Forum Flashbacks: July 23-29
MARYVILLE DAILY FORUM, JULY 29, 2001
25 YEARS AGO: Brother-Sister Ride – Taking a little ride are Dylan Lawson, 5, and his sister, Mackenzie, 6, while the weather is still nice. Maybe it was just too hot to walk.
50 years ago
Maryville Daily Forum, July 27, 1976
Shooting Assailant Is Sought
A warrant was issued today for Ken Rex McElroy, 42, charging him with assault with intent to kill following a shooting incident Monday evening north of Graham.
The victim was identified as Romaine Henry, 41, Graham. He was taken to St. Francis Hospital, where he was reported in satisfactory condition today.
According to the sheriff’s department, the shooting occurred between 5:15 and 5:30 p.m. Monday on a country road four miles north of Graham.
Henry, according to reports, heard some shooting east of his home and went to investigate in his pickup. Authorities said McElroy, when Henry arrived at the scene, opened the pickup door and shot the victim in the stomach with a 12-gauge shotgun. A second shot struck Henry a glancing blow on his head.
The sheriff’s department said it knows of no motive for the shooting.
Following the shooting, Henry was able to drive back to his home, where his wife took him to St. Francis Hospital.
McElroy disappeared after the shooting, and was being sought by law enforcement authorities throughout the Midwest today.
75 years ago
Maryville Daily Forum, July 27, 1951
Mrs. J. M. Phipps, Hostess for Maryville, Has Greeted 387 Families in Two Years
More than 387 families have shaken hands, figurately speaking, with Maryville in the past two years. The introductions were brought about by Mrs. J. M. Phipps, unofficial hostess for Maryville.
Mrs. Phipps, or Betty, as she is better known to most Maryvillians, is a small, energetic woman, with a friendly smile, and, again figurately speaking, a sincere welcome sign in each eye. She is the hostess for Welcome Wagon, Inc., a national organization to welcome newcomers, call on engaged girls, and congratulate families with new babies.
Betty took over the duties as hostess when Mrs. Richard Sellers, who started the service in October, 1943, resigned because of ill health. This was in March, 1949. …
The plan for Welcome Wagon was originated by Thomas Briggs of Tennessee, in 1922. He got the idea from the time when covered wagons crossed the country, and were met by settlers bearing gifts. Such a friendly atmosphere caused the newcomers to settle in that community.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The 50- and 75-year flashbacks are courtesy of the Missouri Digital Newspaper Project from the State Historical Society of Missouri, accessible at shsmo.newspapers.com.
