It happened here, years ago

The third grade members of the MEGA gifted and talented program visited the Dixie Do-Nut shop 20 years ago this week, accompanied by Anita Allman (far left). Kenneth and Rita Mowery demonstrated cake decorating for the students, as they did for thousands of Piggott students over the years.
(file photo)

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A traffic accident on Highway 139 south of Rector 40 years ago last week claimed the lives of a Piggott couple. Ivan and Hattie Ida Langley, both 74, were killed in the mishap. Meanwhile, Piggott Chapter 316 of the Eastern Star held installation of officers, while Piggott Lodge #545 will hold their installation Dec. 27.

In other news, a battle is brewing between Mayor Buck Thomas and some newly-elected city aldermen over the development of a utility commission. The proposed ordinance would set up 10 year terms, and is strongly opposed by many city leaders. In service news, Arliss Dickerson and wife Sue are visiting Piggott prior to him leaving for Vietnam.

At the Carolyn Theater this week some of the features were, "The Stranger Returns" , "Monkey Go Home", "Cop Out", "Petulia" and "Rachel Rachel." And it was announced that Joyce Ward had purchased Huffman's Café and it would now be known as Jo's Place.

Who's Who was named at PHS, with Barbara Featherston and Kent Greene named Mr. and Miss Piggott High School; while Diane Hughes and Phillip Starling were Mr. and Miss PJHS. And Larry Norred was chosen as this year's FHA Beau.

And the Piggott Times staff was pictured with a holiday greeting to their readers, they included--Marie Hillyer, Judy Veal, Ramona Magee, Louise Ellis and Danny Seal.

1978

Congressman Bill Alexander visited Piggott 30 years ago last week, speaking at Piggott High School and dropping in on the monthly Quorum Court meeting before making an appearance at the AARP meeting. Joining him at that gathering were state lawmakers Tom Watson and Jim Holland.

Sheray Featherston was crowned as the Greenway Homecoming queen, and was crowned by Tiger basketball player Johnny Fort. Her court included--Deneika Harris, Patricia Small, Donna Cavaness, Tammy Harris, Shirley Ray and Phyllis Bridgeman..while the crown bearer was three year old Jennifer Hill.

In other news, local taxidermist Barry Johnson has just completed mounting a six and a half foot Alaska black bear that was shot by Harold Speer of Greenway. The bear took almost two months to stuff, and is on display at Piggott Tractor. Meanwhile, the Catfish CB Club had a big turnout at their Christmas dinner.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "Grease" while the late show was "Naughty School Girls." And this week's paper included a photograph of Clay County Mill and Elevator, taken in either 1926 or 1927. Pictured in front of the business, which was located on Front Street, were Earl and George Fisher, Edd Williams and local bakery owner Pete Peterson.

And a letter to Santa this week in time read..

Dear Santa,

I want be bo gun and crash up derby set. How do you make your sleigh. Where you get your reindeer Do they talk?

Randall Trammell, second grade

1983

Dina Williams was crowned homecoming queen at PHS 25 years ago last week, and her court included--Tami Mann, Dena Bradshaw, Paula Blume, Melissa Hardcastle, Sabrina Tate and Tammy Donner. As for the ballgame, the Mohawks swept the Corning Bobcats with both the junior and senior boys notching wins.

In other news, the United Methodist kids decorated doors at the Piggott Home for the Golden Years, taking part in the effort were--Emily Seal, Jennifer Howell, Kyl e Seal, Cara Lingle, Kimberly Johnson, Shane Wood and Jason Smith.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature was "All the Right Moves" while the late show was "Starship Eros." And a full-page ad pictured the children of the employees of Piggott State Bank, that group included--Sandra and Nicholas Smotherman, Kris and Phillip Pollard, Daniel and Emily Harmon, Chad Speer, Ashley Poole, Bradley Mayberry and Christopher Conley.

A couple of 25 year old letters to Santa included..

Dear Santa Claus

I want a babydoll and a bigfoot truck and a poochie stomper and a truck and trailer for barbie and two pair of barbie clothes and a coloring book and barbie. See you Christmas.

Misti French

Dear Santa,

Please gun and 3 wheeler brother comp uter I want a Tx and box house.

Thank you, Jeremi Wicker

Dear Santa,

I what a nite rtr car. Oh Yes you can have it Cresmas ev at 12 pm. Santa a waesh for a racecar.

Billy Joe Seal

1988

The DHS was gearing up for their annual toy distribution 20 years ago this week, meanwhile the quorum court held their regular meeting and set the JP's per diem at $100 per meeting and twenty cents a mile for travel.

Meanwhile, the Piggott MEGA gifted and talented third through sixth graders put on the play "The Littlest Angel" at PES and again at the Piggott Nursing Center. In a related story, Anita Allman took the third grade members of the group to the Dixie Do-Nut and Cake shop for a demonstration of cake decorating by owners Ken and Rita Mowery.

The three new trophy cases at PHS are now complete, and were pictured with student council president Brock Coomer and Secretary Sandra Tidwell. The case will house the new 2AA junior football district championship trophy among others.

In sports, the junior girls got their first win of the season, and overtime victory over Oak Grove..though the senior girls are still waiting for their first win of the year. Meanwhile the senior boys squad will take on Riverside in the first round of the NEA Tournament at Jonesboro in the AA bracket.

And a sampling of Santa letters from 20 years ago includes..

Dear Santa,

I want a play jeep that one I saw in Walmart and I want a cash register that I saw in Walmart and some more clothes for me and some for Katie.

Debbie Mallard

Dear Santa,

I want a baseball and I love you.

Love, Darrell McCrillis

Dear Santa,

I have been a very good girl. I want a cricket for Christmas. Merry Christmas Love, to you, Santa.

Miranda Dalton