Oh, the things they reported, and how they reported them
Jim Fall
To say that journalism has changed in the last hundred years would be an understatement.
A gross understatement.
“So why even bring it up?” you ask.
Well, because I recently have had the opportunity to thumb through an old edition of an old Maryville Democrat-Forum.
And when that particular “old edition” is dated Nov. 12, 1919, you thumb through it carefully.
Very carefully.
It is pretty frayed around the edges, and some of the folds are pretty far gone, but it’s still intact.
Enough to get a flavor of what “good ’ol down home” reporting was like back in that day and age.
Granted, the pages were considerably larger than is common today, but the number of stories is somewhat more difficult to imagine.
This particular edition had more than two dozen individual items — on the front page. Only five of them were not “local” stories, connected to Maryville.
And there were three advertisements, two for movie theaters.
The Electric Theater was offering “Your last chance to see Mary Pickford in The Hoodlum.”
The Empire Theater ad featured “Mabel Normand in ‘Upstairs.’ A rag time romance.
“Also Charlie Chaplin in ‘Shanghied.’
“Prices 10c-1c and 15c-2c.”
But I’m not quite sure what those prices indicate.
The third Page 1 “ad” was what today would be a “classified ad.”
Headlined, “Notice to Pupils,” in large, bold type, it was undoubtedly of interest to students of Mrs. Will Foster.
“Have returned from the Dancing Academy, and ready to teach the new dances.”
With today’s votes related to Mozingo Lake Recreation Park, and because the city now gets its water from the lake rather than the 102 River, this story is of particular interest.
Beneath the headline, “WATERS OF 102 FALLING. NO HARM TO PUMP STATION” is this report:
“A rapid and sudden rise in the river at this point caused more alarm last night to the workmen at the pumping station where the new intake is being installed. The added volume of water brought from the north on account of very heavy rains at Lenox, Iowa, and points north of there, began raising the water line about 5 o’clock last night and this continued several hours. It began receding at that time and has fallen practically there feet and is scarcely bank full now. No damage whatever was done to the plant. The heavy rains however have prevented any progress being made on the work”.
To give some additional insight into the kind of story that made it to the top of the front page, how about this?
“NODAWAY FARMS SECOND BEST EQUIPPED IN STATE,” the headline reads.
The secondary headline reveals that there were 111 tractors in use, more than anywhere else in the state except Platte County.
“The progressive spirit of Nodaway county is shown by the use of more tractors in this county than any other in the state, except Platte county,” according to the “Missouri State Board of Agriculture.
“This report by counties was compiled in June and gives a total for Nodaway of 111. Platte County leads the list in having 121,” the short continues.
In case you might be interested, there were 7,200 in Missouri.
And then there is what we’d call a feature story nowadays — this one about another form of agriculture.
“DEMAND FOR RABBIT SKINS CREATES INDUSTRY FOR BOYS
“In recent years several kinds of fur, formerly or so little value as to offer no inducement to the trapper, have been raised in price and consequently collecting them has been made profitable. Rabbit pelts, which are extensively used by hat makers, are among the products. One eastern concern has announced that it will need 10 million rabbit skins during 1919 and 1920, and it desires as far as possible to secure them from American sources.
This is an indication of a market which should interest many a farmer boy. This fall and winter dried, cased rabbit skins will probably bring a reasonably good return. They are sold by the pound, which will contain seven or eight skins. Many farm boys can readily accrue, in the course of the winter, large numbers of skins which will net them a tidy sum, and, in addition, they will have the pleasure of trapping experience. The United States Department of Agriculture will supply any inquirer with the names and addresses of possible purchases of rabbit skins and other pelts.”
The story most interesting to me gives rise to a story I am trying to track down for an update.
“COUNTY’S SOLDIER DEAD ARE HONORED
“Dr. Cole Makes Dedicatory Address For Memorial /Ave.
“The sacrifice made by Nodaway County’s men on the field of battle in the world war was commemorated yesterday afternoon when the soldier dead were honored by the gift of a memorial avenue of trees, planted on the State Teachers College campus by the Maryville chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.
“The dedicatory service held at 3 o’clock was impressive and its significance touched the hearts of everyone present. The ceremony was held on the campus west of the pine grove. The entrance to the avenue was marked by two large flags, held unfurled by boys from training school of the college. Two trees were planted at this time and the spot where each of the remaining 42 trees will stand was marked by a flag.”
So far, I’ve not been able to find anyone who can tell me where “west of the pine grove” might be, nor which, if any trees still remain from that effort.
The advertisements are equally interesting.
A half-page ad from Yehle Dry Good Co. offers “Warm Coats … Of the Dressier Type” while Montgomery-Cummins Clothing Co. offers a fur overcoat for $55 and “Men’s and Boys’ Mackinaws” priced between $6 and $12.50.
A couple of more familiar names included notice of the “Bagby Bros.,” Elmer and Russell, purchasing the “Farmers Garage of Rickman Brothers” and Nodaway Valley Bank.
The NVB ad urges customers to “Lay the foundation of your future by opening a savings account today.”
The ‘Oldest Bank in the County” was offering “4% Interest on Time Deposits” with “Interest Paid Twice a Year.”
One “Wm. Everhart” was equally emphatic in his line ad:
“Hard Coal!” it was headlined.
“Two cars hard nut coal just arrived. Give me orders at once.”
They didn’t mince many words.
