The Mail-Journal, Volume 18, Number 6, Milford, Kosciusko County, 25 February 1981 — Page 8

THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., Feb. 25,1981

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Milford's Main Street

WHERE HAS the month of February gone. It doesn’t seem ' possible that today is the 25th and there are only three more days left in this month. —O’LOB MUSSER called test Thursday to report she has tulips and other spring flowers poking their heads above the ground. Sone are one inch high. With all these reports of Robins and flowers can spring be far away? —oWE RECEIVED a very interesting item from Sharon (Dewart) Keller of Indianapolis and decided to print it in this column as we feel it reflects the thoughts of many of our readers It follows: I guess, since this year of IMI.I will be 44 years old. an age which I used to consider being "quite old.” I’ve done a lot of reminiscing about my years growing up in Milford. 1 consider myself very lucky to have grown up in such a dose, warm community and to have such fond memories of IL My one regret b that my own children did not have the opportunity to grow up in a smaller community than Indianapolis. I feel they have mbsed so much. 1 guess that’s why Milford, with all the fond memories, nice people and of course being related to a goodly number there, will always be home to me. I realize with allthe growth in Milford's population, that many will not know who I am or remember any of the ‘‘happy times'* I speak of But then. I hope there are at least a few who are as sentimental as 1 am and probably will always be. One of the first memories I have of "home” is the old brick sidewalks we used to have along Emetine Street where I lived. I think it still may be there. I remember all the spills my two sisters. Marcia and Susanne and my bather. Jan. and I had trying to roller skate on these sidewalks. The big old buckeye trees, which we had three of. were really popular in the fall of the year as the buckeyes started to fall. I tried to hoard as many of these as I could. We used to burn leaves and throw the buckeyes into the fire and they would pop. There used to, be a filling station on the corner. I think Tommy Rensberger owned it and then Mr. Hawkins owned it. As a small girl, 1 remember going there and buying a Coke for a mckle Then on across the street was Augsburger's IGA store I can clearly recall my mom and dad going there and coming home with five-six bags of groceries and spending maybe S2O That was a lot of money then too. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could do that in this day and age? I can still see Babe and John Augsburger — always smiling and always friendly They used to

New volunteers for the Bowen Center

A group of new volunteers and guests from Kosciusko, Marshall and Wabash Counties braved the bad roads and inclement weather to attend the Orientation Program at the Bowen Center on Thursday. Feb 12 Ellyn Barcus, Betty Monroe. Shirley Timmons. Janet Maull. Dorothy E Nelson and Grace Abbott from Kosciusko County; Gordon Smith and Lewis Kuwelius from Marshall County; and Shelly Fitzgerald from Wabash County were shown a film about a typical client of a sample community mental health center similar to the Bowen Center. Coordinator of Volunteer Services Adj Kitt talked briefly on the Bowen Center, its clients, programs and Volunteer Services. > She then conducted a tour of the Bowen Center, its staff and business offices, the library, lounges, art and therapy rooms, video room, the volunteer activities area, the Hair Show. Woodworking Shop, preschool and play-therepy rooms and youth lounges. John George, a mental health worker, then showed the group through the inpatient facilities and described their services. Asa semi-monthly party for the pattents, hosted the the Mental Helath Association of Kosciusko County, had just ended, the group joined the party for refreshments The evening concluded with an informal discussion with Adj Kitt about current volunteer needs. Culbertson reports battery stolen David Culbertson, r 4 Warsaw, reported to Kosciusko County police the theft of a 12-voM battery while bte auto was parted behind the Wawasee High School auto shop. The theft occurred sometime between Sunday, Feb. 15 and Thursday, Feb. is. The battery was valued at

