Belpre's Martha Washington Tea Party

The Marietta Times, May 5, 1881

The Martha Washington Tea Party given by the Ladies' Temperance Union in the basement of the congregational Church last Thursday evening netted a handsome sum. The attendance was much larger than the most enthusiastic workers anticipated. Early in the afternoon a rain storm set in which made things look unfavorable for success, but long before night people commenced gathering, and by 8 o'clock the house was densely packed.

Two large tables were spread, one representing an old-fashioned entertainment with olden time dishes (some of which were 100 years old) with pork, baked beans, doughnuts, corn bread, &c., and presided over by Mrs. A. W. Glazier as Martha Washington, dressed in olden time costume. In fact, we are told that some thought she was the veritable Martha Washington. The hostess was assisted by six young ladies with short dresses and low shoes. 

The other table was gotten up in a more modern and fashionable style, being loaded down with all the delicacies that could be procured with Mrs. James Mitchell as Lucy Hayes at the head of the table, assisted by six young ladies in fancy costume. 

Beside the large tables there were side tables with ice cream, cakes, candies and flowers, which were for sale at reasonable prices. Everything was sold and ate up except a very large fine cake donated to the Society by Mr. and Mrs. James Daniels of the steamer Hudson. The cake was offered for sale, but not bringing a satisfactory price, was presented by the ladies to Mrs. Lucy Hay(s) Mitchell. The proceeds will be devoted to the furtherance of the temperance cause in this community.

This is said to be the most social gathering ever had in Belpre. Old and young, rich and poor, high and low, were gathered seemingly not only to have good old-fashioned social time, but to make this a new starting point from which to push the temperance cause with renewed vigor in this community.

Sullivan Wins Title in Marbles

 Marietta Daily Times, April 14, 1924

Marietta public school marble championship for 1924 was won by Walter Sullivan, who eliminated all competition in the finals of the city tournament held at the Y.M.C.A. on Saturday afternoon. Sullivan hails from the Norwood school.

Second place in the tournament was won by Kelly Mike of Willard school, and third by Cecil Berg, also of Norwood school. In the final round out of the 12 marbles Sullivan took seven, Mike three, and Berg two.

Receives Silver Medal

A silver medal, symbolic of the championship of the city schools, was presented to Sullivan. Winners of the school championships were presented with bronze medals. Over 400 boys and girls took part in the tournament. It took two and one-half hours of actual playing time to get the final rounds played off.

Three girls took part in the finals and although they were all eliminated in the opening round, they deserve much credit for their persistence. The girls were Freda Sprague of Terberg school, Margaret Mathers and Doris Jackson, both of Pike Street school.

Winners in Various Rounds

The winners of the first round games were as follows: Charles Lowers, Elvin Price, Chauncey Callihan, Cecil Berg, S. Goldman, Charles Goodwin, Dean Henderson, Tom Reid, Dean Hill, B. Roney, Kelly Mike, Playford Meridith, Charles Camden, and Walter Sullivan.

The survivors of the second round were: Walter Sullivan, Cecil Berg, Charles Lowers, Dean Henderson, B. Roney, Charles Goodwin, and Kelly Mike.

Fourth round survivors were Kelly Mike, Cecil Berg and Walter Sullivan.

In the fifth and final round Sullivan took the championship by easily outplaying the other two boys.

Halloween Dance

The Marietta Daily Times, October 31, 1908

The dance at the Marietta Country Club Friday evening was a decided success. One hundred and eighty people took the five o'clock car for the Club house. The entire house was elaborately decorated. Corn, apples and jack o'lanterns and autumn leaves were in all rooms and strings of black cats made of cloth were festooned about the walls, making very effective Hallowe'en decorations. After the arrival of the car, a grand march was held and the guests all marched to the dining room where the dinner was served. At seven o'clock the Marietta orchestra arrived and dancing was begun, lasting until eleven o'clock.

All were costumed and some were especially interesting as well as amusing. Mrs. Harry Chamberlain was gowned in her wedding dress and wore a veil. Misses Nellie Sugden and Laura Morse were dressed as clowns and were very good. Miss Waldine Rathbone had on one of the latest directoire gowns, pink with large black dots. It was extreme and effective.

Mrs. William Hastings wore an enormous Merry Widow hat and old fashioned shawl, which created much amusement. Miss Carol Hall was dressed as a ghost and Mrs. Harry Curtis as a witch. Both were effective.

Miss Carol Shaw represented a Mexican girl, Mrs. Ed A. Merydith was a Sis Hopkins, Mary Harper a Hobo. Mrs. C. T. McIlyar as a chorus girl with large hat and ballet dress was awfully good. Mrs. George Cann and Miss Blanche Leeper were colored Topsys and created much amusement. Mrs. Ed B. Follett, Mrs. J. Henry Best and Miss Hope Turner were colonial dames.

Miss Kitty Nye was very good as a college student. Mrs. Herbert Milshall represented a Spanish girl and Mrs. Beman Dawes a summer girl. Miss Hanna Sleigh and Mrs. Julia Flanders were "ye dames of ye eighteenth century" and were very good. Dr. Ballard in overalls and wearing a red wig was unusually good.

Charley Grace and Fergus O'Connor were hoboes. Elmer Thorniley, Uncle Sam. Eddie McTaggart and Mr. Merriam, Beau Brummels, and Harry Chamberlain, King Harold.

 

"Fourth"

Marietta Daily Leader, July 6, 1898

Picnics and Excursions On All Railroads and Boats.

Everywhere the Report of Patriotic Gun, Pistol and Cracker Rent the Air.

The Day Born, was Not Without Its Sad Accidents, and We are Called Upon to Report Death, Whose Sting Will Last forever, and Injury, Whose Hurt Will Last a Lifetime.

Old King Sol rose bright and early Monday morning and July 4th, 1898, was born. Not, however, without its casualties. A light shower about seven o'clock cooled the scorching rays of the sun and the day started off one of patriotism and pleasure. Daylight found many a young patriotic boy on the street with cap and pistol, doing honor to Uncle Sam's birthday.

