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Weir, celebrating their 150th anniversary

Weir, celebrating their 150th anniversary

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Weir, celebrating their 150th anniversary

News Staff
Friday, September 12, 2025
Editors Note: This history was taken from a book written by Henry Stricklin and permission to use this was given to the News-Report by his wife and former Mayor Saundra Stricklin.It was in 1871 that T.M Weir arrived in Kansas. He was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania on March 2,1814.

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Flyswatter has origin in Weir

News Staff
Friday, September 12, 2025
Weir City lays claim to being the birthplace of the fly swatter.However, it may be a tough sell in the future as anyone who Googles fly swatter will find several other communities claiming bragging rights. In Cherokee County almost everyone agrees to the following story.
Citizens of Weir have always been community minded. Gathering to celebrate special events and socializing with each other has been a priority. This scene from a Labor Day celebration shows a large crowd gathered to enjoy the festivities.

Citizens of Weir have always been community minded. Gathering to celebrate special events and socializing with each other has been a priority. This scene from a Labor Day celebration shows a large crowd gathered to enjoy the festivities.

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Sporting events were popular pastime

News Staff
Friday, September 12, 2025
Sporting events were always popular in Weir.They included foot races, trap shooting, horse racing and baseball.Weir residents were always loyal to their contenders. There were always bets made on the Weir entry or team to add excitement.Nate Hickle, a long time Weir barber and A.B.

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Seventeen captives taken in 1933 Weir bank robbery

News Staff
Friday, September 12, 2025
The first bank in Weir City was the Weir City Bank established in 1889, ran by James Dennis. It was still in operation in 1892.The Bank was completely remodeled in 1975, and it is one of the most modern in Southeast Kansas.The Citizens Bank is a sound institution, government insured.
Historical downtown Weir was dotted with businesses.

Historical downtown Weir was dotted with businesses.

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Area coal industry opened in 1877

News Staff
Friday, September 12, 2025
The coal industry first opened up in this area near Scammon in 1877. Mines in and around Weir City soon followed. By 1885 the small local mines were being crowded out by the railroads, who owned much of the coal land.
The Weir City Fire Department won a pennant in a fire fighters competition in 1904.

The Weir City Fire Department won a pennant in a fire fighters competition in 1904.

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Fire department has colorful history

News Staff
Friday, September 12, 2025
The Volunteer Fire Department has a colorful history.The fire limits of the city were defined by ordinance.
Amazon Army members staged a protest at area coal camps. Their grievances were directed toward a new state law that controlled the right to strike.

Amazon Army members staged a protest at area coal camps. Their grievances were directed toward a new state law that controlled the right to strike.

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Amazon Army marches through county to protest mine conditions

Linda O’nelio Knoll
Friday, September 12, 2025
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in the News-Report on the Centennial anniversary of the Amazon Army in the Southeast Kansas. It was written by Linda O’Nelio Knoll a noted historian living in Pittsburg.

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‘History of Weir’ program at library

News Staff
Friday, September 12, 2025
With the 150th birthday of Weir on the horizon, once again David R. Wallace has been asked to prepare his presentation on the city’s history for those attending the homecoming.Wallace was born in San Diego, California, to a scholarly candy-striper from Oswego and a coal miner’s son from Weir.
Farmers Coop employees turned into volunteer cooks to prepare the hamburgers for Appreciation Day free lunch for area Veterans and First Responders. Honoring our community heroes, Cooking were Trevor Brown, Owen Roberts and Casey Roberts.

Farmers Coop employees turned into volunteer cooks to prepare the hamburgers for Appreciation Day free lunch for area Veterans and First Responders. Honoring our community heroes, Cooking were Trevor Brown, Owen Roberts and Casey Roberts.

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Farmers Coop

News Staff
Friday, September 12, 2025
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