have a soda fountain there at one time, and I can remember Sis and Johnny working there. If I recall names correctly, there was a Leah Ruch and I think Jack Wolferman worked there. I made many trips there for mom. t the penny or two-for-a-penny candy was an incentive to go there for her)! Down the street in the other direction was the park. At this time, that’s all It was —a park. I remember the old "out-houses” there and bow I hated them, (I ’ guess I was always afraid of falling in). There used to be an old wooden merry-go-round there (the push kind). Kids used to lose pennies, nickies and dimes and sometimes quarters under there We always climbed under to see how much money we could find — then right to Augsburger’s. The •, only time we were afraid to go to the park was when the carnival , would come to town. With the carnival were always what we called "gypsys." They’d stay in the park, either in tents or trucks while the carnival was in town. 1 remember seeing them walk by my house on their way to "uptown." I remember how disgusting 1 thought pierced ears were then, because the gypsys had pierced ears. (Yes. mine are. pierced now). Another memory is the old slaughter house that was ’out in the country” at my end of town That was the worst smell ever. I never could understand how those who lived closer to it than I did could stand it. I can barely remember mom and dad and everyone etoe saving all their old tin cans. I think someone must have picked them up. something to do with the war, I think. I can picture my folks using food rationing stamps too. That's not real clear in my mind, but I do remember it. The weekly trips my dad made to Good's Barber Shop are vivid in my mind. Harry and Ethel glad to see me I think they must have always had candy around too —that's why I'd go. Remember the Saturday night drawing uptown? Boy I do! People used to be sure and go to town for the "drawing.” 1 can’t remember, if mom and dad won or not. I remember winning a bicycle one time. I was so proud. The people of Milford always supported events that took place at the school 1 can recall operettas that were put on when 1 was in early grade school 1 remember John and Linda Young and Jonell Judkins as being dancing soldiers in one production I even remember going to a minstrel show at the gym. While in the third grade, a member of our class was was hit by a car on SR 15 and was seriously hurt At the time there were no stoplights at all in Milford Soon after Ted Beer was hurt, stoplights were installed

She stressed the importance and constant need of volunteers to work with staff and clients at at the Bowen Center Anyone interested in volun teering time and talents should contact the Volunteer Services office at the Bowen Center. Vahlde* searched at WWI wll V W W V Syracuse Four Syracuse residents reported ther vehicles glove compartments were searched on Saturday. David L. Gildersleeve. 400 Dolan Drive, Rose Garden Apt. 3, Syracuse, told police that sometime during the night of February 30 someone broke into his locked 1978 Chevy at the Rose Garden Apartments parking lot. His checkbook was taken from his unlocked glove compartment. No damage was set for the vehicle, with 55 damage to the lost checkbook. Bruce Grindle, 112 West North Street. Syracuse, told police sometime during the night someone entered both of his vehicles, parked at his house. The glove compartments of both vehicles were searched with an ashtray stolen from his Mercedes Bens with approximately $3 change inside. The change in the other vehicles' ashtray also disappeared with total damage listed at fit. Dean Mast, 225 West North St , Syracuse, reported both of his vehicles were also entered with nothing reported missing from the gtove compartments although they had been gone through. His vehicles were unlocked. Ruby Beil, 218 Portland St, Syracuse, reported items were removed from her car’s glove compartment and thrown around with the registration taken off the sun visor. Her car was unlocked and no damage occurred.

