The Mail-Journal, Volume 23, Number 24, Milford, Kosciusko County, 11 June 1986 — Page 1

indianapSlis NATE ave —_ - IN 462 °** o c Syracuse 457-3666 fl nU 1 ' 1,1 1

VOLUME 23

It rained on our parade . v . . but —

Big sesquicentennial parade knocks 'em dead!

By PAUL SEIGFRIED Staff Writer Undaunted by the threat of rain, thousands of residents of Milford, along with visitors from throughout the county, state and country, witnessed the climax of a week of ac- ; tivities as the Milford Sesquicentennial Parade made its way through town Saturday. The parade was announced by veteran ABC sportscaster Chris Schenkel, whose experience proved invaluable as he established an immediate rapport with his audience. His easy style and manner gave those attending a sense that he had lived in Milford all his life. An estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people lined State Road 15, Emeline Street and Main Street as Homer Miller and Richard Rhodes brought the parade through town bearing torches and the sesquicentennial banner. They were followed by the Milford American Legion Color Guard and the Milford, Kosciusko County, and state police and fire vehicles. Vera Schell, Milford’s oldest resident at 96 years of age, appeared with Elsie Free, Milford’s honorary mayor, riding in the same vehicle that had once carried the mother of the Queen of England, a vintage 1935 Rolls Royce from Classic Cars in Warsaw. They were followed by the Milford Town Board, who progressed along the parade route in two horse-drawn wagons and dressed in the clothes of the 1800 s. The Wawasee High School Marching Band, under the direction of David Blackwell, entertained the large crowd with the Milford High School song, and forming a giant letter ‘M’ on Main Street in front of the reviewing stand. Several political figures followed, including the mayors of neighboring communities, Jeff Plank of Warsaw, Robert Callender of Nappanee, and honorary New Paris mayor, Howard France. Milford Sesquicentennial Queen Shelley Sanders was next, as she flashed her winning smile through the streets of Milford to the applause of the spectators. At many points during the parade, Schenkel would stop and relate stories about his experiences, and his fond feelings of his friends and neighboors in the area. He was able to keep the parade flowing from one unit to the next, without having a long, silent gap in between. Edith Baumgartner was next on the parade route. She is Milford’s only Gold Star Mother from World War 11. Further down the line came a wood-fired steam engine which pulled a wagon with the 1948 Milford High School basketball team, which was one of the best teams in school history. They were finally defeated in the regionals in Fort Wayne. Lew Speicher and his brother Bill, Don Wolferman, and cousins Dick and Ben Kaiser stopped and were introduced to the crowd who gave them a thunderous ovation for their accomplishments 38 years ago. All five have married local girls and remained residents of the area. A fellow' basketball player

— -— JM— — —mi ' ~?^\7 ’- ~ - •- r ,’^« w , JJJRKSSK ■.;•"■ ”“■ —- <• ‘ ■ 1 "***" * ’ '*"'- ■-- **<- - —I ..,.4 ~ - * ~3X

SYRACUSE FIRE STATION — Preliminary work began on Monday to clear the grounds for the new addition to the Syracuse Fire Station, and later this week there should be visible progress on the project. C J Construction Company of Goshen was the successful bidder on

■L -i J SES ?AR ADE ’ ' in- 'HP < a h f w* IrPi" ■ t ? . * Ti l ■W.MtB i UK

PARADE STARTERS — Homer Miller and Richard Rhodes led the Milford Sesquicentennial Parade through town Saturday bearing

along the parade route was Roy Schultz riding in a 1931 Model A Ford owned by Allen Brunjes. Schultz is the only living member of the 1925 Milford High School basketball team that made the “sweet sixteen’’ and went to Indianapolis for the state finals. They were defeated by eventual state champiqp Vincennes. The Sweet Adeline Chorus of Elkhart then stopped and enter- ** tained the spectators along Main Street with a, song in front of the reviewing stand. As the classic vehicles and floats passed by, Schenkel would comment on each one, many times talking to the people in the unit themselves, and making each entry as interesting to the spectators as the previous unit. Many of the area towns paid their respects to Milford on its 150th anniversary. Syracuse, Goshen, New Paris, Warsaw, Wakarusa, Winona, .Lake, Pierceton, Elkhart, Claypool, North Webster and Leesburg all sent units 'to the parade to celebrate the sesquicentennial, and the residents were appreciative of the acknowledgement. All of the Milford Sesquicentennial Queen contestants passed along the route, each receiving the ovation they deserved for their participation in the week’s activities. Most of Milford’s churches were also represented in the parade, with floats carrying children and adults dressed in traditional garb. Many of the Milford merchants, who were so instrumental in the success of the entire sesquicentennial celebration, participated in the event with floats, antique cars, covered wagons, asphalt pavers and 32-foot motor homes. There were many equestrian units from around the area. Many beautiful horses paraded through the streets of Milford. As not to disturb the proud animals along the route, Schenkel was considerate in keeping any unnecessary noises from scaring the horses and letting them perform. The Shrine mini-bike patrol

