The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 17, Milford, Kosciusko County, 10 June 1987 — Page 12
THE MAIL-JOURNAL —Wed., June 10,1987
12
North Webster News
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'City of Webster' delivered mail and groceries in 1906
In the summer of 1906, Captain Joe Breeck, an Ohio River boat pilot from Madison, visited Webster Lake. He built a steampowered, 20-foot long, single deck, stern wheeler boat which was called the “City of Webster.” The boat delivered mat], groceries, and passengers" aruuiid the lake and sometimes served as a floating blacksmith shop. On Sunday afternoons, it became a sightseeing boat. »e»quicentennial 1837-1967 Breeck started spending summers on an island in Webster Lake. The “City of Webster” overturned and sank and in 1914 Breeck built a double deck, flat bottomed boat that was 50 feet long with a steam driven paddle wheel. This was the first Dixie Boat. In 1928, the first Dixie Boat burned. In 1929, a steel hull boat was shipped, in three pieces, to Leesburg by train from the Bar-
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BY MARY LEE WILLMAN . . . Readers living in the North Webster area are encouraged to call their news items to Mary Lee Willman at 834-4544 for publication in this column.
bour Boat Works, Saint Louis, Mo. It was hauled to North Webster by wagon and assembled by the lake at the foot of Main Street. “Bud” Mock and “Doc” Hamman were in charge of putting the boat together, which they did with thejhelp and advise of nearly -every one in Tippecanoe Township. A Ffirdson tractor engine and belt-driven ..paddle wheel were installed to power the boat. Harold Gaskill of North Webster worked on the Dixie Boat and sometimes visited Captain Breeck at Madison. It was there that Gaskill met Hazel, the girl he later married. They made their home at North Webster. The Dixie Boat is still in operation today. It can seat 200 people and makes regular hour-long sightseeing trips around Webster Lake, in 1955, the North Webster Lions Club sponsored a “Show Boat” evening. The Dixie docked at the town landing and a program of vocal music was provided by participants of the Epworth Forest Choir School. The “Show Boat” concert has become an annual event. (Portions of the information for
this article were provided by Mary Sullivan and Kip Sullivan’s history book of North Webster.) Auxiliary to hold 'Christmas in September' The Hoosier Auxiliary of Scirboo CoHSsrvstioii Clul? mpt. June 3 at Barbee Conservation Club building with Maxine Gaston presiding. A carry-in dinner was served at noon. Tables were decorated with bouquets of white silk flower roses. Hostesses were Jean Ackey, Sally Yates, and Alice Barrett. The cards and flowers committee report was given by Pat Friddle. A get well card was signed for Wilma Conner. Peggy Rienhold was a guest. Edna Lawson gave the treasurer’s report. The group voted to have a “Christmas in September” party. Mrs. Lawson gave a final report on the annual May auction of crafts, plants, baked goods, And white elephant items. The afternoon was spent playing games.
