1941 HH clipping about New Vienna High School play - Nov.6

New Vienna High School
Junior Class Play - Nov. 1941
HH (second from left in back row) had the part of the dignified father

 

1940 U-B Paint Factory opens in New Vienna -July 11

New Vienna Reporter - July 11, 1940
U-B Paint Factory Now in Operation in New Vienna

Heads Paint Co. 
C.J. Uible
Mr. Uible, contractor and business man, is president of the U-B Paint Co.

For more information about the building which later became Daye Hardware Store, see the New Vienna History Blog at this link.   

1960 Roberta's Letter -Feb.9

New Vienna School

New Vienna, Ohio

February 9, 1960

Dear Mother,

We would like for you to see our hobbies which we are going to show in our room on Wednesday, February 17, 1960 at 2:15 p.m.  We hope to have many interesting things.

We hope you can come.

With love,

Roberta

1979 Family Letter -Dec.2

Sunday --

Dec. 2, 1979

Dearest Family --

Really had trouble getting the date or rather year right and it will soon be 1980 so had better start practicing.  My typing in general needs worked on after seeing Roberta's typed papers and letters as well as Catherine's.  A very worthwhile subject to take in school.

Was glad to get a letter from Catherine on Monday, John on Wednesday and Roberta yesteray.  The latter was a good 30¢ worth with all the descriptions of senior citizen facilities -- makes one want to move into that area to take advantage of what will be for us before too long.  Very interesting and well written.  It's amazing how that field has opened up in just the last few eyars.

Thanks, John, too for the map and new direction to the school in Gahanna where Mary Virginia is to take the test this coming Saturday.  She hadn't received anything at all from the testing service and thought that perhaps that they hadn't received her letter.  When nothing came in the mail on Friday morning I called and they said that it was in the mail and to come anyway if she shouldn't get her ticket but it came that afternoon - having been mailed the day before - a little close considering that they had said she would hear two weeks before hand.  Anyway we are all set to go and looking forward to being with John and Carol later that day - the test lasts til 12:30 so don't look for us til mid-afternoon at the very earliest but will definitely be there by                (Will let Dad fill in that blank to be on the safe side.)

Enjoyed talking to Serena and glad to hear that she is enjoying her work in the Loyola library.  We called her after her second day of work (found that she will be working on Tuesday evenings so she had just gotten in).  Wonder what the procedure is there when a library book isn't turned in or found turned in -- that seemed rather drastic at ASU -- especially not to get to use the reserve section of the library either - glad that it all straightened out in your favor, Roberta.  Do hope that you make definite plans over Christmas, Serena - just sorry that you won't be going to Arizona this year like last.  Are you thinking about visiting Noni in Madison Wisconsin or friends in Kansas City?  Also let us know what you have in mind for adding to your dinner ware - if you would like something in that line or something else or perhaps with fear of breakage it would be best to get it there or bring it over later.  We would very much like to get to Chicago during the packaging show and see you at the same time if it can be worked out that way and perhaps we could get the John Hancock apt. which would be near your work as well.  The Salisburys are thinking of going to southwest Texas to visit Tom and his family as they are to be located there for awhile.  And if they leave right after Christmas Dad doesn't feel like he should be away at the busiest time of the year - first weeks of January - we had originally planned to come back that way.

So glad that the Morgans were able to get train reservations from Klamath Falls to San Diego and looking forward to seeing them one place or another for as long as possible.  At least you and especially Gerry will be ablae to move around and the roomette should be real nice for all of you.  that is something we have wanted to do for a long time.  But either the time or the routing wan't the most convenient.  Out west thet rains are supposed to be much better too.

The bazaar was held yesterday from 9 to 6:30 which was much too long a day when most of the business was in the morning but they did make close to $1400.  We had both lunch and supper there and brought (bought too) home enough food for another couple of meals as the weather turned bad and they had very few people for supper in the evening.  Some woman bought three of the macrames, Roberta (I don't know who) and they reduced the afghans from $35 to $25 but have two others beside that to take to the bank along with quite a few other things.  Mrs. Thornburg didn't want her's reduced so it was touchy marking down yours they said.  They are pretty but New Vienna isn't willing to pay as much as they do in the larger cities.

I asked Mrs. Thornburg to make some big bags to fit on Grandma's wheel-chair and told her just how I wanted them - had planned to give them to her for Christmas.  But she made in a hurry and gave them to her (real dinky ones) before she left for Florida.  I asked her what I owed her and she said she wanted to do that for her -- Was kind of disgusted in some ways for I had wanted that . . . . [bottom line of page cut off]

We had a card from the honeymooners from Ft. Myers, Fla.  I don't think we mentioned what a nice wedding Melba and Orville had the night before Thanksgiving.  Peggy was her only attendant (Marvin walked down the aisle with her) John Harner stood up with his Dad and Stan, Jr. married them with the help of Rev. Wise.  It was a small wedding - mostly relatives and friends and a reception was held afterwards in the new fellowship room behind the sanctuary.  Had to go down and then up the back stairs to get there but a real happy occasion.  The next day the bridal couple had Thanksgiving Dinner for the immediate family (forgot to mention that Elaine and Isabel were at the guest book and the former and Opal took care of the reception.  Mrs. Young, Melba's mother and brother were also on hand both days.  Then the next day they (Melba and Orville) took off for Florida and she mentioned that they had rented a house for at least a few days ON THE WEST coast of Florida.  She entertains the UMW next Dec. 11 so don't think they'll stay too long - Does that remind you of anyone else that has meetings interfere with personal plans?

Yesterday was the auction of the personal property of the New Vienna Mill, on which Wells has bought the real estate as it joins right up with us on the west side.  We also got the old Farm Bureau Bldg. (N.V.'s first depot [?? don't remember hearing that before]) so we hope we can make this space into some usable storage space.  The mill bldg. is like the catacombs in the two subbasements.  There are cats everywhere -- you can guess why.  Anyway, that will be a project for 1980 to make the buildings more usable.

Grandma left Tuesday morning for WPB and called us that night that all went well on the trip.  Winter arrived the next day with our first skiff of snow and has been down in the teens, tho I guess compared to Chicago southern Ohio must seem like the tropics -- right, Serena?

Rev. Reece passed away - had been in the ministry 57 years . . . .  He had a rich life having been associated in the Friends activities all over the world.  We always will remember how fast he walked and his enthusiasm.  He is to be buried in Richmond, Ind. and they are having memorial services for him here next Sunday (Dec. 9).  Fairview will be looking for a new minister -- they were lucky to have a man of Rev. Reece's caliber for so long.  His wife died 9 years ago -- about a year and a half after they moved here.

