Town Notes

The Marietta Register, November 26, 1889:

Mr. Editor: In rambling over the pioneer city of The North West Territory (perhaps some of your readers may have heard that expression during the winter and summer of 1888) a casual observer may see many things worthy of comment. For instance, one cannot avoid seeing and coming in contact with the mud on our streets. It is simply disgraceful. Last summer our worthy solons, who turn the municipal crank for "all of us," expended many hundreds of dollars, nay, I am told it reaches into the thousands, in grading Putnam and other streets, and covering the slag used thereon with a black mask that seems a composition of all that is vile, either for the purposes of dust or mud. The result is that the streets present the appearance of the rolling waves of the sad, sad sea, while the black and red mud have united and are "deeper, darker, deadlier" than ever before.

I notice by the papers that our taxes have run up to 27.80 on each dollar of taxable property. What have we to show for it? Muddy streets, yes; rather poor light (on account of poor oil) yes, still it does seem that we are "paying dear for our whistle." Who is the "young Napoleon of finance" that controls the levy and expends our revenue?

The good news is wafted abroad that we are to have a real "Union Depot," and Dame Rumor has it that it will be erected on Second Street near Putnam. If that be so, some enterprising man, or woman either for that matter, should put up a fine hotel in that vicinity. Such an investment would no doubt prove remunerative.

For years past I have noticed a certain black oak tree located in this city that has held its leaves, apparently dry and dead, until the warmth of spring caused the expanding buds to push them off; this year the first few frosts entirely denuded the tree of its leaves. What conclusions do our weather prophets draw from this circumstance?

Other cities and towns use their electric lights in lighting stores, factories, and even private dwellings; why has it not been done here? If the city goes into the light business, why not do it thoroughly? Why not put in more dynamos and have light for private use?

The enjoyable (?) weather we have been having is another fruitful theme, but remembering the old proverb, "Change of weather is the discourse of fools," we subside.

Observer

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The Marietta Register, December 5, 1889:

The Council will hold an adjourned session Friday evening to consider the proposition of the T. & O. C. E. R. R. concerning the new Depot and fill. There should be liberality without jeopardizing the city's rights.

The section of the city under consideration might well be given over to the railroads, if they will redeem and utilize it. But unless thus reclaimed, it will be long years before anything can be expected.

Oh, the streets, the beautiful streets - with the cinder under the mud. The slag is uneven as the billowy sea, and the wagon wheels go cathud. The money we've spent on the rotten mill-ash would have graveled at least half a mile. We told the Dads, too, when the folly began, they'd soon wish all the stuff in a pile. But, "no," they protested the ash was half iron, would pack and resist lots of wear. They said, "talk is cheap," and, when we had passed, they muttered, "the City Dad swear." And now we must pay our full share of the tax, quite enough the richest will say, and tramp in the mud - the black, slimy mud - getting worse the more that we pay.

  

Basin at the Mouth of Market Square Run

 Marietta Intelligencer, September 5, 1839

The authorities of the Town have commenced the excavation for this work in good earnest. Under their direction about four hundred loads of earth are daily removed. Twelve hundred loads have been placed at the foot of Post Street for a new landing at that place. This is done partly at the expense of Messrs. Marshall and Lewis who own property in that vicinity. Mr. Soyez has purchased one thousand loads for a new landing in front of his premises. Large quantities of earth have been placed on the old landings at the foot of Front and Market Streets.

After the excavation is completed, we believe it is proposed to place guard locks below the bridge, and above the bridge both dry and wet docks will be erected. The water from the run will be taken across the commons by a culvert, nearly on the line of Butler Street. A portion of the earth from the culvert will be taken to fill the low ground on the east side of Front Street, and this street will thus be made straight.

We understand the water for the mills will be taken from the basin about midway between the bridge and the river by a mill race about 30 feet wide. The length of the mill race will be about 350 feet, and will require an excavation of about 6529 cubic yards.

Last Car on Muskingum Line Oct. 31

 The Marietta Daily Times, October 25, 1929

Last car over the Muskingum division of the Monongahela West Penn lines will leave the court house at Marietta on Thursday, October 31, at 10:45 o'clock. It will make the regular run to Beverly, arriving there at 11:30 o'clock, then will deadhead back into Marietta and service so far as the public is concerned will be done.

The Ohio public utilities commission granted permission more than six weeks ago to discontinue service on the line which has been a losing venture for years. Expansion of the automobile industry and building of good roads has spelled ruin for this division.

The Beverly line was completed and the first car was run into the northern terminal more than 20 years ago. Sam Brittigan of Marietta was motorman on that first car. If he so desires he will be permitted to bring the last car out of Beverly next Thursday night.

The company has not decided as to what it will do with the line that it is abandoning. It will either put its own force of wreckers to the task of removing it or will sell it outright to a wrecking company that will take it up.

The Second Street spur from Second and Montgomery streets to the fairgrounds will be left in place for periodical operation. In regular service, however, no cars will operate beyond Montgomery Street after next Thursday night.

Worth Considering: Goose Run

 The Marietta Tri-Weekly Register, December 14, 1889

It is now to be accepted that the low ground in Marietta is largely to be filled the coming season. The work contemplates at least two arches over Goose Run, to be built by the railroad company, and their estimate is at a cost of $5,000. It is not likely that the city will be called on to make any outlay to take care of the run now. But the time will come when it must do so again.

Next season we expect the completion of the lock and the building of the race alongside of it. Then the city must provide for an outlet to the run. We cannot say whether it has a perpetual privilege under the mill or not, but probably not. In any event the run will be an expense and an annoyance to the city and individuals until it is arched from the Muskingum river to Sixth street, or until it is taken down Sixth to the Ohio river.

It will cost $10,000 to arch it from the north side of Hart street to the Ohio river. The dirt from Butler to Hart is worth the excavation, and it can run in an open bed to Hart with a bridge over Greene for all time.

The problem is therefore to raise $10,000 and carry the run to the Ohio.

