Vernon County Courthouses 1855, 1868, 1907.

WORK ON COURTHOUSE RESUMED BY CONTRACTORS.

     Contractors Beagles & Dye have started work again on Vernon county's new $75,000 courthouse. The stone cutters have a great quantity of stone ready for the building. having worked through the winter and still working. Vernon County is going to have the finest courthouse in the state.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 15 February 1907 page 4.

CLOCK FOR NEW COURT HOUSE.

A. B. Cockerill To Present The Clock and so Notified

The Contractors and the County Court -- A Gift That Will Be Fully Appreciated.

     Vernon County's magnificent $75,000 new fire proof courthouse will have a handsome clock that will be in harmony with the splendid structure and this will be good news to every citizen of the county. When the plans were submitted to the building committee every member saw not only that a handsome clock would add much to the appearance of the building but felt that it was a necessity but when the bids were received the committee and county court found that there would have to be eliminated, some thing although demanded, in order that the structure could be erected in perfect workmanship and first class material and among those things eliminated was the proposed clock. A clock which would conform to beauty of such a building would cost about $1200 and it was felt that the citizens could find a way to raise the money to add the clock after the building was completed. Many methods of raising this money have been suggested but one of Nevada's most enterprising and public spirited men, A. B. Cockerill, has informed the court that be will pay the bill himself. Mr. Cockerill desires that a clock shall be purchased and installed that will in every way be in harmony with the building and the public can rest assured that Contractors Beagles & Dye will purchase just that kind of a clock.

     The MAIL made its best effort for the new courthouse and like all the good people who are now proud of the new building, fully appreciate Mr. Cockerill's generosity and his publie spirit which prompted the gift.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 8 March 1907 page 1.

FURNISHING OF THE NEW $75,000 COURTHOUSE

Suggested That the People Vote a Small Tax Levy.

     The question of furnishing Vernon County's new $75,000 fire proof courthouse is now being considered and quite a number are of the opinion that a small special levy should be made for that purpose. It has been suggested to the court that a proposition to levy 5 cents on the $100 assessed valuation be submitted at the next general election. A levy of 5 cents would bring into the hands of the county court about $6,000.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 17 May 1907 page 4.

WILL INSCRIBE NAMES ON MARBLE SLAB.

     The County Court has instructed County Clerk Isbell to prepare a list of the names of the old and new county court and of the members of the new courthouse building committee, which list will be inscribed upon a handsome marble slab to be placed in the new courthouse.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 24 May 1907 page 3.

FINISHING THE TOWER ON NEW COURTHOUSE.

     Contractors Beagles & Dye are rapidly completing the outside work on the new $75,000 court house, and are now engaged in the finishing of the main tower. When this is completed the dangerous work will be over. The contractors have been favored by having good weather and no accidents, and they have made the best of all this. This morning the scaffold was erected above the stone work on the high tower, and soon the steel frame for the top of the tower will be placed. The distance from the top of this tower to the ground is 138 feet, and to work at the top looks extremely dangerous to pedestrians, but the workmen seem to be free of any thought of danger. The workmen are being watched by everyone on the streets.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 27 September 1907 page 3.

THREW BRICKS ON THE COURTHOUSE ROOF.

     Someone has been guilty of destruction of property and the guilty party or parties may be prosecuted. Someone who visited the new courthouse threw bricks out on the tile roof and caused much damage as a number of tile pieces were broken and it will cause much labor to repair the damage. Superintendent Lacaff and Contractors Beagles & Dye are going to keep a watch for the party or parties who resort to unlawful acts and if reported someone will be prosecuted.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 27 September 1907 page 4.

NEW COURTHOUSE IS NEARING COMPLETION.

     Contractors Beagles & Dye have a large force of men at work in the courthouse, and before many weeks pass the county officers will have their official trunks packed and moving into the new building. The contractors informed the MAIL today that the circuit court rooms will be ready for the holding of the February term of court. The elevator, the engine and boilers have been moved out, as they will no longer be needed. The marble to be used for wainscoting and the tile for the floors have arrived.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 13 December 1907 page 11.

W. W. BOYD, JANITOR FOR NEW COURTHOUSE

     Twenty-two applications for the position of janitor for the new court house were filed with the county court and these were opened this afternoon. The court appointed W. W. Boyd and fixed his salary at $50 per month. Mr. Boyd has been employed as a workman on the court house ever since the building was started and he was highly recommended as a capable man for the position of janitor.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 31 January 1908 page 8.

