General Serenade

The Home News, August 18, 1860

Our city was treated to a general serenade, on Thursday night, by the German Brass Band.  The musical procession consisted of a bus, illuminated along the edges by innumerable brilliant lanterns, and inside by a crowd of jovial "boys" - followed by the Band wagon, overflowing with music and musical fellows, and preceded and flanked on either side by an equestrian guard of honor composed of Sons of Malta, in full midnight dress.  Thus equipped every part of the city was visited, and many a sleepy head was poked from the windows to discover whence so many harmonious sounds proceeded.  On returning past the Home News office, the procession halted, gave us an extra touch, and three cheers, which said "good night" as plainly as any cheers ever did.  We are glad to perceive that the band is constantly improving in the divine art, and we hope they may yet become as celebrated for their musical skill as even Menter's.  Three cheers for the German Band!  "Hip, hip, hip, hurra! hurra! hurra!"

Great Crowd Attends Sing

Marietta Daily Times, December 26, 1916

A great crowd thronged the court house corner Monday evening and listened to the "Christmas Sing," conducted under the municipal Christmas tree, beautifully illuminated with electric lights of various hues.

It was far more successful than similar affairs in past years.

Only a mantle of snow was lacking to impart to the scene the real yuletide atmosphere.  But there was compensation for this deficiency in the greater comfort of hundreds who assembled long before the hour set for the singing and stood through the 25-minute program.

Prof. James Bird conducted the choruses of choir and children singers.  The Marietta band played accompaniments and gave a short program after the sing.

Vocal numbers given were "Adeste Fideles," "The Nativity," "Silent Night," "Carol," "O Tannenbaum" and "Joy to the World."

Christmas Cheer Full Tide Here

Marietta Daily Times, December 22, 1916

Christmas, the season of gift giving and greetings, is once again welcomed by the people of this community, as well as everywhere else, as the dawn of the yearly festival approaches.  Men and women alike, both old and young have swung into the merry column and on every side can be seen the spirit of contentment and satisfaction.

Employes of various concerns in the city are filled with yuletide cheer, with the announcement of their employers of a bonus of their yearly wages and other gifts, to be presented to them as a Christmas present.

The Bell Telephone Company will give to all its employes from two to three weeks' pay.  Employes who have been in their services for a year or over will receive three weeks' pay and those employed by the company the last three months or over will be given two weeks' pay.

Employes of the Western Union Telegraph Company, including even the messenger boys, who have been in their service since January 1st, 1916, will receive seven percent of their yearly wages as a gift.  Without a doubt the lucky message carriers are tickled to death over their good fortune.

All the employes of the Northwestern Chemical Company will receive a gift of two percent of their yearly wages.  Employes of the J. G. McCrory Five & Ten Cent store in the service of the store for a year will receive $5 gold pieces and those in the service for two years will be rewarded with $10 gold pieces.  Two girls have been with the company for two years and two other girls have been in service at the local store for one year periods, and will therefore receive gold pieces.

A number of other manufacturing concerns and merchants have also announced that they will again follow their annual custom of presenting their employes with gifts.  Most of the gifts of the firms will consist of candies and tobaccos, while some will make presents of fruits and small articles.

This will surely be a merry Christmas for Mariettians, for with plenty of money put in circulation the past week, with the distribution of Christmas savings Funds by the banks, and a sufficient degree of health among the citizens, there is no chance for complaint, and the usual good cheer of the Christmas season is bound to prevail abundantly.

Railroad Matters

The Home News, December 3, 1859

The Passenger Train on the M. & C. R. R. will deliver its passengers at the Harmar end of the bridge next week.  The Depot is being removed to the vacant space between the track and the approach to the bridge, the track considerably raised and ballasted, and other improvements are in progress for that purpose.  It seems to us that a slight expense only would be necessary to bring the train across the bridge, with an easy descent to the ground by Front street.  This would unquestionably result to the benefit of the road, and we hope to see it accomplished ere long.  The unsightly trestle work in Harmar is being removed, as it ought to be.  We learn that it is destined to do duty on some part of the Union Road.  This road, it is expected, will be finished to Belpre in ten or twelve weeks.

