Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 34, Number 177, Decatur, Adams County, 27 July 1936 — Page 56

PAGE FIFTY-SIX

ELKS ORGANIZED 30 YEARS AGO Decatur B. P. 0. E. Chartered In 1906 By Bluflton Order Decatur Jxtdge No. 993 B. P. <>• Elka wan chartered July 20, 19(16 and wax oraanixed by Bluffton Lodge No. H. P. O. Elka on September Bth, 1905, under the diepenaalion at the Knlghtx of < oluinbux Lodge rooms. The charter members were: W. A. Lower, E. X. Ehlnger, H. L. Conter, D. D. Clark. C. C. Ernst. George Maddy. E. ’G.'l'overdale. L. A. Graham. W. P. Schrock. M. J. Krohn. J. 11. Yager. (’. S. Niblick, D. W. Beery. J. T. Merryman. R. K. Erwin. A. P. Beatty. Thurman Gott•chalk. Nick Miller, John Reiter. R. J. Holthouse, M. J. Mylott. Chas. D. Teeple, James Haefling, J. C. Johnson. C. C. Schafer, J. W. Bosse, Gijstav Rosenthal, Charles Voglewede. Chas Adlesberger. H. j. Yager, Earl H Adams, Fred Vaughn. Calvin Miller, Shafer Petarson, L. A. Holthouse, Chas. N. Christen. C. L. Meibers, J. B. Meibers, Huber M. DeVoss, Joe Lyman. Milt E. Hower, D. E. Studebaker. Harvey Roop. Harry Fritzinger. H. F. Callow. A. J. Forbing, Frank C. Foreman. Charles Brown, Roy Archbold. Charles Elzey. Jesse D. Dailey. Burt Mangold. Twenty tour of whom are now deceased. The first officers of the Ixrdge Were; H. L. Conter, Exalted Ruler. A. P. Beatty, Leading Kt. D. E. Smith. Loyal Kt. J. T. Merryman, Leet. Kt. C. O. France, secretary. E. X. Ehinger, treasurer. C. C. Ernst, Tyler. The first lodge hall of the order was in the Morrison block, membership increasing steadily until 1925 when these quarters became inadequate for their needs, the lodge then purchased what was

BEST WISHES FOR SUCCESS of the Centennial and a cordial welcome to all our visitors during the big week. We specialize in Dressmaking, Hemstitching. Buttonholes. Join our knitting classes. Vitz Gilt Shop Monroe St. Decatur

Decatur’s First Service Station Since 1919 we have had the pleasure of servicing many of the automobiles in Decatur. Being the first Service Station in operation in Decatur we have grown with the city throughout the years and today offer to the motoring public as fine a service as can be had anywhere. In selecting our products we were careful to choose only the best such as • Tydol Lubricating Gasoline • Veedol Oil made from the finest Pennsylvania Crude Oil • General and Corduroy Tires • Complete line of accessories • Greasing and Lubricating We arc glad to take part in the big Centennial Celebration and congratulate the committee* for the splendid programs arranged. Best wishes for its success. Elberson Service Station Second and Jefferson Streets

then known as the Schafer restI dence on North Second street as I their permanent homo. This home was. and still is one of the show places of the city of which the membership Is justly proud. The purpose of the lodge has been and is the support of ull Civic undertakings and of numerous charities as well as many social events for the membership and their guests, thus exemplifying the motto of the order: "Charity, Justice and Brotherly Love." The present membership is IXO, made up of representative citizens of the community. The present officers are: J. L. Ehler, Exulted Ruler. Hugh Holthouse. Leading Kt. John L. DeVoss, Loyal Kt. Otto Gase. Leet. Kt. L. E. Beal, secretary. Earl B. Adams, treasurer. VETERANS FORM POST IN 1919 Adams Post Os American Legion Organized ShortAfter The War Organization of an American legion post in Decatur was launched August 22. 1919. when ex-serv-ice men met at the Elks’ Hall following their return front the World War. Application for a charter was signed at this meeting and the name Adams post was adopted. The charter was received September 5. 1919. and the local post was offii ially named Adams post no. 43. the American Legion, department of Indiana. First officers of the post were: Elmo A. Smith, commander; Dallas Brown, adjutant; Leo Ehinger, finance officer; Ed Boknecht, Cass Bacon and Carlisle D. Flanders, executive committee. The complete list of post commanders follows: Elmo A. Smith, 1919-20; Dallas Brown. 1920; Charles Saunders and Miles F. Roop. 1921; Joe Laurent. 1922; Charles Langston. 1923; Clarence F. Herber. 1924; Joe McConnell, 1925; Chancey Brokaw, 1926: Paul H. Graham (deceased) 1927; E. F. O’Brien, 1928; L. F. Conter. 1929; L. V. Baker, 1930; Leo Ehinger. 1931; Rev. Harry’ Ferntheil (deceasedl and Ernest Stengel, 1932; David Adams. 1933: Albert Miller. 1934; Tillinon Gehrig 1935; Dee Fryback. 1936. Adams post has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the community. It cooperated with other organizations in establishing playgrounds. The post has for many years sponsored a Boy Scout troop and junior baseball and other youth's activities have been encouraged and actively supported. In 1927, Adams post inaugurated and carried to a successful conclusion a plan to beautify the old cemetery on Winchester street. In cooperation with the city of Decatur, the cemetery was transformed into a beautiful park and has been named American Legion memorial park. It is now maintain-

