The Journal News from Hamilton, Ohio • Page 16

1,886 --50 An SECOND NEWS SECTION HAMILTON it ion JOURNAL 1936 HAMILTON IN 1791" VOL. 60--MO. 309 A A 1 9 1 9 3 tf PBIOE THREE OBNTB Anniversary Items Local News Sports Picture Of Hamilton Business, Industry 50 Years 1 Frank Bristley Pulls Curtain Of Time To Recall Men Who Helped Make History Business Firms And Industries, Pass In Review From Pert of One Who Took Prominent Part In Activities NE OF THE interesting letters received by Tho Journal- News while this fiftieth anniversary edit.on-was in the making, came from Frank Dick Bristley, of Jfcw Smyrna, Florida. Mr. Bvist- Icy was one of ITamiUon's prominent business men for years and lie took an important part in Hamilton's civic and business development wliiJo The JourxialNeivs was in its infancy.

Mr. Brislle.y's letter follows: cnnnot recall my first visit (o the City ol Hamilton nlthough I was born iii a farm house that belonged In Frank Dick spleijclid man after whom I named) 4 on August 15, 1807. The old farmhouse filootl on ground which is now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Elmore IVccMIing in Hamilton.

The old well, I understand IB still in use on their properly. ''During 1 the years following my birth I lived for the greater part of the lime nmrwo on farms west of Hamilton, principally in lite Reily, Ohio, vicinity. that period I vftts privileged visit Hamilton once or twice ft year, when the circus came to town of to attend the comity fair. In November, walked into Hamilton from tteily and secured a rnsition n6 a clerk in tho W. C.

Frechtling company grocery store. "During the following ten years I TVae identified with the civic and business enterprises of Hamilton, in varioufi capacities. I recall the etart of the Hamilton Journal, (Democrat), which if memory serves me "correctly, was in the upstairs rooms on the northwest corner oi: Third nnd Court efreelfi. John K. Ayticl- otto was the- managing editor and Homer Gard was one of the report- In laler yearn, the Journal wife established in its present loca- i at whicji time I wns a junior partner and manager of the- Frechtling Wholesale Grocery company, occupying the center room and all the basement of the old Globe Opera House building, (now the Rnbinson-Schwenn fitore.) offices were in the rear oE i and separated from the rear of th? Journal building hy a mifrow alleyway.

"When John K. Ayctclottc met his txagio dcftth, I was one of (ho firsl eiclc and nssist.lu the his -home, one of the sad Sjjfev: life, for John Ayoelolttp.was-my friond nnd a mar gloved by all who knew P)inu Hie name heads the list on Hampton Lodge of Elke Momor- SJai TsWk I( Ahlong the principal firms ii Hamilton fifty yenrs -ago, fui'lL recall them, were tho fi Freehtiing and company, tbe Frechtling company, T. Howell and Son, Mnrtindcll Drug compaay, Tho Rceler Drug company SchTCArfU Durg store, Spoerl Hard ware icptnpany, flcutti Fnnitnrc com Dry Goods company Schwartz Under, foakere, SeicTen eticker Jeweler, Strauss Clothing company, Maas Clothing company Mont Market, Dicfcnbach jeweler, William Hunn, shoo clenle Hcieer Grocery store, Thomas Fit ton, haberdasher, Overpcck studio Rothenbuah ami Rntliff, fruit store A. Miller grocery, Stnw' (fompany, 0. V.

Parrish, insur. nnce and renl estate, Abe Hothwell, fltoye tin fihop, Rower's shoe store and Hossfcltl and Son, liquor dealers. "Among the principal manufacturers were the William Beckett com- -'pany, Cincinnati Brewing company, Mason Brewing company, William Bender Sons company, Carr and Brown, P. Diiesohcr company, and Allstatter, Bentel and Mclxner Pottery company, Black and Clawson, Works, Sohn a Rcnlschler, Hoover, Owens nnd Rentfiehler, DinjrfelcTer Lumber company, Shuler and Benninghofen and Schweitzer, The First National Bank wM'laented in The Globe Opera bnUding, John B. Cornell, cashier and Sam D.

