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: March 21, 2001

As rain fell Wednesday night, Larry Duarte worried about his parents. He was concerned that the Leavenworth County couple would be stranded at their rural home, perched along Stranger Creek, just north of McIntyre Road. As it turned out, Duarte was right. The road leading to his parents’ home flooded. Because his parents have no telephone, Duarte tried to find a boat to reach the house. But, he was unsuccessful. So, Thursday afternoon he called the sheriff’s office, which, in turn, sent out a call to the county’s new water rescue team. Several team members answered the call, and they waded in waist-deep flood waters nearly a half-mile – to reach Leonard and Kathy Duarte. They then brought the couple, along with their dog, to safety in inflatable rafts. The couple was safe and more than happy to leave their island home.

Duke Energy North America is considering bringing a power plant to Leavenworth County. The plant requires 30 acres, but the company is looking for at least 120 acres to create a buffer zone. The plant requires: water, which is part of the steam generation process; pipelines to bring in natural gas; and transmission lines to send the electricity out.

Area residents are encouraged to attend an informational meeting about revisions planned for the Leavenworth County Comprehensive Plan at 7 p.m. next Wednesday at the Tonganoxie High School Auditorium. County Planning Director, John Zoellner, wants to address the issue of good hard-surfaced roads running north and south in the western part of the county, near Tonganoxie.

50 years ago: March 25, 1976

The industrial arts class at the high school is looking for persons interested in having small storage sheds or garages built. Anyone interested should contact their instructor, Steve Hughes.

Mrs. Bertha McGraw will be honored with a party celebrating her 90th birthday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Billy McGraw. The celebration is being given by her children and grandchildren.

Richard Ward Fatherley announced plans to file for election to the Kansas Second Congressional District. His work in radio broadcasting and advertising sales brought him to this area in 1973. He is running due to his concerns about massive federal incursion into all levels of state and local government, into the affairs of business people, into our personal lives and into the election process.

Bob McCaffrey, Robin Jones, and Harold Pape have been selected to participate in the American Legion Boys’ State.

Although the blood drive banner over Fourth Street was battered, town down by a wind storm and repainted, it still proclaimed the annual blood drive for citizens of USD 464. The drive was a success as 145 pints were received to exceed the 136 pint quota. Dave Steeples, Sandy Coulter and Shirley Tice were some of the people who donated blood. Shirley Tice says that it really is not so bad. Besides, you get orange juice and cookies when you are done. Dr. Richard Dean, a Kiwanis spokesman for the drive, termed it, “the best effort we have ever had.”

The Lenahan family held a family dinner and reunion to honor the 91st birthday of Mrs. Lucille Lenahan.

The Flame of Freedom, received from Betty Ford, honorary president of Girl Scouts of America during the National Council session, was passed on to local community representatives in an impressive ceremony at the Tonganoxie Grade School.

75 years ago: March 22, 1951

This is just about the time when fishing and gardening ideas begin to take shape. Hope the weather stays nice like it is and we can breeze right into Spring. The horticulture farm says that it is actually a good time to plant strawberries. March plants make more vigorous growth and start sending out runner plants sooner. This was published in the Kansas State College information brochure.

A letter from a local soldier, E.L. Ward, reports, “In all my traveling in WWII, I thought I had seen unbearable suffering but this place takes it all. These people here are pitiful-most of them are homeless and never get a decent meal.” He is describing conditions in Korea.

Mr. Pat Gallagher, one Irish resident here has turned 91 with a celebration at the home of his son. Mr. Harry Gallagher hosted an open house party for friends and relatives of this pre- centenarian.  Pat is probably the oldest person now residing in Tonganoxie.

There are numerous Easter items for sale in and around town. Get washable gloves for the fashionable lady at Weaver’s store. They come in a variety of colors and are $2.00 a pair. Bonnets for the little miss are on sale at Modern Dollar Store here in town. Beautiful Easter lilies can be delivered from the Tonganoxie Greenhouse. Hams and cake mixes are available at your local grocers. Get inspired with Revival music and preaching at the Tonganoxie Christian Church.

100 years ago: March 18, 1926

Last Saturday, March 11th, being the tenth birthday anniversary of Almeda Barber, a birthday party was arranged by Etta Angell and Elwyn Ratliff and seventeen guests gathered at her home to celebrate the occasion in the afternoon from 2 until 5 o’clock. Games were enjoyed and radio music were the entertainments enjoyed. Refreshments were served by Mrs. Barber assisted by Etta and Elwlyn. Almeda was the recipient of many pretty gifts.

Tonganoxie Lodge No. 390 I.O.O.F. will be 35 years old April 17.

There are four of the original charter members living, they are Thos Davidson, John C. Davidson, W.C. Collins and John Barber, and they are still holding membership in Tonganoxie lodge. At the meeting, Tuesday of last week it was decided to celebrate the anniversary of the institution of the lodge, and these four faithful old members of the lodge who so faithfully guided No. 390 through the dangers of its infancy and the years that followed. On the night of April 30th, the Odd Fellows, Rebekahs and their families will gather at the hall to celebrate the event with refreshments and a program. It is hoped to secure the attendance of some of the grand officers, and other prominent Odd Fellows, who will give some interesting talks.

Mrs. Thelma Hinds Bollinger, wife of Mrs. E.F. Bollinger, of Tonganoxie, and a member of both the Kansas City and the Chicago Musical clubs, is the only Kansas Citian with a role in “The Miracle” in Chicago. She has the part of a nun. Mrs. Bollinger is a contralto and has opportunity to use her unusually fine voice in this role. An edition of the Kansas City Times last Saturday carried a picture of Mrs. Bollinger in this role.

125 years ago: March 28, 1901 

Mrs. E.Q. Cox entertained the Cooking Club and a few friends very pleasantly Wednesday afternoon. The next regular meeting of the cooking club will be with Mrs. R.F. Slaughter. 

The regular meeting of the Tonganoxie Public Library Association will be held Tuesday, April 2nd. Members, please come provided with quotations from Shakespeare. 

One of the funniest things on the road is “Around the World in 80 Minutes” given by that clever comedian John Thompson.  It is to be given in Laming’s Hall tomorrow evening. The performance is said to be funny from beginning to end. 

A three-year-old child of J.G. Henry who is a blacksmith for Will Jameson, and lives on Pleasant Street, was nearly choked to death last Thursday evening, by getting a screw about an inch long fastened in its throat. The screw could not be extracted and was finally forced down. Blood squirted out of the little one’s mouth as this was done. The child was all right again the next day. 

The pupils of the Hazel Ridge school will give an entertainment and box social at the schoolhouse Friday, March 29. In case of inclemency of the weather, it will be postponed until April 2.