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: Oct. 4, 2000

There’s no doubt about it — there are more deer in Kansas than there used to be. For example, in 1965, Kansas issued 4,575 permits to hunt deer. This year the state is making available 161,000 permits.While these numbers show an increase in the deer population and in the hunting of the animals, the increased number of deer also reflects a now-common driving hazard — running into a deer. In 1999, Leavenworth County ranked ninth out of the 106 counties in Kansas deer-related accidents that have been reported. Leavenworth County’s count last year reached 231, slightly down from the 1998 total of 263. Nearby Johnson County topped the 1999 list, showing 368 deer-related vehicle accidents. Douglas County came in at 258.

Tonganoxie artist Mary Jane Grinter will participate in the Kansas City Artists Coalition Open Studios from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, in the Hobbs warehouse, Kansas City, Mo.

The Reno Township Fire Department will host an open house on Oct. 14. Heartland Fire and Safety of Lawrence will be on hand for free inspections of portable fire extinguishers. Recharging will be available, along with maintenance and hydro testing.

50 years ago: Oct. 2, 1975

The Women’s Christian Temperance Union met in the American Legion Building. Items concerning alcohol and drugs was the topic of roll call.

The Tonganoxie high school band was one of about 100 marching musical organizations who were guests at the University of Kansas’ 29th annual Band Day. The bands paraded in downtown Lawrence in the morning and were guests of the University at the KU Oregon State football game in the afternoon. During halftime the entire group of guests performed. Director of the Tonganoxie band is Bob Hensley.

On Sunday, somewhere in the world 2,400 people died from lack of food. During those four hours Tonganoxie had some 46 people of all ages walking or riding bicycles for CROP. CROP is the community hunger appeal of Church World Service, and more than 100 Kansas Communities sponsored walks.

A 28 year-old Tonganoxie man, retired for disability from the Kansas National Guard will be honored at a joint meeting of the Henry Leavenworth Chapter, U.S. Army and the Navy League. Corp. James H. Rogers, who lost both his legs above the knee during Vietnam combat in February of 1969 will be presented the Henry Leavenworth Chapter’s Patriot of the Year Award. Rogers was a member of the Guard’s 69th Infantry Brigade when it was mobilized in May of 1968 for the Vietnam conflict. He was wounded while participating in combat operations to protect a landing zone for air evacuation of two wounded comrades. He was evacuated and later returned to the United States and discharged in October 1969. He is active in veteran’s organizations and received many medals for his service.

Effective November 4, the Tonganoxie Mirror will go to a Wednesday publication.

Hunter’s Restaurant will become the Hunter House. The restaurant is now under new management. Bill Cowden has taken over a lease on the establishment. He is a professional restaurant and food service man. Mr. and Mrs. Roger Miller will be managing the steak house. Cowden says that although Miller does not play the guitar, people will be delighted with his food and menus.

The town of Reno was originally settled just after the Civil War by three brothers. They were George W., Bill and Jim Phenicie. All had been soldiers in the Union Army. The name of the town came from a Union Army general, General Reno. In 1870 Reno was bigger than Tonganoxie.

75 years ago: October 5, 1950

Frost is on the pumpkins and temperatures are down to near 40 this week.   October is here and leaves are falling all around.

Sgt. Leonard M. Talley of Linwood who reenlisted in the Army in 1946 has been killed in action.  Officials notified his wife of his death that occurred in Korea.  Sgt. Talley had served in WWII with General Patton’s Army in Europe. Our sympathy to his family.

The THS Chieftains racked up another great win over the Lawrence football team with a 28-0 victory.  Scoring was divided between Jack Campbell, John Dickinson, Bill Sheppard, Don Carbaugh and Herb Smith. The football game this week has been moved to Thursday night in order to get some officials.

Napoleon Boone, the grandson of the famous frontiersman, Daniel Boone was the first white child born in Kansas.  His family settled on the north bank of the Kaw River in Jefferson County.  His father was brought here to teach the principles of agriculture to the Kansas Native Tribes.  

100 years ago: September 24, 1925

The first meeting of the season of the Parent-Teachers Association will be held on Friday evening of this week, September 25th, at the Grade School building. The meeting will begin promptly at 8 o’clock. Following a short business meeting and musical program an informal reception will be held to meet all the teachers and become better acquainted. Refreshments will be served by a committee in charge during the evening. Everybody, both men and women, who are interested in our schools are urged to come whether you have a child in school or not. Do your part and boost for the P.T.A.

The O. Davis Coffee Shop east wall has been adorned with a beautiful painted scene. The work was done by a stranger who was in town a few days last week.

Thursday of last week a picnic and barbecue was held in Klan Park by the Ku Klux Klan. Basket dinners and the excellent barbecue meat together with hot and cold drinks procured at the big stand furnished all with an abundance to satisfy their hunger and thirst. During the afternoon an able address was given by a national lecturer and a few contests, etc. were enjoyed. There was also a small novelty stand on the grounds with badges, etc. for sale. In the evening the Bonner Springs band furnished music, there was a wrestling match and another good speaker on the program. There was acrobatic stunts and tumbling by several boys of Lawrence; and also singing led by Lawrence folks interspersed through the evening’s program. The evening crowd was considerable larger than during the day, and many remarked that if it had not been held on the big day of the Topeka State Fair that the grounds would not have been large enough to hold the crowd that would have been in attendance. Everyone reported a good time.

125 years ago: October 4, 1900

At Laming’s Hall on Tuesday evening, Oct. 16, the ladies of the Tonganoxie Library Association will have a basket social for the purpose of replenishing the library pocketbook. Among the many attractions for that evening will be a cake walk by home talent, one or two solos by our celebrated lady whistler, and, last but not least, a wonderful hypnotic performance positively the “funniest show on earth” given by home talent. Admission at the door, 10 ct. Baskets auctioneered off to the highest bidder. Come and help the Public Library Association.

The spot where the fire swept over last week, makes an unsightly gap on Fourth Street, but it will not long remain that way. The Zoellner-Wark Mercantile Co., own 50×113 feet of ground on the corner and every square foot of it will be covered with buildings. Whan the contemplated structures are erected they will have more room, than before the fire. Work on a warehouse will begin at once or as soon as the necessary labor can be secured. The new warehouse will be considerably larger than the old. The dimensions will be 40×50. The height of one story, and a basement beneath. The walls will be of brick. The warehouse will stand where the old one stood, and the enlargement will be made toward the south. The season is already too far advanced to build the storerooms contemplated on the corner. The plans for the storerooms have not been outlined and probably will not be until spring.

Notice is hereby given that E.A. Wood has purchased the stock and business of the firm of V.A. & E.A. Wood, and that the partnership of said firm has been dissolved this 24th day of September, 1900. V.A. Wood, E.A. Wood.