FiHon, ftftufitatit cashier. The a i a Bunk was opposite its present location, William E. Brown VM president Population Facts On City, County 1 Following ate figures gathered hrougb the years to -show Hazn- Iton's growth from 069 persona in 820 to 1030, quoting of- 'icinl census reports. In addition, 'igures nvo given also on wards in Tamilian and for county districts. Hamilton's Population Year, Total 820 B69 830 1,079 840 1,400 850 S80 1870 10,081 880 12,122 1890 17,505 1900 23,914 910 35,270 1920 39,675 1930 Population Gains In Hamilton 1830 419 1840 330 1850 1,801 1800 4.013 1S70 3,858 1880 1,041 1890 5,443 1900 6,349 1910 11,365 1920 4,396 1930 12,433 Hamilton Population by Wardi 1930 First Word 14,689 Second Ward 6,332 Third Wnrd 7,533 Fourth Wnnl 8,296 Fifth Ward 7,090 Sixth Wnrd 8,178 Population of Butler County In 1930 Hamilton 52,108 Fairficld 3,541 Hanover 2,00: Lemon Liberty 1,481 Mndison Middlotown 30,006 Milford 1,467 Oxford 4,304 Reily 3,080 Koss 1,418 St.

Clair 3,225 Union 3,988 Wayne 1,299 Total County 114,105 The census of 1930 showed 633 firms doing business in Hamilton. There were 109 manufacturers. Carriage Factory and Horse-Shoer ft j-- 1 .11,111 i layed Part In Early Auto History Hamilton Had One of First Plants In Country Uncertain Means This bnildin; was tie carriage factory operated "by Peter Heck, and was located on Court street, at the northeast corner of State street. One corner of tie building was leased to a horse-ahoer. Bond Issue for City Gas Plant Authorized by Council in 1889 and Charles B.

Heiser cashier. "Some of the outstanding men of Hamilton at that time were Willian E. Beckett, Colonel Ajex Gordon, Thomas Millikin, dean oE the Ohio Bar, Doctor Dan Millikin, Doctoi Mnrgedant, Peter Schwab, Sam D. Fitton, Thomas Fitton, H. P.

Duescher, Charles Hciser, Henry Lee Morey, 0. V. Parrish, L. Larsh, William E. Brown and Joht K.

Aydelotlc. "The old Col. Lewis D. Camphel. homestead stood on the site of the present nejitschler building, ant Doctor Falconer's residence oceu pied a good portion of the block op posito the present location of the Second National Bank.

Main and High streets had dirt and grave roads as well as did all the other fctreets in Hamilton. "The first business telephone and the first store electric lights were established in the W. C. Frechtling retail stores. "My various civic and business interests brought me in very close connection with the Hamilton Journal and the Hamilton Daily News, which at a time were separate publics- lions and I am happy to say that while we may at times have differed in oni-, political views or on other subjects, our relationships were most cordial and it is a great pleasure now to be permitted to extend most l.earty congratulations to Mr.

Homer Gardl and his efifeicnt staff of the Hamilton Journal-News on this, their Golden anniversary and to wish them continued through the years to come." Others In The Golden Years Additional Hamilton and Bullor county residents who have been married 59 years or more but whose names were received too late for the first list, are: Mr. and Mrs. John J. Holbrock, (Hoee Heptiug) 137 North Front Street, were married May 19, 1880, at John's church, Middletown. Mr.

and Mrs. Alfred L. Foreman, College Corner, were married July 4, 879, at College Corner by Rev. George Jinkins, Three children were born to the union. Mr.

and Mrs. Gns Bnfler, Darrtown, were married August 7, 1884, at Eaton. They have ono child, Sam Bufler, oE Liberty. Lincoln Beachey's Flight Recalled Hamilton's first close view of Iho airplane came in July 12 ami 13, 1912, when Lincoln Bcachey, one of the earliest IHcrs came bore- niul gave exhibitions at tho fairgrounds. His arrival drew thousands peoplo to ivhora the airplane was still a mystery.

Later linth one of the first women fliers, gave exhibition flights in connection with the Butler countv fair. The interest in aviation was greatly increased hero in 1927 when the Ford Motor company established a flying field near its plant. The coming of airplanes became a rather occurranco. although there was plenty of excitement on iho morning of Wednesday, August 21, 1923, when 19 planes with 50 pilots and passengers landed at tho Ford airport on a goodwill tour of the United States. Gradually, as airplane came a more definite part in the transportation field in America, interest remained the same but llie novelty woro off.

