The way it was 8/10

100 Years Ago -- August 10, 1903

STORM UPDATE FROM METZ -- The furious storm that passed over this section of our village Friday night at 11 o'clock was accompanied with a great electric display. A half hour later, lightning struck the store building belonging to Mrs. J.K. Dye and occupied by E.L. Rodman, dealer in general merchandise. The upper story of the building was occupied by the M.W.A. and set it on fire that for a time threatened the entire business portion of the town. A furious gale from the northeast drove the heat directly against the store building owned by G.W. Petty and occupied by C.R. Harris. The entire row of buildings north from Rodman's was burned, stopping only when it reached Dr. Hornbeck's office.

75 Years Ago -- August 10, 1928

The County Court has offered a reward of one hundred dollars for the arrest and conviction of the party or parties who killed the Garfield and Cox boys in an automobile accident north of Nevada on Highway 71. An election was ordered to vote on the proposition of levying three-fourths of a mill on the one hundred dollars valuation of the purpose of establishing and maintaining a county hospital.

50 Years Ago -- August 10, 1953

L.P. Weatherford, the "World's Greatest Rainmaker," arrived in Nevada early this morning. A dark, youngish looking (35) man, Weatherford said that he had heard Nevada and Vernon County were in serious need of precipitation and that he was the man who could bring it; $100 C.O.D. per one inch of rain, within five days, $250 C.O.D. for two inches of rain within five days. He plans to remain in Nevada for a few days to see if anyone cares to sponsor him in his rainmaking efforts. When asked what system he employs in his rain-making, Weatherford said that it "metaphysical or spiritual, it's really too involved to explain." There is no one else in the world with this power; I am "The Rainmaker." WASHINGTON -- More use of streetcars and taxi's by federal officials and less of chauffeur driven government cars, was sought by Budget Director Joseph Dodge. Dodge directed all government agencies to report to him by October 1 their minimum requirements for cars and chauffeurs. Efforts should be made, he said, to reduce the size of government owned fleets by more use of streetcars, busses, taxi's and rented cars.