We attended another square dancing practice session tonight which helps immensely as they go much slower and review all you have learned recently.  The Pratts haven't attended these sessions as that is the only day (Sunday) when they have time to go Christmas shopping together.  Hope you all will excuse us for not thinking of this reasoning.

Looking forward to seeing you this Saturday afternoon, Carol and John.

Catherine and Gerry - we think it might be easier on Gerry to fly from San Diego to Phoenix.  We would be most willing to go after you all but it is a 400 mile trip and would be much quicker and less rough on Gerry to fly.  If yo can get reservations both coming to Phoenix and back, please go ahead and do so.  Dad did call the Flying E Ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona and talked them into holding rooms again Dec. 28 and 29 for one room and Dec. 28-31 for another two rooms but they are adamant about two to a room.  Wendy would be OK with you because of her age.  This place is *** (excellent) in the Mobil Tour Book and is on the American Plan with family style meals.  Hopefully it will be a pleasant experience for all of us.  Do let us know about your preference for getting from S.D. to Phoenix and back, and if flying, is your choice, let us know your schedule.  Our schedule is to leave here Dec. 20, arrive Mesa that Saturday evening and head back to NV around Jan 3rd or 2nd.

With much love from . . . .

1939 CJ Uible Honored -June 15

This blog post was originally published in the New Vienna Ohio Memories Blog 

which is currently inactive.  (nvhsmemories.blogspot.com)

June 15, 1939 New Vienna Reporter, front page
Pictured: C.J. Uible, Dusty Miller, Mack Sauer, G.C. Wright, James R. West

Transcription:  These men will take part in the dedication ceremonies of the New Vienna municipal building Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock.  G.C. Wright is general chairman.  Dusty Miller* will be the principal speaker.  Mack Sauer will make a talk.  C.J. Uible is the contractor who built the structure, and James R. West is the mayor of the village.

Avon Theatre Opened Thursday

Five Nights Weekly to be Open

NEW VIENNA – Last Wednesday evening when the doors of the Avon Theatre were opened for the first show, "Blondie," New Vienna was suggestive of Wilmington on New Years Eve at the Murphy.  The Theatre was filled with people for the first show.  Many were unable to obtain seats and waited for the second show, at which the house was again filled.  Ladies were presented with orchids.  For Friday night, when "The Hardys Ride High" was shown, the house was well filled.  In comparison with other movies, many movie fans are stating the Avon is equal to the best.

The theatre has a seating capacity of 280 and is equipped with latest type, comfortable seats.  Screen and equipment is the latest and most efficient.

J. Henry Davidson of Lynchburg, operates the Avon.  He also has theatres at Georgetown, Sardinia, Greenfield and Lynchburg.  K.R. Roberts is associated with him at Georgetown and Greenfield.

Millard Kessler is manager of the theatre.  He was for many years with Bell's Theatre at Hillsboro.

The theatre will be open Friday and Saturday, Sunday and Monday and on Wednesday for a 10¢ bargain night.

Dedication Program

New Vienna Municipal Building

Saturday, June 17, 3 p.m.

Avon Theatre

Band – Patriotic Number
Invocation – Rev. F.H. Smith
Introduction of Architect – C.W. Sullivan
Introduction of Contractor – C.J. Uible
Introduction of General Foreman – Vaughn Huffman
Introduction of President of Council – Dr. L.H. Fullerton
Band
Talk – Mack Sauer
Grange Quartet – Ben Terrell, Lawrence Terrell, Carl West, Burdette Bernard
Address – Dusty Miller
Band
Benediction – Rev. R.E. Linder
Inspection of Building

Fine Program Arranged; Dusty Miller to Speak

Municipal Structure Completed at Cost of Approximately $32000

NEW VIENNA– The new $32,000 municipal building will be dedicated Saturday afternoon with exercises being held in the auditorium.  G.C. Wright, chairman of the dedication committee will preside.

Dusty Miller will headline the program.  The New Vienna Band will furnish the music.  A complete program appears elsewhere on this page.

One of Finest in State

Without question, New Vienna can now boast of one of the finest municipal building to be found in any small town in Ohio.  It contains a theatre, room for U.S. Post office, mayor's office and council chambers and fire department headquarters.

The building is of brick and concrete and is fireproof throughout.  Construction was started October 7, 1938 by C.J. Uible, New Vienna contractor.  It has latest type indirect lighting system, hot water heating system, and asbestos tile floors in office rooms.  Venetian blinds are to be installed int he post office room and council chambers.

Located at Third and Main

The building stands on a lot 98 by 165 feet, at the corner of Third and Main streets.  Properties of Mae and Charles Nordyke and Stella Hunt were razed to make room for the structure.  The building is 63 by 100 feet.  A waterbound macadam street with curb and gutters is being laid around the back and south side of the building.

In short, nothing has been left undone that would add to the beauty and convenience.

Approximately 45% of the cost was given by the government as a P.W.A. [Public Works Administration, also known as WPA, Works Progress Administration project.]  A bond issue was passed by the voters of New Vienna making the village's share possible.

Grunkemeyer and Sullivan and Associates of Cincinnati were architects on the building.  H.O. Townsley usually represented the firm.

Village officials are: James R. West, mayor; R.J. Rulon, clerk; Dr. L.H. Fullerton, president of council, Oscar Dennis, Fred Johnson, Carey Fox, and Clay Richard Clark, councilmen; Mrs. Marie Simkins, treasurer.

The dedication committee is composed of G. C. Wright, chairman, Willard Mongold, D.R. Smith, Dr. L.H. Fullerton, C.J. Uible, H.M. Phillips, and Mrs. Irene Gray.

*****  Other front page news:

Tonsils Removed

NEW VIENNA– Jane Selph [Fauber] daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Selph submitted to tonsillectomy last Thursday at the Dr. Waring hospital.  Dr. J.B.H. Waring, surgeon.  Dr. Charles W. Matthews, physician.

Improve Property

NEW VIENNA– Mrs. Bess Donohoo is improving the appearance of the exterior of the Monarch Restaurant by new paint.  Wilbur Huffman is doing the work.  Boyd Hardware furnished the paint.

Blanchester to Play Here

NEW VIENNA– New Vienna Cubs made it five straight over the tri county league opponents by beating Buford on their diamond Sunday 3-0.  Don "Conky" Conklin pitching a 2 hit ball one of them being the scratch variety.

