The Mail-Journal, Volume 12, Number 31, Milford, Kosciusko County, 27 August 1975 — Page 8

THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., Aug. 27,1975

8

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The Dixie Boat, a Webster tradition

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THE SHIP’S CAPTAIN — Ernest “Tag” Huffman smiles as he steen the Dixie and speaks of his IS yean at the helm. He enjoys the satisfaction and interest everyone shows.

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By ANN WICKERSHAM The Dixie has paddled around North Webster Lake for 46 years, being a historical landmark on the lake and captain Ernest “Tag” Huffman wouldn’t have it any other way. There has been a paddle boat on the lake since 1910. In 1914, captain Joe Breek, came up from the Ohio river and built a wood hull boat. In 1929, tired of caulking the boat each year, he decided a steel hull boat would be more practical. He had the boat shipped in from Saint Louis. It came in four sections. It was hauled from Leesburg to North Webster byhorse and wagon, put together and slipped in the water at Webster Lake. New Owners In 1941 Jay Knapp bought the boat and operated it until 1949. Earl Ungericht operated the boat from 1949-1960, when Huffman purchased the boat on contract after a year’s apprenticeship under Ungericht Captain Huffman was about ready to retire after 20 years in the navy and wondering what he would do. One day, while visiting his brother and watching the Dixie pull away from the dock, he became interested. Ungericht saw his ability to handle the boat and his avid interest and agreed to sell on a 12 year contract. When Huffman returned to his navy unit, the word of his purchase spread and on retirement, they presented his with a captain's hat, which he has worn every time he steers the Dixie. Huffman says his hat is a symbol. Extensive Repairs During the years, many repairs have been made to the boat.

3 ORIGINAL PADDLEWHEEL BOAT - The first paddlewheel boat on Lake Webster around 1919. used for excursions. It was called the City of Webster.

No quorum at hearing

There was no quorum at the public hearing Monday night at the Milford town hall and, there were do taxpayers present. The proposed tax levy is 92.21 and would raise 932,157. 'Die current rate is 92.16. v The rate was based on an assessed valuation of 91.418,090. This has since been certified by the county auditor’s office as being 91.448.820 and will lower the levy before the final approval is given by the state board of tax commissioners. Attending the meeting were

MARISES ST ) TOWN A UK SHOP /'Fashion Center Os The Lake Area" J \ S SWIM SUIT H®K'\ ;! HEADQUARTERS prM > ! —Catalina ? / \ '! [ — Rose Marte Reed — Cole of California MF*Sr!> V ! ’ 1 [ — Bobbie Brooks QjvTM . VV; — Kamehameha (Hawaiian) \ Daily 9-7; Sundays 10-4 /

Huffman states, “The boat requires a tremendous amount of maintenance and prices of material continue to rise.” There have been four paddle boats in the area discontinued, due to lack of repair.

I 3E13 ' _ ' V- i i L.~_ ■ - pmg . V wliESi ad 1 « THE FIRST DIXIE — A boat with a wood hull, built by captain Joe Breek in 1914 and operated until 1929.

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THE DIXIE TODAY — The Dixie boat, powered by its own paddle and a diesel engine, hns an electric generator. It is believed to be the oldest of its kind operating in the state that b not screw driven. It will accommodate 200 persons.

town board member Mrs. Bessie Sunthimer and clerk-treasurer Harry Schultz. COLUMBIA CITY WOMAN TAKEN TO HOSPITAL Mrs. Enos (Phyllis) Call. 48. r 3 Columbia City, was taken by Syracuse ambulance to the Columbia City hospital on Tuesday evening after slipping on a board at the Enchanted Hills pool. Mrs. Call complained of a possible broken or sprained right ankle. The team splinted the ankle.

The Dixie weighs 30 tons, is 65 feet long. 16 feet wide, with an eight foot red paddle wheel to propel the boat. It provides a scenic tour of the lake for residents of the northeastern part of the state.

I Lakeland |Sc/tooZfl| | Lunchll |Afenu(] LAKELAND COMMUNITY SCHOOLS September 2-5 TUESDAY — Ravioli casserole, tossed salad, bread and butter, apple crisp, orange juice and milk WEDNESDAY - Hamburger sandwich, buttered potatoes, fruit salad, brownies and milk THURSDAY - Creamed chicken on biscuits, mashed potatoes, buttered green beans, raw carrot circles, bread and butter, ice cream and milk FRIDAY — Fish sandwich, potato salad, tomato wedges, cherry cobbler and milk

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No Pollution The boat creates very little pollution or disturbance on the lake. Huffman says “There is less exhaust than with a speed boat and there’s less residue on the lake.”

I K 6 JOINS SALES STAFF — Skylark Realty b prond to announce the addition of Cathy Marsh to Its sales staff. She b a 1968 graduate of Syracuse high school and recently passed the state real estate exam. Having lived in the Syracuse area and for the past year worked as sales secretary of Skylark Realty, she is well qualified and informed as to the real estate values in the lake area. Cathy is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Virgil C. Smith of r 2 Syracuse. • 0

Children around the lake demand he toot the whistle and blink the lights to people on shore. This has become a tradition and not only children but adults expect it. Huffman, a Winchester native says, “When I was a child, I attended a small Methodist church and I can remember the children attending church camp

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at Lake Webster, returning with tales of the ride on the paddle boat.

Chris Craft Boats ' Parts Service Franchised Representative MACY'S