It takes a lot of good, hardworking people to make things run smoothly and one person 1 remember as one who really kept our school going was Charlie Wetoser. His daughter Joyce and Hasel Estep and 1 helped Charlie after school. We’d use the sweeping compound and sweep each and every room. Going to the show on Saturday afternoon or Saturday night in Milford at the theatre run by Ritters was always the hit of the week. For 25 cents or so we’d watch Hop-A-Long Cassidy or Roy Rogers and Dale Evans ride off into the sunset after a heroic battle. That’s when we all knew who was sweet on whom, because they'd sit together and hold hands. While in the fifth grade. Mary Jane Betowanger, our teacher, always kept us busy with some sort of craft work. We made totem poles that year which we carved from wood. 1 still am the proud owner of a nice scar which 1 got from carving that totem pole. She always used to read us “Judy Bolton” mysteries. Another person who was always super with all the kids in town was porthea Groves, the librarian. (Her name is Kerlin now). She’d always have time to tell me about a good book that she thought I'd like. I even learned to dance in the basement of the library The Longs from Warsaw came to Milford on Saturdays and taught a dance class Trick or Treating was always a big deal for us. I can remember going trick or treating for at least a week before Halloween. Everyone did it then and no one objected. Boy. I know now how I hate to see it come one night a week. Os course it is for kids, I realize that. Selling Girl Scout cookies was always something I looked forward to. When I was a Brownie, Lois Beer was our leader and we weren't allowed to sell Girl Scout cookies then. She always had the patience of Job Then we flew up to Girl Scouts and Mrs Blake had charge of us — and now we could sell cookies — 50 cents a box I'm sure I ate as many as I sold Then there was 4-H. 1 don’t know how Mary Duncan had any , time to herself for all the time she put into 4-H. She surely dedicated herself to the young girls of Milford. She was always organizing something for us. a Junior Leadership confenence at Purdue or skating parties at Columbia City. I learned a lot from Mary, as I know did many others. Then there were the baton lessons from Betty Bray which Dixie Scott and I took. Betty would take us to baton twirling contests and really encouraged us Later on in high school. Dixie and I were both drum majors for the band 1 used to have this great love for horses and re* By used U> "bug” Bill Little’s father Mack to let me ride his horse “Champ.” Finally Mack told me I could buy Champ, but my dad wouldn’t have any part of a horse. Then Sis Augsburger taught me to ride her "FMcka.” Funny how I lost my desire to own a horse after 1 saw all you bad to do to keep one. Flicks could even count, and that really impressed me. At that time. Sis, Ctorana Hartter and Nancy Campbell were my idols because they all rode horses all the time. One very pleasant thing 1 recall about Milford, is how when someone in the community had a misfortune occur, everyone was right there to pitch in and help I remember farmers getting together to help out a fellow farmer in distress. It’s very hard to find that sort of feeling in a large city about one another I can reaiy appreciate the young boys and girls with paper rentes. As a chid I had a route. Ou those coM wiwtery nights, it sure was a long bicycle ride to the other side of town where Rinks lived. I would pick up my papers at Craftous station on SR IS. Some days I’d try to coo my uncle Bill (Ora) into taking me in Ms car. He did a few times, but usually I’d end up fighting the elements alone. One thing I.feel certain that most of us back then were guilty of was going to Walters Drug Store and reading comic books. Kenny Ryman used to yell at us all the time for doing it, (and not buying them)! Going way back to the second grade. Kathryn Graff was our teacher. 1 guess what sticks in my mind most about that year was ear "Rhythm Band.” I remember I always got stuck playing the "sticks” to keep the rhythm. I always wanted to ptey the triangle. but I think Nancy Templin pteyed that Mbs Graff had a younger sister, Phylb.

who was in the “big" band (high school). Phyllis played the drums and once in a while she’d bring her drams into our room and let us ail play them, with her supervision of course. Then there were the trips to Becky Bates’ house for my “dreaded” piano lessons. She was a dear lady and I am so grateful to her that I now can play and really enjoy my music. She travelled to Indianapolis many times accompanying me in state vocal contests. I will never forget her. Church played a very big role in my growing up years. My parents saw to it that we were aO in church every Sunday. I am so thankful for that having been the base for my life. Like everyone ebe. I’ve tripped every once in a while along life's pathway, but I do know that God is always there. I still really enjoy coming back home and going to the Christian Church. I remember the times I teased Leatrice Rapp and then Johnny Augsburger about the fact that they had all girls (This was long before I married). Then what do I go and do later in life — have three daughters!!! Served me right!!! I wbh I had kept track of all the weddings I have sung in for my friends there in Milford. Music has always been a very important part of my life. I only wbh I had done more with it. There was the drum quartet, which somehow I got conned into playing the cymbob for. with Bernie Beer. Lowell Beer and Fritz Graff. Anyone remembering those three has got to know some of the good times we had with quartet Being a “town” girl and not knowing much about farm life, 1 really learned a lot when I'd stay all night with Twilla Morehouse or Dixie Scott, who lived on farms — trying to milk cows, feed the pigs and chickens or collect eggs. I guess I wouldn’t have made a very good farm girl. Going into my Grandfather Dewart’s orchard with him when he picked apples or peaches or when he fertilized really made me appreciate how much work went into keeping an orchard. People used to come from all over to hb orchard. I remember the train thatused to come right down the middle of town The track was there for years after the train stopped using it. Then there was the Melody Case where we went to “go out to eat." When we were in junior high. Mrs. Young would ask several of the girb in our class to help serve at the alumnae banquet. Ulis was always a big thrill for me. I know, they used to have bands and a big dance after the meal and the meeting. 1 couldn’t wait till I could go to it myself. One person who 1 remember most about those alumnae banquets is Guy Zimmerman, who used to ring as part of the entertainment. I always thought he looked like Andy Murphy. Then there was Bike and Fritz. Who can forget them, as teachers and coaches'* I remember that dreaded day when we were no longer sixth graders and we were going “upstairs** for the first time. Boy. was I scared of al those “big” kids! Who can forget all the assembly programs we had? Those poor teachers trying to keep some sort of order. I would have to say the fondest memories of all those that 1 have of the school were the spring and fall concerts and the Christinas programs with Mr. Judkins direct'ag ns in band and chorus. I especially like the “live" Christmas tree we did. When we were in junior high, everyone kept telling us that when we got into high school, Miss Kantner was really mean We were all scared to death of her until we finally had her as a teacher and loved her. She had taught many of our own parents. Summers at home were always most enjoyable for most of ns. I had lots of hm worktag at Mac’s Drive In with Joyce Wrisser, Jeri Bushong, Judy Arimo, Jonell Judkins and I tada Young, to name a few. We worked for 59

