Twice-Told Tales

This edition of Twice-Told Tales was published ten years ago this week on Wednesday, February 11, 2015.  

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Ten Years Ago – 2005

The Barnesville Health Care Center, 400 Carrie Avenue, marks 25 years of service to the local community. Seven of the current employees have been with the center since its inception: Audrey Bell, Jackie Huntsman, Jamie Burkhart, Colleen Fluharty, Tammy Ewing, Debbie Criss and Neva Burkhart.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency grants flood funding for the village in the amount of $360,000 for repairs and improvements due to flooding in September and December.

Deaths reported this week include 19-year-old Brandon James Butler, BHS grad and Kent State University student, who died of injuries in an automobile accident near Youngstown. 

Also passing was Joseph M. “Joe” Toohey, 70, He was a former member of the Park Board and was a Little League volunteer and manager for the Barnesville Greens baseball team for many years.

Nirmal and Diana Kaul, managers of the Walton Home, marked their 25th wedding anniversary on the 10th.

Twenty-five Year Ago – 1990

Today’s issue of the Enterprise carries the 1,724th column of “Birds in Your Air” by Phoebe. It was on this date, February 7, 1957, that Phoebe’s first column appeared in this newspaper. “Phoebe” is the pen name used by Miss Mabel Edgerton, retired schoolteacher and resident of Roosevelt Road.

Assets in the First National Bank of Barnesville grew 10.7 percent during the past year to a total of $134.79 million, President Joe Bradfield reports.

Circulation at the Barnesville Hutton Memorial Library increased 7,260 in 1989 to a high of 176,627. The library currently subscribes to 143 magazines and newspapers.

Jean Davies recounts the history of the Hilda Miller brick residence at 241 W. Main Street believed to date to 1822 when William Piper set up a kiln on what is now the school lot to the rear of the house.

Ribbon cutting ceremonies mark the opening of the Shannon House Restaurant, 220 N. Chestnut, by Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Phillips.

Four generations of the Wharton family gathered for the 45th anniversary party in January for Willis and Margaret Wharton of Stumptown.

Fifty Years Ago – 1965

The Knights of Columbus fete local news correspondents to a dinner at the Green Cottage Restaurant. Those honored included: Mrs. Robert Collins, Times-Leader; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Buchanan, Barnesville Whetstone; Mrs. Kathryn Gill, Cambridge Jeffersonian; Mrs. Al Mott, Wheeling News Register; Mrs. John Piersol, Wheeling Intelligencer; and Bill Gibson representing the Barnesville Enterprise.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses plan a conclave in the high school gymnasium March 5-7. Members of congregations throughout Southeastern Ohio will attend the special services.

The Kiwanis Club initiates three new members: Emerson Cox of Doan Ford, Garrett Sparks of Keystone Shoes, and Merle Tucker, new manager of the local office of the Modern Finance Company.

Glenn Rockwell was elected president of the Ohio State Horticultural Society (fruit growers association) at the annual convention at the Deshler Cole Hotel in Columbus.

Jimmie Carpenter fires a record 722 series to lead the annual City League Tourney  at Chestnut Lanes.

Seventy-five Years Ago – 1940

Louis J. Taber of here and Columbus, master of the National grange, will be the principal speaker at the annual Belmont Washington-Lincoln Banquet for Belmont County on the 22nd at Martins Ferry.

First National Bank of Barnesville marks its Diamond Jubilee. The honored financial institution was established 75 years ago Sunday. Charles Bradfield, son of the founder, John Bradfield, is now president. His son, John, is currently an assistant cashier.

The Barnesville Saddle Club votes to sponsor a home talent musical comedy in the spring. The show will be directed by Margaret Hanlon Fowler and will include a cast of over 100. 

The Somerton High School basketball team will play its last game of the season Friday night against Centerville in the new gym on Johnson Ridge.

One Hundred Years Ago – 1915

From the Whetstone

Eighteen of Barnesville’s grocers announce they will discontinue the “custom of treating credit patrons upon payment of their accounts” the same as customers who pay cash at the time of purchase. Beginning March 1, all accounts will be handled as “cash only.”

The recent revival meetings at Bethel Methodist east of Baileys Mills resulted in something like 116 conversions.

Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Kennard of N. Chestnut left Sunday for several weeks visit at the Panama Exposition in San Francisco and other places in the west and southwest.

Hon. L.P. Bailey received his appointment from Gov. Willis to serve as a member of the Ohio commission at the Panama Exposition. He is one of eight members appointed by the governor and will represent the agricultural interests of the state.

Voters in the village of Belmont Saturday approved a bond issue for the construction of a new school building by a majority of 93 (141-51). Bonds will be issued by the town for the sum of $20,000 for the new building.

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Twice Told Tales is compiled by Bruce Yarnall, former general manager of the Barnesville Enterprise.