How it can be done? The railroad company will give $5,000 to get rid of their arches. The material of the arches at Fourth, Second and Front are worth $2,500 to wreck besides paying for large sewer pipe to carry off surface water now accommodated. It is worth to the property owners over Front street arch and to the rear of lots above it now exposed in the rear basement and to the lots above it now cut up by the run certainly $2,500 more, and upon a proper presentation of the subject they would doubtless assist to that amount; and here then is the whole job done without any outlay worth considering to the city.

Shall we not see this idea carried out or its equivalent?

Sewerage

The Marietta Leader, February 1, 1893

It may not be generally known that plans and specifications have been prepared for a complete system of sewerage for this city, but such is the fact and the Council by a recent ordinance has adopted them and divided the City into sewer districts. 

These plans cover nearly every street and designate the depth, size of pipe, etc. for each street. Of course the depth of sewer trenches must relate to each other in such a way as to secure a rapid flow from one to the other and finally through the main trunk into the river. 

One of the mains will go down Putnam to Front, down Front to Butler, and thence to the river just below the railroad bridge. This will be 24 inches in diameter and fully sixteen feet deep and will probably be the first to be laid.

The sewers as planned will be for sewage, not for surface drainage; roof water, however, to a certain extent will be admitted. At convenient intervals will be constructed catch basins with automatic syphons for flushing purposes. These syphons will fill with water and when full will discharge into the sewer and flush out all impurities. 

These sewers will be constructed on the assessment plan. All the property in the sewer district will be assessed according to its valuation on tax duplicate pro rata, to pay the expense of construction. 

The City issue bonds for such amount as may be necessary to complete the district sewers, and these bonds will be paid off by the assessments as they fall due. The payments can be distributed over such period as the Council may determine. In some cities the bonds run for ten or more years, thus making the burden easier to bear. 

Everyone interested ought to begin to think about this matter and add the weight of their opinion to the general expression on this subject. The Council certainly will not move in this matter if any decided opposition shall be made. It will be done, if done at all, with the expectation that it is for the best interests of the City to have a complete system of sewerage - and not to please any faction or small minority.

It is certainly desirable to put in sewers ahead of street paving, and the sewers should be started far enough ahead of paving to enable the pavers to obtain a good foundation.

If any large amount of sewer work is to be done this season, no time should be lost in getting ready, as it takes about as long to get ready to lay sewers as it does to lay street pavement.

   

An Ordinance Regulating Markets in Marietta

The Marietta Intelligencer, December 25, 1856

Sec. 1st. Be it ordained by the City Council of the city of Marietta, that the market house and so much of Second Street as lies between Ohio and Butler, and so much of Greene as lies between Front and Third, and so much of Ohio Street as lies between Front and Third streets, is hereby set apart as a public Market.

Sec. 2d. That public markets be held from the 1st of April to the 1st of November on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday of each week, and that markets be opened at 3 o'clock A.M., and closed at 9 o'clock A.M. Also that from the 1st of November to the 1st of April public markets be held on Wednesday and Saturday of each week and that markets be opened at 11 o'clock A.M. and closed at 2 o'clock P.M. of each said market days.

Sec. 3. It shall be unlawful for any person to sell any provisions or other commodity whatever, usually sold in market on market days, within the market house or within the market space, before the time mentioned in the second section of this ordinance.

Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of the Clerk of the market to lease annually on the first market day of November of each year, to the highest bidder, each of the stalls of the market house, and if any remain not leased on or after that day he shall lease them by private contract on the best terms he can obtain, but he shall lease no stall to any person without payment of the rent in advance.

Sec. 5. Every person offering any commodity for sale in market who is not the lessee of a stall or stand in the market house shall occupy such place in said market space as shall be assigned him or her by the Clerk of the market.

Sec. 6. It shall be unlawful for any person selling any commodity in market to use false weights or measures in ascertaining the quantity sold, and any person offending against the provisions of this section, shall in addition to the penalties hereinafter prescribed, forfeit all articles by him or her so offered for sale, and it shall be the duty of the Clerk of the market to seize and sell the same for the use of the city.

Sec. 7. It shall be unlawful for any person to offer for sale or to sell in market or elsewhere in Marietta, any tainted meat, or unwholesome, damaged or spoiled provisions of any kind whatever.

Sec. 8. All persons occupying stalls or stands in the market house, shall keep the same and all the implements and appurtenances belonging thereto or used therein, clean and in good order.

Sec. 9. It shall be unlawful for any person to disobey or resist the Clerk of the market in the performance of his duties.

Sec. 10. It shall be unlawful for any person to purchase any commodity or article whatever in market on market days before the time prescribed for the opening of the market.

Sec. 11. It shall be the duty of the Clerk of the market, to keep the market house clean and in good repair. To cause persons offering articles for sale in market to occupy such stands and places as will best suit the convenience of the public and purchasers.

     To safely keep the weights and measures belonging to the market house, and to see that all weights and measures used in market conform to the lawful standards. To take possession of all property forfeited to the city, and to sell the same for the use of the city.

     To cause all offenders against the market laws to be prosecuted.

     To ring the bell at the hour of opening the market.

     To keep order in market during market hours.

Sec. 12. The bell shall be rung at the hour for opening the market, and the ringing of the bell shall be held and taken as the true time for opening the market.

Sec. 13. If the Clerk of the market shall willfully fail to perform any of the duties belonging to his office, the Council may dismiss him therefrom and on conviction of any willful failure or neglect to perform any duty imposed by the city ordinances, or by law, or by the nature of his office, he shall, on conviction thereof before the Mayor, be fined in any sum not exceeding fifty dollars.

Sec. 14. Any person violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall, on conviction thereof before the Mayor, be fined in any sum not exceeding fifty dollars.

Sec. 15. The ordinance entitled "An ordinance regulating the markets in Marietta and prescribing the duties of the Clerk of the market, passed September 20th, 1854, is hereby repealed.

Passed Dec. 17, 1856.

W. F. Curtis, President Council.

Attest. R. E. Harte, City Clerk.

  

Wooster vs. Worcester and Other Spelling Questions

 The Marietta Register, September 8, 1870:

We don't know how many times the Register has stated the fact that the street next above Scammel in Marietta, running back from the Muskingum, is named Wooster Street, and not Worcester, yet the latter appears sometimes, even in official proceedings.

