Looking Back
Through the pages of the Wapakoneta Daily News
100 YEARS AGO, SEPTEMBER 24, 1920
▪ At a meeting of the members of the First Presbyterian church, the congregation by resolution issued a call to the Rev. Norman King of Lima to fill the pastorate of the local church. The local Presbyterian body has been without a minister for the last 10 months, since the Rev. C. Garman Johnston resigned to go to Mays, Indiana. The Rev. Mr. King is now located in Lima, where he holds a clerical position with a Lima business organization. Since his return from the army, where he served a commission as chaplain with the overseas forces, he has been supplying various vacancies in and about Lima. For the last three Sundays he has filled the Wapakoneta pulpit. The new minister will remove with his family to this city after October 1st. The Presbyterian parsonage is located at 103 Logan street.
75 YEARS AGO, SEPTEMBER 24, 1945
▪ Star Plating Works have now reconverted from 100% warwork to peacetime work again. We are now able to do all kinds of plating— Chrome, Nickel, Copper, polishing, lacquering, etc. Automobile parts, household appliances, plumbing fixtures, surgical instruments, builders’ hardware. No job too large or too small. Star Plating Works. Plant No. 1—459 North Main St., Lima. Plant No. 2, Telephone Main 1488, Corner Krein and Maple, Wapakoneta
▪ One year ago today, September 24, 1944, the first frost of the 44-45 season occurred. And, according to William Zint, it was a killing frost. By contrast, with the weather of a year ago, when the weather went down to 35 degrees, the temperature this morning stood at 70 degrees
▪ Jose Martinez, a Mexican employed by the B&O railroad here this summer, will broadcast a program of piano numbers from 9:15 to 9:30 this, Monday evening over Station WLOK, Lima. His home is at Tamazila, state of Jalisco, Mexico. He had had a year of experience broadcasting over a Mexican station. He is an accomplished pianist, and his local friends are looking forward to hearing his program tonight.
50 YEARS AGO, SEPTEMBER 24, 1970
▪ Former Wapakoneta High School athlete Dave Billiter has begun his freshman year at Ohio Northern University where he is expected to concentrate his sports efforts on the baseball team. ONU baseball coach Herb Strayer said Billiter, a letterman in four sports at Wapakoneta, should make a “major contribution” to the college’s baseball squad nest spring. Billiter was voted Most Valuable Player in the Western Buckeye League last season. He will also be playing basketball at ONU.
▪ The Blume Junior High freshman football squad lost its season opener to Sidney, 146. Blume scored only in the second quarter, on a two-yard dash by Bill Moon following a 55yard sweep by Chris Dubois. The extra score attempt failed.
▪ Wapakoneta Elks Lodge 1170 Annual Fall Steak Fry, especially for Ladies and guests. Saturday, 6:30 p.m. Excellent Dinner. Social Hour. Dancing—walkie Davis’ Band. Tickets on sale at the lodge. Plan now for your Saturday night out.
25 YEARS AGO, SEPTEMBER 24, 1995
▪ Dr. Robert Herman will lead the Indian Summer Festival Parade on Sunday as grand marshal. Herman was chosen for his “years of dedicated service to the Wapakoneta community.” “It’s kind of an honor,” Herman said. “I’m looking forward to it.” The doctor began practicing medicine in Wapakoneta in 1949. Born and raised in Toledo, he married Margene, “a Wilmington girl,” and they “split the difference” when deciding where to live. During his 37 year of family practice. Herman saw countless number of patients. He was also the physician of record for Auglaize Acres for about 40 years, visiting the facility at least once a week. He also served as medial director for the Wapakoneta Manor for 20 years, and medical director of St. Rita’s Hospice Program when it first began. He is past president of the county medical society.