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 15, 2000

Nancy Smith’s gardening endeavors interest more than just her 300 newsletter subscribers. Smith, her historical gardens and her quarterly newsletter, “Back in Thyme,” about old-fashioned ornamental plants will be featured in the May/June edition of Midwest Living.

Last week, when Dan Seitter climbed a ladder to adjust a new streetlamp, part of Tonganoxie’s downtown renovation project, he reminded me of Robert Louis Stevenson’s poem, “The Lamplighter.” My tea is nearly ready and the sun has left the sky. It’s time to take the window to see Leerie going by; for every night at teatime and before you take your seat, with lantern and with ladder he comes posting up the street.

50 years ago: March 20, 1975

Chief of Police Ivan Times presented a letter of resignation to the Tonganoxie City Council at a council work session. The resignation was accepted. Three reserve officers also resigned. Robert Hewitt, James Richardson, and Jerry Hardy will be leaving the reserve force. Times’ resignation complained of conflicts with council members. It said that they “try to dictate to me on how to perform my duties.”

Mr. and Mrs. Gary Myers announce the birth of a daughter, Cara Elizabeth, born at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Gene Haislip announce the birth of a daughter, Angela Gene, at Cushing Hospital in Leavenworth.

Mr.and Mrs. Harold A. Putthoff are proud to announce the engagement of their daughter, Cindy Marie, to Seaman 2nd Class William Jack Carman Jr., son of 1st Sgt. and Mrs. William Jack Carman, Sr., of El Paso, Texas. A July 11th wedding is planned.

The Tonganoxie Education Association has announced plans to award a $150 scholarship to a Tonganoxie High School graduate who has completed 55 or more semester hours college credit at the end of this semester and will be an undergraduate student the fall semester. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of financial need and success in college. This will be the ninth year the teacher’s organization has awarded the scholarship. Last year’s recipient was Audrey Dunlap, who is attending Kansas State University.

Most Southwestern Bell subscribers on the Tonganoxie exchange would probably tell you that their phone service has been less than acceptable. Many would probably use somewhat harsher terms. “We’re taking every step to correct the problem,” said Jerry Willis, Southwestern Bell District Plant Manager. The company hopes to have the exchange operating by late April. If we could have completely stopped phone service and turned off the system, we could have completed in a month and a half. The rebuilding and cleaning is being done in the daytime and replacing equipment is being accomplished late in the evenings or during early morning hours to avoid service interruptions.

75 years ago: March 16, 1950

The annual High School Spring Band Concert is set for March 24 and we have a preview of the performers. Joan Champion, Carol Knox and John McKone will play some solo pieces on brass. Harry Gallagher, Carol Knox and Selma Denholm will perform a trumpet trio. Twirlers will perform during many of the full band songs.

Scientists at Kansas State College have invented an insulation that will prevent heat loss from bee hives. This discovery will reduce bee colony loss during severe Kansas winters. A low-cost overcoat type of winter packing such as cellotex and masonite is placed around the hive. The two layers are used in the southern part of Kansas and should be increased to three in the northern half of the state. This technique has been very helpful in apiary labs.

100 years ago: March 19, 1925

The old way to borrow money for a home was to take a straight loan for five years, and at the end of that time go to all the expense of getting another loan for five years. The new way is to get a loan from The Tonganoxie Building and Loan Association and make a small payment monthly until paid out.

On Friday, March 20th at 3:00 p. m. there will be a meeting in the High School Auditorium for the purpose of organizing a “Parent Teachers Association.” The object of this organization is for better co-operation between parents and teachers. All who have children in school or are interested in school work are cordially invited to attend. There will be a speaker from Lawrence who will give a short address.

Last Wednesday evening at the first meeting for band practice about twenty were present and the instructor, Mr. Walter Rigdon, of Lawrence was greatly encouraged at the favorable outlook for a real band in Tonganoxie. Practice meetings will be held at the City Hall every Wednesday evening. Boost the Band.

125 years ago: March 22, 1900

Nine pupils took the county examination at the Tonganoxie School house Saturday. Linwood had 28, Easton 27, Central school 27, Leavenworth 20. 

The Easter edition of the Mirror under the management of the ladies of the Library Association will be illustrated by cuts of local business houses and residences. The ladies intend to make it as attractive as possible, and a number of extra copies will be printed. Those who would like to have their homes appear in the edition and have been overlooked in the solicitation, should notify this office. The ladies will be glad to have as many pictures of nice homes as possible. The proceeds from the edition go to benefit the library. 

Frank Zoellner has cut an opening between his store and the one formerly occupied by the Senhausen Hardware Co. and will fill both rooms with goods. The dry goods and notions department will be in the new room. 

Complaint has already been made that some of the U.S. mailboxes on the new delivery route have been used for targets by boys out with guns. These boys know not what they do. Tampering with a mailbox is a serious offense and can land anyone in the federal pen very quickly. Because private parties put up these boxes will not make the offense of destroying them any less.