1980 Family Letter -Aug.28

Thursday --

August 28, 1980

Dearest Family --

We have really been neglectful about writing to you all but have been able to talk to each of you on the phone at least once since we left Oregon.  We did have a wonderful trip and really enjoyed being with the Morgans and getting to know Wendy better.  She is so much less shy and more talkative than before.  Was so surprised to learn that Catherine has accepted a new position in a dentist's office starting Monday, Sept. 8th which has a good many advantages over her former one in the courthouse.  We did get a letter today written just a week ago about it (which was really slow in coming) but glad to get more details on the phone.

We also got a letter from Roberta with the letter written to Hawaii and a number of clippings enclosed.  The item on the back of one about how Oregonians are the biggest tourist spenders with Arizonians 2nd we hadn't seen before either.  At least that is the way it is to the state of Wyoming, who had done the poll.

We had looked forward to seeing John and Carol before we picked the Hortons up at the Columbus airport last Sunday but only Dad and G'ma went as Mary Virginia wasn't feeling too well.  At least they got to see the house where they will be moving this weekend -- it is real attractive.  The Hortons would like to meet Valerie but don't know whether that can be worked out before they leave -- Rob and Valerie seemed to hit off real well and Valerie is to come down to Florida at Christmas.  If the move wasn't on this weekend we would try to get them together.

Had a real nice long chat with Serena before she left the library on Tuesday while we were waiting for the plane from Chicago to Dayton.  Glad she finally got a fan -- am sure it was needed on the fourth floor.  Hope that she is soon able to find a bicycle that she has been wanting.

This past week has been HOT, but the nights have been comfortable.  At least we have no air conditioning bill to "heat us up" when it comes due each month.  Since we have been back it has also been dry which translates into hard hoeing in the garden.  Our raspberries have been doing great and have apples galore.

The Hortons have been staying close to NV, Bill has been playing some golf with Everett Penn.  Understand that they are gong to go back to LW this next Thursday.  Because they are flying on the Senior Citizen fare they cannot make their reservation more than one day in advance.

Lat night was our square dance last summer fling as the dance was at the Campground (outdoor shelter) and several of us took ice cream -- your Mother had a great batch of raspberry yogurt ice cream -- and others brought items that compliment the ice cream.  For the full picture this morning came all too fast.

M.V. started school last Monday with 7 classes in six periods (she is taking one independently (Spanish).  Tonight is the first football game.  Wednesday night the phone rang and it was LONG distance, being Kim in Korea.  It seems that Mie Young is ready to leave for NV but because she is a minor she is having trouble getting out of Korea, but Kim said she should be there (NV) shortly.  Hopefully she will not be too late in starting to school this fall.

The City of Wilmington bought the two old school buildings in Wilmington that are no longer being used.  Now it is a new governmental body that has the problem of what to do with 100-year-old plus buildings.  The library in Wilmington is still looking for a librarian.

[Love, etc.]

1989 GG's Letter to HH -Apr.18

April 18, 1989 (Tuesday Noon)

Hi Harold . . . . .

Went to Wilmington yesterday . . . several folks in the Court House were asking about you -- Rachel (the gal who does alot of title checks) said she hoped you were taking some pictures.  she loves to ride the bicycle.  Since 5/3rd & BancOhio were the same rates on CDs for 30 days, went with 5/3rd.  BancOhio has one for Wells, so perhaps best not to have all the eggs in one basket??  The interest rate was 9.45% and happens to come due on May 17th . . . I have an appt. with Ear Specialist in Wilmington that day, so will work out good!

In your file at Probate was an announcement of Estate Planning Conf. put on by the OSU College of Law -- at Dublin OHIO May 19th!!!  Sounds like a good program, but that is your same time to be in Toledo . . . plus, you attended an Estate Planning Conference recently, didn't you?

Filed the Final Account on Lamcke estate yesterday!!! What a good feeling, plus the Prickett check finally cleared so have it ready to file as soon as Lowell brings in the remaining cancelled checks!!  The statement was cut yesterday, so shouldn't be too long!