THE COURT HOUSE COMMITTEE
Inspected the Handsome New Fire-Proof Court House.
To Consider the Plan to Extend the Tax Levy
To Raise Funds to Furnish New Building and Make Other Improvements.

     The new court house building committee met Wednesday with the county court in pursuance to a call issued by the court through Superintendent Lacaff. The purpose of the meeting was to inspect the handsome fire-proof structure and to consider the county court's plan of extending the 25 cent direct tax levy for the purpose of furnishing the new court house and make other improvements which are needed.

     The splendid work done in the building of the magnificent new court house was by the hands of Nevada contractors and workmen, and Nevada feels proud of this fact. Contractors Beagles & Dye are both well known residents of Nevada, the workmen under their charge were Nevada men and two of the subcontractors were Nevada firms. D. E. Fluke of this city did excellent work in the plumbing contract and King Bros. painting and finishing contract was carried out in a most satisfactory and artistic manner.

     The committeemen present seemed to be highly pleased with the new building and at the MAIL'S press hour they were still inspecting the building. Vernon county's new court house is one of the handsomest public buildings in the state, and in point of material and construction is superior to any court house in Missouri. Contractors Beagles & Dye have faithfully carried out their contract and many expressions complimentary to them are heard. The building is built exactly as planned and the material used is exactly what the specifications called for, and Vernon county has in this new public structure a building that every citizen feels proud of and finds pleasure in showing it to friends.

     The building is rapidly nearing completion, in fact some of the county officers will move to the new building this week and next week the February term of the circuit court will convene in the new circuit court room.

     The building committee will express its finding in a set of resolutions when the work of inspection closes. The plan to extend the tax levy one year, the county court thinks is the best solution of the problem of furnishing the new structure and make other improvements which are demanded. If the building committee indorse the plan the court will call a special election to submit the proposition to a vote of the people.

     It will require a two-thirds majority to carry, but the court feels that the necessary vote will be given the proposition. The building committee consists of the following,
W. H. Fowler--Drywood.
C. Brubaker--Moundville.
Godfrey Hartzfelt--Harrison.
P. Henshaw--Metz.
J. N. Staten--Bacon.
Theo. Lacaff, H. C. Moore, Frank M. Daly-Nevada.
E. T. Letton--Blue Mound.
H. E. Snyder--Osage.
W. H. Johnson--Henry.
E. W. Randall--Clear Creek.
David Arnold--Walker.
B. J. Moncrief--Washington.
S. Heathman--Lake.
D. J. Field--Richland.
E. C. Snodgrass--Virgil.
W. F. McDaniel--Badger.
B. Brokaw--Center.
A. B. Halcomb--Deerfield.
W. C. Hanna--Cole.
J. D. Hatfield--Dover.
E. B. Leedy--Montevallo.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 7 February 1908 page 1.

THE COMMITTEE WAS PLEASED
Inspected the New Vernon County Court House Wednesday.
Passed Resolutions Recommending That Arrangements Be Made to Furnish Building.

     At the call of the Chairman of the Building Committee for the new county court house, said committee met with the County Court at the county court room in Nevada on Feb. 5, 1908, at 1 o'clock p. m.

     The following resolutions were offered by Mr. Harry C. Moore:

     The committee after a careful investigation of the material, finish and general workmanship of the building throughout, are pleased to announce to the tax payers that in their opinion Vernon County will have, for the money expended, one of the very best and most substantial fire-proof buildings ever erected in this state. We deem it unnecessary to elaborate further. The building, as it stands, speaks for itself-a monument to the enterprise and progressive spirit of the people.

     We congratulate the citizens upon the nearly completed structure, begun under a former county court and pushed to successful completion by the present one. As far as we can judge, both the contractors, Messrs. Beagles & Dye, and Supt. Lacaff have faithfully performed their duty.

     The committee desire at this time on behalf of the people to express their appreciation and thanks to our fellow citizen, Mr. A. .B Cockerill, for the splendid gift of the magnificent tower clock, now being installed.

     While this committee's work is about completed, we feel that we would fall short of our entire duty. did we not earnestly recommend to the County Court that they make, if possible, speedy arrangements for the complete furnishing of the building. grading of the grounds, suitable walks, etc. Vernon County's courthouse is a beautiful picture and it should be properly framed. The resolutions were unanimously adopted. Hon. S. A. Wight, ex-Judge Martin and a number of citizens outside the committee were present, and in earnest talks advocated the grading of the grounds and of furnishing the building.

