Looking Back, June 5

90 years ago

On Friday, June 5, 1925, The Daily Register ran a front-page story about a heat wave that gripped the country from the midwest to the east coast. A total of 112 people died from the heat. "Most of the country today faced at least 24 hours more of the broiling, breathless weather that has caused suffering and discomfort for nearly five days."

The mercury rose to 102 in Hagerstown, Maryland, an impossibly warm temperature in a time when air conditioning was rare.

To deal with the heat, "Thousands slept… on lawns in public parks, the rules that they must be cleared by midnight being set aside as an emergency measure."

75 years ago

On Wednesday, June 5, 1940, The Daily Register ran a front-page story about charges brought against four Saline County mines.

The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) withdrew charges against the mines. The charges were that the mines were "unlawfully employing the practice of 'on-shift' shooting." Ray Edmondson, a UMWA representative, explained that the organization was "leaving it to the officers and members of the progressive Mine Workers of America, whom we believe competent to settle them."

"I believe that the Progressive Mine Workers of America organization and its officers will correct any injustices or irregularities in Saline county and we will lend them every support in doing so," Edmondson said.

50 years ago

On Saturday, June 5, 1965, The Daily Register ran a front page story about two local boy scouts who would receive "highest awards" in Harrisburg the following day.

The award they would receive was the Boy Scout God and County award, along with the Eagle Scout award. The two young men to receive the award were Tom Boswell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arlie O. Boswell Jr., and Bill Doerge, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Doerge.

Tom Boswell served as junior assistant scoutmaster of Troop 23. As a cub scout, he held office as assistant patrol leader, senior patrol leader and junior assistant scout master. Boswell was also a graduate of the Egyptian Council Aquatic School.

Bill Doerge served as senior patrol leader of Troop 23. As a boy scout, he held the office of assistant patrol leader, patrol leader and senior patrol leader. He also graduated from the Egyptian Council Aquatic Center.

In addition to required assignments, the boys had to perform service projects, totaling 275 hours of volunteerism.