The day was a fitting one to celebrate. One hundred and twenty-two years ago last Monday was United States declared herself to be a free and independent country. Today we are in the midst of a war with Spain, fighting for the freedom and independence of the poor, half-starved, imposed upon people of Cuba.

In the midst of shot and shell at Santiago de Cuba, aboard the men-of-war in the harbors and on the high seas, amid the noise of paper cap and pistol along the streets of the cities, in the fields, the valleys and on the hill tops, in fact everywhere that the stars and stripes float, the American people are with one accord. All hail Columbia! The land of the free.

Early in the day excursions began to arrive on the different railroads and boats. The T. & O. C. E. brought in about 800 people, the B. & O. S. W. 300, the Z. & O. 200, the C. & M. 345, the Ohio River 150. The steamer Barnsdall brought down about 50, Oneida 100, and the Sonoma about 100. The streets in the early morning were crowded with people, some with baskets, some without, all going according to their various desires, to the different places of amusements, all with one thought, a bright and pleasant holiday, one of rest and vacation.

Trades and Labor Picnic

Promptly at seven o'clock the steamer William Duffy left the wharf boat with the first load of picnicers for the Buckeye-Eureka Park at the head of the island, where the Trads and Labor Council of Marietta gave a large picnic.

The steamer Ollie Neville, the ferry boat at New Martinsville, had also been chartered to assist the Duffy in getting the large crowd to the picnic. The boats, alternating, left the wharf about once an hour, making it possible to catch a boat about every half hour.

Everything possible was done by the members of the order to make this a gala day long to be remembered. How well they carried out their part we all know. Refreshments of all kinds, swings, hammocks and amusements galore were to be found on the island.

Schlicher's full reed band led the procession early in the morning to the boat. The orchestra accompanied them to the picnic and furnished music for the dance loving people throughout the day and evening.

About 3,000 people enjoyed the day at the island and late in the evening returned to their homes, reporting a good time.

German M. E. Sunday School

The members of the German M. E. church and their families left at ten o'clock on the steamer Sonoma for Bartlett's Grove, where they put in the entire day. About 100 enjoyed the picnic and all report a very pleasant day spent in the beautiful woods at Bartlett's. Nothing happened to mar the pleasure of the day and all returned late in the afternoon, a happy crowd.

Colored Knights of Pythias

The Colored Knights of Pythias, Marietta Lodge, held a large picnic at Fountain Park on the T. & O. C. E. R. R. to which was invited a large number from Parkersburg, Belpre, Rainbow and from different points along the T. & O. C. E. The Marietta train left at 7:00 and by 10 o'clock the grounds were packed. About 1,500 people were present. Sports of all kinds were indulged in. Th wheelbarrow race was won by Charles Strawder, bicycle race by Otto Singer. No one was able to reach the top of the greased pole.

Band Wagon Picnic

The Misses Dye, Curtis, Cooke, James Clerc, Smith, Grafton, Leeper, and Messrs. Torpy, Hutchison, McClure, Reed, Harper, Leeper, Payne, and Bay, chaperoned by Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Reeser, enjoyed a bandwagon picnic at Devols Dam Monday, where they took supper and returned late in the evening. 

The Misses Florence Dye, Mary Brigham and Mr. J. Herbert West and Mr. Will Brigham drove up the Ohio and took supper for their Fourth of July.

The Misses Helen Chamberlain and Minnie Leeper and Mr. Walter Sniffen and Eugene Minshall took their Fourth of July supper up the Muskingum River.

Several families drove to the different parts of the country and enjoyed either their dinner or supper.

The Races

The races at the Fair Grounds were not a success either for speed or in a financial way. The crowd was small and but little interest was taken. Rather than disappoint the few people that attended, the owners of the horses gave a free blow-out. They gave two races, both mixed, in which the following horses entered:

    Spanish Boy, owned by F. B. Biszantz

    Elmer D., owned by Robert Gates

    Oudan, owned by Ellenwood & Smith

    A gray from Parkersburg 

 

Spanish Boy won in three straight heats in 2:25, 2:24-1/2; 2:28. In the second race were Billy H., owned by Kelly; Walter B., owned by Curry & Holdren; and a bay mare. Race won by Walter B. in 2:35.

Business in the city was generally suspended. In the evening from all parts of the city could be seen displays of fire works of all kinds. The heavens were bright with skyrockets and roman candles. A large number of balloons were also sent up.

At the St. Cloud Hotel, a large crowd of people, men, women and children, gathered to witness the display there.

The Chinamen on Butler Street also had a patriotic turn of mind and lent a hand in celebrating the day.

Casualties of the Day

The steamer William Duffy had the misfortune to break a hog-chain in the morning on her first trip up. The damage was quickly repaired, however, and the boat continued on its way.

The Ollie Neville Ashore

The Ollie Neville, the New Martinsville ferryboat, after landing a large party of picnicers at the head of the island and had started back to the city with about twenty-five passengers, in attempting to make a landing at Buell's, ran on a rock and tore a hole in her hull. The Duffy happened near and put her pumps at work. The water was soon pumped out and the hole stopped up without serious damage.

Burnt By a Fire Cracker

Charlie, the seven-year-old son of Mrs. Charles Loomis, Third Street, while shooting fire crackers was badly burned on the hand. It is a painful, though not dangerous, wound.

Hurt By a Torpedo

James Ancell, while on his way to Marietta from Parkersburg, was hit on the arm by a torpedo thrown by some unknown person. His arm was badly lacerated and his nose cut. It was a very painful accident and will keep him from his work for some time.

Foot Badly Hurt

Mrs. Charles Frantz, 117 Fourth Street, while standing across the street from the St. Cloud hotel watching the display of fire works, was hit on the foot by a skyrocket, which had broken and flew across the street, part of it going through the plate glass window of Charles Peddinghaus' and the other hitting Mrs. Franz on the foot. The foot is badly cut, but will result in nothing serious. 

