Looking Back
Through the pages of the Wapakoneta Daily News
100 YEARS AGO, SEPTEMBER 23, 1920
Cletus and Marcellus Foltz, sons of MM Joseph Foltz, 411 Middle Street, left Monday for Burkettsville, Mercer County, where they enter upon courses of study at St. Mary’s novitiate, with the aim of entering the priesthood. Cletus and Marcellus completed eight years of school work at St. Joseph’s parochial school here last June. They are bright and attentive young fellows and their host of friends wish them success. They were accompanied by
Work on the new county garage structure being erected on the site of the old barn on the County Jail premises, is well on the way to completion. This week the workmen are installing the steel girders which will support the roof. The new garage will be a handsome, spacious and well-constructed building.
Local persons who have striven to get in communication with relatives who were in the midst of the earthquake horror in Italy two weeks ago have so far been unable to do so. The chief interest is centered on the town of Barga, Italy, which was one of the places hit hard. MM John Chiesa, Silver Street, have relatives there and have sent communications to them, but so far have received no answers.
75 YEARS AGO, SEPTEMBER 23, 1945
Gus Kohler, 69, staff representative for the Michigan Auto Club, who was graduated from Wapakoneta High School in 1892, died on September 20 at his residence in Detroit. He was born in Wapakoneta in 1875, a few years after his father had retired from the office of Auglaize County sheriff. Following his graduation from Wapakoneta, he held various positions and in 1902 became auditor for the Western Ohio railway company. His present position in Detroit has been held for the past 23 years.
Antlers were affixed to six new Elks in initiation ceremonies in Elks home, under direction of Exalted Ruler W.R. Bowsher. They are: William Place and James Gochenour of Buckland, and Eldon Wellington, Robert Jackson, Robert Streight and Georgie Brodie, all of this city. Officers for the local lodge include: Ferald Ritchie, esteemed leading knght; Richard Brading, esteemed loyal knight; Arthur Katterheinrich, esteemed lecturing knight; Roy Bauer, secretary; F.M. Swonguer, treasurer; Orman Lusk, esquire; W. Sanders Idle, chaplain; Martin Katter, tiler; and Harry Whiteman, inside guardian.
FOR SALE: CITY RESTAURANT. A good Going Business Located at New Knoxville, Ohio. As I must continue serving with the Army, am forced to sell at this time. W.G. Piehl, New Knoxville, Ohio. Mrs. O.F. Beickman, Mgr.
50 YEARS AGO, SEPTEMBER 23, 1970
The Auglaize County Democratic Club reports 2256 reservations have been received for its annual dinner and dance to be held in Minster Saturday night. Cathy Gilligan, daughter of Democratic gubernatorial nominee John Gilligan, will be featured speaker.
September Grand Jurors toured the Auglaize County jail facilities before returning to the courthouse, where Prosecutor Michael Moser will continue to present cases for consideration. Those serving on the Grand Jury from eastern Auglaize County are: Jerry Kuck, New Knoxville; Melvin Keller, Route 5; Ray Propst Jr, 713 W. Benton Street; Vera Kies, 604 W, Benton; Viola Dawson, Cridersville; James Zoom, 1002 Lima St.; Gertrude Bendel, Route 6; John White, Waynesfield; and Dale Grimes, New Knoxville.
25 YEARS AGO, SEPTEMBER 23, 1995
Wapakoneta Superintendent of Schools Dean Wittwer asked district residents to show a little faith, support, and confidence in school officials. Obviously prepared to address questions he surely knew would come in the wake of a mini-controversy surrounding student seating at home football games, Wittwer reported that a recent policy limiting student movement will be modified. Wittwer said the controversy has been blown out of proportion, but did announce revisions. Students will continue to be restricted to a single designated area—albeit an enlarged one—during games. Portable restroom facilities and a snack table will be provided within the area.