These were some of the stories reported by the Texarkana Gazette this week in history:
100 years ago
Feb. 20, 1917:
HEALTH DEPARTMENT NOW HAS MEASLES EPIDEMIC IN HAND
According to the local health authorities the epidemic of measles, which is now prevalent in Texarkana, is held well in hand, and it is believed that danger of further spread of the malady has been checked and that no more cases are likely to develop. It is believed all cases have been reported and that the restrictions imposed will prevent the necessity of closing any of the schools as had been indicated might be done.
Feb. 21:
TEXARKANA GIRL WILL BE IN A MOVING PICTURE AT THE GRAND
Today at the Grand Opera House, moving picture lovers will have an opportunity to again see a Texarkana filmdom star in action, Miss Corinne Griffith appearing in a five-reel picture of "The Last Man." A short time ago a wire was received from Miss Griffith, that the picture undoubtedly is the best in which she has appeared. Her work in one of the many features that is keeping Texarkana well on the map.
Feb. 22:
WOMEN IN THE NEWS
For the first time in the nation's history the wife of the chief executive will be by his side when he takes the oath of office at the impressive inaugural ceremonies of March 5. On that Monday morning, Mrs. Woodrow Wilson will not only ride with the president from the White House to the Capitol, but she will stand only a few feet from him when he takes the oath of office on an improvised stand that will be erected in the eastern corner, of the capitol plaza. Thus Mrs. Wilson will establish an even more noteworthy precedent than Mrs. Taft did eight years ago, when she caused almost endless comment by riding down Pennsylvania Avenue.
Feb. 23:
EUGENE ESTOPPEY TRAVELING ACROSS THE CONTINENT
Eugene Estoppey who is traveling on foot and bicycle from California to New York, arrived in Texarkana from Avery, Texas, yesterday at six o'clock. Somewhere between Boston and this city Mr. Estoppey lost his wallet, containing all his letters, bank book, credentials, etc. and anyone finding it will kindly mail at once to Mr. Estoppey, general delivery, Texarkana, and a suitable reward will be remitted by him for the trouble. The papers were of no value to anyone but Mr. Estoppey and are prized by him very much.
Feb. 24:
PEOPLE YOU KNOW
Milster McFarlane of Jonesboro has joined his mother, Mrs. J.N. McFarlane and little Dorothy in their visit in the S.A. Collom home. He will remain through the week-end.
Feb. 25:
ONE LICENCE ISSUED
BY COUNTY CLERK MONDAY
One license was issued by County Clerk Fincher Eason yesterday, when a certificate was issued to John W. Coken of Fouke, Ark., to marry Miss Samaritan Dozier, of Fouke. Justice of the Peace M.W. Killian performed the ceremony.
Feb. 26:
HANDSOME NEW AMBULANCE
HAS AT LAST ARRIVED
After a delay of several months the Reverra-Fewell Undertaking Co., has received their handsome new motor ambulance. The ambulance is beautifully finished, the exterior being of the popular "Battleship Gray" color and the interior is done in light mahogany and lighted by an electric dome. It is most modernly equipped with the latest improved lighting and cooling system, comfortable lounge, medicine chest and all accessories for first aid to the injured. A special feature is the famous "Continental Noiseless Motor."
50 years ago
Feb. 20, 1967:
FIGURES SHOW UPSURGE
IN LOCAL BUSINESS ACTIVITY
Texarkana topped every city in Texas with the single exception of McAllen in percentage of gain in business activity in January of 1967 as compared with the same month in 1966. The percentage of gain was 21 and that of McAllen as 24. Texarkana even went ahead of Dallas which tied with El Paso with a percentage gain of 13.
Feb. 21:
BIRTHS
Wadley Hospital, Feb. 14- Mr. and Mrs. Sidney C. Buckley, 926 E. 5th, a boy; Mr. and Mrs. John D. Harper, 111 Redwood Drive, a girl; Mr. and Mrs. Don E. Hand, 211 McArthur Drive, a girl. Feb 15- Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Charles Smith, DeKalb, Texas, a girl; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sain, Foreman, Ark., twins, a boy.
Feb. 22:
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
The Little Theatre and Junior League of Texarkana will present one of the all-time favorite children's stories at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, on the stage of the Texarkana College auditorium. Brian Goesl will play Jack, Mrs. Louise Beasley will play his mother. Other members of the cast will include Suzanne and Glenn Moses, Terry Lynn Brooks, Lynn Lumley, James Tennyson, and L.C. Weeks. The play is under the direction of Miss Gail Reagan and set designed by Miss Alice Lile. Terry Brooks is production coordinator.
Feb. 23:
FIVE JAYCEES INCLUDED IN
1967 OUTSTANDING YOUNG MEN
Five members of the Texarkana Junior Chamber of Commerce have been selected to be included in the 1967 edition of Outstanding Young Men of America. Cahill Hitt, William Dean Barry, Eddie Daines, Jimmy Cobb, and Bill Wade were nominated earlier this year by the Jaycee chapter and have been selected by a 14-man National Board of Editors for the publication.
Feb. 24:
PHYSICAL FITNESS WINNERS
Winners in the President's Council's Physical Fitness test given at W.T. Daniels Elementary School. Winners were Shela Davis, Barbara Owens, Pamela Jo Warren and Bobbie Evans, Mike Dunbar, Charles Montgomery, Grayln Wyatt, Bennie Cooper and Raymond Dunbar. The top scorers on the test were Pamela Warren and Raymond Dunbar. The test was administered by Coach Lewis Thompson.
Feb. 25:
ARKANSAS NEWS BRIEF
In the Magnolia "Citizen of the Year" contest, 14 persons have been nominated. They are Mrs. Richard Contratto, Mrs. W.P. Florence, Mrs. W.L. Jameson Jr., Mrs. Holland Greene, Mrs. Melba Britt, Bob Chowning, Mrs. Tullie Wyrick, Miss Louise Phillips, W.R. Rice, Maurice McKinnon, Mrs. Don Sibley, Mrs. Helen Reeves, Steve Bradley, Miss Pansy Puckette, Miss Charlotte Pickens, Mrs. Ernest Shiver, Mrs. John Harsh, Mr. and Mrs. L.J. Pence, Dr. Joe Rushton, and W.T. Watson.
Feb. 26:
ARKANSAS TENNIS TEAM
Coach Nix, head of the athletic department, recently announced the 1967 tennis team. Included are: Girls team; Cheryl Bentley, Becky Tackett, Belinda Bircher, Darlene Volentine, Ann Trigg, Debbie Sanders, Lynn Schooley, Karen Goodlett, Patsy Lewis, Regina Foster, Toni Tackett, Bonnie Cate, Janice Hickman, Charlotte Barber and Vicki Murray.
Boys Team; Bill McCord, Ira Royal, Larry Burnett, Arnold Hodge, James Curtis, David Rigrey, Chester Martin, Richard Grayson, Donnie Creamer, Scott Reeder, Ricky Creamer, and Jimmy Ballard.