Xmas Trees Arrive

Marietta Daily Times, December 7, 1916

The first load of Christmas trees have been received by local dealers.  With their arrival the first real warning of the nearness of the Holidays is received by Marietta people.  All of the merchants have started to decorate their stores in Christmas drapings and the stocks of the stores has been filled, ready for the Christmas shopper.

The evergreens this year are said to be as plentiful as in the past few years and the prices will average around 25c.

Rowdy Soldiers

The Home News, November 30, 1861

Where do the soldiers hail from who roam our streets at all hours of the day and night, reeling to and fro like drunken men, poisoning the very atmosphere with their foul breath and obscene language?  If their officers cannot restrain them, the civil authorities should take them in hand, and the sooner the better.

*   *   *   *   *

We understand that the tenants occupying houses near Camp Tupper, have been compelled to vacate them in consequence of the disorderly conduct of some of the volunteers in that camp.  It is a pity that a few rowdies should be allowed to bring odium on a whole regiment.  Let them be kicked out altogether.

*   *   *   *   *

Robert Griggs, a whiskey-drinking volunteer who disgraces Uncle Sam's uniform, and brings odium on his comrades by his rowdy conduct, was arrested on Thanksgiving Day for a breach of the peace.  He resisted Marshal Kelley and the military guard until it became necessary to carry him.  He was put in Sheriff Winsor's castle, where he will be made to feel the force of law and discipline both.  He belongs to Camp Tupper.

Later Ship Building at Marietta

The Marietta Register, April 7, 1881

Mr. Editor:  In your paper of March 24th was published a list of sea-going vessels built here previous to the embargo.  After that time the business was discontinued here until 1844.  In the summer of that year several of the business men of Marietta formed a company for the purpose of building ships.  The company was composed of John Mills, William and S. Slocomb, Bosworth and Wells, William R. Wells, John O. Cram, and A. T. Nye, and subsequently Nye and Hayward.

Capt. Ira Ellis, of Portland, Maine, was engaged as master builder and Capt. William R. Wells as superintendent of construction.  A barque of about two hundred and fifty tons was commenced, and the building proceeded through the summer and fall.  She was launched in January, 1845.  She was rigged here, except her sails, which were sent from Boston to New Orleans, and was named Muskingum.  She was placed in command of Capt. W. R. Wells, one of the company.  He was from Portland, Maine.  On the first of March, 1845, she left Marietta, being towed to Cincinnati by the steamboat Wing and Wing.  She was loaded at Cincinnati with pork, lard and oil cake, and left that port the middle of March.  A favorable stage of water occurred and she was safely towed to New Orleans.  There she received her sails and departed for Liverpool.  The voyage was successfully made and the cargo discharged.  She took in a return cargo for Boston, which port she reached in safety and was sold.

The next vessel built was the barque Marietta, her model and size the same as the Muskingum.  She left Marietta, February, 1846, under command of Capt. William R. Wells.  She took in a part of her cargo at Cincinnati and a part at New Orleans, and sailed for New York, made a successful voyage and was sold there.  The business of the Company was placed under the direction of A. t. Nye at this time.

In 1847, the Company built a brig of about two hundred and forty tons.  She was called the Walhonding, and went from here in charge of Jacob Cram, super cargo, and Capt. Conway, of Portland, navigator.  At Madison, Indiana, the Company purchased a load of pork and lard for New York.  She reached that port, sold her cargo, and returned to New Orleans for another.  On her return she reached the outer harbor of New York so late that she was placed in quarantine, where she was compelled to remain some weeks, greatly to the injury of the vessel and cargo.  She was sold at New York with some loss to the owners.

Three schooners were built by the Company, the America and the Grace Darling, for Mr. Kimball, of Salem, Mass., one hundred and thirty and one hundred and forty tons.  They were taken out by persons sent by Mr. Kimball for that purpose.  The third schooner was for a Mr. Cochrane, of New Orleans.  Mr. Cochrane sent persons here to take her out.