Really had a wind storm yesterday evening . . . almost had to be a small tornado as the BIG tree in front of Kay's office was uprooted . . . along with the road sign and part of the road came up!  She was home and she, Andy and a little girl that was playing with Andy went to the basement.  Looks like alot of damage to the old Daye Hardware Bldg . . . roof, plus part of Wells roof was damaged.  Channel 7 news was here, so perhaps you saw it in Texas!!! HA

Chad Carey called about Law Day -- May 2nd!!!  Needed some 1 hr. spaces filled in for legal consultation . . . .  Told him I knew you would have been glad to, if you were in town that day . . . but you will be out of town . . . he said if you have a change of plans, please call him.

Best sign off and get back to work!  Just had a big strawberry shortcake . . . yum!!!  Stopped in to see your Mother yesterday . . . she is doing well.  She had her Pike Gas bill all ready to go -- put her acct. #, etc. on the envelope.

Oh yes.  Jean said you mentioned about Master Card and the Delta flight booklets . . . Betty Curtis called last week -- she was concerned, as she got a rejection on the Delta booklets -- said incorrect Card # -- she read me the card # she had used . . . had a couple of the digits reversed . . . so I gave her the correct # and she was going to re-do it!

Take care . . .  look forward to your safe return second week ofo May.

Sincerely,

GG

1988 Family Letter -Nov.18

Saturday –

Nov. 19, 1988

Dearest Family –

Thought you all might be interested in the clipping (!) that appeared in the Dayton paper recently.  [full page article about Wells Mfg. which includes a good picture of HH – will try to post the article to the New Vienna blog at some point . . . .]  We have had considerable comments – many just wondering why they had never been inside, hinting for a personal tour.  But others sharing their copies, etc.  The Goodings called us and had a long chat with them.  Dr. & Mrs. Hale thought we ought to send copies to all the people who had been on our trip to Malaysia as they would be interested.

Mary Virginia called and gave us a list of all the things she and her friends would need as they plan to prepare Thanksgiving dinner here – sounds pretty elaborate but we will be glad to have them – around 10, I guess arriving by two's and three's from Tuesday night but most Wednesday.

John called last night and if the weather is nice he will fly to Clinton County Airport with a friend he met on his Emmaus Walk – that is Wed. evening.  If the weather isn't too good, they will drive down.  Do wish that you all could be coming.  Serena has several invitations so we will look forward to her visit in December.  We finally did reach her on the phone – she is out so much –never catch her at home so did call the Alpha Park Library.  She has been going to a health club early in the morning so guess we just didn't call at the right time.

Dad went to Chillicothe Thursday and Friday to the tax institute.  Esther Salisbury, GG and her sister and Janet Achor also went so he was well chaperoned.  Hope that they got alot out of the sessions to help people with their tax problems.

Virginia Hildebrant and Walker, Evie Johnson (new minister's wife) and I went to the dinner theater at the college and then to see "Twelfth Night" at Boyd auditorium.  They had done the stage and costumes, and adapted it to Paris in the 1920's which was interesting and yet still not too easy to follow.  I was surprised how many were there for the play.

The leaves are finally mostly gone from the trees and Dad has them very well cleaned up.  Many people still have piles which they are waiting to dry out before they bag them.  Don't you Arizonians wish you had leaves to look after?  It's amazing how green the grass still is.  Once we get connected to New Vienna's sewage system should be an improvement too but we haven't gotten word yet that they are ready for that.

See in the paper where the Denver House is to reopen in Wilmington for Thanksgiving . . . after being closed for some 10 years.  The three of us went to Ponderosa for lunch today.  This past week was "Doctor Week" for G'Ma as we got to the foot, eye (she is having problems in this area) and general.

The Town had a general meeting this P.M. (now Sunday) concerning zoning and what to do about the possibility of a firm putting up a 22 unit apt. complex in an area of 1 family homes.  Perhaps the present is catching up with New Vienna.

M.V. and John will both be here this Thanksgiving with 10 ATS students.  M.V. is in charge of all details for eating except for the turkey.  John and his friend have asked to stay at G'ma's. 

[Love, etc.]

1996 Edward Leroy Atchison obituary.

"Atch" made daily deliveries of the Wilmington News-Journal to College Ave. during the years the Uible children were the carriers. He was a hard-working reliable employee of the News-Journal for 18 years.

1974 John's (draft) Resignation Letter -May 23

There is a slightly different version of this letter on the other side of this draft. I have "merged" them to show the side that also has a message to Serena. Transcription follows.

