It happened here, years ago

The Chamber of Commerce planned a meet the candidates night 40 years ago this week to hear from the men seeking the seat of former Congressman Took Gathings. The event was set for June 27, at the War Memorial Building. Meanwhile, plans continue for the annual Piggott Fourth of July picnic and homecoming. This year's event will kick-off with the parade at 9:30 a.m. and will wrap-up with the fireworks at 11:30 p.m.

State Auditor Jimmy "Red" Jones reports that Clay County's registered voters has surpassed the 9,000 mark for the first time. The total of 9,226 is an increase of 330 from the past year. Randolph County reported 5,518 and Greene County had 10,288. In other news, those on the ASU honor roll include--Ermal Crossfield, Larry Featherston, Luella Jane Mann, Jerry A. Reams and Celia Frances Snow of Piggott; Melvin E. Petty of Greenway and Yvonne Woolverton of Pollard.

In sports, the Connie Mack team now stands at 5-3 following a 6-5 loss to Rector, a 6-2 win over Corning and a 6-1 victory over Marmaduke. Teddy Bellers and Rick Batey handled most of the pitching, though first-baseman Terry Cox took the mound against the Hounds. The Corning game also included spectacular catches by Monty Bellers and Rick Rodery.

An ad for Hughes Skating rink reported that they'd be closed July 1, for repair to the floor..and would re-open with a newly-sanded floor, new skates and a new manager. And at the grocery: Rebel Market had watermelons (26-pound average) for .99 each..while Showboat Pork-n-beans were nine cents a can.

1978

The annual Piggott Fourth of July picnic and homecoming was at hand 30 years ago this week, and would begin with the parade at 9 a.m. A total of 25 young ladies will compete for the title of Miss Piggott, the fireworks was set for 11 p.m. and a 1978 Chrysler Cordoba would be given away at 11:30. Meanwhile, the annual Pollard picnic is set for Saturday, July 8, and would kick-off at 10 a.m. as Pastor Henry Culver offers the invocation.

The Piggott Lions Club reports that they've secured $5,000 in pledges toward the $7,500 needed to construct a press box at the new Parker Field. In other news, Chris Camp and Roger Riney are back from Boy's State at Conway.

This week's newspaper also included a feature on the history of the picnic, and the Piggott Cemetery. The first picnic was held in 1928 in Houston Grove, (the area around Haywood Motors and Watson Furniture west to the creek) Due to the depression there was no picnic in 1931, and by the spring of 1932 the picnic was moved to the courtyard. In 1934 the board used $400 to purchase the old fairgrounds and the picnic moved to its current location. With the help of a matching grant from the WPA the swimming pool, tennis courts, barbecue pits, tables and swings were built despite some local opposition. The total cost of the projects was $9,000.

At the Carolyn Theater this week, "American Hot Wax" was the feature and the late show was "Girl's Hotel".

1983

The third annual Community Spirit Day was set for July 2, 1983 on the square in Piggott..the annual Fourth of July Picnic and Homecoming would follow on Monday. The parade was set for 9 a.m., the Miss Piggott pageant was at 7 p.m., fireworks at 11 p.m. and at 11:30 there would be a drawing for $1,500.

Meanwhile, the annual Pollard picnic would be held on Saturday, July 9. Rev. Henry Culver will open the day with the invocation at 10 a.m., and following a performance by Leland Dee's band they'll hold their drawings around 11 p.m.

In other news, the Mitchell Cemetery board reported that the road to the cemetery has now been paved, and thanked everyone who helped with the effort. Meanwhile, a demolition derby was scheduled for Friday, July 1 at the Clay County fairgrounds in Piggott. First prize was $300, second was $150 and third place got $50.

The Clay County Peace Officers held their annual pistol shoot at the Rod and Gun Club recently, with first place in the team division going to the Piggott P.D. and first in the individual competition going to Chief Kenneth Foster of Rector.

At the Carolyn Theater this week, "Blue Thunder" was held over while the late show was "Luscious".

At the grocery; Taylor's Grocery had pork-n-beans at three cans for .89…and a two-liter bottle of Pepsi was .89 (the ad explained that two liters is 67 ounces for those unfamiliar with the metric system)

1988

Dedication of the new bandstand on the Piggott court square was set for 10 a.m. on July 2, 1988..and last minute plans are complete for the upcoming Piggott Fourth of July picnic and homecoming. This year's event will begin at 9 a.m. with the parade, the Miss Piggott pageant was set for 8 p.m…fireworks at 11 p.m. and a 1988 Chevy Silverado pickup would be given away afterward. Meanwhile, the list of workers has been released for the Pollard picnic on July 9..this year's MC is Charles Carrens.

The Piggott Chamber of Commerce has several new board members, they are--Larry Holcomb, Debby Haywood, Cletis Barlow and Suzie Baldwin. This week also featured an update on the ongoing drought, which is already being compared to the drought of 1980.

The new 30-ton air conditioner approved by the quorum court recently was being installed at the Piggott courthouse 20 years ago this week. The job was being handled by D&G Plumbing and Heating.

Phillip Daffron, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland Daffron formerly of St. Francis, has begun his career as a veterinarian and has taken a job with the Berryville Vet clinic in that city. Daffron was a 1977 grad of PHS.

In sports, the Piggott Florist girls softball team took first place at the recent Rector tournament, while the Texaco Mini-Mart team "The Crue" will be playing in the state tournament at Pine Bluff in July.

Among the ads was a "going out of business" sale that started July 11 at the Greenway Grocery..and among the Fourth of July specials at Irby's Super Saver were Ghostbuster sunglasses for just .69. (who you gonna call?)