Our Past Is Present October 5, 2018

October 5, 2018

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            Today’s story is about an attempted robbery of the Milford State Bank.  The information comes from the “Republic” newspaper dated September 20, 1917. 

            “The Milford people were surprised and somewhat disgusted when they read in the “Kansas City Star” newspaper about the robbery in Milford.  Between 12 and 1 o’clock Saturday, am. Some of the people were aroused by an explosion at the bank, which was followed by several other explosions between that hour and 4 o’clock am when the robbers were probably alarmed by the sound of cars, which were preparing to start for Fort Riley.  Charley Say, who watched the proceedings from the telephone central office was prevented from making much of an alarm because of the frightened condition of his wife.  Mr. Say stated that there were at least four robbers, though he only saw two at any one time.  Tools were taken from the U.P. tool house with which to make an entrance to the vault.  They succeeded in only getting through the first plate of the safe leaving seven more plates in which to reach the cash chest, which had another strong locked door. 

            It was not definitely known how the robbers left town, nor in what direction.  There was not a shot of firearms, nor were there any soldiers sent to Milford.  The A.F. Fawley Store was entered and probably from two to three dollars in change taken from the cash drawer.  The bank carries $3,000 burglar insurance and its loss is fully covered, amounting to about $800.  The bank is open again.”   

            Look here next week when we will have some stories about buildings razed in 1935; explosions at the Sunset Motel; Damon Runyon and the demolition of the Dreamland Motel in 2011.

            And… thanks for reading today to “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.