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cents an hour and then some of us got maybe 75 cento an hour, plus maybe $2-$3 a night in tips. We thought we were rich. On a warm summer’s evening, there was always plenty of dancing at Dewart Lake at the pavillion. Kids were there from all over spending the summer. Sock hops after the basketball games were always something I’d look forward to. It was a means of releasing our energies in a good, safe, clean way. Although when Elvis came along, many of our parents thought he was absolutely disgusting. Then the guys started wearing the tight jeans and hair styles similar to Elvis*. During the summers, another night we all looked forward to, was Wednesdays when we'd all pile into our parents’ car (borrowed) and go to Tippy Dance Hall for the record hop with someone like Bob Seivers from WOWO. What a thrill it was for me to be elected cheerleader my senior year with O’Dean Bleile and Dixie Scott. The county tourneys at Warsaw, eating at the Humpty Dumpty and meeting kids from all over Kosciusko County. My sophomore year Dennis Rumfelt and Bob O’Blennb and I were "second team" cheerleaders. The class of 1959 was the first

It happened ... in Syracuse

19 YEARS AGO. FEB. 17.1971 Members of the Shady Ladies Bunco Chib at Syracuse held a dinner Thursday evening at the Kale Island Beacon President Mrs. Tom Robinson was presented a corsage from the group. Following dinner, members held their business meeting at the home of Mrs. Ralph Kammerdiener at which time Mrs. Hubert Dunithan was elected president and Mrs. Don Hapner, secretary-treasurer. Miss Chris Xanders, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Xanders of 178 North Shore Drive, Syracuse, was initiated into Delta Gamma Sorority. Delta Beta Chapter at the University of Kentucky Chris, a jtmior at the university, is majoring in physical education. The Syracuse Business, and Professional Women's club held their February meeting last week with 30 members in attendance. Initiation was held for 14 new members and a memorial was held for Mrs. W. G. Connolly. It was announced a memorial bookcase is being purchased to be placed in the Syracuse Public Library for books given in memory. Edwin L. Leitch, son of Mrs. Jerry Ray of Syraucse, is currently serving in Korea. 29 YEARS AGO, FEB. IC. 19C1 Open house at Kell’s Garage in Wawasee Village Saturday at 8 o’clock will include dancing and refreshments. Lyle Kell opened his new auto service station January 3. Working with him are his brother Francis of Maywood, Illinois, Harry Watson, Larry Read and Larry Haviland. The new building is located west of the Village Music Center. Gregory and Robert Smith, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Orrin Smith, will be in Indianapolis Friday to sen e as pages in the senate of the Indiana Legislature They will be the guests of Senator Chester Watson of Allen County. Mr. and Mrs. Lee Good of Bonar Lake were hosts for the February meeting of the Tire slashed at ’ garden center Orris Schaffer of the Wawasee Village Lawn and Garden Center, Syracuse, reported someone slashed the left front tire on the U-Haul truck parked in front of his business during the night of February 20 Damage was set at SIOO. Color Wedding & Special Event Photography mples Show n On Reqwesl 457-2541 /457-4131 — Syracuse

class to receive their class rings in their junior year. Always before, you hadto wait till your senior year. The next year we all (28) went to Denver, Colo., on our ’ senior trip. I’m sorry that the kids can’t do that anymore. It was really an experience There are some advantages to smaller classes. It’s good to come back and still see Mr. Young, looking just the same as always. He was school principal for most of the years I was in school. < Os course, there was the beach at Milford Lake. People came there from miles around ... I remember when the hill was three times bigger than it is now. Our parents always warned us of the “drop-off." Whenever there was a party, either at home or church. Donna Fisher’s doughnuts always managed to be there. Just recently, after my Grandfather Amos Om passed away, Donna remembered that as a young gal I really liked her doughnuts, and brought some to my brother Jon’s home for us. I couldn’t possibly write of everyone who I have such fond memories of in Milford, it would take forever. 1 just am so grateful for the wonderful folks of Milford, Ind., who will be lifetime friends of mine!