No other vessels were built by the "Marietta Ship Company."  The ship yard of the Company was on the commons, just above the mill of John Oliver Cram, now the Phoenix Mills.

Capt. Ellis afterwards built two steamboats for Capt. Owen Franks.

Capt. Ellis died in Marietta some years ago.

One other vessel was built in Marietta of which the following account is furnished me by Capt. A. B. Waters.

"The barque 'John Farnum' was built at the Point in Marietta not far from where the foundry of A. T. Nye & Sons stands.  She was owned by A. B. and I. R. Waters.  She was two hundred and forty-nine and one half tons.  Her keel was laid in the Spring of 1846 and she was launched in February 1847.  She was towed at once to Portsmouth where she took on a cargo of Indian Corn.  She was measured, inspected and cleared at Louisville, Ky.  Her destination was 'Cork or a Port.'

She arrived at Cork in May, 1847 during the great famine in Ireland and returned to Philadelphia in August and was sold to Potter, McKeever & Co. of that city.  The Master builder was Capt. William Knox, of Harmar.  Capt. A. B. Waters had charge of the vessel and cargo with Capt. George Hatch as Navigator.

Capt. Hatch was afterwards Mayor of Cincinnati."

This completes the list of sea going vessels built at Marietta.

A. T. Nye
Marietta, April 4th, 1881.

Ship Building at Marietta

The Marietta Register, March 24, 1881

Mr. Editor:  Very few of your readers are aware of the extent to which ship-building was carried on in this place after the close of the Indian war, which began in 1791 and ended in 1795.

In the year 1800 the business was commenced here by several persons.  The first vessel built was the brig St. Clair.  In 1801 she went out under the command of Commodore Abraham Whipple (I will furnish you hereafter an account of her first voyage to the West Indies.)

Several Ship-yards were established here, about the same period.  Among the first was that of Benjamin Ives Gilman, which was on the west side of the river, a little above the site of the building known as the Lock Works.

Mr. Gilman's master builder was James Whitney, of Baltimore, who resided in Harmar many years, and died there.

Another Ship-yard of equal importance was established on the east side of the Muskingum, by Col. Abner Lord.  This was situated a short distance above where the Phoenix Mills now stand.  Mr. Lord's master-builder was W. W. McGrath.

Another was established by General Edward W. Tupper, and occupied the space at the foot of Putnam street long known as the landing.

Charles Green Esq., known as one of the early business men of Marietta, built one or more vessels near the foot of Monroe Street.  It was for him that the St. Clair was built.

Several vessels were built by Colonel Joseph Barker, about six miles up the Muskingum.

A sudden termination was put to this business by the passage of the "Embargo Law," in 1808.

Ship-building was resumed by the "Marietta Ship Company" in 1844.  The master-builder was Ira Ellis, of Portland, Maine.

I enclose to you a list of the vessels built here previous to the embargo.  The list was furnished to my father, Ichabod Nye, by James Whitney.  A list of vessels built by the "Marietta Ship Company" I will send hereafter.

Marietta, Mar. 18, 1881.        A. T. N.

* * *

Pt. Harmar, April 10th, 1833.
Col. Ichabod Nye - Dear Sir:

Enclosed you will find a list of all the vessels built in Marietta with the names of owners, builders and commanders &c.

Brig St. Clair 110 tons, Charles Greene & Co., built by Stephen Devol in 1800, commanded by Commodore Whipple.

Ship Muskingum, built by J. Devol for B. I. Gilman, in 1801, 200 tons, Capt. Crandon.

Brig Eliza Green, built by J. Devol for Charles Greene in 1801, 130 tons, Capt. Hodgkiss.

Brig Marietta, by J. Whitney for Abner Lord, in 1802, Capt. O. Williams, 150 tons.

Brig Dominie, by S. Crispin for D. Woodbridge, Jr., 1802, Capt. Lattimore, 140 tons.

