday.  Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Earl HARRIS of Odin; Mr. and Mrs. Clyde BALLANCE, Mr. and Mrs. Sam LOWE, Mr. and Mrs. Mack ROBB, Kenneth ROBB, Miss Ruth TATE, and Mr. and Mrs. Bob GREEN.   

- Mr. and Mrs. Gene CRAIN have a son born Aug. 2 in the Vandalia Fayette County Hospital.  He was named Michael Eugene.

- Mrs. E.S. COMBS arrived Friday from Kalamazoo, Mich. to assist in caring for her mother, Mrs. J.H. NELMS who suffered a mild stroke, Thursday.

- Pleasant Grove (from last week): Large crowds attended the tent revival sponsored by the Methodist Men of the Alma charge, which closed Sunday night.

- Pleasant Grove (from last week): Some from here attended the charivari and shower for Mr. and Mrs. Don EBLIN at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie EBLIN in Omega Saturday night.

- Miletus: SP 3 Richard SIMMONS, who has been stationed in Dormstead, Germany, for some time, is visiting with his sister, Mr. and Mrs. Verle WHITE and sons, and other relatives.  He will leave soon for Ft. Sill, Okla., where he is stationed.

- Mrs. Emmitt GARRETT and daughter of Pauls Valley, Okla., and Mr. and Mrs. Frank GARRETT visited Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Bill BEARD of Carmi.

- Dr. and Mrs. H.A. LANDESS of Lewistown visited Sunday with Mrs. C.F. PRUETT.  She accompanied them home to attend the wedding of her grandson, Bud LANDESS.

- Mr. and Mrs. Stanley WILCOX and son of Chicago, Mr. and Mrs. Bill G. WALSH and family of Salem, T. Sgt. Vernon JEZEK of Bunker Hill, Ind., Mr. and Mrs. Edward JEZEK and family, and Mr. and Mrs. Louie JEZEK were Friday dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Gene JEZEK.  Other callers were Mr. and Mrs. Bill J. WALSH of Salem.

- Mr. and Mrs. Charlie ROBB of Decatur visited Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Virgil LIVESAY.

- Mrs. Clarence QUANDT and children, and Fred KLEISS and daughter, Mildred, attended the KRAMER Reunion at Altamont Park Sunday.

- Mr. and Mrs. Harold EAGAN and son of Urbana, and Mr. and Mrs. Harrison EAGAN visited recently with a cousin, William EAGAN of Wentzville, Mo., whom Harrison had not seen for 50 years.  

Aug. 16, 1956:

- Mr. and Mrs. D.J. ALEXANDER, Mr. and Mrs. Louis BUCHKA, F.G. ALEXANDER and Jimmie ALEXANDER enjoyed a picnic dinner Aug. 12th in the city park at Mansfield, with Dr. and Mrs. John LYKINS, son, Todd, and Dr. LYKIN’s father, Jim LYKINS.  Others attending were: Mr. and Mrs. W.M. HUMPHREY and Frank HUMPHREY of Tampa, Fla.; Dr. and Mrs. H.J. HEFFERNAN and son, Michael, of Danville; Mr. and Mrs. M.H. HART, Champaign; Mr. Erwin SMALL, Urbana; and Mr. and Mrs. Robert DOYLE, son, David, and daughter, Barbara, Lincoln.

- Mr. and Mrs. Lowell J. DISS of Salem have a daughter born Aug. 9 in the Salem Memorial Hospital.  She has been named Pamela.

- Mr. and Mrs. Lyle THOMPSON of South Bend, Ind. have a daughter, Mary Elizabeth, born Aug. 7.  The mother is the former Virginia Lee HELPINGSTINE.

- Bert E. WILKINSON, age 73, died Aug. 4th in Rockford Memorial Hospital.  He had been a patient since May 17th.  Bert was born March 6, 1883 at Kinmundy, the son of Mr. and Mrs. W.T. WILKINSON.  He married Alice M. HIDDELSON, March 15, 1906.  She died Aug. 6, 1950.  He had lived in Rockford for many years and had operated his own business. For the past few years he was a guard at the Illinois Bank and Trust Co. until his failing health caused him to retire.  He was a member of the Second Congregational Church.  Survivors include a son, Oscar of Rockford; a sister, Mrs. Pearl TELFORD, San Diego, Calif.; two brothers, Claude, of Kinmundy; Herschel of West Frankfort; and an aunt, Mrs. Effie WINFREE of Nashville.  Services were held in the Julian Poorman Funeral Home in Rockford with burial in the Willword Burial Park.

- Family Gathering: W.L. and Mae GREEN entertained the following to Sunday dinner: Mr. and Mrs. Junior SYFERT and family of Mode, Mr. and Mrs. Elwyn CHEATUM and son of Effingham; Mrs. Emmett GARRETT and daughter of Pauls Valley, Okla.; and Mr. and Mrs. Carl GREEN and family of Baytown, Texas.  Afternoon callers were Mr. and Mrs. Keith GREEN and family of St. Peter, Mr. and Mrs. Albert MALINSKY, and Mr. and Mrs. Ralph FEATHER.

- Mr. and Mrs. Raymond SHAFFER have a son born Aug. 7 born in the Salem Hospital.  He was named Danny Lee. 

- Mr. and Mrs. Bill BEARD of Carmi are the proud parents of a son, Douglas Ray.  He was born Aug. 10 in the Carmi Hospital and weighed 7 lbs. 2 oz.  The mother is the former Donna Mae GARRETT.

- The WALKER-NEATHERY was held Aug. 12 at the Greenville Park, in Greenville with the usual basket dinner.  Mrs. Lewella NEATHERY accompanied by Mrs. Ruth NEATHERY, of Mulberry Grove, attended the Reunion.

- Clarence A. MULVANEY, 71, died of a heart attack Thursday while trading in the Jesse GEORGE store.  He had recently retired from business due to his heart condition.  Services were held from the Meacham Baptist Church, Elder Clyde SINCLAIR, officiating with interment in Elder Cemetery.  Clarence A. MULVANEY was born Jan. 10, 1885 in Meacham twp., the son of George and Harriett DANIELS MULVANEY.  He died Aug. 9, 1956.  He married Ella Francis BOSTON on Aug. 17, 1904, and 9 children were born.  Two sons preceded him in death.  His wife died July 30, 1941.  He spent his life near or in Kinmundy.  He moved into Kinmundy, Sept. 1946, and in Sept. 1948, he started a grocery store and filling station until ill health forced him to retire.  He leaves 4 sons: Arthur, Harold, Ralph, and Ernie of Kinmundy; 3 daughters, Mrs. Ethel HOLMES of Cartter; Mrs. Helen CORRIE and Mrs. Minnie BRIMBERRY of Alma; 26 grandchildren; 1 sister, Mrs. Addie LANDRETH; and 1 foster sister, Mrs. Minnie CHASTEEN, both of Kinmundy.  He was a member of the Meacham Baptist Church.

- Dr. and Mrs. Richard MAULDING moved last Thursday to Salem where Dr. MAULDING will begin his medical practice Sept. 1st.

- Miss Eva METZGER, 60, died in the DePaul Hospital in St. Louis Tuesday.  The body will be brought to Linton Funeral Home here.  Services will be held from St. Philomena’s Church with Rev. Fr. Joseph STRZELEC, officiating.  Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.  The deceased was the daughter of the late John and Lillie KRUTSINGER METZGER.  They have made their home in St. Louis for the past several years.  She is survived by 1 brother, Carl, of Belleville.

- The 52nd annual PARRILL Reunion was held at the Legion Park in Farina on August 12, with about 70 members of the family present.

- Notice: The annual HOLT Reunion will be held in the Kinmundy Park Sunday, Aug. 26th.

- The FEAR Reunion was held at the Salem Park, Aug. 12 with a basket dinner.  (A list of those attending the reunion was included.)

- Mr. and Mrs. Wes ROBB and grandchildren, Sharon and Robbie ROBB, of Charleston, visited Sunday evening with Mr. and Mrs. Virgil LIVESAY and Mr. and Mrs. Fred GAMMON and sons.

- Miletus: We were sorry to hear of the sudden deaths of Clarence MULVANEY and Cecil JOHNSTON.

- Attends Drag Races: Jim and Chuck WHITE were participants in the drag races held in Lawrenceville Sunday afternoon, Aug. 12.  Others witnessing the races were Mr. and Mrs. Jim GREEN and children of Farina; John and Jerry WALKER and John FORD of Alma; Mr. and Mrs. Glen WHITE and David; Miss Barbara GARRETT, Sammy LOWE, Glen DOOLEN, Mr. and Mrs. Harry RITTENHOUSE and Don GESSELL. 

- The Pleasant Grove WSCS will have an ice cream social Saturday, Aug. 18, at the Brubaker Town House.

- Mr. and Mrs. Frank GARRETT and granddaughter, Miss Carla Jean GARRETT of Pauls Valley, Okla., spent Tuesday in Carmi at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bill BEARD getting acquainted with their new grandson, Douglas Ray BEARD.

Aug. 23, 1956:

- Floyd M. SMITH, Chairman, Marion County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Committee election board, announced the community committee election boards have been selected.  Among the community boards listed were the following from the area:

Alma Twp: John W. SHAFFER, Chairman; Ray VANDEVEER, Vice Chairman; Bob FORD, Member; Foster Twp: Carroll GARRETT, Chairman; Lewis JONES, Vice Chairman, Mason BASSETT, Member; Kinmundy Twp: Eugene SHUFELDT, Chairman, Harvey HANNA, Vice Chairman, Russell WILLIAMS, Member; Meacham Twp: Raymond STORCK, Chairman, Gilbert FORD, Vice Chairman, Richard WILLIAMS, Member; Omega Twp: Sherrill VANDEVEER, Chairman, Merle WALKINGTON, Vice Chairman, Claude ROSE, Member; Patoka Twp: Jake DAVIS, Chairman, Dale BRITT, Vice Chairman, Eugene LENNIGER, Member.

- Miss Marilyn K. HOWELL and David D. BALLANCE were married in the First Christian Church at Lawton, Okla. in Comanche county on Aug. 17th.  The bride is the daughter of Mrs. Lois HOWELL and the late Harold H. HOWELL.  The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dale BALLANCE of near Kinmundy.  They were attended by Miss Barbara HOWELL, sister of the bride, and Donald L. HANKS, and Mr. and Mrs. Len VASIL, sister and brother-in-law of the bride.  The groom is employed at the Phillip’s 66 Station in Kinmundy.  The young couple are making their home at present with the groom’s parents.

- Mr. and Mrs. Leon SIGRIST of Farina have a son born Aug. 11th in the Vandalia Fayette County Hospital.

- Mr. and Mrs. James JACKSON of Clinton have a son born Aug. 11th in the John Warner Hospital in Clinton.  He has been named Douglas Kent.  He is the great-grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Charles GAMMON.

- The BIGGS Reunion was held at the park in Oblong on Aug. 19th with a basket dinner.  Among those attending were: Mr. and Mrs. Bob JOHNSON and family, and Mrs. Ted PHILLIPS of Salem; Mr. and Mrs. Dick GRAY and daughters of St. Elmo; Mrs. Bob SAGADINE and Miss Shirley BAILEY of Champaign; Mr. and Mrs. C.E. BAILEY, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne ROBB and sons; Mr. and Mrs. Charles BASSETT and family; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth ALBERSON; and Mrs. Pola ROBB and children.

- Mr. and Mrs. C.R. WISHER spent the weekend with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Guy WISHER of Moline, who were celebrating their 57th wedding anniversary.

- Mr. and Mrs. Ralph SULLENS of Chicago have a daughter born Aug. 10th in the Vandalia Fayette County Hospital.  She has been named Karol Kay.  The mother is the former Delores GARRETT.

- Mr. and Mrs. Clarence QUANDT and family moved, Tuesday, from their home in town to Mrs. QUANDT’s old home Sunny Slope Farm, where they will make their home.

- School begins Aug. 28th.  Teachers and employees of K-A Unit District 301 this year are:

Alma Attendance Center:

Lulu OWENS, Grades 1 & 2; Susie MALONE, Grades 2 & 3; Ruby SULLENS, Grades 3 & 4; Nellie WILLIAMS, Grades 4 & 5; Grace JACKSON, Grade 6 and Principal. 

Anna Belle PHILLIPS, Cook; Henry McWILLIAMS, Custodian.

Kinmundy Attendance Center (Grades 1-6):

Alma ERNST, Grade 1 & Principal; Mary Jane PHILLIPS, Grades 1 & 2;

Alice READNOUR, Grade 2; Florence WEISS, Grade 3; Anna May RITTER, Grades 3 & 4;

Hester HEATON, Grade 4; Anna BALLANCE, Grade 5; Mary BRASEL, Grades 5 & 6;

Maxine WILLIAMS, Grade 6; Lois ALDERSON, Cook; Katherine WORMLEY, Cook;

J.B. MAXEY, Custodian

Junior High School:

Bertha SEE, Grade 7; Marjorie WALKINGTON, Grade 7; Alice LEWIN, Grade 8;

Jamie McGEE, Grade 8 and Grade School Coach

Senior High School:

Lewis J.T. O’DELL, Superintendent & Physics;

Enno LIETZ, Principal Jr. & Sr. High, and W. History, P.E., and High School Coach;

Ruby O’DELL, English; Betty BROOKS, Home Ec.; Virgil McKITRICK, Agriculture;

Louise HAUTH, Commerce; Barbara HALL, Librarian & English; Ed KEISER Jr., Science; Welmer GOERS, Math; Vacancy in Girl’s P.E. and Social Science

Cooks: Blanche JASPER & Marilla JENKINS;

Custodians: George FEATHER & Raymond OLDEN; Secretary: Jean BUCHKA

Music:

Ava WILLIAMS in Grade Schools & Jr. High;

William POTTEBAUM, Band and Chorus in Jr. & Sr. High

Bus Drivers:                                                                                         

Fred CHANCE, Fred GAMMON, Ralph KRUTSINGER, Charles LOWE, Willard SCHOOLEY, Byron SILL, Adolph TOCKSTEIN, Jr., Charles TOCKSTEIN, Gene WILLIAMS (sub)

- Mr. and Mrs. Albert JEAN of Omega observed their 53rd wedding anniversary in the home of their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Ed BUTTS and family, Sunday.

- A family reunion was held Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Richard PAULSMEYER and family near Centralia.  Those attending were: Mr. and Mrs. John L. WEISS and family of Browntown, Wis.; Mrs. Olga WEISS of Farina; Mr. and Mrs. Hugh COPPLE and daughters, Donna and Barbara, and Mr. and Mrs. Merle JOHNSTON.

- On Thursday evening, 74 members and friends of the Kinmundy Methodist Church witnessed the ground breaking ceremony on the newly acquired lots for the new parsonage.  Within the program were the people of the community to break ground: Miss Ella PARRILL, 94 year old member of the Church; (Mrs. Allie NELMS, also 94, was unable to be present); Merle KLINE, Chairman of the Building Committee; Dr. Walter A. SMITH, District Supt.; Lewis J.T. O’DELL, Chairman Official Board; Rev. A. Vance COMER, Pastor; J.N. VALLOW, Lay Leader, Olney District.  Actual construction is scheduled for early October.  (The eldest member of the local church is Mrs. S.A. WHISNANT of Salem, who will be 96 years old on Aug. 26.  The two eldest local members of the church are Miss Ella PARRILL and Mrs. Allie NELMS, both 94 years of age.) A picture was also included of the crowd witnessing the Ground Breaking Ceremony.

- A group of friends of Mrs. S.A. WHISNANT from Kinmundy spent Tuesday with her at the home of her niece, Miss Ethel FARTHING in Salem.  Mrs. WHISNANT will be 96 on Aug. 26.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- Mr. and Mrs. Richard WIMBERLY of Salem have purchased the Chas. H. VALLOW property and have moved therein.  Mrs. WIMBERLY is the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul GRAY.

- The 15th Annual Meet of the Kinmundy Fox Hunters Association will be held Aug. 30, 31, Sept. 1 in Charlton Grove, west of Kinmundy.  Glen W. JOHNSON and F.R. MISELBROOK, both of Kinmundy, are the President and Sec.-Treas.

- Services were held for Miss Eva METZGER of St. Louis on Aug. 17th from St. Philomena’s Church with interment in Evergreen Cemetery.   She was a cousin of the late Mrs. Fred KLEISS.  (A list of those attending the funeral from a distance was included.)

- John D. FREEMAN, 44, grandson of the late Bridget ANDERSON of this city, and known to many of our citizens, was fatally injured in a car accident, Sunday night near New Minden.  Services were held Wednesday in Centralia.  He leaves his mother, Mrs. Mike O’BRIEN of Centralia, who is a patient in St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia at the present time.

