Wooster the Way it Was - November, 2011
Two Italian Couples To Wed
Three bright young ladies from sunny Italy came to Wooster last Sunday and in a week or so, two of them will become brides of two Wooster Italians. They are Maria Donafrio and Paolina Vituollo and their future husbands are Raffaelo Soccolo and Alfino DiPasqua. They will live in Wooster where the men have steady employment. Their licenses were granted on Friday.
Cochran To Wed Johnson
The wedding of Miss Nellie Cochran and Clarence Johnson, both of Wooster, will be an interesting event of the present month. Miss Cochran is the daughter of Byron Cochran of Spink St., who moved here from Cadiz recently. She has been attending college and is a young lady of fine attainments. Mr. Johnson is a nephew of Chief Johnson and is principal of the schools in Bedford. He is the son of Mrs. James Johnson and is an exemplary young man.
Baby’s Birthday Celebrated
On the evening of Nov. 7th, more than fifty friends gathered at the Stauffer home north of the city, the occasion being the first anniversary of Miss Billie Burke Stauffer’s birthday. A fine supper was served and the Madisonburg band furnished many excellent selections which were enjoyed by all including Miss Billie herself who is only one year old; but in that time has won a host of friends and is widely known as “that pretty baby.”
Surprise On Birthday
The home of Charles Hootman of near Funk was completely filled with neighbors and friends who assembled there on Tuesday night to celebrate the birthday of Mrs. Hootman. There were 90 present and the festivities were thoroughly enjoyed. Music, speaking and intermingling of guests were the main features of the evening. Light refreshments were served. Mrs. Hootman received a number of presents and post cards.
Joyful Hay Ride
A hay ride into the country was the extreme pleasure afforded a large number of C.E. society members of the Presbyterian church on Thursday evening. Two wagons were filled with merry young people and their destination was the home of Mrs. Jennie Laird. Enjoyable games, music and a sumptuous lunch were among the chief features of the evening. The Laird home is noted for the hospitality extended guests and those who were fortunate in being entertained last night, have nothing but praise to give the hostesses.
Fine Horse Dies
“Pet,” one of the fine sorrels owned by J.H.B. Danford, undertaker, died Sunday evening. The horse stepped on a nail two weeks ago but the wound seemed to heal nicely right away. Saturday morning she contracted lock-jaw, was unable to eat all day long, and Sunday the case became much worse.
Bullet Through Window
A bullet from a Robert rifle crashed through glass in door at the Wm. Luke home on East Henry St. Sunday afternoon. The leaden ball struck the wall, but its force was spent and it fell to the floor. Mrs. Luke was seated in the room and was not far from the path of the bullet.
She phoned to police headquarters reporting the incident. Chief Johnson was busy at the time. Monday morning the Chief was investigating the shooting. It is believed that some boys, probably out after rabbits, fired the shot. The fact that the force behind the bullet was spent shows that it was not intended to injure anyone in the house. The Luke home is under quarantine for diphtheria.
He Couldn’t Do Task
“Red” Harvey is working for Andrew Smith on his farm just east of the city and the following incident will show that “Red” tried to do what he is told to do. Mr. Smith owns an enclosed buggy which he refers to as his “cab.” The other day whole he was in town he phoned home and asked that “Red” be given instructions to wash the cab. The order was given, but misunderstood, “Red” interpreting it to the effect that he was to wash the “calf.” He didn’t hesitate a minute, but started out to do the task assigned him. The calf felt frisky. “Red” chased the calf for about a half hour and then went to the house exhausted. “Well, have you got it washed?” he was asked. “How d’you suppose I’m goin’ to wash it when I can’t ketch the darn thing,” Red blurted out. Explanation followed with a laugh at “Red’s” expense.
It Was 10 Above
Old-timers in Wooster tried to remember a time when the temperature in November dropped as it did between midnight Saturday and Monday morning or rather from Sunday morning until Monday morning. During those 24 hours, the mercury in the thermometer went down 60 degrees from 79 to 10 above zero. Down-town thermometers registered from 6 o 12 above early Monday. The thermometer at the Experiment Station registered 10 above.