May 23, 1974

Mrs. Stubbs, Circulation Manager
Wilmington News Journal
Wilmington, Ohio 45177

Dear Mrs. Stubs:

As of Saturday, May 25 John will be no longer handling the News Journal.  The new agent, Greg Dodd will take over as of Monday, May 17, 1974.  Please bill us only through May 25, 1974.

ALL News Journals for New Vienna are to be left at the Dodd house and the paper should list GREG, BETH AND CHRIST DODD as CARRIERS.

It has been an interesting and worthwhile experience for our children to deliver the News Journals for the past ten years or so.

Sincerely,

* * * * *

Hi, Serena.  

So glad you are home –––

Love, Mother

1984 Naylor's Furniture receipt -Jan.28

A sale on mattresses may have prompted this purchase at Naylor's Furniture of the new Serta Hotel perfect sleeper mattress & box spring.  The back side contains a variety of notes:  library call numbers, a hotel address in King of Prussia, PA, some magazine references, and an address of a company in Blue Ash.

 

1963 John's T&A Surgery - May 16

Removal of tonsils was fairly standard in the 1950s and 60s and usually occurred prior to starting school.  One could look out the Hale Hospital windows and watch the squirrels while eating ice cream during recuperation.  Also attached to this paperwork was a check for $15 to Dr. Fullerton. My recollection is he may have served as the anesthesiologist.  Pertinent details transcribed below.

 

1963 John's T&A Surgery - May 16 

Dr. Kelley Hale Surgical Hospital

Lakewood Park, West Main Street

Wilmington, Ohio

Hospital Services – 1 day @ $16

Operating Room Fee – $7.50

Laboratory – $5

Medication – $5

Professional Services – $50

1983 HH shares words of wisdom with women

This clipping from the Wilmington News-Journal would have appeared in April or early May of 1983.  Transcription follows.

Pictured: Kathleen Woods, left, Rosemont Meeker, right.

Uible speaks to local AAUW 
on Women, Work Wealth, Wills

Harold Uible spoke recently to the members of the Wilmington Branch of the American Association of University Women on, women, work, wealth, and wills.

The meeting was held in Thomas Lounge, Pyle Center, Wilmington College.

Helen Wills, program chairman, introduced Uible, a graduate of Western-Reserve who also received his law degree there.

Besides being a Clinton County Commissioner since 1980, Uible is the head of the Wells Manufacturing Company of New Vienna.

Mr. and Mrs. Uible are the parents of four girls and one boy which makes him eligible to speak on Women, Work, Wealth, Wills.

Food for thought from his talk included: "We should all remember we are rich and keep it in the proper perspective."; "Work is a personal investment in ourselves."

Helen Weeks conducted the business meeting.

A committee of Lora Sollars, Mary Ramseyer, and Sarah Castle announced the slate of officers for '83-'84: Helen Weekes, president; Meriam Hare, vice president; and Paula Beem, secretary.

Mrs. Weekes reported on the tea honoring Mrs. Miriam (West) Johnson, president of the Texas State Division.

Also reported was the monetary gift received by our Branch from the state division for a 15 percent increase membership this past year.

Rosemont Meeker introduced the Wilmington College student recipient of the local AAUW scholarship, Kathleen Woods.

Ms. Woods is a student in accounting in her junior year of college.

The May meeting of AAUW will be 10:30 a.m. at the Clinton County Historical Society on May 21.

Since this is the Strawberry Breakfast, reservations must be in by May 18 to Alma Warren or Cindy Camp.

The study group, Insight Into Our times will meet May 13 at Wilmington Public Library at 10 a.m.

Families and Work will meet May 12 at 7:30 with Mary Ramseyer.

1982 HH WNJ Clipping as County Commissioner - May 17

Clipping from the Wilmington News-Journal:

1982 HH in clipping about County Commissioners - WNJ May 17

INDUSTRY HONORED . . . Clinton County Commissioners, seated above, left to right Harold Uible, David Bailey and D. M. Fife, and Wilmington Mayor Robert Moyer, standing, left, proclaimed Saturday, May 15 as Industry Day in Clinton County.  Also pictured is Al Wiseman, vice president and airport manager at Airborne Express and chairman of Industry Day.  The special event was sponsored by the Wilmington Area Chamber of Commerce.

NV/Clinton/Highland County related websites

Updated 4/26/12

Digitalized [Hillsboro] News-Herald searchable local paper from 1886-1914.