In beating Blanchester 5-1, Lynchburg 9-0, Dodsonville 11-0, St. Martin 5-4 and Buford 3-0, Simkins won two 5-1 and 5-4, Conklin two 13-0 and 11-0 and Rollins one 11-0.  With Lefty Baugh pitching 1 hit ball the last four innings of the Dodsonville game, Manager Phillips has quie an array of pitchers who are capable of starting a game.

This Sunday a much improved Blanchester team will play on New Vienna's diamond with Conklin on the mound for New Vienna and Gray catching.  Carnahan will pitch for Blanchester.  Game time, 2:30.

*****

*Thurman "Dusty" Miller (1881-1977) of Wilmington, born in Highland County, was a nationally known editor and speaker.  He owned several newspapers including the New Vienna Reporter and also taught school at one time in both Highland and Clinton County.  Whether he owned the New Vienna Reporter at the time of this article (1939) is unknown.

Cecil Uible 1883-1969
Gurney C. Wright 1882-1964 Funeral Director
Mack Sauer 1896-1960
James R. West 1880-1958
Don Conklin 1913-1975
John Henry Davidson 1908-2001 Avon Theatre Operator
Kibler R. Roberts 1906-1984 Associate Theatre Operator
Jane Selph Fauber, whose tonsils earned her front page status, may be the only person mentioned on this page still living. The baseball players are hard to identify without first names.

James R. West (1880-1958), was mayor 1932-1943, preceded by D. C. Bond in 1931 and followed by Harry L. Carey 1943-1945. West was opposed to the new municipal building and served as Chairman of The Citizens Committee opposing the bond issue. See blog post – Voter Pamphlet Against the Municipal Building.

Fred G. Johnson (~1881-1961?, NVHS 1895) - 1930 census, living with his parents Wavious (?) J. (~1856-?) and Ella (~1860-?) Johnson on Laymon Road, occupation auto supplies salesman. He must have moved into NV, in order to be on the council?  Or it could have been a different Fred Johnson.  John and Linda Levo's great-grandfather, Fred S. Johnson 1855-1938, died a year prior to this event so it's doubtful he would have been considered a member of the Council.

Robert Joseph Rulon 1887-1967, lived on Church St. in 1930 and was employed as school janitor, married to Abigail, father of William, Curtis, Alberta, Paul, Janet, +

Dr. L.H. Fullerton, 1905-1979, lived on 2nd St., near school in 1930 with wife, Elsie, and baby Marguerite. His wife, Elsie Staubus Fullerton, died in 1994, she was related to the Bernards.  Later in the 1930s he had an addition built on to the front of the house to the east of the new Municipal building for his office and lived in the rear part.  Patients had to climb a high set of stairs to reach the office.  In the 1950s he moved his office into the then new medical building on 3rd Street south of the Municipal building and built a new house east of NV on SR-28.

Oscar R. Dennis, 1880-?, lived on Main St. in 1930 with daughter Hilda Cade and baby grandson, Robert M. Cade. His occupation is listed as Real Estate Broker.

Carey W. Fox 1877-?, lived on Main St. in 1930 with extended family. Carey's occupation is listed as garage mechanic.

Clay Richard "Dick" Clark 1902-1982 (NVHS 1921), in 1930 he, his wife Gertrude and son, Jacque, are listed as living on "Vienna Valley Road" near then baby Harold Thornburg and his parents, so perhaps that is now Thornburg Road. He was later the manager of the Farm Bureau and Gertrude owned Clark Clothing Store in New Vienna. In 1930 his occupation is listed as farm laborer.

(Etta) Marie Simkins 1894-?, lived on corner of College & 2nd Sts, mother of Eloise and Fred Allen Simkins. She was a widow and her occupation in 1930 is listed as dressmaker.

Others on Dedication Committee:
Willard [R.W.] "Shorty" Mongold, 1898-1975. In 1930 he and his family lived on Main St., and he was employed as a drill factory machinist. He founded (?) Southern Ohio Tool & Die, and was a good friend of C.J. Uible and was the main reason the Uibles moved to New Vienna in 1927. Picture of him and clipping about Southern Ohio Tool Co. at this link.

D.R. Smith, owned gas station on corner of SR-73 and SR-28, which is now Shell. He sold this service station lot for big $ per HH, invested the money in property in Florida, and then lost it during a real estate bust. His wife was active in the pro-library movement of the NV Women's Club in the late 1930s.

Harley Martin "H.M." Phillips 1880-1960, owner of clothing store where Bill Holmes worked, lived on Main Street in 1930.

Mrs. Irene Gray 1884-1974 lived on West St. in 1930. Her husband, Burl, was a Veterinarian. In 1930 they had three children: Louis, Lane [or Zane? NVHS'38] and Marjorie (NVHS'40).  Marjorie later married Ernie Sullivan and ran "Good Deal" Realty in New Vienna.  According to HH, Marjorie was likable but a bit ditzy, and was famous for burning her Christmas tree in the street (SR-73 just north of Christian Church) in front of her house on New Years Day.

1988 Calvin Smith Letter -Feb.10

[paragraph breaks are added for easier readability]

February 10, 1988

Dear Harold,

I'm sitting here during an office hour (in which nobody has shown up even though several essays are due in the next few days), looking out on a sunny village-scape of snow, bare branches against the sky, and a white cross on the church spire across the street. 

It all somehow reminds me of New Vienna, that other village of my life, which has by now become entirely a village of memory, existing only inside my head.  But then of course you still live there, right across the street from the locus of my earliest memory of the place; and your mother still near the center of town measuring out her days one by one with a sturdy tenacity – praise be! 

Even our old school principal who we visited not too long ago (and can I recall his name?  No!).  Only the other day I was remembering the study hall stretching along the front of the second floor, and the sixth-grade room downstairs from which of an early afternoon one could look across the playground to the railroad and the little rise beyond.  But you I always see, along with Melvin Long, in the high-school years:  working on "Vienna Viewpoints" (I ran across a batch of them not too long ago as I cleaned out a cupboard); my trying to keep you two from snitching tickets to – what? the junior class play?  and not succeeding; your serving as cashier down in the lunch room and (to my horror) drinking off some cans of evaporated milk. 

Then what year was it?  We both went down to Miami University for the statewide achievement tests.  And the Great Peach Ice Cream Episode.  And then your inviting me up to Cleveland, and the concert at Severance Hall, which I thought was the most beautiful place I'd ever seen. 

I must tell you also that your father's series of Packards triggered an early dream of mine even before I knew you: at about age eight or ten, I asserted that my ambition in life was to own a Packard and drive to Florida.  The vanity of human wishes!  Before I'd even got my first paying job (aside from clerking at Streber's or competing with you in the newspaper-boy business), Packards had disappeared from the market. 

