60 Years Ago
February 1959
CLOCKS VIEW OF IOLA Everyone these days is taking a last look at the clock atop the courthouse tower which soon will be but a memory. Recently a Register photographer climbed the tower to take a last look at Iola as seen by the clock. This view is looking south on South Street. Pictures of East, West and North streets will be found on other pages of this issue.
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Early this morning a workman crawled out on the roof on the top of the courthouse tower and pried loose a shingle which fluttered to the ground below. That signaled the start of the demolition of the tower itself which has stood on the center of Iolas square for 53 years. The main part of the structure will be taken down layer by layer as the bricks are dropped to the center of the old building. This eliminates the possibility that part of the debris might topple onto the new courthouse just a few yards to the north.
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The Silver Leaf School District, number 75, board of education, voted 12 to 8 last night to consolidate with Gas City effective at the close of this school year. Mrs. Una Todd, county superintendent, said the consolidation will add about 15 students to the Gas City school and increase its property evaluation for tax purposes about $200,000.
