A LOOK BACK ON JACKSON

25 years ago, 1972

Following three-day teachers' workshop, pupils of Jackson R-2 School District will begin year with full day of classes Aug. 24; as in past several years, space for elementary enrollment will be tight when school begins; but unlike past years, solution isn't far away; Superintendent Frank a. Wiley says present estimate is that new elementary school on West Lane will be ready for occupancy about Oct. 1.

At this point, Jackson Mayor Paul J. Leonard intends to continue low-key approach in his campaign for governor of Missouri as non-partisan candidate; "For one thing," says Leonard, " I'm not even sure I'm a candidate. I think I won the primary, but the official results haven't been tabulated yet and won't be available until late this month."

National Park Service has authorized grant for $1,606.46 to Missouri Park Board to repair roof of Bollinger Mill at Burfordville; mill roof was destroyed in storm in July 1971; storm in April 1970 also damaged bridge roof.

Bids were accepted Tuesday night by Jackson R-2 Board of education for carpeting for center of pods at new West Lane Elementary School; McCombs Furniture Store of Jackson was apparent low bidder with price of $4,890 and was awarded contract.

50 years ago, 1947

County Court has increased county tax rate 10 cents on $100 valuation; this will bring total county and state rate to 84 cents as compared to 74 cents last year; increased levy will raise approximately $28,000 in new revenue; increase includes 5 cents in general revenue for county purposes and 5 cents in special road and bridge tax.

Electrical work on new buildings at Sedgewickville is nearing completion; new constructions there recently have been Lutheran parsonage, new high school building and electrical appliance shop for Tom Crites; electrical work has been done by Jackson Electric Co., co-owned by R.C. Friedrich and Woodrow Seabaugh; helping electricians have been Jimmie Johnston and David Friedrich.

Petition of property owners near residence of E.B. Bowers on Greens Ferry Road stating that they wouldn't disapprove of building of a slaughter house on Bowers premises has been presented to City Council; signing petition were Otto J. Davis, L.C. Morton, Flinn Cotton, John Ralph, Henry G. Borgfield, J.W. Savers, Martha Friedrich, Robert Yancey and Frank Nitsch.

National Guard unit initiated new armory Monday night, when first meeting and drill was held; main work on building, at cost to city of approximately $10,000, has been completed; rental for quarters hasn't been agreed upon by City Council, but will be paid by the government; 26 members of unit were present for initial activities, hearing talk by First Sgt. Carlton Meyer, newly-elected post commander of American legion.

75 years ago, 1922

John M. Cotner of Shawneetown, who owns clover huller, reports that he is very busy with work of shelling out the precious seed for farmers roundabout; yield is exceptionally good this year, and price keeps up pretty well.

Brick work on new Kroger store, next door to post office, will be finished in few days; entire front of building will be glass.

Louise Hays, Edna Illers and Grace McLain, all of Jackson, were on train that was wrecked at Horine near Sulphur Springs last week, but escaped with slight scratches and bruises; McLain was returning from trip of several weeks in California; she was accompanied by Sen. Richard Ralph and his wife of Valley Park.

Lutheran congregation at Hanover has sent second call to the Rev. Alvin Kerstner at Parma, after that congregation refused to release its pastor on first call from Hanover; Kerstner is son of Mr. and Mrs. J.H.C. Kerstner of Jackson and his wife is daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Sander, also of Jackson; he is founder and first pastor of Parma congregation, which is flourishing, and has built handsome house of worship in suburbs of that city; besides this congregation, Kerstner serves as pastor of several so-called preaching places in nearby towns and villages.