- Meacham: Word was received here of the death of Mrs. Kittie RICHARDSON JONES of Muncie, Ind., formerly of Farina.  Word was received of the death of her husband, Walter JONES, two weeks later after her passing.

- Mr. and Mrs. L.J. HAMMER had as their dinner guests Sunday, Mr. and Mrs. Francis HAMMER and daughter.  Francis was celebrating his birthday.

- Mr. and Mrs. Dan MANGNER and family enjoyed homemade ice cream at the Clarence QUANDT home Friday.  The occasion was the birthdays of Miss Ann LINDER and Mrs. Clarence QUANDT.  Fred KLEISS and Mildred, and Miss Dorothy McCULLEY were also guests.

- A basket dinner was held in the American Legion home in Kinmundy, Aug. 19 in honor of Mrs. R.H. FEATHER’s 79th birthday.  Those attending were Mr. and Mrs. Carl GREEN and family of Bayton, Texas; Mrs. Emmitt GARRETT and Carla, of Pauls Valley, Okla.; Mr. and Mrs. Burl GREEN and family of Tuscola; Mr. and Mrs. Elwyn CHEATUM and son, Effingham; Mr. and Mrs. Earl FEATHER, of Alma; Mr. and Mrs. Lenard LEWIS of Farina; Mr. and Mrs. Charles FORD of St. Peter; Mrs. Darrell FORD and family of St. Elmo; Darrell ADAMS of Patoka; Bill GREEN, Miss Mae GREEN, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph FEATHER, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lee FORD and family, Mr. and Mrs. George FEATHER and Kay, Mr. and Mrs. Charles WHITE and family, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn DOOLEN and family, and Mr. and Mrs. Dick FEATHER and family.

- A basket dinner was held at the Salem Park Aug. 19th with the following present: Mr. and Mrs. Raymond SCHLERCHER and Helen McLAUGHLIN of Orosi, Calif., Mr. and Mrs. Floyd CURRY of Decatur; Mr. and Mrs. Sam LOWE and Johnnie, Mr. and Mrs. Cleve DOOLEN, Mr. and Mrs. Charles LOWE and Rosalyn, Willie LOWE, Mr. and Mrs. Merle JONES, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert DOOLEN and family, and Mr. and Mrs. John WILSON, and Mr. and Mrs. Floyd JONES and children.

- A farewell dinner was held at the home of Mrs. Mary MORGAN and daughters of Mattoon, in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Alva WERLEY and son of Mattoon, who are soon to make their home in California.  Mrs. MORGAN and Mrs. WERLEY are sisters of Mrs. Chris JASPER.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- On Sunday afternoon, Jane and Frankie HAMMER celebrated their birthdays by having several friends to their home for a party.  (A list of those attending was included.)  

- Mr. and Mrs. Glen JAHRAUS, Virginia, and Dale left last week for San Diego, Calif. to visit her sister, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph GREEN.  From there they went to LaCross, Wash. to visit his aunt, Dr. and Mrs. H.F. CRAIG.

Aug. 30, 1956:

- The annual Holt Reunion was held Sunday, August 26, in the Kinmundy City Park with a basket dinner.  There were 103 attending the reunion.  Those present during the day were: Mr. and Mrs. Orval WINDERS, Mrs. Ella WIMBERLY, Mr. and Mrs. Vurl EASLEY and family, Miss Mildred COX and Dale COX, Salem; Mr. and Mrs. Charles O. BASSETT and daughter, and Miss Florence STANFORD, Mt. Vernon; Mr. and Mrs. George EHRAT, Mr. and Mrs. Truman SPURLIN, and Mrs. Jean HAMILTON, Vandalia; Mr. and Mrs. Jesse JONES, Centralia; Mr. and Mrs. Howard QUICK, Sandoval; Mr. and Mrs. Cecil SHINNEMAN, Weldon; Mr. and Mrs. Frank COBURN, Mr. and Mrs. Charles ROBB, Mr. and Mrs.  Carl HAMMER, Decatur; Mr. and Mrs. Ed ZINDELL and Bill, Mr. and Mrs. Jack PERRYMAN and son, Mr. and Mrs. James R. DIAL and son, Moweaqua; Mr. and Mrs. Roy MEADOR, Clinton; Mr. and Mrs. Henry MEADOR, Wapella; Mr. and Mrs. Howard BACKENSTO, Hartford; Mrs. R.R. PETERSON and son, Spokane, Wash.; Mr. and Mrs. Bailey WILLIAMS and family, Mayfield, Ky.; Mr. and Mrs. Elmer FRIZZELL, Patoka; Mrs. Margaret EAGAN, Mrs. Myrtle LANSFORD, Mr. and Mrs. H.H. JONES, Lewis JONES, Alma; Relza WILLIAMS, and Vess WILLIAMS, Farina; Mr. and Mrs. Jesse GEORGE and family, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil LIVESAY, Mr. and Mrs. Hollis BAKER, Mr. and Mrs. Bert GARRETT, Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher COLE, Mrs. Lewella NEATHERY, Mr. and Mrs. Frank GARRETT, Mr. and Mrs. George COLE, Mr. and Mrs. F.E. JONES, Mr. and Mrs. Jack COX, Mr. and Mrs. Abbie Cox, Mr. and Mrs. C.C. BASSETT, Mr. and Mrs. G.F. JONES, Mrs. Burdette MAXEY, Mrs. Effie ROBB, Mrs. Lora ARNOLD, Mrs. Neva JONES, Mrs.  Elizabeth ATKINS, R.R. ATKINS, and Mr. and Mrs. Fred GAMMON and sons.

- On Aug. 26, Carl K. GREEN of Baytown, Texas, received his degree as Doctor of Education at the Univ. of Houston, Texas.  Among those attending the exercises were his wife and daughter, Miss Ann GREEN of Houston, Mr. and Mrs. Emmitt GARRETT and daughter, Pauls Valley, Okla., and his father, W.L. GREEN of this city.  He is a department director at Lee College in Baytown, Texas.

- R.E. JENKINS of Kinmundy, a driver for the Greyhound Lines, has achieved a 6-year safety record.  He is on the Marion - St. Louis run.

- Mr. and Mrs. Don SMITH of Pleasant Plains, have a son born Aug. 22.  He has been named Donald Anthony.  The mother is the former Helen FEATHER.

- Mr. and Mrs. Junior GORDON have a son born Aug. 21 at Fayette County Hospital in Vandalia named Mark Wayne.

- Mrs. Leo DONOVAN of Chicago, Mr. and Mrs. Joe GUNNING of Tolono, Miss Cornelia O’BRIEN, Mrs. Josephine SNOW, and Mrs. Amelda VALLOW attended the funeral of their cousin, John D. FREEMAN in St. Mary’s Church in Centralia.

- Recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the completion of the original lines of the Illinois Central will take place in Mason, Ill on Sept. 17, as it was in Mason that a century ago, the last rail was laid to complete the 705 mile charter lines of the Illinois Central.

- Mr. and Mrs. Jesse REESE and son, Eugene, attended the wedding of Miss Delores NIGRA of Collinsville, and A 2c Tom HAIG of Calif., at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Collinsville Aug. 25th.  A 2c HAIG was a former resident of Kinmundy.

- Mr. and Mrs. Charles HEADLEY of Alton are the parents of a son, born Aug. 22, at Alton Memorial Hospital, named Charles Andrew Jr.  He is a great-grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Cleve DOOLEN and Mrs. Lillie HEADLEY.

- Ben Franklin WNOROWSKI has launched his 65th year of printer-editor-manager career.  He was the foreman of the “The Kinmundy Express” in 1898.  (A list of his career was included in this article.)

- Denny BASSETT celebrated his 8th birthday Aug. 22 by having a group of friends come to his house for a party. 

- A picnic supper was held Saturday in the yard of Mr. and Mrs. Jack DISS in honor of the birthday of James GREEN of Farina.  Enjoying supper were Mr. and Mrs. James GREEN and family of Farina, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne BRANDT and daughter of Gilman, and Mr. and Mrs. Jack DISS and family.

- Mr. and Mrs. Burdette BRASEL attended the funeral of Dr. PORTER in Salem Monday.

- Mr. and Mrs. Marvin BASSETT and family and Mrs. Florence REESE visited Otto REESE at the Veteran’s Hospital in Marion, Monday.

- Mrs. J.D. ETHERTON and son, Jim, of Carbondale, spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Charles BOYD, helping Mrs. BOYD celebrate her birthday which is Aug. 23rd.

-Miss Nola McCARTAN of Dayton, Ohio, and Mrs. Maude FURRY spent Wednesday here on business.  They are caring for McCARTAN’s mother, Mrs. W.O. BORING of near Salem, who suffered a stroke several weeks ago.

- Pleasant Grove: There was a large attendance at the John SMITH funeral at Bee Branch Sunday.

Sept. 6, 1956:

-  Miss Phyllis Jean HOYT became the bride of Jefferson David JACKSON at the Kinmundy Methodist Church on Saturday, the Rev. James FRIESNER of Tower Hill officiating.  Music was provided by Mrs. Jessie VALLOW and Mrs. Ronald BALL.  The attendants were Mr. and Mrs. John HOYT, Miss Jane BOOHER, and Don LIVESAY.  Ushers were Herman HOYT and Jim SIMPSON.  The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank HOYT of Salem.  She is a graduate of Salem H.S. with the class of ‘55, and is employed by the Illinois Bell Telephone Co. in Salem.  The groom is the son of Mrs. Wilma JACKSON of Salem, and Mr. D.B. JACKSON of Springfield, Mo.  He is a graduate of Salem H.S. with the class of ‘52, and is serving in the Air Corps with headquarters at Scott Field.  At the reception, servers were Donna CRAIN, Patty SMITH and Mona PENETON, and Mona WATSON.  The couple will reside in Salem at present.

- Mr. and Mrs. Darrell REESE and family have purchased the home of Mrs. Grover JOHNSTON in the west part of town in which they will soon make their home.

- Miss Joan HILKERT of Evanston and Eugene LATHERS of Beloit, Wis. were married Sept. 1st in St. Mary’s Church in Evanston.  Mrs. LATHERS is a niece of Mrs. Chester KLINE.

- Ernest HARRIS, 63, of Alma, died in Dodge City, Kansas on Aug. 28 after suffering a stroke a week previous.  The body was shipped here Thursday.  Services were held from the Linton Funeral Home Friday, Bro. A.M. WILSON of Alma, officiating.  Interment was made in Alma Cemetery.  He is survived by his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Ruth BRIMBERRY.

- The GAMMON Reunion was held at the Salem Park, Sept. 2.  Among those attending were: Mr. and Mrs. D.C. JACKSON, Mrs. Charles JOST and daughter of Clinton; Mr. and Mrs. Bob DeVAULT and son of Farmer City; Mr. and Mrs. Charles GAMMON and Mr. and Mrs. Fred GAMMON and sons.

- Miss Janet Lee BETTIS, daughter of Mr. and Mr. and Mrs. Guy BETTIS of Jefferson City, Tenn., became the bride of Hugh A. LANDESS, son of Dr. and Mrs. Hugh A. LANDESS, of Lewistown, on Aug. 17.  It was held at the Christ Methodist Church in Denver, Colo.  Mrs. Bonnie B. NELSON of Jefferson City, Tenn. served as her sister’s only attendant, and Richard O. WHITNEY of West Union, Iowa was best man.  The bride is a graduate of St. Mary’s Memorial School of nursing at Knoxville, Tenn., and Mr. LANDESS is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan Univ., and will be attending the Univ. of Illinois next semester.  They will reside in Champaign, Ill.  The groom is the grandson of Mrs. C.F. PRUETT of this city.

- Mrs. O.I. LEACH was honored on her birthday Aug. 31 by the following bringing the dinner and helping her celebrate: Mr. and Mrs. Loren LEACH of Louisville, and Mr. and Mrs. Carl ARMSTRONG of Flora.  Others spending the day besides her immediate family were Mr. and Mrs. Harry LEACH of Pinckneyville.

- Louie JEZEK met with a very serious accident on Friday while at work in Joppa.   His left leg was broken and he is reported to still be in a state of shock.  He is in the Massac Memorial Hospital in Metropolis.  (A list of those who have visited him was included.)

- Miss Jo SIMCOX, daughter of Mrs. Ormel SIMCOX, of Patoka, and Mac GARRETT, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carroll GARRETT of Foster twp., were married Wed., Aug. 29, at the Patoka Methodist Church, Rev. Robert HOLLIS, officiating.  Miss Sue TALBERT and Miss Evelyn JOLLIFF were the only witnesses.  The bride is a graduate of the Patoka H.S. with the class of ‘55, and has been employed as a receptionist for Dr. BASCH in Patoka.  The groom is a graduate of the Kinmundy-Alma Community H.S. with the class of ‘54.  He has spent the past 2 years in the Army and is now helping his father with the farm work.  The couple will reside in Foster twp. where the groom has erected a new house near his parents.

- Bridal Shower: A bridal shower was held Thursday, Aug. 30 in honor of Miss Helen BASSETT at the home of Mrs. Fred GAMMON.  Hostesses were Mrs. C.C. BASSETT and Mrs. Fred GAMMON.  The living room was decorated with a huge pink and white umbrella under which gifts were placed on a table.  At the back of this was a miniature bride, and groom leaving a miniature church and a decorated car awaited them.  Contests were played with Mrs. Roy HULSEY, Mrs. Francis HAMMER, Miss Rosalyn LOWE, Miss Kaye HAMMER and Miss Kathleen O’DELL receiving prizes.  Refreshments of cake and punch were served.  Small pink and white umbrellas were the mint cup favors.  Those attending were: Mesdames Frank GARRETT, Wes ROBB, Virgil LIVESAY, Bert GARRETT, Lewis O’DELL, Ray INGRAM, George COLE, Marvin CONANT, Virgil SEE, Dale BALLANCE, Leland BRASEL, Robert FORD, Clyde BALLANCE, Roy DOOLEN, Mack ROBB, Eugene GIGAR, Robb GREEN, Charles LOWE, Emma BALLANCE, Effie ROBB, Raymond SWIFT, Tom HELPINGSTINE, Guy ARNOLD, Roy HULSEY, Bill GARRETT, Floyd GARRETT, Francis HAMMER, Misses Patricia GIGAR, Kaye HAMMER, Rosalyn LOWE, Marilyn O’DELL, Kathleen O’DELL, and Freddy and Timmy GAMMON.  Those unable to attend bu sending gifts were: Mesdames Charles GAMMON, Carroll GARRETT, Ralph SULLENS, Clyde GARRETT, Dave BALLANCE, James JONES, Dale HULSEY, Marshall WILLIAMS, Ron SWIFT, Dale CHASTEEN, Donald ROBB, Glenn DOOLEN, James BRASEL, Sammy LOWE, Paul SWIFT, Carl DUNLAP, Orie ATKINS, Sam LOWE, Otto REESE and Miss Fern GRAY.

- Clinton COOPER, 73, died Aug. 29 at his home east of Kinmundy.   He leaves his wife, Elsie, and 2 sons, Loren of Kinmundy, Oren of Xenia; and 3 daughters, Mrs. Neva PARRILL of Allerton, Mrs. Eva COOPER of Farina, Mrs. Zola KRUTSINGER of Louisville; and 10 grandchildren.  Services were Friday at the Oskaloosa Church with burial in Oskaloosa Cemetery, Bro. Cecil COHRAN of Louisville officiated.

- Mr. and Mrs. Erwin CHEATUM attended the wedding of Miss Susan BIERMAN and Garrett VAN YN ANDES of Effingham in St. Anthony’s Church in Effingham on Saturday.  Miss BIERMAN is a sister of Mrs. Floyd CHEATUM of Effingham.

- Mr. and Mrs. Wayne BRANDT of Gilman have a son born Sept. 2 in the Vandalia Fayette county Hospital.  He has been named Michael Wayne.  Mrs. BRANDT is the former Loretta DISS.

- Mrs. Clyde GARRETT will enter St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia Friday, Sept. 7, and will undergo surgery, Saturday morning.

- A family reunion was held in the Kinmundy City Park, Sept. 2nd.  Those attending were Mr. and Mrs. Walter MILLER, of Lincoln; Mr. and Mrs. Bill MILLER of Tuscola; Mr. and Mrs. Clarence JOLLIFF, Mr. and Mrs. Vince BIERMAN and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Aldred KNOTTS and daughter, and Mr. and Mrs. Edd MILLER of Centralia.

- Arthur JASPER of Charleston has moved his trailer to the Mrs. Ella BRENIZER property in the north part of town, where he will make his home.

