50 years ago, January 27, 1972Icy Bridge Is Blamed For 7 Car Pileup FridaySeven automobiles were damaged but no injuries reported in a chain reaction accident at 7:00 a.m. Friday on the Chikaskia river bridge on US 60 east of the city. Traffic was tied up for approximately 45 minutes while the wreckage was cleared, causing a severe pileup at the height of the morning college commuter traffic.All involved in the accident were from Ponca City and driving west toward Tonkawa. OHP Trooper Wes Robinett investigated the accident and was assisted at the scene by Deputy Sheriff Gary Sinclair, the first law enforcement officer at the scene. According to Robinett the drivers were Miss Carolyn Waddell, John Lambe, Marsha Cannon Myers, Cathy Smith, Edith Swineford, Jay Lee Guinn and Guy W. Chapman, Jr.The chain reaction was started when Miss Waddell apparently applied her brakes on the icy bridge, losing control of her vehicle. Her car was struck in the rear by the Lambe car and the pileup continued with the other drivers being unable to stop and striking the rear of vehicle in front of them.Robinett said five of the autos received damage to both front and rear. Estimates ranged from $300 to $800 to the vehicles according to the trooper.Mrs. Merrell Hostess At Xi Alpha Pi MeetingMrs. Oscar Merrell, president of the Xi Alpha Pi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, entertained at a regular meeting at her home, 303 North Sixth, on Jan. 17. Eight members attended the meeting.Following the ritualistic opening, business was conducted. It was voted to send a donation to aid a burn victim after a letter from a sister chapter in Bartlesville was read and requested any help that could be given.Discussion was held on test questions prepared by Mrs. W. E. Mugg. Four lessons were given as two were make-up for a cancelled meeting due to inclement weather. The meeting is to be made up later.Mrs. B. H. Hultsman presented a lesson on “Education for Adults” and “Extension and Correspondence Courses.” Mrs. Oscar Merrell presented a lesson on “Special Skills and Talents,” and Mrs. W. E. Mugg discussed “Reading” and included the reading of a meaningful poem. Mrs. George McNitt gave a lesson on “Movies, Radio, Television, and Associated Groups.” She also read from the Civil War Diary of her great grandfather.The meeting closed with all repeating the closing ritual and joining hands for ...