Shot Rabbits Early
The rabbit and quail hunting season opens Wednesday. Wooster sportsmen are ready to take to the fields for game which is said to be quite plentiful.
Some have been overanxious, according to reports from the surrounding country. It is said that many hunters were seen in the fields Sunday and that many rabbits were killed. Some of these were men who were trying out their dogs and who did not kill or attempt to kill any game. Others, though, were out for game and they got it. Whether a large or small percentage of these were Wooster people could not be learned.
The game laws are very strict and pre-season hunting is especially forbidden. The man who shoots rabbits before Wednesday would be very sorry for it if the matter was reported to the authorities. Then, too, it isn’t fair sportsmanship.
Hunters In Wreck
A score of hunters, and as many dogs besides a number of other passengers on the evening train on the “Rattlesnake” road between Craigton and Funk Tuesday evening when the rails spread and the coach after running for 300 feet along the ties, overturned into the ditch.
As the coach overturned, one end went into the mud and the other end rested on the bank several feet higher. The passengers in the car were piled promiscuously in one corner.
Several Wooster people were in the coach at the time. Among them were Attorney Benton G. Hay, Curtiss Devinney, Albert Lucas, and Jesse Spear. Another was Frank Mats of Mansfield, well known here.
The coach was divided, one part being used for baggage purposes. The dogs were in this portion of the car. One of them was killed and several others were injured. The big safe in the coach started to roll from one end of the car to the other, but stopped midway, when a corner caught in a window panel.
The passengers had a hard time getting out of the car. It was standing at a sharp angle and the men climbed up along the seats and windows to the door at the upper end. The other door was buried in the mud.
The wreck was caused by spreading rails. A freight car, heavily loaded with brick, was just in front of the coach in which the hunters were riding. This caused the rails to spread. The passenger coach ran on the ties for about 300 feet, then plunged into the ditch. It rolled over on the side as it bounced down the bank giving the passengers a very severe shaking up. Mr. Spear received a cut over his right eye, while Mr. Devinney was bruised about the shoulder. None of the passengers were seriously injured.
The “Rattlesnake” carries passengers from Custaloga to Ashland. The majority of the hunters were bound for Funk, having transferred from Pennsylvania trains at Custaloga.
Will Arrest Ferret Users
Jesse King, of Smithville, who was appointed game warden for this county six weeks ago, kept the matter quite because he believed he could work to better advantage if no one knew he was the warden. Mr. King has just announced his appointment. He was in Wooster on Thursday afternoon, called her to learn, if possible, the names of persons who he has been informed, have been hunting with ferrets. Mr. King will cause arrests of persons whom he finds have used ferrets to hunt.
Have Turkeys Left
The theft of the ten turkeys at the County Infirmary, mention of which was made yesterday, is not going to keep Supt. Patterson from giving the inmates a big Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey will be served at this dinner, too.
The man who stole the turkeys can be alluded to as the real “meanest man living.” Mr. Patterson was in Wooster Friday and talked to a News reporter concerning the theft. “I would have been tempted to send some No. 8 shot in his direction if I had heard him,” Mr. Patterson said. “A man certainly hasn’t much conscience when he will steal from a poor-house.”
Mr. Patterson gave a reporter the history of the fine flock of turkeys at the infirmary. “There were 42 of them originally,” he said. “When we had that hard rain during the fall they were out in a plowed field and although they were nearly full grown, the rain killed three of them. That left 39. Now the stealing of these ten leaves us only 29. It will take about a dozen or more for our Thanksgiving dinner but we want to keep some over until next year, I don’t see just how we’ll have turkey for Christmas. There will be a lot of people to feed on Thanksgiving. There are 65 inmates, the largest number in months. The directors and the county commissioners are to be invited.
Need More Houses
“We still need houses for our men,” said F.S. Whiting Friday afternoon in a talk to a News reporter. “We have 42 men on our payroll here in Wooster now and we expect all of them to be permanent. We have families coming here from Canton right along, but no places to put them. I want to say that we have been getting replies to our requests for houses and we have places for some families. We can use more of them, though,” Mr. Whiting said. Persons having houses or flats to rent should telephone to F.S. Whiting, No. 860.