Homemakers will have September theater party Tippy Lee Extension Homemakers met June 3 at the home of Katie Shively. Mrs. Shively gave a reading entitled, “Heritage and Harvest.’’ Marilyn Hartman was assistant hostess. Mary Strong led group singing. Donna Zartman was a guest. The lesson, “Herbs and Spices,” was presented by Claudia Archer. Reports were given by: Veva Shepherd, gardening, “Spring Gardening Tips; ” Pat Long, health and safety, Emergencies and How to Get Help Fast;” Irene Robinson, cultural arts, “Scissors and the Art of Cutting;” and Rosemary Sellers, citizenship, “The Governor.” The group voted to have a theater party in September. It was announced club members will participate in Leesburg Days activities by sponsoring a bake, book, and craft sale. A group quiz was conducted about the importance of wearing seat belts. New officers were installed by Juanita Allen. Her theme compared the officers to the cover of a book. The new officers are: Janet Kinney, president; Peg Campbell, vice president; Claudia Archer, secretary; and Mrs. Sellers, treasurer. Committee chairmen are: Jan Barger, gardening; Mrs. Shepherd, health and safety; JoAnn Archer, citizenship; Chery! Criswell, cultural arts; and Mrs. Strong, song leader. The July meeting will be held at the Leesburg Lions community building. A video tape craft lesson is planned. Refreshments of homemade strawberry pie, nuts and mints were served by the hostess and assistant hostess. FOL seeking donation funds North Webster Friends of the Library met June 3 at the library with Betty Clark presiding. Imogene Palmer read minutes of the May meeting. Marty Crawford served as treasurer pro-tem. The present slate of officers agreed to serve for a second term. They are: Mrs. Clark, president; Mrs. Palmer, secretary; and Ruth Dunker, treasurer. Phillip Holiday spoke to the g-oup about fund-raising. It was n ted that Betty Hinton and V rginia Perry are preparing inst rmation about the library for mailing to prospective donors. Anyone wishing to donate toward updating and expanding the library may send their donation to; Library, PO Box 8, North Webster, Ind. 46555. It was announced that a Pioneer Party for youngsters participating in the summer reading program will be held in June. Colleen Coy, librarian, told about the summer reading program. Younger children meet at the library from 10-11 a.m. each Wednesday morning for the “Read to Me” program. Children six to 14 years old are involved in a crafts, stories, and active reading program. The FOL will have a fundraising table at the Mermaid Festival with flower containers, maps of Tippecanoe Township and surrounding area, crafts, books and book bags with the North Webster Sesquicentennial logo. The next meeting is scheduled for9a.m., July 1, at the library.
Chatter club to hold picnic
Dorothy Snoke was hostess and Vergie Jernigan assistant hostess for the June 1 meeting of Charm and Chatter Club. Guests present were Alice Long, Marietta Henry, and Nancy Corbin. . Susie Ward, vice president, led as the club creed and pledges to the American and Christian flags were repeated in unison. Ruth Mickley led group singing. Lois Blaugh read the meditation. Mrs. Henry gave a program about geneology and tracing your family tree. During the citizen-
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Sixty-Five Club installs new officers New officers were installed on June 3 when Sechrist Sixty-Five Club members met at the home of Ann Engle for a pool party and carry-in salad and dessert Slipper. Janet Allen was presented with a gift. a Marilyn Kleinfelter served’as the installing officer. The new officers are Mrs. Engle, president; Midge Allen, vice president; Barbara Goodpaster, secretary; and Janet Allen, treasurer Members signed up for hostess and committee duties for next year. Firemen auxiliary discuss holding ice cream social North Webster Firemen Ladies Auxiliary met June 1 at the fire station. Lavern Sturgill read minutes of the last meeting. Willadean Duncan gave the treasurer’s report. Plans were made to place donation canisters in local businesses to help support Bill Metcalf as sesquicentennial mayoral candidate. Appreciation was expressed to all members who helped or made donations for the recent open house at the Tippecanoe Township Center building. Discussion was held pertaining to a “hand cranked” ice cream social on June 22 from 6-9 p.m. in the Merchants’ building at the festival grounds. All proceeds will go to help support the North Webster EMS and volunteer fire department. Diane Bowman is chairman for the event. Events for the festival and sesqui Following are the events for the Mermaid Festival and sesquicentennial: June 22 — 6 p.m., horseshoe throwing contest and ice cream social, festival grounds 23 — Beard and vintage dress contest judging at festival grounds 24 —7 p.m., spinning, quilting, and antique craft demonstrations, at Merchants’ building, sponsored by Tippecanoe Township Extension Homemakers; Kiddie Parade and Cutie Contest, sponsored by North Webster Lady Lions 25 — 7:30 p.m.. Chain of Lakes Barbershop Chorus, festival grounds 27 — Mermaid Festival parade Other activities are: June 13 — Mayor’s banquet, Palace of Sports; July 11 — 10 a.m., kiddie tractor pull in front of North Webster United Methodist Church, sponsored by Barbee Conservation Club, Waldo Bostel, chairman. Lady Lions time capsule will be on display at the Merchants' building during festival week. A row boat contest, sponsored by the Webster Lake Association, will be held and a ski show in July will be held with the date to be announced later. The sesquicentennial fishing contest is running now until Labor Day. Fish must be caught from Webster Lak®? Barbee Chain of Lakes or’rippecanoe Chain of Lakes. Categories are largest fish of any species, largest large mouth bass, and largest crappie. Weighin stations are at Fisherman’s Cove and the Tackle Box.