*  *  *

The Marietta Register, September 22, 1870:

Some discussion in town since the Register of the 8th inst. about the spelling of the name of the street running from the Muskingum, next above Scammel. The Register has always had it Wooster and not Worcester.

All admit that the streets running back from the Muskingum were named for officers of the Revolutionary Army, beginning at the Ohio River: Wayne, Hart, Greene, Butler, Putnam, Scammel, Wooster or Worcester, Washington, Warren, Montgomery.

For whom was the street - Wooster or Worcester - named? We suppose for General David Wooster, killed at Ridgefield, Connecticut, April 1777, at the time of the British Tryon's expedition against Danbury. Does anyone doubt this or known of any Revolutionary officer named "Worcester," for whom the street was probably named? If so, point him out. No one will claim that any history spells the name of the Connecticut General in any other way than Wooster.

But on the original plat of Marietta in the Ohio Company's records, the street is designated "Worcester." Lawyers can judge from this what is the legal title. The law, it may be said, is not a precisely accurate speller, but is governed by the manifest meaning, and either Wooster or Worcester would stand law, according to the circumstances of the case.

Our belief is that on the original plat the spelling should have been Wooster, as General David Wooster spelled his name; and this the more, since the person who drew the plat did not know how to spell. He has on his plat, "Lue," instead of lien; "Harmer," in place of Harmar; "Gardins," for Gardens; and "Capatolium," for Capitolium. And as the town of Worcester, Massachusetts, is pronounced Wooster, what more likely than that this inaccurate speller (who was from the same part of the country as Worcester, Massachusetts) should have spelled General Wooster's name incorrectly as Worcester. The record, let us remark, is attested by General "Rufus Putnam, Surveyor Gen'l," in his own handwriting, yet the plat is not his own work, but that of some Clerk or Secretary.

Quadranus or Quadranaou?

Let us say farther, that on the original plat, the square bounded by Warren, Third, Montgomery and Fourth streets, is "Quadranus," yet in the written records it is given as "Quadranaou." Here is a conflict in the original. Scholars can, if they choose, puzzle their heads in this matter.

Harmar or Harmer?

Some might say that as it is Harmer on the original plat (which gives Worcester), that ought to be the authority. And the late Dr. S. P. Hildreth so spells it in his historical works. Yet the spelling in common use is Harmar, and we believe correct. This - Harmar - is the spelling in Atwater's, Howe's and Taylor's Histories of Ohio; in Judge Burnet's Notes on the Northwestern Territory; in James H. Perkins' Annals of the West; in Timothy Flint's Geography and History of the Western States,1828; in Kilbourn's Ohio Gazetteer, 1821; and in Jedidiah Morse's American Gazetteer, 1798 - seventy-two years ago - we find: "Harmar, a well constructed fort in the N. W. Territory, at the mouth of the Muskingum. It has 5 bastions and 3 cannon mounted, and is garrisoned by 4 companies. It is conveniently situated to reinforce any of the posts up or down the river Ohio."

Besides, we have an autograph letter written to us by a son of General Harmar, who now lives in Philadelphia, who spells his name WILLIAM HARMAR.

Columbia or Marietta?

United States Chronicle (Providence), August 9, 1787

Just Received, and to be sold by the printer hereof,

A New Map

Of the western Parts of Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and North-Carolina, comprehending the River Ohio, and all the Rivers that fall into it; Part of the River Mississippi, the Whole of the Illinois River, Lake Erie, Part of the Lakes Huron, Michigan, &c. and all the Country bordering on those Lakes and Rivers.

Done from actual Surveys by THOMAS HUTCHINS, Esq., Geographer-General to the United States.

Also,

A Pamphlet containing a Topographical Description of the western Parts of Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and North-Carolina, comprehending the Rivers Ohio, Kenhawa, Muskingum, Sioto, Kentucke, Cherokee, Wabash, Illinois, Mississippi, &c., the Soil, Climate and Produce, whether Animal or Mineral; the Mountains, Creeks, Roads, Distances, Latitudes, &c. of every Part, laid down in the aforementioned MAP; with a Plan of the Rapids of the Ohio, and of the several Villages in the Illinois Country, done on Copperplate; also, a Table of the Distances between Fort Pitt and the Mouth of the Ohio, and a correct List of the different Nations and Tribes of Indians, with the Number of Fighting Men, &c.

Published by Mr. Hutchins.

* * * A Plan of the new Town COLUMBIA, which is proposed to be built on the River MUSKINGUM, at its Confluence with the OHIO, may be seen at the Printing-Office, Westminster-Street.

Providence, August 1, 1787.

New Addition to Marietta

Marietta Daily Journal, March 5, 1917

Marietta will have another residence subdivision in the near future, according to information that was given out today. The new addition will be located on the Strecker farm, just off the end of Third Street, and will be built by the Strecker estate, B. F., C. F. Strecker and others. It is planned to start work on the new addition just as soon as the weather permits and when completed, the place will be one of the finest sites for homes in the Pioneer City.

The Strecker farm consists of a large tract of land just off the north end of Third Street and it joins the Rathbone Addition. It is planned to build the new addition on the right hand side of Third Street on the high ground. A part of the new subdivision will be within the city limits.

The Strecker Brothers plan to start the grading work on the addition in the near future and when the work is completed, several modern homes will be erected. E. T. Jenney, of the firm of Jenney and Jenney, of Cleveland, will supervise the work on the new addition. Mr. Jenney is a landscape gardener of much repute and only recently had charge of the work of improving the fine estate of D. A. Bartlett. He should be able to put the new residence site into the finest kind of shape.

Definite plans as to the number of homes and their style have not yet been decided upon, but a number of the most modern residences will be built. The construction of this new residence site will aid greatly in relieving Marietta of her present shortage of homes which has been caused by an increase in the industrial wealth of the city, hence an increase in the number of laborers.

City Party Enjoyed By Thousands

Marietta Daily Times, August 21, 1924

A crowd estimated at from 8,000 to 10,000 people thronged lower Front Street on Wednesday evening for the big community celebration which re-dedicated the re-surfaced and widened thoroughfare. The celebration was a huge success and showed a fine community spirit.