Tho Hamilton airport wr.s established and the sight of airplanes overhead has become commonplace. Late in. the 'SO's, protested violently against the ex- icssivo rale which they believed was being charged for gas by a private company. Public sentiment had been and on January 31, 1889, public meeting was in the old Globt Opera House, High street and Jour nal Square, for the purpose of dis cussing the building of a municipa plant. Dr.

Cyrus wai chairman, and Lazard Ktihn, secre tary of tho meeting. The meeting followed a decision In thu U. S. Court of Appeals a Cincinnati, tho preceding day, tha the city, of Hamilton had the same vested rights as a corporation in. the suit brought by the Hamilton Gas Light and Coke- company to enjoin the city from erecting its own gas plant.

On February 28, 1SS9, the Ohio legislature passed an enabling ad permitting the city lo name a boart' trustees. Engineer James R. Smedbcrg was employed to prepare plans for tin plant and L. A. Dillon, later eitj r.nd county surveyor and ono of tho most noted in the country, was em ployed to make tho surveys.

On June 17, 1S89, council author ized tho issuance of bonds for $50,000 for the gas works. The First a i a bank bought the bonds nnJ 2, -Kitton and Louis Becker deliverei lo tho county treasurer $38,010 ii currency and in gold--a tott.1 of representing th bonds and premium. First Community Yule Celebration For several years Hamillou had community Christmas celebratioi. with a big tree in City Hall park Tho fiifit celebration of this kin was held at tho Soldiers' and Sai. ors" monument on a evening December 25, 1910.

There wa music by tho high school clioru: prayer by Rev. Daniel JIatthaei Grace M. K. church, addresses Rev. Forest L.

Frazcr of the Firs Baptist church, liev. James F. jfc Nary of St. Mary's Catholic chiirc nnd Dr. Arba Martin of the Firs Methodist Episcopal church and th benedication by liev.

0. W. Bovnr of tha United Presbyterian church Correspondents Gather News In Every Section Of Butler County For Journal-News Readers Tho Journal-News is proud of tho record of news correspondents in all parts of Butler and neigh- borniug counties. Although their assignments to gather news have required only part time, efforts havo helped much in aims, to provide complete coverage of community activities. The following correspondents have served, and many others who have held assignments throughout the last 60 years, deserve a place of honor in the organization.

First is given the community represented and then the correspondent's Alert, Anna Moenck. Antioch, Mrs. E. Weidner. Amanda, MTM.

Edward Kramer. Bethany, Miss Edna Billingslea and Mrs. Charles Everson. Brookville, Kathleen Cornelius. Bunker Hill, Mrs.

Florence Conrad. Broadview, D. H. Shupp. Bickle's Corner, Mrs.

Leonard Koontz. Bay Road, Mrs. Clifford Bibee. Buckley, Mrs. Robert Cornthwaite.

Beech' Grove, Mrs. William Gmbna. Cotton Run Road, Mrs. Iris Cornthwaile. County Line, Mrs.

Ohmer Bowser. Cottage Grove, Verda E. Hampton, and Susie A. Brumberg. Cnmdcn, Miss Margaret Horri gan.

Collinsville, Mrs. Snyder Contreras, Mrs. Maurice Fields Crist Corner, Hames Helton. Canary Haven, Florence Little City Reights, Mrs. Mom Gay, W.

T. Hickman. Cross Roads, Mrs. Raymond Pit singer. Carolina Trace Road, Mrs, Ar thur Bibee.

Collcgo Corner, Mrs. S. A. Jack Ccnler "View, Mary Paul. Dunwoody Koad, Mrs.

Denve Hiteman. Denny Branch, Mae Pnckett. Darrtown, Maria Lillian Davis 31 if Transportatioivin Those Days Popularity Grew Rapidly; 10,000 Autos in Hamilton Now Early in the history of the auto- Hamilton bad an automobile lant. It was started by tho late leorge A. Rentschler and George H.

lolvoy and was located on the Mid- letown pike, opposite tho fair- rounds. It was in existence sev- ral years, but.its product never be- ame well known and the advance- lent made by tho plant's in the Deoit territory soon surpassed ef- orts along this line in other.SDC- ions of the country. One of the first dealers and now he oldest, in motor care in Hamil- on was the Schimitt Brothers firm, low the West Side Motor company, 'heir placo of business was at 216 Main street. Other dealers followed ncluded Reuben Hoffman, Gene Velborn and others. At that time the automobile was rather uncertain means of trans- lortation and a trip of 100 miles vas almost unheard of.