A variety of websites exist pertinent to those interested in the history of New Vienna, Clinton and Highland Counties.  Here are a few I have found especially interesting and/or useful:

Clinton County Biographies, Ohio Genealogy Express most from History of Clinton County, Ohio, pub. 1915

Clinton County Ohio Obituary Collection

Historical Maps of Clinton County (County Engineer's GIS office)

Clinton County Resource Guide, especially the history section (WNJ)

History of Clinton County by Pliny Durant, published in 1870s, partly scanned.

History of Clinton County, [Not Working, will try to find a new link] published by W.H. Beers and Co. 1916 via Heritage Pursuit, only partially available -- 11/13/11 no longer a valid website

History of Clinton County, Green Township 1882 by C.C. Bowers

New Vienna History by Olive S. Brown and Gretchen Huffman (VanPratt website)

Clinton County Bicentennial 1810-2010 Home Page
Clinton County Bicentennial Timeline
Clinton County Bicentennial Township Histories

Clinton County Board of Elections - current elected officials and historical election results (but only back to 1999)

1916 property ownership map of Highland County on ancestry.com

Highland County, Ohio - Maps and Gazetteers

Highland County -Careytown, Penn Township

Highland County Business History Appalachian info includes famous residents, major employers, bit of history

History of the Early Settlement of Highland County (digital book)

Genealogy Sites
Rootsweb.ancestry.com (Hiestand)

Highway/early roads
Pioneer Migration Routes through Ohio
Kanawha Trace

Highland Pioneer Sketches & Family Genealogies by Elsie Johnson Ayres partially transcribed at Rootsweb.ancestry.com

OhioPix Picturing Ohio's History: Selections from the Ohio Historical Society's Collection (no entries for New Vienna, but you can search "Clinton County," "Highland County," Wilmington, Hillsboro, etc.)

1982 Wilmington opens Wendy's Restaurant

If you look very closely you can see HH in profile on the far right, about second row back wearing glasses.  I presume it is Jean's hair that can be seen slightly behind him.  Transcription and notes follows:

Wilmington News-Journal January 5, 1982, photo by Dana Dunn
Area residents now have a new restaurant choice available to them as Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers opened its restaurant in Wilmington at 10:30am today.

Wade Hufford of Wilmington became the first customer shortly after the restaurant opened its doors for business.

On Tuesday evening, a group of area persons were guests at a VIP-Preview Opening at Wendy's newest business located at 1160 Rombach Avenue.

Above, Wendy's area director Doug McDaniel talks to the group.  Other Wendy's officials in attendance were area supervisor Doug Bostick, along with store manager Tom Thompson pictures at the left rear, and co-manager Mark Bell.

Representing the 256 different ways a Wendy's hamburger can be ordered, Wilmington Mayor Robert W. Moyer marked the store opening by symbolically cutting a ribbon made of $256 in cash.

Following the ceremony, Moyer and McDaniel present the money as a gift from Wendy's to the Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The multiple sclerosis society will also receive 10 percent of money received from all soft drink sales during the restaurant's grand opening week.  The group was selected to receive the donation because of the charity's extensive involvement in the Wilmington area, as well as its worldwide research efforts to aid the millions of persons who suffer from the disease.

Wilmington multiple sclerosis executive director Michael Flanigan accepted the donation on behalf of the society.

The new restaurant features a traditional Wendy's menu offering such items as 100 percent pure beef hamburgers, french fries, chili and Frosty dairy desserts.  The hamburgers come in three sizes and are pattied fresh daily at the store and are never frozen, a Wendy official said.

According to McDaniel, the Wilmington restaurant will also offer three of Wendy's newest menu items, a boneless all white meat breast of chicken sandwich, a children's Fun-Pak, and an all-you-can-eat salad bar.

Each Wendy's restaurant features a turn-of-the-century design with tiffany lamps, bentwood chairs, rosewood paneling and tablecloths printed with reproductions of 19th century newspapers.  Wendy's also includes a pick-up window with a separate grill and preparation area.

The new store is part of Wendy's International, Inc., which began in Columbus in 1969 when R. David Thomas, now chairman of the board of Wendy's opened his first restaurant with the motto, "Quality is our recipe."

According to officials, the company has grown from one store to become the fifth largest food service company in the world with more than 2,000 restaurants in the United States and six foreign countries.

