The Way We Were

20 Years Ago

1993 – U.S. Route 51 through Ramsey was closed for about five hours early Sunday morning when the driver of a tractor-trailer lost control of the vehicle on the curve just north of town and wrecked. The accident caused the spill of about 4,200 gallons of crude oil.
Plans were being finalized for Old Capital Settlers Day in Vandalia. Activities included a chili cook-off, crafts and flea market, and husband- and wife-calling contests.
The burning of leaves on city streets and the dumping of leaves in city ditches were becoming a "real concern," said Mayor Rich Walker. He reminded city residents that such actions were punishable by a fine of up to $500.
Lucas Clanton of Mulberry Grove, a member of the Vandalia Future Farmers of America chapter, was a finalist for the National FFA Dairy Production Proficiency Award.
Immanuel Lutheran Church of Augsburg, rural Shobonier, held a ceremony to dedicate its new parish hall.
Devon and Patty Graumenz celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.
Gordon and Denise Stine of rural St. Elmo attended the National Farmers Union Legislative Fly-In in Washington, D.C.

25 Years Ago

1988 – Darrell and Lana Potter, and Larry and Pat Coughlin opened the Midwest Country Antique Mall, the only antique mall located between St. Louis and Terre Haute, Ind.
Improvement work on the intake structure at Vandalia Lake was completed.
Sophomore Lenora McNutt was crowned homecoming queen at Vandalia Community High School.

35 Years Ago

1978 – Charles Ruemmelin, who died a year earlier, willed the bulk of his estate to worthy causes that would enhance the general health and welfare of Vandalia.
The register at the Vandalia Statehouse showed that more than 10,000 people had visited the old capitol in the past four months.
Maurice Feldpouch was appointed to a trustee seat on the Ramsey Village Board.
A group of Fayette County Farm Bureau women went to Washington, D.C., to try to influence their congressmen on farming legislation.

45 Years Ago

1968 – Pat Burnam headed the 1968 Christmas Seal campaign in Fayette County.
Corp. Harold E. Feezel, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Warren Feezel of Loogootee, was reported killed in action in Vietnam. He was aboard a helicopter which was hit by enemy fire.
Fayette County Salon No. 375 received a state award for its large contribution to the nurses' fund.
Duane Luallen, a Vandalia CPA, was elected president of the Independent Accountant's Association of the State of Illinois.
The Vandalia Jaycees' peanut sale was planned to coincide with the fall sesquicentennial.

55 Years Ago

1958 – Daylight savings time was to expire this Saturday evening.
Sen. Paul Douglas spoke at a non-partisan dinner at Robbins Restaurant. More than 100 people attended.
Church workers making a religious census of Vandalia made 1,530 calls on Sunday afternoon.
About 125 Future Farmers of America members and advisers attended a leadership conference hosted by Mulberry Grove High School.

65 Years Ago

1948 – The Fayette County Selective Service Board finished registration for young men. Some 1,157 were registered during the four-day session.
The Vandalia Chamber of Commerce made a plea for articles that could be used to furnish the old state capitol. The state was in the process of restoring some furnishings, which were of the same period of the original furnishings.
Warren Mabry began work on a tourist court at the north edge of town. When completed, the court was to include 15 motel units and a restaurant.
Actor Jon Hall landed at Vandalia Airport over the weekend.
The first of 700 quail were released by the Vandalia Sportsmen's Club.
The Illinois Central Railroad announced that it was improving the lighting at the depot, as a way of discouraging loitering.
Mrs. Eugene Steinhauer was installed as president of the American Legion Auxiliary.
A charter of incorporation was issued to the Old Pilcher Cemetery Association of Otego Township.

75 Years Ago

1938 – The fifth annual Old Settlers Day was termed a success, with between 12,000 and 15,000 turning out for the two-day celebration.
Maj. Walter Metz of the Veterans Administration inspected several sites that were possibilities for a veterans' hospital. His visit was arranged by the Vandalia Chamber of Commerce.
A burglar broke into Allen Miller's cafe and took about $18.
The Chicago Daily News ran a feature story about Vandalia and the effects of the oil boom on the city and Fayette County.
Plans for a new school on the site of Washington School were drawn. The school board planned to have the new building completed by next fall.