- Helen BASSETT and Lewis T. O’DELL Exchange Vows in Methodist Church Sunday: Miss Helen BASSETT and Lewis T. O’DELL were married Sunday, Sept. 2, at 2 p.m. at the local Methodist Church, with Rev. Forrest CROUCH, of Alma, performing the double ring ceremony.  The bride is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde C. BASSETT and the groom is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J.T. O’DELL.  The attendants were Mrs. Robert FORD, sister of the bride, and Kent O’DELL, brother of the groom.  The bride wore a light blue lace over taffeta street length dress with an orchid shoulder corsage.  Mrs. FORD wore navy nylon with a white carnation corsage.  Mrs. O’DELL is a graduate of KCHS with the Class of '52 and is employed as a telephone operator, at the present time.  Mr. O’DELL is a graduate of KCHS with the Class of '51.  He served two years in the U.S. Army and will enter SIU at Carbondale this year as a sophomore.  This young couple will make their home in Carbondale following a short wedding trip.  The immediate families and a few close friends attended the wedding.

-The State 4-H Judging Contest took place at Urbana on Aug. 27.  Members judging Dairy were Lanny COPELAND, Hazel ALLPHIN, Joan ANDERSON, and Mary Jane ANDERSON.  On the livestock team were Marvin SIPES, Jon WINSTON, Gary ERNST, Audrey LECKRONE, David LECKRONE, and David HESTER.  The 4-H Members were accompanied by 4-H Club leader Herbert ANDERSON and Assistant Farm Advisor James BROOKS.

- Miss Sandra SCHROEDER, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Orville SCHROEDER of Patoka, and Joe BETTS, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clout BETTS, of Vernon, were married Sunday in the Christian Church in Patoka.  Mrs BETTS is a granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elston GREEN of Patoka.

- A picnic supper was held at the I.C. Lake Sunday in honor of the birthdays of Kenneth JASPER and daughter, Tina Marie, of Salem.  Those attending were Mr. and Mrs. Charles JASPER and sons, and Mrs. Glen DREWES of Braidwood; Miss Virginia JOHNSTON of Odin; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth JASPER and family of Salem; Mr. and Mrs. Claude WILKINSON, Mrs. Clifton LEMAY and children, Mr. and Mrs. Chris JASPER, Mrs. Ella BRENIZER and Arthur JASPER.

- Brown: Several from this vicinity attended the MULVANEY Reunion at Mattoon Sunday.

- Miletus: Several from this vicinity attended the funeral services for Clint COOPER last Friday morning at Oskaloosa Church.

- Mr. and Mrs. Harry GRAY, Jr. and daughters attended a SMITH Reunion at Salem Park Sunday.

- Mr. and Mrs. Virgil LIVESAY were dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Frank GARRETT.

Sept. 13, 1956:

- A petition was circulated in Alma and Kinmundy during the past week in protest to the outage which the two towns have experience lately with the current being off.  The petition is directed to the Illinois Commerce Commission asking to issue a mandate to the Central Illinois Public Service Co. to improve their plant and to employ enough men to adequately take care of the servicing of their plant in the immediate territory.

- A wiener roast was held Sept. 9th in the Kinmundy City Park in honor of Miss Linda JENKINS’ birthday.  Those attending besides the honoree were Misses Patty OLDEN, Margaret BOUSEMAN, and Wanda JENKINS, Gary OLDEN, Don THOMPSON and Mrs. Burdette JENKINS.

- The REESE Reunion was held at the Kinmundy City Park Sept. 9 with a basket dinner. Those in attendance at the noon hour were Wesley COYLE of Valier, Mr. and Mrs. Alex ALEXANDER of Christopher; Mr. and Mrs. Eugene SCHREIER and son, Charles, of Bunker Hill; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth REESE and daughter, Gloria, of Centralia; Mr. and Mrs. Lowell REESE, Mildred and Donna SUTTON, Paul HEICHER of Farina; Mary FARMER of LaClede; Beryl REESE of Springfield; Mr. and Mrs. Murrell REESE and son, Dale, Mr. and Mrs. Darrell REESE, Karen and Nelda, Hope REESE, August DRAKE, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse REESE and Eugene.  Afternoon callers were: Mrs. Neva JONES, Lewis JONES, Mrs. Mary COMBS, Mrs. Iva COURSON of Farina; Mrs. Floyd KEPNER of St. Elmo, Mrs. Virgil LOFLAND of Brownstown.  Mrs. Neva JONES was the oldest person present, and Charles SCHRIER was the youngest. 

- Mr. and Mrs. Paul PIPER attended the wedding of Mrs. PIPER’s niece, Miss Glenna HAMILTON, of Whittington, and Bob PATERSON of Granite City in the Baptist Church in Whittington, Saturday.

- Mr. and Mrs. Dale WRIGHT of Sandoval have a daughter born Sept. 8 named Jane Ellen.

- Larry SULLENS, a weather observer with the 2nd Weather Squadron at Westover Air Force Base, Mass. was recently promoted to Airman 2nd class.

- Sfc. and Mrs. William BOOTH and family arrived Saturday to visit her mother, Mrs. A.J. JACKSON and other relatives and friends for a few days.  They have been living in Alaska the past 18 months.  After their short vacation they will make their home in Mineral Wells, Texas.

- Mr. and Mrs. John W. McCULLEY and son, Russell, spent Sept. 9th in Sullivan where John’s Company of the 130th Infantry Reunion was held.

- Relatives and friends of the HAMMER families met at the Kinmundy City Park on Sept. 9.  Those attending from out of town were Forrest HAMMER, Sioux City, Iowa; Glen HAMMER, Omaha, Neb.; Mr. and Mrs. John HAMMER, South Bend, Ind.; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. HAMMER, Merle HAMMER and Mr. and Mrs. Lowell MYER of Decatur; Mr. and Mrs. Bill FRAKES and family, Collinsville; Mrs. Bessie PROUDFIT, Mt. Vernon; Mr. and Mrs. Frank KLINE, Alma; Mr. and Mrs. I.D. INGRAM, Mr. and Mrs. Orie GREEN, Bert HAMMER, Mr. and Mrs. Howard HAMMER and family, and Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd HAMMER.  Afternoon visitors were Mr. and Mrs. John PUFFER, Alma; Mr. and Mrs. Francis HAMMER and Kaye, and Miss Barbara ALLEN.

- J.B. JOHNSON, 83, of Alma died Monday at his home.  He had been ill for several months.  Mr. JOHNSON was a retired mail carrier and life-long resident of Alma.  Survivors include his wife, Jennie (ZOLLAR) JOHNSON; 3 daughters, Mrs. Helen McCARTY of Harvey; Mrs. Dora NICHOLS and Mrs. Lera McCARTY, both of Salem; and 1 son, Glenn of Kinmundy; 11 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.  Services were held from the Alma Methodist Church with Rev. Forrest CROUCH officiating.  Burial was in Alma Cemetery.

- Relatives of the late F.M. ROBB met in the Kinmundy City Park on Sept. 9th for their annual family reunion.  Those attending were: Mr. and Mrs. Keith GREEN and daughters of St. Peter; Mr. and Mrs. Elston GREEN of Patoka; Mr. and Mrs. Bill DOOLEN; Mr. and Mrs. Guy ARNOLD; Mr. and Mrs. G.F. JONES, Harold JONES, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph FEATHER, Mr. and Mrs. Bob MIDDLETON and daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Mac GARRETT, Mrs. Carroll GARRETT and sons, Mr. and Mrs. Frank GARRETT, Mr. and Mrs. E.E. BROWN, Mr. and Mrs. Merle JONES, Mr. and Mrs. Ray INGRAM and daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Forrest JONES, Mr. and Mrs. Bert GARRETT, Mr. and Mrs. Bob GREEN, Mrs. Lora ARNOLD, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne ROBB and sons, Mr. and Mrs. James JONES and daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Dwight DAY and sons, and Mr. and Mrs. Floyd JONES and family.

- Fred GAMMON tendered his resignation   as secretary of the Building & Loan Association to the board of directors Monday as of Nov. 1.  He has been employed to teach 6th grade at the grade school, having begun his duties this week as such.  During the interim, the affairs of the Building & Loan will be under Fred’s supervision with Chas. GAMMON keeping the office to transact business.  He will be assisted by Mr. Orous I. LEACH, who will be employed as full time secretary after Nov. 1.

- Gene CRAIN has rightfully earned the local title “King of the Nimrods”.  While fishing Friday in the C. & E.I. Lake, he caught a catfish weighing 28 lbs.  It was caught on a trout line and Gene had a little trouble getting it in his boat.  While displaying the fish, no one asked him if he had caught anymore at this time.  After viewing this fish, we are satisfied it was one of those which got away from us about 40 years ago. 

- The KELL Reunion was held at the Salem Park Sept. 9th with a basket dinner. Those from here attending were Mr. and Mrs. Fred SEE and family.

- Mr. and Mrs. John MOTCH and daughter arrived Sunday from Ft. Bliss, Texas, to spend a few days with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F.A. MOTCH.  John has received his discharge from the army and after a short visit here he and his family will make their home in Champaign where he will attend the U. of I.

- Last Thursday, the Kinmundy Chapter of the Future Farmers of America elected a complete slate of officers for the next 12 months.  The officers include: President, Nolan McKITRICK; Vice President, Jim COURSON; Secretary, Lindell WILCOXEN; Treasurer, Dale HANKS; Reporter, Frank METCALF; and Sentinel, Charles WINKS.  Also elected to represent the Chapter on the Student Council were Donald THOMPSON and Paul WILKINS.

- Mr. and Mrs. Don FRALA of Blytheville, Ark. have a son born Sept. 5th.  He has been named Billy Don.  He is a great-grandson of Mrs. Lora BAYLIS.  The mother is the former Patsy DOOLEN.

- The annual OLDEN-WAGONER family reunion will be held in the Kinmundy City Park on Sept. 16 with a basket dinner at noon.

- At the regular meeting of the City Council held Monday, the city was advised to raise water rates to meet payments of water bonds and interest.

- Master Terry LOGUE, son of A 2C and Mrs. Henry LOGUE underwent minor surgery Friday in St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia.

- The MAXEY-HARVEY Reunion was held at Greens Park in Bloomington, Sept. 9th.  Those from here attending were Miss Donna HENKIN, Alma, and Mr. and Mrs. J.B. MAXEY and sons, Morris and Louis.

- Vivian MILLER celebrated her 8th birthday Friday with a party given by her mother, Mrs. Leon MILLER and Sue.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- The BRASEL Reunion was held at the Moose Park in Salem Sept. 9th with a basket dinner.  Among those attending were Mr. and Mrs. Ed BRASEL, Mr. and Mrs. Burdette BRASEL and daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Cliff OLDEN and sons, and Mr. and Mrs. Leland BRASEL.

- Miss Marian JOHNSON of Evansville, Ind. arrived Wednesday for the funeral of her grandfather, J.B. JOHNSON, of Alma.

- Mr. and Mrs. Virgil LIVESAY were Sunday afternoon visitors with Mr. and Mrs. Selby GARRETT of Alma.

- S. Sgt. and Mrs. Loris WILLIAMS of Tampa, Fla. and Mrs. Nora CLOW of Alma spent Monday afternoon with Mr. and Mrs. Gene WILLIAMS.

- A kitchen shower was held at the home of Carroll GARRETT Saturday Sept. 8 in honor of their son, Mr. and Mrs. Mac GARRETT.  Those from here attending were Mr. and Mrs. Bert GARRETT, Mrs. Ruth DOOLEN, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil LIVESAY, and Mrs. Vivian FEATHER. 

Sept. 20, 1956:

- State Senator Dwight P. FRIEDRICH paid our office a visit the past week and gave us some mighty fine news.  The Dept. of Conservation is looking around for a location to build a large lake, and Kinmundy had submitted a site for consideration, and now it looks like they are accepting this site.  As we understand it, this lake will take in parts of the lands west of the city and the dam is to be constructed near the East Fork Creek. (A correction was printed the next week about the location which was actually in sections 32 and 33 of Meacham twp., and sections 3,4,5, 8, 9, and 10 in Omega twp., southeast of Kinmundy.  The owners of the land affected are Fred HANKINS, Mrs. Stephen STOKELEY, Ernest PRATHER, Edith HAMMER, R.E. SILL, Chas. WAMAC, Dr. McKINNEY, V.G. DUNCAN, Cleo COPPLE, Frank SIMER, Jasper LONG Est., Gale BOSTON, D.W. WILSON, Albert EUBANKS, George ARNOLD, and will probably reach out and take in “Rattlesnake Den”.  The project will follow Lost Fork Creek and tributaries. And will affect other land owners as well.  The dam is to be constructed on the Cleo COPPLE land about 1½ miles east of Omega.)

- Burdette MAXEY suffered a heart attack last Tuesday and is confined to his home.

- School is underway and every class has elected their class officers.  They are:

Senior Officers

President: Butch BOYD; V. Pres.: Nancy BEARD; Sec’y-Treas: Charles WILLIAMS;

Reporter: Larry WILLIAMS; Student Council: Morris MAXEY and Arletha BUTTS

Sponsors: Miss HAUTH and Mr. McKITRICK

Junior Officers

President: George EBLIN; V. Pres.: Louis MAXEY; Sec: Kathleen O’DELL;

Treas.: Sue GRAGG; Reporter: Dorothy SHAFFER; Student Council: Carolyn GARRETT and Dick DEADMOND; Sponsors: Mrs. O’DELL and Mrs. BROOKS

Sophomore Officers

President: Ivan WILKINS; V. Pres.: Gary OLDEN; Sec.: Clara BRASEL;

Treas.: Helen BROWN; Reporter: David LEE: Student Council: Donna HENKEN and

Buddy HELMS; Sponsors: Mrs. METELMEN and Mr. KEISER

Freshmen Officers

President: Patsy BEARD; V. Pres.: Nora TUTT; Sec.: Frances HIESTAND;

Treas.: Carl BEERY; Reporter: Janet WILLIAMS; Student Council: Warren SHUFELDT

Band Officers

President: Carolyn ALBERSON; V. Pres.: Rosalyn LOWE;

Sec’y, Treas. & Reporter: David GERKIN; Librarian: Kathleen O’DELL;

Assistant Librarian: Gary ERNST

- Mrs. Nellie Fern MULVANEY suffered a heart attack while at work Wednesday, and was taken to the Vandalia Hospital, where she was a patient until Sunday.  She is at present confined to her bed in the home of Lonnie TIPSWORD.

- Mr. and Mrs. Albert LOY of Farina have purchased the Mary HARRELL farm in Meacham twp., and will make their home in the near future.

- An old fashioned charivari and shower was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George FEATHER, Saturday night, in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. JONES, with several relatives attending.  The co-hostesses were Misses Karen JONES, Barbara DOOLEN, Marilyn O’DELL, and Beverly PHILLIPS.

- Mary Lee FEATHER, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George FEATHER, and Charles W. JONES, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis JONES of Foster twp., were married in the Kinmundy Methodist Church on Sept. 15.  Rev. A. Vance COMER officiated.  The music was by Miss Karen JONES, and Harold JONES, brother of the groom.  Attendants were Miss Barbara DOOLEN, and Richard JONES, brother of the groom.  The bride is a graduate of KACHS with the class of ‘56, and is employed by the Illinois Bell Telephone Co. in Peoria.  The groom is a graduate of KACHS with the class of ‘55, and is employed as a shipping clerk at the Red Diamond Battery Factory in Peoria.  The couple will reside in Peoria.

- The annual reunion of the BRASEL family was held Sept. 9 at the Moose Picnic Grounds.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- Mr. and Mrs. G.H. COLCLASURE and Mrs. Sivilla COLGLAZIER of Farina were dinner guests Sunday in the Wyett COLCLASURE home helping Harrison celebrate his 14th birthday.

- Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher COLE spent the weekend with their son, Mr. and Mrs. Bill COLE and family of Morris, Sunday.  Mr. and Mrs. G.E. ROLLINSON and sons of Whiting, Ind. came and they all enjoyed a picnic dinner at the Gebwood Park in Morris.

- T. Sgt. Denton BRASEL, son of Mr. and Mrs. Glen BRASEL, arrived Friday from Greenland, where he had spent the past year.  He joined his wife and family, who have been making their home here for the past 6 months.  After his leave, he will be stationed at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.

- On Sept. 15th at St. Philomena’s Church, Miss Dorothy Ann STOCK, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alex STOCK of Farina, became the bride of Gordon J. FINCH, son of Mr. and Mrs. John FINCH, Washburn.  Rev. Fr. Joseph STRZELEC performed the ceremony.  The attendants were sisters of the groom and brothers of the bride.  The flower girl was a sister of the groom and the ring bearer, nephew of the bride.  The couple will make their home at Lowpoint.

- The OLDEN-WAGNER Reunion was held Sept. 16 at the Kinmundy City Park with 49 present.  The reunion will be held on the last Sunday of September at the Peterson Park in Newton next year.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- Mr. and Mrs. Charles WHITE and family have moved to the Bessie NEAVILLE property.  Mrs. Mary SECHLER moved from the Dunlap apartment to the Glen WHITE property vacated by Mr. and Mrs. Charles WHITE and family.