And now that I could go to Florida I have no wish to . . . .  In fact, with the two little strokes wherewith I was stricken last year has come a curious revaluation of things for me.  Although I have no observable physical effects, my whole outlook on the world has shifted ever so slightly so that things have taken on a different aspect altogether:  not many things seem really worthwhile.  Not that there aren't still thousands of things to enjoy and delight in; but their transience seems all too apparent, and transience is disturbing. 

I am understanding, really for the first time, the necessity out of which the idea of God must have been formed:  an ultimate, an all-encompassing eternal holding the bubble of time for a nano-second, a Point for all the goings-on of human life, which would be pointless without it.  I regret that I have outlived my faith in that God, as I hope you haven't.  For without a God to give it all Point, this village-scape outside my windows and the village in my memory where you live are a bit absurd.  Yet that I am enjoying the winter scene outside and getting much joy from fingering my memories of New Vienna and your large part in them does invest both with a worth that might be called, I suppose, sacred . . . . 

I hope you're still living gracefully, you and Jean, peddling across Iowa, leading little kids to books, running your jacks factory (are you still making jacks??); it's nice to know that you're there, now a pillar of the town, helping to keep it going in the flesh as I keep it alive in the spirit.

Sincerely,

Calvin

1977 Roberta's Letter to John -Mar.5

United Methodist Church - New Vienna, Ohio, 1876-1976

March 5, 1977

Dear John –

Hi!  You would have had alot of good laughs w/us if you had been here this past week – really had a good time w/ Liz – got to Marian's Wednesday – she treats us like royalty! – going out to these super nice restaurants – putting gas in the Buick – gave Liz a daughter of Buffie's – so cute! 

Liz & dog left his morning  – then Marian & I came to fairgrounds to Van & Cycle show – which she had entered van in – in hopes of selling it!  This place – what an experience – all kinds of freaky people – loved band playing – and me writing letters on Meth. Church stationery!!

Exactly what are your plans for June – do you need the Buick?  What school will you be going to? Will your friend Steve also be going to school?

Been home lately?  I'm anxious to hear about what went on at the farm this last weekend – still can't get over all the kids coming back – that were there last summer & kept saying they were quitting every week –– We'll have a good summer –– Rest Assured!

Marian had a FIT when she heard about Deb P running the dining room – in fact she is writing Mr. R about it –  

Marian has lost about 25 lbs – she gave up her sweets – looks really good!  Liz is still the same –

How's school?  Grandma wrote me – saying how she "expected" me to be there March 15th, stay about 2 weeks – then she will be ready to go to Ohio – So as much as I'd like to stay out here – it seems I have my plans made for me –

Marian & Liz both say hello.  Liz & I met someone who used to work as a private investigator.  Talked about all the mafia activity here – Liz & I cracked up –

Write me here [Arizona] – I'll be here at least for a week ––

Love,

Berta

1954 Jean's Letter -Dec.26

Friends, history, humor, Christmas customs of 1954, and the recognition of early character traits continuing through one's life – much to appreciate in this December 1954 letter of seven pages, front and back, from Jean to her mother.  Serena must have had someone near her age in all the families mentioned.  What happened to the train?

26 December 1954 Jean's letter to her mother,
Lucie Brown Ballantyne – first and last pages scanned.

December 26, 1954

Dearest Mother,

We even hoped up to the very last minute that you might come & spend Christmas with us.  We were really disappointed to hear you had cancelled your reservation at the Pennsylvania [in Florida], think you should change your mind again.

We spent a very quiet but nice Christmas.  For once no one was down with a cold.  The girls were tickled to pieces with everything they received – the hobby-horse, scooter, dolls, muffs, books, cooking set, billfold, socks, etc.  Harold set up his electric train he had gotten   ?   years ago but in excellent condition & about the biggest surprise to them.  The dresses Virginia & Jim sent them were lovely & they wanted to wear them this morning.

We decided to put the money you gave us toward the hobby-horse & scooter if that's all right with you.  We also got a beautiful world globe 12" that we've wanted for a long time.  The water part is dark blue & the lettering is light blue.  We have it on the television & it really stands out both night and day.  Catherine even seems to enjoy it & plays games with it with us.

Did I tell you my ABComatic washer burned out (motor) so I had choice of buying new motor ($35) not recommended; overhauling ($85) which we also heard was not always successful or buying another washer ($300+).  We decided on a new Maytag which we could buy & have serviced here in town and they gave us a pretty good deal – so much for our old washer and also a discount.  They installed it just the day before my birthday so was quite a nice combination birthday and Christmas present.  I didn't like it as well at first as my ABC but now getting used to it.

You asked what we did Dec. 11 for my birthday celebration.  That was the day scheduled for the tonsil operation so spent the day with Catherine.  She's back to normal now and has almost forgotten all about her sore throat – can eat everything – does seem to have a better appetite.

As for giving up any social activities – didn't give up any.  Brought Catherine home from the hospital Sunday (the 12th) along with Harold who had stayed all night with her and had planned to stay home with her that night instead of going to the Redeemer's Class meeting at the McElwees.  But she said she wanted to see Mrs. Morton & didn't care if we went.  (We'd asked Mrs. Morton the week before, before we knew when the operation would be.)  Mrs. Morton said she'd call us if need be & the meeting was over early so all went fine & we didn't regret going.

The next Wednesday was the Bank dinner in honor of Miss Ethel Johnson & we also went to it – they held it in the new addition which has been turned over as a dining room at Snow Hill and everything was delicious – the food was not served on our plates but passed & dishes refilled & refilled – ate much more than I should have that way.  The employees gave Miss Johnson a beautiful lamp & the directors a round table for her 30 year's service.  There was no planned program but several impromptu speeches praising her & her thanks & then the older ones reminisced about the early days of the bank which was extremely interesting.  There were about 21 of us there so could be very informal.  We had turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, glazed sweet potatoes, peas with mushrooms, cranberry salad, tomato juice, relish plate of celery, carrot sticks, olives & pickles, some kind of fancy ice cream cookies, mints, nuts, coffee & milk & also hot rolls, butter & jelly – and the next day –– heartburn! but well worth it.  Snow Hill was a nice place to have it for we all got together in the big living room with the huge fireplace lighted.  It was a terrible night – snow & ice but all went off fine.

Guess I told you about going to Aunt Mary's and Uncle Harry's for their annual family Christmas dinner.  That was nice too.

We had prime ribs of beef, roasted potatoes, mixed vegetable, applesauce & cinnamon rolls for Christmas dinner.  Next week we've ordered a ham for New Years – had planned to have it for Christmas but didn't get it ordered in time.  The girls had had plenty of turkey along with us (with even more) so plan to have one later in the year – Easter or so.