William King was slightly hurt by a roman candle.

We have heard of no other accidents. Drunkenness on the streets was conspicuous by its absence. There was no lawless ness and everybody seemed to carry themselves in good form.

Local Movie Pleases Big Audiences

 The Marietta Daily Times, July 24, 1928

Marietta had a real Hollywood setting for its first local comedy movie that was shown at the Hippodrome theatre on Monday afternoon and evening. Large crowds attended the showing of "Marietta's Hero," with Tom Battin, Alice Yost, Frank Buckley, Orien Hiett, Howard Clark and Roma Morgenstern as the principal characters in the United Photoplay Producers picture, the scenario acted and filmed under the direction of Corey Cook last week.

All of the local people, including scores of citizens who were incidental actors in the picture, played their parts well. Tom Battin, the hero, as Jimmy Ryan, the policeman, was exceptionally good, his action in the plot bringing him into many scenes, one of which was the thrilling capture of a bandit who robbed Wittlig's jewelry store.

The Times had a part in the picture, the newspaper a medium for the broadcasting of events, as they were acted. The scenes in the picture were followed up closely by the reporter-actor, Howard Clark, who landed the scoop for the paper in reporting the robbery that was important enough to require an "extra." The film early in the scenes showed him loafing on the job in the news room when he was virtually "kicked out" by Editor Tom O'Donnell, who started him out on his beat.

There was plenty of comedy and romance. The scenes were laid in different parts of Marietta, the "Anchorage," the home of Edward McTaggart, entering largely into the setting. The plot was thrilling. The acting centered about Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jones, played by Frank Buckley and Miss Orien Hiett, the first scene the rear dooryard of the McTaggart home, the home of Jones the hen-pecked husband, and wife. He has a letter from a cousin who is leaving for South America, stating that she is sending "Baby Mary" to him on the next train. Difficulties begin when he goes to the Pennsylvania railroad station for the baby.

Arriving on the same train with the "baby" (who is a grown-up flapper acted by Alice Yost) is "Lizzie Wiggins" (Roma Morgenstern), a cousin of Mrs. Jones. In the meantime Jones, after meeting Jimmy Ryan and the reporter in front of Beagle's drug store, goes down Putnam Street with the policeman and in front of the Corner drug store he is introduced to John Boyle, who gives the policeman a nice fat cigar which he pockets. The trio are seen going down Front Street to the Marietta Furniture store where Jones buys a baby buggy for "Baby Mary's" transportation home.

The scene at the Pennsylvania station was climaxed when "Baby Mary" makes herself known to Jones and the pair walk off for a look over the city. Lizzie Wiggins, with her roller skates in hand, was amazed to see Mary walking away with her cousin's husband, and hastens to tell Mrs. Jones of her "chicken chasing" husband. 

The hen-pecking wife and her cousin on roller skates go after the pair whom they spy on Front Street, below the railroad track. Jones and "Baby Mary" run up Greene Street to Seventh, dodging up by the Chair Company plant and "Goebel Place," where they are followed by the irate wife.

Jones and "Baby Mary" finally get down on Greene Street, where in order to get away from Mrs. Jones, he buys an automobile in which he starts up Front Street. Mrs. Jones and Lizzie get Raymond Lane, of the Lorentz garage, to drive them after the fleeing Jones. The chase leads along City Park, up Sacra Via and down Third. A rube in overalls (Francis Seeley), who is standing in Sacra Via park, is scraped by Mrs. Jones' car and he loses his overalls. 

The chase ends at Second and Putnam streets, where the new car of Jones is smashed in a collision with the bandit car. There the climax of the picture takes place. Jimmy, the policeman, and the reporter are on the job and, with the arrest of the bandit, the reporter writes his story, a second scene in The Times editorial rooms.

The bandit, "Deck" Davis, is seen coming out of the Wittlig store covering everyone with his "gat." He holds up John Boyle and commandeers his automobile. John takes a passing car and gives chase, along with the policeman, and everything and everybody is rounded up at the wreck scene.

Following the family reconciliations, the scenes shift to the stage of the Hippodrome. Mrs. Jones sends "Lizzie" to be cleaned up at the St. Clair beauty parlor. The scenes then shift to The Anchorage, where Clark calls on "Baby Mary." The loaded cigar that had been given by the policeman to the reporter is innocently handed to Jones, as is also The Times, with the glaring headlines about the robbery. While Clark is courting Mary, the cigar explodes, and the reporter is kicked out, and seen tumbling end over end down the terrace of the McTaggart premises. The policeman slips in and courts Mary while Lizzie lets Clark know that "she might let him pay her board."

Snowball Fun

Marietta Intelligencer, January 13, 1857

We witnessed a scene in front of our office this morning, which recalled most vividly our boyhood's days in the long snowy winters of New England. Invited by the mildness of the morning and the peculiar adaptedness of the snow for snowballing, an editor and a couple of merchants tried their hands at this sport and made a target of each other's heads. 

The doors and shops and sidewalks were soon filled with eager spectators of the sight. The excitement rapidly increased; one, and then another, and another entered the lists, until very soon the street was full of men turned boys again, each one fighting on his own hook.

Here was a hardware dealer disputing his ground manfully with the man of leather and prunella; there a jeweler pouring in the grape, cold, but heavy, upon the head and shoulders of his neighbor of the "fancy goods" trade. 

Yonder, Mynhear Editor, bare-headed, sustaining a shower of balls that made his raven-like hair as hoary white as if frosted with three score and ten winters, while he in turn filled every orifice of his adversary's caput with the pasty snow. 

Here again was the vendor of pills and patent medicines in close embrace with his friend of the Furnishing Depot, rolling each over and over in the snow, and each anxious to wash the other's face as he came uppermost in the tussle. 

There a Democrat and a Republican pitching into each other "like a thousand of brick," throwing heavier balls and with more effect in this mimic fight than in the real battle of November last. 

