The Mail-Journal, Volume 19, Number 45, Milford, Kosciusko County, 24 November 1982 — Page 1
Phones: 658-4111 & 457-3666
VOLUME 19
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CHRISTMAS CHEER — Syracuse merchants are getting ready for the holiday season in style. Pictured in this Christmas card photo are Linda Crow. Star Store; Curtis. Curtis Electronics, Jeannie Gardiner, retail merchants president; and Santa Claus (Butch Plikerd). The merchants are getting a head start with gift giving, scheduled to get underway when Santa arrives in Syracuse this Sunday, Nov. 28. Santa will visit the Syracuse merchants from 12 p.m. to 4 and will be at the Scout Cabin until 6 p.m. that evening. When Santa arrives, he’ll be greeted by the Syracuse Elementary fifth grade special choir who will be caroling in the community that evening. (Photo bv Garv Lewis)
Time to expect snow It’s time to start expecting some snow, according to Goshen College weather observer Lores Steury. He explained that records show some big snows in occurring in November. Steury says that possibly the most paralyzing storm came in November of 1950 when we received over 10 inches in a six-day period The average snowfall for the month is 3.2 inches while the most received in any November has been 11.1 inches. Other parts of the United States receive much more snow than Northern Indiana The Ranier Paradise Ranger Station in the state of Washington set the record for the most snow in one season when 1,122 inches fell in the winter of 1971-72 The most snow to fall in one storm was on Mount Shasta in California with 189 inches The most snow in one 24-hour period was 75.8 inches at Silver Lake in Colorado Tamarack. Calif, holds the record for having the most snow on the ground with a depth of 451 inches • Steury said that although the snow is time consuming and hazardous, it still is pretty Each snowflake is different and beautiful.
Next meeting Dec. 8 — Engineers to work on Webster sewage system
The North Webster Town Board held a special meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 17, with North Shore Public Utilities At that meeting the board decided to reschedule its regular meeting for December, from December 1 to December 8. President Howard Bemish would be unable to attend the meeting on December 1. Also at the November 17 meeting, the new town board member. Robert Breyer, was sworn in by the town’s attorney. Rex Reed _ After much discussion, it was decided that the town and the utility company would each turn the problems of excess infiltration, inflow and grit over to their respective engineering firms These engineers will then get together and bring back to the board a proposal to help settle the problem, which may mean testing all sewage systems in town and in Epworth Forest to discover where the problem is
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Consolidation of THE MILFORD MAIL (Est. 1888) and THE SYRACUSE • WAWASEE JOURNAL (Est. 1907)
originating President Bemish asked board members. Larry Keim and Robert Breyer to assume some of the specific responsibilities of the board. Keim accepted responsibility for sewage, streets and storms sewers and Breyer will take responsibility for the police department, including trying to set up a system of reserve officers and dispatching; insurance; and tourism President Bemish, along with continuing work on the problem with North Shore Public Utilities, will take responsibility of working with the town clerktreasurer. Eve Payne on the License branch to close early The Syracuse License Branch personnel announce the branch will close Wednesday, Nov. 24. at 12:30, for Thanksgiving. On Friday and Saturday the branch will operate with normal hours.
Roberts wins notional honors
Brian Roberts, from Syracuse, has won the National Future Farmers of America Crop Proficiency Award for 1982. He is 20-years old and a sophomore at Purdue University. Brian's farming career started at age eight on the family farm near Syracuse. At age 15 he was leasing 120 acres of farm ground on his own. and now he leases and farms 952 acres of corn and soybeans Requirements for the award, which he has won. begin with actual production of an agricultural crop each year while the student is enrolled in vocational agriculture. He was required to maintain accurate records on production inputs and crop production, with factors such as yield per acre and
budget and keeping on top of finances The board discussed joining the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission, and plan to ask Dan Richards of the plan commission, to come to the December 8 meeting The town board read a letter from Township Trustee Richard Mitchell stating that he and the Township Advisory Board want to set up another meeting with the town regarding dispatching The board decided that it would meet with the township advisory board following the December 8 meeting, after which an executive session will be held to discuss personnel.