Roberta keeps picking up your letter & asking if I wrote you about the "2 babies?"  referring to the dolls we bought in Steubenville.  They weren't very expensive but made a big hit.  Catherine too has been busy with the activity books – & box you gave her.  She worked & cut out all day yesterday & was at it again early this morning.

Went to Sunday School and church this AM.  There weren't very many there – 114 at S.S. and about 40 at church – I was to have charge of Junior Church this AM but there was only one other little girl beside Catherine & Roberta so went up-stairs with them.  Catherine, as usual, was fine but Roberta couldn't hold out quite as long and refused to be quiet – During the final prayer – found the bag of Sunday School money & proceeded to spill it all over the church – $27.00+

Tomorrow night we're invited up to Melvin Long's (near Circleville) for supper – Calvin Smith is invited too.  Haven't decided whether to take the girls or not as don't think they'd enjoy too much of it & Helen is rather fussy – their baby Nancy isn't a year & they're expecting again in March.

Received so many cards & feel I have plenty of company with several babies born previous to now & some on the way –– Helen Thrasher & Jane Bossick both had boys in September, Nell Eikenhout Bartwich a boy in Nov. (She has three and the oldest is a year younger than Roberta!  Nell must be 37 or more, Jane Gilbert McKinley, a girl in Dec.

June Jones (Harold was in law school with her husband) is expecting in January.  She has a boy & a girl to her first husband, killed during World War II, a boy & girl to Ed (little baby girl died of polio at 15 mo.).

Catherine Smith Foster is expecting in February – had originally wanted 4 girls and so may be on her way to 3rd girl – both Betsy & Sally are in School.  Dook [sic – this is what it looks like, but currently he goes by Milt???] has gotten his PHD and they own a home in Ypsilanti, Mich.

Lee Ackerman Noble (knew her in library school) has two girls & hopes her next one will be a girl too – due in February, too.

Marge Zook (Linn's wife – Harold's best man & H was best man for them just a few days after Roberta was born) is expecting in March or early April.  She has varicose veins & the doctor won't let her gain over 3 or 4 pounds before delivery so she's on a very strict diet.  (Guess I should be really thankful.)  They have another little girl born on Catherine's birthday – Jan. 29, 1953.

And then, of course, Helen Long – where we're going tomorrow night.

I was at the doctors last Friday & everythings fine –– now weight 157  & he said it will no doubt all be over in the next 2 or 3 weeks – I'm due back Jan. 7 in case I haven't gone to delivery before then.  By the way Jan. 7 is Daddy Uible's birthday – so –– but Dr. F said between Jan. 10th & 20th & they say he can sure guess them.

Do hope your blouse fits & if not please let me know & we can get it exchanged – got it at a Rike's in Dayton –– or if you'd rather have something else would gladly return it.

Please think it over carefully & change your mind & plan to go to Florida –– & stop & see us on the way down –

All our very best love,

––Harold, Jean, Catherine and Roberta [plus about to be Serena]

1954 Jean's Letter -Nov.8

Jean's letter to her mother, Lucie Ballantyne - November 8, 1954
First and last page scanned.

Nov. 8, 1954

Dearest Mother,

Harold left today for Toledo and Detroit but plans to be back tomorrow night.  Laura Louise Hughes has spent the day & night with Catherine.  They probably won't be asleep for hours – at least that's the way it seems now.

We had a good time last Monday night – in the end we rode with the Eatons & the Hauses rode with them too.  We went to the Beverly Hills Country Club in Covington, Ky.  They had a very good dinner & floor show, also played Bingo & enjoyed dancing.  It was a nice evening – altho the weather was terrific – rain and snow.

Tuesday I spent calling or picking up voters for the Election.  We went to the Election Day supper put on my the Christian Church women.

Wednesday was Lions Club and Mary Ruth invited the girls and I  up for a pot luck supper - Charlotte & Linda and Virginia Walker & her 3 little girls.  Mary Ruth's boys are really live-wires –they behave fairly well when she's in sight but oh! when not!  I took scalloped potatoes, jello salad with bananas and apples in it and orange chiffon cake with orange pudding icing.  Mary Ruth had meat loaf sandwiches, potato chips, salad & Charlotte peas & carrots & stewed apples, Virginia brought macaroni & cheese & cookies.  It would be a nice idea to get together on the night the men have their dinner meeting but can't say I look forward to entertaining David & Danny.

Friday Mother Uible entertained the WSCS and I also took my turn on the hospital book cart at the Clinton Co. Memorial Hospital  We went at 12:30 & worked an hour so I was back home in plenty of time to get to the meeting.  Harold took Catherine & Roberta to Sandusky with him so they had a big day too.

Saturday was a big day for Harold as they were auctioning Mrs. Ellis' house & personal goods.  [See below] Florence & Jake Masters bought it for $8300.  They did have a pretty day so they could set the things outside but it was bitterly cold.

Harold taught at Sunday School yesterday – Waldo Cornelius is to be the teacher for November but their little girl (Sharon) has been quite sick – bladder or kidney infection & it wasn't improving so they sent her to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital & so far have found nothing.  She is just about Catherine's age & has been a healthy child except for minor colds, etc.

After church we went to Leesburg for dinner & stopped to see Harold's Aunt Vertie & the Polks who move to Leesburg this fall.

Last night I went to see "The Rose" here at the local movie – they have put in an extra, extra wide screen to show Cinema-Scope pictures & opened with that one.  Connie Smith (the undertaker's wife) & I went.  It was good but I was quite full of heartburn.

I plan to go to the doctor's tomorrow afternoon & bet he'll really call me down for gaining weight.  I feel as big as I did in the last weeks for Catherine & Roberta and several of the dresses I have feel quite tight – especially the 2 pc. jobs with cut-out front in the skirts.  Other than that I feel fine except when I overeat.

Do hope Bob is feeling much better & out of the hospital again – he certainly has had a time of it.

Guess Catherine will probably have her tonsils out in December now - if we go away next week.  Will probably hear more tomorrow from Dr. Fullerton about it.

All our very best love,

Harold, Jean, Catherine and Roberta

1954 Lillie Ellis Estate Sale in New Vienna.  House, on South St.,  appraised for $7750 was purchased by Jake & Florence Masters for $8300. 

--Hillsboro Press-Gazette 5Nov1954 p.15.

