The Way It Was

100 years ago:

Class of 1905 graduates

There was not a vacant seat in the whole of Moore's Theatre last night when the class of 1905 were graduated from the Central High School. The curtain rose promptly at 8:30 o'clock, but even before that, the large audience had arrived and were anxious for the program to begin. As the curtain rolled slowly upward, revealing tier after tier of seats with their dainty girl and dignified boy graduates, the audience enthusiastically applauded.

To the 38 young men and women which composed the class it was a supreme moment in their lives, marking as it did the end of the toilsome journey which all graduates are compelled to take before they can reach the goal to which ambition leads them.

Judging from last night's successful commencement, the class of 1905 is not only well prepared for any opportunity which may present itself and well equipped for life's struggle. These graduates will add another laurel to the many already in the history of the high school.

75 years ago:

Fatal accident occurs on Highway No. 71

Another distressing accident occurred early Sunday morning on state Highway No. 71, in which the life of Austin C. Reynolds, who resides seven miles northeast of Nevada, was snuffed out within the twinkling of an eye; while his son, Clement, looked on helpless to stay the hand of death that came so unexpectedly and so suddenly. Mr. Reynolds, in attempting to cross the highway to enter his car, driven by his son, walked right into a passing automobile traveling northward. The impact of the heavy car crushed the left side of his head, causing immediate death. The accident occurred at about 4:30, at a point about 300 yards south of the oil filling station located at the point where what is generally known as the asylum road which intersects with Highway No. 71.

50 years ago:

Instructor takes members of cast to see play at Neosho

Clifford Haislip, dramatics and speech instructor at Nevada High School took 18 members of the cast of the play "George Washington Slept Here" to Neosho last night to see the same play presented by students of the Neosho High School. The play was recently presented by the Senior Class of Nevada.

Students of Greenwood of Springfield were also present to see the play last night.

They, too, had recently presented a production of the same play.