Local Banks Buy Bonds
The joint bid of the Wayne County National and Citizen’s National banks was the highest of seven bids received at noon Saturday by Auditor J.B. Minier for the $8300 city’s portionspecial improvement bonds offered for sale. These banks bid par and a premium of $252.50. The next highest bid was a premium of $225.10 by Well-Roth & Co., Concinnati. Stacy & Braun, of Toledo, were the lowest bidders, offering a premium of $17.67. Other bidders were Tillottson & Wolcott, of Cleveland, premium $221.60; Hayden, Miller & Co., of Cleveland, $215.80; Seasongood & Mayer, of Cincinnati, $209; Providence Savings Bank & Trust Co., of Cincinnati, $208.76. The local banks purchased the bonds.
Violinist to Come
The management of the Wooster Lyceum course was so well pleased with the attendance Thursday evening that it was decided to add one more number to the course. There remain only 120 season tickets to be disposed of. The additional number will be a fine violin concert by Skoygaard, the noted violinist , now touring this country. It will be remembered that local musicians some weeks ago were trying to arrange to have this violinist appear here. The concert will be given on February 22.
Divorced, Weds Soon
Divorced on Saturday and wedded on Monday is the experience of Lulu E. Shreve, south of Shreve. Miss Shreve was married to Clarence Jackson, a balloonist, under peculiar circumstances in 1908. It was during the last street fair at that place that she met and was married on the same day to the young fellow who made a parachute leap. The ceremony was performed by Ex-Mayor Bruce in a tent which was one of the features at the fair. Not long afterward, trouble arose between the couple and they separated. The husband now reposes in a reformatory for breaking into a dwelling house, account of which was printed in Saturday’s News.
Monday morning, Miss Shreve came to Wooster accompanied by her second husband to be, H.E. Gehring, and while getting the license, Rev. Jacob Stann of West Salem, happened into the office and his services were immediately secured and in a short time they were made one, the ceremony taking place at about ten o’clock. The groom hails from south of Shreve.
Tramps Out Of The Cold
Tramps are being lodged a the city bastile again this winter, but a different plan is to be followed. This cold weather is driving them in every night and Landlord Reed has anywhere from four to a dozen calls for lodging each night. “We want to give them a place to sleep, but I am going to give instructions that they must be accompanied out to the edge of town the next morning,” Mayor Feeman told a News reporter Thursday. This is to be done to keep them from begging at Wooster homes.
Shooting Gallery Comes To Town
L.E. Christopher has leased the Savage room on South St., first door east of Market St., - where he will start an up-to-date shooting gallery. Teams are to be organized. Mr. Christopher has defeated some of the best shots in the country, such men as R.L. Ervin, of Carlton; G.W. Wilkenson, of Barberton; Albert Krantz, of Tuscarawas county, and would like to meet the champion at Wayne. This will be a rare treat for those who care to learn the art of rifle shooting, as this range is one of the very best. All shooting will be scored and published daily. Further information can be had at the range.
Women’s Christian Temperance Union Visitor
Mrs. Lulu Shepard, widely known W.C.T.U. worker, who lectured in this county a year ago, will be in Wayne county for ten days during the Thanksgiving season. Mrs. Shepard will lecture against the saloon. She will talk at the Reformed church Saturday evening at 7:30 o’clock, at the United Presbyterian church at 2:30 o’clock Sunday afternoon and at the City Opera House Sunday evening.
Paving Update
Two more weeks of good weather will see the end of the street paving work in Wooster. The paving of South St. has been especially slow because of frequent delays caused by various things. Contractors Greist & Howard have finished the paving of S. Buckeye St. There is just one week’s work on West Liberty St., and the Mansfield road to be done. South St. could be finished in about ten days with good weather. October this year was the wettest month in many years and the work was held up almost constantly.
First Blast From Whistle
It sounded real factory-like out in the east end of the city at noon. The sound came from the Canton-Hughes Pump Factory and while it was a bit strange at first, it was soon recognized as a whistle. It was the first time the whistle has been used at the new factory. F.H. Whiting was asked about it Monday afternoon. “We tried to blow it just before one o’clock this afternoon but we didn’t have quite enough steam and it didn’t sound just right.” At 4:30 Monday afternoon the first real good blast from the whistle was heard far and wide.
