Looking Back

Through the pages of the Wapakoneta Daily News

100 YEARS AGO, MAY 17, 1922

⬛ A new organization has been formed in Wapakoneta which has for its purpose the encouragement of athletics on a larger scope than has heretofore marked athletics in this city. The plan so far as the real participation in athletics by adults remains undeveloped and awaits the degree of success with which it attains in the initial undertaking. Officers of the new organization, which has selected the name of the Wapakoneta Athletic Club, are Gregor Foos, president; Clyde Haman secretary; Harry Schwepe, treasurer. The initial event of the club is being arranged for May 28 at the Wapakoneta Outing Club ground.

⬛ The days of the sign of two fingers held aloft are with us, according to residents of West Auglaize Street. Rather to outdo the season that have a midsummer sun warm the waters for them unawares, small boys have donned bathing suits and gone swimming in the Auglaize River. A number have been seen in the waters more than a week ago, one west ender said.

⬛ Henry Rench, known to many friends about the city as Cous, was stricken ill while at work at the Deisel-wemmer plant early yesterday morning and was taken to his home on Auglaize Street. Mr. Rensch had just arrived at his work as a stripper and complained of feeling badly. Presently fellow workmen noticed that he was in a serious condition and he was conveyed to his home in an automobile. The physician announced yesterday afternoon that Mr. Rench had suffered a slight stroke of paralysis which affected the left side of his body.

⬛ Wapakoneta will have a free exhibition on Friday and Saturday of this week that will eclipse the balloon ascensions of Delfa Silvers a few years ago in a hundred ways for thrills. More than 20 businessmen have contacted with the manager of Rita and Dunn, highwire artists, for a big free show on a wire stretched above the buildings across Auglaize street. The wire cross Auglaize street near the Peoples National Bank. Dunn and Rita are husband and wife, according to the manager. Last year Dunn was in company with another actor, the two putting on an ”elephant act,” both in one elephant costume performing n the high wire. Dunn and Rita are Bellefontaine residents. The merchants are hopeful that the stunts will attract a crowd to the up town district of the city.

75 YEARS AGO, MAY 17, 1947

⬛ Appearing with the A-cappella choir of the Bowling Green State University in Wapakoneta tomorrow will be Miss Mary Jo Werner, daughter of MM Carl Werner, 105 West Mechanic Street. Miss Werner is a graduate of Blume High School, where she was a member of the band, orchestra, choir, and glee club.

⬛ MM Joseph Drexler, Sr., 305 Jackson Street, received the tragic news of the death of their son, Herman Drexler, 27, Dayton policeman, who was shot and killed while pursuing the line of duty. He was shot and killed by an intruder at the Cooper Hardware Store on West Third Street. The deceased was born in this city in 1919. He attended St. Joseph’s school. In 1936 he moved to Dayton, where he was employed as a salesman until the outbreak of the war. After his discharge he joined the Dayton police force in July 1946.

⬛ Plans were announced for the dedication ceremony of the new home of the Auglaize Post 330 of the American Legion, which will be held Sunday, beginning at 2 pm. The new quarters of the local Legion organization is located on the second floor of the Kreitzer building on the corner of East Auglaize and Park streets. Four rooms, all redecorated and furnished, compose the new home. The home is also to provide a meeting place for the local Women’s Auxiliary.

Sunday’s ceremonies will be opened by Burke Kolter, commander of the Wapakoneta post.

50 YEARS AGO, MAY 17, 1972

⬛ Brad Oen received his bachelor of arts degree Saturday from Walsh College, Canton. The 150 graduates ad their parents were hosted at a reception by the president of Walsh.

⬛ When one thinks of yogurt, you conjure up visions of the Far East, holy men of India and mysticism. So it was with interest that we read the publicity release from Beatrice Foods Co. of New Bremen in which they announced that they manufacture this exotic food. In New Bremen. Giving their product a modern appeal. It is made in six delicious flavors—cherry, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, peach, and orange-pineapple.

25 YEARS AGO, MAY 17, 1997

⬛ State Representative Charles Brading and Ohio Governor George Voinovich have announced that the City of Wapakoneta will receive $64,413 in grant monies for the construction of a bikeway trail project at Veterans Memorial Park. The grant will be used to construct an asphalt bicycle-walking path that will encircle Veterans’ Park. The entire project carries a price tag of approximately $111,000. Construction will begin this year, Safety-service Director Rex Katterheinrich said, dependent upon the availability of the local, matching funds necessary for the work.