To flush hydrants Members of the Milford Water Department will be flashing hydrants starting at midnight w both Thursday and Friday.
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 24,1582
BRIAN ROBERTS improved practices being some of the deciding factors in the selection of the award winner. Brian plants 760 acres of corn and 192 acres of soybeans on the land he leases He also leases all of the equipment necessary for the farming operation. He implemented irrigation on his corn acreage to increase yields. He says, “My vocational agriculture classes have given me new ideas to incorporate into my farming " Farm records show his net worth increasing from 811,000 to a current value of 834.000. Delay Daycare Center move The move of the Lakeland Daycare Center, which had been expected to take place on Saturday, Nov. 20, has been delayed due to water problems at the new center site. According to Carol Hurd. Daycare Center director, the water department is working to pinpoint where the problem is and then solve the problem. As soon as the situation has been taken care of the staff at the center will again begin to plan a move. Neighboring users of city water are not affected by this problem.
An era passes as .. . — Old buildings in Milford ready for wrecker's ball
By DEB FOX Soon another old two-story building linking Milford to the past will be torn down under the extending arm of the huge back hoe belonging to Darrell Custer. The old two-story opera house, located on the west side of Main Street near the corner of Eineline Street, will live no more. It has served its purpose and plans call for it to be replaced with a modem structure which will house a doctor’s office. In addition to the old 44-foot frontage building, a two-story 22foot front brick building and a two-story brick house will also be razed. The brick building, to the north of the opera house, housed numerous businesses and the home to the immediate south was the home of a number of Milford
Indiana will begin to sparkle as lights go on!
With the Thanksgiving holiday this week end, many area ' residents will enjoy an extra long ■ holiday. For those searching for fc’opetlung to do this week end, the following events may be of interest: On Friday. Nov. 26, the world’s 1 largest Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be held at Monument Circle in Indianapolis. The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. and include a choral presentation, ice skating festivities and the lighting of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. There is ho admission charge and for more information, contact Mary Huggard or Sid Weedman at (317 ) 637-1359. A little closer to home sees the Christmas celebration at the old fort in Historic Old Fort Wayne. The event runs Friday and Saturday, Nov. 26 and 27. and involves a nostalgic interpretation of Christmas customs of the Old World and Colonial America? Costumed staff depict ethnic traditions at the fort where crafts, early pioneer foods and hot spicy cider will be available. There is an admission charge for the activities which run from
i I.Z V / >7 Jl + '• il v w > -JT &SL, 4iA m .. WTz \ A \ I ypxSoiHWlrlßlß ■ I * * *■ Ip $1 <l£Til 111 f 8 8 r ft r ifeSl Illi 11 j I i I ■ Il 1.1 wgj -!■ ars i . . aMJji* mn j-T -.... ■ AWAIT FINAL FATE — These three buildings are awaiting their final fate, that of being raxed. The buildings are owned by the Kosciusko Community Hospital and are located on Main Street at the corner of Emetine Street. After the buildings are raxed the construction of a modern structure, housing a doctor’s office, takes ptace. To |he far left b a two-story brick home that belonged to Mrs. Washington (Mary) Pinkerton in the late l«3«s. Through the years it was passed so to her sen. Raymond, and later housed the business of Emery E. (“Mac") Little. In the middle b the old opera house that was built in the late 18Ms or early IMbs by Henry Huffman. The opera house itself was located on the south side of the large two-story building. The wide, steep stairs can still be seen through open doors at the south end. This building has housed church services, an awning company, apartments, a rubber company and machine shop. The building to the right has been a drug stare, grocery store, appliance store and a laundromat before being purchased by Rollan Joe Hamsber. AU three of the buildings were owned by Hamsber. (Photo by Deb Fox)
residents and the office of a local insurance company The old opera house has deteriorated with age but holds a special place in the hearts of many Milford residents. It was the hot spot in Milford during its time. Many residents anticipated Saturday evenings when the opera house dance flooi was filled with dancers or with viewers of plays. Helping make this building the main attraction in town was the interurban which linked Milford with South Bend and Indianapolis. Quite often traveling shows, such as vaudeville performers, appeared there. But at other times the performances would be by the talented townspeople. It is said the names of some of the burlesque girls are still on the wall behind the stage.