Three bright young ladies from sunny Italy came to Wooster last Sunday and in a week or so, two of them will become brides of two Wooster Italians. They are Maria Donafrio and Paolina Vituollo and their future husbands are Raffaelo Soccolo and Alfino DiPasqua. They will live in Wooster where the men have steady employment. Their licenses were granted on Friday.
Cochran To Wed Johnson
The wedding of Miss Nellie Cochran and Clarence Johnson, both of Wooster, will be an interesting event of the present month. Miss Cochran is the daughter of Byron Cochran of Spink St., who moved here from Cadiz recently. She has been attending college and is a young lady of fine attainments. Mr. Johnson is a nephew of Chief Johnson and is principal of the schools in Bedford. He is the son of Mrs. James Johnson and is an exemplary young man.
Baby’s Birthday Celebrated
On the evening of Nov. 7th, more than fifty friends gathered at the Stauffer home north of the city, the occasion being the first anniversary of Miss Billie Burke Stauffer’s birthday. A fine supper was served and the Madisonburg band furnished many excellent selections which were enjoyed by all including Miss Billie herself who is only one year old; but in that time has won a host of friends and is widely known as “that pretty baby.”
Surprise On Birthday
The home of Charles Hootman of near Funk was completely filled with neighbors and friends who assembled there on Tuesday night to celebrate the birthday of Mrs. Hootman. There were 90 present and the festivities were thoroughly enjoyed. Music, speaking and intermingling of guests were the main features of the evening. Light refreshments were served. Mrs. Hootman received a number of presents and post cards.
Joyful Hay Ride
A hay ride into the country was the extreme pleasure afforded a large number of C.E. society members of the Presbyterian church on Thursday evening. Two wagons were filled with merry young people and their destination was the home of Mrs. Jennie Laird. Enjoyable games, music and a sumptuous lunch were among the chief features of the evening. The Laird home is noted for the hospitality extended guests and those who were fortunate in being entertained last night, have nothing but praise to give the hostesses.
Fine Horse Dies
“Pet,” one of the fine sorrels owned by J.H.B. Danford, undertaker, died Sunday evening. The horse stepped on a nail two weeks ago but the wound seemed to heal nicely right away. Saturday morning she contracted lock-jaw, was unable to eat all day long, and Sunday the case became much worse.
Bullet Through Window
A bullet from a Robert rifle crashed through glass in door at the Wm. Luke home on East Henry St. Sunday afternoon. The leaden ball struck the wall, but its force was spent and it fell to the floor. Mrs. Luke was seated in the room and was not far from the path of the bullet.
She phoned to police headquarters reporting the incident. Chief Johnson was busy at the time. Monday morning the Chief was investigating the shooting. It is believed that some boys, probably out after rabbits, fired the shot. The fact that the force behind the bullet was spent shows that it was not intended to injure anyone in the house. The Luke home is under quarantine for diphtheria.
He Couldn’t Do Task
“Red” Harvey is working for Andrew Smith on his farm just east of the city and the following incident will show that “Red” tried to do what he is told to do. Mr. Smith owns an enclosed buggy which he refers to as his “cab.” The other day whole he was in town he phoned home and asked that “Red” be given instructions to wash the cab. The order was given, but misunderstood, “Red” interpreting it to the effect that he was to wash the “calf.” He didn’t hesitate a minute, but started out to do the task assigned him. The calf felt frisky. “Red” chased the calf for about a half hour and then went to the house exhausted. “Well, have you got it washed?” he was asked. “How d’you suppose I’m goin’ to wash it when I can’t ketch the darn thing,” Red blurted out. Explanation followed with a laugh at “Red’s” expense.
It Was 10 Above
Old-timers in Wooster tried to remember a time when the temperature in November dropped as it did between midnight Saturday and Monday morning or rather from Sunday morning until Monday morning. During those 24 hours, the mercury in the thermometer went down 60 degrees from 79 to 10 above zero. Down-town thermometers registered from 6 o 12 above early Monday. The thermometer at the Experiment Station registered 10 above.
Shot Rabbits Early
The rabbit and quail hunting season opens Wednesday. Wooster sportsmen are ready to take to the fields for game which is said to be quite plentiful.