And thus the fight raged for half an hour, when, exhausted and breathless, the forces drew off to repair damages and recuperate their wasted energies. It was a rich scene, the like of which we have not witnessed for many a year, and which in all probability will not be repeated during our lifetime.

About six inches of snow fell last night. The weather is quite mild to-day, cloudy and threatening rain. 

Many Babies Win Prizes in Fine Show that Was Event of Washington County Fair

 Marietta Daily Times, September 7, 1923

Here are the prize babies of Washington County, according to judges at the Baby Show at the fair on Wednesday afternoon:

Donald Gray Hoffee of Waterford

Geraldine Metcalf, 619 Eighth St., Marietta

Audrey Preston, 149 Franklin St., Marietta

Jean Davis, 613 Third St., Marietta

Betty Jean Knox, 121 Franklin St., Marietta

These tots were winners of the grand prizes in the competition which included over 700 babies. All of the five will get money prizes of $10, which will be awarded in the form of savings deposits by the First National Bank, the Dime Savings Society, the Citizens National Bank, the Peoples Banking & Trust company, and the Central National Bank.

Many Other Winners

There are 78 other winners, and each of these is to get a prize. These prizes range from baby carts, breakfast sets, dresses, sweaters, baby chairs, silver cups, photographs, etc., to one and two dollar money prizes and boxes of talcum powder.

Here are the names of these winners:

Patricia Ann Ward, 431 Third St.

Eileen Betty Power, 210 Marion St.

McGregor twins (children of C McGregor, R.D. 7)

Marjorie Ann O'Donnell, 730 Second St.

Ruth Strecker, Fairview Heights

Alvena Born, Stanleyville

Richard Lancaster, Rathbone

Leota Bules, 128 N. Seventh St.

Patricia Ann Moore, Fourth St.

Roy McMahan, R.D. 1

Neva Councell, 915 Jahn St.

Billy Frank Reiter, Lower Salem

Georgia May Mooney, 411 Hart St.

Clair Schwendeman, Waterford

Jean Warburton, 503 Second St.

Charles West, Reno

Frances Ann Davis, 161 Woodlawn Ave.

Betty McKinney, Scammel St.

Richard Sutton, Reno

Evelyn Bougamont, 756 Greene St.

Sara Gruber, 720 Sixth St.

Jean Ellis, 524 Front St.

Margaret Reichardt, Newport Pike

Mary Elizabeth Huck, Lowell

Dennis Murray, 146 Harmar St.

Claude Mendenhall, Reno

George Rampp, 117 Franklin St.

Owena Ginsburg, 510 Warren St.

Maxine Evelyn Gerber, 613 Tenth St.

Eugene Simms, 106 Franklin St.

Betty Jean Gill, 981 Gilman Ave.

Mary Bertha Henderhan, 123 N. Seventh St.

Ralph Tryon, 111 Gilman Ave.

Anna May Price, 327 Gilman Ave.

Mary Lou Lender, Fourth St.

Elizabeth Norris, 619 Fourth St.

Helen Anderson, Newport Pike

Jennie Charles, 302 Market St.

Phyllis McPeek, Matamoras

Don Carr, Muskingum Dr.

Robert Kennedy Merrow, 621 Ninth St.

Distribution of Prizes

Money prizes will be mailed to the winners. Deposit prizes may be claimed by the recipients at the respective banks. For other prizes, winners are expected to call Mrs. S. C. Gilman, 305 Fourth Street.

Physical, mental, and general health qualifications were taken in to account in the awards. In the award to Jean Davis, who was among the grand prize winners, her dancing and work in the costume parade also were taken into account.

Talcum Powder Winners

Parents of the babies whose names follow may get a box of talcum powder by calling at the store of the J. W. Dysle company, 128 Front Street.

Wanda Schriver, Lowell

Winnifred Weisend, R.D. No. 3

Mildred Louise Daniel, Whipple

Gerald Brown, Reno

Jack McNutt, 325 Gilman Ave.

Kenneth Sparling, R.D. No. 3

Carl Eldon Pape, R.D. No. 1

Walter Gale Lauer, Newport, R.D. 1

Richard Neil Christy, Fairview Heights

Mary Catherine Wright, 207 Greene St.

Catherine Dobbins, Coal Run

Clyde Eugene Parlin, 525 Eighth St.

Luther Thompson, 110 Sharon St.

Edwin Cogswell, 787 Glendale St.

Maxine Delores Sprague, 108 Fourth St.

James Delmar Baker, 805 Greene St.

Louise Rose, 727 Eighth St.

Juanita Farnsworth, 105 Court St.

Rosebelle McPherson, 503 Fort St.

Delores Hill, R.D. No. 7

Helen Mendenhall, 833 Ridge St.

Doreen Oesterle, 206 Montgomery St.

Martha Bowman, Rathbone

Mary Anna Menke, 638 Fourth St.

Ralph Chandler, Lowell

William Caskin, 638 Fourth

Betty Burton, 911 Fourth St.

Dorothy Miller, 230 Crawford St.

Ruth Lynn, 505 Fort St.

Richard Fowler, 600 Phillips St.

Dale Skinner, R.D. No. 6

Elizabeth Jane Hart, Reno

Betty Jean Perdue, R.D. No. 4

Wanda Schriver, Lowell

Winnifred Weisend, R.F.D. No. 3

Catherine Graber, 625 Ninth St.

Donors of Prizes

Donors of prizes, in addition to banks of the city, were: The Pattin Brothers Col, the Wieser & Cawley Co., H. P. Fischer, Richards Brothers, the Union Hardware Co., L. Gruber & Sons, S. R. Van-Metre & Co., the Turner-Ebinger Co., the Leader Store, Baker & Baker, the Marietta Mantel Co., Hollenbeck & Green, the Blue Door, L. C. Braun, the W. A. Sniffen Co., the Marietta Furniture Co., Charles L. Flanders, J. Wittlig & Sons, The Stanley & Grass Co., Hartman Book Store, the Strecker Brothers Co., the Becker Manufacturing Co., the Dysle Co., the Corner Drug Store, and the National Drug Store.