- Mr. and Mrs. O.E. GARRETT and Mrs. W.A. FRANKLIN were among those helping Mr. and Mrs. Walter SIMPSON, of Salem, remember their 50th wedding anniversary.

- Elizabeth BROOM, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John A. BROOM of Alma, has been named as director of Christian Education at the First Methodist Church in DeKalb.  (An article was included from the “DeKalb Daily Chronicle”.)

- Forty-seven relatives and friends gathered in the City Park Sunday at the noon hour to enjoy a basket dinner in honor of the 87th birthday of Mrs. Elizabeth ATKINS, which was the following Tuesday.  Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. J.H. BACKENSTO, Hartford; Mr. and Mrs. Ed ZINDEL and son, William, Moweaqua; Mr. and Mrs. Bob EAGAN and daughters, Cynthia and Gloria, Patoka; Mr. and Mrs. H.H. JONES, Alma; Mr. and Mrs. Roy MEADOR, Clinton; Mr. and Mrs. Warren McNICOL, Denver, Colo.; Mr. and Mrs. Glen ROBB, Salem; Raymond Atkins, Mr. and Mrs. Bert GARRETT, Mr. and Mrs. Wes ROBB, Mr. and Mrs. Leland BRASEL, Mr. and Mrs. Fred GAMMON and sons, Freddy and Timmy, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil LIVESAY, Mr. and Mrs. Frank GARRETT, Mrs. Mag EAGAN, Mr. and Mrs. Orie GREEN, Mr. and Mrs. Orie ATKINS and daughter, Loretta, Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. JONES, Mrs. Lewella Neathery, Mrs. Maude HOLT, Mrs. Emma BALLANCE, Mrs. Stella PRUETT, Mrs. Nell WILSON, and Mr. and Mrs. John WILSON, of Kinmundy.  That evening, Mrs. ATKINS accompanied her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. J.H. BACKENSTO, to their home in Hartford, where she will make an extended visit.

- Mr. and Mrs. Sam LOWE moved into their new home just west of the city, last week.  Their son, Mr. and Mrs. Sammy LOWE and daughter, who have been living in the new home moved to the farm vacated by them. 

- Mr. and Mrs. Leo GEORGE of Colchester visited Saturday and Sunday at the home of Mrs. Nettie GEORGE and also visited at the Ray GEORGE and Jesse GEORGE’s homes.  Mrs. Nettie GEORGE and Jesse GEORGE held a basket dinner at the I.C. Lake, Sept. 16, in honor of Mr.  and Mrs. Leon GEORGE.  Those attending besides the honorees were: Mr. and Mrs. Albert MALINSKY, Mr. and Mrs. Gene JEZEK, Mrs. Nettie GEORGE, and Mr. and Mrs. Jesse GEORGE and family.

- Mr. and Mrs. Charles HAWKEY of Peoria have a daughter born Sept. 16 in St. Francis Hospital in Peoria named Mary Louann.  The mother is the former Beverly FEATHER.

- T. Sgt. and Mrs. Richard SHAFER of Cherry Point have a son born Sept. 14 in the base hospital at Cherry Point, N.C.  He has been named Michael Anthony.  The mother is the former Delores STOCK, daughter of Mrs. Lula STOCK and the late Fred STOCK of Effingham.

- Mr. and Mrs. Bert GARRETT and Mr. and Mrs. Virgil LIVESAY were Mt. Vernon visitors Friday.  They also visited Mrs. Clyde GARRETT at St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia.

- CT 2 Harry BRASEL spent the past week with Mr. and Mrs. Burdette BRASEL and other relatives.  He left Monday evening to report back for duty at Chettenham, Md.  He was accompanied by his wife.

Sept. 27, 1956:

- Mr. and Mrs. Frank KLINE of Alma and Mr. and Mrs. Howard HAMMER and children attended the Golden Wedding reception in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Ray CRUSE of Iola Sunday afternoon.

- Mrs. Kate KEEN returned home Friday, Sept. 21, from the Cole Hospital in Champaign, where she had been a surgical patient the past 4 weeks.  (A list of those who visited her Saturday and Sunday was included.)

- Winners from the PTA Annual Garden and Flower Show held Sept. 17th were listed.

- AD 2 Richard MOTCH, of Hickam Field, Honolulu arrived Wednesday to spend a month’s leave with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F.A. MOTCH and other relatives and friends.

- Mr. and Mrs. Ed WAGONER of Laclede will celebrate their Golden wedding anniversary Sept. 30.  There will be an open house in the afternoon at their home.

- Edward G. DILLION, youngest son of Isaiah and Sarah WILSON DILLION, was born June 18, 1878 on a farm 4 miles east of Kinmundy.  He was one of a family of 9 children all preceding him in death.  On Sept. 15, 1907, he married Grace MACE of Kinmundy.  He took his bride to his farm home where they spent 49 years together.  A daughter, Georgie, now Mrs. Ervin SOLDNER, was born.  He was a member of Kinmundy Lodge 398 A.F. and A.M. and of the order of the Eastern Star number 606 of Kinmundy.  He had been in failing health for years but seriously ill for only a few days.  He died on Sept. 18, 1956.  Besides his wife, he leaves the daughter, Georgie, son-in-law, Ervin, and grandson, Charles; 2 nephews, C.E. DILLION of Marion, Ind. and Edward R. DILLION, Calif.; 5 nieces, Mrs. Maude PORTER, Houston, Texas; Mrs. Grace BROOM, Effingham; Mrs. Nellie BROOM, Alma; Mrs. Mildred ROBB, Salem; and Mrs. Marjorie GREEN, Kinmundy.  Services were held from the Kinmundy Methodist Church with Rev. A. Vance COMER officiating assisted by Elder Clyde SINCLAIR.  Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.

- Thirty percent of the class of ‘56 are in school again.  Jim HUDDLESTUN is at Michigan State;  Charles ERNST at Teacher’s College at Charleston; and four, John GRAGG, Jim HESTER, John JOHNSON, and Marilyn O’DELL at Southern Ill. University, where Karen JONES expects to enter the winter term.  Other students from former classes enrolled at Southern are Keith DISS, Pat JOHNSON, Madonna BLESSING, Jim McHATTON, Dale BASSETT, James WHITE, Mike BUTTS, Don HANKS and Lewis T. O’DELL.  At the Univ. of Ill. are Donald YATES, John DOOLEN, David SCHOONOVER, and Zola ROBNETT.  Shirley ERNST is entering her Senior year at Charleston.  Bob GAMMON is attending Junior College at Centralia.  Dwight JONES is entering his senior year at Asbury college, Wilmore, Ky., where Gary KLINE plans to resume his studies next term.  Donna SCHOOLEY and Gladys BRIMBERRY have entered their senior year of nurses’ training at Springfield Memorial Hospital at Springfield, Ill.

- Mr. and Mrs. F.O. GRISSOM, Miss Ella PARRILL, Mrs. E.F. HOHLT and Mrs. Henry SPECKLER of Brownstown, and Mrs. Bessie PARRILL of Farina attended the Golden Wedding of their cousin, Mr. and Mrs. Ray CRUSE, of Jacksonville, in the Iola gym.  Mr. and Mrs. CRUSE are former residents of Iola.

- Harry PITTMAN, 16, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur PITTMAN, of Libertyville, was killed Sunday morning in backing the family car from their home onto the highway.  The body was brought here Tuesday.  Services were held from the Linton Funeral Home Wednesday and interment made in Parker Cemetery.  He is survived by his parents and several brothers and sisters.  This family are former residents of the Omega community.

- Mr. and Mrs. C.E. WILKINSON attended the funeral services Monday of their cousin, R.E. GILLESPIE, of Pinckneyville.  Mrs. GILLESPIE was a son-in-law of Mrs. Etta PRESCOTT of Pinckneyville, who often visit in the C.E. WILKINSON and Charles BOYD homes.

- Mr. and Mrs. Morton MULVANEY celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with an old fashioned music party Sept. 22nd.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- Mr. and Mrs. Jamie McGEE have a daughter, Beverly Rose, born Thursday in Fayette County Hospital.

- A Nursery Shower was given for Mrs. Leon MILLER at the home of Wanda MULVANEY in Kinmundy, Sept. 18, by Nora ADAMS, Dollie SLANE, Marilyn RINKLE, and Wanda MULVANEY.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- Pleasant Grove (from last week): Mr. and Mrs. Harry SHREFFLER of Wilmington and Mrs. Cecil SHREFFLER of Alma called on Mrs. Laura ROSE Sunday morning.  They were visiting relatives and attended the MAULDING Reunion and basket dinner in Salem Park Sunday.

- A family reunion was held Sept. 23 at the home of Rev. and Mrs. Angus PHILLIPS in honor of Mrs. PHILLIPS’ brother.  Mr. and Mrs. Bert NULL of Baton Rouge, La.  Attending the dinner were Mrs. Wm. WHITESIDE, and Mr. and Mrs. Roy CONN of East Alton; Mr. and Mrs. Bernard HIENIE and son of Alton; Mr. and Mrs. Keith PHILLIPS and sons, and Billie BROKEMEYER of Shawneetown; Mr. and Mrs. Allen PHILLIPS and children of Edwardsville, Mr. and Mrs. Merl NULL of Louisville; and Mr. and Mrs. Ted PHILLIPS and son of Salem.  Afternoon visitors were Mr. and Mrs. Leroy KNISELEY, Mr. and Mrs. Dick McBRYDE, and Mrs. Norman FYKE of Centralia.

- The first meeting of the Future Homemakers of America was held Sept. 18 in the Home Economics room.  Officers elected are: President, Dorothy SHAFFER; Vice President, Clara BRASEL; Sec’y and Reporter, Kaye HAMMER; Treas., Barbara GENTRY; Historian, Ada BRASEL; Parlimentarian, Margaret BOUSEMAN; Chairman of Projects, Donna COPPLE; Food Chairman, Frances HIESTAND; Recreation Chairman, Patty OLDEN; Food Co-Chairman, Patsy BEARD and Donna HENKEN, Degrees Chairman.  The Chapter mothers are Mrs. Hugh COPPLE and Mrs. Burdette BRASEL.  Approximately 45 members have joined this year.

- A birthday coffee was held Sept. 19 at the home of Mrs. John McCULLEY, in honor of Mrs. Bob LEE’s birthday.  Also present: Mesdames Thurman McCULLEY, E.O. ZIMMER, Laverne GRAY, Stella LEE, and John McCULLEY.

- Claude B. WILLIAMS, son of Mr. and Mrs. Claude A. WILLIAMS of Alma, and husband of Gladys Lou WILLIAMS of Kinmundy, has enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.

- A family basket dinner held was held at the home of Mrs. Lela WILLIAMS of Alma Sept. 23.  Those attending dinner were Mr. and Mrs. Raymond BRUBAKER and family; Mr. and Mrs. DeWayne WILLIAMS and family, and Mr. and Mrs. Paul WILLIAMS and children of Salem; Mr. and Mrs. Bob WILLIAMS and family of Muncie, Ind.; S. Sgt and Mrs. Loris WILLIAMS of Tampa, Fla.; Mrs. Nora CLOW of Alma; Mr. and Mrs. Gene WILLIAMS and daughters, and Miss Nina JONES.

October 4, 1956:

- Fred KLEISS and daughter, Mildred, and Phillip QUANDT attended the funeral services in Pesotum Tuesday of Wilbert MAGSAMEN, 11 month old son of Mrs. Katherine MAGSAMEN and the late Wilbert MAGSAMEN, nephew of Mr. KLEISS.

- Mr. and Mrs. Jed HARPSTER will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Oct. 14 with open house from 2 to 4 p.m. in their home west of St. Peter.  All friends are invited.

- County officers of the American Legion Auxiliary were installed Sept. 28 at the American Legion Hall in Sandoval.  The officers are: Mrs. Maxine ROBB, Kinmundy, President; Mrs. Ethel NEWMAN, Sandoval, Vice President; Mrs. Thelma SCHOONOVER, Salem, Secretary; Mrs. Betty DAVIS, Centralia, Treasurer; Mrs. Lela Mae DOOLEN, Kinmundy, Chaplain; Mrs. Bessie SHANAFELT, Salem, Historian; and Mrs. Lela QUAYLE, Patoka, Sergeant at Arms.

- Miss Beverly PHILLIPS, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John PHILLIPS, Jr. of this city, became the bride of FN Russell BOUSEMAN, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy SULLIVAN, of Alma, Saturday in the Kinmundy Christian Church with Bro. Rufus G.D. GERKIN, performing the ceremony.  Mrs. Wayne ROBB played the piano.  Attendants were Miss Margaret BOUSEMAN, sister of the groom, and Wayne SHANAFELT, of Alma.  Mrs. BOUSEMAN is a senior in K.A.H.S., and plans to continue her studies.  FN BOUSEMAN is in the Navy, and is stationed at New Port, R.I., where he will report back to duty Oct. 9th

- Charles V. VALLOW, son of Mrs. Amelda VALLOW, has received a promotion on the Illinois Central Railroad.  For the past several years he has been signal maintainer at Gilman.  On Monday, he took up his new duties in the Signal Dept. offices in Chicago.  At present the family will remain in Gilman while he commutes to work.

- Mrs. Minnie CHEELEY of Salem, Mrs. James KENNEDY of Alma, Mr. and Mrs. Herschel MARLOW and Mrs. Sherrill VANDEVEER of near Omega, and W.T. PHILLIPS of this city, were in Bloomington Monday attending the funeral of their aunt, Mrs. Freeman PHILLIPS.

- Capt. Nancy E. LOWE arrived by air in St. Louis Sunday from Puerto Rico, where she has been stationed since last December to be with her father, E.R. LOWE, thru the more critical stage following his operation Monday morning.

- Eddie, the 3 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Herschel ROSE, was taken to Jewish Hospital in St. Louis Sunday where he was placed in the isolation ward with what has been definitely diagnosed as polio.  He became ill Thursday.

- A picture was printed of Fred KLEISS, standing beside a tomato vine which he has had this summer.  The plant measures 9 feet and 2 inches.

- A wiener roast was held at the Frank JOHNSON home Saturday in honor of Mrs. Betty LOGUE and Frank JOHNSON’s birthdays.  Those attending were Mrs. Otis HINES of Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. Loren JOHNSON and family of McLeansboro; Rev. and Mrs. Charles JOHNSON and daughter of West Liberty; Mr. and Mrs. Ellis JOHNSON, Mrs. Betty LOGUE and son, Terry; Mr. and Mrs. Ellis BUTTS, and Mr. and Mrs. Frank JOHNSON.

- Ralston X. HANNA, radioman second class, USN, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralston HANNA of Kinmundy, is serving aboard the heavy cruiser, U.S.S. Rochester.  He entered the Navy in Feb. 1953, and completed his basic training in San Diego, Calif. 

- Mr. and Mrs. Robert JENKINS of Vandalia have a son born Sept. 20 in Vandalia Fayette Hospital named Robert Lee.  The mother is the former Virginia Sue JACKSON.

- Addie GASTON, grandmother of Gail WOOTER, died at her home near Salem Tuesday.  Services will be held at the Hancock and Bowman Funeral Home in Salem.

- Dick GRAY has been transferred from St. Elmo to Clay City as a store manager for Jones and Laughlin Steel Corp.  For the past 5 years, he has been employed in St. Elmo by this firm.  This is an advancement for Dick.  He started his new work Monday.  The family, including Mrs. Belle SUTTON, who is making her home with them, moved to Clay City Tuesday.

- Mr. and Mrs. Robert GRAY will observe their 64th wedding anniversary Oct. 4.  They say they do not feel equal to having a big celebration, and so they will merely observe it in a quiet manner.  Mr. GRAY is 84 years old, and Mrs. GRAY is 81.  Both are enjoying fair health at the present.  Mr. GRAY is a retired Illinois Central employee.

- Neighborly Deed: Several neighbors assembled at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde GARRETT Saturday, with five combines and several wagons and trucks and combined 30 acres of beans for them, as Clyde has been sick and unable to do it.  Those helping were: Bob GREEN, Frank GARRETT, Bert GARRETT, Bill GARRETT, Orie ATKINS, Carroll GARRETT, Mac GARRETT, Jack GARRETT, Jack COX, and Bob WILLIAMS.     

- Pleasant Grove: We were sorry to hear of the death of Ted DIETRICH.

- Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd HAMMER and Mrs. Effie ROBB attended the Homecoming at the Alma Methodist Church Sunday afternoon.

- Mr. and Mrs. Otis SEE of Monmouth attended the funeral of their aunt, Mrs. Cora WAGGONER of Mattoon, Saturday.  They arrived here Saturday morning and spent the weekend with Miss Eula CRAIG.

