May 7, 1903… H.F. Hillenmeyer, the celebrated nurseryman of Lexington, says, “On this day, May 5, we can, with comparative assurance, forecast the fruit outlook for the year. Only once after this date during the last half century has there been complete loss, and the frost of May 12, 1894, each in its own way established an unapproachable record. The one to small grain and fruit was as a bison of destruction and the other, on many forest trees of profuse foliage, left a curvature of branch that a century will not obliterate. There have been other trying times, and the long cold rains of the spring of 1858, and the icy week of May 1895, with the 15th as a center, both left the mark of a madent tooth in January in granary and orchard. These however were out of the ordinary. “The peaches were not all killed by the terrific cold of February 20, and other things not absolutely ironclad were much devitalized. The sharp frosts of April 4 and 5 entailed the loss of pears, plums and cherries, but of these fruits, there is a variable set on trees in sheltered places, and there will be small offerings of local production in the Central Kentucky markets. Apples promise a full crop; so do grapes, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and bush fruits, both each must run its gamut of chances. Grapes and strawberries are exceptionally vigorous and full set with flower spikes. Cold and prolonged rains with sunless skies are a more serious menace than the remote chance of killing frost.” The verdict in the Howard trail last week proves for the third time that a most foul conspiracy was formed to murder William Goebel, and that Jim Howard, W.S. Taylor, Caleb Powers, Henry E. Youtsey and others played leading parts. A trick bicycle rider struck Midway Saturday afternoon about five and gave an exhibition of his skill in the public square that was really wonderful. At first, he was surrounded by a big crowd, but when the hat was passed around, the number was decreased considerably. He got several dollars, however, before leaving. The rural delivery route recently started out of Midway is growing in popularity every day. The list of patrons now numbers over 200 and is growing. We are told that another route is soon to be applied for, to go down the Spring Station Pike. W.P. Thorne of Woodford County is a candidate for lieutenant governor. Frank Starks, 24, son of Price Starks, died Saturday of consumption. He was formerly a brakeman on the V&M Railroad. April honor roll average over 95; Nancy and Henry Cooper, George Cannon, Sarah Hopkins, Margaret Poynter, Berry Walcutt and Sue Payne. No bids were offered for the telephone franchise in Midway at the advertised sale last week. It was expected that the East Tennessee Co. would bid but they did not. The mayor and council will meet Monday to plan their next step. Dr. and Mrs. W.E. Risque of Fayette County spent several days in Midway last week with the family of J.E. Risque. Dr. risqué contemplates locating in Midway if he can find a suitable residence. The Clipper deplores, for the umpteenth time, the fact that a town the size and with the dignity of Midway will not get itself a street sprinkler for the hot, dusty summer months.

May 5, 1924… The Woodford County Country Club met Monday night in the county courtroom with 45 members present. Elected for the year were Miller Turner, chairman board of governors; L.A. Railey, vice chairman; Lewis M. Moraney, secretary; W.S. Hunter, treasurer; L.S. Hunter, Dr. N.E. Berry, John B. Winn, Joseph C. Carter and Roy G. Williams, board of governors. W.B. Cogar’s letter is printed in this issue, about his trip to the West Coast. Theodore Harris, chairman of the Democratic County Committee, has issued a call for a convention to meet in Versailles on May 10 to appoint 16 delegates to the Lexington State Convention on May 14 The election last Saturday to elect two school board members from the Midway District resulted in the following votes: Thomas roach 176, W.G. Lehman 166, Dr. W.E. Risque 66 and James S. Starks 58. Gus Courtney, 35, a former Midway resident, died Monday after noon at his home in Frankfort of tuberculosis. He leaves a wife and six children. Misses Mary King Burrier, Susan Peffer, Lucile Stokely and Carrie Watson chaperoned members of the botany class of Midway High School to Clifton Friday, where flowers were gathered, and lunches were enjoyed. Pupils on the trip included Misses Mary Lewis Marvin, Ruth Williams, Viola and Florence Rogers, Edna Cracraft, Frances Lancaster, Ethel Mitchell and James Dragoo, Elmer Smith, O. P. Lancaster and Alfred Portwood. John Bowman, 15, and Lucas Brittain, 13, were arrested by Deputy Sheriff James Lewis and Police Chief A.B. Dawson for robbing Hagedorn’s Blue Front grocery store on Rose Hill and Sublette & Slaugher’s poolroom and restaurant on Lexington Street in Versailles. The lads admitted the theft and nearly $19 of the missing $24 was recovered. Mr. and Mrs. S.M. Flint sold to S.C. Brooks 15 acres on the Kentucky River near Flintville for $1,500 and five acres more for $500. Miss Lenora Gray, who has been very ill at the home of her nephew, S.G. Atkins on Elm Street in Versailles, was reported worse Saturday. Prof. L. Garrett of New Castle has been elected by the City Board of Education as superintendent of the Versailles city graded and high schools in place of Prof. J.P. Beamon who resigned. The contract of the erection of the new Grier’s Creek mission Presbyterian Church has been award to Fred J. Rump for the brick work, and to L. O. Duncan for the carpenter’s work. The work will begin when the weather permits.

Miss Alice Strange, who has held the position as supervising matron at Greendale Reformatory for several months, has returned home for the summer.