Twice Told Tales Redux
Editor’s Note: Several have shared they miss Twice Told Tales. Truthfully, so do we. It takes about two or three hours to scan old newspapers, copy and print excerpts. At the present time there is simply not enough time to add this task to the mix. However, if we raise enough money to hire some help writing sports, meetings and features, Twice Told Tales could return. Interested? Please see our accompanying End-of-Year fund drive plea. Help us return Twice Told Tales! In the meantime, enjoy this report from December 2014 covering news from 2004, 1989, 1964, 1939 and 1914.
Originally published December 31, 2014.
Ten Years Ago – 2004
Fires during the past week destroyed mobile homes on Broadway Street in Quaker City and one in Bethesda also used to house two North American alligators as part of a reptile rescue program.
Early year articles featured in the year in review include the opening of the Morristown McDonalds, the appointment of Dale Bunting to village council, BHS swimmers win the OVAC meet, and the 100th birthday celebration of Leone Mantz.
Barnesville native Mark H. Plumly, 53, died at his Canton home Friday. Burial took place in Southern Cemetery.
Twenty-five Year Ago – 1989
When the Board of Education holds its organization meeting January 4, three new members will join the group – Linda Butterfield, Bill Hunkler and Robert Miller.
Sidewalk superintendents were busy last week as the Glass Corner, once home to O. N. Wheaton and Sons Grocery and later the Hicks-Polmatier Appliance Store, on the corner of N. Arch and E. Main, was demolished. Other concerns housed at this location were Gilbert’s Men’s Wear, and the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services. The upstairs was for many years the meeting room for the Daughters of America and the Good Luck Club.
Barnesville native J. Craig Bradfield has been promoted to vice president of the Southern National Bank in Winston-Salem, NW.
Special Holiday showings continue at the new Barbara Barbe Doll Museum, 211 N. Chestnut.
Fifty Years Ago – 1964
More than 1,000 citizens toured the new Barnesville Hospital facility Sunday afternoon and evening.
The main headline reads “1964 in Review: It was a Year of Accomplishments”.
The Green Cottage Restaurant was robbed of $131.98 between closing time Wednesday evening and the next morning.
The water at Slope Creek Reservoir is now but 16 feet from the top.
Aggie Nickles, former Barnesville resident, who has owned and operated Aggie’s Coffee Shop in Cambridge for many years will open a new establishment next door to her shop in the Guernsey County seat. Gaslight Inn is the name of the new business.
Seventy-five Years Ago – 1939
The Christmas celebration at the Belmont County Children’s Home far exceeded expectations according to officials. Two truckloads of toys were donated by the Marx Toy Factory in Moundsville.
The root of an ancient walnut tree, over 125 years old, that was embedded in clay is being converted into man-made Barnesville gavels by Dr. D.O. Sheppard and Everett Cronin. The root was dug out by a steam shovel during the excavation of the Kirk Building at Main and arts streets.
Former Barnesville mayor, Attorney James A. White of Columbus, has been appointed a member of the Ohio State Industrial Commission by Governor Bricker.
The Cheffy Drug Company received a welcome Christmas present when a telegram informed them they had won third prize in an Abbott Laboratories Window Display contest and would be awarded $150.
The M-K Company with Albert S. George, manager, acting as Santa, gave a Christmas morning treats to approximately 250 needy children in the locality. Following a custom of many years, each child was provided with a pound of candy, popcorn, tangerine, and all-day sucker. The school superintendent provided the names of students for the giveaway.
One Hundred Years Ago – 1914
From the Barnesville Whetstone
Fire Christmas morning which seemed to have its origin in the basement at the west end of the Catholic Church completely destroyed the structure and its entire contents, but for a few exceptions. The flames were discovered shortly after 11 o’clock and were so advanced that the hope of saving the building was soon abandoned. The cause of the fire is thought to be an overheated furnace and possibly a defective chimney flue. The congregation had been there but an hour earlier at the close of their annual Christmas service. The estimated loss is something like $6,500 which insurance of $4,500. The congregation is now meeting for all regular services in Moore’s Opera House.
The employees of Roby’s Cigar Factory were feted to a Christmas frolicsome banquet and ball at the Schafer Hotel on the 23rd where covers were laid for 80 or more guests.
The weatherman having relented a little, Sunday was really a fine day to be out and many were seen on the streets during the afternoon.
The “wets” won by a plurality of 44 votes in Woodsfield Monday. According to the 1910 census, the village has a population of 2,592 which under the new license law will entire it to five drunkeries.
The annual banquet and card fest of the “Fat Men’s Club”, an organization of local individuals of many occupies and varies degrees, was held in the Masonic Hall Tuesday night.
Charles Gates, 82, of Beallsville, was accidently shot and killed near his home Christmas Day while fox hunting. He was climbing a fence when the gun discharged.
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Twice Told Tales is compiled by Bruce Yarnall, former general manager of the Barnesville Enterprise.
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