1972 Wells Mfg WNJ Clipping -Jan31

Wells Mfg. Clipping
Wilmington News-Journal - January 31, 1972

Pictures Captioned:

• Top: MANAGER – Harold Uible, manager of Wells Manufacturing, explains the production of plastic jump rope as tour of factory begins
• Middle Left: COMPLETE OPERATION – Mrs. Richard (Arlene) Curtis, Mrs. Donald (Geneva) Osborn and Mrs. Floyd (Mina) Crabtree are busily making pinwheels.  They handle the entire operation.
• Bottom Left: JUMP ROPE MADE – Mrs. Norman (Donna) Brown, foreman of the braiding room, is looking over the different colored spools of thread which eventually become jump rope.  In the far right, you can see the rope unwinding off the big wheel.  Mrs. Brown has been with the factory since it's opening 25 years ago.
• Middle Right: WORKING RUBBER – David Trenary is working with synthetic rubber, making it more flexible and ready for the transformation into rubber balls.
• Bottom Right: SHAPING RUBBER – Mrs. Clarice Reed is feeding the treated rubber into a machine which turns it into a cylindric shape; then is cut into sections.

New Vienna's Wells Plant is
Unique Toy Factory
by Mike Graham (News-Journal Staff Writer)

Wells Manufacturing in New Vienna is not just another factory.  Sure, there are machines with assembly lines, and all the smells and sounds that we find in a factory.  But imagine thousands upon thousands of rubber balls, jump ropes, and pinwheels.  That's their finished product.  Toys!

New Vienna's toy factory has been making these toys and many more for 25 years.  Today they manufacture over 100 different small toys that sell all over the United States and some regions of the world.  They even have a customer in Truth or Consequences, N.M.!  It's certainly a big operation and unique from the standpoint that there aren't many factories of its kind in southern Ohio.  Harold Uible, a practicing lawyer and manager of the plan, gave this reporter a first-hand look at their toy-making process.

ONCE BEHIND the office doors, we looked in on the making on pinwheels.  A pinwheel is a hand-made plastic wheel that spins on the end of a wooden stick when held in the wind.  It operates on the same theory as a windmill.  There were no machines in this section and just four women handled the whole operation.  Uible mentioned that the tree women busily cutting and putting together the wheels were from New Vienna; in fact all of the factory's 75 employes are from the New Vienna area.

The first machine seen was in a packaging section.  It was cutting and shaping plastic to be used as packaging for the jack sets.  All the labeling and packaging is done right there in the factory, in fact as Uible pointed out, the entire product is manufactured in the plant and made ready for distribution.

One of the most interesting rooms in the building was the braiding room.  Yard after yard of multicolored jump rope flowed from the dozen or more weaving machines.  To merely glance at the process, it would appear simple.  But to stop and study one machine in action changes your mind, for they are delicate, complex instruments.

We had almost forgotten that there was another large brick building across the street and a walk through it proved to be just as interesting.  There were many more machines making jacks, rubber balls, kickback paddles, and plastic jump rope.  Probably the most intriguing operation was the making of rubber balls, the factory's best-selling product.  Three people and three machines can turn huge chunks of synthetic rubber into 50,000 balls a day.  At full production 20,000 of these rubber balls can be painted in an eight-hour work shift.

We noticed as we continued through the plant that, just as in the other part of the factory, there were many women employes, and in each section there was usually one or two working.  The machines do most of the work but many of the toys, such as the pinwheels and jump ropes, require the feminine touch.

The really remarkable thing about the factory is that it doesn't take many workers to handle the massive production job.

The toy factory stays open year 'round for there is a constant demand for its particular type of toys.  Uible said that business is best the first four months of the year and feels that can be attributed to more people getting outside with the coming of warmer weather.  Like other manufacturers, Wells Manufacturing is not limited to the number and kind of toys it can produce.  Imagination is essential in the toy business.

In recent years, there has been much talk about the safety of many toys.  Uible commented that competition probably has much to do with marketing of unsafe toys.  For example the item which looks prettier, sells better.  One of the safety precautions which Wells is most concerned with is the use of non-leaded materials.

When George Wells of Dayton started the manufacturing why did he choose New Vienna for its location.  Why not the city?  Maybe he wanted to move away from the crowded city and the hundreds of industrial complexes sitting on top of each other.  Labor recruitment would be no problem for there weren't any big businesses in New Vienna.  And instead of drawing workers from all over who-knows-where, he was assured of dependable local help.

It worked for Wells as it as for so many other plants that establish themselves in small towns.  The atmosphere is right.  As Uible said, "I try to know the first names of all my employees."  The people look like they enjoy their work and it shows by the thousands of quality toys the factory turns out each day.

1942 Coupon for Gasoline

Published in the New Vienna History Blog is the complete transcript of the Vienna Viewpoints of December 3, 1942.  Here's a coupon of special interest to our family.  Transcription follows.

1942 - Ad & coupon for Pure Oil Store in NV, CJ & Harold H. Uible, Props. - Dec 3 in Vienna Viewpoints (school newsletter)

ANNOUNCING

The opening of your new Pure Oil Store in New Vienna 

and to commemorate the rationing of gasoline, we are 

making you this special offer:

"GAS, FOUR GALLONS FOR A QUARTER" WITH YOUR FIRST RATIONING COUPON

See us for your Anti-Freeze, Thermo-Royal non-rust, 

no poisonous fumes, ceiling price $1.40 per gallon.  

OUR PRICE $1.10.

                                C. J. & Harold H. Uible, Props.

                                  Be SURE with PURE

Fealy: Hotel and GHU Neighbor

Hotel Fealy, New Vienna Ohio [later Wells Mfg.] Corner of Main & South St., Built in 1883, diagonally across from Train Depot.  c1910

Harold Hiestand Uible (~9) and Katherine McCabe Fealy (~69, born 1865) at back of her house which was next door to CJ Uible house on Main St., New Vienna, Ohio c1934

Katherine (1865-?) and her husband, William Fealy (1864-?) were both born in Ohio, though their parents were all from Ireland.  In 1900 they lived in a rental house in New Vienna along with Katherine's widowed father, James McCabe (1830-?).  Their neighbors included Ray Gilliland, Dudley & Cora Borden, Mary Leverton, Roy Brown, Pleasant & Pearl Wright, William Ruble and the Chaney family which included Harry, Clarence, and Benton.  William is listed without a occupation in the 1900 census.

William Fealy's parents, William Sr. (1829-1914) and Ellen (1833-?) and two of their ten children, Ellen (1862-?) and Mary (1874-?) are also shown as living in Green Township.  William's occupation is listed as Hotel Keeper, though he is shown as living in a rental house.  Four boarders are also shown as living in that residence, a landlord - Thomas Rodgers (1824-?); Machinist - George Sharp (1873-?); Typesetter - Thomas Ludlen (1871-? from Ireland) and Druggist Proprietor - John Bettatas (1844-?).  The William & Lydia Fox family lived next door.  William Fox was a saloon-keeper, probably at the hotel.  A Fox family was later associated with the hotel and saloon.