People came from all parts of the county and joined in the fun and frolic of the evening that commenced early and continued until after midnight. Owing to the crowds jamming about the orchestras, which were stationed at the head and in the middle of that portion of the street roped off for the jollification, dancing did not commence until late in the evening.

The School Band gave a fine program from 7 to 9 o'clock from a platform made of trucks placed in front of the Gruber store. The Night Owls orchestra took possession of the platform at 9 o'clock and for more than an hour played its jazziest music to get the program of the evening started, but nothing diffused the crowds until the lighting of the huge pile of store boxes on the top of the levee, when the crowds scattered and the dancing was commenced.

Sam Farmer's string orchestra played its old-fashioned dance music for waltzes, schottisches and quadrilles and had its dance patrons first at the upper end and later at the lower end of the block. With the Night Owls playing nothing but jazz, their music was the more largely patronized.

Corn meal was spread over the surface of the "dance floor" to make it easy for the dancers.

Paving in Marietta

The Marietta Gazette, July 12, 1834:

Proposals for Paving the Streets of Marietta.

Sealed proposals will be received by the Trustees of the First Ward until Saturday, the 19th inst. at 2 o'clock P.M. for paving, with good hard sound flag stone, across the following streets, viz:

From the corner of John Mills' lot across Post street on Ohio street.

On the north side of Greene street, from J. Jennings' shop, across Second street: from the corner of S. Daniels' lot, across Third street; and from D. Gilbert's lot across Fourth street.

The flagging to be well bedded in sand, three feet wide and six inches thick, where it is to be crossed by teams; and not less than three inches thick in other parts; to be laid level with the side walk, or descending to the centre of the street,as the case may be, according to  the direction of the Trustees - leaving a free passage for the water in the gutters under the walk, covering them with stone of good length.

The Proposals will state at what price per rod the work will be done by the 10th day of August, another third to be done by the 1st day of September, at which time an order on the Treasurer for one half of the amount contracted for will be given; and the whole work must be completed by the 15th of September, to the satisfaction of the Trustees.

If the work is not done, a forfeiture of 25 per cent will be deducted from the whole sum contracted for, and the work given to some other person, unless some unforeseen cause should prevent its completion.

S. Daniels, N. Bishop, J. Lewis, Trustees.

  

                                        *     *     *     *

Resolved By the Mayor, Recorder, and Trustees of the Town of Marietta, That a paved foot walk, four feet wide, of hard burnt brick, or smooth flag stone, be made the present season, from the corner of the Court House lot on Second and Putnam streets, and on the eastwardly side of Second street to and across Scammel street, to the corner of lot No. 569, thence across Second street to the corner of lot 570, thence on the northerly side of Scammel street to Front street; and from the corner of lot No. 665 across Putnam strreet to the corner of square No. 52.

Resolved, That a gravel walk be made on the westwardly side of Second street, from Scammel street to the foot of Liberty Hill, and from Second street, on the northerly side of Scammel street, to Fourth street, except across the drains, which are to be made of stone.

Resolved, That the crossings of the streets, culverts on the drains, and the gravel from the drains north of the Methodist Meeting House on Second street, and from Second street to Fourth street, on the northerly side of Scammel street, be done at the expense of the third ward; and that the residue be done at the expense of the lots, or the owners of the same on said lines, so as aforesaid; all under the direction of the Trustees of the Third Ward.

Nahum Ward, Mayor.

J. P. Wightman, Recorder.

Passed June 30th, 1834.

 

Basin at the Mouth of Market Square Run

Marietta Intelligencer, September 5, 1839

The authorities of the Town have commenced the excavation for this work in good earnest.  Under their direction about four hundred loads of earth are daily removed.  Twelve hundred loads have been placed at the foot of Post Street for a new landing at that place.  This is done partly at the expense of Messrs. Marshall and Lewis who own property in that vicinity. Mr. Soyez has purchased one thousand loads for a new landing in front of his premises. Large quantities of earth have been placed on the old landings at the foot of Front and Market Streets. After the excavation is completed, we believe it is proposed to place guard locks below the bridge; and above the bridge both dry and wet docks will be erected. The water from the run will be taken across the commons by a culvert, nearly on the line of Butler Street.  A portion of the earth from the culvert will be taken to fill the low ground on the east side of Front Street, and this street will thus be made straight. 

We understand the water for the mills will be taken from the basin about midway between the bridge and the river by a mill race about 30 feet wide. The length of the mill race will be about 350 feet, and will require an excavation of about 6529 cubic yards.

 

Then and Now: 1818-1894

The Marietta Register, April 19, 1894

My first knowledge of Square 51 and its adjoining territory commenced - I almost fear to tell you how long ago. It was in the year of the pumpkin flood. I, with others of our family, was dropped from a second story window down town into a flat boat and, with other animals, was conveyed to the old house which then fronted Putnam Street, now Third Street.

At that time there was upon this square the house which we entered and the old Court House and Jail. Square 50 upon the east was not built upon. Square 57, immediately west, had upon it three buildings. Square 44, immediately north, had five houses upon it. Square 45, immediately northwest, had four buildings upon it. Square 44, immediately north, had six buildings upon it. Square 43, immediately northeast, not built upon. Therefore, at that time there were thirteen houses in the six squares, where there are now to be found one hundred and eighty-eight.

*Note. The Unitarian church stands on the northwest corner of Square 50; the City Hall on the southwest corner of Square 43; the Court House on the southwest corner of Square 44; the Citizens' Bank on the southeast corner of Square 45; the store building occupied by Rodick Bros. on the northeast corner of Square 57.

