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: Dec. 20, 2000

A deep December snowfall and school cancellation last Wednesday gave children a chance to test the slopes at the rural home of Kerry and Manette Holton. Erin Holton said between cousins and other friends, about 14 youngsters took turns sliding down the hill. “After we got through the drifts, we really got going,” she said. And when it came time for a warmup, all went inside for hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls.

Ice and snow last week caused school officials to cancel classes Monday through Thursday. On Friday, classes were cancelled at 12:30 p.m., because of the weather.

Among the letters that area children mailed to Santa Claus, a few stood apart. One, in particular, struck a chord. It was a short, but wonderful request, written in pencil by a Tonganoxie girl. And it should touch even the most cynical of hearts. Addressed to Santa Claus, Santa Street, North Pole, U.S.A. 24025, it said: “Dear Santa, For Christmas, I just want you to make sick or injerd pepol feel better. Love, Hayley W.”

It’s time to get Star Struck. Tonganoxie’s Star Struck Dance Center, 504½ E. Fourth, is geared up for a fun-filled year of tap, ballet, pointe, tumbling, cheerleading, piano playing, and voice lessons. But none of it would be possible with owner Cynthias Starcher, 22. Since she was a little girl, dance has been an integral part of her life. Now she and five others teach various classes Monday through Thursday evenings and on Saturday mornings.

50 years ago: Dec. 10, 1975

Jeanne Seymour was named Miss FHA-Hero at the District Fall Conference held at Baldwin High School. Jeanne is a junior at Tonganoxie High School and is the Chapter president of the Future Homemakers of America. She will compete for the state title at the FHA-Hero state meeting to be held at Topeka.

Mike Mahoney has been chosen to travel with the Continental Singers and Orchestra during their 1976 summer touring season. Mike is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kennth E. Mahoney. He will tour through Holland, Switzerland and Germany. Before touring, Mike and other singers will meet in Los Angeles for a ten-day rehearsal period.

Jeremy Meadows, seven-month old son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Meadows, will be making his television debut. Jeremy will be appearing in the Muehlebach Flower Shop commercials. Jeremy’s mother said that she and her husband used to work at the shop. When a baby was needed for the commercial, they got the call. Jeremy is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Don Dooley and Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Aye, both of Tonganoxie.

The cooperation of rural and suburban postal customers in helping to keep private roads passable and approaches to mail boxes clear during the coming winter months was requested today by Postmaster John W. White. People should be aware that failure to clear paths to mail boxes promptly after heavy snows may temporarily prevent carriers from making deliveries.

Tonganoxie Chief of Police Larry Smith said nine incidents of serious crimes were investigated by the Tonganoxie Police Department in November. The crimes included five cases of criminal damage to property, two thefts, one burglary and theft, and an unfounded break-in. Some of the cases had been 75 by the apprehension of seven juveniles.

75 years ago: Dec. 14, 1950

And just like that, we’re warm again. After last week’s ice and wind, we have a warm southerly breeze confusing birds and all walks of life. Go, figure!

A GI student says that after years of trying to save your blasted neck, it seems inconsequential knowing where to put a semi colon.

The total of posted land continues to grow and now covers approximately 87 farms, or 10,000 acres. About 800 game refuge posters have been distributed for farms in southern Leavenworth County. 

The Community Club seems to be rejuvenated with reorganization of the members. Block and area captains will report on a single block in town or an area outside the business district. It will now be more similar to a community forum rather than a club and appears to set well with younger men. Any and all city residents are eligible to belong with no paid memberships. No set dues and the focus will be on community spirit and projects. A request has been made to recruit younger people to keep ideas fresh

The happiest kids on your block will have television under the tree this Christmas morning. Television is moving faster than you think with child performers, athletic events, make believe, orchestras, and comedy.

Your kids will love it!

100 years ago: Dec. 10, 1925

Friday evening of this week December 11th, at the High School Building the formal opening will be celebrated. Every room in the building both the old part, which was remodeled , and the new annex will be on exhibit together with the specimens of the work being done in some of the departments. There has been arranged a short program for this occasion which will begin at 8 o’clock. The entertainment is free and everybody is invited to be present and look over and talk about the new Rural High School building of which the town and community may be justly proud. The house warming date has been one that has been looked forward to with interest for some time and was to be fixed when the seats for the auditorium were in readiness. The seats arrived here Tuesday and all will be in place for Friday evening. The P. T. A. will serve a cafeteria luncheon in the Domestic Science room to all who hunger or thirst and the sum thus obtained will be added to the piano fund. The plans for the purchase of the new piano for the auditorium will also be explained at this time, that a clearer understanding may be had by all. Everyone welcome.

In almost every store window in Tonganoxie the spirit of Christmas is radiating forth in decorations and in appropriate gift suggestions, and within the business houses some very beautiful decorations some of them quite novel, may be seen. Take the time to visit the different stores and see the decorating and while enjoying the beauty of these surroundings make your gift selections from good assortments.

Walter Zoellner and family have moved to their new residence property on Second Street.

Aprons, Pillow slips, luncheon sets, dresser scarfs, and various kinds of fancy work for sale at the Library Bazaar, Saturday, at Zellner’s Store.

125 years ago: Dec. 20, 1900

This day, Dec. 13, 1900, the partnership existing between J.B. Griffith, R. Millar, and J.S. Dixon, is mutually dissolved by J.S. Dixon selling out to J.B. Griffith and R. Millar, of Tonganoxie, Kas., who will continue the business of undertaking and embalming as heretofore. They will assume all debts contracted by the original firm. Place of business three doors north of the bank. We have a full stock of coffins and caskets at reasonable prices. Hearse free.

An entertainment will be given by the high school department soon after the holiday vacation.

The class in English Literature is at present making a critical study of Tennyson’s poems. Much interest is being taken by this class in the study of the master of poetical art.

An interesting reading circle has been maintained by the teachers of Tonganoxie and vicinity. The books studied are those adopted by the State Reading Circle Board.

There will be two weeks’ vacation during the holidays. We hope vacation may be an enjoyable time for both teachers and pupils and that everyone may return to school with a determination to do earnest work during the remainder of the year.

Kansas City is full of smallpox this winter. It behooves surrounding towns to be on their guard against this dread malady.

The Creamery paid 22 cents for November butter fats Saturday. The fine weather which keeps up a good milk flow, has a tendency to keep prices down, but the above figures are good just the same.

An interesting Christmas Eve programme is being prepared for the entertainment Christmas Eve at the Methodist Church. One interesting feature will be the Christmas tree. The exercises will begin at 7:30 p.m. A cordial invitation to all.