Our Yesterdays

From the July 10, 1972 Richland Clarion

Families Carry On Friendship of 45 Years

Over 45 years ago during the depression, a Chicago streetcar driver save a Keokuk County farmer from losing his wallet to a pickpocket. The two men formed a lasting friendship that carried on through their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Tom Richardson, the streetcar driver, was buried last June, and Martin Clingan, the Ollie farmer, was buried in 1967. The seeds of friendship, however, which they planted on that long ago day were in full bloom over the Fourth of July Holiday.

Families from Illinois and Ohio gathered at the Leonard Andeway home in Richland and Elsie Clingan home in Ollie for “watering of the seeds.”

As is usual, at these gatherings, someone relates again the story of how Martin, as was customary in those days, shipped a load of sheep by train to the Chicago Stockyards, collected his money and boarded a streetcar. The driver, Tom Richardson, could see that Martin was unfamiliar with the hazards of the city and kept an eye on him in the mirror. Sure enough, Martin was promptly singled out by a pickpocket to be relieved of his money.

Anyone who lived through the depression can appreciate what it would have meant to the Clingan family to lose the money realized from long, hard hours of work. Tom stopped the thief just as he was getting into his act.

Knowing that Martin was not a city boy, Tom took Martin home with him to stay all night as the hotels were full of conventioneers. Martin asked Tom and his family to visit Iowa as a gracious thank you. The Richardsons did come to visit that summer, and after that the two couples and their families were together at least twice a year.

Elsie Clingan is the only one left of the original foursome as Olive Richardson, Tom’s wife, was buried earlier this year. The children have kept the friendship growing and plan a gathering next year in Chicago.

2004... 18 years ago

Panama Transfer, Inc was honored as the Richland Community Club’s 2005 Business of the Year. Dean Kloewer, president of Panama Transfer, Richland Manager, Melvin Luke, and Kathryn Luke, secretary, were present to accept a plaque and certificate during a special ceremony following a catered meal.

Lake Darling State Park was closed to the general public during the Special Antlerless Deer hunt for three days. Only licensed hunters participating in the deer hunt were permitted within the park boundary during those days.

Pilot Grove Savings Bank Vice President is retiring! An open house was held at the Packwood Pilot Grove Savings Bank honoring Connie Snakenberg. Connie retired after 30 years of service with the bank.

1989... 33 years ago

Jim Emry, owner / operator of Emry Auction House, has moved his business to the former Gambles Store building on the corner of Washington and Van Buren Streets in Brighton. The business was previously located between Keeley’s Tap and Town and Country Tavern.

Keota special education students and their driver were injured when their bus was hit by a truck and rammed a tree in Sigourney. The driver was airlifted to the hospital, but reported to be in fair condition. Students received cuts and bruises.

Gladys Schooley, Brighton, has recently had a book of poems and prose published. The book contains 60 pages of poems and articles written by Schooley. Gladys is a news correspondent for the Washington Evening Journal and the Plainsman-Clarion. She has also written for the Fairfield Ledger.

The annual Reunion of Granny’s Nook Coffee Club was held at the home of Sue Richards in Brighton, with coffee and refreshments served. Those present were Gertrude “Granny” Egbert, Sue Gill, Jean Green, Clara Hoekstra, Delbert Fleig, John Hadley, Ed Kerber, Marie Reif, Lena Sloan, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Starr, Mr. and Mrs. Pudge Hoekstra, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Derby, and Mr. and Mrs. Dale Sasseen.

1972… 50 years ago

Mrs. Vern Doyle is closing her rest home and retiring from that work. “Edna’s Rest Home” was started in 1948. Mrs. Doyle (then Mrs. Fred Oswalt) came to Richland in 1944 and started her rest home four years later.

The Seevers Bridge on the North Skunk River was destroyed by fire. The old bridge, located two miles south of Sigourney on a county road, was used for only local traffic but in the 1880s was a principal North Skunk River crossing. The wooden south approach of the bridge was entirely lost and much of the plank flooring destroyed.

1979... 43 years ago

Mel and Judy Maeder of Maeder’s Mill, Richland, held their annual open house in appreciation of their customers on December 5.

Nine people showed up in Richland to walk and run for one hour for the Blind Youth of America. Each person walked around the square for one hour to see how many laps they could go. The money that was collected will be given to the Blind Youth Organization.

The Richland, Brighton, and Fairfield Fire Departments answered a call to Eugene Elmore’s two miles southwest of Pleasant Plain. The blaze destroyed Elmore’s hog finishing house and feed shed.

1969... 53 years ago

Dedication services and open house were held Sunday Nov. 16 at the new St. Frances Xavier Cabrini parish center in Richland. Beginning at 2 p.m., the building was blessed by His Excellency, Gerald O’Keefe, bishop of the Davenport Diocese.

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hixson celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Ralph Hixson and Ruth Singleton were united in marriage in Ottumwa in 1919. They were born and raised at Richland and resided here until 1945, when they moved to a farm near Ainsworth, where they still reside.

Dick Roberts, who is employed at the Allen Chevrolet, was in Des Moines attending the 1969 Fall Parts and Accessories three day basic parts school. He ranked the second highest in the class.

Woodrow Wilson Ingle, 50, passed away following a long illness. He was born in 1918, the son of John and Louetta Hinkle Ingle in Ollie.