Looking Back - The Morning Sun

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Our second summer (1965) brought a few challenges. Bill worked with the Sacred Heart Grade School custodian, Mr. Johnson, painting classrooms. Plus, there was a Diocese program that qualified him … more

By J.T. Knoll | 6/25/25

‘A SIX MILE AN HOUR CRUISE – Vienny Kirkpatrick rides beside Forrest “Wind River Luke” Lukins during a ride of the Pittsburg Saddle Club June 22. Lukins hitched his two Belgian work horses, Bill and Bob, to a sheepherder’s wagon to make the ride from Witmore pits to the state park to the James Edwards home on Langdon Lane. Both men are from Savonburg.’

Dollar Day throngs city with shoppers

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Excerpted stories in Crawford County newspaper archives 100 years ago June 25, 1925 They came, they shopped, they purchased. Dollar Day business took a brisk early morning … more

Compiled by Joshua Smith | 6/25/25

‘Bear Brigade: Gloria Ann Williamson, representing Royal Neighbors of America life insurance, watches as Crawford County Sheriff Sandy Horton, Undersheriff Dan Peak and Deputy Joe Adams tuck donated teddy bears into the sheriff's motorcycle saddle bags Friday. The insurance organization donated 10 stuffed bears which the sheriff's department will use to calm children in crisis situations.’

Judge Riley shared in chase that cost motorist $25

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Excerpted stories in Crawford County newspaper archives 100 years ago June 24, 1925 The police this morning had an iron-clad, air-tight case against F. E. Ford, arrested for … more

Compiled by Joshua Smith | 6/24/25

Dean Thompson. Girard, plays Uncle Bobbie Wicks in “That Printer of Udell’s.” Uncle Bobbie is a prime mover toward establishing a refuge for the poor and needy of early Pittsburg, and also proves and aid to the here in his pursuit of truth and justice.

Four from Pittsburg complete MDs

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Excerpted stories in Crawford County newspaper archives 100 years ago June 21-23, 1925 Crawford County’s wheat yield this year will be approximately 446,400 bushels as … more

Compiled by Joshua Smith | 6/21/25

You can say that again

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I’m in the mood for some wordplay today, so here goes. First of all, I’d like to share a witty type of pun called a ‘wellerism’. The term derives from Sam Weller, a … more

By J.T. Knoll | 6/20/25

Clemens hopeful of closing pit merger

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Excerpted stories in Crawford County newspaper archives 100 years ago June 20, 1925 “From present indications the strip mine merger is favored by a majority of the … more

Compiled by Joshua Smith | 6/20/25

New England militia man the redoubt at the summit of Breed’s Hill nervously watching the first of three British frontal assaults on the position form up. The militia withdrew as men lost their nerve or ran low on powder and shot.

The Young Lions escape their cage

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Author’s Note: Although known as the Battle of Bunker Hill, the battle was actually fought on Breed’s Hill, closer to Boston. With Washington having been appointed Commander-in-Chief just … more

6/19/25

Ben George hands out ice cream treats to his younger siblings in this in this photo that ran in the May 14, 1966,

Ice Cream Wagon Days, Part I

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This is the first of a two-part story by Ben George. I’m guessing that, after reading it, you won’t be surprised to learn that, after graduation from college, he went on to be a … more

By J.T. Knoll | 6/19/25

Brett Thompson, a member of the Pittsburg Parks and Recreation grounds crew, attempts to squeegee the excess water from Bunk Bournonville Field on Saturday on Saturday to ready the diamond for use in the 13th annual Jock’s Nitch Softball Classic. The tournament slid through a second day Saturday despite nearly 4 inches of rain over the last two days. Action is scheduled to conclude today at the Don Gutteridge Sports Complex.

Federal road funds restored to Kansas

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Excerpted stories in Crawford County newspaper archives 100 years ago June 18, 1925 Appointment of a judge, marshal and clerk for the new city court was deferred by the city … more

Compiled by Joshua Smith | 6/18/25

Noah Greathouse, of Joplin, Mo., who turns 2 in July, mans the dugout for the Carthage Athletics team as team member John Riley watches the action on the opening night of the 13th annual Jock’s Nitch Softball Classic. Carthage went on to win 13-9 against Bud Light. The tournament went on as scheduled Friday despite nearly 2 inches of rain in the 24-hour period before the tournament. Play continues today and Sunday, weather permitting.

