Looking Back
Through the pages of the Wapakoneta Daily News
100 YEARS AGO, DECEMBER 9, 1920
❚ Sheriff- elect Bob Ewing is in receipt of a letter from Bill Schlernitzauer ( Louisiana Bill) in which the latter states that he expects to arrive in Wapakoneta about next Monday, it being his intention to leave Grove Port on Sunday, or as soon thereafter as he possibly can. Bill will have the management of the Brunswick on and after January 1, when Mr. Ewing assumes his duties as Sheriff of Auglaize County. In his letter Bill does not come out in the open and say that he is glad to comeback to Wapakoneta, but he says that he will be darned glad to get away from that place. After taking a rest for a few days and solemnly reflecting over his folly in going to Louisiana, he says that he will be ready to start work. His many friends will be glad to mitt him a real welcome back. ❚ Charged with burglarizing the Moose lodge rooms in the Nagel building, West Auglaize Street, and suspected of similar jobs at the Eagle club rooms, Vernon Abbott, 22, and Robert Jackson, 20, were arrested by Chief of Police James Ague and locked in the city jail. Both were charged with entering the Moose rooms last Monday evening between 12 and 1 o’clock and rifling a cash register of $ 11.55, all of it in nickels, 231 in number. Knowing him to be the weaker of the pair, Chief Ague arrested Jackson on Auglaize Street and then got Abbott as he was leaving his apartments in the Freyer block above the Sarver music store, East Auglaize Street. According to the chief, both came across with confessions. It was Jackson’s first burglary at the Moose rooms, but Abbott told Chief Ague he robbed it on four or five other occasions. Abbott had intimate knowledge of the Moose lodgerooms because of his membership in the order. They were arranged before Mayor Elmer Newcomer, pled guilty, and each was placed under $ 6,500 bond. Neither was able to furnish bond and were remanded to the county jail to await the next session of the grand jury.
❚ For Your Pocket Book’s Sake Get Your Candies at Francis’ Sweetland. Come and Look at Our Specials Candy Canes and many other candy novelties for your Christmas, at 1 cent and up.
75 YEARS AGO, DECEMBER 9, 1945
❚ The Shaw Motor Company, long holders of the agency for sale of Buick and Pontiac cars, has given up that franchise to take up the sale of Hudson cars. The announcement was made by Oscar Shaw, president, who said that his agency would establish headquarters at the Slattery Blue Sunoco garage and service station. A complete line of parts will be handled, he said. The limited output of Buick cars in 1946 is the reason for making the change, said Mr. Shaw. The formal opening of the new Hudson display of cars will be made early next week. Mr. Shaw is one of the oldest auto salesmen in the city and the fact that he has “adopted” the Hudson lines of cars will be pleasing news to any of his old customers.
❚ Employment of a city engineer was brought out into the open at city council when Alden Lucas proposed that a full- time engineer be hired. A poll taken by President Melvin Kah, who retired as head of the city council after the next meeting, revealed that councilmen Fisher, Lucas, and Winterman were in favor, while Walter Harrod, William Mosler, and Henry Brockert were of the opinion that the present council should not act in the matter since it goes out of existence on January1.
❚ Elza Johnson, 57, died suddenly of a heart attack while at his work at the Tank Depot in Lima . Born in Bluffton, Indiana, he came to this city about 48 years ago. The deceased was a molder by trade and a member of the First Methodist Church.
50 YEARS AGO, DECEMBER 9, 1970
❚ The Council of Catholic Women of the St. John’s Church, Freyburg, will have a Christmas party at their regular meeting time, December 14. A pot- luck supper will be held at 6: 30 pm. Bring a covered dish, own table service, and a gift exchange. The committee in charge is: Rosie Braun, Rosemary Schweitzer, Rita Behr, Philomena Braun, Marie Steinke. Sandra Nuss, Marie Limbert, ad Betty Nuss.
25 YEARS AGO, DECEMBER 9, 1995
❚ First English Lutheran Church, 107 W. Mechanic Street, will hold a Night Watch party on New Year’s Eve at the church. The event will begin at 7 p. m. and conclude at midnight. The family night is open to all ages and will include food, games, informal worship, and sauerkraut.