*****
Notes:  Dave Thomas was born 2 July 1932 in Atlantic City, New Jersey and died 8 January 2002 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The first restaurant opened in Columbus on 15 November 1969.  Headquarters were moved to Dublin, Ohio in 2006.  As of March 2010, Wendy's was the world's third largest hamburger fast food chain with approximately 6,650 locations.  McDonald's has 31,000+ and Burger King 12,000+.

July 11, 1989-99

Helen Kuntzman

HH's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Monday 1988 - [New Orleans LA, with Serena] Visited library in an old mansion on St. Charles Ave.  Had delightful lunch at the Commander's Palace Restaurant, a 4* place.  [Gerry and I tried to eat their twice, first time we were wearing shorts, sign said "No Shorts," second time we wore jeans, small print said "No Jeans" – decided it wasn't our kind of place.]

Tuesday 1989 - [Wendy visiting]

Wednesday 1990 - [Ada OH for School of Missions] Enjoyed MV leading the singing.

Thursday 1991 - [Ada OH for School of Missions] Evening Japanese programs at the new [or nice] Freed Center for Performing Arts.

Monday 1994 - Kroger moved to new location, in Walmart Center, where Pick & Save had been.  Cleaned out asparagus bed, got a small mess.  Picked rhubarb and beans.  New walk around city building.  Surprised that Bob and Kent Walker had mowed our entire yard.

Tuesday 1995 - [Ginny visiting]

Thursday 1996 - Weeded the tree and asparagus patch in the garden, snapped the belt on the lawnmower.  Getting CRT replaced at Wells, too much stormy weather.  Had letter from John and Evelyn Spencer in Birmingham AL.  Robbins and Myers above 50.  Our Post Office is putting in more boxes.

Friday 1997 - [Auburn IN to Ada OH for School of Missions] Drove to Lima, got gas at Myers, BIG Store, $108.9¢/gallon.  Nice library.  Had hamburgers at Kewpie's just west on 309 from I-75.  Had corner room in Clark Hall.  June Baylor was there to give us a BIG welcome.  Programs on Brazil or Violence and on Book of Joshua.  Gal with her son next to us was Maureen Hamilton.  Rita Compton and Billy Stevenson were there from Wilmington.

Saturday 1998 - [Helen Kuntzman visiting]  Finished reading Cold Mountain and got the "Titan" at Wilmington Library, biography of John D. Rockefeller.  Took Helen to Waynesville for supper.  We were there at 5pm so avoided the crowd.  Helen has lived in the Mobile Home Park for 10 years.  Got burr haircut at Greg's, $7.  [2010: Rev. Kuntzman used to work for SS Kresge and told how they pushed high profit alcohol drinks.  He wanted to be a part of something for the better of mankind which was why he entered the ministry as a second career.  Article about Rennie Kuntzman found here.]

Sunday 1999 - [Hot Springs AR to Jackson TN, stayed at Comfort Inn, with Serena]

Clinton County Seat Calendar - March

From the 1985 [Clinton] County Seat Calendar


March 2, 1751 – Christopher Gist* [1706-1759] leaves the first written record of what will one day become Clinton County.  Commissioned by the Ohio Company, an English real estate firm, Mr. Gist pronounces the prairie land splendid.  "Very fertile land with beautiful meadows, streams full of fishes, wild turkey, and hardly a bush in sight," he wrote in his detailed diary.  The forest grows up when the last buffalo leave at the end of the 18th century.


A book, Christopher Gist: Colonial Frontiersman, Explorer and Indian Agent by Kenneth Bailey is available at ASU.  I'll check it out, but not right this minute.

March, 1984 – Damaine Vonada, an Ohio writer [author of Amazing Ohio among other titles, published by Wilmington's Orange Frazer Press] transplanted to Washington, DC, notices a 5x7 pothole in the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, then writes an essay suggesting that the nation's capital be moved somewhere more manageable, like Wilmington Ohio. She notes that both cities begin with a "W," both have ten letters, the architecture of the Wilmington courthouse is similar to that of the capital, and relocating to the cornfields of Clinton County would ensure that only the most dedicated individuals would seek office.

March 15, 1989-99

HH's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Wednesday 1989 - [Tennessee to Ohio] Had breakfast in room. At the restaurant the continental breakfast was $3.95, 1/2 grapefruit for $1.50. Jean drove to KY welcome station and next stop was Boone Tavern, four hours after leaving Choo Choo.  Roast Pork lunch as $9, including soup (Pimento), salad, two vegetables and beverage. Saw this lady at a table next to ours, it was Frances Corrdire [?] who we had met on the "E" trip to Brazil. She will be going to Yugoslavia on Sage [travel program], also taking French.

