Looking Back Through the pages of the Wapakoneta Daily News

100 YEARS AGO, OCTOBER 8, 1920

 Carl Becker, better known to hundreds of Wapakoneta men as the “little Dutchman,” is dead. Information to that effect was received here by George Stech, proprietor of the barber shop where Becker was employed, and Charles Schemmel, 306 South Willipie Street, where Becker roomed. Carl Nebel, a German, manager of the Greenwald Hotel barbershop in New Orleans, Louisiana, told of his death in a communication sent to Mr. Stech. From it is gleaned that Becker died last August 13th, in Charity Hospital, New Orleans, as the result of tuberculosis. His remains were taken in charge by his employer, Carl Nebel, and buried in the Nebel family vault. So ended the checkered life of the “little Dutchman,” many phases of which are familiar to persons here. Becker was cast into these parts as a piece of flotsam by the rising tide of the World War. Following information from a friend that he could secure work here, the “little Dutchman” packed his small kit and arrived here on Decoration Day 1916. Edwin Abe of Wapakoneta learned that Clarence Clark needed a barber. Ed happened to know of one, a German in Baltimore. This particular barber couldn’t come, but sent Carl Becker, who had been a barber on a German steamship interne din Baltimore because of the war. The captain of the steamship tuned part of his crew loose to hunt for jobs, and Becker gladly accepted the local opportunity.

 George Stech secured the services of the little barber, who awoke sympathy from many because of the rough manner Fate treated him. ( He was interned in Baltimore during an attempt to getting past the British blockade and reach his family in Querfert, Germany. Habitues of the barber shop where he was employed still remember his skillful manipulation of the razor and other tonsorial equipment. Seeming the “little German” was in a continuous state of good humor, and because of his quaint modes of expressing himself in the English language. He was a never- ending source of merriment. After he left here it was his habit to winter in the South and come North again at the first signs of spring. In December of 1916 he went to New Orleans ad accepted work in the Mont Leon hotel barbershop. There he was seen that winter by a party of hunters from Wapakoneta. The last person probably of this city who saw Becker was Attorney W. T. Copeland, who happened across him in Louisville, while on business there last summer. To Wapakoneta he was but an incident, but nevertheless possessed sterling qualities that won him many admirers. After he left Wapakoneta nothing very much was heard of him; he was never a great hand at writing due to the fact that not many of his acquaintances here could read German. From his irregular letters, though, it was dined that he was in mortal fear of being taken up on a charge of being a Germany spy. He lived in seclusion an avoided anything and everything that might possibly be the means of throwing him into the hands of officials… He was of slight build and stature, His features stamped him as being refined. In age he was barely beyond the early 20s.

75 YEARS AGO, OCTOBER 8, 1945

 The end of the war has not bettered the housing situation in Wapakoneta at all so far. There just aren’t enough houses in this city to accommodate those who desire to live here. If you wished to be mobbed, just advertise a house for sale. It is an unfortunate situation and not at all funny to those who haven’t any place in which to live. Neither is it funny to those who have the interests of Wapakoneta at heart. How can we expect to get industries or new citizens if we haven’t any homes available?

50 YEARS AGO, OCTOBER 8, 1970

 Wapakoneta Redskins stars Tom Gross and Rick Dailey have been named outstanding offensive and defensive players for the second straight week. The Wapakoneta coaching staff named Gross Raider of the Week for his outstanding performance in the offensive unit during last week’s game with Coldwater, in which he gained more than 200 yards. Dailey was named Warhawk of the Week for his defense performance in the same game.

 WRIGHT’S, 2 E. Auglaize. Wright’s as it all together in the basement. Holland Flower Bulbs, many varieties, 84 cents dozen. Halloween suits and decorations, 15 cents and up. Thanksgiving Decorations. See the largest Christmas Display ever in the basement!

25 YEARS AGO, OCTOBER 8, 1995

Kantner Chiropractic remained unbeaten last weekend in men’s flag football action, drilling the Lima Hurricanes 39- 0. Koneta Rubber had the bye. On Sunday Lima’s Finest takes on Koneta Rubber, while Elida Bulldogs meet Kantner Chiropractic.