noon until 8 p.m. each day. For more information, contact Loretta B. Glenn at 424-3476. Two special celebrations are running from now until the week of Christmas and are open to the public daily with no admission charge. The first is “A Victorian Christmas" celebration in Kokomo at the Seiberling Mansion. The Christmas lights are officially turned on Sunday, Nov. 28, displaying the elegance of Victorian tradition. Hours for the mansion are Monday-Friday from 1 until 4 p.m. and from 7 until 9 p.m.; Saturday from 2 until 4 p.m.; and Sunday from 2 until 4 p.m. and from 7 until 9 p.m. For more information, contact Richard A. Kastl, 1200 West Sycamore Street. Kokomo, 46901. The Brasslatch in Montpelier offers the Christmas Shoppe from now until December 22 featuring Christmas past relived and items for sale by local artist and craft persons. The shop is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily and Sundays from 1 until 5 p.m. For more information, contact Jan Ingersoll, 126 North Adams Street, Montpelier, 47359.
To date one can still observe the steel beams projecting out from the second floor, evidence of a balcony. Built In 1890 s Calling on the memories of many of Milford’s senior citizens, the history of these buildings was pieced together. Vera Miller Schell, Lulu Felkner and Berniece Barnes contributed to the building's beginnings. Henry Huffman, grandfather of Mrs. Felkner, is said to have built the old opera house in the late 1890 s or early 1900 s. The building with its brick fascade and elegant steel work was a work of artistic design. This type of design is hard to find on newer buildings. Mrs. Felkner, who will soon be celebrating her 97th birthday, remembers climbing around the site during construction. Mrs. Schell also remembers when the opera house was new, as she performed there in a play at the age of three. She is now 92. "There are a lot of memories," commented Mrs Felkner, who went on to say there used to be band concerts on Saturday night and square dancing. "Everyone looked forward to Saturday evening. It was well seated and lighted," stated Mrs. Felkner. Mrs. Schell remembers Jessie McDonald playing the old grand piano for the dances and directors coming for two weeks to help organizations or groups with
Inside... The series continues BETHLEHEM Inside second section... page 2 “Glory Barn" victim in stable condition page 2 Turkey day guidelines page 2
NUMBER 45
shows. She stated the performers would have two weeks to learn the show. There were also quite a few home talent shows. The large stage, as Mrs. Schell remembers, had a drop curtain with spotlights of rainbow colors. She also remembers the wide, steep stairway that led to the opera house from Main Street. Eugene Felkner attended a number of the road shows at the opera house and stated, "The house would be full." Mrs. Barnes remembers the dances and orchestras as she stated, "My parents drug me along when they used t&go up there." Following the May 8,1920, fire at the Milford United Methodist Church, the opera house became the meeting place for the congregation for one year. Later in the 19205, a garment factory was housed in the building This factory produced a wide variety of clothing for the day including bib overalls, jackets and other items. The opera house itself was turned into apartments. Prior to World War II and shortly thereafter Mei and Bessie Lyons operated the Milford Awning Company at that location and for a time lived in the second floor apartments prior to moving to Waubee Lake. The late Gerald and Louise Coy and family, members of whom are well known in the area, lived in the upstairs in the early 19405. Lyons sold the building in 1950 to Dale Wagoner for $6,500. Wagoner built four apartments on the second floor. One month later the building was taken over by the Hamsher family. Joe Hamsher fell heir to the building at which time the building was remodeled. According to Hamsher the bottom portion of the building was rented out to Milford Chapel. In 1957, Hamsher remarked, he needed a place to hide and do things for his race track, but he was soon found and started HAH Machine Shop. In 1960 the building was used to make orthopedic equipment for Orthopedic Equipment Co., Bourbon and items for Zimmer USA, Mustchler and Playtime. Strictly by accident in 1967, the business of Milford Rubber was started when Gene Darr (Continued on page 2)