ship report, Lunetta Metcalf told how to tell when fruits and vegetables are ripe and ready. Mary Schang discussed general facts about the office of President of the United States. The topic of Lavern Clutter’s health and safety lesson was “Antiseptics.” Mrs. Blaugh presided during the business session. The group voted to make a donation to 4-H. Corrinne Staples was presented with a gift. A carry-in picnic is planned for July at the home of Joyce Phaneuf.
It Happened in — King Arthur's Town
MARILYN RHODES is recuperating at home following heart surgery at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. She entered the hospital on May 22 and was dismissed IVlay 30. NORTH WEBSTER Community Day Care is in need of a floor fan. Call 834-2111 if you have a fan to loan or donate. MR. AND Mrs. Kenny Getman, Bloomington, are parents of a daughter born May 27 at Bloomington. Mrs. Getman is the former Dawn Bemish, North Webster. Maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Howard Bemish, North Webster. —o— A SESQUICENTENNIAL gospel sing is scheduled, for 4 p.m.) June 21, on the lawn at North Webster Church of God. Featured singers will be Beth Carey, North Webster, and the
. \ r-- . . -i . r. I . ■'i-'JL--IHL 11 8U ■ DAVID KISER FAMILY — This family portrait shows the members of the David Kiser family. They were among the early residents of North Webster. (Photo provided by Betty Ganger) It happened in North Webster. . .
10 YEARS AGO, MAY 25, 1977 Rev. and Mrs. Bryce Foster were honored with a surprise party honoring their 28th wedding anniversary at the Barbee Community church. The North Webster United Methodist Women held their Mother-Daughter banquet at Camelot Hall. Laurie Smith was general chairman for the evening. Entertainment was provided by the “Covenant Players” from Chicago. 10 YEARS AGO, JUNE 8, 1977 Frances Smith will be hostess for the June 13 meeting of Miriam Circle from North Webster United Methodist church. Pat Carroll, noted actress and TV personality, spent Memorial Day weekend visiting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Beagle, Sechrist Lake. Miss Carroll participated in the 500 Festival Parade at Indianapolis on Saturday. There were 19 members present for the June 1 meeting of Barbee Hoosier Club. A carry-in dinner was served at noon. During the afternoon an auction of plants, flowers and seeds, was held with Mildred Brady as auctioneer. 20 YEARS AGO, MAY 24, 1967 A dinner was served to motherk and daughters by the Methodist' men in the church basement. The program on “Japan” was presented by Mrs. Robert Yunker, wife of the outgoing district superintendent. The Backwater Friends home economics club met in the home of Mrs. Orva Miller in North Webster. 20 YEARS AGO, JUNE 7, 1967 Mr. and Mrs. Arden Rider honored their daughter, Cheryl; Wednesday evening at a reception. Grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Martin and Rev. and Mrs. Albert Rider, were among the 35 guests. A decorated cake and punch were served by Mrs. Rider. A turkey dinner was held in the Rodney Davenport home for Christine on Wednesday night. Statutes on the cake made a festive centerpiece. It was a family affair with no other guests.
Victory Quartet from LaGrange. ... - ' . NORTH WEBSTER United Methodist Church Circle meetings: Lydia Circle, Wesley Hall; Naomi Circle, carry-in; and Rebekah Circle, Wesley Hall, all on June 9. Esther Circle, Wesley Hall, June 10; Miriam Circle at the home of Miriam Mason, June 8. A BAKE sale and car wash, sponsored by North Webster Lions and Lady Lions, will be held June 13. All proceeds go to local community projects. —o— JUDGING FOR North Webster sesquicentennial beard and mustache contest and vintage costume contest will take place at 7:30 p.m., June 23, at the festival grounds. Entry blanks are available at local barber and beauty shops and drug stores.
