Published: May 22, 2008 04:38 pm         

LOOKING BACK: A weekly historical news feature

May 1887

Mr. George Martin of Pomona sent for our inspection delicious strawberries raised in his garden. He asked if anyone in Crossville could beat them. We think it doubtful but if anyone wants to send us their strawberries accompanied by sugar and cream we will take great pleasure in judging.

Lee Dunbar found the skin of a bull snake shed this spring. It is over six feet long but according to prevailing opinion about two feet of the tail is missing which would make the reptile eight feet in length. Although harmless in nature its size is sufficient to make the ordinary traveler go around him.

Mr. Forbes has removed the old barn at the corner of Main and Second Street and will place a fence on the lot. This is an improvement worthy of imitation.

May 1945

You will have an opportunity to have electric power in your home soon. A county-wide meeting is to be held at the court house. The manager of Volunteer Electric Cooperative and John Odom, county agent will be there to give you all the details.

Mr. & Mrs. W.E. Anderson received a telegram which said, “It’s a long stretch from no-man’s land to you but I made it well and safe. See you soon!” The message sent from San Francisco was from their grandson Ham A. Selby. He was taken prisoner by the Japanese after the fall of Bataan three years ago.

May 1987

An apparently little known fact in this area is that a recipient of this country’s highest honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor, is buried in a local cemetery. Many have heard so much about Sgt. Alvin York from nearby while very little seems to be known about Crossville WWI veteran, Sgt. Milo Lemert. On May 25 a Memorial Day program sponsored by American Legion Post 163 will dedicate a Congressional Medal of Honor grave marker. This should have been done years ago but seemingly little was known about Milo Lemert and his heroic acts under enemy fire. Editor Mike Moser brought it to the attention of Congressman Jim Cooper who will be the speaker at the dedication.