This week in Canton history...

CANTON HERALD-July 14, 1960: 

Canton is going “West”… That is, for the next week. A big Wild West week is slated for Cantonites July 18 - 23, sponsored by the Lions Club, Kiwanis Clubs and the Fair Association.  A big parade will be held Thursday, July 21, on the streets of Canton and lending leading to the fairgrounds on Highway 64. The parade will get underway at 4 p.m. and will lead the people to a big barbecue being staged by the Lions and Kiwanis clubs at the rodeo Arena at 5:30 o’clock. The big Thursday night planned for the people will be capped off by the wildest rodeo ever held in Canton at 8:30 p.m. the rodeo arena. The Fair Association is sponsoring the rodeo which will also be held on Friday and Saturday nights. Ray Williams of Alba, producer of the rodeo, told the press that he has secured new stock for the three-day show. “They are as rough as they come,” William said.  Ticket sales for the barbecue are brisk according to a. L. Scott, Jr. Lions Club vice president in charge of ticket sales. Prices are $1 for adults and $.50 for children.  Events to be staged each night of the three day rodeo are a greased pig race, bareback bronc riding, calf roping, barrel racing for children under and over 12, Brahma bull riding and bull dogging.  Entries for the rodeo are asked to contact Todd Barry at the County agents office, LO7- 4525 or L07-4774 at night.  Dr. T. R. Keahey, president of the Fair Association told the press that all riders taking part in the grand entry at the rodeo will be admitted free of charge at all three performances of the county fair.

The services for Gordon Alton Clark, 60, who died at Falfurrias Friday, July 8, were held at the Van Sunday, July 10, at 2 p.m.  Mr. Clark was a native of Colfax, having been born and reared there and barbered for several years in various places in Van Zandt County. For the past 12 years he had made his home in Falfurrias.  He saw service in the defense of his country and was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church. Interment was in Union Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Hilliard and Sons Funeral Home.

Funeral services for John N. Sanders, 77, will be held at the Little Hope Baptist Church today (Thursday) at 10 a. m. with Rev. Albert Dusky, pastor, conducting the final rites. Mr. Sanders was married to Ardell Dunn San on Aug. 9, 1903, who survives with two sons and five daughters. Interment will be in the Cox Cemetery under the direction of Eubank Funeral Home.

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