               A. B. HALCOMB, Sec. Com.

     The county court will meet next week and will receive reports from the members of the building committee relative to how the people of their townships feel in regard to extending the courthouse levy one more year to raise funds to  furnish the courthouse. If the reports are favorable the county court will order a special election to submit the levy extension to a vote of the people.

     The new courthouse will be completed and turned over to the county next week.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 7 February 1908 page 1.

HAVE MOVED IN NEW COURT HOUSE.

     Circuit clerk, Julian Huff, Sheriff R. B. Moore and Prosecuting Attorney J. N. Coil were busy Friday moving into the new court house. A force of men were also moving the circuit court room furniture.

     The old furniture which is being installed in the new building presents rather a forlorn appearance and severely detracts from the handsome appearance of the new building.

     The building was thrown open to the public today and crowds of people enjoyed their first look at it.

     The only comment that was to be heard after they had viewed the new building were words of highest praise.

     The other county officers will move in in the course of a few days.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 14 February 1908 page 3.

TO FURNISH THE NEW COURTHOUSE
County Court Calls a Special Election to Submit.
The Proposition to Extend the Court House Levy One Year.

     The county court Thursday decided after much consideration, to call [a] special election to give the people of this county an opportunity of voting on the proposition to extend the court house levy one year for the purpose of raising funds to furnish the handsome and magnificent new court house to make other improvements which are now demanded. Vernon county now has the finest and most substantial fire proof courthouse in this "state and every citizen is proud of it.

     The money necessary to construct this splendid structure was raised by a direct tax levy of 25 cents for three years. The tax payers have now paid the levy two years and there remains only one more year to pay the regular courthouse tax. The money people paid for the purpose of building the new courthouse has been collected and devoted entirely the courthouse, and the people have gotten full value for every dollar.

     The new courthouse is all that was expected, but there is no question that it should be furnished in harmony with its handsome interior and to meet the demands of the day. The old, worn and broken furniture is a source of embarrassment when the citizen passes through the new structure. The old furniture does not meet the demands of good service, it shocks the pride of every public spirited citizen. The county court after much consideration, reached the conclusion that the best and most satisfactory plan to raise funds to furnish the building, was to extend the courthouse levy. The court was satisfied that this would be the most judicious way to raise the money, but in order to feel sure the court found the best plan, they submitted their proposition to the building committee and to every tax payer they have met and the plan has been almost unanimously indorsed. The court, in order not to be hasty and to feel sure they would be warranted in going to the expense of a special election, decided to make further investigations as to whether the people generally desired to extend the levy and have during the present term of the circuit court met many more citizens of the county and discussed with them the proposition and the court now feels justified in submitting the plan to the people and abiding their decision.

     In order to carry the proposition will have to receive a two-thirds majority of the vote cast at the election but it is confidently believed this will be the result.

     The court's order for the election will be clear and precise, stating exactly what the money will be used for, and the people will know what purposes it will be used. The people of this county cheerfully voted the money to build the splendid new court house and it is believed they will again respond to furnish their building as it should be.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 6 March 1908 page 1.

FINAL SETTLEMENT WITH ARCHITECT KIRSCH

     The County Court has settled with Architect R. G. Kirsch who furnished the plans and specifications for the splendid new courthouse. Mr. Kirsch received $2736.51 which is 31 per cent of the cost of the building which amounted to $78,186.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 6 March 1908 page 1.

COURTHOUSE MEETING HELD
Building Committee Closed Its Work and Adjourned.
Committee Make Favorable Report on Levy Extension.

     The new courthouse meeting held today in response to the call of  Superintendent Lacaff, was attended by quite a number of representatives of the county, a number of the members of the building committee and the County Court.

     The object of the meeting was two-fold, first to give everybody an opportunity of inspecting the magnificent new courthouse, and see and to explain the special election to be held April 14, to extend the courthouse tax levy one year in order to raise money to furnish the new building.

     Superintendent Lacaff addressed the building committee, congratulating the committee for the excellent service it rendered in the new courthouse work, and then on motion of Col. H. C. Moore the committee adjourned sine die and passed out of existence as a committee, but its work will always be a matter of local history.

