Most of us are aware of Samuel Clemens, although we know him better by his pen name of Mark Twain. As it turns out there may be another Missourian (Clemens/Twain was born in Florida, Missouri) who has as much wit and wisdom to dispense as the late author.

Last Wednesday while stopping by the Mid County Branch of Senath State Bank I came across two fellows in a deep conversation.

It appeared as if Matt Mobley and Ron Harris were settling the world's problems.

Wednesday just happens to be Ron's day off from the barbershop and therefore he has time to pontificate about issues he's normally limited to in a 15-minute haircut. Matt, who also takes a turn as sergeant-at-arms for the local Rotary Club dispensing fines and justice as he sees fit and broaches no argument from Rotarians, was sharing some words of wisdom as well.

Matt's older brother, Everett, was just leaving the bank and made the comment, "Back to the salt mines," as he walked out the door.

At which point Matt spoke up and said, "It feels like salt when you're digging it and gold when you're paying it."

Profound.

That's the kind of wisdom that, had it been dispensed by a fellow like Twain would have been blazoned on coffee cups, decorative macramé wall hangings and buttons with smiley faces and brought the late author untold riches. Instead, Matt just wasted it on Ron. Fortunately, your humble scribe overheard Matt's little nugget and is able to pass it on.

I don't know as Matt will reap any financial windfall from his little jewel, but he certainly seems due some sort of recognition.

It might also be worth noting that Matt shared his insight with us as none other than Brad Pitt passed through the lobby. Matt appeared to be unfazed by the movie star, obviously traveling incognito, and said hello and went on to his next engagement.

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From the mail bag

Vivian Helton, who toils as the DDD's much-appreciated unofficial historian found another few pages to share from the archives. These pages are from the Dunklin County News, Dec. 19, 1924 edition.

I was struck by the advertisements on these pages leading up to the Christmas holiday.

Johnson's Meat Market in Senath, Missouri -- telephone number 100 - was offering "Swift's Premium Hams" for Christmas dinner.

Another advertisement was for the Dexter Double Tub washing machine. I couldn't determine which establishment was offering the machine, but a little research revealed this latest invention to be the "Women's Friend." The double tub was designed to cut the laundry time in half and could be powered by either electricity or gas. I wonder how many loving husbands bought their bride a time-saver like that for Christmas? I would venture to guess that probably just as many as those of us who bought our brides a microwave oven to cut down on cooking time.

The Hine Motor Co., also in beautiful downtown Senath was touting its repair service.

"We are Specialists in Ford Repairing -- but as just as Expert on any other car." And guaranteed its work to boot.

In that edition readers also learned that Mrs. Curt Petty had come all the way into town to do a little Christmas shopping. Mrs. Petty lived in Octa, between Senath and Kennett.

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No TSO

The official word came last week that Trans-Siberian Orchestra will not be appearing in Cape this year. That's a little disappointing personally.

It has become a tradition of sorts for the last three years for my daughter and I to attend their concert. I will miss it.

I also imagine Chuck Earnest will miss the concert as well. I still remember Chuck and Judy at last year's concert. He was getting down with the woman sitting next to him like he was at a Grateful Dead concert in the 70s. Guess he'll have to come up with a new tradition, too.

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How hot is it?

Mike Ingram arrived at the worksite where CLGW was taking down a light pole at the corner of Second and Kennett streets. Mike allowed he was already sweating and all he had done at that point was put on his hard hat.

Apparently it's not hot enough for some folks.

Steve Horton, he of Sain's Floor Covering fame, was riding around town Friday morning with his pickup truck window down drinking a cup of coffee. Steve looked just as cool as the proverbial cucumber.

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Kudos…

… to the Kennett Fire Department for watering the trees along Second and Kennett streets that were planted during the first phase of the downtown revitalization project.

Bud Hunt is the publisher of the Daily Dunklin Democrat.