Almost Yesterday

Almost Yesterday is a glimpse into the rich history of our region. Dr. Frank Nickell takes listeners on a journey to specific moments in time, such as the first radio broadcast on KFVS, the history of Farmington’s CarlstonCollege, and the short-lived safari on a Mississippi River island. A gifted storyteller and local historian, Dr. Nickell’s wit and love for the past are combined with sounds and music that augment his narrative.

Almost Yesterday: Ronald Reagan, Honorary Cotton Picker of Southeast Missouri

By • Feb 26, 2019

It seems like Almost Yesterday that Ronald Reagan came to Sikeston, Missouri to serve as the speaker at the annual banquet of the Sikeston Chamber of Commerce. The year was 1965 and Reagan had only recently emerged as a national political figure following the 1964 Republican National Convention.

Almost Yesterday: The Day the Campbell Bank Was Robbed

By • Feb 19, 2019
Southeast Missouri State University

It seems like Almost Yesterday that strangers entered the bank of Campbell, Missouri and made off with some of the community’s money. It was just a few moments after 3:00pm on November 11, 1933 when two men in fancy dark suits walked into the lobby of the small bank on Campbell’s Main Street.

One of the men walked across the lobby, turned, displayed an automatic pistol, and announced “This is a holdup!”

Almost Yesterday: The Bunker That Bunker Built

By • Feb 12, 2019
Southeast Missouri State University

It seems like Almost Yesterday that the community of Bunker celebrated its centennial history.  Founded by Sylvanus J. Bunker in 1907, the small community paid tribute to its founders and its history with a weekend commemoration in June of 2007.

Almost Yesterday: The Golden Eagles Marching Band Goes to the Super Bowl

By • Feb 5, 2019
The Golden Eagles Marching Band performed in front of an international audience at Super Bowl V.
Southeast Missouri State University

It seems like Almost Yesterday that the State College Golden Eagles Marching Band became national media stars. In 1971, the 160 member Golden Eagles band was selected to perform at the Super Bowl in Miami, Florida.

The band was given an intimidating schedule - a pre-game presentation, the national anthem, and a five-and-a-half minute marching routine during the halftime.

Almost Yesterday: A Lion Escapes a Wild Animal Show in De Soto

By Frank Nickell • Jan 29, 2019
Southeast Missouri State University / KRCU

It seems like Almost Yesterday that the circus came to De Soto, Missouri. In the days before television, color movies, and modern entertainment options, a high light for every community was when “the circus” came to town.

Colorful costumes, trapeze artists, beautiful ladies, wild animals, and entertaining clowns — provided an escape from the hard work and isolation of rural and small town America.

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