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: Jan. 13, 1999

The new park slated for 24-40 and Main took one step closer to completion last week when a representative from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks presented Mayor Herb Robbins with a check for $10,000. This money is matched by the Recreation Commission and is designated specifically for the construction of three soccer fields at the site.

Pam Jeannin is pictured on the front page, skiing. She says she tries to get out on her skis whenever the snow falls.

The Leavenworth County Annex stands below the Tonganoxie water tower. It’s been there much longer than the towering steel structure that supplies water to the city – about nine years longer. But giving directions to the County Annex just got a lot simpler.

Daniel’s Bar-B-Q advertises every Wednesday and Sunday Slabs of ribs for $8.50.

50 years ago: Jan. 17, 1974

Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Stephenson Jr., wish to announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Sheri Lynn, to Mr. Charles Ussery, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ussery. The wedding date has been set for July 21, 1974.

Calvin H. Quisenberry has recently completed all state examinations at the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science and is a fully licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. He is now associated with his father, C. Hervey Quisenberry, in the family business which has served the Tonganoxie area for 29 years.

A banner year with plans for expansion and re-election of officers and directors were key items on the agenda for the annual meeting of the First State Bank at Tonganoxie. Bill Stephenson, bank president, reported that First State Bank’s total resources grew $1 1/2 million during 1973 and the bank’s total topped $9 million for the first time before the end of the year. The First State Bank confirmed final plans have been approved and contracts let that more than double the size of the present bank. This includes an addition west of the present building and a drive-up addition to the south of the bank. The bank has purchased the Laming Tice building and is having it razed to make way for the new building. The bank moved into the present building in 1972.

Linda Denholm became the bride of Roderick Sturgeon on December 30 at the United Methodist Church.

The all-new Leavenworth County map is available now for $1.50 at The Tonganoxie Mirror.

75 years ago: Jan. 13, 1949

A terrible tragedy occurred this week at the Raymond and Lillian Slawson farm. Two of their children, Kenneth, age 12 and Gary, age 5 drowned in an ice covered pond. Mr. Slawson and others tried valiantly to rescue the two boys but were unsuccessful. Many neighbors and family members rushed to their aid. Another son, Edward fell through the ice but was pulled out by his mother and older brother. He has recovered but is shaken up. The young boys are survived by their parents and other siblings.

Our city has been hit with a three-inch ice and sleet storm requiring the services of our city snow blade. Children have been walking to school on any dry patch that they can see.

Two movies destined to become classics are showing at the Royal Theatre this week. Cary Grant in “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House” and Danny Kaye in “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.”  These are sure to be fan favorites.

As reported earlier in the fall, Byron Denholm had suffered a severe break in his leg. Readers may recall that this poor young man went out for football and was injured on the first play of his first game. He had his cast removed this week and we are sure he won’t want to play again.

Gerber baby food is on sale this week at IGA market at the low price of 12 jars for $1.00. Many stock up canned items are advertised. Check out their low prices. By the way, Zoellners is selling bacon for $.35 a pound!

100 years ago: Jan. 19, 1924

At the services at the Friends church last Sunday evening, which was the conclusion of a three week revival meeting, the minister, Rev. A. J. Haworth, acknowledged the receipt of a communication and donation of $25.00 from the Tonganoxie Ku Klux Klan.

The donation was enclosed in an envelope addressed to the Friends Church, and enclosed was a note with the following wording: “In appreciation of the work of the Friends church we respectfully tender the enclosed $25 to assist in defraying expenses. Ku Klux Klan of Tonganoxie.” Rev. Haworth thanked the Klan from the pulpit for the donation.

A new Douglas County fair board was elected Saturday afternoon, Jan. 5th, at a meeting of the old board at the Chamber of Commerce meeting. Members of the new board were selected from Douglas, Jefferson, and Leavenworth counties. Under the new organization a larger community fair is planned for next fall.

Those selected include Theodore Jean McKone of Tonganoxie and William Heynen of Tonganoxie.

The organization will meet tomorrow, and plans made for this year’s fair.

With the territory for the fair extended to Jefferson and Leavenworth counties it is hoped that this year the fair will be a success.

125 years ago: Jan. 19, 1899

Smith and Jones, the convicts who escaped from the Kansas penitentiary Thursday night, were captured by three farmers living near Easton Tuesday morning. The convicts called at the house of a farmer for something to eat. They were seen hiding in a haystack and it was thought they were escaped convicts.

Three farmers decided to capture them, Smith surrendered without resistance, but Jones made a fight with a long knife which he had made while working in the penitentiary blacksmith shop. One of the farmers filled his back with bird shot. Jones was not dangerously wounded, but the shot caused him to surrender.

The convicts had on good time suits and were of rid of the prison numbers on their back. They denied being escaped prisoners and persisted in this denial until recognized by Deputy Warden Gable. The farmers earned a reward of $100.