Looking Back Through the pages of the Wapakoneta Daily News
100 YEARS AGO, APRIL 27, 1922
⬛ Not the least important of the work done by Wapakonetans in clearing up the wreckage at the cyclone stricken farms was the killing of rats. At each place visited certain members of the work crews were delegated to the task of executing the rodents. At the Riley farm, Donnet Chiesa was designated by foreman J.T. Howard as the chief exterminator. He put to death—or caused to be put to death—as painlessly as possible, with clubs, four rats and a nest of mice. “They were so fat they could hardly run, and, you know, a rat has some speed,” the head ‘exterminator’ said. “They had been feasting on chickens that had lost their lives in the wreck
until they were almost round. But we got’ em.” Head hunters put rats out of commission at each of the other barns that were cleared up.
⬛ The committee of women who traversed the tornado stricken district distributing doughnuts and coffee to the volunteer workers saw many sights that surprised them. The greatest
surprise was to see how a change of clothing changed the appearance of men who are seen dressed up. Miss Marianne Stueve took her
car to the Shappel-mowery district, while Miss Margaret Stone drove her party to the W. Gochenour and Stanely Scott district. The Fisher dairy truck carried the large cans of coffee. The ladies of Buckland had arrived at the Scott place first with a generous supply of sandwiches, pie, and coffee, but the men were willing to “fall in” and eat of the Wapakoneta supplies.
⬛ An application has been filed at the office of the Secretary of State at Columbus for a
charter for the Telephone Service Company of Wapakoneta. The incorporators named in the
application are: C.A. Stueve, H.W. Hauss, H.G. Fisher, Mike Hauss, and J.L. Snyder. The rapid growth of the local telephone company has necessitated the expenditure of a large amount of additional capital for new equipment and extensions, This additional capital has been temporarily obtained by short term bonds from the local bank and building and loan associations. Now that the company’s program of improvements has been completed, application is file for the issuance of sufficient additional stock to liquidate the present indebtedness and also to provide for future growth The company is taking advantage o this opportunity to adopt a more suitable name It is thought that the Telephone
Service Company is more descriptive of the function of the company—a statement issued by the company at the time of incorporation and reprinted in the WDN
75 YEARS AGO, APRIL 27, 1947
⬛ We design and install awnings on homes, offices and stores… .we will be pleased to bring
samples to your home for selection. Just phone. –Jacobs Upholstery Shop. Furniture Repair & New Awnings. Main 1538, Wapakoneta
⬛ NOTICE: To correct a misunderstanding , Edward Stroebel is not moving his law office
out of Wapakoneta but will continue practicing at his present location. Those stinky fresh little
smelts, 30cents/pound. Plenty of 3.2 and 6% beer. We deliver beer. Just call Schneiders, down by the twacks.
⬛ May Day Luncheon, May 1st, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Price $1.00. Menu: Escalloped Chicken, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Spring Salad, Vegetable. Hot Rolls, Choice of Angel Food Cake or Pie. Coffee. Special lunch for students: Barbeque Sandwiches, Chicken Noddle Soup, Pie or Cake, Salad, Drink. A bazaar o home-made articles will be held in connection with the luncheon.
⬛ The senior class of St. Joseph High School trod the boards, showing considerable talent in their lively presentation of “Old Sulphur and Molasses.” A capacity crowd was on hand to
applaud the Seniors through to the final curtain. The cast of characters included: Jim Byrne. Marcia Zofkie, Eileen Schweitzer, Kathryn Oen, John Wehrle, Evelyn Koenig, Jane Kohler Sally Heinl, Charles Anthony, Leonard Roth, Tim
Lampert, Helen Ann Greve, Charles Reier, and Theresa Niese.
50 YEARS AGO, APRIL 27, 1972
⬛ The resignation of Roger Kantner as principal of Northridge Elementary School was accepted by the Board of Education last night when the group met in special session. Kantner said that he plans to teach in the local school system next year. He was named principal of Northridge four years ago; prior to that time he
had been at United Local School for eight years, three years as a teacher and five as principal.
Other resignations approved were Mrs. Caroline O’black, a teacher at Centennial Elementary
School, and Mrs. Burton Andrews, a teacher at Buckland School.
25 YEARS AGO, APRIL 27, 1972
⬛ Boyd Hinshaw, 82, of Van Buren Street, died on April 27. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Mr. Hinshaw served in World War II. He was a
member and past president of the Wapak Mixed Garden Club, the Wapak Men’s Gardn Club, and the State of Ohio Garden Club. He was a scout leader with Troop 9, Boy Scouts of America.