Thursday 1990 - Planted cabbage, broccoli, beets and peppers. Went to Senior Citizens and heard Tom Salisbury speak.

Friday 1991 - John was down for the day. "Julie is getting cold feet." The Sankers came up, went to dinner theater at Parker House in Hillsboro. Dinner at $6 was very basic, play was "Pirates of Penzance." Jim Butler had a part. Talked with Donna Hardin's daughter who has been in South Africa for 6 years. She is 30. Mother seems to be improving.

Wednesday 1995 - Everett and Ann Bailey invited us to go to a Xenia church where their granddaughter was in this 7 person Mime Group. Lots of make-up, all white with a black border. They were all from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa -- OK. We met the Baileys at Bob Evans where Shirley Cadle the DS was having supper. Gerald Bernard was also at the program, his wife has Lyme's disease. PJW [Phyllis] helping at Wells as Ted was also off.

Friday 1996 - Baileys invited us to go to Dayton to Dayton Christian School where their grandson, Spencer Bailey, had the lead part of Harold Hill in the Music Man. We got back to Wilmington at midnight.

Saturday 1997 - Men's breakfast at church, a friend of Keith Rankin who works at Kibler's Lumber spoke. Wilmington City Council voted to tear down old (128 years) Main school house.

Sunday 1998 - Went to CMH luncheon, talk on nutrition, then to Home and Garden Show at Roberts Arena, $2/person. Interesting silent auction, we got a child's picnic table for $27, missed getting the push lawn mower by $1. Signed up for a year of Internet with DragonFly for $120.

Monday 1999 - [Spain Portugal trip through April 8]

Wilmington Ohio Map 1859

From "A County Seat Calendar 1985" page 7

Map Inscription on Calendar:  The world according to surveyor Jeff Hildebrant, 1859


February 10, 1811 - After seven months of indecision, the first commissioners change the name of the town to Wilmington.  They are looking for a name that is not already used in Ohio.  In June [1810], they name it Clinton.  In August, it is called Armenia.  By October, is is Mt. Pleasant.  The judge allows one more change:  Wilmington it is, although no one is certain why.  

According to Ohio History Central: "Many of the town's early residents were from North Carolina, and they named their new community, which was established in 1810, after Wilmington, North Carolina. The community grew quickly, attaining 1,500 residents by 1840. In 1846, the community had five churches, one high school, one newspaper, and nineteen retail stores."

Wilmington (Ohio) Public Library

The old and the new.  Wilmington (Ohio) Public Library.

1997 addition to the Carnegie Library, main entrance now faces north, instead of west.  From this website.

According to the 1985 County Seat Calendar:  In early February of 1816, leading citizens formed a library association.  "No books to discredit the Christian religion" was their motto and thus, all novels and plays were excluded from the library collection except Oliver Goldsmith's Vicar of Wakefield.

February 7, 1902 - The Carnegie Foundation grants $10,000 to the town for a new library.  It opens in June of 1904, replacing the small Main Street library of the DAR who financed it partially by selling a collection of old rubber boots from school children.  There was also a bequest by Samuel Walker, which occurred during the Carnegie negotiations and resulted in a token library space set up in the Walker Building.  It is honored for years by the Rice family, which ran the furniture store and saw that an upstairs shelf always had books on it.

From the library's website: Members of the George Clinton Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, founded the Wilmington Library Association in 1899. That summer they opened with 500 books in two rooms on Main Street and were offered rent free in a building owned by the First National Bank of Wilmington.

Knowing the work of Andrew Carnegie, the association wrote a request to him in 1902. Carnegie granted $10,000 followed by an additional $2,500 asked by the association. Grant requirements included a supporting levy, subsequently adopted at $1,000 a year by Wilmington village council.

The library opened in June 1904 on the site it occupies today.

From Wikipedia: In 1899 the George Clinton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution began a subscription library in two rooms of the First National Bank building. They raised $710 and purchased furniture, shelving, books and periodicals. Minnie Farren was employed as the first librarian. Tickets that gave the purchaser the privileges of library and reading room use for one year could be purchased for $1.00.