The improvement of Second Street seems to have occupied the thoughts of some of the residents of the portion of the town bordering on it, and in reply to a communication calling the attention of the road supervisor to that subject, the annexed communication of Caleb Emerson, Esq., a graduate of an eastern college and a well informed lawyer, will be read with interest, especially by those who remember that old and much esteemed citizen:

D. Woodbridge, Esq.:

Dear Sir: Yours of to-day is received. I have occasionally sought the office of supervisor - the only one for which I ever allowed myself to electioneer - from a love of mending ways. In my first tour of duty, some twelve or fifteen years ago, I found White's Road in wretched condition - abounding with stumps, deep cuts and mud holes. I changed the custom of calling out all hands in two days - to drink and play - had the stumps removed, the bad places mended, introduced the scraper and the custom of working on roads.

The people murmured, and a system was adopted of electing supervisors who would work nearer home. The road was systematically neglected, and of course, very bad - to the scandal of the town. A few years there appeared some difficulty in retaining the accustomed avenue from that road to the Court House - a difficult road at best to keep in repair. I broke ground on Putnam Street and built a bridge in the most convenient place - which last, like most others in this country, has failed - in a great measure owing to neglect of supervisors - though I admit the attempt to succeed by a cheap arch has failed. The ascent of Putnam Street has gone out of repair for want of a little timely labor. Hence a wonderful clamor has been maintained against me - aided by my neighbor, who promised, and has kept it faithfully, to do me all the harm in his power, because I would not assist him to get some road funds to which he had no right.

When I obtained the office last spring, I hoped, with the aid of the taxes and a balance of said fund, now in the hands of Hartshorne, to put the road lying without the corporation in such condition that hereafter a great portion of the road means might remain within. The execrated end of Putnam Street and the bridge I had not specially in view - since part of the difficulties respecting the other path are removed. The stones of the bridge will not speedily wash away - the ascent may be easily made good when my heed is low, and its ruins are no longer needed as a theme of execration. I believe, after all, that the repairs ought to be made in preference to any road work of the district coming within the corporation.

After this detail you will readily conceive my feelings, independent of all disparaging associations, arising from the proposition to commit the road funds of this district to the supervisor of another. In deciding on places and manner of laying out funds and work, I have, if I mistake not, looked at the public interest. I know that assertions to the contrary are somewhat current, and from these I shall probably, as in many other points, have no appeal, except to that final and unerring account, to which we are all hastening. As to the spot you desire improved, I have the same desire, but not the same views. The county road is one of great travel, and there is no substitute without great inconvenience. Second Street is convenient, but not essential to the

public. The road has special need of funds, for team work. There is an ample fund in the corporation, which might have been applied to the street, and during two years past, a few rods of that street have engrossed the most efficient means of the road district - probably the greatest amount - while large sums of money belonging to the ward were lying idle in the corporation treasury - the road in the meantime going into such disrepair, as with such an amount of road funds in my hands, I should not feel myself safe from prosecution, in suffering. There is a part of the road, which is usually bad, now partly turnpike, to which the team work which seven or eight dollars would procure, would be essential - and for want thereof, it must be done with hands, spades, mattocks and wheelbarrows, or revert to its accustomed state of scandalous disrepair.

I am, very respectfully,

C. Emerson.

Sept. 21, 1829.

I could write a whole article about Second Street and its changes, but I must forbear and only say a few things. As you know, this street in passing over Butler Street, also crosses Tiber Creek. Long ago the wagon way passed down one bank of this creek and up the other. During a dry time, foot passengers took the same course, but during the wet season of the year they, as a foot path, used a log which extended from bank to bank and with its huge surface furnished a walking place.

This passage way was once the scene of a very amusing occurrence. Old Christie Carpenter, who lived on Greene Street, early one evening, on his way to the Methodist meeting house, on Second Street north of Scammel Street, singing along as was his wont, entered upon the south end of this log. He soon encountered a large, full grown bear who on his way to his owner's home, as there was considerable water in the creek, had chosen the log crossing. Soon they met; Christie feeling that he had a right of way, waved his hand and said, shoo Bruin, but he not being disposed to back out, raised his paw and gently pushed old Christie off the log. As he came out of the water, he turned to Bruin and said you must be a Baptist.

How changed now, the creek is arched and more than 20 railroad trains each day pass over it.

The changes above spoken of are but a sample of the mutations everywhere visible in our town and county. At the period first named the population of our town was but a handful and large portions of our county an unbroken wilderness, there being over sixty thousand acres of unoccupied land. Now there is not a forty acre lot that has not an individual owner. The wilderness is but of yore.

G.M.W.

Ask a Street in Rathbone

Marietta Daily Times, March 19, 1915

Residents of Rathbone Addition have petitioned the County Commissioners to open a fifty-foot street from the street car station at the road crossing, to the Minshall home, opposite the Children's Home, and running parallel with the street car line.

In Doan & Mann's Rathbone Heights addition a deal is pending for the sale of property upon which the prospective owner plans to erect a building for a store.

The addition may soon be the site of a new church building, a well known local minister being active in the work of agitating interest in the erection of a place of worship in the addition. Doan & Mann have agreed to donate ground for the site.

E. Patterson of Mill Creek has moved into the C. A. Whiston property in Rathbone Heights addition.

Streets Being Filled With Excess of Dirt

The Register-Leader, September 15, 1906

Third Street extension, which is being paved to the corporation line, is now closed to traffic, the contractors having found such a step necessary in order to carry out their work with any degree of satisfaction. They have, however, put in some extensive fills on Pennsylvania Avenue, and have opened an outlet to the lower end of that street in order to permit free traffic. A large amount of the dirt which it was found necessary to remove from Third and Front streets at the point where they are being paved has been hauled into the low ground of Riverview addition, where the streets were in need of extensive repairs and here it has been, and will be, used to an excellent advantage. 

Another big improvement to be made on the streets is the filling of Wooster and Washington streets, from the intersection of Seventh Street to Oak Grove Cemetery. This work is to be done with a portion of the dirt being removed from the streets where paving is in progress, and the remainder will be done with the excess dirt derived from the big sewer ditch which will be dug within the next few weeks.

 

Third Street Project Given New Impetus

Marietta Daily Times, February 24, 1915

Property Owners Name Committee to Learn Cost of Raising

Not only are residents of Third Street between Putnam and Wooster, and Scammel between Second and Fourth, interested in the project for the raising of those streets above flood level, but a large proportion of them are willing to meet their full share of the expense and will devote their efforts to putting the project through. The residents of other of the low-lying streets are also interested, and it is practical certainly that if Third Street raises itself above flood line, other thoroughfares will quickly follow suit.

