Back in the Day

back in the Day –
      by Ross Malone

August 21, 2017 –
 Scientists from all over the world flooded into Missouri to view the solar eclipse.  Prime locations were along a diagonal line and included St. Joseph, Marshall, Boonville, Columbia, Fulton, Union, Sullivan, Festus, Ste. Genevieve, St. Clair, and Perryville.

August 22, 1812 –
Missouri’s Osage Chief, No Ears, was speaking at the White House when he became the first person in history to use the term “Redskin.”  He was introducing and describing himself to the President.

August 23, 1910 –
The Post-Dispatch published a story about “hobble skirts.”  The long tight-fitting skirts were slowing traffic because it took women so long to cross the street.

August 24, 1951 – 
 On “Fan Manager’s Night,” a crowd of 1,115 fans at Sportsmen’s Park voted “Yes” or “No” on plays held up by the St. Louis Browns’ coaches on placards. 

August 25, 1793 –
Five people were killed in an Indian attack outside Florissant. 

August 26, 1856 –
Editor of the St. Louis Democrat, Benjamin Gratz Brown, and District Attorney, Thomas C. Reynolds, fought a duel on Bloody Island.  Brown was wounded and Reynolds was unhurt.  Brown later became Governor of Missouri and Reynolds became the Confederate Governor of Missouri. 

August 27, 1836 – 
 The city of Hermann was founded and named for the great Teutonic warrior king, Armin, who defeated the Roman Legions.

For information about Ross Malone’s Missouri Books, visit www.RossMalone.com .

Summersville R-II First Day of School

 Elementary Principal Mrs. Dessie Bird

UPP! Community Event

UPP! Community Event

18 UPPers attended the Uniquely Perfect People (UPP!) Back To School Bash. While a few were too late to get their picture taken, the 50 plus in attendance had a great time. We would like to thank our sponsors for this event, West Plains Bank and Trust-Liberty Bank, Foster’s Appliance, and Yarber Mortuary, all of Mountain View. Uniquely Perfect People is an advocacy group based in Mountain View, providing special needs persons children-adult with socialization activities and opportunities to serve and support their community through volunteer endeavors. If you would be interested in learning more about UPP! call 417-247-0140.

Summersville MFA Market in the 1950's

Pictured is the MFA Market in Summersville in the 1950's. The location is where Cathy's Creations is now located.

Murfin’s Market in Ozark, Willard, Marionville, and Clever began after work in Summersville Farmer's Exchange during their childhood! In May of 1979, Chuck and Karen Murfin opened the little grocery store “on the hill” in Ozark under the name of Ozark Supermarket. Their grocery heritage dates back to the 1950s in Summersville at the MFA Farmer’s Exchange, where Charlie Murfin (Chuck’s father) managed the store. Sylvan Stoops (Karen’s father) was the store’s butcher. Through the years, many things have changed in the grocery industry, but Murfin’s Market continues to stick to these unchanging principles: friendly customer service, farm fresh produce and the highest quality fresh meats.
 

Murfin’s Market celebrated their 40th year in Ozark in July. Chuck and Karen are both Summersville High School graduates!

Ozarks Native Plant Society
to Meet

The third Ozarks Native Plant Society Plant ID meeting of the summer will be held on August 20 at 6:30 PM at the Ozarks Regional Office of the Missouri Department of Conservation at 551 Joe Jones Blvd in West Plains. It is free and open to the public. For more information: call Betty Queen, 417-257-7544, and your call will be returned.

Oregon County Farmers Market Buzz

 Garden lovers often say that gardening is their "therapy", and that might be truer than you think! Actual studies conducted in 1972 at Kansas State University produced a horticultural therapy curriculum as part of the mental health program. Now years later, you'll find Healing Gardens in various settings such as hospitals, assisted living facilities, schoolyards and prison grounds. How amazing that such a simple activity, even caring for a houseplant, can have such a positive impact in relieving tension in your life!
 

So,when you take up a bit of gardening, you'll not only improve your physical health and produce  nutritious, homegrown goodies,  but you can also experience stress relief, relaxation, and well-being  in watching your garden flourish! Just remember to take it slow in the heat, drink plenty of water, and enjoy yourself!
 

Come to our market this Saturday from 9-1 and see the abundant produce available! Corn, melons, summer squashes, cucumbers, tomatoes, green beans, meats, eggs, all grown, raised, and made by our very own vendors. Also coming back- Cave Springs Meat Smoking, whom you'll remember from last season with those delicious smoked butts, burnt ends, chicken and more! One of a kind crafts, too!
 

Speaking of which, don't forget our FREE monthly Crafts at the Market, August 17, presented by the 4-H SPIN CLUB for all the kids. This time it will be Mosaic Art, all materials provided and they'll take home a refrigerator-worthy masterpiece!
 

 And if you are interested in becoming a vendor with us, come stop by our Market Hub booth for an application-we'd love to have you join us! Visit our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/OregonCountyFarmersMarket, and leave us feedback, a message, or question. Shop with us each Saturday through October, from 9-1 in the Walking Park behind the Alton City Park & Pool, on Tucker Rd. Follow the signs, and see you at the market!

Senior Citizens Can Register For Fall Classes Beginning August 16

Area residents age 62 and over who would like to take a class at Missouri State University-West Plains this fall can do so under the Senior Citizen Fee Waiver Program.
 

Seniors citizens can register beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, August 16, at the registration and records office in Cass Hall, 515 Cass Ave., West Plains.
 

The Senior Citizen Fee Waiver Program allows Missouri residents age 62 and above to take tuition-free academic courses offered by the university on an audit, non-credit, “seats-available” basis, provided they have met all prerequisites, officials said.
Eligible senior citizens can take one class per semester using the waiver. The maximum number of credit hours senior citizens may take with the waiver is 24, university officials said.
Online courses, law enforcement academy classes, or any course offered in conjunction with the South Central Career Center in West Plains are not included in the fee waiver program.
Seniors must pay supplemental course fees and the costs of required textbooks and supplies, if applicable. They also should note that classes with less than 10 students registered might be cancelled.
 

To register for classes, senior citizens should be fully admitted to the university as non-degree seeking students and follow the regulations outlined for non-degree seeking students.
Participants should declare their intent to enroll in the program at the point of admission in order to have all eligible student fees waived, officials said.
More information about the Senior Citizen Fee Waiver Program can be found at wp.missouristate.edu/catalog/policy-senior-citizen-fee-waiver.htm.
 

Those interested also can contact the Missouri State-West Plains admissions office at 417-255-7955 or toll free at 1-888-466-7897.