     Judge J. N. Staten then addressed the committee on behalf of the county court to present the proposition to extend the levy. Judge Staten stated that the new court house building and the heating and plumbing cost over $78,000, to this amount was added the architect fees and superintendent's salary, bringing the total amount to about $85,000; that the amount originally appropriated was $75,000, and that the levy for three years will just about bring in that amount, so there will be a balance due of $10,000. Judge Staten then stated that the court in considering this $10,000 balance and the estimates as to the costs of furnishing the building, grading the yard, building walks and other improvements about the court house and the remodeling of the jail, came to the conclusion that no amount less than 25 cents on the $100 assessed valuation would raise sufficient funds, and for that reason the court would not consider calling an election to vote a less amount. He stated that if the committee believed the extension of the levy of 25 cents would be voted the election would be held.

     The committeemen present gave favorable reports as to their townships as far as they could ascertain.

     The hitch rack was discussed but this matter was practically settled by a statement from Judge Staten and Col. H. C. Moore, the former stating that the court would not order the hitch rack removed until the city had prepared a place for the farmers to hitch their teams and Col. Moore stated that Nevada would never ask that it be removed until a place was prepared and that he did not believe the merchants ever wanted it moved.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 20 March 1908 page 1.

EDITOR DAVIS VISITED THE NEW COURTHOUSE
Says We Have a Splendid Structure, But
Takes a "Poke" at the Old Furniture and Boxes.

     Editor Sam Davis, the versatile newspaper man who edits the Butler Democrat, one of the brightest daily papers in the state, visited Nevada Friday afternoon and after he returned home, wrote the following:
   "The Democrat man was at Nevada Friday afternoon, and through the courtesy of Jack Bean, city editor of the DAILY MAIL, was shown through Vernon county's splendid new courthouse. This building was recently completed at a cost of $75,000 and the people certainly got full value for the money. The building is modern in every particular and will accommodate the business of the county for fifty years to come. In some respects it is a much better building than Bates county's court house and in others it is not so good. The architect wasted considerable good space in small halls and corridors, which might have been used to advantage in enlarging the rooms for the different officers. The circuit court room is much smaller than ours, and with the miserable furnishings used in the old court house creates a very bad impression on the visitor. Throughout the building lack of suitable furniture and furnishings is noticeable, the officers all doing the best they can with the furniture taken from the old building. The valuable county records are kept in barrels and boxes and whatever will hold them. There isn't a record file of any kind in the building, and old wooden pigeonholes are made to do duty in most of the offices. There is hope, however, that new furniture and proper appliances can soon be purchased, an election for an additional levy having been called for in the near future. Butler's "rest room" idea was copied and a ladies' parlor is one of the very best features of the basement of the new building.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 27 March 1908 page 7.

COURT HOUSE IMPROVEMENTS.

     The extra court house levy, for completion of the new court house, is evidently defeated.

     It is unfortunate that such is the case.

     Vernon county has erected today one of the finest fire-proof buildings in the state.

     The building is a pride to every citizen of this county.

     Every dollar spent was judiciously expended. But, to improve the surroundings and beautify the grounds, and make necessary improvements in office fixtures, money is needed to do this.

     Evidently the people think that an extra levy is not necessary to make these improvements. But time will show that these improvements should be made.

     Of course, some objections are made to the county court in its action in ordering a special election.

     There are many good citizens of the county who evidently do not indorse such action.

     But, let us reason together and, after mutual interchange of opinion, we all must admit that, from a standpoint of county pride, the question of improving and furnishing the new court house must come sooner or later.

     Difference of opinion may exist as to the matter of expenditure of money to accomplish the result.

     Yet there is a county and city pride in this grand structure, which affords protection to county records.

     A pride in affording not only protection to county records, but a rest room for the good and grand women of Vernon county.

     A building that you point with pride to every visitor of city and county.

     This warrants the building should be furnished with those modern conveniences in harmony with the county's capitol building.

     The MAIL believes, upon second thought, that the progressive, broad-guage citizen of Vernon county will in due course of time reconsider this question and vote to furnish this magnificent structure, the people's building, in harmony with all its conveniences and protection to county records.

     This question appeals to every man whether he owns a city lot or a section of land.

     After the people give the question a second thought, the MAIL believes it will come sooner or later.

     City and county pride rises above a few dollars and cents.

     This new courthouse is worth thousands of dollars to the people.

     It is a standing monument to the intelligence and progressive spirit of Nevada and Vernon county.

