The Mail-Journal, Volume 8, Number 43, Milford, Kosciusko County, 24 November 1971 — Page 17

/ Sports / Editorials

VOLUME 8

Bank Has Been A Dynamic Factor In Milford's Growth

Community banking has been a moving force in the town of Milford from its beginning. when the town was laid out by Judge Aaron M. Perine in April 1836. While early bank efforts were either lost or failed to be recorded, the first bank to serve the community with a dynamic thrust was the Miles & Higbee bank, owned and operated by Preston F. Miles and Edwin W. Higbee While the dates of this bank s origin are not known, old records of The Milford Mail, the new weekly newspaper serving the community, show advertisements for the banking firm of Miles & Higbee in its December 1888 issue. The bank was operated as the Miles & Higbee bank until the early 1920’s when Mr. Higbee died and the bank was reorganized to become the Citizens State Bank. Old timers recall that there were few banking laws those days, and that bankers “looked a creditor in the eye" to determine whether or not he was a good credit risk. It would appear Messrs. Miles and Higbee were good judges of character, for their institution flourished as the town of Milford grew. The bank made room in its small quarters for the Milford public library which was orgainized in December 1907, with a small amount of books Frank S. Keehn became cashier of the Citizens State Bank after it was organized, and he served in that capacity until his death in the early 19305. At that time John R Robinson became cashier and held that post until August 1939 when Carlyle D. Barnes sold his interest in The Milford Mail, and became cashier in the bank Barnes later moved up to vice president, and following the merging and consolidation with the First National Bank of Warsaw, he became vice president and manager of the Milford Office of that bank Mr Barnes retired in 1965. and in the last several years Gordon Brubaker has been vice president and manager of the Milford Office, with Mrs Donald (Hazel* Charlton as assistant cashier Mrs. Hurd Is Hostess For Columbians The Columbian Reading Circle of Milford met at the home of Mrs Eudora Hurd Monday night with 12 members and two guests. Mrs Paul Sands and Mrs. Robert Reed present. The Chrismas committee announced the party would be held at the Westminster Hotel at Winona Lake. The meal will be served at 7 pm. and a gift exchange will be held. The program was given by Mrs Edith Baumgartner who gave a review of the poem "Evangeline” written by Longfellow Refreshments of date cake with whipped cream and coffee were served Fellowship Class Elects Officers The Fellowship class of the Syracuse Church of God met for a Thanksgiving dinner with turkey and all the trimmings last week at the home of Mrs. Vivian Priddy with 15 in attendance Donald Nine was elected president for the ensuing year with other officers as follows: Vice president — Mrs. Walter Williams Secretary — Mrs. Priddy Treasurer — Mrs. Donald Nine Walter Williams led in prayer to open the meeting followed by devotions by Mrs. Glenn Torrance by reading Mark 6:4-6 and also "The Pulpit and the Pew." Various reports were heard and announced the Christmas meeting would be with Rev. and Mrs. Walter Burcham A gift change will be held and also the class will remember the sick and shut-ins with Christmas gifts. Mrs Nine will have devotions The meeting was dismissed with prayer by Victor Yeager followed by a game during the social hour of individual Thanksgiving poems or real life CXptrWfKXA.

Hfli o**’® EnQ sHHfli M |n|H ■ Mia I I Hi 1 M i BL I P CLASSIC BANK FACADE — This classic design, with its brick and ornamental stone work at the top and above the door, made the newly re organized Citizens State Bank of Milford one of the most attractive in the area in the early 19205. With Frank S. Keehn as its cashier, the bank prospered. Upon his death. John R. Robinson became cashier until August 1939 when the bank was reorganized again and Carlyle D. Barnes became cashier. This building served as the Milford Office of the First National Bank of Warsaw from its merger and consolidation on January 31.1959 until the present time. IBBrMILES»mGBE£I MILES & HIGBEE BANK — Late in the 19th century and early in the 20th century one of the most influential banks in the area was the Miles & Higbee bank in Milford. Few Milford townsmen can recall the bank or its owners, but Carlyle D. Barnes, who later became vice president and manager of the Milford bank foltowing its consolidation with the First National Bank of Warsaw, can remember it well. ■ In fact, it was Mr. Barnes who came up with this picture post card, circa about 1912. Mr. Barnes recalls this picture being taken at a Miltord Day celebration, and slates the sign in the window was while and red onions, locally grown west of Milford. Shown in the photo above from left are Edwin W. Higbee, president: Norman J. Groves, teller; Villa Bowers, librarian; Donald Kleder. cashier; and Robert Higbee, assistant cashier.

