Editor’s note: To capture time accurately, language from the past generally is left unchanged. This may result in some antiquated or out-of-use language from time to time. We try to maintain the exact wording when possible, but edits are occasionally made for the sake of brevity or because such wording isn’t acceptable today.

25 years ago: July 29, 1998

The Tonganoxie Public Library is preparing to automate its book checkout system this summer, switching from card catalogs to computers. The library is also expanding its information resources by adding a resource area with four computers.

Kansans’ fun at county fairs can make life difficult for the state reptile. The problem isn’t the midway or the exhibit buildings. Instead, it’s the box turtle races some county fairs offer for sport, prizes and/or fund-raising.

The box turtle can live up to 30 years. Its spinal cord is attached to the shell. The turtle has nerves and a very good sense of touch over the entire shell. Paint and dye markings contain chemicals that can poison turtles.

“Like all Kansas wildlife, box turtles are protected,” said Charles Lee, K-State Research and Extension wildlife specialist. Lee also noted that “Turtles that live around water are particularly prone to transmitting salmonella. That’s why you don’t see many little water turtles for sale in pet stores anymore. But any turtle can carry the bacteria.”

50 years ago: July 26, 1973

Carol Denholm, a spring graduate of Tonganoxie High School, has been invited to participate in the Kansas State University home economics honors program. Carol was a Kansas Honor student and received a Union Pacific scholarship and a Beatty Valedictorian scholarship.

Kenneth von Achen of Eudora, a Kansas City architect, designed the water spectacle at Royal Stadium in Kansas City, which was first demonstrated Saturday night. It is a large fountain with colored lighting, said to be the only one of its kind in the United States.

Robert W. (Bob) Turner is getting attention state-wide in the State’s First All-Star football game for charity at Cessna Stadium in Wichita. He will play as a back on the East Kansas Team. It is a State Jaycee Cerebral Palsy Sports Classic.

In a move to keep up with rising costs, the City Council Monday night raised water and sewer rates for Tonganoxie.

Sometime during the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 25th the office of Dr. David F. Parker, at 325 Bury St., was broken into. The thief or thieves kicked in several doors and ransacked the office. According to an inventory only a small amount of drugs were taken. An investigation is being carried out by local officials along with assistance from the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Department. The same night Tonganoxie Auto Parts, at the corner of 3rd and Bury, owned by Kenny Hardy was broken into and some change was taken. The building was entered through a window. It is believed that youth knowing where the cigar box (which contained the change) was kept are the offenders and that the two incidents are not connected.

75 years ago: July 22, 1948

In the next three months, over 300 farms will receive electricity for the first time. Like all new things, there will be a learning curve in using this service. Always take care when moving buildings or high objects such as loaded hayracks under wires. Fallen wires should never be touched. Pitch forks and dry boards are not sufficient when dealing with high voltage. Do not fasten telephone wires or fences to the poles of the system. Please contact the cooperative personnel for assistance.

Yonally Bakery is having a special opening on July 24 with a presentation of their new soda fountain and restaurant fixtures. Arctic Pure Vanilla Ice Cream will be available for in store eating or taking some home. They have handy refrigerator cartons for all their delicious flavors. Ice Cream Sodas will be just $.09 with no limit! The bakery department will have cakes, cookies, rolls, bread, and pastries available too.

The Kansas United Dry Forces are pushing for a state tax on liquor sellers to combat the alcoholism that liquor can cause. Only one state in the union, Connecticut, taxes sellers. They declare that this is not a prohibition movement but a way to help clean up the damage.

100 years ago: July 26, 1923

Committees were recently appointed by the Chambers of Commerce and Commercial Clubs of Topeka, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Kansas City, and Tonganoxie, to arrange for a celebration of the completion of the Fort to Fort concrete road connection all the cities named. A meeting was called for one o’clock last Friday at the Myers House to start the preliminary plans for the celebration.

The members of the various committees took hold of the project with vim, and the date of the picnic was set for Thursday, September 21st. The picnic ground will be just north of town in the Denholm and Condensery groves.

Whether an old-fashioned barbecue will be held will depend on whether sufficient donations can be secured for that purpose. An effort will be made to have four bands, present, one from each town that has a band. Plans are also on foot to get Secretary of Agriculture Wallace here to deliver the principal address, for it is his department that supervises all federal road construction. The governors of Kansas and Missouri are also to be invited.

It was decided to appoint a number of committees to have charge of the arrangements for the picnic. The next meeting will be Thursday, August 2,1923, at which time the committee appointments will be announced.

As the affair is to be held in Tonganoxie, local people were selected as officers to head the general committee. William Heynen was elected chairman and Dr. J.M. Mott secretary.

A committee will meet with Senator Capper today to enlist his efforts to get Secretary Wallace to respond to the invitation to take part in the celebration.

125 years ago: July 28, 1898

Jarbalo Jottings – Mr. and Mrs. Siefert, August Lange, and Mrs. Somers left Monday for an extended visit to their old home in Germany, which they have not seen for twenty years. They will leave New York on the steamer Kaiser Wilhelm Der Grosse. Their many friends wish them a successful voyage and a pleasant visit.

Springdale Scraps – Little Ruth Miller entertained a number of her friends Monday afternoon in commemoration of her 5th birthday.

J.J. Allingham, one of the pioneer settlers of Leavenworth County, died at this home at Reno last Friday morning. His remains were laid to rest in the Reno cemetery.

The man who boasts that he works with his head instead of his hands is respectfully reminded that the woodpecker does the same thing and is the biggest king of bore.

Humphrey Kirkpatrick is elated over the arrival of a boy Monday night.