These facts are made evident at a meeting held in the high school Tuesday evening for consideration of the Third and Scammel streets matter. There was a big attendance of enthusiastic property owners from the district directly interested. In addition, many persons living on other streets were present, as well as city officials, members of the city council, officials of the board of trade, members of the board of education, real estate men, contractors, and railroad representatives. About 150 people in all were on hand for a discussion of the proposal, in the agitation of which some of the biggest property owners on the streets have been the prime movers.

The outcomes of the meeting, which was purely preliminary in character, was the appointment of a committee of three, composed of Messrs. Charles Weber, W. A. Sniffen, and H. A. Wagner, with instructions to secure plans and estimates, with information as to how the improvement could be handled through the city administration, for report at at meeting to be called in the near future. This committee is expected to canvass the situation thoroughly and be able to give each of the property owners information as to how the raising of the street in front of his property will cost.

A number of enthusiastic and business-like speeches were made at the meeting, which was devoted to a general discussion of some of the phases of the proposed improvement. W. A. Whiston was elected temporary chairman and J. W. Gray temporary secretary.

Plan Is Outlined

Charles H. Weber said that the plan which had been in mind for the improvement was to run a grade from a 46 foot elevation at Putnam and Third streets to about 35 at Wooster, crossing Scammel Street at about 50 feet, with Scammel graded from about 55 at Fourth Street to the 50 foot elevation at Third. This was only tentative, he said and the men who had suggested it were willing to give or take a few feet from others who had different views on the matter.

H. A. Wagner moved that the chairman appoint a committee of three to draft resolutions and bring the street raising proposition before the meeting for consideration. On this committee were reported Hon. C. S. Dana, Henry Albrecht, and John W. Mills. The committee reported a resolution recommending that a committee be appointed to investigate the plan outlined by Mr. Weber, with the probable cost and the plans for financing it, for report to property owners and the permanent committee named above was then selected by the chairman.

Endorses the Plan

B. B. Putnam was called upon and said that the committee of 21 which recently investigated the street raising matter as a general proposition for the city had been forced to the conclusion that the only way to do it was for the property owners to get together, as they are doing in this case, and raise a street or two at a time. He had hastily figured since coming to the meeting that the deepest part of the fill, about 10 feet, would require 42 cubic feet of dirt to the running foot. Figuring this dirt at top price of 30 cents per yard, it would cost approximately $12.90 per running foot to fill the street at the most expensive point.

Dividing this between the properties on both sides of the street would mean an assessment of $6.45 per front foot on the abutting property. Add to this the cost of new paving, he said, and it would mean an assessment of not over $10 per foot to fill and pave the street at the point where the fill would be deepest and the coast greatest. Where the fill was three feet the cost would be less than $6 per front foot, he said. It would cost not over $250 to fill any yard on the street, he thought.

Thinks It Would Pay

"The cost is significant and the possible benefit unlimited," said Mr. Putnam. "Marietta can never become a city among cities until her citizens become live ones and put her up out of the reach of floods. Hardly a day passes that someone does not come into my office and ask about a business location out of the reach of the water, but we have nothing to give them. If your street is raised and other streets do not come in on the plan, I predict that most of you will be forced to sell your properties for business purposes, because the prices offered you for them will be so big you cannot afford to refuse them." 

Dr. J. C. Swan was asked to speak. He said that for about 11 years he has been attending meetings called for the purpose of raising streets, but about the only thing the citizens of Marietta have raised is their voices.

Easy to Finance It

"This is no financial obstacle in the way of raising Marietta. There is no physical obstacle in the way with the exception of the laziness in the heads of people who should be doing things. Excuse me for scolding. The trouble with Marietta is its lack of unity, its lack of community of interest, its lack of initiative and cohesion.

"If you unite on this proposition you will make money for yourselves and leave legacies for your children."

Charles H. Weber expressed the belief that the Third Street proposition can be put through. "We can do it," he said "and can bring Third Street to the front. Other streets will follow and we can make Marietta bigger and better than she has ever been. My idea of financing the proposition its that we have got to do this ourselves. We can't ask the hill people to do it. We must do it ourselves for the value it will add to our property."

He said that the meeting had been called for the purpose of learning the opinion of the property owners and urged them to express themselves freely.

Dr. Ballard For It

Dr. C. B. Ballard said that he had concluded after the 1913 flood that he would not ask anyone to raise his property or the street in front of it, believing that the increase in the value of it would remunerate him for any expense to which he was put. "What we would like to know," he said, "is just about what our tax would be on a fixed grade. This is important, as we must know whether we can finance the proposition. I believe the way for this work to be done is for the property owners to say that they will raise their property so that the property will have greater value. I believe that the other lowlanders feel the same way."

Rev. John H. Holtkamp of the German M. E. Church spoke enthusiastically in favor of the proposal. He said he thought he could say that his church, which has property at the corner of Third and Wooster streets, would do its part and that he would do so personally. "You can't stop the water's coming," he said, "but you can go up above it. The good Lord has given lots of room up there."

Suggests 48 Foot Level

F. L. Alexander of Second Street raised the question whether it would not be a mistake to raise the street to a 50-foot level. He said this would necessitate the raising of a lot of houses that have already been raised once, while a 46 or 48-foot street would make this unnecessary and would at the same time put a house five feet above the street out of all probable floods, placing them above practically every inundation that the city has experienced save that of 1913. Reducing the level at Scammel Street from 50 to 48 feet would save a lot of money, he said, and would make friends for the project.

President Crawford of the city council, when called to the floor, said he believed council would go as far as it could under the city's ordinances to aid the project. He has not heard a dissenting voice among the members of the body. Personally he pledged himself to do all he could to further the success of the scheme.

Mr. Dauenhauer of the house moving department of the John Erichleay Jr. Company of Pittsburgh, contractors, told the meeting that what is proposed here is nothing new, that it has been done before, and can be done easily. The Third Street proposition is a very small matter, he said. To accomplish it is just a matter of going ahead. The general average of cost of raising the frame residences on the street, according to his estimates, would be from $500 to $750.

