Dash to the Past — Teen gets lifesaving surgery thanks to statewide generosity

Headlines from this weekend in history contained tragedy and celebration. In 1924, an elderly pastor died while fighting forest fires near Rombauer. Twenty-five years later, the generosity of Missouri churches gave a Colombian teen life-saving surgery and a place to recuperate.

No issues available — Nov. 30, 1924; Dec. 1, 1974

SATURDAY

75 years ago

Nov. 30, 1949

• A red-tailed hawk took control of the Missouri House today.

The bird was brought into the House by Rep. C.E. Felker (D) of Scott County after it collided with his car. The hawk was only slightly hurt and got away from Felker, flying from seat to seat in the House and intimidating officials, including Rep. Tom Shockley (D) of Pulaski County.

“Shockley often has told the House what a sportsman he is. But he kept a respectful distance from the bird with the baleful eyes,” a Jefferson City report noted.

Representatives affectionately deemed the hawk a “small loan lobbyist.”

50 years ago

Nov. 30, 1974

• The Poplar Bluff Rescue Mission served a record 65 people at its annual Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 28. Rev. Gus Parris thanked local churches and residents for donating food.

SUNDAY

100 years ago

Dec. 1, 1924

• Rombauer mourns the death of an elderly pastor today, who died protecting his community from a wildfire. V.V. Carter, age 70, joined volunteers in beating back a wildfire approaching the town yesterday. Carter’s body was found by another volunteer hours after he took up a post in the woods. It’s believed the fire boxed him in and he asphyxiated due to the smoke.

Carter pastored the Primitive Baptist Church in Rombauer.

Firefighting efforts continue 24/7 in Butler, Stoddard and Dudley counties.

75 years ago

Dec. 1, 1949

• Two brothers were seriously injured in hunting accidents only three weeks apart.

Doyle Crossen of Poplar Bluff lost his right eye last month. This morning Harold Crossen, 22, was accidentally shot in the abdomen while hunting raccoons near Neelyville. He was hunting with another brother, Raymond, and a friend. The accident occurred around 12:30 a.m. and Harold Crossen was rushed to Poplar Bluff Hospital, where he remains in serious condition.

MONDAY

100 years ago

Dec. 2, 1924

• The Poplar Bluff City Council is moving to add stop signs and other safety devices to its busiest streets after a streak of careless driving accidents.

The Street and Alley Committee recommended adding safety lights to the city’s budget this year, at $85 each. The Daily Republican reported, “These safety devices are to be placed in the center of the cross streets (of Main Street from Maple to Broadway), raised slightly above the surface and will have lights in them.”

The council favored this proposal, plus another for stop signs on Vine, Broadway, Ninth and Second streets.

One councilman recommended the city subsidize a police department motorcycle for patrolling traffic. No action was taken, but a traffic cop will likely be deployed next spring.

75 years ago

Dec. 2, 1949

• A teen from Colombia, South America received lifesaving surgery thanks to Missouri’s Baptist churches.

Rodolfo Gutierrez, age 13, was born with blue baby syndrome (or cyanosis) caused by a heart condition. Gutierrez was brought to St. Louis for heart surgery by missionary Rev. Harry W. Schweinsberg with the support of Baptist congregations across the state. The operation was successful and Gutierrez is recovering in Poplar Bluff at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Bricknell.

The First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff presented him with a new Western Flyer bicycle in celebration.

50 years ago

Dec. 2, 1974

• Missouri authorities are on high alert for a pair of lightning rod scammers. Four counties in Northern Arkansas reported activities by the two men, most recently in Clay County where they stole $500 from an elderly couple.

Mr. and Mrs. Street Parrish reported the men arrived around 2:20 p.m. at their rural home near McDougal posing as lightning rod salesmen. One took Mr. Parrish outside to survey the roof while the other asked Mrs. Parrish for her social security number. She removed an envelope of cash from her purse as she searched for her social security card, and the man grabbed it. The thieves fled in a maroon truck. Authorities believed they were headed for the state line.