I can’t explain why I take such pleasure in reading old newspapers. I have a collection of newspapers that belonged to my mother. I read old newspapers at the museum. And of course I read them on microfilm at the genealogy library. Each time I enter the world of the past I make new discoveries about our little community. I find out tidbits about people that I pass on to their descendents. I find out about politics and crime and entertainment. And I realize that during each decade there is a group of hard-working people striving together for improvements.
So… I offer you a few notes from 1919-1921. Perhaps they will bring you some amusement and enlightenment. “Cut Your Weeds” is my favorite clip.
The Caddo Herald
January, 1919
“The Royal Opens with Good Show- Last Friday night a large crowd greeted the opening of the new Royal Theatre. The bill was the “One Woman”, a play that has made millions think, a play that show the evils of socialism, a play that shows where the philosophy of socialism takes men and women. While it was a picture show, it was nevertheless effective and enjoyable. Charlie Chaplin also was there with his foolishness. He makes you laugh, whether you feel like it or not.
Manager Kuschke with the completion of the new large show house promises us some excellent pictures within the next few weeks. The new show house would do credit to a large city. There are 400 seats in the main auditorium and 200 more can be added if needed. The room is very large, and the ventilation is such that the air is changed every few minutes, so that from a sanitary standpoint there is less danger of contagion and unpleasantness.”
April, 1919
“Cole Brothers Shows and Big Trained Wild Animal Exhibition will exhibit in Caddo, Monday, April 7th, afternoon and night. (Photo shows a lion on a platform with its front paws on a man’s shoulders.)
“Caddo Sprucing Up- There is now and has been quite a bit of repairing, adding to, and painting of houses in Caddo. There are so many of these improvement that it is hard to tell about all of them. I. Schaffer, Ernest Bass, G.A. Crossett, Dr. Dale, Ed. F. Brown, W.T. Smith, and Henry Bass are among those who have had improvement made on their homes. Carpenters and painters are all busy, working from one job to another as fast as they can.Such indicates good times, plenty of work. It also indicates that people are taking a pride in the looks and conveniences of their homes.”
“The road to Caddo is in fine shape. It has been graded, and as soon as a good rain falls and it is dragged it will be as smooth as a pike.”
“For Sale-90 acres land 5 1/2 miles southeast of Caddo; 60 acres in cultivation and good improvements, 3 ½ miles from McCoy well and 1 mile from Lake Brewer location. There is no lease of any kind on this land. Price $60 per acre. Lat Lutes, Bokchito, Okla.” (note: I know from other records that Lake Brewer was a person, so this ad is referring to his farm.)
January, 1920
“New Barber Shop wants your business- Where they know to do it-the stand next to postoffice. Shorty Renfro, pro.” (This ad really reads just like this. I hope they meant “know how to do it”.)
January, 1921
“Manager McCoy announces that next Saturday that from 9:30 to 12 in the morning all the receipts from his show will be sent to the relief of the starving children of Europe. The admission will be 10c and 20c.”
July, 1921
“Mammoth Celebration!, July 14, 15, 16, Carnival Grounds, Caddo, Ok.
Presenting High Class Carnival Attractions, Merry-Go-Round, Ferris Wheel, 100 Fun Makers. 3 Big Days, 3 Big Nights- Fun, Frolic and Amusement for Everybody”
“Cut Your Weeds-The city has cut the weeds in the streets and alleys, up to the curb. Property owners must cut the remainder, else it will be charged against the property. People are further warned not to throw trash in the ditches or alleys. These measures are taken for the health and looks of the town. Those who do not comply with these regulations will be prosecuted. A.P. Braudrick, Mayor”
September, 1921
“The Grammar School began Monday morning with 300 pupils enrolled the first day. It is expected that fifty more will be enrolled in this department before the week is out. This number is without the beginners and fourth grades that will be in the High School building, and which will begin next Monday.”
Comments