Comolidation o/THE MILFORD MAIL (Est. 1888) and THE SYRACUSE-WAWASEE JOURNAL (Est. 1907)

went through their moves along the streets and delighted the crowd with their formations and maneuvers. Their comrades on horseback also delighted the spectators with a fine display of horsemanship. Aside from the automobile lover’s dream of antique and classic vehicles, there were many interesting units presented ' in the parade. Among them was the 40-foot long float by the Mt. Wawasee resort. They constructed a summer-ski ramp, down which a number of people would slide as the whole unit progressed along the street. Carl Sheets drove his huge 1940 Huber Threshing Machine down Main Street and brought back memories of its use to some of the older farmers in attendance. Another unusual sight was a wagon being pulled by sheep, not commonly seen. There was also a Smurf, a Care Bear and a gorilla riding a unicycle. The Milford Junior High School Band made their appearance in the parade just as the rains began to fall. They were led by bandmaster David Sand and entertained the crowd, who, despite the increasingly heavy rain, remained throughout to view the rest of the parade. Those who remained to see the

Syracuse Retail Merchants make new pldns for Flotilla

By LESLIE MILLER Staff Writer During the Friday, June 6, meeting of the Retail Merchants Division of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, new plans were made concerning activities sponsored by the Retail Merchants for the Flotilla Weekend on July 5. Originally, the Retail Mer-

the fire station addition that should run nearly 1130,000. It will include two new bays on the sojn th of the present building, a new office for the fire chief, rest rooms ahd quarters for a permanent fire-fighting crew, according to Louis Kdiiema, Turkey Creek Township Trustee.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11,1986

torches and the sesquicentennial parade banner. The attendance for the parade numbered in the thousands. (Photo by Paul Siegfried)

- 1 1 ML

MASTER OF CEREMONIES — Chris Schenkel. veteran sportscaster for ABC-TV, was the announcer for the Milford Sesquicentennial Parade last Saturday. He provided excellent commentary throughout the event. Schenkel’s experience added to his knowledge of the people in the area combined for an enjoyable time for the thousands who lined the streets of Milford. (Photo by Paul Siegfried)

end were not disappointed as the Indiana University Calliope, drawn by six horses, concluded the parade with strains of music bellowing from its steam pipes. The Milford Sesquicentennial parade committee succeeded in

chants were going to host the second annual Flotilla Bucks Auction. Plans had been decided upon and the kinks, pertaining to the Ruction rules, had been worked dut. But, merchant participation reached an all-time low and the event had to be cancelled. Without the support of community merchants to fund the cost of advertising and materials, special events such as the Flotilla Bucks Auction become infeasible. Only 13 merchants agreed to

producing what many people consider to have been an excellent parade. Even though the day was interrupted with periods of rain, the residents of Milford and other towns turned in force to see the once-in-a-lifetime event.

participate in the event which would require a minimum of 26 merchants to handle the costs. Wanting to remain active in the Flotilla Weekend, however, the Retail Merchants decided upon a different way in which to participate. This year, visitors and residents at the Flotilla will find the Retail Merchants making pigs of themselves when they host “The Great Flotilla Pig Out.” The event will feature a light meal for visitors to feast on while enjoying the festivities of the day. It was so dubbed for its main item on the menu — ham! Included in the meal will be a ham sandwich and a Pepsi. Bags of potato chms will be available for those wishing to purchase them. * The pig-out will be located at the 1-akeland Youth Center during the afternoon of July 5. Tables will be located outside of the youth center to stop at and enjoy the meal. Pre-sale tickets will be available at any participating merchant’s store or tickets may be obtained at the food stand on the day of the event. It was previously stated that Aunt Verna’s Restaurant would provide concessions at the youth center that morning, but due to the change in plans, the Retail Merchants decided to focus their attention on just the one booth. (Continued on page 5)

\ JKK 'V W k I Si K bJe \ e |BNMhF t,\ ■ -Jl' ■1 i i B B Bl

TOWN BOARD PRESIDENT — Jean Treesh, Milford Town Board President and chairman of the sesquicentennial committee, rides through town during the Milford Sesquicentennial Parade Saturday aboard a covered wagon driven by Richard Slabaugh. (Photo by Paul Siegfried)

Four accidents at Syracuse

Drivei inattention contributed to four accidents, investigated by Syracus? Police Thursday. June 5. through Tuesday, June 10. Lonnie M. Bottles. 35, r 3, Columbia City, was cited for improper turning and the failure to yield the right-of-way after colliding with a 1979 Ford LTD. driven by Michael E. Heintzelman. 34. r 2 box 566. Syracuse, at 6:55 a.m.. Tuesday. June 10. Bottles was traveling west on Chicago Street when he pulled across ihe eastbound lane to park the 1967 Chevrolet Impala he was driving and was struck by Heintzelman. who was traveling east on Chicago Street. 400 feet west of Sycamore Street. Up to $2,500 damage was caused to the Heintzelman vehicle, while Bottles’ automobile suffered up to SI,OOO in damages. No injuries or arrests were reported. Up to SI,OOO damage was caused to a parked 1984 Ford LTD station wagon, owned by June J. Rogers, r 8. Tri Lakes, Columbia City, when Tony B. Strom beck’ 63, P. 0. Box 194, North Webster, collided with the vehicle while backing a 1973 Chevrolet truck into a parking space in front of 110 E. Main St. Strombeck’s truck struck the left rtsar end of the Rogers’ vehicle at 2:22 p.m., Friday, June 6. There was no damage to his Strumbeck’s vehicle. No injuries or anests were reported. In a similar incident Friday. June 6, at 9:10 am., Todd R. Eyer, 23, 201 E. Boston St., Syracuse, was backing from a