Francis Macmillen in Marietta

The Marietta Daily Times, January 29, 1912:

Francis M'Millen Visiting in City

Violinist arrives from Chicago with Hon. Charles Gates Dawes and party.

Hon. Charles G. Dawes, accompanied by Mrs. Dawes, Mrs. R. R. Dawes, and Francis McMillen, the violinist, arrived today from Chicago in Mr. Dawes' private car, "Saint Paul." Mr. Dawes will remain here until Tuesday morning, when he will leave for Cincinnati.

Francis McMillen will remain in this city with his mother, Mrs. M. McMillen, as the guest of Mr. and Mrs. William W. Mills, who will entertain this evening in their honor.

The violinist told The Times today that his visit in Marietta this time would be of a week's duration after which he and his mother will sail for Europe, where he will remain for some time.

The Marietta Daily Times, February 10, 1912:

Many Hear MacMillen

Reception Given Violinist Falls but Little Short of Ovation

Hearers delighted by fine program player.

Great artist given splendid support by Miss Edwards, accomplished Chicago accompanist.

Francis MacMillen, the violinist, scored another distinct triumph Friday evening, when he again appeared in recital at the Auditorium. There was a big audience, composed largely of the friends and admirers of the great artist, who has developed wonderfully since he appeared in his home city about two years ago, and the reception given him on his first appearance fell little short of an ovation.

The recital was a most artistic success. Mr. MacMillen was at his best, and his accompanist, Miss Marie Edwards of Chicago, is a brilliant pianist, whose work left nothing to be desired. In addition to charming with her splendid accompaniments, Miss Edwards delighted the audience with several solos.

MacMillen won his hearers from the start. They received him enthusiastically and made a remarkable demonstration at the close of the program. Remaining seated when he had finished his last number, the audience burst into spontaneous and continued applause. Once more the violinist came before his hearers and he played, as only the great artist can play, "Old Kentucky Home," "Home, Sweet Home," and "America."

This was a farewell appearance, as Mr. Macmillen leaves soon for Europe, where he will remain for several years. His progress will be watched with interest, for it is predicted that some day this young artist will rank with the world's greatest violinists.

Friday evening's program was well chosen. The first and most difficult number, "A Spanish Symphony," was faultlessly executed. Of the second group, "Old Viennese Waltz," by Kreisler, and "Waltz Serenade," by Drigo, had to be repeated to satisfy the audience. The waltz serenade, a muted number, was particularly beautiful.

The final group was made up of four short numbers, the first composed by a former Marietta Man, Charles G. Dawes, of Chicago. The third was an appealing selection, "Causerie," by Francis MacMillen, and it never sounded more beautiful. This selection is truly a gen and it proves the ability of the violinist as a composer.

The last number on the program was the "Finale" from the Mendelssohn Concerto, but the audience would not have it thus and the artist was compelled to respond with several melodies that have long been popular and which gained in sweetness through his fine interpretation and delicate rendition. In the interpretation of such old, familiar selections asl "Home, Sweet Home" and "Old Kentucky Home" the soul of the artist is often revealed and in the hands of MacMillen the tones of the violin seemed almost divine.

Mr. MacMillen was fortunate in having the assistance of such an accompanist as Miss Edwards. Her ability as a pianist was most ably displayed in the brilliant rendition of severaly fine solos and she was heartily encored. in her accompaniments she afforded the violinist excellent support.

Mr. MacMillen and Miss Edwards first played violin and piano together a long time ago, when both of them were children. Each was one of those youngsters with inherent musical talent that early makes itself apparent; they were, in fact, "Infant prodigies." Each began a musical education early and it happened that they were students at the same institution in Chicago. When MacMillen was nine and Miss Edwards six, she first played the accompaniments while the young celebrity bowed his beloved violin.

 

Huge Crowd at Belpre Homecoming

 The Marietta Daily Times, August 23, 1940

A crowd estimated at from 1,500 to 1,800 persons attended the ninth annual Belpre Township homecoming and picnic Thursday at Howe's Grove below Belpre, and heard political speeches by Congressman Robert T. Secrest, a candidate for re-election on the Democratic ticket, and Clair A. Young, his Republican opponent for the honor of representing the 15th District of Ohio.

The festivities opened with a big parade at 10 a.m., led by cars in which rode officials, including Otis R. Kiracofe, president of the Belpre Chamber of Commerce, which sponsored the event.

There were attractive agricultural and mercantile exhibits and numerous entertainment features.

For the best entry in the parade the prize award went to William Mulligan and William Costolo, who drive a miniature locomotive, "Casey Jones No. 33." Gary Brookhart won the prize in the pet division of the parade, and in the costume division a prize was divided between Jack Mankins and Fred Trautman, the "gold dust twins."

A prize for the best float went to the Interstate Lumber Company. Margaret Ann Dressel, Jane Dressel and Helen Barklow provided a fancy riding stunt. The evening program included free picture shows and chorus singing participated in by  200 voices.

Attorney Charles D. Fogle of Marietta introduced Congressman Secrest. His Republican opponent was presented by Attorney Robert M. Noll of Marietta.

Fourth of July

 The Marietta Register, July 8, 1864

The Fourth of July passed off very quietly in Marietta, even the shooting of fire-crackers by the boys was not in the usual profusion. At 9 o'clock A.M., the children, parents and friends assembled on the Commons above Putnam Street and, to the music of Major Payne's Martial Band, marched to the College Grounds, where exercises were held. Prayer by Rev. Mr. Battelle and addresses by L. H. Sargent of Cincinnati, who is known as "Sunday School Sargent," and by A. E. Chamberlain, President of the Cincinnati branch of the U.S. Christian Commission. Music, refreshments, and a social time were then the order. For this entertainment, the children are indebted to D. P. Bosworth, R. P. Iams, and perhaps others.

