57 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK - From the files of the September 9, 1964, Dumas Clarion:
Sen. Merle Peterson of Dumas, winner of the 21st District Democratic nomination by 16 votes in the July 29 primary, Tuesday filed a cross-complaint in Desha Circuit Court in answer to the suit by Carl F. Mason, Monticello insurance man and loser in the primary, in contesting the election.
Travis Witherington was working at his desk at the American Oil Co. bulk plant here Thursday morning when a passerby ran into the office. “Your truck is on fire,” shouted to the man.
Mr. Witherington grabbed a fire extinguisher and ran outside and proceeded to swiftly extinguish the blaze. Only when the fire was out did he realize, with some quaking, the dangerous situation into which he ran. The truck on fire was a gasoline tanker, and it was near the large fuel storage tanks. Mr. Witherington’s quick thinking averted a serious, explosive fire and left him with a good case fo the nerves.
Dumas Legionaires took in more than $500 for the new hut fund when the Dan-Dees, Cummins Prison Band, played a benefit performance here Monday night.
Between 500 and 600 person turned out to hear the band and the Dan-Dees rhythm singers present a two-hour program.
A 35-year-old decree was recorded in Desha County Chancery Court Last Week.
The fact that the decree had never been entered on court records was found by a company making an abstract. Circuit and Chancery Clerk J. T. Henley called the fact to the attention of Chancellor James Merritt who directed home to record the decree “Nuc Pro Tunc” ( or now for then). The decree of divorce granted Dec. 15, 1928 in the case of E.A. Allen Vs. Annie Bell Allen, thus was officially made a part of court records.
Dumas Chamber of Commerce discussed an industrial site at its meeting Tuesday night.
The Dumas Industrial Foundation has an option to purchase a 40-acre tract from R.A. Pickens. The land is south of Dumas on old Highway 65. Mr. Pickens also offered to sell the Foundation additional land adjoining the site.
The Dumas Bobcats get the second part of a 12-week test Friday night when they go to DeWitt for their traditional game with the Class AA Arkansas County School.
Dumas downed Star City 15-0 in the season opener last Friday, while DeWitt was beating Forrest City 7-0.
