Clay County Courier Files, 1936

Submitted by Rita DonCarlos

A deal was closed last Monday by which Bub ARNOLD became the owner of the BRIDGES Drug and Jewelry Store in Corning. The transaction was consummated Monday morning and that afternoon, ARNOLD assumed charge of the business.

Four more Western Clay County families will soon become residents of Dyess Colony, if they pass the physical examination for admission. Last Wednesday morning, the colony bus made a trip to Moark and transported the following local families to Dyess Colony: Mr. and Mrs. Harold CLINE, Mr. and Mrs. Harry MYERS and Mr. and Mrs. Edgar PULLIAM. They will return to their homes here the latter part of this week and await notice of acceptance or rejection, and, if accepted, will locate there immediately.

Judge D. HOPSON has been bedfast suffering from shock and a badly bruised hip since he fell on an icy street-crossing near his office here last Monday just before noon.

The Christian Endeavor Society of Corning Christian Church sponsored a party in the church basement on Thursday evening of last week. Games and beano were played. Miss Margaret Ann VANDOVER won first prize and Winton MIZELL won second. Refreshments consisted of Jell-O, cake and tea.
Guests other than members were, Misses Mildred FOWLER, Margaret Ann VANDOVER, Ida Vonne TAYLOR, Elsa Augusta ARMSTRONG, Mary Jane COX, Elizabeth BELFORD, Bessie GRIBBLE, Earldean POLK, Alfreda MIZELL, Elvis LAMB, Vernon RUFF, E.L. MIZELL,Jr., Arthur WOODS, Cleo FRAZIER, Don THOMASON and Cleo STAFFORD.

Last Monday, three government trucks crossed FINLEY Ferry to remove the Harold CLINE family to Dyess Colony. One truck was loaded with household good, one with livestock and one was empty. The empty truck crossed safely, but when the second truck with livestock, reached the main current the cable broke, the boat swung down stream, the low apron of the boat was caught by the swift current and forced under by the surface. It sank in about five feet of water, 40 feet from the West bank. The livestock being safe above the water and the passengers rescued in small boats, leaving a truck on each side and one in the middle. An order was sent to Corning for tackle and a Caterpillar tractor. Carl LAROE responded with his outfit. After 30 hours of strenuous labor, the boat was dragged to her landing about five o'clock Tuesday afternoon and the truck towed to Corning. (Elmont News)

W. F. BARNES, 79, died last Wednesday following an illness of several weeks. He was born in Lawrence County, Illinois in 1856. He is among the oldest pioneer residents of Corning, having resided here for half a century and was prominently identified in local business circles for many years. He first entered the undertaking and furniture business and later operated a general merchandise store. He was among active leaders during Corning's pioneer days, always working for every civic and church improvement.

Woodall 4-H club met Thursday of last week with 11 members present. The following officers were elected: Richard ERMERT, president; E. GOODMAN, vice-president; Miss Ana MARIE, treasurer-secretary; Miss Mary Ella MABRY, reporter; Miss Roberta MABRY, song leader; F.M. ERMERT, boys leader and Maude SMITH, girls leader.

A county-wide rally, fish fry and barbecue for American Legion members will be held this afternoon beginning at four at Black River Camp on Highway 62 two miles East of Corning. Several Arkansas Legion officers are to address the ex-servicemen.

A young man from Campbell, MO, suffered injuries from a power line last week from which he died a few hours later in a Paragould hospital.
According to reports, the young man climbed a high line pole in an effort to capture a squirrel when the accident occured. The squirrel had reached the top of the pole when the man caught up with it and when he took hold of the little animal it scrambled against the wire, which was carrying around 3, 300 volts. The squirrel was killed, but at the same time it acted as a conductor for the electricity, which went through the unfortunate young man's body and his abdomen was torn open by the current. The accident happened on the Arkansas- Missouri Power Company line between Campbell and Holcomb, Missouri.

Thomas W. RATCLIFFE, 58, a prominent citizen of Corning and court official, died last Wednesday morning at 8:30 in Poplar Bluff hospital following an illness of 6 days. His death occured approximately 12 hours after he had been elected to the office of Deputy Circuit Clerk of Western Clay County by a three to one majority.

Several were in Corning last Monday for their cotton checks. Too bad, there won't be any this year. We farmers will badly miss them. (Hopsonville)

Blue School Honor Roll for the month: First grade, Oscar FRENCH, Eddie Poe CRAFTON, Don EARL SUTTON, Modean HUDSON;
Second grade, Carl and Evan WARD;
Third grade, Geraldine SUTTON, Helen CRAFTON, Lloyd RANEY;
Fourth grade, Lehman FOWLER, Mary SUTTON, Steward KIMBALL, Clarence RANEY, John H. SUTTON, Jeff LESTER;
Fifth grade, Vida FRENCH, Lester CRAFTON;
Sixth grade, Reva FOWLER, Vivadean HUDSON and Mildred SUTTON;
Seventh grade, Tressie CRAFTON and Iva RANEY.

J.W. BLACK Lumber Company greeted the new year in its beautiful new office building, constructed on the Northwest corner of West First and Vine Streets. The building, constructed by E.W. McCOLLUM, general contractor of Little Rock, was completed a few days before Christmas and the offices of the lumber company were removed from the second floor of Corning Bank and Trust Company building to the new location on December 21st.

Mr. and Mrs. Barney WILLIAMS, residing near Corning, are proud parents of a daughter, who arrived last December 20th, and is christened Nellie Marie. (Richwoods)

During the recent holidays, John Allan MAGEE, local magician, was an evenings featured entertainer at Hotel Peabody in Memphis. He has been booked for engagements at some of the larger theaters next Spring.

Updated 2 May 2008