But as the cars were improved the demand for increased until by January 1, 1927, there was ono car Jour persons in Butler county, while by August of 1922, the value of the curs owned in the county had reachoa $3,378,385. Tho first automobile death in the county occurred on. April 13, 1D02, when Leo Simon, IT, riUig a bicycle on Third street, Middlotown, was run down and killed. One of the earliest, accidents involving Hamilton occurred August 13, 1903, when mi automobile con- Frank W. Whitaker, .0.

M. Baker, Ben Strauss and George Krebs crashed into a Clark street car in Cincinnati. -No one was seriously hurt. Popularity. Grew Tho automobile rapidly grew in Topularity in Hamilton and as the oivcr priced reached- the market tbe number of oar owners Today, instead of one or two.

dealers, there are more than 50 dealers in motor accessories and services for cars in. Hamilton. The first auto allow was held in Hamilton in Aprilj 1921, by the Hamilton A Dealers' association on the Moose lot, South Second street, and attracted thousands. Now models were placed on display. Eventtialy the automobile became the cause of much traffie trouble and the city established limited parking in 1925, although as early as January, 1912, traffic officers were placed at several of the uptown street intersections to keep a i in order.

By the time tho'automobile be- camo well established came Ibo motor bus and the first line established out of Hamilton operated a bus three times a week from Hamilton to Scipio and Mt. Carmel, and then through Shandon. Venice and Millville to Hamilton. This line was established in 1913, but its existence w.is rather short-lived. Then came the city busses individually operated and finaly the abandonment of street cars and tho substitution of busses as a means of transportation.

Estimates fin number of automobiles now owned in Butler county at 25,000 of which 10,000 are in Hamilton. Valuo of those automobiles was estimated at nearly $10,000,000. City Received First Interest In 1908 a i i a i a I 1 8 7 9 Charles 11. Campbell, now a resident of Santa Barbara, California, founded Hamilton's first daily newspaper, the Hamilton Daily News. Mr.

Campbell, a nativa of Guernsey county, Ohio, a student at Cornell and the University of Wposter, Ohio, learned printing trade and became half owner of the Cambridge News, Cambridge, Ohio. Later lie purchased the Washington Observer, Washington, Pennsylvania. He came to Hamillon and purchased the Hamilton Telegraph, weekly paper, from Fred Egry on December 17, 1870. Mr. Campbell saw a good field for a.

daily newspaper and although few shared in his vision," he launched the Hamilton'Daily News five days later- December 22, 1878. On July 1, 1888, a slock company was formed by Albert Dix and Charles Zwick nnd look over tlie property for nn unusually large consideration. Mr. Campbell continued in charge for a short time and then left Hamilton for Chicago where he engaged in business. From Chicago lie went to Washington, D.

where he amassed a fortune in the real estate business. Several years ago he retired from active business and went to New York where he did much writing. Several of his books on medical subjects arc nationally known. Ho resided with Mrs. Campbell in New Yorjc until a few weeks ago when he moved to California.

Recall At Least Ten Livery Stables in Hamilton in 1886 One may believe it or not, but a quarter of a century ngo there were more livery eEabtes than garages in Hamilton, for the end of the horse and buggy days had not come. But i years ago, there wore numerous livery stables, and the garage was something that no one in that year of ever dreamed Tho horseless carriage was something that few contemplated. Eryl Jellison, wliostj father and nnclo were operators of livery stables in 18SO has recalled that there were a number in Hamilton then. Ho selected them as follows: Tom Jellison, Main street; between nnd streets. Michael Bowerman and brother, South street.

William Jellison, Monument avenue and Market street, where Central Motor company garage is located. Foster Webb (Gray Eagles), where Y. M. C. A.

now stands. Ono operated Hutchison, southwest corner Front and Market streets. George Ziliox, Third and Market (Western Union). Peter Schneider, 2nd and Market (MeeksK William Everson and Son, Court street. White Livery atablea, North Monument nvcnue (then Water street).

"The car barns" and stables for the street car lino were on Market street, between Second and Third TWO IN HAMILTON FABRICATED TINWABE Half a century ago one of the common ways of selling lin-ware to the housewife was from a wagon operated by some tinsmith who had inado up in his own shop many things a he believed were household necessities. Hamilton had two men who specialized iji fhia particular service. W. C. Milspaugh, who had his shop where the W.