Recalls Fairs jyifety -■MW fat J. O. Sellemeyer Commodore of the fleet which fa bringing old timers and former Decuturltes from the Pacllice coast to the Centennial. Mr. Sellemeyer lives in Lou Ang-'ltw. He is a member if a pioneer Decatur family, and maxes some Interesting comments on events here long ugo In a short article elsewhere in title issue. ed by the city as part of the park system. Adams post has caused graves of veterans of ull wars to be suitably marked. The post has its own drum corps and in addition sponsors an organization known us the American Legion City Band. Adams post recently purchased the National Hotel, one of Decatur's landmarks, and has converted it into a home for its members. The American Legion auxiliary and the Spanish-American war veterans also occupy this home. Present officers of the post are: Dee Fryback. commander; Ed F. .1 abe rg . first vice-commander; Frank Liniger, second vice-cotn-ntander; David Adams, adjutant; Ralph Roop, finance officer; Floyd B. Hunter, chaplain; Joe Laurent, historian; Raymond B. Kohne. service officer; Tillmon H. Gehrig. Charles Massonne and Charles Burke, executive committee and trustees of the home. MOOSE FORMED HEREIN 1914 Loyal Order Os Moose Formed In Decatur 22 Years Ago Adams Lodge No. 1311. Loyal Order of Moose was organized May 13. 1914, with 51 charter members. Appropriate ceremonies were held this year in commemoration of the 22nd anniversary of the founding of the order. The first officers of the order were: M. E. Hower, past dictator; Herbert Lachot, dictator: S. E. Brown, vice-dictator; Harry Williams. prelate; G. H. McMananA, | secretary: Amos Fisher, treasurer, Charles Magley. George Zimmerman and William Teeple, trustees. The ‘lodge’s first rooms were 10-1 1 rated in the Bowers building on First street, where they remained for eight years. They then moved to the Omlor property on Third stree/ which they retained until 1933, moving to their present modern home at 222 N. Second street. The lodge has a present enrollment of 400 members. Sick benefits paid by the lodge total $28,380 and death payments total $6,000. The lodge also has had an active nart In the maintenance of the Mooseheart home at Mooseheart. : Illinois, where 10 Adams county children have heen enrolled. The six children of the late Walter Wilkinson are now enrolled, as are four children of the late Fred Fogle, of Geneva. Two children. Mildred and Erman Fogle have graduated from the nationally known child city. The lodge has 59 members who I served in the World War. They own their own home, and have total assets amounting to $25,000. HISTORIES OF TOWNS TRACED Adams County Has 13 Towns. Villages Besides Decatur, Berne Adams conntv has 13 towns and villages, exclusive of Decatur and Berne, the leaders in the community life. In the earlier days, when horses were the means of transportation, these numerous villages were highly important in the life of the community. affording a trading center within fairly easy traveling distance for the sparsely settled country. Today, with the greatly improved communication and transportation facilities, these towns and villages have diminished in imi

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT MONDAY, JULY 27. 1936

portance, although remaining nn Integral part of the county’s history. These towns and villages, with the dates of their foundlM or platting. are us follows: Monmouth, the oldest town In ti.e county, platted in 1836. Geneva, Incorporated from three separate towns, Alexander, Buffalo and Limberlost, In 1872; population to 1980 census. 895. Magley, founded In 1882, population in 1930, 11. Peterson, located in 1870 but never platted, 1930 population, 51. Monroe, founded in 1847, 1930 population, 322. Rivarre, now better known as Bobo, platted in 1883. Linn Grove, originally Buena Vis-; ta. founded in 1855, 1930 population 202. Pleasant Mills, founded in 1846, 1930 population 136. Preble, platted in MB4, 1930 population 102. Ceylon, founded in 1873. Williams, founded In 1872.