Local 4-H members join - statewide conference

Five local 4-H member will join over 500 Junior 4-H Leaders statewide in the 55th Annual State Junior Leader Conference on June 17-20. Kosciusko County delegates will participate in this Kiwanis International sponsored ever t at the Hoosier 4-H Leadership Center near West Lafayette. Selected to participate this year are: Katti Stroup and Rebecca VanSchepen of Warsaw; Lisa Kai:>er of Milford; and Paul Beriey and Rodney Shepherd of Claypool. Tie conference features classes and hands-on activities foci sing on leadership, communications, relationships, and stress. Ten youths will be selected to serve on the State Junior Leader Council from the gro ip attending next week.

Kosciusko County Kiwanis Clu js sponsor local 4-H youths to this conference each summer. Sponsoring organizations are: Wawasee Kiwanis, Lakeland

parking space in the Syracuse bank branch parking lot, 4fr feet east of SR 13 service road, when the right front tire and bumper of the 1980 Chevrolet Silverado he was driving struck the driver’s side of a parked 1977 Ford Thunderbird. The Thunderbird, registered to Barbara Dewitt, r 5 box 226. Syracuse, suffered up to SI,OOO in damages. No injuries or arrests were reported by Syracuse Police. Charles Robert Lee. 21.1208 E., Plymouth Ave.. Goshen, was charged with operating a vehicle on an expired license plate and false and fictitious registration

County Democrats at state convention

Several Kosciusko County Democrats traveled to Indianapolis last weekend, June 8 and 9, to attend the Indiana Democratic State Convention. Among those making the trip was the entire Kosciusko County Democrat Central Committee, elected delegates and appointed alternates. Two delegates. Art Chaney, Winona Lake, and Edward Haymaker, Warsaw, were unable to attend due to health problems. Those attending included: Leroy Miller, chairman, and wife Dorothy; Marlene Walker, vice chairman, and husband Max; Chester Clampitt Jr., treasurer.

Kiwanis, Milford Kiwanis, Warsaw Lakeside Kiwanis, Warsaw Noon Kiwanis, Tippecanoe Valley Kiwanis, and Pierceton Kiwanis. Listed below is the calendar of events for the 4-H group. June 10 — 4-H electric workshop at 7 p.m. at REMC, 4-rs camp counselor meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Camp Mack, and Junior Neighbors 4-H Club meeting at 7 p.m. at Hideaway Hills Recreational Center. June 11 — 4-H camp at Camp Mack from the 11th until the 13th, 4-H consumer meats meeting at 9 a m. at Marsh Supermarket, and 4-H dog training at 7 p.m. at the fairgrounds. June 14 — Conservation field day at Marshall County. June 16 — Junior Leader meeting at 7 p.m. at the Justice building, and 4-H fish fry committees meeting at 7; 30 p.m. at the Justice building lounge

NUMBER 24

after colliding with a 1976 Chevrolet Scottsdale truck, driven by Melinda L. Cannon, 26, 512 S. Main St., Syracuse. Lee stated that Cannon had a right hand turn signal on when he drove around the left side of her vehicle, while Cannon claimed that she was attempting a left hand turn and was waiting for oncoming traffic when she started her turn, colliding with the 1979 Honda Accord driven by Lee. at the intersection of Huntington and Boston Streets. Up to SI,OOO damage was caused to both vehicles in the 7:14 p.m., Thursday, June 5. incident. No injuries were reported.

and wife Bev; Mary Koehlinger, secretary;. Jim Koehlinger, delegate; Jay Rigdon, delegate, and wife Brenda; Judy and Leroy Henwood, delegates; Opal Miller, delegate; Howard Woodward, delegate; Alton Bouse, delegate; William O. Leemon. delegate; Robert Eherenman. delegate, and wife Jane; Virginia Bennett, delegate; Gerald Romine, delegate, and Clifford Ring, alternate.

Area project approved by state

Attorney General Linley E. Pearson has approved Nine highway and bridge projects totaling more than $3.3 million in the area. Among the approvals are: Pearson approved $29,135 for modernization of traffic signals on SRIS (Buffalo Street) and SR 15/25 (Winona Avenue) in Kosciusko County. Trans Tech Electric, Inc. of South Bend should complete the work within 45 working days.

To Fingerprint children at North Webster

Matt Wagner, North Webster Town Marshal.has announced the North Webster Police Department will be fingerprinting children, Saturday, June 14, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., in the North Webster/Tippecanoe Township Fire Station. Persons interested in having their child fingerprinted are urged to stop by. There is no cost for the service.