Columns

Nearly 20 years ago, I was in one of the local antique shops on Gallatin Street when two large portraits caught my eye. The portraits, created in charcoal and pencil, obviously by the same hand, were framed and in very good condition.

15 Years Ago

1996 – The Vandalia City Council voted to seek candidates for the vacant position of director of community development.
The Vandalia Volunteer Fire Department purchased a new set of hydraulic cutters and a new power unit. Half of the $7,500 for the equipment came from city funds, and the fire department paid the other half of the bill.
Landreth Lumber & Home Center in Vandalia was sold to R.P. Lumber, the owner of lumber yards in a number of Central Illinois towns.

This week’s Mystery Banks Photo: This young girl, pictured about 45 years ago, is the youngest of eight children. She now has two daughters and two granddaughters. She is a widow and has lived her entire life in Mulberry Grove.
Do you know her? If so, call The Leader-Union, 283-3374.
In last week’s Mystery Banks Photo were: Kenny Smith, Robert Smith and Karen Smith Little.
Identifying them was:   Doris Young.

Capt. Sam Houston was an honored member of Co. I, Fourth Infantry, of the Illinois National Guard, joining the unit in 1898 at the outbreak of the Spanish-American war.
Lest I confuse someone, I’m talking about a golden eagle who served as the mascot for Fayette County’s local National Guard company.
According to Major E.P. Clayton, one of the commanders of Co. I, “Captain Sam” was captured four miles south of Vandalia by Frank Williams in April 1898 and sold to Martin F. Houston.