Twice-Told Tales Redux
This edition of Twice-Told Tales originally appeared in the former Barnesville Enterprise on March 9, 2016.
Ten Years Ago – 2006
RE/MAX Realtors is opening a local office at 162 E. Main.
Village Council members propose a “setback” ordinance that would restrict construction near property lines.
Bethesda Village Council creates a position of village administrator.
Burglars broke into Cheffy Drugs and Ladybug DVD Rentals on East Main Street this past weekend.
Deaths recorded this past week include Warren Schafer, 88, of Bethesda, one time employee of the former Wheeler Hardware Store; Rollo L. (Jolt) DeVault, 90, of Belmont, former Union Twp. Trustee and retiree of the state highway department, and Myrtle E. Betts, 77, former Mayor of Batesville.
Twenty-five Year Ago – 1991
The Belmont County Historical Society hires Marianne McFrederick as director-hostess. The position was created when the Society decided to extend its hours of operation during the season from two- to five-days a week to encourage tourists to visit the showplace.
The Hillside Sheep Producers will serve the annual lamb banquet Saturday, March 16 at St. Mary’s Church Hall, Temperanceville. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children under the age of 10.
A Sons of American Legion Post #168 is established in Barnesville with 16 charter members. Sons, adopted sons, stepsons and grandsons of any member of the American Legion or a deceased veteran may join the unit.
Barnesville residents Bob Thatcher, Ron Saffield and Dave Burns are photographed on page one at the Union Local FFA Alumni Farm toy Show that took place Sunday at the Morristown school.
Bethesda Postmaster Darrell “Dee” Lucas receives a 25-year pin from the U.S. Postal Service. He has served in his current post for the past eight years. Prior to that he worked at the Barnesville office for 10 years.
Elsie Phillips, 91, widow of Rev. Russell S. Phillips and mother of Dr. Richard B. Phillips, dies at the age of 91.
Fifty Years Ago – 1966
The 85-year-old firm of Watt Car and Wheel announces a major re-organization with the ownership of the Paas family. Palmer H. Laughlin, president since 1924, will continue in that position. The announcement was made at a dinner for the firm’s over 100 employees and guests at the Masonic Lodge on Tuesday evening.
The newly formed Belmont County Historical Society sets an initial goal of raising $30,000 to purchase and convert the former Earl Watt mansion on N. Chestnut at Walton into a museum.
Beryl Giesey is appointed Chief of Police by a unanimous vote of council. He is a nine-year veteran of the force.
The fourth annual school science fair is an interesting and entertaining show. Displays were set up over the weekend in the high school gym on West Main Street.
The Hanna Coal Company leases over 5,000 acres of reclaimed strip mine land for pasture to the Orleton Farms Company of London, Ohio.
Thompson’s Frosty Treat in Speidel, formerly Shepherd’s, is open weekends only.
Items are being sought for a museum at the Stillwater Friends Meetinghouse east of town.
Seventy-five Years Ago – 1941
The M-K Bakery that operated here for years closed Friday for an indefinite period. Company officials said it would be idle for four or five months, perhaps longer. Baking for the grocery chain has been transferred to the Cadiz Baking Co. Needed repairs and new equipment costing upwards to $15,000 are needed. Fourteen lose their jobs, but the company plans to employ some at its warehouse or on delivery trucks.
Mary McIvor, age about 43, movie star of the silent film era and a native of Barnesville, dies. She was born Mary McKeever. Her father was a jeweler here before moving to the west coast when she was a young girl. She was cousin of Miss May Wellons of E. Main. Her husband, William Desmond, also a movie star, and two daughters survive her.
Two local natives are listed in “Who’s Who”. They are Professor Walter R. Barnes of New York University and Mrs. Emily Neff. Barnes is the author of a long list of books while Mrs. Neff is author of several novels. She is at present an associate professor of English at Columbia University.
Musicians in the local Masonic Lodge have organized an orchestra and are rehearsing regularly in preparation for public appearances.
The Roe Service Station located at the corner of W. Main and S. Broadway has been selected to sell Montgomery Ward brand tires and batteries.
The Wayne Twp. school board will sell at auction, the lower Sandy Ridge one room school March 29.
One Hundred Years Ago – 1916
From the Whetstone
Since the merger of the Bell and Independent telephone companies is a settled fact, an increase in the rate is said to be probable and a howl is going up all over Belmont County. Pressure is to be brought to bear upon the Ohio Utilities Commission to veto the plan.
The Harry Hunt farm southwest of this place is sold to H.E. and J.E. Shipe who have arranged to open a feed store in Barnesville. The Shipe brothers are hustling young fellows.
Richard Healey, local commission merchant, recently returned from Cleveland where he attended the Ohio Butter, Egg and Poultry Producers and Shippers Association convention. Mr. Healey’s business is located opposite the B & O Depot on Mulberry Street.
Wanted – Girls to operate machines in our factory on E. Main Street. We have a warm and comfortable building and have run our factory for five years – Harrison Brothers Shirt Factory.
Deaths recorded this week include Morristown native Katherine Carter Beardmore, 84, and Bailey Bundy, 93, retired farmer and member of the Stillwater Meeting of Friends.
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Twice Told Tales is compiled by Bruce Yarnall, former general manager of the Barnesville Enterprise.
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