Members of the community donated many items and various groups held fundraisers to benefit the library. The Six-and-Twenty Club began their tradition of donating books to the library every year.
The Library Aid Society was organized in March 1900. Members donated funds at the monthly meetings. Books from the State Library of Ohio were loaned on a rotating basis.

In 1903 Andrew Carnegie gave ten thousand dollars for the purpose of building a free public library building, provided the village council should appropriate one thousand dollars annually toward the support of the library.

In 1933 the structure for library funding in Ohio was changed. Funding was to be derived from the Intangible Tax on stocks and bonds to be distributed on a county basis. A flaw of this structure was that the amount of money collected depended upon the number of local residents who owned investments. Areas with a significant tax base did relatively well under this system while areas with a small tax base were under-funded or virtually unfunded by the Intangibles Tax collection.

The Walker Annex was completed in 1938. Bookmobile service began in 1940. In 1961 a bookmobile garage was added to the south side of the building. A second level was added above that to be used as an adult reading room.

In 1979 a Friends of the Library was created. The group supports the library in many ways. There is an annual book sale to raise funds for special projects. The Friends also decorate the library for Christmas, host special events such as the 100th anniversary celebration in 2004, and assist with other events through the year.

Children visiting a bookmobile operated by the Wilmington Public Library in Wilmington, Ohio, 1941.  Picture from OhioPix: Picturing Ohio's History: Selections from theh Ohio Historical Society's Collection.

------
As most of you know I collect library postcards, especially Carnegie libraries.  I do not (yet) have a card from the Wilmington Public (Carnegie) Library.  The one shown above is available for $14.95 but I'm not that desperate to add it to my collection.

The Wilmington Library also has the distinction of having employed two members of our family.  I worked there in 1965, sorting obituary clippings and shelving books until they discovered I could correctly type card catalog cards.  That was enough experience in tech services that I decided I preferred the public side of the library.  Not sure of the exact dates that Serena worked there, but early 2000s.

Old Bulk Plant and Clinton County Ohio trivia

Back of photo:  Old Bulk Plant in New Vienna [Ohio], Main St., was next to Irons Building which was Daye Hardware, now the Antique Mall.

This is the back side of the Mongold Oil Company / gas station?  Picture is undated but appears to have been taken in the winter mid-1900s.  CJU had a financial interest in the company at one time and he also had a bulk gasoline business in Hillsboro where Bill Horton worked at one time.

Rollo Mongold was the owner of Mongold Oil Company, his older brother, R.W. "Shorty" Mongold ran the Southern Ohio Tool and Die Company.  Shorty and CJU were good friends.

From Page 5 of the 1985 County Seat Calendar

January 29, 1931 The last engine rides the Grasshopper Line.  Connecting Port William and Kingman [part of the Detroit, Toledo, and Ironton Railroad which shut down in 1933, was organized as the Waynesville, Port William and Jeffersonville Railroad in 1875] it was owned by Henry Ford who was sometimes seen in the area operating a handcar.  The line was named because it was so slow grasshoppers didn't stir from the roadbed.  The engineer backed to Kingman, as there was no turntable there, and sometime the train stopped off in the woods were the crew hunted squirrel.  [Kingman is now a crossroads on 380, north of I-71, near the Sharon Methodist Church, in 1915 eighty were enrolled in the Kingman HS.]

January 31, 1931 The town [Wilmington] acquires boulevard lighting.  116 lamps downtown.  It is described as "bright with radiance its first settlers would deem impossible."  Wilmington's first lights came in August of 1873, and were gas.  In November of 1893, town got first electric lights which were so poor townsfolk keep gas ones, too.  Before 1893, town operated on "moon contracts," with no lights during bright of the moon.

Jan. 24, 1989-99

Notes from Dad's Diary 1989-1999

Tuesday 1989 - Gene Drake lock box opening.  Ed Johnson, our pastor, along with HQT, AW Hause, Leon S, picked me up in Wilmington to go to Hara Arena in Dayton for the Unquenchable Fire meeting, rally to raise some 18 million $$ for church expansion.  Stopped at Kroger's and bought peeled pineapple at reduced price of 99 cents.

Wednesday 1990 - Jean and I went to Sabina, Ad in Sabina Advertiser , 2x2 is $7.  On to WCH, Probate Court, then Jim East at Doug Marine Motors, how they are "spread out."  Saw hoist lift.  Then Ed at Carroll Halliday Ford.  These new vans are not as nice as ours, especially the power steering.  Called John who is thinking of leaving the Bank, also Serena who seems to be getting along fine.