» it*! ■*" J JOHN NIBLICK

Salem, founded in 1866. Curryvllle. founded In 1880 — * First Fire Chief 82 Years Os Arc Decatur's first fire chief und oldest public servant is still living. He is James Hurst, 1305 W Monroe street, a pioneer resident of this community and retired brick mason and contractor. Mr. Hurst was named fire chief in 1884 by James T. Merryman, first mayor of Decatur. He served in that capacity for about 15 years. Mr. Hurst also served as street commissioner, being appointed in 1892. In 1914. Mr. Hurst was elected to the city council und served four years. He was 82 years old last May. and is deeply interested in civic affairs and city government. Charles "Bob” Robenold is the present fire chief, beginning hla term. January 1, 1935.

96 YEARS of continuous service

In the year 1840—just four years after the founding of Decatur —J. D. Nuttman, one of the founders of the city established the store which we now operate. In 18G6, Jesse Niblick, also one of the pioneers of the city and his son John Niblick purchased the store from Mr. Nuttman. John Niblick being active in the store his entire life until he passed away in the year 1930. Since the year 1866—70 years ago—the name of Niblick has been associated w ith the business. Miss Mary Niblick, long remembered by many, was also active in the store for many years. That it will go on for years is evidenced by the fact that two members of the third generation, Harold Niblick and Mildred Niblick, are active in the store, Dan M. Niblick and Harold Niblick ar<t the present owners of the business. Dan Niblick having spent his entire life in the business. Built on quality, this store continued to grow through generations until today it is the trading center of the entire community and the oldest store in Northern Indiana.

established 1840

at — DAN NIBLICK

I It is a privilege and a pleasure for us to join in the Centennial celebration as we feel we are part of the founders of our city. We pay our respects to those noble men and trust we have carried on as they w ould have wanted us to. Niblick & Co.

RECALLS ADAMS; COUNTY FAIRS!' .1. O. Sellemeyer Writes Interesting Incidents Os Life Here J. O. Sellemeyer. now of Loe An-1 gelte, California, recalls Decatur memories in an interesting letter to., the Democrat in which lie comments as follows; "I presume It is just as well that we skip some of the incident* which happened at the kid age such as playing hookey from school to ride, the fast trains to Ohio City and back via the Clover Leaf and Erie. I the unsolved crimes committed on j Hallowe’en, the swlmmltg lessons In th“ old ewimmin" I’.ole on the Studebaker farm against the wishes of our parents, the gang fights with

1 1 S fl ' I. HAROLD NIBLICK

the Bluffton suitors who came over after our girls on Sunday nights, the black ey.e we got because we ventured West of the G. R. * ■ tracks, the High school football schedule with neighboring towns which the faculty knew noth.ng about and so on and on. "I shall never forget the night ~f the VunCamp mill fire. It was In I the winter and very cold. Our Ilocal firemen lay In the street whi e handling the water hose and 'for their heroic efforts that night lour lumber yard would have gone up I . n smoke along with the biggest aock of lumber we had ever had. ! was sure glad when that fire was tinder control. "Naturally, the three big Northern Indiana fairs 1 helped Col. Reppert ’put on come in for a good share of my memories They were a lot of fun and considerable hard work and plenty of sleepless nights 1 while the fairs were on The 10<» show mid-way. the $1,000.00 stake taces. the free ads, the .stock and

In passing from the old horse and buggy days, when hitching racks were the big accomodations for our customers, we have kept step with the march of, time and now are serving a new generation. A generation youn-f in age but whose names are familiar as> they are carrying on where those ahead of them left' off. These jears have been good to us. Time has enabled us to grow and expand to our present fine store. Always mindful of your w ants, we have upheld the watchword of the founders—“quality"—and have been justly rewarded by your patronage and good-w ill. M e are proud of our record of cortQkuous service and appreciate the fact that we will observe our Centennial in the year 1940.

agricultural shows are a n , B spots to be remembered itlbl . ~W about. ■ I can see now that if |, n ■ ed ull the things that COniß t(j 1 while I sit hack und think v„„ w have to publish several Cent,J Edition* to take cure of mv | " 1 and others that you win get, so lets let it go at that. Sellemeyer and | are going t n kJ there for your party and , meet all old friends we have n t oeen for years and talk things ove, “I’ve got several knot holes i' fence* I want to locate, i also wJ to *ee the place where I went tht the ice und got wet. I’ll have pi„ nl , of land marks to look up and may rest assured I'm g >j ng to p, ’ a good time. If I'm arrested for an,, thing I’ll be seeing you." Signed, J. O. Sellemeyer, o- _ INVITE YOUR FRIENDS DECATUR CENTENNIAL AUGUST 2 to 8

j ill JESSE NIBLICK