Stories from the past

114 YEARS AGO The Checotah Times Friday, April 15, 1910

Lost Fine Animal

R.B. Robinson had the misfortune to lose a fine mare “Queen” this week. Robert Nichols had been in the country with his team and while crossing a swollen stream just northwest of the old fairgrounds the team and buggy was carried downstream into a wire fence. He managed to cut the harness loose from the animals, but “Queen” was injured so bad that she had to be killed.

The other mare “Lulu” was also cut by the wire but not seriously. The animal killed was valued at $200 by Mr. Robinson.

A Glorious Rain

The drougth has been broken and water is now plentiful. A glorious downpour came Saturday night and continued during almost all the night, replenishing the city reservoir, filling the town cisterns and making stock water plentiful throughout the country.

The ground was put in fine shape for the crops that were planted and those yet to be put in.

This was the first real good rain that this section has enjoyed for almost a year.

Shooting Tournament Planned

Arrangements are being made for a big shooting tournament to be given by the gun club next month.

The businessmen are being asked to contribute prizes and already a large list has been secured.

The event promises to be one of much interest to the sportsmen.

••••• 100 YEARS AGO McIntosh County Democrat

Thursday, March 20, 1924

Called to Iowa by Brother’s Death

Postmaster L.G. Rinnert was called to West Grove, Iowa, Wednesday of last week in response to a telegram announcing the death of his half-brother, M.R. Harris, who had been ill but a short time.

Mr. Harris was a banker and one of the prominent businessmen and citizens of that community.

Installs Refrigerator Candy Case

Griffin’s this week installed one of the latest and most up-to-date candy cases now being manufactured.

The case from outward appearances resembles an ordinary show case but has a compartment for ice. The temperature of the inside of the case is automatically regulated so that the choicest candies will remain firm and cold, as well as fresh in all seasons of the year.

GET READY FOR SALES DAY

The agriculture committee of the Checotah Lions Club are busily engaged in making plans for permanent sales, trade or auction day for McIntosh County farmers to be held twice each month, the advertising, auctioneer services, etc., to be free to the farmers.

••••• 80 YEARS AGO McIntosh County Democrat

Thursday, September 16, 1943

GILBERT MARTIN MISSING AT SEA NAVY REPORTS Gilbert Martin, well known Checotah youth, radio operator aboard a U.S. submarine, has been reported missing in action, in word received here last Saturday.

Gilbert is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gilse Martin and is a graduate of Checotah High School. He enlisted in the navy in 1933 and received most of his instruction aboard submarines.

He was stationed at Pearl Harbor for many years before the outbreak of hostilities and was later at the submarine base at New London, Connecticut. He has been engaged in active warfare on submarine duty during the present conflict.

Checotah Youth Wounded in Africa

Word has been received from the war department that Pfc J.C. Green, son of Mr. and Mrs. A.N. Green of the Checotah vicinity, has been wounded in the North African theater of operations.

Private Green was presumably wounded when the Americans defeated the German army in Tunis.

••••• 75 YEARS AGO McIntosh County Democrat

Thursday, March 17, 1949

VARIETY SHOW PLANS PUSHED; SIXTY IN CAST

Plans were completed this week to make the hometown variety show, scheduled for April 22, a big success as local talent was drafted to insure a gala performance and a full two hours of fun and entertainment.

Funds derived from ticket sales will be used for benefit of the local girl scouts.

ONAPA YOUTHS ADMIT TO ROBBING STORES IN CITY Two Onapa school youths pled guilty Monday to charges of breaking into six Checotah business houses, following their arrest by Jess Frazier, chief of police.

The youths broke into the café and office at the city sales barn, the Blevins Machine shop, the pastime Pool Hall on Front Street and the frozen locker plant in a wild spree Sunday night.

Thomas Gore Dies In Nation’s Capital

The body of Thomas Pryor Gore, blind former Oklahoma senator, will lie in state in the rotunda of the state capitol building Friday afternoon.

Gore died Wednesday morning in his Washington, D.C. home. He had been unconscious most of the time since Sunday when he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage.

Unlicensed Autos Subject to Seizure

Jessie Mae Curry, local tag agent, stated this week that all automobiles now operating without licenses are subject to seizure and sale.

The law further provides that anyone violating the motor vehicle laws of the state is subject to a fine up to $100 for failure to comply.

••••• 50 YEARS AGO McIntosh County Democrat

Thursday, March 28, 1974

Checotah J.C.s To Hold Cycle Rodeo

The Checotah Jaycees proudly bring to Checotah another exciting Motor Cycle rodeo on Saturday, April 6, 7:30 p.m. at the Round-up Club Arena, one mile west of Checotah.

Local and out-of-town people of all ages, male and female, will be competing in three contestant classes.

Women’s Softball Team to Organize

The area women’s softball team will have an organizational meeting April 7 at 2 p.m. in the home of Joyce Hogan, 208 Indianola, Checotah.

Any woman, 15 or older, who is interested in playing softball this summer is invited to attend.

••••• 19 YEARS AGO McIntosh County Democrat

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Massive blaze destroys acreage, buildings, hay On Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 2, a massive grass fire broke out near the Shady Grove area, just southeast of Checotah. Apparently starting from a resident burning trash, the fire soon jumped form the controlled area into wooded and grassy areas nearby.

Fugitive captured after eluding officers

According to the McIntosh County Sheriff ’s Office on Saturday afternoon a subject that was being detained at a residence in McIntosh County fled from deputies and eluded several agencies for the next 17 hours.

Fifty police units, two mules, four dogs and a helicopter were hot on Jerry Johnson’s trail.

He was finally captured at a checkpoint and arrested for warrant violation and charged with numerous other counts as well.