FIRST CUSTOMER — Arch -Baumgartner, left, is being congratulated by Gordon Brubaker, a First National Bank vice president and manager of the bank's Milford office, as he became the first customer of the bank's new drive-up window. Looking out of the bank window is teller Pat Hackdorth.

Mali ® Joarnal

Con.ol.dat.on of THE MILFORD MAIL 1888) and THE SYRACUSE - WAWASEE JOURNAL (Eu. 1907)

WEDNESDAY’, NOVEMBER 24, 1971

■ CHECKING REPORTS —Jo C Paxton. CPA and cashier of the First National Bank of Warsaw, and Gordon Brubaker, vice president and manager of the bank’s Milford office are shown here going over a report in Brubaker's office.

It Happened In . .. Milford, Indiana34||fi hem Taken From The Files Os B The Milford Mail fl

14 YEARS AGO, NOV. 28.1957 Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wuthrich have sold their Milford home to Gerald Martin, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Martin. They will give possession Feb. 1, 1958. Twelve friends of Dana Sue Levemier enjoyed a wiener roast and slumber party at the Levemier home Friday night in honor of her 12th birthday. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Schultz. John and Paula, will be dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Ned McCammon at Cromwell on Thanksgiving day. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kizer and Jan of the Melody Case will be Thanksgiving day guests of Mrs. Kizer's mother, Mrs. Kelen Longfellow, at Edwardsburg, Mich. The Milford Trojans suffered their second loss Friday night when they played the Etna Green Cubs at Etna Green, with a final score of 76 to 39. The annual family party of the Busy Homemakers club was held at the Women’s building on the Warsaw fairgrounds Friday evening with a carry-in supper. Roy Arnold, Milford, was struck by a car as he and his wife vacationed in Florida. He received injuries of a broken leg and pelvis. 24 YEARS AGO. NOV. 26,1947 Miss Patricia Baumgartner was the guest of honor at a bridal shower given by her aunt, Mrs. Herbert Baumgartner Thursday evening. Mr. and Mrs. Earl Tom left by auto Monday morning for New Smyrna Beach, Fla., where they will spend the winter months. " Miss Helene Lentz, who has been seriously ill with pneumonia for the past four weeks, has recovered. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon for Thomas Hurd, 15-year-old pon of Dr. and Mrs. Eldon R. Hurd. Mrs. John Saylor gave a party Saturday honoring the fifth birthday anniversary of her daughter, Sharon. Mr. and Mrs. Willard Conn entertained their euchre club Wednesday evening with 16 attending. Mrs. Clinton Bushong returned home Sunday from a two weeks visit with her daughter. Mrs. Philip Leonard and other relatives at Niles. Mich. Jeannie Hall and Jimmie Rumfelt are back in school after an absence on account of illness. Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Little went to Bloomington Wednesday after Bill Little who is a student at Indiana university. He will be home for Thanksgviing vacation. 39 YEARS AGO. NOV. 27.1941 Mr. and Mrs John Davidsen were called to Battle Creek, Mich., Monday, by the serious illness and death of her brother. Mrs. Charles Traster was

