Twice-Told Tales Redux
This edition of Twice-Told Tales originally appeared in the former Barnesville Enterprise on May 11, 2016. Dates have been adjusted to reflect the current year.
Twenty Years Ago – 2006
More than 200 participated in the 3Cs annual Cancer Walk this past Saturday at Memorial Park. The walk this year honored the memory of the Late Herb Starr, long-time post-office employee who was an active in local veterans’ organizations.
The Belmont United Methodist Church will host its first Mother Daughter tea party and fashion show Saturday, May 13.
Barnesville High School could be home to a new culinary and food managed program come September. At a special school board meeting, members entertained a proposal from the Belmont-Harrison Vocational School at the local school that is offered with no additional cost for the district.
BHS graduate Joseph Stenger who is pursuing a U.S. Air Force career is profiled. He is a recent Magna Cum Laude grad of the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
A granite bench and portrait of the late Belmont-Harrison Vocational School Superintendent C. Robert Grimes of Sandy Ridge were presented to the district by his widow, Wilma, and his family.
Thirty-five Years Ago – 1991
In a terse front-page editorial titled “The Short End Again”, Bill Davies laments the planned closure of the Barnesville Deputy Registrar’s Office. If the state follows through with its plans, local residents wishing to purchase license plates will have to drive to Bridgeport, Woodsfield, Cadiz or Cambridge to do business.
The Barnesville Victorian Village Theatre Company’s rendition of Neal Simon’s “Plaza Suite” will take center stage in the high school auditorium this weekend.
Cambridge railroad enthusiasts Dave Adair and his friends will present a slide show of area railroad sites from the past as well as railroad projects in other communities in Ohio at the Senior Center next Monday. A discussion will follow with the Barnesville Development Council presenting plans for the depot building, railroad yard, and surrounding areas from a tourism and historic preservation aspect. This as the fund drive to purchase the railroad property is nearing its goal of $110,000.
Sixty Years Ago – 1966
The leaders of the county historical society announced they have successfully raised the funds needed to purchase the former Watt Home on the corner of N. Chestnut and Walton Avenue for a museum site.
The most devastating freeze in the past 37 years occurred Tuesday morning when the temperature dipped to 21. It claimed all peach, plum, cherries and most apple blossoms. This is a major blow to area fruit producers.
The resignations of three current faculty members and the employment of five new teachers highlighted the May school board meeting. Retiring are Miss Ada Gibbons of Somerton elementary, Mrs. Madge Oliver of Barnesville elementary and Mrs. Dorothy Giffen, first grade teacher, who has accepted a job in the Union Local district. Two of the new hires are Mrs. Clifford Huff, first grade, and David Johnson, who will fill a vacancy for sixth and seventh grades at Somerton.
The May 1st wedding of Miss Bonnie Jo Potts and Mr. Thomas Detling, an event at the Main Street Methodist Church, is profiled. The couple is making their home on Cherry Street.
Seventy-five Years Ago – 1951
A new census starts today to retain a village status. Belmont County court action to detach a Mount Olivet Road property and its four residents will bring the census to 4,998, two less than the 5,000 for a city status.
Former council member Walter V. Smith announces his candidacy for the Republican nomination for mayor. So far, he is the only candidate for the post.
The Moose Lodge has set the week of May 12 as “Dedication Week” to initiate their recently remodeled and redecorated lodge home. Over 600 invitations to members of the organization here and in nearby counties go out this week.
This week’s ‘Interesting Neighbors of Yours’ column profiles Mrs. Cora Helm who is now in her 20th year as clerk of the water works office.
The First National Bank has installed a machine for photographing checks, legal documents, lets and other important papers. The documents are photographed on regular 16mm movie film in 100-foot sections. After the film is developed, checks, etc. may be reproduced in every detail.
One Hundred-Ten Years Ago – 1916
From the Whetstone
The favorable weather put almost every automobile in this district in commission Sunday. Many new faces are seen among the owners of machines recently purchased. If the condition of the roads improve auto travel will increase.
Strahl & Stewart, the electricians, have contracted two cluster-light stands to be erected in front of the Acme Theater and Palace Pool Hall (157-161 E. Main). These stands are 14 feet high and on each there are four electric lights.
The Standard Oil Company closed a deal here to erect an extensive storage plant at the corner of Harrison and Gardner streets. Work will soon begin on the tanks and buildings costing almost $15,000.
The marriage of Miss Ora Lynn and Mr. Herbert Peddicord, both well-known young people of this place, took place at the Methodist parsonage at St. Clairsville last Saturday.
In another column appears a notice signed by the Kearns-Gorsuch Bottle Co. wanting boys to work at the Barnesville factory. The problem of securing help has reached a serious condition among manufactures not on account of wages, but it seems the young Americans of today are getting lazy and prefer to play most of the time. The bottle company pays good wages, the hours are regular and the work is comparatively light. There are chances for advancement and at present the company offers a bonus of $1 a week above wages to the fellow who will work steady.
Kirkwood Twp. School Board seeks bids for the erection of brick and frame school building for the Lick Run district.
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Twice Told Tales is compiled by Bruce Yarnall, former general manager of the Barnesville Enterprise.
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