 

Finish Local Movie Film

 Marietta Daily Times, March 3, 1915

Messrs. Guillette and Harris completed their photo-play, "A Princess's Visit to Marietta" last evening when the local post-office, the post-master and his assistants were photographed at the west side of the Government building. In filming this picture, twelve hundred feet of negative was exposed, views being taken of many of the interesting places of Marietta.

The local young man who played the part of king will go under the stage name as King Baggott and in escorting the queen, also a local young lady, over the city, will be complimented in his fine acting. Interior scenes of Marietta's large concerns were taken and large crowds followed the actors over the city as the "movies" were taken.

The film was taken to New York last evening and after being developed and finished will be brought here for one week and then given to other cities. Mr. Sybert of the Hippodrome, who made possible this unique affair, stated today that he expected the film to be completed and thrown on the screen at the Hipp beginning Monday night.

Boy's Revolver Cracks in Crowded Theatre and Adds Thrill to Western Picture

 The Marietta Daily Times, February 20, 1926

A touch of the realistic was injected into the make-believe of a roaring western melodrama at the Lyric theatre on Friday evening when a 13-year-old boy discharged a revolver in the middle of a capacity audience. The bullet from the gun tore through the skirt of an overcoat worn by Glen Andrews, a Junior High school student, passed on through the leg of his trousers, struck a seat iron and glanced harmlessly to the floor. No one was injured.

Johnny Kidd, son of Fremont Kidd of Cisler's Ridge, had possession of the gun, a harmless-looking weapon of 22-calibre. It was in his trousers pocket, he declares, when it was discharged, and he says the whole thing was an accident. Johnny was slated to explain matters to the juvenile court on Saturday.

The chance shot was fired shortly after 7 o'clock, and the theatre was packed. "The Riddle Rider," one of those western pictures with Indians and cowboys and wild-riding heroes and an appealing heroine was on the screen. It is a serial that the Lyric is running and just as the story reached a thrilling climax and the audience was keyed to the highest pitch of excitement, the gun cracked and the smell of real powder was wafted over the crowed.

The management called for the police and a whole squad of bluecoats responded. They pressed into the theatre and wormed their way through the crowd, finally discovering the boy with the gun. He was taken to headquarters and there told his story to Lieutenant Mills. He couldn't account for the firing of the gun and insisted that he wasn't even touching the weapon when it "took a fool notion to explode."

Judge Fleming of the juvenile court was called to headquarters and after questioning the Kidd boy, he sent him home with an agreement that he would report in court on Saturday.

The lad lives north of the city near the old Cole farm, and he and a twin brother attend the Lyric theatre regularly. "We always try to be there on Friday nights to see "The Riddle Rider," he told the judge. "It's a good picture and we like it. Several nights when we have walked to our home in the country, persons in automobiles along the Glendale hill road have shot at us, so I decided to get a gun. I bought the weapon of Chuck Camden of Norwood, giving him 50 cents for it. I got shells for it out of my father's rifle at home. I have carried the gun for a week or 10 days.

Johnny is a small boy for his years, is a student at Junior High school, and this is the first time that he has been in trouble. His chief concern on Friday evening was the worry his experience would bring to his parents.

Bosworth's Career a Tribute to Ambition

 The Marietta Daily Times, December 2, 1922

Born right here in Marietta, Ohio, educated on the stage, hardened on the sea and strengthened by an extensive experience as ranchman, boxer, and wrestler. Such, in brief, is the history of Hobart Bosworth, star of "The Sea Lion," that is being shown at the Hippodrome today.

Bosworth's early stage career saw his playing in company with such famous actresses as Henrietta Crossman, Amelia Bingham and Julia Marlowe; and the experience gained during this portion of his life was invaluable to him later on. 

During succeeding years, when his health threatened to break down, he turned to an outdoor existence, gaining his living on the sea, in the valleys of the west and the rings of California. The training he gained from his pugilistic experience has stood him in good stead for almost all his pictures show him in the role of a masterful character who wins his way to the top by sheer physical prowess.

Such a role is supplied Bosworth in his present production. "The Sea Lion" mingles love interest and vivid heart appeal with its combats. Nela Nelson, the character Bosworth portrays, is after all, intensely human; and the pent-up emotion finds relief in the thrilling climax that brings to him the realization of his wife's undeviating love.

[View The Sea Lion on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvqhUgj8Z1Y]

 

Halloween at Marietta College

 The College Olio, November 17, 1883

It is the general opinion that Halloween carryings on are utterly useless and barren of results. For the past twenty years there has been a regular programme for the night, which has been more or less strictly adhered to. The evening is begun by four class suppers, after which each class marches to the campus, accompanied by the music of two-cent tin horns. A fire is next kindled with boxes, barber poles and other paraphernalia collected on Front Street. Then follows a rope pull between the Sophomores and Freshmen. The rest of the evening is consumed in successful or futile efforts of the lower classes to burn each other in effigy. For several years this programme has not been fully carried out. This year the solitude of the Dormitory was undisturbed except by Freshman tin music. In all probability this is the last year Halloween will be celebrated.

The most cruel deed that was done Halloween by the boys was to frighten several of the young ladies of the city, who had assembled just across the street from the Campus, from carrying into execution their long-formed plans. They had intended to consult the oracles that night in regard to their future by walking around a square at midnight and performing various other superstitious acts. However, as the boys made their appearance about that hour, the young ladies dispersed to their homes.

Emancipation Anniversary

 The Marietta Register, July 29, 1864

The colored people will hold a Celebration on Harmar Hill, Monday, August 1st - forenoon and afternoon. Dudley Asbury of Harmar makes an address before dinner, and John M. Langston of Oberlin, one of Ohio's best speakers, at 2 o'clock P.M. A table will be furnished on the ground for dinner at reasonable rates. In the evening there will be a Festival at Marshall's Hall in Marietta, the proceeds to be devoted to the benefit of the Colored Church.

