125 Years Ago: 1901
Rider agents were wanted in Elmo. Rider agents were people who would test out new bicycle types that were being manufactured. The riders could make $10 to $50 dollars a week and just had to ride around and model the different bikes for local residents to see.
A 19-year-old boy was out grazing his horses in north Maryville when one of them became frightened and ran away. The boy had been reading a book with his wrist fastened to the horse with a tether. He was dragged half a mile and was skinned from head to foot. Despite his state, his injuries were not regarded as serious.
Another young man was also injured in Maryville this week. In a shocking accident, the man was asleep in bed when the lightning struck the house, tore a hole in the roof, and shattered the bed. He seemed to be uninjured, perhaps because the feather bed acted as a non-conductor.
75 Years Ago: 1951
The mayor proclaimed that it was Poppy Day and urged full observance from the whole town of Maryville. Citizens were urged to wear a memorial poppy. Mayor Clyde Roberts had the idea to set aside this day and explained that the wearing of the poppy is an individual tribute to the memory of the United States war dead. He wanted to do this because Memorial Day was approaching, and he thought Poppy Day would be a good way to start this remembrance.
The Air Force school was extended at Northwest Missouri State College. It was extended for three more months because more people wanted to join the program. Around 300 airmen would be in training on the campus and will leave in various places in the community.
A twenty-five-year-old man from Quitman was sentenced to two years in the Missouri State Penitentiary after he pleaded guilty to a charge of forgery. He had previously served time in the penitentiary for forgery. The sentence this time was given for forging a check for $35.
50 Years Ago: 1976
Public consumer hearings were scheduled in Maryville for residents to talk about certain topics such as water purity, antacids, airports, and matchbooks. These hearings provided a way for the people of Maryville to put their two cents in about these topics.
Advertisements appeared for sales of women’s pants at $10.90, $8.90 for swimsuits, and $7 for two knit tops. Used cars could be bought for $500 to $2,000.
This year had been the year of the car in Maryville. The demand for cars exceeded everyone’s estimates, and it was hard to tell just how popular they were going to become. The demand for cars already had caused gas prices to skyrocket, and there was some fear about what all of this would mean for the future.