Oct. 11, 1956:

- Gov. William G. STRATTON announced Friday that the Dept. of Conservation has decided on a site near Omega for construction of a 480 acre lake authorized for Marion County during the 1955 session of the Illinois Legislature. 

- The Marion and Fayette County Royal Neighbors of America Annual Convention was held in Salem Oct. 4.  Among those attending were: Mr. and Mrs. Dan MANGNER and family of Alma; Mesdames Kenneth WILKINSON, Chester MENDENHALL, Paul WAGONER, Wesley JONES, Lloyd HAMMER, Chris JASPER, Burdette JENKINS, Melvin MANESS, Nell TROUT, Miss Kathleen O’DELL, Mr. and Mrs. Clifton LEMAY and family, Mr. and Mrs. Francis HAMMER and Kaye.  Mrs. Nell TROUT, Misses Kaye HAMMER and Kathleen O’DELL were among those initiated.

- Benny BRASEL, son of Mr. and Mrs. Burdette BRASEL, has accepted a position as post office clerk in Farina.  Benny is married and has 2 sons.  The family has lived in Farina while he has had employment in St. Louis.

- Mr. and Mrs. Harvey HANNA have a daughter born Oct. 7 in Salem Memorial Hospital named Marcia Lynne.

- Mrs. Wes ROBB returned Friday from Vandalia Fayette County Hospital where she had been a medical patient since Monday.

- Mr. and Mrs. Jed HARPSTER, who will celebrate their Golden Wedding Oct. 14 in their farm home west of St. Peter.  Open house will be from 2 to 4 p.m.  (A picture of the couple was included.)

- The officers of the Kinmundy F.F.A. Chapter attending a training school at St. Elmo last Wednesday.  Those going were Nolan McKITRICK, President; Jim COURSON, Vice President; Lindell WILCOXEN, Sec.; Dale HANKS, Treas.; Frank METCALF, Reporter; and Larry SULLIVAN, Sentinel.  At the regular meeting of the local chapter Monday, two new Green Hands were installed, Thomas PERKINS and Marvin WILKINSON.  Several new members were advanced to the Chapter Farmer Degree.  They included: Ivan WILKINS, Wesley PERKINS, Larry LEACH, Farrol ARMSTRONG, George ARNOLD, Gary ERNST, Darrell ANDERSON, and John JONES.

- Mr. and Mrs. L.A. ALDERSON were called to Anna, Ill., Friday, due to the death of Mrs. ALDERSON’s sister, Mrs. Mary SWINK.  They attended the funeral services of Mrs. SWINK on Sunday.

- Mrs. Art BOYD entertained at her home in honor of Mrs. Edward ELSTON’s birthday, Wednesday.  Those present were Mrs. Edward ELSTON and children, Mrs. James O. EAGAN and Mrs. Howard HAMMER.

- Mr. and Mrs. Erwin CHEATUM attended the wedding of Miss Reba EALY and John WHITE of Watson at the Baptist Church in Watson Friday.

- Mr. and Mrs. S.E. DOOLEN of Centralia have announced the forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Margaret Anna, to George FITZPATRICK, of San Francisco, Calif. on Oct. 26 in San Francisco.  Miss DOOLEN is a graduate of Centralia H.S. and Junior College.

- Mr. and Mrs. Virgil LIVESAY visited Mrs. Rada CALDWELL of Alma one evening last week.

- RM3 and Mrs. Neil BRASEL of Newport, R.I. came last Wednesday for a few days leave and visited their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bert GARRETT and Mr. and Mrs. Burdette BRASEL, Neil returned aboard ship Tuesday, while Mrs. BRASEL remained here.

Oct. 18, 1956:

- The Kinmundy-Alma Hornets baseball team was presented the MTC trophy on Monday.  It’s the second straight year, both times defeating Clay City.

- Word was received last Saturday night of the serious auto accident of Donn HAMMER, 15 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Dale HAMMER of Bridgeport.  There were three youths in the car and Donn seemed the most seriously injured.  He is in Barnes Hospital in St. Louis with a broken hip and internal injuries.  He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd HAMMER and Mr. and Mrs. Wes ROBB of this city.

- Roy MISELBROOK is now a patient at the Yaw Nursing Home of Odin after suffering a stroke last week.

- Vice President NIXON will speak for 30 minutes from his special train in Centralia Oct. 24th at 10:30 a.m.

- Miss Linda JENKINS, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Burdette JENKINS of this city, became the bride of Donald THOMPSON, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry THOMPSON, also of this city, Friday, in the Kinmundy Christian Church, with Bro. Rufus G.D. GERKIN performing the ceremony.  Attendants were Miss Margaret BOUSEMAN and Gary OLDEN.  The immediate families were the only guests attending the ceremony.  Mr. THOMPSON is a Senior in K.A.H.S. and plans to continue his studies.  The couple will be at home in an upstairs apartment at the home of his parents.

- A family reunion was held Oct. 14 at Giant City Park.  Those attending were: Mr. and Mrs. Ed SMITHEY and daughters of Centralia; Mr. and Mrs. Abe OWENS, Mr. and Mrs. Fred OWENS of Dexter, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Don OWENS and Ken of Bloomfield, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Ira OWENS, Janet, Jo and Marvin Lee, of Lilbourn, Mo.; Mr. and Mrs. Leroy OWENS, Mike and Danny and Mr. and Mrs. Dan OWENS of St. Louis; Mr. and Mrs. Marvin CONANT, Mr. and Mrs. Mac ROBB, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth ROBB, Mr. and Mrs. Elvin CONANT, Mac, Elma, Valinda, and Fleta, Mr. and Mrs. James JONES, Nina and Lila; and Emmitt GRAY and Fern.

- Janice and Elaine PARRILL celebrated their 10th and 9th birthdays on Oct. 11 with a party at their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ezra FELLER.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- Eddie ROSE, 3 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Herschel ROSE, who has been a patient in the Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, suffering with Polio, returned home Oct. 9.  He is reported getting along satisfactorily.

- Mr. and Mrs. Robert GRAY and Mr. and Mrs. Harry GRAY celebrated their 64th and 41st wedding anniversaries at the Kinmundy City Park, Oct. 14 with a reunion and dinner at the noon hour.  Those present besides the honorees were: Miss Shirley GRAY, Herbert GREGORY, Mrs. Ivan STEVENSON and sons, Stanley, Robert, Dale and Danny of Odin; Mr. and Mrs. Leland GRAY, Mrs. Don GRAY of Vandalia; Mr. and Mrs. Paul GRAY and children, Bonnie, Duane, Jerry and Brenda, Charles GRAY and sons, Charles Jr., and Bruce, Bert HAMMER and Miss Barbara GENTRY.

- Last Friday, Mrs. Ralph GREENE of San Diego came to visit her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George SHUMAKER.  On Oct. 14, a reunion was held at their home.  Relatives and friends enjoying the potluck dinner were: Mr. and Mrs. Ray SHUMAKER, Mr. and Mrs. Frank COLWELL and Larry, Mr. and Mrs. Fred STEIN and Oleda of Mason; Mr. and Mrs. Charles SHUMAKER and Eleanor, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence ERNST, Mr. and Mrs. George DURRE, Mrs. Alice ERNST, of Edgewood; Mr. and Mrs. Harold AUSTIN of St. Elmo; Mrs. Mary HARRELL, and Mr. and Mrs. Glen JAHRAUS, Virginia and Dale.

- A surprise birthday dinner was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard WILLIAMSON, in honor of Mrs. Arlene WILLIAMSON’s birthday on Oct. 14.  Those attending were: Mrs. Lillie SCHNEIDER and children, Merle, Edna and Clarence; Mrs. Betty SMITH, Leslie and Loretta; Mr. and Mrs. Adolph THOMAS, Jr., and Fred THOMAS of Sandoval; Mr. and Mrs. Loren CRAIN and son, Buddy, of Laclede; Mrs. Minnie WILLIAMSON, Mrs. John ANSPACH and children, Helen, Joseph and Larry of Alma; Mr. and Mrs. Lem WILLIAMSON, Mrs. Cora PRATHER, Mr. and Mrs. Charles ANSPACH and daughter of Iuka; Mr. and Mrs. Ollie CRAIN and children, Rena, Helen, Donna, and Carroll.

- Mr. and Mrs. Robert GEILER have a son born Oct. 14 in Vandalia Fayette County Hospital named Robert Glen.  The mother is the former Dorothy Frances DUNLAP.

- The Kinmundy-Alma High School parade and Carnival was again a successful event.  The parade had each class decorating floats with the theme “Countries”.  The carnival had the Juniors bringing in $412.  The highlight of the evening was the crowning of the King and Queen.  They were escorted by last year’s king and queen, Gary OLDEN and Rosalie GARDEN.  Following behind came the Sophomores, Gary ERNST and Clara BRASEL.  Coming in third was the Freshmen’s Gene MONTGOMERY and Nora TUTT.  Taking 2nd place were the Senior Candidates, Richard JONES and Donna COLLETT. Last coming in was the new king and queen for 1956, Sue GRAGG and Charles WINKS.       

- Pvt. Kenneth FORD of Ft. Knox, Ky returned Friday after spending the past 2 weeks with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George FORD and family.

- Mr. and Mrs. Richard WILLIAMS and family of Farina, and Mrs. Otto REESE attended a charivari and kitchen shower for Mr. and Mrs. Arthur MUELHAUSEN at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer FRIZZELL Saturday night.

- Mrs. Ruth WILLIAMS of Farina, Mrs. Florence REESE, and Miss Ruby ARNOLD attended the funeral services of Edwin ARNOLD in Patoka Wednesday afternoon.

- Mr. and Mrs. Elsworth CHANDLER and family of Pontiac, Mr. and Mrs. Bill BEARD and son of Carmi, were Sunday dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Frank GARRETT.  Afternoon callers were Mrs. Ron SMITH and children of Atlanta, Mr. and Mrs. D. BROWN of Centralia, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin CHANDLER and family of Patoka, Mrs. Roy DOOLEN and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Tom HELPINGSTINE, Mr. and Mrs. Forrest JONES, Mr. and Mrs. Merle JONES, and Mr. and Mrs. W.R. DOOLEN.

- Frank SMITH and 3 children of Mt. Vernon, visited their aunt, Mrs. Dave BOUGHERS, Saturday evening.  Mr. SMITH’s son, John F., has received his discharge from the army after serving the past 6 years.

Oct. 25, 1956:

- Mr. and Mrs. Albert C. DUNLAP observed their Golden Wedding Anniversary Sunday: On Oct. 21, 1906, at the home of the bride in this city, in the presence of members of the family only, took place the marriage of Miss Hulda Elizabeth MATTHEWS, and Albert Clarence DUNLAP of Chicago, by Rev. F.O. FANNON of the Christian Church, of which the bride is an active member.  The groom was the son of Mrs. C.A. DUNLAP, Sr., of Chicago, and was a foreman in I.C.R.R. car shops.  Miss Hulda was the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L.C. MATTHEWS of our city, and grew to womanhood here.  They left for Chicago to make their home after their wedding.  (DFM note: The original announcement was reprinted in the paper from the original article from 1906.)  The couple remained in Chicago only a few months.  They migrated to Texas the following spring, and returned to Kinmundy in July 1907, where Mr. DUNLAP entered the implement and grass seed business with his father-in-law.  And this couple has lived in Kinmundy ever since.  Upon the death of Mr. MATTHEWS in 1913, the implement business was discontinued and Mr. DUNLAP continued with the buying of grass seed.  He discontinued this business in 1921.  In 1922, he purchased the tin shop of Davis & Schwabe and has continued in that line since.  After the close of WWII, the son, Carl, was taken into the firm and it is now being operated as A.C. DUNLAP & Son.  Mr. DUNLAP, for some time, held the distinct honor of being the eldest businessman in service years in Kinmundy.  Mr. and Mrs. DUNLAP are very proud of their little family which consists of the son and daughter-in-law, the granddaughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Robert GEILER, and one great-granddaughter, and one great-grandson.  In fact, the arrival of Robert Glen GEILER a week previous upset plans to some extent.  Mrs. Carl DUNLAP had planned on a family dinner in honor of the Golden Wedding Anniversary but services were needed elsewhere.  And so Mr. and Mrs. DUNLAP passed Sunday in a very quiet way.  A.C. says they will just wait now and celebrate their second Golden Wedding.

- Cheerleaders for the following year have been chosen: Barbara GENTRY, Carolyn ALBERSON, Clara BRASEL, Donna COLLETT and Margaret BOUSEMAN.  Sine Donna has left school, it hasn’t been decided what is to be done about the vacancy.  The grade school cheerleaders are: Marolyn ALBERSON, Kaye GENTRY, Susan WISHER and Jan HANNA. 

- Miss Judy ALEXANDER and David KATZ were married Oct. 21 in the Baptist Church at Lincoln.  Mrs. KATZ is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gene ALEXANDER and a granddaughter of Mr. F.G. ALEXANDER.

- Dr. and Mrs. Richard MAULDING of Salem have a daughter born Oct. 17 in Salem Memorial Hospital named Ann Marie.

- Dr. Joseph W. TELFORD, San Diego physician, is the new president of the California Academy of General Practice.  Dr. TELFORD is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy TELFORD, former residents of this community. 

- Mike OLDEN celebrated his 10th birthday with a party in Kinmundy City Park on Saturday.  Mrs. Edward ELSTON assisted Mike’s mother, Mrs. Cliff OLDEN.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- Edward JEZEK suffered serious injury about 3 o’clock Thursday morning Oct. 18 when his right hand was caught in a corn picker.  A neighbor, Larry HESKITT, who lived about 1/4 mile from the scene of the accident, heard him calling and ran to his rescue. Mr. HESKITT released him and he was taken to Salem Memorial Hospital, where it was necessary to amputate the 4 fingers and part of the thumb.  Friday he was taken to the Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, where he is still a patient.

- Mrs. Hugh COUGHLIN suffered a stroke Monday and is in a serious condition in the Salem Hospital.

- On Oct. 28, the Methodist Men will sponsor their monthly songfest.  A good program has been arranged with numbers coming from neighboring townships.  The following program will be presented:

Vocal selections by Vickie and Patricia WHITNEY, Omega; John FULTON and Mrs. Keith SMITH, Alma; Dwight and Rojean KLINE, Patoka; Lloyd BAILEY, Kinmundy; Dick and Frances GRAY, Clay City;

Piano Selections by Sherry DOOLEN, Kinmundy; Organ program by Mrs. VALLOW;

Quartet selections by The Junior Statesmen, Kinmundy

Trio: JONES Trio, Arnold Chapel;

Also, singing a number of the old songs of the Church which you like to sing with Mrs. VALLOW at the Organ, and Mrs. KLINE at the Piano.

- The local fire department was called to the George ARNOLD home in Omega twp. early last Wednesday morning where the home was all ablaze.  The fire started from an unknown origin.  There wasn’t any water available as the well is a drilled well.  However, the water supply truck with 1000 gallons followed the fire engine.  This supply was soon used and the tank was sent to Boston Lake to refill.  But while it was after the water, the fire took a new hold and completely destroyed the home.  We understand that the ARNOLDs saved some of their personal effects and are now living in the Eula CRAIG home near the old Shriver School.  The department was called to the Henry BREMER home Tuesday to extinguish a grass fire which was threatening some of the outbuildings.  Quick work was made of the blaze.

- Charles ELSTON entertained to cake and ice cream, two of his friends Sunday, in honor of his 10th birthday.

- Mr. and Mrs. John A. BROOM of Alma attended the burial service in Owaneco, of Mr. BROOM’s cousin, Ed SHULER of Des Plaines.

- On Oct. 20, 1956, in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Kankakee, the wedding of Miss Eleanor CHOUINARD, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard CHOUINARD, and Gene VERHOEKS, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. VERHOEKS, were married.  Mrs. Elvera ST. LOUIS, sister of the bride, and Miss Theresa JOUNISKI were the bride’s attendants.  Pete ST. LOUIS, brother-in-law of the bride, and Bob SALM were the groomsmen.  Mr. VERHOEKS is the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. VERHOEKS of Kankakee.  Mrs. Wm. VERHOEKS is the former Mary CHEADLE of Kinmundy.

- Eugene KEEN celebrated his 76th birthday Oct. 19 with a birthday dinner at his home.  Attending were: Mr. and Mrs. Eugene KEEN, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin GEILER and family, Mrs. Kate KEEN, and son, Butch, and Mr. and Mrs Ray OLDEN.

