The Way it Was

100 years ago

Hundreds attend fireworks display

The fourth of July celebration on Wednesday was one of the most enjoyable ever held here and was largely attended. A great crowd of people were at Lake Park Springs.

Col. Gore gave a splendid street car service which added greatly to the success of the celebration. Six cars were operated and there was not a break in the system.

Hundreds of people spent the entire day at the park and at night there was an especially large crowd to witness the splendid fireworks display.

50 years ago

Horsemanship club sponsors Independence Day parade

A large crowd was on hand yesterday morning to watch the Boot and Saddle Club sponsored parade around the Nevada Square. in the afternoon, the horse show at the arena, more than 200 horses took part, representing clubs from Butler, Lamar, Jasper, Stockton, Golden City, Fort Scott, Sheldon, Hickman Mills, El Dorado Springs, Joplin, Carthage and Windsor.

Among the other participants in the parade were members of Boy Scout Troop 40 in their Indian costumes; members of the VFW, American Legion and other veterans' organizations; Junior, Midget and PeeWee baseball; and the Nevada High School band and baton twirlers.