LOOKING BACK

100 YEARS AGO…

Continuous rains played havoc with the streams of Milam County. Little River, San Gabriel River, Brushy, Alligator, Elm and the Yagua, together with practically all of the smaller streams, were reported out of banks and over the bottoms. Rain continued to fall and much damage to the newly-planted okra crops was anticipated.

Dr. C.E. Wisecup, on behalf of the Rockdale Boys’ Band, requested The Reporter to extend to all former members, and anyone who played an instrument or wished to learn, living in Rockdale or surrounding towns, an invitation to meet with the band on rehearsal night—Tuesday of each week—at the band hall. Last Tuesday night was the first rehearsal under the guidance of Dr. Wisecup and the meeting was one of interest throughout, the boys pledging renewed loyalty to the case, and promising to devote all the time possible during the week to practice. There was quite a bit of talent in the band and, if the required practice could be secured, there was no reason why Rockdale should not become famous throughout the state as being the home of the best boys’ band in Texas.

40 YEARS AGO…

Receiving awards at the Rockdale Chamber of Commerce banquet were Ralph Walters, fire chief; Ronnie Wiley, EMS volunteer; Linwood Mehaffey, businessman-developer; and John Shoemake, Rockdale Fair Association president.

A barbecue and auction sponsored by the Milano 4-H Club cleared more than $2,000 for Milano’s city park project.

“Redbud Renaissance,” the first annual plant sale for the Linwood Acres Garden Club, was judged a huge success, according to Hilda Chesney, chairman of the beautification project. “We appreciate so much the response we had to our tree sale,” she said. “We were overwhelmed by the people who came out in the rain and bought all the trees in about one hour.” Club members offered 100 redbud trees for sale and plans are to make a plant sale part of the club’s annual activities.

20 YEARS AGO…

Dr. John Mike and Jeanie Weed were honored as the Rockdale chamber of Commerce celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Weeds share the Outstanding Citizens of the Year award for service to the community over a long period.

Forty community volunteers, representing various groups, broke out the elbow grease and began the Lucy Hill Patterson Memorial Library’s expansion project into the adjacent Vogel building.

10 YEARS AGO…

The man with the most unique resume in the history of the Rockdale ISD is retiring at the end of the school year. Allen Sanders has been principal at three RISD campuses, assistant principal at two and even head football coach for a season during his 26-year career in Rockdale. His was one of 16 resignations accepted Monday by school trustees.

Most common bit of conversation at the first Milam County Festival Friday and Saturday at Rockdale’s Fair Park: “This feels just like the Fair.”Second most common: “How about this weather.” The festival, highlighted by 74 barbecue teams, unreeled on green grass, in sunshine and 65-degree temperatures both days.