The 29th Antique Machinery Threshing Bee, hosted by The Solomon Valley Antique Engine & Machinery Association, Inc., was set for Sept. 16 and 17 at the Rooks County Fairgrounds. Events were scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. both days.

CELEBRATING THE SAD OCCASION OF JANESE TOWNLEY’S 50TH BIRTHDAY IN 1997 were her fellow employees at the Stockton National Bank. Pictured around Janese’s desk are (from left): Connie Maddy, Joan Northup, Diane Keirns, Irene Nyp, Linda Roy, Karla Balthazor (partially hidden), Patty Johnston, Cindy McDowell, Diane Voss, Virginia Bice and Gail Cikanek.

* And So They Say: Lee Phelps: “I truly labored on Labor Day.” Chuck Waller: “Bill Gouldman isn’t the only person who doesn’t know anything about buying hogs. My hog died of the heat almost before I got him out of the pen.” Alvy Wildrix: “I paid $10.00 a pound last spring for the seed for these watermelons.”

A large number of the friends of Dr. Book and family assembled in the city park and had a delightful social affair under the trees. The long table was spread with good things. The approaching departure of this family whose life among us has for many years meant so much to the community, brings sadness to many hearts. The Books came to Stockton about 22 years ago during which time the doctor has faithfully ministered to ailments of thousands, old and young, being accounted one of the ablest and most successful physicians in the country, keeping always abreast of the times in the use of medicinal discoveries. He never wearied or fell short in his responsibilities to the care of suffering humanity and his name is a household word in countless homes.

* And So They Say: Bill Gouldman: “I’m a poor hog buyer—and you can quote me on that.” Harold Snyder of Lyons; “I have twelve grandchildren now, but I don’t think they come cheaper by the dozen.” Frances Nichols (week after the Fair): “This is Exhaustion Week.” Vera Peaslee: “If a person had a little more money, they could have all kinds of fun.”

JUNIA HALE and her son, Roger Hale, were pictured alongside the exhibit cabinet in the Wine Department at the 1997 Rooks County Free Fair that had been purchased with funds from the Willard Hale Memorial.

PICTURED IS THE STOCKTON HIGH SCHOOL GRADUTAING CLASS OF 1933. Pictured are (from left starting with the top row): Norma Sinclair, Virginia (Kriley) Meyers, Fern (Vallette) Hamel, Lucille (Jones) Galloway, Thelma (Stephens) White, Kathleen (Stewart) Watkins, Hazel (Hunt) Lowe, Marguerite (Roelfs) Shasteen, Chester Lindsey, Mabel (Robertson) Milner, Everett Russ, Opal (Wells) Hrabe, John Allen, Helen (Leighty) Nelson, Russell Garland, Halys (Hulse) White, Lois (Loeffler) Fink, Everett Brown, Cora (Hamit) Robinson, Charles Reed, Wilma (Baxter) Weber, Morris Phillips, Norma (Livingston) Parker, Walter Lindsey, Ivan Combs, Ruth (Griffin) Marshall, (missing a name), Mrs. Zimmerman, Bill Skinner and Cleora (Opdyke) Schaumberg. (Bill Skinner sent this picture to the Sentinel writing that his dad had saved the picture and article when it was been posted in the paper 41 years ago in 1989.

The Stockton Sentinel is always looking for pictures for our “Yesteryear” page. If you have a picture that you’d be willing to share with our readers (preferably at least 20 years old), send it to Stockton Sentinel, P.O. Box 521, Stockton, KS 67669, e-mail it to: stkpaper@ruraltel.net or bring it in to our office and we’ll be sure you get it back.

Another home has been desolated and a woman’s life cut short in full bloom of maturity by carelessness in the use of coal oil. The tragedy occurred to Mrs. Riley Wildix on a farm south of Dr. Book’s place. The fire in the kitchen range was down to a few glowing coals. To hurry it along in her preparation for dinner, she took the oil can in which there was about a gallon and poured some in the grate. Instantly there was a flash, which followed up the spout and the can exploded in her hands. Her clothes at once caught fire and she ran outside and wrapped herself in a mattress lying on the ground. Her husband was at the barn and ran to her assistance extinguishing the fire on her person, and putting out the fire in the house, which had not reached much headway. He carried her in and summoned Drs. Book and Richmond, who found the unfortunate lady had been burned over a large part of her body, especially in front. They knew at once it would be impossible to save her, as far more than 50 percent of the surface of her body was scorched. Had there been less than half affected, she might have stood a change of recovery. Twelve hours later past midnight, her life was extinct. The deceased was very highly prized, not only by her family and bereft companion, but by all her numerous acquaintances. She was a lady of the most loveable qualities, true to all the impulses of a noble nature. Everybody who knew her sings her praises and expresses the warmest sympathy for her devoted husband and family. During the hours after her accident she suffered little and talked freely of the accident, believing that she would recover.