REMEMBER WHEN?

50 Years Ago

August 6-10, 1971

An elderly Cistern area farmer/painter came out a $5,000 loser in an old ‘skin game’ known as Three-Card Monte. When the intended victim came out of an auto parts supply store in Smithville, he was approached by three men who first asked him for directions. After engaging him in conversation, two of the strangers followed the Cistern man to his pick-up. They showed him how to play the game and he won four or five times. The third stranger, who supposedly was carrying $50,000 cash, was not present. After the victim lost $6 and his wristwatch, he agreed to withdraw some cash from his bank account so the three could play and win the $50,000 from the other man. The plan was to split the money three ways. The Cistern man then drove to Flatonia with two of the strangers and withdrew $5,000. One of the outsiders placed the money in an envelope and said he would go and find the man with the $50,000. That was the last the Cistern victim saw of the three swindlers and his $5,000. Sheriff Flournoy said the subjects would be caught “in due time.”

Rainfall that varied from around half an inch on one side of the county to nearly eight on the other helped to dent, or in some communities, break the drought. More rain was forecast.

Annual cemetery dues were raised from $5 to $7 per year by the Ladies Cemetery Association of La Grange.

About 80 descendants of Henry Schmidt gathered at the home of Mrs. Hulda Ephraim and Mrs. Blondina Haschke in Winchester for a barbecue dinner.

Emil Lutringer was released from Fayette Memorial Hospital and returned home to El Campo. He had been confined to hospital for seven weeks following a tractor accident.

The Sons of Hermann Lodge # 338 was holding a barbecue chicken dinner on Sun., August 8 at 11:30. Adult plates cost $1.50 and those for children under 12 sold for 75¢. The Swing Kings was providing the music.

The Hi-Notes were playing at a dance at Baca’s Pavilion in Fayetteville on Sat., August 7. Admission was $1.50 per person. At Harmonie Hall in Shelby, Harold Ilse’s Orchestra was playing the same evening. A third dance was being held at the Deanville Hall at Deanville with music by Krystal Blue. Admission was $1.50.

Fayette County’s commissioners appointed Gary Krause as justice of the peace in Precinct 3 to fill a vacancy that had existed for several months.

Shoe World advertised boys or girls school shoes, two pairs for $7. Ladies summer dress shoes ranged from $3.88 to $5.88 per pair. Tots’ tennis shoes with a rubber toe sold for $1.97.

St. Michael’s Annual Harvest Feast was set for Sun., August 8 at the air-conditioned Veterans’ Hall in Weimar. Adult plates of fried chicken, dressing and stew cost $1.50, while children under 12 were charged 75¢. The Telstars was providing the music during the day and evening.

Funeral services were held for: John Trlicek, 88, of Rabb’s Prairie; Oscar Grebe, 77, of La Grange; Edward Anton Supak, 65, of Ellinger; Charley Peschel, 69, of Industry; Emil Afflerbach, 86, of Round Top; Emil Citzler, 86, of Rutersville and La Grange; and Mrs. Joe Fleck, 72, of Smithville.

Fayette County 4-H Camp was coming up at Palmedo Ranch, northwest of Warda. Tom Powell of Powell Electric Company, Houston, was donating the use of his rural property. More than 70 4-H members plus adult leaders were expected to attend the camp. Juniors were to swim and rock climb, plus join in many other types of recreation. Seniors would learn water safety and participate in junior leadership programs, along with other pastimes.

Andrew J. Janda, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Janda of La Grange, was promoted to Army Specialist 5 at Fort Hood. He was serving as a member of the 108th Finance Section, 110th Replacement Battalion, 13th Support Brigade.

Central Texas livestock producers were reminded that as the fall season approached, so would the threat of screwworm infestations. It was suggested that livestock be checked regularly, wounds be treated for screwworm control and suspected samples be submitted to the Mission fly laboratory.

Approximately 50 entries had been confirmed for the upcoming Fayette County parade, according to Fayette County Fair Manager John L. Giese. The list included the Fifth Army Band, plus floats from Randolph Air Force Base, Texas Department of Agriculture and 14 area Chambers of Commerce.

Fayette County Attorney L.L. Warner advised that his office on the second floor of the courthouse would be closed for vacation from Mon., August 16 through Sat., August 21.

The United Pentecostal Church was holding a street meeting on the courthouse square Friday afternoon and a sectional youth rally on Friday evening.

For more great stories, visit Elaine online at www.elainethomaswriter.com/blog/ or call her at 979-263-5031.