10-20-40-100 YEARS AGO 100 YEARS AGO…
Rockdale had a near tragedy on Thanksgiving Day when Wells Allen, 12-year-old son of Night Officer Sid Allen, was shot in the calf of the leg by a young companion with whom he was hunting. The accident happened in the Sanford pasture, two miles east of town. Only four shots took effect, three lodging against the shin bone, the fourth penetrating the fleshy part of the leg and lodging deep in the flesh. The effectiveness of Boy Scout preparedness came in mighty handily in this case. Two members of the local Boy Scout Patrol, J.P. Speaks and Kirby Ray Simmons, were nearby and went to young Allen’s assistance. They administered first aid in good style, after which young Sparks, utilizing the “fireman’s grip,” carried the wounded boy on his shoulder to the public road a quarter of a mile distant, where a vehicle was found to bring him in. Young Wells was still confined to his bed, although his injuries were not serious. Scoutmaster Melbert was congratulated on having drilled his boys so well.
The Camp Fire Girls’ Christmas bazaar had begun. Due to the kindness of Coffield Hardware Company the articles would be on display in their windows and could be purchased there. People were able to buy beautiful and useful Christmas gifts, such as hand painted candles, candlestick holders, candy boxes, flowerpots, table markers, vases, ice tea glasses and metallic enameled flowers and grasses.
On Nov. 22, Mrs. Tom Paul was hostess to the famed Scrap Book Club at her attractive new home. The rooms were bright with roses and potted plants. The tables were soon filled with bright-faced, soft voiced players intent on the fascinating game of 42. After several interesting games the delicious refreshments of Russian tea, sandwiches, salads, pickles and potato chips were rounded out with lemon sherbet and delicate cake.
40 YEARS AGO… Fire Chief Earl Whitmore was named Fireman of the Year as the Rockdale Volunteer Fire Department held its annual Christmas party and awards banquet in the elementary cafetorium.
20 YEARS AGO…
Elvis McQuinn, Rockdale Volunteer Fire Department chief, had been in lots of situations without losing his cool but he had to struggle with his emotions this time around. McQuinn was named firefighterof- the-year for 2002, an award bestowed by RVFD members. “This means a lot,” he said. “You all know how close this department is to my heart. I wouldn’t do all this if I didn’t love it.”
Members of the Rockdale Cub Scout Pack 780 collected 250 pairs of eyeglasses for the Rockdale Noon Lion’s Club’s annual eyeglasses project.
10 YEARS AGO…
It was a day to remember, both for Rockdale and the Ruth Etta Sumuel family, as the town’s new Sumuel Park was dedicated at Fourth and MLK. Family members helped Mayor Larry Jones cut the dedication ribbon as friends, community members and city officials looked on. Linda Sumuel Martinez spoke on behalf of the family. “I know my mother is looking down on us this right now and she’s so proud,” Martinez said. The property, originally owned by Alyce Shields, was passed on to Ruth Etta Sumuel and donated to the city after Mrs. Sumuel’s death. Sumuel Park contained a playscape, picnic areas, halfcourt basketball court, picnic areas, a walking trail and a butterfly garden. The Sumuel Park project was funded by Texas Parks & Wildlife and community donations.
The Rockdale Christian Services Food Pantry recently received 3,104 pounds of food from the community, according to Inez Tipp, coordinator. She expressed appreciation to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, St. John’s United Methodist Church, Milam County Probation Department and Rising Star Baptist Church among others.
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