Schooner Indiana, by J. Barker for E. W. Tupper, in 1802, Capt. Merrill, 80 tons.

Brig Mary Avery by D. Skilinger for G. Avery, 1802, Capt. Prentiss, tons 150.

Ship Temperance, 230 tons, built by James Whitney for A. Lord, in 1804, Capt. Williams.

Brig Orlando, built by J. Barker for E. W. Tupper, in 1803, say 160 tons, Capt. Miner.

Schooner Whitney, built by J. Whitney for A. Lord.

Schooner McGrath, built by J. Whitney for A. Lord, in 1803, Capts. Williams & Wilson, 70 tons.

Brig Ohio, 170 tons, built by J. Devol for McFarland & Co., in 1804, Capt. Rose.

Brig Perseverance, 170 tons, by J. Whitney for B. I. Gilman, in 1805, Capt. Wilson.

Ship Rufus King.  300 tons, by J. Whitney for Clark and B. I. Gilman, in 1806, Capt. Clark.

Two Gun Boats, by T. Vail for E. W. Tupper, in 1806.

Ship Tuscarawa, 320 tons, by W. McGrath, Marshall S. Jones for A. Lord, 1806.

Ship I. Atkinson, by W. McGrath for A. Lord, 320 tons, 1806.

Brig Hope, by A. Miller for Charles Green, 120 tons, 1806.

Ship Francis, copper fastened, 350 tons, by J. Whitney for B. I. Gilman, Capt. Wilson, 1807.

Ship Robert Hale,300 tons, by J. Whitney for B. I. Gilman, Capt. Holden, 1807.

Brig Golet, 120 tons, by W. McGrath for A. Lord, Capt. Sennet, 1807.

Brig Rufus Putnam, 150 tons, by W. McGrath, Col. Lord, Capt.

Schooner Belle, 103 tons, by J. Whitney for Gilman and Woodbridge, Capt. Boyle, 1808.

Schooner Maria, by J. Whitney for B. I. Gilman, 70 tons, 1814.

Miss Fay's Report

The Marietta Register, January 12, 1865

Children's Home, Jan. 7, 1865.

Messrs. Commissioners - Sirs:  As another year has closed, I forward to you, at your request, as correct an account as I can of our proceedings here.  I feel the need of some more systematic way of doing the work before me.  We need some wise and patriotic system of benevolence, planned and established, not only for the poor and unfortunate, but also more specially for our soldiers' children, who are left destitute and suddenly deprived of a father's care and protection.  How many such fathers in our noble State have fallen and will fall, in this great struggle for freedom and the saving of the life of our nation!  And, in view of the great and urgent call for the aid and sympathies of every kind and patriotic soul, I feel a desire to consecrate myself and property, with the exception of such amount as I may need through life, to this cause.

A home for such destitute children is now called for - one that will, in every way, be a home, guided by a christian principle, adorned with all that will ennoble the character and cultivate the mind, not only in our own county, but in every county in this State.  What more noble act of gratitude can we bestow upon the fallen, patriotic fathers of Ohio, than to care for their beloved and destitute children, and so arrange such an institution, that the children may be trained for usefulness in the world, and an honor to the grave of their fathers?  I hope, ere the year we have now just entered is closed, we shall be such an institution, with officers efficient and competent to carry out all their plans, to the honor of our noble State and county.  A bill of this kind is now before the Legislature, through the kindness of Hon. Wm. F. Curtis.

We closed the past year with 29 children.  All but three of these are ten and under.  Three are not a county charge.  I have had 13 additions this year.  Five have found good homes.  Five were taken away by their parents.  Two have died (both infants).  Our health as a family has been remarkably good.  To be sure, we were afflicted by disease brought in the family, during the summer months, by children sent here.  But, aside from this, we have had little or not sickness.  For the last three months, we have not been obliged to call a physician once.  In all this, we see the kind hand of our God.  To Him be all the praise.

