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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 Carleton College, 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.On Saturday, June 7, 2008, Almost Yesterday received First Place in the "Special Programs" category at the Missouri Broadcasters Association Awards Banquet in Kansas City, Missouri.Almost Yesterday airs every Wednesday at 5:42 and 7:42 a.m. and 5:18 p.m.

Allen Laws Oliver and The S. A. R.

Photo of ALLEN LAWS OLIVER, 1939, as a Director of Rotary International. Official Photo.

It seems like Almost Yesterday that Allen Laws Oliver of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, became the national president of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Born in 1886 when his parents, R. B. and Marie Oliver, lived in Jackson, Missouri, young Allen Oliver was educated in the local schools, at Southeast Missouri Normal School, and then, in the family tradition, received a law degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia. 

In 1909 Allen Oliver joined his father's law firm in Cape Girardeau where he followed R. B. Oliver's practice of dedicated community service, working vigorously to promote a variety of causes: the Boy Scouts, his church, his Rotary Club, and various efforts to help underprivileged children, all central to his personal values and way of life.

One of his favorite and most enduring causes was the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, his efforts leading to his election in 1946 as national president of the organization.

On September 17, 1946, from the steps of the Sub-Treasury Building in New York City, the site of the first Federal Hall, where George Washington delivered his famous farewell address, Allen Oliver delivered a Constitution Day address to a national radio audience, and a crowd of thousands, including Dwight Eisenhower, Douglas MacArthur, Thomas Dewey, Charles Evans Hughes, and Lowell Thomas.

Because of World War II there had been no "Constitution Day" address in 1945, thus the 1946 speech received special emphasis, and extensive distribution.

It is appropriate that the local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution is named, "The Allen Laws Oliver Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution."

It seems like Almost Yesterday.

This is Frank Nickell.

Frank Nickell is a retired history professor at Southeast Missouri State University.
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