Engineers Present

Engineer E. Frank Gates gave the elevation of the streets which it is proposed shall be raised and made some suggestions  as  to the best grades for them. He said he thought the best way to get at the grade would be to assume one at Third and Scammel streets and work from that to the outer ends of the proposed improvement.

E. D. Baldwin, agent of the B. & O. Railway Company, said that his company had no figures available on the cost of laying dirt down on the streets here. He said, however, that the company had sent two of its engineers to this city to attend this meeting, and that they were present to learn whether or not the people meant business, that they would doubtless look the ground over and would be glad to meet the committee that had been appointed. Mr. Baldwin was accompanied by P. Didier of Pittsburgh, chief engineer, and J. Fordella of Newark, division engineer.

     

Marietta To Lose Street Cars After Nearly 35 Years' Service

The Marietta Sunday Times, March 29, 1931

When the bell in the court house tower tolls the hour of midnight next Tuesday, city street car services in Marietta will pass into history and finis will be written for an industry that has been a part of the Pioneer City for almost 35 years.  It won't be a happy occasion for a lot of Mariettans for, inevitable though it may be that local street car service is moving out of the picture in many cities, it won't seem the same to realize that it is one of the things of life that definitely is gone.

Car service came to Marietta in 1896 and the Marietta Electric Company brought it.  Local capitalists sponsored the undertaking and the company held a West Virginia charter.  Those men may not have been "capitalists" in the accepted sense of modern times, but they were of the go-getter type and what they may have lacked in capital they made up in energy and in ability to carry on in an undertaking that was epochal in the community life of the city.

$30,000 Capital

The Marietta Electric Company, organized in 1895, had an authorized capital of $30,000.  That wouldn't indicate much of an enterprise today, but it was sufficient then to meet the needs of the occasion, and the men who swung the deal and organized the company were A. L. Gracey, J. S. H. Torner, W. H. H. Jett, D. T. McEvoy, J. S. Simpson, I. O. Alcorn, John Kaiser, Nelson Moore, and H. W. Craig.  But three of them are living today.  They are Jett, Kaiser, and Moore.  The first two are residents of Marietta and the other survivor lives at Evanston, Illinois.

With the organization of the company and the granting of franchise rights on the part of the city, the men back of the movement purchased real estate on Second Street, now covered by buildings at Nos. 307, 309, and 311.  There they built their power house and car barns and there for a few years the new enterprise was centered.

Install Gas Engines

Gas engine generators were installed at the start and were given a thorough trial.  They proved inadequate and were replaced by a steam plant.

The first tracks built by the company extended from the corner of Front and Greene streets up Front and Putnam to Second, thence to Montgomery and on around by Montgomery and Fifth Streets to the corner of Fifth and Putnam Streets.

The second extension was along Putnam Street, completing what ever since has been known as the "hill loop."

Opposition Develops

At about the same time the first Greene Street extension was built and it carried out Greene and down Fourth past the old Catholic Church to the corner of Fourth and Hart streets.  Opposition developed on the part of some members of the Catholic Church.  They believed that the noise of street cars would interfere with church services.  D. T. McAvoy, however, was a member of the church and it was through him that the late Rev. Father F. M. Woesman became interested in the traction company and the protest was removed.

By the time that these extensions had been completed, the company was getting well organized.  It has earned its right to live and the company began branching out.  A franchise for the Norwood Loop was secured and the line was carried out Hart, Sixth, Wayne, and Pike streets, and up Acme Street to meet the projection being built out Greene Street through the center of Norwood.

$150,000 Bond Issue

A bond issue of $150,000 was authorized by the company and the bonds were issued in two lots of $75,000 each.  It is recalled that the first bonds sold outside of Marietta were placed by the late Henry C. Lord with a New England syndicate located in New Hampshire.  Gradually the stock and bonds of the enterprise found market and further financial troubles were avoided.

The early days of street car operation in Marietta were not without their trials and tribulations.  There were "knockers" against the enterprise and almost continually there was opposition in the City Council.  So outspoken was this feeling in those days that the original company was required to post a bond that it was sincere in its purpose and would carry out the provisions of its franchise.  Only rarely from that time has there been a council that has not been unfriendly at least in some degree.

Abandon Location

With the building of the Norwood loop the power plant and car barns in that section of the city were built.  The Second Street plant was sold, a business block front was added and it passed to other uses.

The West Side extension was built some years after the original company was organized.  The line was carried out Putnam Avenue from the bridge and down Franklin Street to Virginia Street.  It then was planned to circle down toward Mile Run and go to Harmar Hill by way of Pearl Street extension.  That plan was abandoned, however, and rails and other material that had been strung for the line were moved elsewhere.

Another extension undertaken at about that time carried the company into Duck Creek Valley toward the bridge east of Norwood.  That was designed to serve the steel mill center then being created there.  When the mill failed, however, car service was abandoned and later the track was removed.

Used By Inter-Urban

The Second Street spur leading from Montgomery Street to the county fair grounds was a later improvement and was the beginning of the inter-urban extension later built to Rathbone, Devol's Dam, Lowell and Beverly and finally abandoned in recent years.

During the early years of the company in Marietta, the car lines made money.  Dividends were paid promptly and each years aw an increase in earnings.  Strange as it now may seem, the lighting and power end of the business developed slowly and for a number of years the earnings from the street cars covered the deficit in the light and power branches.  In recent years the thing has been completely reversed and light and power earnings have been used to cover regular monthly deficits created by operation of the cars.

Effect Merger

In 1905 the Marietta Electric Company was merged with the Parkersburg company and the enterprise headed by the late C. H. Shattuck and his associates became the Parkersburg, Marietta & Interurban Company.  The Parkersburg group acquired three-fourths of the holdings in the Marietta company and the price paid for the stock gave local investors a nice return on their holdings.

That company built the interurban line between Marietta and Parkersburg, W. VA., and concluded the deal with Beman G. Dawes and his associates whereby they built the tracks on the Marietta-Williamstown bridge.