- A family gathering was held at Monee.  Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Charles McCARTY, Kenny and Jerry McCARTY, Velva McCARTY, Mr. and Mrs. Max McCARTY, Sue and Patti McCARTY, of Harvey; Andrea HOUSTON of Oak Lawn; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth McCARTY, Larry, Wayne and Paul McCARTY of Monee; Mr. and Mrs. Neil McCARTY, Mary McCARTY of Maywood; Miss Dorothy FARTHING, Mr. and Mrs. B.E. McCARTY, Teresa, and Steve McCARTY of Salem; Mr. and Mrs. Sam FEHRENBACHER and Tom; Mr. and Mrs. Elmer MARQUART of Olney; Mrs. Loretta CHANCE, David and Ronnie of Joliet; Mr. and Mrs. Marshall McCARTY and Vicky of Iola; Mr. and Mrs. Glen McCARTY and Darrell, and Jake McCARTY.

Nov. 1, 1956:

- On Oct. 28, 1922, in the Southern Methodist parsonage at Kinmundy, Miss Faye McCLAINE became the bride of Mr. Burdette BRASEL.  The Rev. J.T. SMITH read the single ring ceremony.  Mr. and Mrs. Art METCALF, sister of the groom, were the attendants.  The couple started their married life on his father’s farm north of town.  Here their two older children, Dale of Joliet, and Donna, now Mrs. Joe RODDY of Ashland, were born.  Donna has 5 children.  After a few years, they moved to a farm near Salem.  Several years ago, they moved back to the Kinmundy countryside.  They now live on the WHITTENBURG farm south of town.  They are active member of the Methodist Church.  The other children are: Bennie, of Farina, they have 2 sons; Harry, of the U.S. Navy, located in Cheltemham, Md., he recently married Alice FRIMEL of Odin; Neal of the U.S. Navy, Newport, RI, his wife is the former Wanda GARRETT.  Ada Frances, a sophomore in high school, and Betty Jo in the 6th grade are at home.  All the children except the two at home are high school graduates.  Mr. and Mrs. BRASEL furnished our country with 4 fine Navy men for 2 wars.  A dinner for just the family and close friends, Mr. and Mrs. Earl BASOM, of Salem, was enjoyed in their home Sunday.  They received nice gifts from their children and friends.

- On the evening of Oct. 28, 1931, occurred the marriage of Miss Lois LONNON and Mr. Oran ALDERSON, in the Methodist Church parsonage in Kinmundy.  The late Rev. E.G. CARROLL read the ceremony.  Mr. and Mrs. ALDERSON both lived in the Omega, Pleasant Grove neighborhood at the time of their wedding and have since continued to make this their home until about a month ago when they moved into a new house on Boston Lake.  They are parents of 2 daughters, Rojean, now Mrs. Dwight KLINE of Patoka, and Rosalee.  The KLINEs have two lovely sons.  Rosalee, a graduate nurse, is now employed at Salem Memorial Hospital.  On Sunday, Oct. 28, 1956, after attending church at Pleasant Grove, as is their regular custom, and where they are members, they returned home to find relatives and friends number over 100 waiting for them.  The picnic tables were set and all enjoyed a bountiful dinner out in the autumn sun.  The happy and surprised couple received many useful and beautiful gifts.  One special gift, a tree growing silver dollars.

- Twenty-three years ago, the wedding of Miss Florence REILMAN of Vernon, and Walter WEISS of Kinmundy, was solemnized in the Grace Methodist Church in Salem.  The date of the wedding was Oct. 27 by Rev. Walter FAHNESTOCK.  Mr. and Mrs. Arthur WEISS, brother of the groom were the witnesses.  Mrs. WEISS was teaching school at the time of their wedding.  The groom was farming and is still engaged in this profession.   They established their first home between Farina and Kinmundy on what is known as the Mark BOYD farm.  For the past few years, they have lived about 3/4 of a mile south of town on the Ben CRAIG farm.  Mr. WEISS is a successful farmer.  Mrs. WEISS has taught school, now starting her 29th year.  They are both members of the Methodist Church.  Although Mr. and Mrs. WEISS have never had a family of their own, they have always loved children.  Almost two years ago, a lovely little girl, Peggy, came into their hearts and home and is now their adopted daughter.  On Oct. 28, Mr. WEISS changed the order of the day and took his bride of 23 years and little daughter out to dinner in Salem.  They had a quiet but most enjoyable anniversary together.

- At a quiet wedding in the home of her sister, Mrs. Taylor BATTS, in Tampa, Fla., Mrs. Wanda SULLIVAN became the wife of Glenn BRUBAKER.

- Word was received here Sunday by Miss Luella PARRILL of the sudden passing of her nephew, Harold SPECKER of Brownstown.  Mrs. Henry SPECKER, mother of the deceased, is well known here.  She is the former Lilly PARRILL.  On Monday, Miss Luella PARRILL, Mrs. Scyler PARRILL of Farina, Mrs. Edward HOHLT accompanied Mr. and Mrs. F.O. GRISSOM to Brownstown.

- Word was received here by Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd HAMMER of the death of Mr. J.P. KENNEDY of Lakeland, Fla.  Mr. KENNEDY was a former Kinmundy resident but had lived in Florida for several years.  He will be remembered by many relatives and friends.  He was a brother of Mrs. Fred CRAIG who died a few years ago here.  Also a cousin of James KENNEDY of Alma.

- Last Sunday night at the 4th Annual Clay County Sportsman Club’s Beagle show, Lottie Mae MULVANEY’s puppy, Lovely, took first place in the puppy class 1 to 6 months which gave her a trophy and a blue ribbon.

- The annual dinner honoring Mr. and Mrs. Gene L. KEEN was enjoyed Sunday with a basket dinner in the city park.  Those attending were the honorees; Mr. and Mrs. Laverne KEEN and son, Pat, of Salem; Jimmie BOYD, guest of Pat’s, Mr. and Mrs. Percy FOLLOWELL and sons, Ronnie and Wayne; Mr. and Mrs. Melvin GEILER, daughters, Judy, Barbara, and son, Dennie, and friend Mona TABOR, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. KEEN and sons, Donnie, Beryl and Dennis, Mr. and Mrs. Gene COATNEY and son, Gene, and daughter, Marsha, of Salem, Mr. and Mrs. Roy HALL and Debbie, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil KEEN, Mr. and Mrs. Ray OLDEN, Pat and Bill, Mrs. Harley COATNEY JASPER and son, Roy and friend, Nancy, of Centralia.  Afternoon callers were Leona HALL and Nell TROUT.

- Word has been received here of the death of Lewis F. LOWE, Oct. 24, 1956, in Seattle, Wash.  He was the son of the late Charles W. LOWE and Ann JONES LOWE.  Mr. LOWE suffered a heart attack in Sept. from which he failed to recover.  Both Mr. and Mrs. LOWE were former residents here.  They had made their home in Seattle for 50 years.  Mrs. LOWE was the former Florence GREER.  She died April 16, 1951.  Mr. LOWE is survived by the following children: Carl LOWE, Dorothy BOYER of Portland, Ore.; Marie McCLOUD and Helen CRAMER of Seattle; brothers and sisters, Mrs. Ethel ROBB of Lansing, Mich.; Mrs. Elsie DOOLEN of Kinmundy; Rev. Cecil LOWE of Bridgeport; Willie and Sam LOWE, of Kinmundy.

- Cecil E. HEADLEY, 57, died Oct. 26, in Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, Mich.  He was a resident of Lansing for the past 30 years.  He was born in North Fork community, Sept. 3, 1899, son of Winfred and Lillian DOOLEN HEADLEY.  Surviving are the widow, Imogene; 1 son, Divain; 1 daughter, Mildred; and 2 grandchildren; his mother, Mrs. Lillian HEADLEY of Kinmundy; 9 brothers, Russell and Wesley of Kinmundy; Mark of Alton; Merle of near Vernon; Hubert and David of St. Louis; Leslie of Columbus, Montana; and Carl and Harvey, both of Lansing; and 2 sisters, Mrs. Mira SIMMONS of Salem, and Mrs. Mabel DOOLEN of Kinmundy.  The funeral was held in Palmer Bush Funeral Chapel and burial in Evergreen Cemetery in Lansing.  All of his relatives were present at the funeral except his sister, Mira, who was unable to attend due to illness.

- Mrs. Minnie CORNELL Dies: Mrs. Chris JASPER was called to Mattoon Saturday night because of the death of her mother, Mrs. Minnie CORNELL.  Mrs. CORNELL was the mother of 11 children, 9 living to maturity.  Mrs. CORNELL had been cared for the last few years by her children.  In July this year, she was taken to the Atkins Nursing Home in Charleston where she die in her sleep Saturday night.  She is survived by the children: Gordon, Glen, Paul, Mrs. Mary MORGAN, and Mrs. Lena CRAIG, Mattoon; Mrs. Iva WERLEY, Calif.; Mrs. Daisy ROADARMEL, Champaign; and Mrs. Blanche JASPER of this city.  The eldest son, Clayton, died 25 years ago.  The father died 33 years ago.  There are 24 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren.  Services were held in the Schillings Funeral Home in Mattoon, with burial in the family lot at Drummond Cemetery.  Those attending from here were Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth JASPER of Salem, Mrs. Zelia NEAVILL and Mr. and Mrs. Chris JASPER. The CORNELL family were former residents of this community having lived several years on the Mrs. Edna WILLIAMS farm.

- Gary, nine year old grandson of Mary TOLLEFSON, dies of burns from trash fire: Gary TOLLEFSON, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. TOLLEFSON, of Bloomington, Minn., would have had his 9th birthday Monday.  But Gary died Saturday, Oct. 20th at Northwestern Hospital.  On Oct. 15, Gary was burning papers for his mother, as was his habit.  He threw gasoline on the fire and it exploded, setting him on fire.  Gary’s father, with the help of neighbors, put out the fire, and Gary, was rushed by ambulance to the hospital.  He suffered, first, second and third degree burns on 75 percent of his body.  Friday he lapsed into a coma and death came mercifully the next afternoon.  That night at the hospital, the plucky youngster told the doctors and nurses that next Monday would be his birthday.  Services were conducted Tuesday at Gilman’s House of Flowers in Bloomington, Minn.  The TOLLEFSONs have one other child, Judy, 10.  Gary is the grandson of Mrs. Mary TOLLEFSON, a former resident of this city, who now lives in Minneapolis, Minn.

- Mrs. Kenneth ALBERSON was hostess to a potluck birthday dinner honoring her husband’s birthday.  Larry BASSETT celebrated his birthday also.  Those attending were Mr. and Mrs. Dick GRAY and daughters of Clay City; Mr. and Mrs. Bob JOHNSON and family; Mr. and Mrs. Gene BAILEY and son, Mr. and Mrs. Ted PHILLIPS and son of Salem, Mrs. Bob SAGADINE, Miss Shirley BAILEY of Champaign; Mr. and Mrs. C.E. BAILEY, Mr. and Mrs. Charles BASSETT and family, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne ROBB and sons, Mrs. Pola ROBB and children, Keith DISS and the honoree and family.

- All the children and grandchildren surprised Claude GARRETT Sunday to celebrate his birthday.  A basket dinner was served at noon.  Those enjoyed the day were: Mr. and Mrs. Dale CAUDLE and sons of Vernon; Mr. and Mrs. Loren WILLIAMS, Alma; Mr. and Mrs. Wade LAWSON and daughter and son, Odin; Mr. and Mrs. Roy GARRETT and three sons, Kinmundy.  Afternoon callers were Mr. and Mrs. John JENNINGS, Patoka; and Mrs. Carl DUNLAP and granddaughter, Carla Sue GEILER.  - Mrs. Luella NEATHERY attended the funeral of a friend, Charlie HUDDLESON, in Patoka, Monday.

- Mr. and Mrs. Harry THOMPSON and Mr. and Mrs. Ivan DeVORE attended the funeral of an uncle, Earnest DeVORE in Sullivan, Friday.

- Mr. and Mrs. Charles WHITE and Mr. and Mrs. Don SMITH of Pleasant Plains, celebrated their wedding anniversary over the weekend in Chicago.

Nov. 8, 1956:

- The Annual PTA Halloween Parade was held Oct. 30 in the old gymnasium with the following winners:

Pre-School & 1, 2, 3:

Witch: Kay HANNA, Becky GARRETT, Cheryl GARDEN

Gypsy: Alan PHILLIPS, Judy Kay SULLENS, Linda WILKINSON

Hobo: Danny YATES, John CRAIN, Ray HANNA

Clown: Mike GORDON, Steve HANNA, Sue BAILEY

Indian: Earnest VANDEVEER, Russell McCULLEY, Paul FRADENBURG

Ghost: Marlis INGRAM, Loretta CRAIN, Jerry McKITRICK

Negro: Jon KLINE, Howie ROBB

Twins: Rita and Terry JOHNSON

Bride and Groom: Kevin AMBUEHL & Debbie WILLIAMS; Jeanie & Brenda CRAIN; Jimmie & Barbara BASSETT

TV Character: Stanley JONES

Animal Character: (Gorilla) Richard ROBB; (Black Cat) Darlene FORD;  (Rabbit) Denny GARRETT

Story Book Character: Sammie MANGNER, Dennis BASSETT, Jimmie BOYD

Miscellaneous: Janet SULLIVAN, Marla GARRETT, Duane Lee FORD

Grades 4-6:

Witch: Buddy ALBERSON

Gypsy: Garold EAGAN, Connie LEACH, Cheryl WILLIAMS

Hobo: Jerry GRAY, Robert LINTON, Dale JAHRAUS

Clown: Mike OLDEN, Susan KLINE, Shirley ROSE

Indian: Larry BASSETT, Sandra SHAFFER

Ghost: Darlene MARSHALL, Royce McKITRICK, Janet PICKEL

Negro: Joyce McKITRICK, Ann HANNA, Lennie MORRIS

TV Character: Philip SCHOOLEY, John DISS, Eddie SEE

Animal Character: Terry GORDON, Louise HINES

Story Book Character: Judy DONOHO, David LINTON, Mark SWIFT

Miscellaneous: Deanna TROUT, Nina JONES, Nancy SWIFT

- Friendly Neighbors Husk Corn Monday for John SHAFFER: The question has been raised, “Are farmers as neighborly as they used to be?”  This was a challenge to the Pleasant Grove Community Monday when 15 men with 6 corn pickers, wagons and tractors, came to the John W. SHAFFER farm and husked about 60 acres of his 140 acre corn crop for him.  A few weeks ago, Mrs. SHAFFER took suddenly ill, and finally ended up in Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis where a series of exams were made to determine her ailment.  It was found that she was suffering from a gastric ulcer.  Mr. SHAFFER has spent a good share of his time in St. Louis with his wife.  Those helping John were Mont RITTER, Oscar SMITH, Dan HIESTAND, Herbert ANDERSON, Bob FORD, Lee WARD, Elsbury WARD, Jackie BARKSDALE, H.J. BARKSDALE, Ray VANDEVEER, Leon MILLER, Dalt VANDEVEER, Melvin CURRIE, Sammy HIESTAND, and Herbert VANDEVEER.  A pot luck dinner was held at the noon hour with Ruth MILLER, Wilma VANDEVEER, Ruby VANDEVEER, and Beatrice ALLPHIN serving.  Others sending in food were Nellie HIESTAND, Evelyn FORD, Ruby HIESTAND, Rosa SMITH, Avanelle HIESTAND, and Lucille VANDEVEER.  Lester VANDEVEER and Mr. and Mrs. J.N. VALLOW were dinner guests.

- Mr. and Mrs. Jo BARGH of Caldwell, Kansas have a son born Nov. 4 named Joseph Pullen.  The mother is the former Barbara McNICOL.  The BARGHs have a daughter, Denise Ann.

- Word was received here of the sudden death of Gerald WAGONER, 15 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Ray WAGONER, of Newton, on Oct. 28.  Gerald is the nephew of Rosco OLDEN.  It was reported Gerald was sick only a short while and died on the way to the doctor’s office.  Gangrene of the intestines was the cause of his death.  Among those attending the funeral were Mrs. Thelma INGRAM of Salem; Mrs. Lulu LINDER and daughter, Peggy Sue, of Odin; Alva OLDEN and Mr. and Mrs. Dan MANGNER.

- Mrs. Lena WATSON, 35, died in Decatur on Friday from generalized cancer.  She had been ill only a few weeks.  Services were held from Kinmundy Church of God, Artie MARTIN, the pastor, officiating, with Rev. Herbert PROBST of Decatur, assisting.  Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.  She is survived by her husband, Harold; her mother, Mrs. Artie MARTIN of this city; two sisters, Mrs. Lucille BOONE, Vandalia; and Mrs. Mildred HICKS, Decatur.

- Word was received Thursday by Miss Evelyn KILLIE and F.W. KILLIE of the death of their cousin, Alfred J. AMBUEHL of Decatur.  Services were held Saturday with burial in Decatur.  Mr. AMBUEHL’s wife is the former Bertha OSBORNE, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles OSBORNE of Farina.

