Twice-Told Tales Redux
This edition of Twice-Told Tales was printed in the November 18, 2015 edition of the former Barnesville Enterprise.
Ten Years Ago – 2005
The Enterprise launches a new and improved design with this issue.
Barnesville Mayor Tom Michelli coasted to victory in this month’s general election over Tanya Waryck. Michelli will serve four more years as the town’s chief executive.
The Somerton VFD will hold a Christmas auction and chicken barbeque Saturday.
Deaths reported this week include Robert H. Crawford, 71, Speidel, trustee of the First Presbyterian Church; Elizabeth (Libby) Brown, 95, of Bethesda, retired teacher and longtime supporter of the Belmont County Museum, and Bernice “Bea” Dyer, 100, of Barnesville.
Twenty-five Year Ago – 1990
The Development Council has reached its initial goal of $55,000 for the down payment to CSX Corporation for the former depot, rail yard and right-of-way. Another $55,000 will need raised by next year to complete the purchase.
A two-story residence at 305 W. Main was heavily damaged by fire last Friday afternoon. Owner of the structure is Kevin Welsh. The structure was occupied by the Robert Holden family.
Barnesville Aerie No. 4252 of the Fraternal Order of Eagles held a Grand Opening this past Saturday at their new headquarters on E. Main, the former Kirk’s Furniture building. Mayor Tom Michelli, assisted by Auxiliary president Hilda Merritt and lodge secretary Gary Lucas, cut the ribbon to open the facility.
Rev. Robert Crabtree, superintendent of the Ohio District Assemblies of God will dedicate the new Cornerstone Assembly of God, 917 Shamrock Drive. The local congregation also marks its 25th anniversary this year.
Jean Davies profiles the return to Barnesville of Al and Jo Mott who have lived in Arizona for the past 13 years. The Motts have purchased the Cassells-Schafer-Minder home at 312 Vine Street where they will open Friday a new business, “This Old House”.
Anniversaries noted this week include Bob and Doris Ullom of Somerton – 60 years, Bill and Hilda Merritt of N. Arch Street – 55 years and William and Lucille Dollison, Quaker City – 50 years.
Fifty Years Ago – 1965
Two men are taken in custody by FBI agents and charged with trying to break into the First National Bank night depository unit on N. Chestnut Street.
Joseph M. Toohey, Jr. joins People’s Building and Loan Company. The Barnesville native and his wife, the former Helen Pryor, and their two sons, Timmy and Terry, reside at 114 Fair Street.
Mrs. Hilda M. Truax announces the opening of a branch office of the Harvey Goodman Real Estate Agency here.
Fred Stephen, principal at Somerton Elementary announces an “Open House” at the Johnson Ridge facility tonight prior to the annual Somerton Farmer’s Institute. Teachers will be in their respective classrooms an hour before the program begins. Gene Plumly is in charge of the Institute that will take place this evening and Friday night at the school.
The Egypt Valley Farmers Institute will take Place Friday and Saturday night at the Grange Hall northeast of Hendrysburg.
Seventy-five Years Ago – 1940
The Woman’s Relief Corps donates to the Barnesville American Legion a 45-star flag that belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic until that organization dissolved some years ago. The ladies hope that the Legion will be able to display the flag more frequently than they did while it was in their possession.
A new Ford automobile agency will open on November 23 in the building owned by the Barnesville Loan Company on S. Chestnut. The new establishment will be known as Peters Motor Company and will be in charge of William Peters.
The Annual Armistice Day football game between Barnesville and Woodsfield high schools ended in a 0-0 tie on the Woodsfield field.
The McClelland-Kennard Co. announces the opening of its 66th store in Steubenville. This makes the second M-K store in that city.
Superintendent Silas Warfield reports it is hoped furnishings may be moved into the new elementary school over the Christmas vacation.
One Hundred Years Ago – 1915
From the Whetstone
Members of the Eastern Ohio Normal School Commission toured Barnesville Friday. The day began with a breakfast in their honor at the home of Mr. G. E. Bradfield following which the claims of Barnesville as a suitable location for the proposed Normal School were presented fully and fairly.
Commission members were delayed having missed the train in Bellaire where they motored from the visit in Cadiz. From Barnesville, members boarded the B & O for Cambridge. A total of 28 towns submitted proposals, of those, the state commission deemed the following candidates: New Philadelphia/Canal Dover (one location); Uhrichsville/Dennison (one location), Cadiz, Barnesville, Newcomerstown and Cambridge.
The governor is expected to announce the commission’s decision by December 1. The new Normal will join the newer schools at Bowling Green and Kent in the state system.
On Thanksgiving Day, the new Catholic Church will be dedicated at ceremonies beginning at 9 o’clock in the morning. The church will be dedicated by Bishop Rev. James G. Hartley of Columbus. The ladies will serve their annual Thanksgiving dinner and supper in the basement of the new church during the day and evening.
Without going into detail, we note the E.G. Harrison Store at 115 E. Main has expanded into the second story rooms of the Miller Building next door to the east.
Twice Told Tales is compiled by Bruce Yarnall, former general manager of the Barnesville Enterprise.
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