30 YEARS AGO, MAY 30, 1957 Quill Lewallen is staying at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Lewallen. The North Webster Lions Club held election of officers on Thursday night 23 May. Arnold Culver will be the new president; Ist vice-president, Gaylord Toll; 2nd vice-president, James Greiner; 3rd vice-president, Earl Unger icht »• 30 YEARS AGO, JUNE 13, 1957 Miss Norma Barnhart of North Webster was honored at a bridal shower Sunday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Douglas Bowser. She will become the bride of Jay Boyer, r 1, Warsaw, Sunday afternoon, June 30. Pvt. James Kaufman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leland Kaufman of North Webster, left Wednesday evening for Camp Carson, Colorado, after spending several weeks with his parents. He recently finished a training period at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. There were 97 adults and 43 children that were registered at Epworth Forest on Webster Lake Saturday and Sunday for the Young Adult Fellowship conference. The chief topic of discus- . sion was A Study of Christian \ Social Relations. Members of the North Webster I Church of God spent Thursday \ preparing ground and planting Vrnps on several acres of ground called the Lord’s Acres. Each year crops are planted and the profits from such are directed to the church building fund. Mrs. Alford Kuhn was hostess to the North Webster WCTU at its monthly meeting Tuesday afternoon. 50 YEARS AGO, MAY 27, 1937 Whether or not permits will be issued for the sale of beer and liquor in North Webster is expected to be determined in the near future by the town board officials elected this week. Those named members of the town board are Merle Bouse, Charles Mayer and Ross Rodibaugh. George Lambert, Jr., was chosen secretary and treasurer of the board.
Call Jerry Badskey for further information. JUNE IS “Adopt A Cat Month.” This reporter was reminded of that fact as she watched the cat upset a vase of freshly cut roses, dumping water all over the living room table and soaking the carpet. I couldn’t move fast enough to catch the falling vase or grab the cat. He knew he had better make himself scarce until al! thoughts of my causing him great bodily harm faded. About an hour later, he jumped on to my lap, purring affectionately, looking like a picture of adorable innocence. If it hadn’t been for the wet spot on the carpet I might of thought I had dreamed the whole thing. OBSERVE FLAG Day on June 14. TILL NEXT week . . .
Election of the town officers was the first since the recent incorporation of the community. 50 YEARS AGO, JUNE 10,1937 The first official meeting of the North Webster town board to be held Thursday, June 21, will be devoted to discussion of ways and means to make an appropriation to cover the costs of the election, stationery and a set of town books, it was declared by Ross Rodibaugh, democratic councilman. North Webster may not have a mayor, it was suggested by Rodibaugh, when he said that the town board could handle thpk administrative business of tfie town. Other members of the board are: Merle Bause, republican, and Charles Mayer, democrat. Gregory Lambert, Jr., republican, is secretarytreasurer. The combination sermon and Sunday school service at the Methodist church of North Webster will be held at 9:45 Sunday morning, it was announced by the Rev. J. Walter Gibson, pastor. Another service is conducted by the Rev. Gibson at 10:30 a m. at Morris chapel, five miles south of North Webster. The North Webster evening service is conducted at 7:30 o’clock. North Webster, June 10 — State Route 13, from North Webster to Route 30, road to Fort Wayne and the eastern part of state, was opened to traffic yesterday. The improvement, almost seven miles, was completed last week by WPA labor. The state provided materials for the newly macademized road, one of the arteries from the lake region to the central part of the state. According to Dude Bennette, foreman of the crew of 30 men, work began last October and continued through the fall and winter to completion. A crew of WPA labor, directed by Bennette, is now repairing and reconstructing the sidewalks of the town. Federal money pays for the labor, while the property owners stand the cost of materials. The men are working from the south to the north end of the town, and will soon work from the east to Ward lake.