Some have been overanxious, according to reports from the surrounding country. It is said that many hunters were seen in the fields Sunday and that many rabbits were killed. Some of these were men who were trying out their dogs and who did not kill or attempt to kill any game. Others, though, were out for game and they got it. Whether a large or small percentage of these were Wooster people could not be learned.
The game laws are very strict and pre-season hunting is especially forbidden. The man who shoots rabbits before Wednesday would be very sorry for it if the matter was reported to the authorities. Then, too, it isn’t fair sportsmanship.
Hunters In Wreck
A score of hunters, and as many dogs besides a number of other passengers on the evening train on the “Rattlesnake” road between Craigton and Funk Tuesday evening when the rails spread and the coach after running for 300 feet along the ties, overturned into the ditch.
As the coach overturned, one end went into the mud and the other end rested on the bank several feet higher. The passengers in the car were piled promiscuously in one corner.
Several Wooster people were in the coach at the time. Among them were Attorney Benton G. Hay, Curtiss Devinney, Albert Lucas, and Jesse Spear. Another was Frank Mats of Mansfield, well known here.
The coach was divided, one part being used for baggage purposes. The dogs were in this portion of the car. One of them was killed and several others were injured. The big safe in the coach started to roll from one end of the car to the other, but stopped midway, when a corner caught in a window panel.
The passengers had a hard time getting out of the car. It was standing at a sharp angle and the men climbed up along the seats and windows to the door at the upper end. The other door was buried in the mud.
The wreck was caused by spreading rails. A freight car, heavily loaded with brick, was just in front of the coach in which the hunters were riding. This caused the rails to spread. The passenger coach ran on the ties for about 300 feet, then plunged into the ditch. It rolled over on the side as it bounced down the bank giving the passengers a very severe shaking up. Mr. Spear received a cut over his right eye, while Mr. Devinney was bruised about the shoulder. None of the passengers were seriously injured.
The “Rattlesnake” carries passengers from Custaloga to Ashland. The majority of the hunters were bound for Funk, having transferred from Pennsylvania trains at Custaloga.
Will Arrest Ferret Users
Jesse King, of Smithville, who was appointed game warden for this county six weeks ago, kept the matter quite because he believed he could work to better advantage if no one knew he was the warden. Mr. King has just announced his appointment. He was in Wooster on Thursday afternoon, called her to learn, if possible, the names of persons who he has been informed, have been hunting with ferrets. Mr. King will cause arrests of persons whom he finds have used ferrets to hunt.
Have Turkeys Left
The theft of the ten turkeys at the County Infirmary, mention of which was made yesterday, is not going to keep Supt. Patterson from giving the inmates a big Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey will be served at this dinner, too.
The man who stole the turkeys can be alluded to as the real “meanest man living.” Mr. Patterson was in Wooster Friday and talked to a News reporter concerning the theft. “I would have been tempted to send some No. 8 shot in his direction if I had heard him,” Mr. Patterson said. “A man certainly hasn’t much conscience when he will steal from a poor-house.”
Mr. Patterson gave a reporter the history of the fine flock of turkeys at the infirmary. “There were 42 of them originally,” he said. “When we had that hard rain during the fall they were out in a plowed field and although they were nearly full grown, the rain killed three of them. That left 39. Now the stealing of these ten leaves us only 29. It will take about a dozen or more for our Thanksgiving dinner but we want to keep some over until next year, I don’t see just how we’ll have turkey for Christmas. There will be a lot of people to feed on Thanksgiving. There are 65 inmates, the largest number in months. The directors and the county commissioners are to be invited.
Need More Houses
“We still need houses for our men,” said F.S. Whiting Friday afternoon in a talk to a News reporter. “We have 42 men on our payroll here in Wooster now and we expect all of them to be permanent. We have families coming here from Canton right along, but no places to put them. I want to say that we have been getting replies to our requests for houses and we have places for some families. We can use more of them, though,” Mr. Whiting said. Persons having houses or flats to rent should telephone to F.S. Whiting, No. 860.