The school has been kept up six months at the Home the past year.  During the summer, the children that were large enough were sent to the district school three months.  Their improvement has been quite rapid.  As a general thing, I think it will be found that they stand on a line with other children of their age, in regard to education.  Arithmetic, Geography, Grammar, also History, are studied.  One is in Ray's Arithmetic, 3d part; another studies Thomson's higher Arithmetic and Algebra.  Miss Mary L. Shepard is still our teacher.  Miss Emma Tilton has charge of the children out of school.  Mr. A. T. Ewing, farmer and assistant.  As to our financial affairs, we have been blessed beyond my most sanguine expectations.  When I began the year, every thing looked dark.  But faith in God alone kept me up.  He has been, and still is, our guide; and, thanks be to His great name, we closed the year with far brighter prospects that ever before.

My expenses were - $2,655.82.

I received from the county - $1,809.24.

Donations in money - 276.36

Donations in books - 68.60

Donations in clothing - 87.50

Income from farm, &c. - 200.00

Dr. Wm. L. McCowin kindly gave one-half his salary - 40.00

Traveling expenses of myself - 43.88 

2,525.58

An acknowledgement is here due to you and the kind ladies of Marietta, for furnishing me the means of visiting some of the public institutions of our State, thus giving me time to rest, and also opportunity to gain useful knowledge in laying plans for the future.

Very few improvements have been made on the Home the past year; yet I find my expenses have exceeded last year, and at the present rate of things, it must increase during this present year; for some additions will have to be made to our buildings to make us comfortable and healthy.  Many thanks are due to the kind friends of our county for their noble efforts to assist in this grand work.  Much more is needed to be done.  While almost every month new additions are made of soldiers' children to our number, "let us not be weary in well doing," but "work while it is called to-day," praying always that the kind Father may direct us in all our labor, so that we may at least honor and glorify Him.

Yours truly,

C. A. Fay

Controversy Ended - Town Given Water

The Register-Leader, December 9, 1921

Williamstown is no longer a veritable Sahara and the dry period of the past six days is now ended.  Once again water is gushing through the mains of the town across the river and the controversy that brought on the arid season is definitely settled.

Under an agreement reached between officials of the Williamstown Water, Light and Power Company and directors of the Farmers and Mechanics National Bank, the latter organization assumes temporary control of the water plant and has advanced the money in full payment of the bill rendered by the city of Marietta for water furnished since April last.  This money was turned over to Marietta city officials shortly after six o'clock Thursday evening and the water was immediately turned on.

City Officials Action In Shutting Off Water May Hurt Local Merchants

Register-Leader, December 7, 1921

Developments came thick and fast in the Williamstown water controversy Wednesday morning when officials of the West Virginia Public Service Commission and citizens of Williamstown entered into a dispute.

While an order of the service commission directing the Williamstown Water, Light and Power Company to forthwith furnish its patrons in Williamstown and vicinity with an adequate supply of pure and wholesome water, citizens of the town across the river were circulating a petition designed to boycott Marietta merchants because of the attitude of Marietta city officials in rejecting an offer of the Williamstown council to settle the controversy.  At noon 1100 signers had affixed their signatures to the petition, it was reported, and a canvass of the entire town was in progress.

The order of the service commission directing the Williamstown Water Company to immediately supply an adequate water supply was received by Mayor P. J. Corbitt Wednesday morning, according to an announcement.  The order stated in part that the Williamstown Water, Light and Power Company was "hereby required to forthwith obtain an adequate supply of pure water for its patrons and consumers in Williamstown and vicinity" and that said company should furnish its consumers with a constant supply of pure and wholesome water.

It was further ordered, the announcement said, that the Williamstown Water, Light and Power Company should proceed with due diligence toward repairing and improving its distributing system, including the mains and service lines, in Williamstown and vicinity.  The commission's order was signed by E. D. Lewis, chairman of the public service commission.

In a letter to Mayor Corbitt the commission supplemented its order to the Water Company with the statement that if the water supply was not turned on by Thursday, December 8, the mayor should read an affidavit to this effect to the chairman of the commission and the attorney of that body would be instructed to get into the courts to apply for a writ of mandamus and whatever other relief to which the city was entitled.