The Fourth

 The Marietta Intelligencer, July 9, 1846

We believe almost everybody in Marietta in one way or another participated in the festivities of this Anniversary. We hear of picnic parties on Harmar Hill, on the Island, in Virginia, and on College Hill. 

The Sabbath School connected with the Methodist Episcopal Society celebrated the day in the Brick Church on Putnam Street. Mr. James F. Given delivered an oration, after which, and the exercises of the S. School children, refreshments were served in the basement.

The Sabbath School of the Universalist Society assembled in the morning at their church on Second Street, where addresses were made by some members of the school and an oration delivered by Rev. Eaton. A dinner was prepared in the orchard adjacent to the church.

The several Sabbath Schools in Harmar had a union celebration and were addressed by Rev. Messrs. Dana, Bing, and Bates and by several of the teachers in the respective schools. A dinner was furnished in the market house.

A large company assembled in Mr. Prentiss' orchard near the College, where a bountiful table was spread and where brief addresses were made by Prof. Kendrick, Mr. George M. Woodbridge, and other gentlemen whose names we have not learned.

In the evening, the concert at the Congregational Church "came off." It was numerously attended and the Library Hall, in which the Ladies of the Society spread their refreshment tables, was crowded - a part of the time almost to suffocation.

We hear of celebrations in various parts of the county - as at Newport, Beverly, and Fearing - but have received no accounts of the exercises.

Sliding

Marietta Olio, February 8, 1873

Among the students of Marietta College, sliding seems to be the order of the day; not sliding off from recitation, for that, it is too early in the term, nor into someone's affections, for they are already there, nor yet off without paying a wash bill, but down Mills' Hill to the detriment of passersby, and in fact all over town.

There has been more sleighing this year than any we remember for some time past. Jingle, jingle from one end of the town to the other, some on chairs elevated upon upon runners, others upon inverted goods boxes, while still others in real sleighs. 

The active individuals of '76, partly to evince their class spirit, and partly to show what verdancy could be gotten together, took a grand sleighing under the guidance of Parson Cooke, Jr. This group meeting one of the Professors, of course, cheered him, he waving his hat in return, but the same efforts in reference to a higher official failed, as he accidentally stepped into a store just about that time.

The Old Folks at Beverly

 The Marietta Register, November 4, 1875

Editor Register: Did you know what a grand, good time we have been having here? But then we are always having so many "good times" you could hardly expect to keep posted.

This, however, was something quite out of the usual way, therefore, all the more enjoyable. We called it a relic gathering, or more pretentiously, a centennial dinner. I am sure if you had been within the boundaries of our comely town on last Tuesday morning, you would have sniffed excitement with the very atmosphere, for everybody was in qui vive, and on the street. All the country round about came to town in holiday attire. If anybody stayed at home to "mind the children" or "tend the fires," it was not the old folks, as usual. At eleven o'clock, A.M., the lecture room of the Presbyterian church was filled with happy faces "and still they came."

Five large tables stood in the south side of the audience room, loaded with articles of every conceivable kind which had belonged to former generations. What the tables would not hold was hung upon the wall and in other ways displayed, provision not having been made for so extensive an exhibition. Most of the articles were over a hundred, and many several hundred, years old.

On the other side of the room were three long tables loaded with the fatness of the land - an appetizing array, indeed a substantial old fashioned dinner such as our great-grandmothers loved to spread for their friends. Chicken pies, baked beans and pork, immense puddings and pones, potatoes with their jackets on, boiled cabbage, doughnuts, pound cakes, pies, gingerbread after the good old way, and indeed almost everything that goes to make up a good dinner.

We think you would have enjoyed most of all the sight of the ladies on table committee. They were in old style costumes, veritable belles and matrons of ye ancient times. They were a never ending source of interest and amusement to all the guests. The ladies in costume were Mrs. Thurza Stull, Mrs. Eva Reynolds, Mrs. Mollie Parker, Mrs. Mary Blondin, Misses Ella Fowler, Tillie Glass, Flora Parker, Rose Davis, Lottie Buck, Jessie McIntosh, Mary Cooney, Emma Robertson, Josie Davis, Flora Fowler, and Mary Robinson. 

The hour for dinner having arrived, the audience was called to order by our friend, Boylston Shaw, and that good old song, Auld Lang Syne was "lined out" by Prof. Smith and sung by the audience after the manner of ye olden time. Prayer was then offered by Prof. Smith in an earnest and fervent manner and appropriate to the occasion. The guests were then seated, the old folks first quite filling up the tables.

After dinner Mr. Shaw again called the audience to order and short addresses were made recalling events of the past by Col. Enoch McIntosh, Ezekiel Emerson, Joseph Nickerson of Morgan County, Gen. H. F. Devol, and Prof. Smith of the Beverly Academy. Col. McIntosh read a list of all the first settlers of this community and gave a brief biographical sketch of the life of each one.

Taking a look among the tables containing the relics, we were greatly surprised at the large number and variety. We can mention but a few of the most interesting and valuable. A sun dial 125 years old, wooden plates over 100 years old, beautiful butter dish 100 years old, an iron kettle brought from Massachusetts by Mrs. Owens, grandmother of Elijah Sprague, the first white woman who landed on the Ohio Company's purchase. In this old kettle she cooked the first meal ever cooked by a white woman in Marietta. This valuable relic is now in the possession of Elijah Sprague.

A cradle belonging to the Devol Family, in which was rocked the children of that family twenty-five in number, from Alpha Devol, 1789, down to 1873. What squalls it must have witnessed in its eventful life. Two salt dishes 420 years old, a china mustard cup 175 years old, a horn drinking cup, carried by Benjamin Shaw in the Revolutionary War, a silver teaspoon over 300 years old, brought from England by Miss Judd of Morgan County.

