Looking Back
Through the pages of the Wapakoneta Daily News
100 YEARS AGO, SEPTEMBER 29, 1920
▮ TO the Musical Public: Mr. Wright, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Pianist and Organist, will be at the HELPLING STUDIO Saturday afternoon and evening. Mr. Wright is the Factory Demonstrator of the famous Waltham Player Piano. …. Anyone loving music, or those contemplating the purchase of a piano now or in the future, should come in and hear these beautiful instruments demonstrated. Also see the Special Introductory Price. Cash or Easy Terms. Helpling Studio, 8 East Auglaize St., Wapakoneta, Ohio
▮ A considerable sentiment is being aroused for a celebration of the Hallow’een season with a big outdoor festival and Mardi Gras in Wapakoneta this year. It is a revival of the events that used to be held in the city on each succeeding Hallow’een and which will be remembered with considerable pleasure by many people, but which in late years has been permitted to dwindle into decay and succeeded by events of little or or importance and illuminated by rougher tactics than common decency approves.
▮ With little expense the countryside and neighboring towns- folk could be brought to Wapakoneta for one of the greatest celebrations ever held in the city. It could be made an old time jollification that would go down in history as a bright spot in the city’s life. If it is decided to undertake this event it is well to start now, that the surrounding communities may be estopped from planning similar events. The undertaking being of city- wide interest it is within the province of the Chamber of Commerce to stretch its legs and lead the work of promoting the affair. This organization has had a long and undisturbed vacation and with the winter months coming a pace it is due for a rejuvenation and a big Hallow’een celebration is the tonic that will put pep and energy into its lethargic carcass. Let’s go and see what can be done.
75 YEARS AGO, SEPTEMBER 29, 1945
▮ A large group of WACS who served with the Army Forces in the Western Pacific is on the way back from Manila to the United States for redeployment on he point system basis Among them is Technician 5th Grade Jane Ellen Shaw, daughter of C. E> Shaw, 308 Broadway. Arriving in the Southwest Pacific in October 1944, Corporal Shaw has served in New Guinea and the Philippine Islands where she has been assigned as a teletype operator. She enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps in January 1943. Prior to her enlistment, se was a newspaper reporter.
▮ Chief Machinist John Helpling, son of Louis Helpling, was among the first to return from the Pacific since the defeat of Japan. He served as aircraft structure officer of the light aircraft carrier USS San Jacinto. He took part in operations at Wake, Palau, the Marianas, the Philippines, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and in strikes against the Japanese homeland and the China coast.
50 YEARS AGO, SEPTEMBER 29, 1970
▮ Many will remember Russ Francis, the one- time proprietor of the Sweetland, a popular candy shop in Wapakoneta some years ago. Dick Brading received a postcard from him datelined the Island of Cos, Greece. Russ expects to visit in Wapakoneta around October 5.
▮ Byron Schumaker, son of Mrs. Julius Schumaker, 102 W. Silver, is accompanying President Nixon on his nine- day tour of Europe as chief still photographer. Byron, who works for the Department of the Interior, has been with the government since May 1. He received his elementary and high school education in Wapakoneta. His father will be remembered as county superintendent of schools for 35 years, passing away eight years ago, Mrs. Schumaker is a third grade teacher at St. Joseph Elementary School, teaching Language Arts.
25 YEARS AGO, SEPTEMBER 29, 1995
▮ Ametek, Inc., headquarters in Paoli, Pennsylvania, has put its Westchester Plastics plant in Wapakoneta up for sale. Local plant manager Dave Sigler refused to make any statement or comment about the decision to the Daily News. Employees have told reporters they were notified of the pending sale when notices of the action were posted throughout the plant. Word throughout the plant is that the parent company wishes to get out of the plastics business.
▮ The Wapakoneta High School Band competed in the second annual Shawnee Showcase on September 23. Out of five Class A bands competing, Wapakoneta received 2nd place. It also earned a superior rating which entitles it compete at the State Ohio Music Educators Association competition in Columbus. The auxiliary and percussions sections of the band also received superior ratings.
Looking Back is compiled by Everett II