In 1910 Katherine is listed as living with her 12-year-old niece, Agnes McCabe.  In 1920 Katherine is living alone on Main St. in New Vienna.  Her neighbors include: Charles & Sarah Williams, the Merrill family, Jane & Jennie Woodmansee, Ellen Honline, Isaac & Hallie Pendall, and Edward and Olive Brown.  (Olive 1862-?) is an author of an early version of New Vienna history.

2 comments:

1. 
   Catherine Uible Morgan Tue Apr 24, 11:35:00 AM 2012

   From HH: That hotel had one bathroom upstairs, it was in the farthest room from the RR station . The two front rooms of the Hotel were double rooms. As I recall CJU bought the building for $900.00 in 194?.
   

   From Catherine: Here's the link to the article with more history of the building: http://uible.blogspot.com/2011/05/new-vienna-firm-wells-is-moving-to-new.html. And a quote from that 1952 article:  "The company purchased the old Fox building at the railroad crossing in New Vienna at public auction in Sept. 1950. The building had gone through a disastrous fire and had to be almost entirely rebuilt. This was done with Vaughn Huffman as contractor and Mr. Uible as supervisor. Fifty-two thousand face brick were used in reconstructing the walls.  The original building was was erected in 1878 [Another source says 1883] by Truman Peale, who operated a general store in the downstairs rooms. The upstairs was used as a city hall and for roadshows, dancing, etc.  It was later remodeled and was known as the Phaley [Picture above clearly shows Fealy] House and later the Elton Hotel. In recent years the Fox Restaurant was located there and Leo Dodds had apartments upstairs. It was hit by fire in March, 1950, and Mr. Dodds' widow sold the building at public auction to Mr. Uible."

New Vienna's Railroad Ave. in 1958

Two houses were demolished in New Vienna on Railroad Avenue when Wells Mfg. added a paint building.  The 1957 Chrysler was our family car.  Parallel parking in this car was a challenge.  I drove it to my summer job at the Wilmington Public Library in 1965.

1957 Chrysler.  House torn down for Wells paint building (Railroad Ave.)

1957 Chrysler in New Vienna with machine shop in background (Railroad Ave.)

See the New Vienna History Blog for more details about who was living on Pearl Street and Pass (Railroad?) Avenue in the 1930s.

Wells Mfg. History

The following was written in early 2000 by HH Uible and was originally transcribed by Serena.  

Since 1947 Dad [CJ Uible] had become involved in a Wells Mfg. (started by George Wells in Dayton in 1945) and in which I was also active.  The first location in New Vienna is the present Senior Citizens building where the rent was $100 a month.

The original owners had several fast talkers in the organization who were paid a commission of sales and soon the company was broke.  They moved to Milwaukee and started a company called Jak Pak.

In 1949 Wells bought the old hotel at the corner of SR-73 and Main Street for $900 as there had been a fire in the building and it needed help.  The going wage rate then was 55 cents an hour and I was lucky enough to get on the payroll at $35 a week.

In 1950 Bill Horton [CJ's son-in-law] and family moved to Florida and I became more active in sales work.  At that time Wells did not make anything, they bought the jackstones, the balls and put the items together.  Then a small set retailed for 5¢.  The only sales organization was a rep from Barr Rubber in Sandusky from whom we bought the balls.  He carried the Wells line and through contacts eventually had reps in most of the areas.

Every year we would got to the Toy Show in New York City which then ran for ten days and is now (in 2000] down to three days.  In the early 1950s hotels in NYC were $4/night and we would eat hot dogs from street vendors.  Every year we would make the rounds of the major chains in New York and then swing out through Kansas, Oklahoma City, Dallas and back through Nashville to home, a two week trip.  As we all know the little guys have gone out of business and the big guys are so powerful they tell you what they will pay, so was quite happy to sell the business in 1999.

In those days we had to punch the holes out of the jack cards where the balls went.  The only material handling equipment was a two wheel truck, so when a 40,000 pound load of zinc came in, that had to be unloaded one bar at a time.  (Each bar was 20 pounds.  We bought the zinc from a firm in Chicago that had apartments in the John Hancock Tower and we all enjoyed a number of visits there.  Catherine had an intern job at Marshall Fields while in college.)

Some of the earlier Wells products included lawn sprinklers -- they were too good as they never wore out; key chains and coin holders (with the advent of parking meters); bond boxes where one kept valuable papers (really no more than a metal box about the size of a small safety deposit box); yo-yos, flying saucers where there were two balls on the end of a rubber string and when in motion the balls would go in opposite directions; cyclone spinners -- a plastic disc that had holes and when pulled by the two strings would make a noise.  Later on we made plastic bats and balls.

About 1960 we got into the bubble business and eventually had a complete packaging line consisting of a bottle unscrambler (which put the correct end of the bottle up), a filler, capper, labeler, etc.  The 8 oz. was the most popular seller and it would sell by the truckload.  Also had a 4, 16, 24, 32 and 64 oz. bottle size, all of which we made on the four blow molding machines.

Our biggest step was to start making rubber balls, and as Goodyear said it was a challenge, which we never fully mastered 100%.  Besides the rubber mill, there was an extruder to get the rubber into rope like shape and then a cutter for the slugs and finally the 21 presses where the actual balls of different sizes were made.

Over the years we had employment as high as 70 people and a lot of very loyal people, like Phyllis J. Tilton White who was there for 35 years, Donna Brown for 33 years, Esther Salisbury for 20+, Mildred Storer, Gene Williams and Fred Hughes who came for a couple of weeks and stayed for over 20 years.  Elvis Wiget who started at $2/hour and went up.  In 1999 the basic wage rate was $6.50/hour.  Not much but too much to make a profit at the selling price that competition required.

In selling jacks one of the customers suggested that we put information about obtaining the rules on the back of the card, which we did.  At the peak of business we would receive around 50 letters a day requesting the rules.  Mother [Gladys Hiestand Uible] seemed to enjoy answering these jack letters, especially after CJ's death [1969] and would mark in the atlas book where the requests came from.  Children were requested to send a dime to cover the cost which was adequate in the early days when postage was two cents.  Sometimes children would send 10 pennies which resulted in postage being due.