Sword and bayonet from Bunker Hill battlefield, the Ulster County Gazette of January 1800 containing account of Washington's funeral and battle of Zurick, The Maryland Journal and the Baltimore Advertiser, August 20, 1773; The American Friend, Marietta, Friday, December 4, 1812, printed and published by Royal Prentiss. Episcopal Prayer Book 1725, examples of catechising upon the Assembly's Shorter Catechism for instructing the young and ignorant, &c., 1737. The above are but a few of the valuable relics found upon the tables. Everyone was surprised at this display of relics, for it far exceeded the most sanguine expectation.

What added most to the enjoyment of the occasion was the deep interest manifested by the old men and women, and the intense pleasure it seemed to afford them to be allowed this opportunity of meeting together in such a way that they could recall to mind once more the days of old, when they were boys and girls, upon whose brows old time had not dared to strike a furrow.

In the evening a mush and milk supper was served at the same place and was well attended by the younger people. This event will long be remembered as one of the most pleasant episodes of 1875 in our village. All feel grateful to the kind ladies who gave the entertainment, and we can assure them that all, with one accord, pronounce it an honor to the fair ones who gave it.

Trio

Hundreds Make Merry in Halloween Parade

The Marietta Daily Times, November 1, 1945

With every member of the police department on duty Wednesday night, Marietta celebrated Halloween without an accident of any kind. There were no reports of property being destroyed, Chief of Police H. O. Wolfe said.

Although a special policeman was again detailed to Marietta College campus at the request of college authorities, the students fooled them and none showed up for any pranks. Some of the leaders of Tuesday night's campus celebration took exception to police reports that windows and lights were broken. They said a special effort was made to see that no property was destroyed, and that they were only carrying out an old tradition of the college. They recalled similar celebrations staged by the fathers of some when a cow and chickens were moved into the chapel. With chairs scattered over the campus Wednesday, students were required to stand during some classes, while others sat on the floor.

Somewhat reminiscent of V-J Night was the crowd which thronged Marietta's streets for the Halloween parade and celebration which began at 7 o'clock. Mothers, dads, sons and daughters were all out to enjoy the gala parade of approximately 800 persons which was climaxed at the Stadium grounds where judging was held for the funniest and most tasteful costumes. Adding to the colorful parade was the Marietta High School Tiger Band, the Salem-Liberty High School Band, and the Norwood Drum Corps.

Prize winners in the 19th annual festival, sponsored by the Marietta Lions Club, were as follows:

Men's comic costume - Ralph Gearhart, 627 Ninth St., first prize; John Weiss, 629 Ninth St., second prize.

Boy's comic costume - Richard Hall, 141 Acme St., first prize; Bob McCain, 133 Acme St., second prize.

Boy's fancy costume - Weldon Weber, 306 Putnam St., first prize; John E. McClure, 708 Quarry St., second prize.

Women's fancy costume - Mrs. Ned Hockensmith, Williamstown, first prize; Mrs. Edna Fesler, 172 Front St., second prize.

Girl's fancy costume - Rose Hockenberry, 708 Washington St., first prize No. 1; Jeannie McClure, Quarry St., Judith Nancy Myers, S. Third St., and Sallie Ann Myers, S. Third St., first prize No. 2; Patty Richards, 710 Washington St., second prize No. 1; Sue Humston, 503 Second St., second prize No. 2.

Group prize - Jake Landsittle, 208 Sacra Via, Ray Wilson, 113 Porter St., and Jack Gardiner, 608 Seventh St.

Judges for the event were Miss Florence Hennis, Mrs. Wilbur D. Jones, Fred Mains, O. E. Capehart, and Maurice Mitchell.

Celebration at Newport

The Marietta Register, July 12, 1866

As a slight shower had fallen in the morning, the original design of a basket picnic in a neighboring grove was laid aside, and the people assembled in the Baptist church of the village. Here the oration of the day was delivered by Rev. J. W. Hamilton, the minister of the Methodist charge at this place. The address of Mr. H. showed much thought and preparation and was spoken with an earnestness and animation which fixed the attention of his audience. His style displays much force and energy, and he bids fair to rise to a prominent position in his field of labor.

The regular toasts of the day then ensued, the first of which was: "Our Literary Institutions in the loyal states - their patriotic teachings have been demonstrated in the intelligent members which they have given to the service of their country." The remarks of the Professor were very instructive, but were so far prolonged as to render them rather tedious. 

By this time the sun and breeze had dissipated the remaining traces of the morning shower and the entire assembly repaired to the grove near the Methodist church, where an excellent dinner was enjoyed by all. The after-dinner toasts were then taken up:

"The loyal ministry - true indices to the duties of real citizenship, love to God, love to man, patriotic devotion to our common country." The response was made by Rev. C. D. Battelle, whose remarks were brief but appropriate.

A sentiment expressive of gratitude to the soldiers of the township was introduced with some remarks by George C. Shipman and replied to, in behalf of the soldiers, by Hon. James B. Greene. I regret that I cannot give the words of the toast.

"The fallen sons of Newport: Lewis Nine, Edgerton, Battelle, Greenwood, J. R. Newport, Hall, Gutshaw, Wetzel, Davis, Hill, Seevers, Mathers, Van Wey, Gates, McPeek, and others - let their memories be kept green in the hearts of a grateful people."

This toast was received in silence, save the song "Sleeping for the Flag," which was beautifully rendered by a group of young ladies.

To the volunteer toast, "Our Fathers and Mothers; green be the graves of our sires, honored the gray hairs in our midst today," response was made by T. W. Ewart, in which he spoke highly of those who had formed the early settlements of the vicinity.

The following sentiment was given by a West Virginian: "West Virginia, a proud bulwark against treason and rebellion; no longer the club foot of the Old Dominion, a wide road to prosperity opens before her." Response by Rev. Charles Buckman, also a native of that state.

Rev. Allen Darrow being called for, made some remarks of a patriotic character.

We must not forget to express our commendation of the singing which was excellent. Altogether the affair passed off quite pleasantly. The general arrangements were good and were carried out quite as accurately as could be expected in view of interference of rain, etc. The day will be long remembered by those who participated in its enjoyments as an entertaining and profitable occasion.

H.R.E.
Newport, July 9, 1866.