Local Banks Buy Bonds
The joint bid of the Wayne County National and Citizen’s National banks was the highest of seven bids received at noon Saturday by Auditor J.B. Minier for the $8300 city’s portionspecial improvement bonds offered for sale. These banks bid par and a premium of $252.50. The next highest bid was a premium of $225.10 by Well-Roth & Co., Concinnati. Stacy & Braun, of Toledo, were the lowest bidders, offering a premium of $17.67. Other bidders were Tillottson & Wolcott, of Cleveland, premium $221.60; Hayden, Miller & Co., of Cleveland, $215.80; Seasongood & Mayer, of Cincinnati, $209; Providence Savings Bank & Trust Co., of Cincinnati, $208.76. The local banks purchased the bonds.
Violinist to Come
The management of the Wooster Lyceum course was so well pleased with the attendance Thursday evening that it was decided to add one more number to the course. There remain only 120 season tickets to be disposed of. The additional number will be a fine violin concert by Skoygaard, the noted violinist , now touring this country. It will be remembered that local musicians some weeks ago were trying to arrange to have this violinist appear here. The concert will be given on February 22.
Divorced, Weds Soon
Divorced on Saturday and wedded on Monday is the experience of Lulu E. Shreve, south of Shreve. Miss Shreve was married to Clarence Jackson, a balloonist, under peculiar circumstances in 1908. It was during the last street fair at that place that she met and was married on the same day to the young fellow who made a parachute leap. The ceremony was performed by Ex-Mayor Bruce in a tent which was one of the features at the fair. Not long afterward, trouble arose between the couple and they separated. The husband now reposes in a reformatory for breaking into a dwelling house, account of which was printed in Saturday’s News.
Monday morning, Miss Shreve came to Wooster accompanied by her second husband to be, H.E. Gehring, and while getting the license, Rev. Jacob Stann of West Salem, happened into the office and his services were immediately secured and in a short time they were made one, the ceremony taking place at about ten o’clock. The groom hails from south of Shreve.
Tramps Out Of The Cold
Tramps are being lodged a the city bastile again this winter, but a different plan is to be followed. This cold weather is driving them in every night and Landlord Reed has anywhere from four to a dozen calls for lodging each night. “We want to give them a place to sleep, but I am going to give instructions that they must be accompanied out to the edge of town the next morning,” Mayor Feeman told a News reporter Thursday. This is to be done to keep them from begging at Wooster homes.
Shooting Gallery Comes To Town
L.E. Christopher has leased the Savage room on South St., first door east of Market St., - where he will start an up-to-date shooting gallery. Teams are to be organized. Mr. Christopher has defeated some of the best shots in the country, such men as R.L. Ervin, of Carlton; G.W. Wilkenson, of Barberton; Albert Krantz, of Tuscarawas county, and would like to meet the champion at Wayne. This will be a rare treat for those who care to learn the art of rifle shooting, as this range is one of the very best. All shooting will be scored and published daily. Further information can be had at the range.
Women’s Christian Temperance Union Visitor
Mrs. Lulu Shepard, widely known W.C.T.U. worker, who lectured in this county a year ago, will be in Wayne county for ten days during the Thanksgiving season. Mrs. Shepard will lecture against the saloon. She will talk at the Reformed church Saturday evening at 7:30 o’clock, at the United Presbyterian church at 2:30 o’clock Sunday afternoon and at the City Opera House Sunday evening.
Paving Update
Two more weeks of good weather will see the end of the street paving work in Wooster. The paving of South St. has been especially slow because of frequent delays caused by various things. Contractors Greist & Howard have finished the paving of S. Buckeye St. There is just one week’s work on West Liberty St., and the Mansfield road to be done. South St. could be finished in about ten days with good weather. October this year was the wettest month in many years and the work was held up almost constantly.
First Blast From Whistle
It sounded real factory-like out in the east end of the city at noon. The sound came from the Canton-Hughes Pump Factory and while it was a bit strange at first, it was soon recognized as a whistle. It was the first time the whistle has been used at the new factory. F.H. Whiting was asked about it Monday afternoon. “We tried to blow it just before one o’clock this afternoon but we didn’t have quite enough steam and it didn’t sound just right.” At 4:30 Monday afternoon the first real good blast from the whistle was heard far and wide.
Published: November 19, 2011
