Looking back...

100 YEARS AGO...

Just as we were getting a little uneasy about dry weather, we were visited by a very heavy rain, and for several days it had rained. In all we have had about three inches and still the weather was not settled.

Great disappointment was felt here by teachers and pupils of this school on account of the Interscholastic League Meet being postponed two Fridays in succession. However, the Rockdale business men showed their appreciation by putting up some splendid prizes since the meeting will be in Rockdale. Manager W.A. Quebe

Manager W.A. Quebedeaux announced that the official opening game of the season will be staged at Fair Park on April 15, between the Rockdale Oilers and the crack Sharp team, known as the “Sharp Shooters.” The Oilers were working out every day that the weather would permit, and the Sharp team had a reputation for having a bunch of fast ball players, so local fans could rest assured they would see a fair exhibition of the national game.

If you were looking for a bargain in a car, you could check out Rockdale Motor Car Co.

FORTY YEARS AGO...

The City Council raised the ceiling for the city’s federally-funded housing rehabilitation program from $5,000 to $7,500 on the recommendation of the program coordinator. Raising the limit would mean doing four or five fewer houses, the coordinator told the council.

It was strike three but not necessarily out for the six Milam County landowners who had taken the county to court over the creation of a central tax appraisal district.

Rockdale’s city sales tax return continued to bloom— at a 19 percent increase for 1981 over 1980, according to the state comptroller’s office.

School would be dismissed early Thursday, and Friday and Monday were Easter holidays for pupils. Although, Monday would be a teacher workday, the school announced.

TWENTY YEARS AGO...

A 19-year-old New Baden man became Milam County’s fourth traffic fatality of 2001 in a collision between a pickup and an 18-wheeler in Gause. The wreck was on US 79.

Rockdale’s traditional Easter Sunrise Service for all denominations would bring an end to observances of Holy Week Sunday morning with the public invited to attend, according to hosts Jay and Betty Brown.

Forgotten treasures had been uncovered at the Milam County Courthouse in Cameron as crews gutted the inside and made preparations for the huge task of renovation.

“How sweet it is!” Jackie Gleason’s old catch phrase wasn’t on the program when the Milam Opry celebrated its one-year anniversary at the KC Hall.

TEN YEARS AGO...

City Manager Kelvin Knauf had an ominous prediction for the near future at the city council meeting. Knauf told council members if sales tax revenues continued to drop significantly, some city services could be curtailed, that a budget amendment for this fiscal year was likely, and that next year’s budget “will be brutal.”

A 23-year old rural Milam County resident was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography in connection with a laptop computer pawned at National Pawn & Jewelry in Rockdale last November.

Milam County managed to dodge the brush fire epidemic which swept through West Texas and threatened much of the state.

So far. The county-wide burn ban continued but, amazingly, there were two violations reported in the Rockdale area during the past week.

The annual community noon luncheon Holy Week services, sponsored by Rockdale Ministerial Alliance, were to be held in the First Baptist Church fellowship hall, Minister Brandon Navarre, Alliance president, announced.