- Miletus: A large crowd attended the charivari and shower for Mr. and Mrs. Gerald BUTTS in the Pete BUTTS home Friday night.

- Miletus: Mr. and Mrs. James BERRY and Mr. and Mrs. Gordon BERRY on near Piper City called recently in the Otis TATE home to visit the former’s sister, Mrs. Pearl TATE.  Mrs. TATE has been cared for in her son’s home for the past 5 weeks and was taken by Linton’s Ambulance to the home of her daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson PITTMAN of Urbana.

- Miletus: Mrs. Myrtle FISCHER entertained the community club in the home of Mrs. Hildred WILCOXEN Wednesday.  They finished a comfort started some time ago for the Jack YATES family, and made one for the Geo. ARNOLD family - both families lost their homes by fire.

- Mr. and Mrs. Marion HELM of Salem were dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. George COLE, Sunday.  The occasion was birthdays of Mr. HELM and Mrs. COLE.

Nov. 15, 1956:

- After much discussion as to whether to have a celebration for the town’s centennial for the City of Kinmundy, it was decided that Mayor E.E. JAHRAUS will act in an official capacity.  He will name a committee of three to act as a steering committee.  These names will be submitted to the City Council.  If certain names are not approved, others will be submitted.  We truly think the City Council should have all the say as to the appointing of this committee.  The first thing for the committee to do is to poll the community to see if they want a celebration, as they must have the cooperation of the entire committee. 

- Judy May FEAR OLDEN, only daughter of Essie and Edmond FEAR, was born in Jasper county in Willow Hill twp. on Feb. 14, 1887, and died Nov. 6, 1956 in Kinmundy at the family residence.  On March 7, 1905, she was married to Rosco OLDEN, in Newton, Ill., and they had 12 children.  Three preceded her in death.  They were Virgil, Florence, and Dorothy.  She leaves her husband, Rosco, and nine children: Lulu LINDER, Odin; Alva, Clifford, Raymond and Peggy JENKINS, of Kinmundy; Leland of Tuscola; Thelma INGRAM and Bruce of Salem; and Lillie MANGNER of Alma; 19 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Claude FEAR of Farina, and Edmond FEAR of Santa Rosa, Calif.; 4 daughters-in-law; 4 sons-in-law.  Two brothers preceded her in death, Kenneth and Louis.  At an early age she became a member of the Vanderhoff Baptist Church. She has been an invalid for several years suffering with asthma, also a heart condition. Services were held from the Christian Church in Kinmundy, with Bro. Rufus GERKIN officiating, and burial was at Iuka.  A list was included of those attending from out of town.)  

- Miss Kay GEORGE was a guest of Kay FEATHER over the weekend celebrating her 9th birthday on Saturday. 

- The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Kinmundy Building & Loan Assoc. was held Nov. 5th.  The following were elected as directors for the ensuing year: E. WORMLEY, C.R. ALDERSON, F.A. MOTCH, A.H. MILLER, J.N. VALLOW, R.H. SCHOOLEY, C.F. GAMMON, P.H. ROBNETT, and Orous I. LEACH.  The following were elected as officers: President, A.H. MILLER; Vice President, C.R. ALDERSON; Sec.-Treas., Orous I. LEACH; Ass’t Sec., C.F. GAMMON; Clerk, Charles GAMMON.

- Mr. and Mrs. Wesley JONES received word Tuesday of the birth of a daughter to Theo HANNAH, daughter of Alma JONES BRUBAKER.  This is their first great-grandchild.

- Mr. and Mrs. John LEE moved Thursday from Breese to Seminole, Okla., where he is employed by Gulf Oil Co.

- Morris MAXEY, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. MAXEY, broke his right ankle Tuesday while playing basketball.  He was taken to Salem Hospital where the ankle was put in a cast.  Dr. Richard MAULDING was the attending physician.

- Mr. and Mrs. Orville GORDON, Sr. bought a young calf Friday and hauled it home in the trunk of the car.  Mr. GORDON backed the car rather close to the barn in order to unload the calf.  As he lifted the calf in his arms, the car rolled back, pinning his right leg against the concrete foundation of the barn.  A stock buyer, whose name we did not learn, happened to stop at the farm just at that time and helped Mrs. GORDON get her husband to the house.  A trip was made to Salem Hospital where it was found his leg was broken right above the ankle.  He is able to get around in his cast by the help of a crutch.

- Mr. and Mrs. Leroy SWIFT have a daughter born Sunday in the Salem Memorial Hospital named Carmen Sue.

- The local fire department was called to the Byron SILL Service Station Friday when an overheated stove set fire to an outbuilding.  Very little damage was done.  They were again called out on Monday to quench a grass fire which burned off the WILSON Orchard at Alma.  There was no particular damage done.

- Hattie Maria COCKRELL, youngest daughter of William and Permelia NICHOLS, was born in Meacham twp., Marion county, Aug. 28, 1974, and died in St. Anthony’s Hospital in Effingham on Nov. 5, 1956.  On Nov. 10, 1901, she was married to Vard COCKRELL.  She united with the Union Methodist Church, near her childhood home and in later years transferred her membership to the Kinmundy Methodist Church.  She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, 5 sisters, and 3 brothers.  She leaves 2 step sons, Clark COCKRELL of Salem, and Eugene COCKRELL of La Mars, Iowa; 2 sisters-in-law, Mrs. Ruth COX of Royalton and Mrs. Anna NICHOLS of Farina; and a brother-in-law, Frank COCKRELL of Zeigler.

- Mr. and Mrs. Clarence QUANDT and family, Fred KLEISS and Mildred attended a birthday party at the home of Mr. and Mrs. August QUANDT, of Iuka, Saturday evening.  The occasion was in honor of Mrs. August QUANDT and son, Clarence’s birthdays.

- In Memoriam of our mother, Maggie CONANT, who died Nov. 12th one year ago, sadly by children and grandchild.

- Robert SHUFELDT was a dinner guest of Bill BALLANCE Sunday helping Bill celebrate his birthday.

Nov. 22, 1956:

- Virginia WALLS became the bride of Mr. C.K. CHANCE, 4th son of Mr. and Mrs. C.S. CHANCE, on Nov. 11th at the Baptist Parsonage in Edwardsville.  Attendants were Darrell CHANCE, brother of the groom, and Marlene JONES, friend of the bride.  The wedding cake was given to the couple by his sister, Mrs. Art MULVANEY.  It was served at the groom’s parents’ home in Mitchell.  A reception party was also given for the couple at the A.O. SMITH plant of Granite City, where Mr. CHANCE has employment.  The groom is a graduate from the Kinmundy Community H.S. with the Class of 1950.  Among those attending the wedding were Mrs. C.S. CHANCE and 2 daughters, Dorothy and Donna, and Mr. and Mrs. Art MULVANEY and family of Kinmundy.  The couple will reside in Edwardsville.

- Mrs. Carl DUNLAP is nursing a broken rib as a result of a car accident which happened Wednesday.  She had accompanied her daughter, Mrs. Robert GEILER and children, to Farina.  While driving in Farina, another car ran into them.  None of the other occupants of the car were injured.

- Mrs. Annie MERRITT, 76, widow of the late Emmitt MERRITT, died in Alton, Nov. 19.  Services were held from the Meacham Baptist Church.  Interment was made in the Elder Cemetery.  She is survived by one son, Ira.

- Army Pvt. Donald L. BLOMBERG, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles BLOMBERG, Kinmundy, recently began six months active duty training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., under the Reserve Forces Act.  He is receiving 8 weeks basic combat training, which will be followed by advanced individual and unit training.  Men volunteering for the 6 months tour of active duty are permitted to finish their military obligation in local Army Reserve or National Guard units.  The 18 year old soldier is a 1956 graduate of LaGrove Community H.S.

- Jake HOCKADAY, 74, died in the Yaw Nursing Home in Odin Monday.  Services were held from Linton Funeral Home, Bro. Rufus GERKIN officiating.  Interment was made in Phillips Cemetery.  He is survived by 3 sons: Noel of Michigan; Fred of Colorado; and Billie of Calif.; and 1 brother, Frank of Salem. 

- John Thomas BOUSMAN, son of William J. and Cevilla ROTROCK BOUSMAN was born Aug. 19, 1869 in Meacham twp., and died at Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Mt. Vernon on Nov. 13, 1956.  His death was the result of pneumonia fever, followed by a weakened condition, and coronary thrombosis.  He also had one brother and 3 sisters, who died at a very early age.  On March 6, 1895, he married Mollie O. HOLLINGSHEAD, who preceded him in death, on March 11, 1951, after a happy married life of 56 years.  They had three boys and two girls, namely Cecil R. of Centralia, Macel K. of Mt. Vernon, Don M. of Chicago, and Mrs. Bernice HEINZMANN of Shattuc, and Dollie, an infant, who died in 1907.  He also leaves 1 half-brother, William O. BOUSMAN of Decatur; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 1 sister-in-law, Mrs. Bertha MEYERS of Allerton.  At the time of Mr. BOUSMAN’s demise, he had been living on the same farm which he purchased 60 years ago, and had spent practically all of his married life there.  He was a member of the Meacham Baptist Church, and had been a regular attendant, there for many years.

- Mr. and Mrs. Gene CRAIN and family left Sunday for Decatur where they will make their home.  Gene entered barber school Monday morning.

- Gene MONTGOMERY attended a birthday party in honor of Ronnie SEE, Friday night.

- Miletus: Otis TATE received word Monday that a cousin, Mrs. Frank WILLIAMS of Salem had died suddenly in her home Sunday.  She had been suffering with arthritis for some time and was confined to a wheelchair.

- Mrs. Elizabeth ATKINS and Mr. and Mrs. Virgil LIVESAY visited Mr. and Mrs. Robert FORD and family Sunday afternoon.

- Mr. and Mrs. Marvin CONANT attended a family birthday dinner at the home of S.C. GREEN in Vandalia Sunday.  Dinner was in honor of Mr. GREEN’s and Mr. CONANT’s birthdays.

- A party was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Merle SEE on Nov. 16 in honor of their son Ronnie’s, 14th birthday.

- A six o’clock dinner was served at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Glen JAHRAUS Tuesday honoring his aunt, Mrs. Mary HARRELL’s birthday anniversary.  Those enjoying dinner besides the honoree were Mr. and Mrs. John S. FORD and daughter, Janet, of Alma; and Virginia and Dale JAHRAUS.

- Mrs. Dick GRAY of Clay City, Mrs. Bob SAGADINE of Champaign, Mrs. Ted PHILLIPS of Salem, Mesdames C.E. BAILEY, Wayne ROBB, Charles BASSETT, and Pola ROBB were St. Louis visitors Friday. Mrs. ROBB was celebrating her birthday. 

Nov. 29, 1956:                                                                       

- The County 4-H Achievement Night was held on Nov. 10th, and winners were listed.

- A kitchen shower was given Nov. 23, for Mrs. Don THOMPSON, at the home of her aunt, Mrs. Dan MANGNER.  She was assisted by the bride’s mother, Mrs. Burdette JENKINS.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- Mr. and Mrs. Claude HIESTAND entertained several to an oyster fry and soup supper, Friday, in honor of their son, Mr. and Mrs. Walter HIESTAND and family, formerly of Indiana, but were here on their way to California where they will make their home.  Others enjoying the evening were: Mr. and Mrs. Virgil ROBINSON and family of Centralia; Mr. and Mrs. Sammie HIESTAND and family, Mr. and Mrs. Dan HIESTAND and daughters; Mr. and Mrs. James BRASEL and son, Ralph HIESTAND and Doris; Mr. and Mrs. Sammie LOWE and daughter, and Dick, Patsy, and Sandra DEADMOND.

- Burdette BRASEL met with a rather painful accident Monday morning by having his face burned with steam.  The daughter-in-law, Mrs. Bennie BRASEL, of Farina, had driven her car to the BRASEL home.  Before leaving Farina, Bennie had partially covered the radiator in order to get more heat in the car instructing his wife to have his dad to remove the cover.  Burdette lifted the hood and was reaching for the cover when the radiator cap blew off, striking him just above the eye and the steam from the radiator pours into his face.

- Miss Patty OLDEN celebrated her 15th birthday by having a party in her home on Nov. 24.  (A list of those attending was included.)

- The Kinmundy Teenagers enjoyed a party at the Legion Hall Friday night.  These parties are held once a month for the teenagers and are properly chaperoned by a legionnaire, the Legion Auxiliary committee and parents.

- Mr. and Mrs. George FEATHER celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary Sunday in the Legion Hall.  57 relatives and close friends partook in the potluck dinner.  During the afternoon, 35 more friends registered to pay their respects.  Louise PARRISH, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Page PARRISH, of Putnam, Ill., and George FEATHER, son of Mr. and Mrs. Hall FEATHER, of Kinmundy, were married in the Methodist Parsonage in Princeton, Ill. on Nov. 28, 1931.  Mr. PARRISH and Mr. FEATHER had formerly worked on the same farm near Mt. Paletine.  This is where the contracting parties became acquainted.  After their marriage, they set up housekeeping in Sparland, where the groom had employment.  The following spring they came to Kinmundy where George helped his father farm.   After 2 years, they returned to Sparland where they remained for 2 years.  Then they moved to Peoria where George was employed by the Caterpillar Co. For 11 years.  They came back to Kinmundy in Sept. 1945.  At the present, Mr. FEATHER is employed as custodian for the high school, and Mrs. FEATHER is in charge of the dry goods department of the Jesse GEORGE Store.  They have 5 lovely daughters: Mrs. Betty WHITE, Mrs. Dorothy DOOLEN, Mrs. Beverly HAWKEY, Mrs. Mary JONES, and Miss Kay, at home.  They also have 7 grandchildren.  Relatives from out of town attending included Mrs. FEATHER’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Page PARRISH, her sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Darrell JOHNSON, and her niece and nephew, Bonnie and Jim MANNON, all of Sparland; and the daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Charles HAWKEY, and family of Peoria.

- Miletus: Some from this vicinity attended the funeral services for Mrs. Annie MERRITT last Wednesday at the Meacham Baptist Church, Rev. Harold NEAL, officiating.

- Miletus: Services were held last Wednesday at Linton’s Funeral Home for Jack HOCKADAY. Brother Rufus GERKIN was the minister in charge, and burial was in Phillips Cemetery.

- Capt. Gene NICHOLS of Salem spent Wednesday with his uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Glen JOHNSON.  Capt. and Mrs. NICHOLS and family left Friday for England where they will make their home for some time.

Dec. 6, 1956:

- Mr. and Mrs. Orous I. LEACH and Mr. and Mrs. Harry DENNIS were in Louisville Monday attending the funeral of Frank COX, a nephew of Mr. and Mrs. LEACH.  He was killed in an accident while being taken to Champaign in an ambulance.

- The gas war which started in Salem a couple of weeks ago, has now spread to Kinmundy. Regular gasoline which sold at 30.5 cents was dropped to 24.6 cents per gallon Tuesday morning.  Ethyl gasoline which sold for 33.5 cents was dropped to 26.6 cents per gallon.  One of the local service station operators says that he expects the war to be of a long duration.  We believe this is one war that the public really welcomes.

- Mr. and Mrs. Peter ENGELHARDT and family have moved from Worth, Ill. in Cook county to what is known as the William JACK farm two miles east of Kinmundy.  The ENGELHARDTS recently purchased this farm from Mr. and Mrs. George KESSLER, who moved to a farm southwest of Louisville.  They have a son and daughter, both in grade school.

- Mr. and Mrs. John HAMMER will observe their Golden Wedding Anniversary Dec. 16 in South Bend, Ind.  They were married Dec. 24, 1906 in Kinmundy and made this their home for about 25 years.  The other 25 have been spent in South Bend.  Mr. HAMMER was a tonsorial artist by trade and owned his establishment for several years.  He recently retired from active duty and is now living the life of Riley.

- Sam ARNOLD, 81, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Richard LANGE, in Patoka, Tuesday.  He made his home with his daughter most of the time since his wife died 2½ years ago.  Mrs. LANGE had gone to town and was gone about one hour.  Upon returning home, she found him dead on the back porch.  He had fallen with a heart attack.  Services will be held from the Cox & Martin Funeral Home in Patoka, and interment in Sandy Branch Cemetery.

- The Kinmundy Fire Dept. was called out at 6 o’clock Tuesday morning to extinguish the flames from the Ernie HASSEBROCK truck parked behind the Illinois Central Depot.  This truck is used to transport a section crew to and from work.  A stove is in the truck to keep the riders comfortable.  In starting the fire, some kerosene on the floor became ignited.  The fire was confined to the bed of the truck and the flames were extinguished with very little damage being done.

- Robert Enno LIETZ was born Tuesday, son of Coach and Mrs. Enno LIETZ, who are rejoicing over the affair, more especially because they already have two girls. Mother, babe, and daddy are all doing fine.