returned home from the McDonald hospital Tuesday morning where she had been a patient for about two weeks following surgery. Tuesday, Nov. 25, Mr. and Mrs. Amos Om observed their 25th wedding anniversary. Mrs. Agnes Neff is assisting in the care of her sister, Mrs. Cleo W. Kline, who is in poor health due to complications, Chester Fowler accepted employment at the Kingsbury munitions plant recently. He makes the trip to and from Kingsbury daily. Following their public sale Saturday, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Krauter will move to the Abe Roth farm, north of Goshen, which they recently purchased. Local stores are beginning to decorate their windows and counters in recognition of the coming of Christmas. On Monday, Mr. and Mrs. J. Lincon Martin quietly celebrated their 49th anniversary of married companionship. 40 YEARS AGO. NOV. 26.1931 Mr. and Mrs. Charles Druckamiller of Elkhart spent Friday with Mr. and Mrs. Roy Tully north of Milford. Mrs. Ellen Miller who has been quite ill and who suffered a relapse Thursday night has not shown much improvement. Burris Sharp, who injured his foot last week, was unable to play in the game with Etna Green Friday night. A party celebrating the birthdays of Mrs. E. E. McClintic of Syracuse and Link Martin of Milford was held at the McClintic home recently. Fire of unknown origin, discovered one morning last week, completely destroyed a 36 by 70 foot barn on the farm of George Thomas, four miles southwest of Milford. About 50 friends and neighbors donated their services on Monday to Mrs. Andrew Wuthrich when they shucked approximately 30 acres of corn. Because of the fields being wet. the cornpicker could not be used. Conrad Auer was a dinner guest of his son. George Auer and family on Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Hartter spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. William Levi of Fort Wayne. The Milford theatre was packed to full capacity for the opening show Monday night. The company will remain here all week.

Plan To Attend The Bank ’s Open House Friday, Nov. 26 9 a.m. Until 6 p.m. IL.M ■bl 4 I Br ’\r - - • .., « ’ -■■ ■ ■ - rfC. * * U i ■ I W' ' ' ■<•*'’ *■*’ | X M M v Bl I a '' 11 V I i JL Wx ▼ Bi 11 ■ f ■ JMHT -j -|- s 4-, J| t | I I M 11 I 11-w ki'H J! *-!■ ■■ U ' «* B »■■"* VISIT MILFORD BANK — Members of the board of directors of the First National Bank of Warsaw inspected both inside and outside remodeling during their recent visit to the Milford office. , Shown above, left to right, are Gordon Brubaker, vice president and manager of the Milford / office: Ross Sittier, a member of the board of directors and bank consultant; Alvin T. Rockhill, director; Thomas R. Walter, director; Robert Merkle, director; George H. Lenke, chairman of the board; and William E. Hadley, director and bank president.

JBWI SOMETHING OF BEAUTY — This beautiful hibiscus tree has found a new home in the window of the newly remodeled office of the First National Bank in downtown Milford. For years the tree has graced the front window of the Brittsan building located next to the post office in downtown Milford.

1 CARLYLE D. BARNES — Following the re-organization of the Citizens State Bank of Milford in August 1939. Carlyle D. Barnes. above, became cashier and later moved up to vice president and continued to serve in that capacity with Sam E. Ellison as president of the bank. Mr. Barnes was elected vice president and manager of the Milford Branch (later changed to Milford Office) of the First National Bank of Warsaw following its merging and consolidation on January 31. 1959. Mrs. George (Pearl) Haab was retained as assistant cashier and Miss Carol Weisser (now Mrs. Robert Kaiser) as assistant bookkeeper.

/ Local Photos / Spot News

- X EDWIN W. HIGBEE — One of the moving forces in Milford late in the 19th century and early in this century was Edwin W. Higbee, above, who ran a highly successful banking house with Preston F. Miles. The firm was called Miles & Higbee, Bankers. No one appears to know when the bank was founded, but The Milford Mail was running general banking advertisements for them in December 1888. and their advertisement appears in a town directory dated 1892. Mr. Miles had a number of other business interests in the Milford area, and had considerable real estate holdings. Following the death of Mr. Higbee in the early 19205, the Citizens State Bank of Milford was organized with Frank S. Keehn as cashier, he served in that capacity until his death in the 19305.

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