     The MAIL does not think for a moment that this new court building--the pride of every citizen, the admiration of visitors, will stand unimproved and not beautified.

     We have confidence that in due time the court house improvements will be made with the approval of the citizens of county and city.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 17 April 1908 page 4.

     People who were in the new court house Saturday night to hear Gov. Folk speak probably did not think of the light proposition, but the building was brilliantly lighted by electric lights. However, these were put in temporarily just for that evening. The men about the courthouse a great deal appreciated the lights and could not help hoping that the magnificent new structure would continue to be properly lighted, but this is not to be for the electrician removed the lights early this morning.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 8 May 1908 page 3.

     Deputy Sheriff McKnight has two of the inmates of the jail at work on the courthouse yard. The dirt in the big dumps is being placed around the south side of the new courthouse.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 29 May 1908 page 8.

     The courthouse, magnificent as it is, does not make a very beautiful appearance in the unfinished condition it is in at the present time. If the court yard was filled and graded and walks constructed and curbing installed every citizen would be proud of the improvement.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 12 June 1908 page 2.

     Sheriff R. B. Moore has five prisoners at work on the dirt pile at the southwest corner of the court house yard. The dirt is being placed around that corner of the courthouse.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 26 June 1908 page 8.

REST ROOM FURNISHED.

     The ladies' rest room at the courthouse has been partially furnished lately by the efforts of the ladies of the Library association, and through the courtesy of the Commercial club who gave to the ladies, a part of the furniture used in furnishing the old Commercial club room. More furniture will be added as soon as possible as it is the object of the ladies to furnish the room as nearly completely as they can.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 18 September 1908 page 4.

THE CITY COUNCIL,
County Court's Proposition Relative to Street Paving Accepted.
City to Move Dirt to Court House Yard and Will Receive the Gravel, on Streets.

     The city council met in regular session Tuesday. Present, Mayor Ingram, and Councilmen Barnett, Dalton, Harper, Hood, Robinson, Schnatterly; absent, Brown, Christenson, Duncan and Mosier.

     The county court appeared before the council and Judge Staten informed the council that the court had concluded to pave the county property around the square, if the city will move the dirt, excavated, into the court house yard, the city to receive the gravel on top of the streets. The proposition was accepted.

     A remonstrance against the paving of North Cedar street between Walnut and Hunter was filed and signed by the following property owners: Mary J. Myers, Fannie Hunter, S. Simon, L. A. Conkling, J. Nipp, H. P. Hildebrant and J. Sam Brown. The remonstrance was referred to the street committee.

     Councilman Robinson moved that the coal contract awarded to Chas. Howard be approved. Carried.

     Councilman Schnatterly moved and it was carried to do away with the ringing of the curfew each night.

     The council adjourned until November 4th.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 23 October 1908 page 1.

BUSINESS MEN APPEAR BEFORE COUNTY COURT
Ask That the County Pave the Public Square Up to the Hitch Racks.

     A large number of business men and property owners met at the courthouse Tuesday and held a meeting to discuss the question of paving the public square. Dr. Willson was elected chairman and presided over the meeting. After some discussion of the matter. Dr. Willson, S. A. Wight and Judge T. J. Myers were asked to present the request of the business men to the county court, asking the court to have the strip of ground owned by the county, which is between the streets and the courthouse yard, paved, so that the entire square will be paved.

     Dr. Willson. Senator Wight and Judge Myers discussed the matter with the court, and F. H. Glenn, W. F. Norman, Attorney L. B. Ewing, Mayor Ingram and others offered valuable suggestions. The court intimated that the proposition was favored by the court, but the question of getting sufficient funds would have to be solved. Judge Staten informed the committee that the matter would be taken under consideration, as the court would have to ascertain the cost and find out whether money was obtainable to make the improvement.

     The plan is to pave up to the hitch racks and place a walk inside of the hitchrack. There is no question but that now is the time to make the needed improvement and it can be done at less cost than it could be later, and the dirt excavated would be sufficient to grade the courthouse yard, which would be a great saving to the county.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 23 October 1908 page 1.

HITCH RACK POSTS WILL NOT BE PLACED IN THE STREET

     The county court has taken several splendid steps toward improving the court house yard as has been published in this paper and the public appreciates every step taken by the court. The court Tuesday decided to have 11 foot stone walks from the north and south entrances and 8 foot stone walks from the east and west entrances of the court house building to the curb. The court after much investigation has decided that the hitch racks posts around the yard shall be placed just inside of the curbing and not three foot out into the street. Vernon county is going to have one of the handsomest court house yards in Missouri as well as the finest courthouse.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 13 November 1908 page 5.