Syracuse Saddle Club for a skating party and pot luck supper with cards for those who didn’t skate. Plans for the annual horse show were discussed during the business meeting. Mrs. Carrie Spry has returned from spending a week in Palos Park, Illinois with her daughter, Mrs. N. Ottavi and granddaughter, Mrs. Ev Ganz. 30 YEARS AGO. FEB. IS. 1951 John Kroh. Syracuse High School senior, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Kroh, spent Tuesday in Indianapolis where he acted as page boy at the Indiana State legislature. Mr. Noble C. Blocker, cashier of the State Bank of Syracuse, today announced receipt from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Washington. D C. of a new certificate of membership giving effect to the recent increase in insurance coverage to SIO,OOO. The State Bank of Syracuse has been a member of FDIC since 1934. Ralph Wysong of South Bend, son of Mr. and Mrs. Milt Wysong of Syracuse, has been awarded the Silver Beaver, highest award given to adult leaders in Boy Scout work. He is at present Scout Commissioner in the South Bend area He started as a Boy Scout in 1912 and has been connected with Scout work since that time in all capacities. The Wild Rose Patrol. Giri Scouts, met Feb. 12th at the home of Mrs Gerold Kline A short

Z COLOR CARTOON FESTIVAL MEXICAN BOARDERS - Speedy Gonzales AQUA DUCT - Daffy Duck DAFFY'S DINNER - Daffy Duck SPEEDY AND DAFFY — Speedy Gonzales & Daffy Duck AND DON KNOTTS SfcafcfeST GWi to the West* Dea Knotts, Barters Rteodes “ Uaivoreai; Directed By Alan Roflun ~ Color; PreteWy Rated G, A-l; 101 Mhwtos How doos a frontier dentist who only wanted to set up shop in a Western town the gffy k, 1890 s get involved with Indians gun runners Cl ‘ and a beautiful redhead’ Don Knotts will show you how. A million laughs as Don fractures the "Frontier" with hts'skk shooter." • wX FRIDAY IS fl Mt? ...p~ FAMILY NIGHT MrS ■ •P.M.CAC We invite you to come and worship Him with us at the Christian Church. We would welcome your presence I ■ • Sunday School — 9:30 A.AA. • Morning Worship Services — 10 30 A.M. (Services For All Ages. Nursery Through Adult) • Sunday Evening Services At 7 PJA. • Family Night Bible Study — ‘ 7 F.AA. Wednesday ■b. ■» A ssr-U-Corl Shearer rreo tVqhs AAWmT’ Associate Minister Milford Christian Church Fourth And Henry Streets 658-9151 Milford S • ——— r

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business meeting was opened by President Connie Sudlow. 50 YEARS AGO. FEB. 19.1931 From accounts in newspapers in Silver City, New Mexico, it would seem that Dale Shock is playing basketball out there where he is attending school. He is on the Silver City Mustang's team, which has one game ahead of them, winning of which would give them the championship of the southwest Pupils of the Third Grade held a surprise birthday party for the teacher, Miss Ruth Tiedt, Tuesday afternoon. After recess they asked her if she would please step into the office until called When she returned the

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roam six small boys equipped with paddles greeted her, and paddled her because it was her birthday. Then a program was given which the pupils had planned themselves, and refreshments were served. Mrs. Meredith and second grade pupils were guests at the party, and Miss Tiedt received many nice birthday presents. Announcement is being made today of the marriage of Jesse Shock and Helen Stookey on Jan. 24th, at the home of Mrs. Shock s cousin, Mrs. Canfield, LaPorte, Ind. Miss Cloy Darr entertained her Sunday school class at a Valentine party last Saturday evening at her home.