Looking Back

JANUARY 31, 1923

Employees of the Wapakoneta telephone company are extending a big cable along the Auglaize river from the rear of the Mike Hauss residence on Auglaize streets to the Hamilton street bridge. Cable was used as far as the Hauss residence and the rest of the wires were left open. The heavy sleet in the fall did a great deal of damage to the open aerials and many of the posts were broken down. Temporary repairs were made at the time and now heavy cable is being strung and the open wires removed.

Improvements to the old Settlage property pm Main street, purchased last week from A. Buthker by Lendell Johnson, is going forward, Mr. Johnson said.

JANUARY 31, 1948

Theodore (Tay) Fisher, 58, died at his home, 616 West Pearl street. He was a dealer in livestock for 30 years and in 1925 he built the Wapakoneta Producers Stock Yards, which he sold in 1937, continuing on there until June 1947 when he and his wife opened a camera shop in this city.

February 5 will be a big day for members of the Elks Lodge in Auglaize and Mercer counties. Four big events re being planned that day, Arthur Katterheinrich, exalted ruler, revealed. In the local Elks headquarters the 600 members representing the two counties will mark the Golden Jubilee anniversary of the Ohio State Elks Association, The Elks will also observe Old Timers Night, Past Exalted Rulers Night and a baseball jamboree. Baseball figures scheduled to appear include: Warren Giles, president of the Cincinnati ball club; Gabe Paul, assistant to the president; Dick Nesbitt, sports announcer; Paul Derringer, prominent pitcher; Eppa Rixey, Rube Bresler, Bubbles Hargrave, Jake Pfeister, Larry Kopf, Slim Salee and Johnny Van Dermeer.

JANUARY 31, 1973

The Wapakoneta St. Joe Knights minus their leading rebounder and third leading scorer Charlie Strete (still out due to an ankle injury), outshot a spunky Fort Jennings squad, dumping the latter by 25 points, 9671. On Friday the determined Knights will travel to New Knoxville and Saturday night the Maroon and Gold will host Mendon Union. The victory, St. Joseph’s 15th in as many outings, was won on the boards as the Knights pulled in 57 missed shots to the 50 caroms taken by the Muskies, Ted Hemleben was the leading rebound getter pulling in 20 miscues. The Knights shot 40 percent from the field, connecting on 43 of 108. Rick Heinl muscled to a pace-setting 26 markers to lead the Knights in their offensive attack. Bob Fahncke contributed 20, while Ron Drexler added 18. Hemleben meshed 14 and Dan Drexler scored 12.

One local student is included in Heidelberg’ College Dean List. Junior Gustave Wintzer, son of MM Frederick Wintzer, Glynnwood Road. He compiled a grade-point average of 3.3 or better on the first semester.

Mrs. Barbara Cole was named to the Dean’s List at the School of Nursing, Lima Institute of Pathology. Mrs. Cole received a 4.0 average for the autumn quarter. She and her husband Jack and their four children reside at 311 Cole Drive.

The Wapakoneta girls basketball team journeyed to Marion local and brought home two victories, The reserves started the night with a 40-3 victory, The varsity topped the night by winning 39-19. Balanced scoring was the story as Susie Nuesmeyer led the way with 10 points followed by Donna Behr and Mary Steinke with seven points each, Cindy Johnson with five points, Denise Disney with four points, and three points each by Ann Emrick and Marie Steinke.

JANUARY 31,1998

A fire at Mandy’s Cafe, 901 Defiance Street, caused extensive damage to the restaurant. According to Fire Department Captain Don Jump, a call was received at 8:01 pm that there was a fire at the restaurant. The blaze was believed to have started in the back storeroom. “The last employee left for the evening at 7:50 pm,” said Jump. “We don’t believe the fire was burning for very long before we received the call.” The main damage was to the storeroom area. The entire restaurant had heavy smoke damage. Smoke also entered the City Loan Financial Services, Inc., building next door at 903 Defiance street. A total of 15 firefighters were on hand to help battle the blaze. Mandy’s is owned by Darlene Howard, 203 ½ E. Auglaize street.