Features

The Satterthwaite family bought the Shafter Store in 1945, and last week, Don, Harry, and John Satterthwaite shared some of their memories about the store.
This week, the saga continues as they reminisce, and move on to the eventual demise of the store, but not of their memories.
Satterthwaites’ Shafter Childhood

When 99-year-old Helen Tompkins consented to an interview, she said she could not do it on a Tuesday, because that's when she always goes to a nursing home to sing for the residents.
Within a few minutes of meeting her, this amazing lady’s statement seemed not only a possibility, but a not-surprising probability.
She easily recalls dates, events, and people of long ago, looking to her daughter-in-law, Georgianne Tompkins, only rarely to offer a comment, to clarify or add information to a statement.

“W.E. Etcheson, General Merchandise” was the large sign under which Donald Etcheson was (figuratively) born 82 years ago, and lived from infancy until young manhood.
Last week,Etcheson began sharing his story of his childhood days in Shafter Township. He continues sharing memories this week, beginning with his family's move to Vandalia.
The Move from Shafter to Vandalia
Don said his dad sold the store to Don Satterthwaite, and they left Shafter in 1945.

Darrin Lurkins is showing his family’s Polled Hereford cattle at the Fayette County Fair.  He seemed especially proud of “Eclipse,” a heifer that was born in September.

Raising Hereford cattle is the Lurkins family’s business.

“We raise seed stock, and sell bulls and heifers to 4-H kids, and try to help people out as much as we can,” he said.

Lurkins, a 4-H Club “veteran,” is an avid supporter of the organization.

Though he came from very humble beginnings, the Rev. Norris Price has fashioned a life that is rich in all the important ways.

At the age of 77, he is still vital, healthy and involved. And he maintains an intellectual curiosity that keeps life interesting.

“I grew up in the country southwest of Ramsey,” Price said. “I suppose we were considered poor. There wasn’t much cash, but we never went hungry. And we had a lot of fun.”

From an early age, he demonstrated a thirst for knowledge and a fascination with people.

Haldon Warner became a member of the family at First National Bank of Vandalia in 1963, working in the bookkeeping department.

“Back then,” he said, “they wanted you to start by learning every department and work your way up.”

That seems like a good plan, because young Haldon Warner did, indeed, work his way up. He is now senior vice president and chief lending officer, positions from which he is retiring. He wears other hats, including serving as the compliance officer.

Jay Stortzum gives the first impression of a soft-spoken man of with a pleasant, intelligent and friendly personality. 

An ensuing conversation reveals that the first impression is correct, along with a sincere commitment to serve for the betterment of others, a trait which became apparent when he attended Eastern Illinois University.

As a student at EIU, Stortzum served as a student senator and the student body vice president, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education.

Katie Carson’s winning essay for the “Patriot’s Pen” contest, which is held every year by the Brownstown Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9770, went on to win the District 12 competition.

Katie, the daughter of Duane and Tammy Carson, is an eighth-grader at Brownstown Junior High School. She said that her writing was partially inspired by the return home from the service of a friend, Travis.

“The town escorted him home and had an appreciation party for him,” she said.

In many cases, when one is nearing the age of Ethel Gates Booher, the occasion is described more accurately as “observing”or simply “reaching” the honored year, which, in Ethel’s case, is 99.

In Ethel’s case, her homey, cheerful room in the Long Term Care facility at the Fayette County Hospital was alive with greetings, laughter and listening to Ethel’s stories of the past last Friday, as she, and her children and grandchildren literally celebrated Ethel’s 99th birthday.