It happened here, years ago

The Piggott Chamber of Commerce hosted a special meeting 40 years ago this week to promote passage of a bond issue in a special election July 7. If passed, the bonds would pay for construction of the new H.W. Gossard Company factory on the east side. Meanwhile, Gold Star Mother, Mrs. Alvin Hogard, laid the wreath for the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Piggott Cemetery. She was escorted by World War I veterans Bill Leonard and John Grigsby.

Also in the news, the Lions Club donated $100 to the Piggott Little League to help purchase a new public address system. Martha Campbell is the new Clay County Health Nurse and the local Boy Scouts have ended their ongoing drive to collect old newspapers and magazines after many years.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the features included two movies with Robert Redford-- "Downhill Racer" and "Tell Them Willie Boy is Here"

Peggy Statler is now giving ceramics lessons at her home near Nimmons, and was pictured with several of her students. Meanwhile, Omer Meade has offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for the theft of concrete balls from the fence in his yard at 152 North Moore Street.

From the ads--Jane's Department Store featured men's short sleeve dress shirts for $1.49; Holcomb's Pharmacy had GE flash bulbs for $1.09; Western Auto had three-and-a-half horse Brigg's and Stratton engines for $34.95 and Lakeview Park reminded everyone that they were headquarters for fishing, picnics, camping and skating.

1980

Turnout is expected to be low for the Democratic Primary on June 10, 1980. One contested race will be for JP from District three between Wilson Copeland of Greenway and Charles W. "Charlie Bill" Smith of Piggott. Members of the Piggott chapter of the FFA attended the state convention near Hot Springs. Scott Taylor and Steve Eubanks were delegates, while Tony Mann, Marty Hogard and Mike Gurley were on hand to receive State Farmer degrees. The group was accompanied by instructor Donald "Doc" Johnson.

At the Carolyn Theater this week the feature is "Kramer vs Kramer."

Piggott native Barry McKenzie, a state Game and Fish Wildlife officer, was pictured checking the fishing licenses of Grandpa Jones and "Tennessee" Ernie Ford at Bull Shoals Lake. The two were just some of the celebrities that frequented the popular resort location.

The senior citizens banquet was held at the Piggott Community Center with entertainment by Leland Dees and his Rag Time Band. Mabel Pope was the oldest woman in attendance, while Zell Forrest was the eldest man.

Cadet Troop #184 of the Girl Scouts camped at Village Creek State Park near Wynne. The group included scouts, leaders and their kids. On hand were Sharon Baber, Charlie Baber, Tammy Donner, Teresa St. Cin, Christine Crafton, Michele McLeskey, Rose Crafton, Audra Hampton, Alfie Baber, Angie Milburn and Peggy Baber.

For sale in Piggott--five room house, with bathroom and kitchen. Corner lot and storage shed, $11,500.

1985

The proposed sale of the Brown Shoe Company building from the original stockholders to the city remained in the news. A meeting has been called for June 25 for the stockholders, and their heirs, to gather and consider the buyout offer. Elsewhere in this issue was the complete list of the original stockholders, and the amounts of their investments. Also in local economic news, the Magee Company continues to prepare to start operations, and should employ 52 people by the first of July.

Dane Coomer and Melissa Hardcastle were top students as the PHS class of 1985 graduated. And the Pollard Fire Department has received a $2,000 grant to purchase equipment.

This week included a feature on John Staples, and the Carolyn Theater. Staples had been half owner of the Franklin Theater with his father Albert, and built the Carolyn in 1947. For about two years he operated both theaters, until the Franklin closed in 1949. When the Carolyn Theater was built it was the only air conditioned building in Piggott. PHS graduation services were held in the building, and following the fire at the First Baptist Church Sunday school was also held in the former landmark.

In a related note--this week at the Carolyn Theater the feature was "Stick" with Burt Reynolds.

In Junior Babe Ruth baseball action, Piggott beat Rector 3-2 behind Todd Self's pitching performance. Self struck out 16, and only allowed two hits on the game. The Piggott squad got all their runs on errors, with the last two coming as Shawn Parker and Self both scored on wild pitches.

In a related note--County Extension Agent Gayla Taylor offered tips for handling laundry problems relating to baseball and softball uniforms.

1990

The Piggott High School class of 1990 held commencement exercises 20 years ago this week. Meanwhile, no local races in the upcoming primary election--and officials are expecting a light turnout. The Piggott City Council got an update on the local power plant, learning that two of the units need repair while the others are in good to fair shape. Repairs were expected to cost around $120,000--but it was estimated that the power plant was worth nearly $4.9-million as an asset to the city.

The city council also accepted the resignation of Piggott Fire Chief Bill Hogue at the meeting, and heard from Triply Muse with BRAD. She told aldermen that they were planning a new daycare in the city and were in need of a 40x60 foot building for that purpose.

Larry Norred and Kenneth Renshaw will present a concert of sacred music June 10 at the First Baptist Church; Brian Harmon won the USMC Distinguished Athlete award at PHS and Tory Dawn Smith was recipient of the Ray A. Kroc Youth Achievement Award as a member of the class of 1990.

The new baseball/softball diamond complex at Independence Park has remained busy since opening. Currently there are a total of 13 local youth teams among the Little League, T-ball and pee wee squads.

And winners of safety awards at L. A. Darling were Dewayne Kelsey, John Clemons and Sharon Goodman.