- Meacham: Word was received Thursday of the death of Mrs. James FINNEY of Cedar Vale, Kansas, the last of September.  They were former residents of this community.

- Mrs. J.H. BACKENSTO of Hartford who spent the weekend here with her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth ATKINS, returned Sunday with her daughter, to spend a month with her.  They accompanied Miss Martha MORGAN on her return to Woodriver after spending the weekend here.

- A birthday dinner was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles MANGNER and daughter of Farina in honor of Miss Paulette’s 10th birthday. Those enjoying the dinner were Mrs. Thelma INGRAM of Salem, and Mr. and Mrs. Dan MANGNER and children, Paulette, Ann, and Sammie.

Dec. 13, 1956:

- Charles WILLIAMS, a student at Kinmundy Alma High School, received first high corn yield in the Hi Yield Corn growing contest for vocational agriculture students in FFA section 21 in Illinois.  Charles obtained his highest yield of 202.2 bushels per acre under the supervision of Virgil McKITRICK, vocational agriculture teacher at Kinmundy.  Charles was awarded $25 cash for winning 1st place in section 21.  He is a senior at KAHS, and he lives on a 200 acre farm with his family about 2 miles north of Kinmundy.

- On Dec. 7 in Glen Ellyn, Ill. occurred the marriage of Miss Barbara Anne HOWELL to John BEERY.  They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. Tom BEERY.  The bride is the second daughter of Mrs. Lola and the late Harold HOWELL, and is a senior in KAHS.  The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Guy BEERY, residing west of town.  He has just returned from overseas and is now located in Colorado near Colorado Springs.

- Mrs. Ollie BEARD LAMBORN of Chicago died in the Manteno Hospital, Monday, Dec. 3.  Services were held from the Linton Funeral Home with burial in Evergreen Cemetery.  She was a step-mother of Mrs. Lewella NEATHERY.

- Officers for the New Year were installed Saturday.  The installing officer was Miss Katherine WORMLEY; Marshal, Mrs. Cleo WESTPHAL of Farina; Chaplain, Mrs. Florence MAHAN; Organist, Mrs. Jessie VALLOW.  The acting retiring matron was Mrs. Florence BASSETT, patron was Charlie GAMMON.  Escorts for the evening were Carl DUNLAP, Fred GAMMON, and Clifton LEMAY.  The following were elected and installed: Worthy Matron, Marjorie BOYD; Worthy Patron, A.A. MALINSKY; Asso. Matron, Erma INGRAM; Asso. Patron, Clifton LEMAY; Sec., Paulene JOHNSON; Treas., Bertha CURRY; Warden, Effie ROBB; Sentinel, Stella WILKINSON; Organist, Bertha PRUETT; Marshal, Caroline YEAGER; Chaplain, Stella PRUETT; Conductress, Adina LEMAY; Asso. Conductress, Nora OLDEN; Adah, Katherine WORMLEY; Ruth, Effie CRAIN; Esther, Elizabeth DENNIS; Martha, Dorothy McCULLEY; Electa, Martha COLLIER.

- The BERNHARDT Hardware Store in St. Peter announces that they have finished remodeling their store, and they have twice as much display area as they formerly had.  The entire room which was occupied by O’DELLs Grocery has been added to their store giving them two large display rooms.  They are holding an open house on Dec. 14 and 15.

- Mr. and Mrs. Robert GEILER have purchased the residence property of Rev. and Mrs. A.C. MARTIN in the northeast part of the city.  They will move into the property soon.  Rev. and Mrs. MARTIN have purchased the Charles KELLER property just north of the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Dolph HAMMER.

- The fire department was called out to the Charles LOWE farm Wed. to help with a field fire which was out of control.  No serious damage was done.  At 4:30 a.m. Saturday, the department answered an SOS in Farina when a fire threatened some of the business places while the poultry house belonging to Oliver BROWN was burning.  The fire started from an unknown origin.  The building was a complete loss as well as the contents.  About 7000 chickens were burned.  When the department reached Farina, in a downpour of rain, the roof of the building was falling in and all it could do was play water on some of the neighboring buildings.

- Pleasant Grove: The Methodist Mens Meeting was held at Pleasant Grove Friday night.

- Miletus: Mr. and Mrs. Gerald WILKINSON and daughters, Rita Kaye and Karen Ann, Mr. and Mrs. Jack YATES and sons, Darrell, Danny, and Denzil, Mr. and Mrs. Otie TATE and children, Ronald, Russel, and Launa, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. WILCOXEN and son, Lindell, spent Sunday after church with their mother and grandmother, Mrs. Gertie MULVANEY and helped her celebrate her birthday which was Dec. 10.

- Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence SMITH, and Mr. and Mrs. Harold JONES and family of St. Charles, spent the weekend with Mr. and Mrs. Harry GRAY, Jr., and family Sunday afternoon.  They all attended the funeral in Salem of Mrs. GRAY’s grandmother, Mrs. Ida SMITH.

- Miss Betty FORD of Denver, Colo. and mother, Mrs. George FORD, visited Pvt. Kenneth FORD of Ft. Knox, Ky., Wed. and Thurs.  Kenneth, since their visit with them, has been transferred to Ft. Meade, Md.

- Mr. and Mrs. Raymond MAULDING attended funeral services of William OGLESBY in Patoka Friday.

- Army Pvt. Kenneth E. FORD, son of Mr. and Mrs. George E. FORD, Kinmundy, recently graduated from the automotive maintenance helpers course at Army’s Armor Training Center., Ft. Knox, Ky.  He entered the Army last July, and is a 1956 graduate of Kinmundy Alma High School.

- M. Sgt. and Mrs. George SHREFFLER and daughters of Limestone, Maine arrived Sunday to spend the Christmas holidays with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil SHREFFLER of Alma.  They are enroute to Ft. Worth, Texas, where he is stationed.      

Dec. 20, 1956:

- Fletcher COLE was displaying a rather large egg Saturday, which was laid by a white leghorn hen on Thursday previous.  The egg measured 7½ inches in circumference and 4-1/4 inches from tip to tip.  The egg weighed 4½ oz.  When asked about the hen, we were told she was dead.  She had killed herself laying.  So, if your old hens are not laying just consider that they don’t want to take the chance of killing themselves like this old hen did.

- A sixth annual birthday potluck dinner was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne ROBB and sons, Sunday.  The birthdays being remembered were those of Junior GARRETT, Wayne ROBB, Ed SHREFFLER and Charles BASSETT.  Those enjoying the dinner were Mr. and Mrs. Junior GARRETT and family, Mr. and Mrs. Charles BASSETT and children, and Mr. and Mrs. Wayne ROBB and sons.  Mr. and Mrs. Ed SHREFFLER and family were unable to be present.

- Mr. and Mrs. Frank LINDER and daughter, Peggy Sue, of Odin, accompanied by Mrs. LINDER’s father, Rosco OLDEN, attended a birthday dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ira MAY of Newton, Sunday.  The dinner was in honor of Mr. OLDEN’s foster mother, Mrs. Bertha WAGONER’s 79th birthday and also the birthdays of Mrs. MAY and Mrs. LINDER.

- Mr. and Mrs. Erwin CHEATUM attended a birthday party in honor of their granddaughter, Miss Karen Ann CHEATUM’s 7th birthday at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd CHEATUM of Effingham on Sunday.

- A Christmas program will be held at the Pleasant Grove Church south of Kinmundy, Christmas Eve.  The program will begin at 7:30 p.m.  The public is invited.

- A Boy!  Mr. and Mrs. Robert FORD are the proud parents of a son, born Wednesday, Dec. 12, in the Salem Memorial Hospital.  He weighed 7 lbs., 9 oz. and has been named Dale Mark.  The mother is the former Evelyn BASSETT.

- Gerald CHEADLE, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom CHEADLE of St. Peter, has enlisted in the Army.  He has been sent from Ft. Leonard, Mo., to Camp Carson, Colo. for his basic training.

- Mr. and Mrs. John HAMMER of South Bend, Ind. celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house on Sunday.  Their 3 daughters and families were present.  Three granddaughters of South Bend served refreshments, and another granddaughter from South Bend was at the guest book.  Mr. and Mrs. Howard HAMMER of this city attended the celebration.

- Roy DAVIS was elected Second Vice President of the Continental Illinois Bank and Trust Co.  He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J.L. DAVIS, former residents of this city.

- Mr. and Mrs. Jim PHILLIPS of Ft. Wayne, Ind. have a daughter born Dec. 15 in the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.  The mother is the former Helen ROBNETT.

- Mr. and Mrs. Scott HANKS of Sandoval have a daughter, Vickie Marlene, born Dec. 12 at Salem Hospital.  Her arrival makes 5 generations of girls in the family, namely: Mrs. Minnie CHARLTON of Odin; Mrs. Mary PARKER of Foster twp.; Mrs. Ellen PERGL of Alma; Mrs. Evelyn HANKS and daughter, Vickie Marlene, of Sandoval.

- Meacham: Paul Leon MERRITT and Miss Caroline INGRAM were married Dec. 10 at Salem and are now living in Olney, where he has employment.  The neighbors are having a shower in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ed INGRAM, Dec. 20.

- Miletus: Callers in the Jack YATES home Sunday night were Otis BROWN, Don HUDDLESTUN, Mrs. Gertie MULVANEY, and Mr. and Mrs. Otie TATE and children.  The men assisted Jack in moving several heavy pieces of furniture from the garage, where they have been making their home since their fire, into their home.

- Pleasant Grove: There will be a Christmas program at the Omega Church, Wed., Dec. 19th; at Lovell’s Grove, Friday, 21st; at Bee Branch, Saturday night, 22nd; and at Pleasant Grove, Christmas Eve.

- Miss Grace ARNOLD of Vandalia, D.A. ARNOLD of Salem, and Miss Ruby ARNOLD attended funeral services for their uncle, Cyrus ARNOLD, in Patoka Tuesday afternoon.

- CT 2 and Mrs. Harry BRASEL of Washington, D.C. arrived Saturday to spend his holiday leave with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Al FRIMEL of Odin, and Mr. and Mrs. Burdette BRASEL.

- Mrs. Richard WILLIAMS of Farina, and Mrs. Otto REESE attended funeral services of Cyrus ARNOLD in Patoka Thursday afternoon. 

Dec. 27, 1956:

- The winners in the home decorating contest, sponsored by the local Lions Club, were as follows: Mr. and Mrs. Virgil LIVESAY, 1st; Mr. and Mrs. Thurman McCULLEY, 2nd; Mr. and Mrs. Lenard LEWIN and Mr. and Mrs. Elwin INGRAM, 3rd. Mr. and Mrs. Chas. GAMMON and Mr. and Mrs. Fred SEE received honorable mention.

- A birthday party was held at the home of Mrs. Lucy CRAYS of Dieterich, Sunday, in honor of Mrs. F.A. MOTCH’s birthday.  Those attending the dinner were: Mr. and Mrs. John MOTCH and daughter, Maureen of Urbana, and Mr. and Mrs. F.A. MOTCH.  Mrs. F.A. MOTCH received a telephone call from her son, AD2 Richard MOTCH of Hawaii, Sunday evening.

- Mr. and Mrs. Wm. FURRY of St. Louis have a daughter born Dec. 24 named Glenda Mae.

- Mr. and Mrs. Lowell DISS, Leon and Jim entertained to a Christmas dinner of goose, baked ham, plum pudding and all the trimmings for many relatives. (A list of those attending was included.)

- Orville DISS, Jack DISS and Mrs. Charles BLOMBERG attended the funeral of their cousin, Mrs. Nora ALBERT, in Decatur, Friday.

- Marilyn Anne O’DELL and Frank BLACK were married in the local Methodist Church Sunday by Rev. A Vance COMER.  The bride is the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis J.T. O’DELL of our community.  The groom is the 5th son of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil BLACK of near Patoka.  The young couple are attending Southern Ill. Univ. in Carbondale.  Music was provided by Rev. Earl BLACK of Atlanta, Ga., brother of the groom.  Miss Kathleen O’DELL, sister of the bride, was maid of honor, and Miss Marie BLACK, sister of the groom, was bridesmaid.  Lyle BLACK of Patoka, brother of the groom, served as best man, and Lewis T. O’DELL, brother of the bride, served as groomsman.  Dean BLACK of Patoka, brother of the groom, and Carrol HUBBARD of Vandalia, cousin of the bride, served as ushers.  The reception was held in the basement of the church.  Serving were Miss Barbara DOOLEN, Miss Karen JONES, and Mrs. Bill JONES.  Miss Carolyn ALBERSON and Miss Clara BRASEL were in charge of the gifts, and Mrs. Lewis J. O’DELL, the guest book.

- Shirley Mae BEARD, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. BEARD, of Kinmundy, and ME 3 Robert Lee INGRAM, son of Mr. and Mrs. Owen LYBARGER, of Edgewood, were married Dec. 22 in the First Methodist Church in Key West, Florida.  Billy Del EDEN and Linda Ann EDEN, friends of the groom, were the attendants.  Since her graduation from Kinmundy Alma H.S. with the class of 1955, the bride has been employed with the Univ. of Ill. in Urbana.  The groom attended Effingham H.S. and joined the Navy in May 1954.  The couple will make their home in Key West for the present.

- The body of a marine identified as Pvt. Larry M. KIRK, about 20, Winslow, Ind., was found Wednesday morning by Ray INGRAM of this city, who operates an elevator at Greendale.  The body was in some weeds near the elevator.  The body was brought here to the Linton Funeral Home.  From all appearance, the boy had been shot at close range.  There was no purse in his pockets, but some money was found on his body.  The body had been dragged for about 30 feet.  The parents will arrive in Kinmundy today to identify and take charge of the body.  Marine Corps authorities are also on their way to investigate the death.  The lad was stationed in San Diego, Calif., and was on his way home for the Yule season.

- James “Bill” HEADLEY, 52, who lived 5 miles west of Kinmundy, died in St. Mary’s Hospital, Centralia, Dec. 22.  Services were held from the Linton Funeral Home, with Rev. Forrest CROUCH officiating.  Interment was made in Martin Cemetery.

- Mr. and Mrs. Earnest BASSETT celebrate Golden Wedding, Dec. 23: On Dec. 19, 1906, Miss Edna LAMB, 18, and Earnest BASSETT, 24, both of Polk county, Ark., were married in the Court House in Mena by the Rev. Tom LACEY.  The bride was the daughter of Hase and Mira LAMB, and the groom was the son of Henry and Mary BASSETT.  In 1918, Mr. and Mrs. Henry BASSETT, and Mr. and Mrs. Earnest BASSETT came to this community where they engaged in farming.  They have lived in this community since.  However, the elder Mr. and Mrs. BASSETT have passed on.  On Dec. 23, Mr. and Mrs. Earnest BASSETT celebrated their golden wedding by having a family dinner at the noon hour and then holding open house during the afternoon.  The children were the hosts for the happy gathering.  They were privileged to have all of their children and grandchildren with them for the occasion.  There are 4 children, namely, Miss Lora, St. Louis; Charles O., Mt. Vernon; James, Bethalto; and Lawrence, Mt. Vernon; 3 daughters-in-law, and 4 grandchildren.  Both Mr. and Mrs. BASSETT are enjoying fairly good health, and are expecting to have more anniversaries.  There were a total of 60 callers at the farm home northwest of Kinmundy, Sunday.  The couple received 97 cards.  They received many gifts, including a money tree upon which grew 118 new one dollar bills.

- Mr. and Mrs. Joe MIDDLETON have purchased the residence property of Mr. and Mrs. Bert GARRETT.  Mr. and Mrs. GARRETT are now looking for a new place to live.   

- Meacham: Herman SOLDNER and Mr. and Mrs. Ira MERRITT attended the funeral services for Mr. HASSEBROCK, Wednesday.

- A picture was included of the 1956-57 Kinmundy Alma Community Unit School Band.

- A public sale flyer was printed for the Charles JOHNSON property, what is known as the George LENHART farm located 1 and 1 /4 miles west of the Kinmundy-Patoka Blacktop road and 1/4 mile south. 

 

Please note!!! The articles on this web site were originally reported in weekly editions of "The Kinmundy Express" (also known at one time as "The Marion County Express") which are now located on microfilm at the Illinois Historical Library in the Microfilm Depository in Springfield, Illinois. Please note that the gleanings listed within this compilation do NOT represent entire articles in most cases, but instead, general and summarized information with special interest being focused upon data which is significant to genealogical research.

Compiled, transcribed, and printed by Dolores Ford Mobley. (2009) Questions, comments, suggestions should be directed to the e-mail address below.    Permission to copy,  is requested.

Red Line

Home Home         "Gleanings" Home       Dolores' Family Tree  

Red Line

Updated: 09/01/11                               Mailbox Comments? Dolores@ford-mobley.com