As it became increasingly hard to make a profit, even though I drew no salary, I announced in the spring of 1999 that we would close.  Easier said than done for I really didn't want to have an auction.  Thanks to John and his connections the business and property was sold to Grant and Glenn Douglas of Columbus who formally bought Wells in November of 1999.  Hopefully they will make a success of it.

NV Firm [Wells] is Moving (2 of 2) - May 15, 1952

Part Two of the Leesburg Citizen May 15, 1952 article on Wells Mfg. moving into their new building.  See Part 1 at this link.

Wells Manufacturing New Building, C.J. Uible, Leesburg [Ohio] Citizen May 15, 1952

Wells Manufacturing Company to Hold Open House Friday

The Wells Manufacturing Company, New Vienna, will move from the Carter building to its new $40,000 home this week and will hold open house on Friday afternoon and evening.


Founded in Dayton in 1945, the firm was brought to New Vienna in May 1947, through the financial backing of Mr. C.J. Uible, New Vienna.  In June, 1948, Mr. Uible purchased the firm outright and has since operated it in the Carter building.  [The Carter Building is now the Senior Center.]


From 18 to 20 persons were employed the past winter.  Officers are C.J. Uible, president and treasurer; Attorney Harold Uible, vice president and secretary.  Charles Thompson is production manager.


The company manufactures and assembles novelties for variety and 10 cent stores and makes nearly 20 items, including jack sets, yo-yos, paddle balls, return balls, key chains, etc.  Its largest buyers are Woolworth, Kresge, and Sears-Roebuck.  Its products are shipped all over the U.S., Hawaii [not yet a state in 1952], South America, South Africa and Sweden.

Wells Mfg. Employees - May 15, 1952, Leesburg Citizen clipping.  Captioned: Charles Thompson production manager of the Wells Mfg. Co., left, is standing by Atty. Harold Uible at rear.  Front row shows three office employes [sic], Miss [Reatha] Hakes, Mrs. [Joann Rulon] [Damon] Hughes, and Mrs. [Donna] Brown.

May 15, 1952 - Leesburg Citizen Clipping.  Atty. Harold Uible in New Office and Wells Mfg. Office Girls.  Captioned: Attorney Harold Uible, vice president and secretary of the Wells Mfg. Co., New Vienna, is shown at this desk in the new office of the company.  Office employees of the Wells Mfg. Co. in the front office of the Wells Mfg. Co.  Left to right: Miss Reatha Hakes, Mrs. Donna Brown and Mrs. Joan Hughes.

Some Wells Manufacturing Company Products. May 15, 1952, Leesburg Citizen Clipping. Featuring a Jacks Set, Flying Soss-Ers, and a metal lock box.

Wells Mfg. Company Products - May 15, 1952, Leesburg Citizen clipping, featuring Twin Jack Set, Cyclone Spinner.

New Vienna Firm [Wells] is Moving to New Building (1 of 2) - May 15, 1952

The Leesburg Citizen, run by locally famous Mack Sauer [note the ad for "Breakfast at Sauer's" on WPFB in top left corner of front page of newspaper], ran a 4-page special edition on Thursday, May 15, 1952 in honor of Wells Mfg., moving to their new building on West Main Street, New Vienna. Besides talking about the company, the open house and the $40,000 remodeling job, there is also a section on the history of the building (below the fold).  See below for transcription of history.  

Part 2 will feature pictures of products and office employees. 

New Vienna [Ohio] Firm [Wells Mfg.]is Moving - Leesburg Citizen, May 15, 1952

New Vienna Plant to Hold Open House Friday

The Wells Mfg. Company, New Vienna, will hold open house in their new $40,000 plant Friday, May 16 from 1 to 5 and 7 to – P.M.

The new headquarters contain 10 rooms, including 3 offices, assembly rooms, storage rooms, etc.  It is modern to the minute.
The Buckeye Ramblers, Wilmington, will play for round and square dancing in the assembly room Friday evening. Dancing will be free to everyone.  There will be roses for the ladies and toys for the children.
Mr. C. J. Uible, president, extends a cordial invitation to everyone to attend the open house.

Hotel Fealy, New Vienna Ohio [later Wells Mfg.] Corner of Main & South St., Built in 1878, across from Train Depot

Leesburg Citizen clipping from May 15, 1952 about Wells Mfg.

Building History

The company purchased the old Fox building at the railroad crossing in New Vienna at public auction in Sept. 1950.  The building had gone through a disastrous fire and had to be almost entirely rebuilt.  This was done with Vaughn Huffman as contractor and Mr. Uible as supervisor.  Fifty-two thousand face brick were used in reconstructing the walls.

The original building was was erected in 1878 [Another source says 1883] by Truman Peale, who operated a general store in the downstairs rooms.  The upstairs was used as a city hall and for roadshows, dancing, etc.

It was later remodeled and was known as the Phaley [Picture above clearly shows Fealy] House and later the Elton Hotel.  In recent years the Fox Restaurant was located there and Leo Dodds had apartments upstairs.  It was hit by fire in March, 1950, and Mr. Dodds' widow sold the building at public auction to Mr. Uible.

Mr. Uible spared no expense in rebuilding.  Offices have hardwood floors, sound proof ceilings, venetian blinds, and are modern to the minute.  The rest rooms have tile walls and are equipped with showers for the employees.

An elevator shaft has been installed and later an elevator will be installed between the first and second floors.  [This never happened, I think for structural reasons.] The first floor has 10 rooms, including 3 offices, assembly room, storage rooms, stock room, etc.  The upstairs is not yet completed, but assembly rooms will be finished there at a later date.

The building is 170 by 44 feet.  The new addition at the rear is 78 feet by 44 feet.

Mr. Uible, retired contractor, is one of New Vienna's most prominent businessmen.  He has served on the village council for many years and has always been one of the town's most loyal boosters for every improvement.

He is warmly congratulated by the citizens of New Vienna on the fine, modern home he has constructed for the company he heads.


******
See Part Two of the Leesburg Citizen May 15, 1952 article on Wells Mfg. moving into their new building at this link.

1 comment:

1. 
   CatherineWed May 18, 07:32:00 AM 2011

   John Levo adds: I barely remember my parents going to the grand opening of the new building. I think I was given a green yo-yo.
   The article makes mention of the Fox Restaurant. It was run by Georgia Fox and her mother. When they relocated, they went to the building next to the village park. Georgia had her restaurant and her brother lived upstairs and ran a card game in the front room. I think he also did some work for the township or village. I never heard him called anything but Bullger. My parents bought the building in 1965 from Georgia and moved the trophy business from our den at home to the building. In addition to the trophies, he and Doc South sold a line of pet and animal health supplies. Hard to believe that it has been 50 years since Red Dot was established.