T. Stephen meat market ie now located on Main street, and James Brooks, whose shop was at tho northwest corner of North Third and Market John Eyans, Truly Good Samaritan; He Provided Food, Drink and Rest The city of Hamilton received first interest on its funds starting in 1008 when Henry G. Grimmer became city auditor. Legislation was passed by council setting aaido this interest for the Purchase of properly on tho river snk opposite the city hall. Part of the property later was taken for improvements necessitated by the Miami Valley conservancy plan, and rest was converted into a park--one of the benuty spoil ot the city for many When the new city hall the, first block North Monnment avenue used for building purposes and the new street touching tbe levee WM built.

There was a Good Samaritan living along tho highway near Shandon when the Journal-News was born. He went by the name of John Evans and he owned a section of land outside the village on the to Venice. For many years he had watched weary farmers drive loads of grain and livestock to the Cincinnati msrket. There was spring along the road on his farm and tired nmn and beast always stopped there for a refreshing drink and to rest. Tradition says that there always was a for the traveler in the Evans home.

There was an early ready for them, if they eared to stop in about 5 or 6 ID UM morning. Evans louschold was the household of neighbors and passersby. Today there is a fountain out of which gushes -water from the spring. This was huilt by Mr. Evans in 1887 mil he had inscribed upon it the famons Biblical text: "And now abideth faith, hope charity and the greatest of these is charity." There was a place for cattle to drink and for horses and there was a drinking cup for man.

The controlled water of the spring served man and beast for a half century. Mrs. Ralph Jefferies, great graTidnanghter of Mr. Evans, today how he told of the 1 pilgrimages, of farmers along the highway to the market and joy with which they approach "Join's houM." Big Building Projects In 50 Years Additions to Many Industrial Plants In City Major Projects Included Civic Centers, Offices, Stores, Schools, Churches, Buildings of Every Description THE half century life-span of the; Hamilton Journal- millions of dollars have, been invested. in, buildings.

i Many'manufacturers, finding demands, for products increasing, erected additions, and these in turn brought additional employment and addilipnul retail business as the population increased. Major- building operations in Hamilton have occurred within the last IB Following is a partial list of buildings- that have been erected during the last fifty years. 1886--Reily Second National Bank now elands.) 1887--Shular and Benninghofea (wliere First National Bank now stands.) 1S01--Old Central High school (Second mid Ludlow.) 1392--Jackson (school. 1892--Morey Pa rrish. build ing.

1S94--Monroe school. 1804--Frechtling building, See- ond and High streets (Dow ISO 5--Polk -Boliocl. 1890--Frechtling building from Dow ouilding, west, ISffS--Madison school (duplicate.) building, Second and Market. Open Twentieth Century school. 1000--Mehrum building.

1900--Washington school. 1900-Trebel building. building. Second and High streets. 1901--Largo mill at Champioa Paper and Fibre company.

1902--Black-Clawson addition. 1902--Beckett company addition. 1903--Soldiers and Sailors Monument. 1904--Mercy hospital (with additions later.) school. 1906--Bell Telephone building.

1906--Hammerle building, Main and streets. 1906-Bentschler building. 1007--Hotel Hamilton--Hossfeld building. 1907--Park Terrace Apts. 1007-- If a.

2, Champion mill. 1008--Davis building, Main and streets. 1DOO--Lincoln school. Ten Years Later 1910--Eagles temple. 1910--Taylor school.

1911--Bast building, 332 High street. 1911--Niles Tool Works foundry and additions to other shops. 1914--Y. M. C.

A. 1015--Hamilton High school. 1915--Elks temple. 1019--St. Mary's eohool.

1922--Lowenstein building, Third and Ludlow streets. 1922--Arcade building. 1922--Synagogue, Ninth and High streets. 1922 Lindenwald Methodiei church, Fairview avenue 1923--K. of P.

temple, North Second street. 1923-Catholic High school, Siith and Dayton streets. 1924 Big 1924--Hamilton Auto Sales company, East High street. 1924--Methodist ehnreh, Ludlow street. 1924--St.

Joseph's school, Second 1 and Hanover streets. 1924--Notre Dame Academy, ond and Washington streets 1924-- St. Veronica's churek, Shuler avenue. 1924--Central Motor company, Second and Market 1924--Union Gas and company building (now Sears, Roebuck building,) South street. 1924--Champion office boildinj.

1925--Faucett Transfer eotapoaj. Seventh street and MapU 1925 Ohio National "-armory, fifth.