History of the Gentry School

Gentry used to have its own school. A previous school had been located one mile west of Gentry. So a group of men decided to purchase land three miles west of the downtown business district. A two story wooden structure was built in 1901 and classes started in September 1902.

The main floor was a large open room that hosted grades one through four as well as the music department, band, and school board meetings. The upstairs was divided into two rooms; one was used for fifth through eighth grade while the other was used for freshmen and sophomores. Juniors and seniors went to Albany.

There was a large pot belly stove in each room, with the teacher responsible for building the fires. There was a basketball and softball field with an elementary playground with swings, teeter-totter, and chinning bars.

School hours were from 9 am to 4 pm with two recesses. Most students walked or rode horses. There was an annual pie and box supper, Christmas program, spelling bees, ciphering matches, softball games, and band.

The Gentry high school closed in 1948. and consolidated with Albany The last teacher was Georgee Hash. The elementary school closed in 1965. Anne Trump and Virginia Stephenson were the last teachers.

 

Linda Adwell Benefit June 7th in Gentry

A benefit for Linda Adwell will be held at the Gentry Lions Hall June 7th from 2 pm to 6 pm. Linda lost her husband, Darren, to a tragic accident in February.

Performers will include Phil Watson, Robbie Watson, Steve Watson, Stan Steele, Craig Burkes, Rick and Manda Lynn, Delaney Hontz, Brian North, Mark Hutson, A.J. and Austin Adwell, and others. Also performing will be Melody Hart and the All Star Band from Branson.

The Old Reliable Hardware Company from Gentry in 1907

The November 21st, 1907 edition of the Gentry Sentinel carried an advertisement from G.W. Lane & Co of Gentry, which billed itself as The Old Reliable Hardware Company. They carried a full line of builders hardware, tinware, implements, laprobes, spouting, incubators, brooders, and fencing.

They were running a sale on furniture and wagons. Here are some of their prices:

Rockers – $1 to $4.

Iron Beds – $2.50 to $6.

Couches – $12.

Bed Springs – $2.50

Mattresses – $2.75 to $3.75

Buggies – $40 to $80

Mitchell Wagons – $75

Farmers Handy Wagon – $25

Wagon Beds – $15.

Gentry Man Saw Life Cut Tragically Short in 1908

Life was much shorter in 1908 than it is now. The September 4th, 1908 Albany Ledger recounts the sad story of Rollie Todd, a young man whose life was prematurely cut short:

“Rollie Todd, youngest son of William and Guesta Todd, was born April 27, 1883 six miles north of Albany, where he spent most of his life. In school he was studious, prepared for the duties of life, he filled various positions with credit and respect. Intellectual and ambitions, his life was marked with bright hopes and anticipation. He spent most of the year of 1906 in the far west viewing the country, after which he located in Shenandoah (IA).

In March, 1908, he and his relatives realized his health was failing; he went to Roswell (NM) with the hope that the change of climate would prove beneficial. Receiving no relief, he returned to his country home 3½ miles east of Gentry in June, where he remained until the time of his death, which occurred August 24th, 1908 at 4 pm.

Everything that medical skill and kind hands could do was of no avail. He leaves father, mother, one brother, Edward Todd, two sisters, Lida Dills and Roxie Korn, with a host of relatives and friends to mourn their loss.

The funeral and burial was conducted August 27th by Rev. Kirby at the New Friendship Baptist Church and Cemetery near his home. The beautiful and impressive ritual was read by the Gentry Lodge I.O.O.F., of which he was a faithful member. The large attendance, the flower laden casket, the tears and sympathy manifest on the occasion were, to the bereaved relatives, a touching testimonial of the high esteem and deep affection with which he was regarded by all of his friends and acquaintances.

He was loved by all who knew him, being of a happy and loveable disposition. He realized his condition and was willing and prepared to go. To his immediate relatives, he said, “You have done all you could.” His last moments were filled with appreciation and happiness.

Young in years, he had not plunged into the depths of sin. He realized fully the help and support of a Higher Power.

He has been taken from his home on earth, only to find a brighter home above. “Eye hath not seen, nor the ear heard, nor hath the heart conceived of the things,” of which he now enjoys.

Village of Gentry Late in Filing Financial Report

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway’s office reported that the Village of Gentry failed to file required financial reports by the October 31st deadline. All cities, towns, villages, and political subdivisions such as fire, water, and other taxing districts must file reports with the Missouri State Auditor’s Office within six months of the end of their fiscal year. Because Gentry’s fiscal year ended on April 30th, they were required to file their report by October 31st.

A total of 94 local governments and taxing districts were required to file reports by October 31st. Out of those, 72 filed financial reports timely. 22 other cities, 7 villages, and 8 taxing districts filed their reports late during the month of October.