The Way We Were
20 Years Ago
1993 – Beulah Brown of Vandalia was named the recipient of a Governor’s Award for Unique Achievement. The award recognized Brown’s outstanding contributions to caring for elderly people.
Robert and Corrine Baggett of Vandalia took a Caribbean cruise to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary.
The student council at Vandalia Community High School spent a little more than $1,000 for outdoor steel furniture that was installed outside the VCHS gym.
Vandalia officials announced that in less than a week, more than 1,000 local residents signed petitions to support Vandalia’s application for the super-maximum security prison to be built by the state of Illinois.
Earl and Pauline Stokes of Brownstown celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Trent Kull, a 1985 graduate of Vandalia Community High School, was promoted to the rank of captain. Kull was stationed with the Air Force at Hurlburt Field, Fla.
25 Years Ago
1988 – Vandalia officials received a comprehensive plan for future development. The plan was prepared by graduate students at the University of Illinois.
Zennie Dial of Beecher City resigned after 25 years on the Fayette County Board.
Dave Hauskins of Vandalia, Delbert Miller of Brownstown and Dr. Hans Rollinger of Vandalia were appointed to the Fayette County Hospital District Board of Directors.
35 Years Ago
1978 – All members of the Fayette County Housing Authority had resigned.
Thomas Force of Vandalia received a medical degree from Harvard University.
Debbie Nichols was awarded honors for VCHS music achievements.
Mr. and Mrs. John Leckrone were the buyers of this year’s house built by the Okaw Area Vocational Center.
Terri Bergman of Loogootee and Shelly Magnus of St. Peter were among a group of outstanding high school students who toured Washington, D.C.
45 Years Ago
1968 – Dale Slater, Vandalia chief of police and American Legion District 23 commander, was in charge of Legion convention activities in Vandalia. Joe Janes was district adjutant. The activities included a mile-long parade.
Sesquicentennial events include a parade for children on Tuesday.
Bishop Lance Webb conducted dedication ceremonies for the fellowship hall and chapel at First United Methodist Church of Vandalia.
The Vandalia Lions Club paid tribute to Dr. Mark Greer for his many years of faithful medical service to the community.
The newly organized Fayette County Mosquito Abatement District was unable to operate due to a lack of funds.
Chip Higgins retired from the Vandalia Volunteer Fire Department after 38 years of service and 34 years as the fire chief.
Memento Rebekah Lodge celebrated its 75th anniversary.
55 Years Ago
1958 – Larry Mabry of Vandalia received a bachelor's of science degree from Millikin University.
St. Elmo honored Dr. H.O. Lewis for 50 years as a practicing physician.
A photo taken by Joan Kielyan placed second in an Eastman Kodak contest held for high school students. Her prize was $200.
Bobby Dowell and Richard Powell of Brownstown left Monday for St. Louis for examination and induction into the Navy.
65 Years Ago
1948 – The new Demolay Chapter initiated 27 boys.
The Vandalia School Board purchased an Army barracks for the high school shop class.
Between 50 and 60 local youth signed up for summer recreational programs offered by the Vandalia Park District. Thurlow Bannister was the park director.
Ruth Purtillar was recognized for never being absent or tardy for the entire time she attended Vandalia’s schools.
75 Years Ago
1938 – Thousands viewed the parade pageant, which vivified the pioneer trail and formation of the Northwest Territory.
The price of oil royalties soared as explorations moved south across the east side of the entire county.
Oscar Williams showed off a toadstool that weighed 5 pounds and measured 31 by 36 inches.