IRON HITCHRACK FOR COURTHOUSE YARD

     The County Court has awarded the contract to place an iron hitch rack around the courthouse yard to Wm. Swenck of this city. Iron posts and iron pipe will be used and the posts will be set just inside of the curbing. Four bids were filed with the court including Mr. Swenck's, which was the lowest and the one accepted, the amount being $460.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 18 December 1908 page 3.

EWING MAY GET HITCHRACK CONTRACT.

     The county court received bids for the iron hitchrack to be placed around the courthouse yard and awarded the contract to Wm. Schwenk but the latter discovered an error in his figures and has declined to accept the contract. The bids received were as follows: D. E. Fluke, $539; C. M. Ewing, $494; Wm. Schwenck, $435.44 and N. Johannes & Son $465 for the material. Mr. Ewing's bid for the work and material being now the lowest the court will probably accept it.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 18 December 1908 page 8.

THE PAVING OF THE SQUARE
The County's Part Cost a Little Less Than the First Estimate.

     R. S. Gilfillan, who received the contract to pave the public square was here Tuesday and filed his account for the paving of the county's part of the square, the amount of his account being $5,550.68, which is not quite as large as was first expected. The county's part of the work has been completed. In fact all of the work is completed, except a small strip on the west side of the square. The decision of the county court to pave was one of the most important and most highly appreciated steps taken by the court and will stand as a monument to their credit. Nevada now has one of the best and handsomest public squares in the state, and the court and city council deserve special praise.

     P. F. Brophy, who received the contract to place the curbing around the courthouse yard, has completed the work and bas filed an account, which is $492 15. The best Carthage stone was used and Mr. Brophy filled his contract to the letter.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 1 January 1909, page 8.

COURTHOUSE WALKS ORDERED BY COURT

     The County Court has adjourned until June 7, but before adjournment ordered the courthouse walks, which will be good news to all citizens of the county. The walks from the east, south and north entrances will be of Carthage limestone and the west entrance walk will be made of concrete. J. T. Smith was awarded the contract for the south and east walk, P. F. Brophy the north walk. and Spohrer and Benz the west walk and those connecting the main entrance walks.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 18 May 1909, page 7.

Vernon County Courthouse, ca 1919. Photo by Harold Harner. Contributed by Tom Scheerer. 

Nevada High School from the 1918 year book. Contributed by Tom Scheerer

Armistice Celebration in Nevada, November 11, 1919. Photo by Harold Harner. Contributed by Tom Scheerer

ARMISTICE DAY ANNIVERSARY

     A year ago today there was the wildest rejoicing throughout the land over the signing of the armistice.

     The pent up and strained emotions held in leash during the months of war, were let loose in a frenzy of joy, and a demonstration the like of which the world had never seen before took place.

     A special edition of the Daily Mail and Post issued at 2:35 o'clock gave the first news to the people of this city of the Germans' capitulation and at 7 o'clock a celebration started in this city which lasted until midnight.

     But the ways of peace have not been altogether those of pleasantness.

     Strife and turmoil have held place until the souls of men have been sorely tried.

     Capital and labor have been unable to find a common meeting ground, for a solution of their troubles.

     However, a ray of hope came today when the wires flashed the glad tidings that the miners' coal strike had been declared off, and the celebrants of the first anniversary of armistice day had cause for even greater rejoicing.

     While no special celebration was planned today yet a holiday spirit prevailed and all the stores and many residences were decorated with the American colors.

     The high school boys staged an impromptu parade this morning and a meeting was held at the court house this afternoon.

     The children of the city schools, with flags, marched around the square twice after which they assembled on the court house lawn and sang patriotic airs.

     Rev. Pinkerton and Rev. Stout addressed the students.

     Mr. McDonald led in the singing of "America" and "Keep the Home Fires Burning."

     The speakers were introduced [by] Supt. J. C. Harmon.

     Governor Gardner was invited to address the students but was unable to get in from Stultz Lake.

     All stores were closed this afternoon.

The Nevada Daily Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Tuesday 11 November 1919 page 1.

Tornado damaged building in Nevada. March 11, 1920. Photo by Harold Harner. Contributed by Tom Scheerer

Newspaper articles about storm damage and the lives lost.