Changes Hands

After several years of operation under direction of Shattuck and associates, the property passed into the hands of the Kanawha Traction & Electric Company which acquired a number of West Virginia properties.  Later those holdings were taken over by the Monongahela Valley Traction Company and finally, some years later, the whole thing was absorbed by the West Penn interests centering in Pittsburgh and it continues to operate as the Monongahela-West Penn Public Service Company with headquarters at Fairmont, W. Va.

Many amusing incidents occurred during the early life of these electric enterprises in Marietta, and a number of older Marietta residents were among the early operators of the cars on Marietta streets.

The original company purchased its rolling stock from the Barney & Smith Car Company at Dayton.  They were unloaded on Second Street near the present B. & O. depot and were dragged up to Putnam and Second streets where they were placed in service.

Used Summer Cars

After the Shattuck group acquired the property a number of used cars of open or summer type were purchased in Brooklyn, N. Y.  They proved popular in Marietta and many persons now of middle-age will recall the days when they operated and young folks used them for pleasure riding.  Then it was possible to ride around both loops for a nickel and if one were so disposed, he could transfer to the West Side line and take in the sights over in the old Harmar section of the city.

During the first few years of car service in Marietta, when the property was purely a local enterprise, the management was genuinely accommodating, and it will be recalled that in that now distant period it engaged in what might be termed a "jitney business."  Any person desiring to go home late at night after the "owl" car had run had but to call up the car barns and for a fee of three dollars a special car would be sent out to deliver the belated traveler at his doorstep.

Car Parties Common

Not only did the socially-inclined young folks make a practice of riding the open or summer type cars, but "traction parties" were common and many an enterprising host or hostess would charter a street car and take the whole party, refreshments, decorations and all.  Charges were reasonable for such a service and many availed themselves of that novel medium of entertainment.

The advent of the automobile here as elsewhere spelled doom for the street car enterprise and each recurring year has seen the margin of profit for traction owners dwindle.  At last the deadline was passed and then the reports began showing red ink.  Losses continued to mount.  Operating costs were crowded down and down.  Modern methods were applied and a determined effort was made to "make ends meet."  It was a losing proposition, however, and now the inevitable has come. 

The last car will pass the court house next Tuesday just before the hour of midnight.

- L. N. Harness

 

Inspection Trip to Pittsburgh

The Register-Leader, February 26, 1913

Plan of a Number of Property Owners is to View Street Raising Done There.

According to the sentiment of seventy-five per cent of the Front, Green and Second street property owners, who attended a meeting held in the court house, Tuesday evening, the raising of these several streets above high water is now practically assured.

The committee which has had the grade proposition under advisement for some time reported that they had adopted a minimum grade of 46 feet.  This grade seemed the most practical and was unanimously adopted by the entire number present.

With the streets raised to a height of 46 feet this would place the business section of Marietta immune from nearly all of the high waters in the history of the city except the 1884 and the 1907 floods.

The meting was the most enthusiastic and largest of any yet held and the question was discussed from all sides.  The practicability of the proposed improvement was taken into consideration, and the engineers present reported favorably on this point.

Mr. Dauenhauer, of the Eichleay Construction Company, of Pittsburgh, was present, and he told of the work now being done in Pittsburgh, McKees Rocks and other places in street raising projects.

Following Mr. Dauenhauer's address a committee was appointed to arrange for a trip to Pittsburgh and its surburbs to view the work now under way there.  From the interest shown, this morning, a number are planning to take the trip.

The present committees were asked to continue their work on the street raising proposition and to prepare further estimates and costs.  All of the property owners with the exception of three or four gave their consent to aid materially in the matter and there is no doubt but that the proposition will be endorsed by all in a few weeks.

It was shown, last evening, that the plans are materializing more and more each day and at the meeting were present nearly a hundred property owners, the members of the city council and a number of other interested parties.  The plan is already meeting the approval of the people in every section of the city, who will undoubtedly cooperate when the question is put to a vote.

Plans For Raising Streets Launched

The Marietta Daily Times, February 26, 1913

Enthusiastic Meeting of Property Owners Is Held.

Plans for the raising of the lower business streets of Marietta, which have been in the making for some time, were formally launched at an enthusiastic meeting of property holders held at the court house Tuesday evening.  Reports were received from some of the private committees that have been at work and steps looking toward an active campaign taken.

The most definite action taken was to fix the minimum elevation at 46 feet.  This means that if the plans are put through all streets will be brought to a level which will require a stage of at least 46 feet to flood them.  The Front street level is now practically 38 feet.  A committee was appointed to make arrangements for an excursion to Pittsburgh, to give the people who are interested an opportunity to go to that and neighboring cities  where streets and buildings have been raised, inspect the work and learn some of the details of such work.

B. B. Putnam presided at the gathering, and A. F. Cole acted as secretary in the absence of T. B. Bosworth.  About 75 percent of the property owners on Front street between Putnam and Greene, a number from Putnam, Greene and Second streets, and members of the city council were present. With a very few exceptions the speakers were all in favor of the proposition and most of them were enthusiastic.  Nearly all of the property holders on Front street have declared their willingness to go ahead with the plans and stand their part of the expense.

A representative of a Pittsburgh construction company, which has done much work in connection with the raising of business blocks and residence properties was present and told something of the work.  It is an easy matter to do this work and it is accompanied by very little disturbance of business.

The excursion committee plans to arrange for a trip to Pittsburgh within a short time.  It is the intention to arrange things so that but little time will be required and it is thought that a large number will accompany the party.

Strong arguments for the proposed action were advanced.  It was pointed out that real estate in all parts of the city has depreciated during the past ten years, and that the decline in value in the flood district has been very heavy.  That abandonment of lower Front street, which is the natural business center of the city, would result in a tremendous loss of business, it was urged.

Rough estimates of the cost of the work on Front street are from $20 to $30 per front foot, this figure including new sewers and the paving of the street with new block.  By using the old brick this expenditure can be reduced.  The figure includes the filling and paving of the streets and the putting down of cement sidewalks in front of all the properties.