Look Back In Yalobusha History
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Looking south from Ed Newman’s Service Station, Hwy. 7 appeared to be part of a great lake as O’Tuckolofa Creek flood waters spread out over the lowland at the Water Valley city limits in 1955. Shown in the middle of the picture is a school bus being guided through the water by one of the local National Guard trucks. Another National Guard truck (out of view) is being attached to a second bus being prepared to go through the flood waters.
Almost eight inches of rainfall since Friday, March 18, 1955, sent waters from north Mississippi streams raging out of their banks, inundating highways and causing great damage to a number of bridges. Flood waters crossed Highway No. 7 from O’Tuckolofa Creek to a point about 150 yards inside the city limits of Water Valley.
A flooded portion of Hwy. 7 between Water Valley city limits and O’Tuckolofa Creek almost caused tragedy in 1955 when the school bus crept off the roadway in swift water. The children on the bus were all taken off without injury.
An estimated 200 to 300 people drove to the south end of Main Street to watch the water flowing over Hwy. 7 and the surrounding areas. Some old-timers said it had been 18 years since water had been that high, while others argued that flood water were comparable in 1948.
The Yocona River had left the banks and water was reported to have reached a level of two feet in the business section of Coffeeville. A small tornado also struck in Tupelo, causing damage of approximately $150,000, but no injures.
While the water was raging, the telephones were quiet after a workers’ strike had been going for 10 days. Only emergency calls were being put through, and a ringing telephone was reported to be as frightening as the arrival of a telegram 30 years earlier.
Out Of The Past From The Herald
• 15 Years Ago, March 25, 2010 – Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley told Water Valley Rotarians that wireless broadband service will be improving in the state after AT&T announced the construction of 60 new cell towers.
A new store located on Hwy. 330 East was granted a beer permit by supervisors. The permit was approved for Sullivan Haywood, III, who opened S & H Short Stop in the building previously occupied by Pit Row Grill.
• 20 Years Ago, March 24, 2005 – Jermaine Gooch was among graduates in the 10-week Law Enforcement Training Academy.
Water Valley School District superintendent Sammy Higdon announced the school had changed their policy for the upcoming school year regarding the election of the students for class favorite, Mr. and Mrs. Water Valley and election of the homecoming court. The school had decided to no longer have racially separate election.
Mr. and Mrs. James Donnell celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at Springdale Family Worship Center. The couple married on March 18, 1955.
Daniel Reynolds, a junior at Mississippi School of Math and Science, scored a 4.0 for the first semester at the school.
The Pam Bell Adams Arena was dedicated at the Yalobusha County Multi-Purpose Building. The Board of Supervisors dedicated the arena after the long-time volunteer who worked hard to make the multi-purpose building a success.
• 30 Years Ago, March 23, 1995 – Long time Water Valley Electric Department employee Arthur B. Nolen was honored with a surprise retirement party on March 17, 1995, at the Yalobusha County Country Club. Nolen had worked 40 years with the department.
The Yalobusha County Rubbish Landfill, located one and one-half miles west of the Velma Fire Station opened. The Tri-Lakes Western Horse Show Association was busy gearing up for the upcoming horse show season. Coffeeville Saddle Club was a member of the association and two of its members are officers in the association. Kim Campbell Moss served as president and Janet Burney as secretary. The ladies, along with Coffeeville Saddle Club President John Crow invited all horse-men and women to come out and enjoy the show season.
Team members on the Water Valley High School track team included Tonya Joy, Melissa Weaver, Tanya Bolden, Natalie Peacock, Rhonda Meeks, Cortney Parsons, Nakenya Spearman, Yolanda Campbell, Jewel Melton, Katasha Rockette, Aliya Ramirez and Lakisha Caldwell. Coaching the team was Hal Clark.
• 40 Years Ago, March 28, 1985 – Planning was underway for the annual Water Valley Poke Sallet festival scheduled for May 4. Plans included a Big Flea Market in Railroad Park, music from the band stand and activities.
Michael Stevens, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Bennett Stevens, served a week in the capital as a page for Representative Tommy Reynolds.
Frances and Rayford Ramsey celebrated their golden anniversary on Sunday, March 17.
Another “I don’t Believe Story” from the 1984 tornado was shared in the March 28, 1985 edition of the Herald. Bernice Holder had searched for her garbage can that was blown away in the tornado, leaving only the lid behind. Eleven months later the “runaway” trash can was discovered beneath a mass of undergrowth near the Warrens’ property. The killing freeze in January uncovered the hiding place.
Winners in the New Water Valley Jaycees’ Second Annual Womanless Beauty Pageant were Bill Boydston, third alternate; Michael (Boobie) Redwine, winner; Joey Joyner, first alternate; and “Monk” (Donna) Morris, second alternate.
•50 Years Ago, March 27, 1975 – Game and Fish Conservation Officer Mike Harmon completed a two- week in-service class that included courses in game and fish laws, court procedures, biology of game and fish, public relations, handling of juveniles, arrest procedures, self-defense and firearms.
Planning was underway for the Second Annual Jaycee Bass and Crappie Tournament.
110 Years Ago, March 26, 1915 – Mr. Edw. G. Byers the popular manager of the Grand Theatre has just installed a fine new $365,000 Simplex motion picture machine and will be ready for use Friday night.
This machine is one of the latest and most up-to-date machines is one of the latest and most up-to-date machines on the market. It is run by an electric motor and you run a two reel feature through without stopping.
“Albert” is certainly providing that he means to give the public the best picture service the market affords.
