Mansfield memories

Historical tidbits about Mansfield:

— John L. Mansfield, grandson of town founder Gen. John Lutz Mansfield, was a member of the John Phillip Sousa band.

— At Mansfield's Centennial celebration in August 1970, the Chanute Air Force Band performed a concert.

— Mansfield got dial telephones in December 1960.

— Farmer City and Mansfield residents voted 782 to 360 in December 1970 to consolidate. Consolidation beceme effective July 1, 1971.

— In 1964, Mansfield officials were successful in getting an interchange for the town on the newly created Interstate 74.

— On Jan. 30, 1957, a burglary attempt was made at People's State Bank, but burglars could not get the safe door open. The dial was knocked off, and the door showed pry marks.

— Gen. John Lutz Mansfield's war horse, "Old John" lived to be at last 36 years old, and the general's widow used him to pull her buggy around town.

— In 1896, The Mansfield Express reported that a young-looking couple had registered at Hotel Monroe as man and wife. It turned out they weren't, and the town marshal took them into custody. The next day, the state's attorney said he wouldn't charge them and ordered the two released. "The couple departed immediately for the depot," the story said. "Thus another sensation in Mansfield ended with a great lot of wind and very little honor to the village and two supposed criminals (are) allowed to go unpunished."

— Mansfield's library is in a building that once housed a gym used by high school students. It had a half-basketball court and a balcony for fans.

— When Gen. John Lutz Mansfield died in 1876, members of the village board wore a mourning badge for 30 days to show their respect.

— In 1951, Mansfield residents cleaned the streets and alleyways spic and span to prepare for arrival of a distinguished visitor from Mansfield, England. Citizens were left holding the 12-foot Welcome to Mansfield banner, though, because the gent canceled his visit at the last minute.