Thursday 1991 - [to Cincinnati]  Saw Goldie Correl.* Jean bought coffee pot at Swallen's, then met Duke**, a Wells rep, at the Conservatory Restaurant.   Then to airport to get Hortons, to Totes to get overshoes.  Sadie started staying with Mother today who seemed much better.  Calling hours for Ina Current. 

*[Added in 2011 re Goldie]  When her sister in Wilmington died there were a whole bunch of unclaimed funds, which were hardly worth the postage in recovery.  The Wilmington sister had a daughter, Kim Daniels, who was in the same class as Joe Horton at UC

**[Added in 2011]  Duke Douglass was one of our reps, who called on jobbers, who in turn called on retailers.  Duke lived in the Chicago area and with a friend in Detroit covered WI, IL, IN, MI and Ohio.  Wells had him as a rep from ~1979-1999 when the new owners took over.  The day of the jobbers is now past tense for the little guy is gone and the big retailers want to buy direct from the manufacturer. Have not been in touch with any of them since we sold out in 1999. Some of the best sales people were those who had been fired by other competitors of Wells for then that salesman was motivated to show the company that he took the customers to Wells.

Friday 1992 - Met at John Hughes re joint Elderhostel program on 3/18 before the retired teachers.  Surprised to see our neighbor blowing the snow off our sidewalk this AM.  Mother in good spirits.

Friday 1992 - [2nd entry with same date, and if it was 1/24/93 would have been Sunday] GHU complaining of aches and pains.  Had fire in fireplace, cut back the big plant from Zooks in the dining room.  Went to Dayton to file Edna Campbells will and had supper at Damon's in Wilmington, just opened as has Lowe's.  Long wait for food.  Cup of soup $2.25, spinach dip $4.95.

Saturday 1998 - [Hawaii] Into Hilo, Lyman Museum and House, then ice cream at Old Kress building, built in 1933, closed in 1980.  Drove down to end of 130 then up beach road [132] to Pohoiki, narrow and winding, saw Lava Tree State Monument, interesting tree shapes.  Supper in Pahoa at Italian Restaurant, little business.

Wilmington Ohio Main Street 1930

Page 2 of the 1985 County Seat Calendar

Picture captioned: Going to Town, Circa 1930:  Time came to standstill in 1948; truck smashed the bank clock  Looking west from South Street, with General Denver on the far right side of street.  This street is now one-way east bound and in addition to State Routes 3 and 73 is also US Route 22.  According to Wikipedia, US-22 was extended in 1932 from US-40 to Cincinnati as it is currently, replacing Ohio State Route 10 and following preexisting State Route 3.

January 6, 1851  Local youth changes residence to California....  After an altercation in a one-room schoolhouse near Lees Creek, John Dale strikes teacher Artemus Morrow in the head with a stick of firewood.  That evening, Mrs. Morrow "shrieks as she becomes a widow."  The next day when the sheriff visits the Dales, the lad has disappeared.  "He was a big strong boy," says the father, and he's gone to the land of milk and honey."

January 7, 1867  William Cleveland has finished his unusual Swiss chalet on Main Street beside the old Friends Meeting House and moves his wife and daughter here from Yellow Springs.  A working architect, his work includes the Main School, [old]city hall, the Farquhar Building, the Hildebrant house [and more].  

January 9, 1940  A lone bandit, Forest Miller, a thin, unemployed day laborer from Bowersville, threatens Port William Banking Company employees with nitrogylcerin and flees with over $300.  After his auto overturns on a curve outside of the village, and a posse begins to move in, the nitro goes off and blows him to bits.  Some surmise the desperate young man killed himself.  [Elizabeth Johnson adds a note to this entry: Dear Jean, The Forest Miller that robbed the Port William bank graduated from Reesville in 1932 in my class.  Thanks for letting me read the calendar.  I found it interesting --Elizabeth]

January 11, 1918  Terrible blizzard hits Wilmington.  No trains, mail, or newspapers for four days.  Temperature is minus 17 degrees and remains there for 36 hours.  New Burlington is isolated until the 24th.  Snows continue until the end of March.

January 12, 1912  Foster Ellison leaves his horse hitched on Mulberry Street more than five hours, Marshal Will Sliker cites him for overparking.