The petition designed to boycott Marietta merchants, according to a report circulated, was drafted when Marietta city officials rejected the proposal tendered Monday evening for settlement of the controversy.  This proposal, it was stated, provided that Williamstown officials should take full charge of the quarterly collections of the water company and turn the proceeds over to the city of Marietta for application to the bill of approximately $2,000 now owing that corporation for water furnished to the Williamstown Water, Light and Power Company.

The proposal was rejected by Marietta officials, it was said, because the city of Williamstown could not guarantee the bill, the budget of the town already being exceeded.

Williamstown - Town Without Water

Register-Leader, December 6, 1921

Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink seems to be the plight of the town right now although arrangements were being made Tuesday morning, which it is believed, will have the water turned on before the day is over.

Local officials made an effort Monday to have the situation relieved by having the water again turned on but the Marietta officials stood pat on their decision of having the water turned off until the bill owed them for water is paid by the Williamstown Water, Light and Power Co.  The Williamstown Water, Light and Power Co. owes the city of Marietta approximately $2,000 for water from the first of last April.

The public hearing, which was to have been held Monday by the members of the West Virginia Public Service Commission was postponed because of the failure of the said committee members to arrive.  This water situation has been threatened all fall but it was believed that arrangements could be made with the city of Marietta to prevent it.

Schools Close

The Williamstown High schools and the common schools which hold classes in the High school building were forced to close their doors Monday because of the fact that they had no water in the High school building, a hot air system is used in heating the building.  The High school officials regretted to have this interruption come in the school work at this time because of the fact that the Christmas vacation will soon start and they had a definite amount of work they had hoped to have completed by that time.

Factory Closes

The American Bisque Factory which manufactures dolls and other toys was forced to close down Monday on account of the water being shut off.  This is an extremely bad time for that factory to be closed because of the fact that they have some rush orders for Christmas to get out.

Fire Danger

If a fire should break out at this time the bucket brigade is the only means of extinguishing it.  The Williamstown Lumber Co had taken extra precautions and it is the same with the rest of the local factories.  The Fenton Art Glass Co. has a big water storage tank and they have not been bothered yet by the water being shut off.

Wells and cisterns in the community at this time are at a premium and neighbors are getting together and sharing these.  The spring water companies are making a rich harvest furnishing the people with drinking water.

Water Cut From Town Over River

Register-Leader, December 3, 1921

The old-time well and cistern again came into its own in Williamstown Saturday morning when the town's water supply was cut off by Marietta City because of failure of the Williamstown Water, Light and Power company to heed an ultimatum issued by Service Director A. J. Watson for settlement of a bill for water furnished the corporation.  Promptly at nine o'clock, the time specified in the ultimatum, the water was ordered turned off by the Marietta Service Director and indications were that Williamstown would be without a water supply over the weekend and perhaps longer.

In view of the situation officials of the town across the river were active all Saturday morning in an effort to secure water temporarily but these efforts all met with failure.  Officials journeyed to Parkersburg where an effort was made to have the matter brought before the circuit court and a writ of mandamus issued but this was thwarted by the fact that the West Virginia law specifically provides that such matters pertaining to public utilities must first be brought to the attention of the Public Service commission.

Hence the situation was referred to that body and a meeting arranged for Monday morning in the Williamstown council chamber.  All citizens of Williamstown are urged to be in attendance.

Shutting off the town's water supply is proving a serious handicap according to reports of officials Saturday.  In addition to the inconvenience caused to private residents the plant of the American Bisque Company was forced to close.  The Fenton Art Glass Company continued to operate with an emergency water supply.

With nothing to do but await the hearing before representatives of the Public Service commission officials of Williamstown did not expect any definite action before Monday.  Marietta city officials likewise were marking time awaiting some development in the controversy.  Officials of the water company would not comment on the situation.

Shutting off the water supply came as the result of the Williamstown Water, Light and Power Company to reimbuse the city of Marietta in the sum of nearly $2,000 for water.