100 YEARS AGO — 1920

 

Dr. W.E. McWilliams of Stanford, was arrested by U.S. Government Inspectors who brought the prisoner to Danville for trial. McWilliams, who has been practicing medicine in Stanford for less than a year is charged with violating the narcotic act. The inspectors have purchased morphine from the doctor without any difficulty. He trial is set for later this month and was released on $1,000 bond.

 

On Oct. 8, 1920, the 58th anniversary of the great Battle of Perryville was celebrated yesterday at the Perryville fairgrounds where about 1,500 people from all over this area gathered to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who offered their lives for their country. At 12 o’clock dinner was spread on the grounds and everyone seemed to enjoy the occasion. Soldiers from the Civil War and the great World War met together and exchanged stories of their experiences, while hundreds of others met and talked of the great sacrifices of the American heroes. Later in the date all veterans of the Civil War were asked to go to the stand with Blue on one side and Gray on the other, and after the band played American, they were to meet and clasp hands, thereby showing that there is now no division between them. Twelve of the old Federal soldiers and only four of the old Confederates were present. They met, and when they took the hands of each other and placed their arms around their necks, the great audience gave a long and loud cheer to the beloved old veterans.

 

At the Danville City council regular monthly meeting, councilman Duncan reported that the residents of First Street and part of Walnut Street were protesting against those streets being used at a “jockey row.” It was reported that the trading of horses and large crowds on county court days were very objectionable. The question was referred to the street and police committees for action.

 

Seymore Claunch, who lives on the old Mackville Pike, two miles from Perryville has struck oil. Mr. Claunch’s place is part of the famous Perryville Battlefield and joins the farm of Esq. R. b.Bottom. He drilled a well for water last week and struck a pool of fine crude oil. It is said there are about 20 feet of oil, which is still flowing into the well. The citizens of Perryville and in the area are becoming very much worked up over the matter and a company may be formed for the purpose of drilling other wells in hopes of finding more oil.

 

75 YEARS AGO — 1945

 

Several veterans, who have tried post-war civilian life and dislike it for a variety of reasons, are coming into the Navy Recruiting office in the Danville post office for enlistment in the regular Navy. Within the past month, especially since V-J Day, many of these ex-service men and scores of 17-year-old men, have asked about joining, and most of them are enlisting.

 

Chances are being sold now on real, post-war Nylon stockings at 25 cents per chance for the benefit of the War Fund.  Donated by a local contributor, the hose will be awarded to the person whose number is drawn by lot .Tickets on the Nylon hose are being handled by all of the large stores in Danville.

 

Danville’s first motel, or motor court, is in the making by John Wood, contractor, and Captain Howard Hunt, who is currently on inactive status and terminal leave with the U.S. Army. The men have purchased the Silliman junk yard on East Main Street from Mrs. Pearl Silliman, of Danville. The new motor court will be the only one in this section of Kentucky, the nearest being in Shelbyville. Blueprints are being drawn, which will be one-story made of brick with 30 rooms with tile baths in each. The building will be steam heated and air-conditioned. It will be designed to front a circular, grassy plot and the rear will be for patron parking.

 

Wanted: Messenger boy. Must be 16 years old. 40 hours per week. Apply at Western Union. Wanted: Nursing home for 69-year-old man patient. Good pay for the right party. No objection to plain home. Neatness and sanitation desirable.

 

50 YEARS AGO — 1970

 

Two Danville High School students were elected officers for next year’s Y-Teens State Day at the 12th annual meeting in Mt. Sterling. They were Mimi Arnold, who was elected as president; and Jana Young, who was elected at treasurer. Mrs. Edna Moss is sponsor of the Danville High School Y-Teens.

 

Danville High School cheerleaders are busy this week making their preparations for homecoming activities. The cheerleaders are Lynne Mekus, Kelly McKeehan, Jackie Webber, Nita Cooper, Honey Bun Caldwell and Barbara Baughman. Homecoming queen candidates are Karen Hargis, Cathy Huffman, Donna Rogers and Kathy Selby.

 

The grand opening of the old Chesnut-Salter-Best Hardware Store on Main Street in Danville is set for tomorrow. It has been in business there for 78 years. Since last April, just a few days after W.K. Bellamy bought the store, workmen have completely renovated the hardware and furniture store. New stock has been added to the old reliable line and it has all been tactfully displayed in the shining new store. 

 

Mrs. Maxine “Mom” Blakeman, 75, of Lancaster, whose pastries, candies and other foods are nationally known, has died. “Mom” lived in Lancaster for more than 20 years and formerly operated restaurants in Berea and Lancaster  where she served foods prepared from her own private recipes. Kentucky cream candy which she made from pure cow butter, cow cream and sugar has become known throughout the country over the years. Chess pie was another of Mom’s highly rated confections. During WW II it is said that she served free meals to all men who came into her restaurants in military uniforms.

 

25 YEARS AGO — 1995

 

A city-county committee voted to recommend that John Drake, head of the Somerset parks and recreation program, be hired as director of the Danville-Boyle County Recreation Department at an annual salary of $30,000. The committee also repeated its recommendations that the department’s finances be handled by the city and that a seven-member advisory board replace the existing recreation board. The new panel would consist of three people appointed by the Fiscal Court and three by City Commission and one at-large member.

 

A man wearing a white plastic bag on his head robbed Domino’s Pizza Sunday night. Employees at the front counter told police they thought the robber had a gun, but never actually saw it. Police later found the plastic bag nearby. It had two holes poked out for the robber’s eyes.