Time For Talk Schedule

2009 Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony

Seven individuals were honored with an induction ceremony into the Dunklin County Hall of Honor today (Sunday, October 18) at the Dunklin County Library in Kennett. Nominees must meet certain qualifications such as distinguishing themselves within their occupation or endeavor through intellectually creative humanitarian and professional accomplishments. These qualifications were well pointed out as the recipients (or their representatives) stepped forward to be recognized. They were: Eugene Randol, Gerald Gamble, Pete Droke, J.B. Gray, Phillip Greenway, Dale Rickman and William S. (Bill) Jones. TALK was there.

Tuesday, Oct. 20

From 1981 - James Kahn Dept. Store - Old Opry House

You are bound to enjoy tonight's show in view of Frank Crafton's present renovation of the old James Kahn building. From a quiet, reserved corner of TALK's archives comes a record we must not lose: One of the most delightful personalities in Kennett's recent history was Sonya Astrachan, now deceased. The time Is 1981. You will see Sonya at the register of the thriving James Kahn Department Store, a task she fulfilled for many, many years. Sol Astrachan, Mayor of Kennett for more than 10 Years makes an appearance to describe a hidden monument to Kennett's history, the Old Opry House, a busy and popular entertainment center, located in the upper story of James Kahn's building. In 1981 the Walls were Much as They existed at the beginning of this century, covered with the graffiti of that time.

Wednesday, Oct. 21

Sol Astrachan - History of James Kahn Dept. Store No. 1

To Sol Asctrachan, the American Dream is a reality. A lonely emigrant prospers as a successful businessman. In this interview, Sol recalls the story of his uncle, as a young James Kahn, coming to the United States from war torn Russia during the Bolshevik Revolution and how he arrived in this country in the early 1920's and ultimately made his way to Kennett, Missouri . Penniless, he was befriended by local residents. Young James rented the corner of Main and Northside Square where the James Kahn store remained as one of the oldest businesses in Kennett until 1997. Sol will continue his story tomorrow.

Thursday, Oct. 22

Sol Astrachan - History of James Kahn Dept. Store No. 2

Sol Astrachan's uncle, James Kahn, arrived in Kennett from eastern Europe in 1925 with fifty cents in his pocket. Befriended by those who were strangers to him, he established his store at the location where it remained all these intervening years. "Before my uncle came to town", Sol said, "the building had been used for some businesses, perhaps a grocery store, but principally the upper story was used for an Opera House where local talent performed Shakespearean type plays". "The upper story area was used for meetings also. For example, this was the first meeting place for the Church of Christ in 1911", he continued. You must hear Sol as he retrieves these interesting facts too numerous to mention here. TALK has interspersed old photos and old video into the story.

Friday, Oct. 23

Sol Astrachan - History of James Kahn Dept. Store No. 3

At the death of its founder, James Kahn, ownership of the Department Store came into the hands of his nephews, Sol and Jack Astrachan. These young men were already well acquainted with the running of the business and it continued to flourish with patrons from all over the bootheel and northeast Arkansas coming to Kennett to shop. The store was remodeled and expanded. But in the 73 years of its existence vast changes in the business world spelled the end for many independent retailers. It was time for retirement. . Says Sol, "It was the Beautiful American Dream come true."