Columns

First off, I would like to thank all those who read this column and share with me their enjoyment of the stories that are told here. Many times, more facets of the stories I share come forward and become, as one popular commentator put it, "the rest of the story."

20 Years Ago

1992 – Vicky Perkins of Vernon won $100,000 in the Illinois Lottery.
Joe Cearlock was president of the Vandalia Chamber of Commerce for 1992. Other officers were Dave Mahon, treasurer; Kevin Childers, secretary; and Paul Zeman, vice president.
Vandalia wrestlers John Kaiser, Todd Emerick and Chad Bowers advanced to the Vandalia Sectional after placing in the top three places in regional action Saturday at Litchfield.
Birth – Kayla Beth to Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Taylor of Vandalia.

According to legend, Abraham Lincoln jumped from a second floor window of the Vandalia Statehouse building to defeat a quorum.

In last week’s Mystery Banks Photo was: Mary (Catherni) Carson White.

15 Years Ago

1997 – The Vandalia Cham-ber of Commerce presented Abe Awards to Louise Low and Dr. Kevin Childers to recognize their service to the community. The chamber also presented a special award to the Vandalia Volunteer Fire Department for 100-plus years of service to Vandalia.
The city of Vandalia began working to get rid of the odor emanating from the city's sewage treatment plant.

 On Feb. 11, 1861, president-elect Abraham Lincoln left Springfield for Washington, D.C., for his inauguration. On the same day, Jefferson Davis left his home in Vicksburg, Miss., for Montgomery, Ala., to accept the presidency of the Confederate states.

15 Years Ago

1997 – Seven people entered Vandalia’s mayoral race – Sandra Leidner, Charles Hutson, Jim Bray, Kim Shanks, Sheldon Schulte, Everett Jarrett and David Crye Jr. Crye later withdrew from the race.
The Gallatin Street Grille opened at 524 W. Gallatin St. in downtown Vandalia.
Marvin and Dorothy Huskey of rural Brownstown celebrated their 50th anniversary.

20 Years Ago

Recently, I was asked where the ideas for my articles come from.