Live races to begin at Camptown

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Excerpted stories in Crawford County newspaper archives 100 years ago June 17, 1925 Pittsburg’s new sewage disposal plant was given a final inspection today by Ernest … more

Compiled by Joshua Smith | 6/17/25

$Members of Busy Bees Club held their 52nd reunion Thursday at Schlanger Park Center. The former sewing club started in the home of Mrs. Hazel Watts, then located three miles west an ½ mile south of Beulah. Mrs. Watts was the first president. Present at the reunion were six charter members, Mrs. Watts, Mrs. Nora Rule, Mrs. Nettie Watts, Mrs. Annabelle Colgrove, Mrs. Edna Frakes and Mrs. Veda Geier. Twenty two other members also attended. Current officers of the group are: Mrs. Jessie Zimmerman, president; Mrs. Mabel Tobaben, vice-president; Mrs. Mazel McWilliams, secretary; and Mrs. Hazel Critton, treasurer.$

County halts roadbuilding

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Excerpted stories in Crawford County newspaper archives 100 years ago June 14-16, 1925 Formal action calling a halt to all road building in Crawford County and trimming down the … more

Compiled by Joshua Smith | 6/14/25

An inter-service U.S. military color guard. Note how the Army carries the National flag while the Army’s colors occupy the next senior position in the line, followed by the remaining services in seniority. Also note the soldier to the ‘right-of-line', a spot traditionally reserved for the most steadfast and trustworthy soldiers.

From shopkeepers to soldiers

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June 14 is widely recognized as Flag Day in the United States. It was on that day in 1777 when the Continental Congress authorized a national flag and the parameters of its design for the newly … more

By Dustin R. Strong / [email protected] | 6/13/25

Summers with Dad

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Being the youngest of five, my older siblings always reminded me how soft Dad got by the time I came along. There are only six years separating my oldest sister from my youngest brother and with … more

By Dustin R. Strong / [email protected] | 6/13/25

All fathers are not the same

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Don’t get me wrong — I loved my dad and have some very fond memories with him, but the wounds I acquired growing up definitely left scars. — Matt Haviland It was a woman named … more

By J.T. Knoll | 6/13/25

Johnson calls coal mining ‘ill patient’

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Excerpted stories in Crawford County newspaper archives 100 years ago June 13, 1925 Hearty endorsement of the first aid and mine rescue movement was given by W. L. A. Johnson, … more

Compiled by Joshua Smith | 6/13/25

The flags are flying again at Fourth and Broadway. The flags had been taken down for a time until a solution was found to their winding around the flag standard. A swivel was installed on each pole and the problem was solved. Business Manager Tom Murry, above, helps put the flags back up Wednesday as members of the American Legion and others not shown await the completion of the work out of range of the camera.

Back on poles

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Excerpted stories in Crawford County newspaper archives 100 years ago June 12, 1925 Pittsburg’s new city court probably will be located at 113 West Fourth Street, over the … more

Compiled by Joshua Smith | 6/12/25

State Park No. 1

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As a kid Grandpa Matt took me on fishing trips to area ponds, creeks and strip pits. My favorite destination, though, was the State Park north of town, located where Highway 160 (Capaldo Road to the … more

By J.T. Knoll | 6/11/25

Govenor to attend state rescue meet

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Excerpted stories in Crawford County newspaper archives 100 years ago June 11, 1925 Crawford County’s wheat yields this year will average about twelve bushels to the acre, … more

Compiled by Joshua Smith | 6/11/25

State approves voting on $75,000 for high school

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Excerpted stories in Crawford County newspaper archives 100 years ago June 10, 1925 A special selection to vote on a bond issue of $75,000 for the erection of a new high school … more

Compiled by Joshua Smith | 6/10/25

Finke saves boy from drowning

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Excerpted stories in Crawford County newspaper archives 100 years ago June 7-9, 1925 Decision to call a halt to all road work in Crawford County except that which has been let … more

Compiled by Joshua Smith | 6/7/25