The Way We Were

15 Years Ago

1997 – Democrat David C. Marty, Fayette County treasurer for the past 28 years, announced that he would not seek an eighth term in office. Later in the week, Democrat Rose Hoover, a deputy clerk under Marty, announced that she would run for treasurer.
The Vandalia football squad defeated Piasa Southwestern to finish the year at 6-3 and win an at-large playoff berth.

20 Years Ago

1992 – Alfred "Mick" Buscher announced that he was retiring after eight years as warden of Vandalia Correctional Center and 33 years with the Illinois Department of Corrections. He was to be succeeded by Mike Baker, who has been assistant warden of operations at Graham Correctional Center in Hillsboro for the past five years.
Linda Stucky opened the Opera House Gallery in St. Elmo. This was a place where local artists could display their work.
At a reorganizational meeting of the Fayette County Board, Democrat Jean Finley, a District 1 member, was retained as chairwoman. Republican Mike Meyer was elected vice chairman.
Lyle Ballance announced that he would end a 22-year career as the county's supervisor of assessments by retiring at the end of the year.
Fred Keck of rural Vandalia was elected to the first Illinois Conservation Congress.
About a year after learning that she had breast cancer, Rowena Biellier announced that she would repay the kindness shown to her during her fight by playing Mrs. Santa Claus.

25 Years Ago

1987 – A new community video for Vandalia, produced by Vandalia native George Thompson, was unveiled at a meeting of the Vandalia Chamber of Commerce.
Chris Alstat won the Veterans of Foreign Wars "Voice of Democracy" essay contest.
Joye Eyman was named youth adviser for the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service.
Steve Stombaugh was to take over as president of the Vandalia Chamber of Commerce.

35 Years Ago

1977 – Mud, snow and a chill factor of -14 degrees delayed the reopening of the Illinois Central Railroad tracks north of town following a 14-car derailment.
The first winter storm of the year hit Vandalia.
The Vandalia Historical Society held a celebration to mark the 150th anniversary of the Historical Society of Illinois.
St. Elmo won the district volleyball tournament by defeating Vandalia.

45 Years Ago

1967 – Curt Muelchi of Vandalia suggested the name of Cumberland Trail Library System for the new regional library system.
Anna Lacey was crowned homecoming queen at LaGrove High School in Farina.
The city of Vandalia received  a new 13-cubic-foot refuse collection truck.

55 Years Ago

1957 – A kickoff meeting for the polio drive was held at Jay's Restaurant.
Fayette County teachers honored Floyd Staff, who retired after teaching in county schools for 35 years. They also honored Dr. Mark Greer for his service on the Vandalia Board of Education, and also for his donation of land for the high school and the swimming pool.
The Woman's Society of Christian Service opened a three-day bazaar. The six rooms at the Little Brick House were used to display many Christmas items.

65 Years Ago

1947 – Rollin Porter was re-elected chairman of the Fayette County District of the Ambra-Wabash Boy Scouts.
Grading at the site of Vandalia High School was almost complete.
On Sunday morning, the thermometer registered 6 degrees above zero.

75 Years Ago

1937 – People wishing to work were advised to secure Social Security numbers.
Arthur Roe of Vandalia was appointed to the Fayette County  committee to fight infant paralysis.
The school building in the  Maple Grove District burned.
Hall's Garage offered bus service to Vandalia citizens for out-of-town basketball games.