This week, I have two bits for you from 1962, courtesy of the St. Joseph News-Press. On February 14, 1962, the Ridgeway Future Farmers of America and Future Homemakers of America held their respective business meetings, then conducted a “dance clinic” to practice dancing for the Sweetheart Dance on February 28. Janice Reeder was crowed as F. F. A. Sweetheart at that dance. (St. Joseph News-Press, Feb 08, 1962, Page 2)
In July, the Ridgeway volunteer fire department took on a different kind of battle: they played softball against the Bethany fire department. I don’t know who won the game, but the Ridgeway department were the ultimate winners as the game was a benefit to raise money for a desperately needed fire whistle. At the time, the only way they could contact other volunteer fire fighters was to call each one on the telephone. In the days before voice mail, cell phones and texting, this was undoubtedly a frustrating process. (St. Joseph News-Press, Jul 22, 1962, page 38)
