Looking Back

Through the pages of the Wapakoneta Daily News

100 YEARS AGO, MARCH 17, 1921

 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and Big Jollification by the Wapakoneta Lodge of Moose in the Moose Lodge Rooms, Nagel Block. Tonight, March 17. Schedule of events; Candidates report to secretary Cliff Blair at 7 o’clock; ritualistic work from 7:15 to 8:30. Recess 8:30 to 8:45. You will have to be there to appreciate what happens between 8:45 and 11. Five hundred dollars’ worth of paraphernalia is here and sure to be used. Nuf Ced! A big venison banquet with all trimmings, 11 and 12:0. Come early and get a good seat. –Committee

 There will be a dance at the Glynnwood Booster Hall tonight. Everybody welcome.

 3 Great Bargain Days—march 17, 18, and 19 at Francis’ Sweetland, 20 East Auglaize Street. Telephone, Main 1310. Cherry Cream Chocolate Eggs, 30 cents/lb. (reg. price, 50 cents). Assorted Chocolates, 30 cents/lb. (reg. price, 40 cents). Peanut Brittle, 18 cents/lb. (reg. price, 25 cents). Cocoanut Squares, 27 cents/lb. (reg. price, 40 cents). Cocoanut Brittle, 25 cents/lb. (reg. price, 30 cents). Cocoanut Fudge, 25 cents/lb. (reg. price, 40 cents). Also real bargain on Easter Gods, Cocoanut, Cherry, and Marshmallow Eggs, Bunnies, Chicks, and Many other Easter Novelties. A big assortment of flower plants at reasonable prices.

 Mike M. Schneider is beginning the work of repairing his house on North Defiance Street which was badly damaged by fire recently. The kitchen, which was the part of the house damaged the most, will be rebuilt. The damage was estimated by appraisers at between $1,200 and $1,500 of which Mr. Schneider will receive $1249 in insurance.

 SAVE TIME AND WORRY by trading at Schneider’s T&OC Grocery and Meat Market. Special Reductions in All Lines. Give Us A Call. P.F. Schneider, S. Blackhoof Street, Phone Prospect 1829

75 YEARS AGO, MARCH 17, 1946

 After all these long years we are to have boulevard lights out on western Auglaize Street. That’s going to make Wapakoneta look a lot better to folks driving through on Route 33. We have always suspected that city officials left these fireflies hanging out there on purpose to whip-up sentiment for the boulevard lights—a proceeding with which we were in complete sympathy.

 Blume high Redskins tasted defeat for the first time since being defeated by Mansfield in the opening game of the year. This makes the record for the season of 17 won and 2 lost. They were defeated in the round of the Regional Tournament at Bowling Green by Montpelier, 45 to 37.

 The following letter was received by MM Oscar Vorhees, South Ohio Street, from their son, Theodore Vorhees, Manila, the Philippines. Dear Folks: I received our very welcome letter today ad was indeed happy to hear from you. I received the money and have already invested it in stock. I have the most beautiful restaurant in Manila. I am going to send you some photographs of the place. My partner is Chinese. He was a major in the guerrillas here in the mountains during the war. …I am fortunate I went through it from the start to the finish without a scratch but I lost so many shipmates who were not spared like myself. I am enclosing one of our menus. The prices are in pesos, the exchange being two pesos for one American dollar. Please send me a copy of my birth certificate as all my papers were lost just before the end of the war. It was another one of those things that happen in war. We had to abandon ship, I close with my fondest love to all, Ted

50 YEARS AGO, MARCH 17, 1971

 When Adrian Mcmurray was still active in Rotary, the Monday meeting prior to St. Patrick’s Day was given over to him. And it was done up right. Naturally everything was green, from the napkins to the ice cream, from the tablecloth to the paper hats. Corned beef and cabbage were often served. Favors were supplied by Adrian and drawings were held for prizes. One year a green, live pig was the grand prize. Mrs. Mcmurray presided at the piano and played such Gaelic standbys as My Wild Irish Rose, When Irish Eyes are Smiling, and other non-irish but sentimental songs. Adrian saw to it that St. Patty’s Day was celebrated properly. And everyone had a fine time.

25 YEARS AGO, MARCH 17, 1996

 Marion Ruppert, 76, of 838 N. Circle Drive, died March 15 at his residence. He was a truck driver for D & S trucking. He served in the U.S. Army 1st Armored Division for five years during World War II. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, VFW Post 8485, Disabled American Veterans Post 73, and Eagle Aerie 691. He performed many special volunteer services for many organizations over the past 28 years. He was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan. He is survived by Luetta Greve Ruppert, four children, and 13 grandchildren.