Marietta Statistics

The Marietta Register, November 29, 1866

James B. Mathews recently noted down some facts of our city for the Council, from which we draw the following:

--Buildings within the corporation, exclusive of stables and other outhouses - of brick, 279; of wood, 602.  Total, 881.
--Buildings of one story, 315; of two, three and four stories, 566.
--Dwelling houses, 720
--Stores and Warehouses, 86
--Churches, 14
--College and Public School Buildings, 8
--Hotels, 10
--Banks, 2
--Court House, Jail and Public Offices, 3
--Manufactories, 23
--Flouring Mills, 2, with 10 pairs of burrs
--Tanneries, 4, one with capacity for 100 hides per day
--Chair and Furniture Factory, 1
--Foundries and Machine Shops, 2, for stoves, steam engines, oil tools
--Oil Refineries, 2 
--Bakeries, 4, one with capacity to work fifty barrels of flour daily
--Planing Mill, Door and Sash Factory, 1
--Soda Water Manufactory, 1
--Saw Mill, 1
--Boot and Shoe Manufactories, 2, and 10 shoe shops
--Newspapers, 4
--Gas Works 

This, it should be borne in mind, does not include Harmar, with its large manufactories.

 

Santa To Bring Toy Shop On Wheels To Marietta

The Marietta Daily Times, December 16, 1930

Marietta boys and girls will be interested in an announcement made at the Chamber of Commerce Tuesday that Santa Claus will arrive in the city at noon on Wednesday and will open one of his work shops on the streets of the city. The shop will be engaged in making toys and entertaining the little folks during the nine days that intervene before Christmas.

Santa Claus, like other good people in all parts of the world, has embraced modern ideas according to Tuesday's announcement, and is moving here on a large motor truck. He has an attractive house or hut on the truck and it will be lined with toys and toy-making machinery. The hut is of logs with snow-covered roof and it will attract a lot of attention its sponsors have been told.

To Park Along Streets

Parking places for the workshop are being provided along the streets and the first stop on Wednesday afternoon will be on Putnam Street. Santa Claus will be in Charge of the shop and will have several brownies as his assistants in the making of toys. 

The old fellow has sent word that he is bringing a large stock of candy and toys for the good boys and girls of Marietta, and his shop will be a busy place from the minute of its arrival right down to Christmas eve when he will trot out his reindeer and sleigh and start making his rounds among the chimneytops.

To Pass Out Sweets

Youngsters, who visit the workshop during its stay in Marietta, will be presented with candy that will be handed out by Santa Claus and it is said that he will carry barrels of the sweets to be dispensed in this way.

The shop will open its doors on Putnam Street at 1:30 o'clock in the afternoon and will be a busy place. It will close its doors at 5:30 o'clock each evening during the week. Starting with Saturday it is expected that it will be open morning, afternoon and evening in order that it may handle the big rush of business that it is expected to enjoy in Marietta.

Santa's workshop on Second Street. Fischer Collection, Marietta College.

The Marietta Daily Times, December 18, 1930:

Busy Day Is Reported By Santa Claus

Santa Claus had a busy first day in Marietta on Wednesday. He arrived at noon and opened his workshop on Putnam Street where he began at once the making of toys for the boys and girls of Marietta and Washington County. He had a well-trained corps of Brownies to assist in the work and they made good progress.

Santa had his shop well stocked with toys and large sacks of Christmas things and many youngsters, and grown people as well, stopped to pay him a visit. The jolly old fellow brought along a supply of candy kisses and was kept busy during most of the afternoon handing out these sweets to visitors.

Today the workshop was moved to Greene Street and there, also, large crowds gathered about this new center of Christmas activities. More candy was given out and scenes like those of Wednesday were repeated.

Tomorrow the workshop will be placed on Front Street between Butler and Putnam streets and on Saturday it will be moved to Second Street not far from the junction with Union Street.

It is becoming apparent that longer hours must be observed in the workshop and it is announced that starting Saturday it will be open each morning, afternoon and evening until Christmas.

This visit of Santa Claus gives promise of being one of the most popular innovations that the patron saint ever has tried in Marietta and many a youngster is getting his or her first intimate view of the figure that annually makes vast armies of boys and girls better.

Marietta Homes Compete For Cash Prizes

The Marietta Daily Times, December 17, 1930

Marietta will soon be gleaming with cheery Christmas lighted decorations and when the lights appear the city's Christmas spirit will be evident, for interest in the holiday season manifests itself in the amount of cheer and goodwill one offers to his neighbor, his friends and the casual acquaintance.  It is Christmas spirit that causes extensive buying less than a week before the day itself, and the same spirit causes lighting decorations to be hurriedly purchased or assembled and hasty designs worked out for decorating the outside of the homes. When buying for Christmas and erection of outdoor lighting decorations reach their peaks, then Marietta will be enjoying its holiday season.

For the second year The Times is offering cash prizes for the most beautifully and effectively decorated houses, and even more entrants in the contest are expected this year. Electrical contractors and others interested in things electrical report an unprecedented interest in outdoor lighting decorations this year, indicating to the sponsors of the prize contest that last year's lighted homes were missionaries in a wide field, and that each home lighted and decorated last year will mean four or five more that will display the true Christmas spirit this year. This is as it should be, for Marietta was never prettier, even in summertime, than it was last Christmas.

Many Ideas At Hand

Recently The Times published a list of outdoor lighting decoration ideas, but the list was not complete by any means, and hundreds of tips on methods of making the home radiate cheer through the medium of the little elfin lamps of many colors are available.  Ask any member of the family for his ideas about design and the chances are you'll have a dozen or more before the family is completely polled.  Neighbors can get together on designs for homes on the same street.  Everyone is sure to be interested and cooperation is certain to bring fine results.

Right now is the time to enter The Times' outdoor Christmas lighting and decorating contest in which cash prizes totaling $75 are offered.  Your home has an equal chance with every other one entered in the contest, and The Times calls attention to the fact that the small house suits itself as well to outdoor decorations as does the larger home, and that the amount of lights displayed and gaudiness of the showing will have no bearing on the judges' decision.

Mulford F. Smith of the illumination engineering department of the Monongahela West Penn Public Service Company, which is cooperating in the contest, is available for advice on home lighting and decorating, it was announced today. Mr. Smith, without charge, will be glad to draw up plans for lighting and decorating any home, store or building. He can be reached by calling the Monongahela West Penn offices, and will make suggestions and recommendations for outdoor lighting and decorating as soon as possible after the request is filed. Marietta persons, who find they have little time to make their own lighting and decorating plans, can obtain expert advice from Mr. Smith. It is urged, however, that all requests for such aid be filed immediately as Christmastime is drawing nearer and hundreds may avail themselves of this opportunity.

 

Botanico Medical

Marietta Intelligencer, October 29, 1840

Dr. W. Ward & Son would inform the Citizens of Marietta and vicinity that they have removed to the house known as the Darrow house, a few doors above the college, where they will keep a constant supply of the best Botanic Medicines, which they will sell at reasonable prices.

They will also give prompt attention to those who may require their professional services. A few patients will be received at their residence. They pledge themselves to use no Poisons as Medical remedies.

J. D. Cadwallader

The Marietta Register, June 7, 1866

J. D. Cadwallader, who has been a most successful artist in this city - for several years conducting a photograph gallery of high reputation - as is well known, is soon to leave us. T. S. Tappan, of Cincinnati, said to be a most excellent artist, will succeed him here. Mr. Cadwallader will leave for Detroit, the first of July. The Detroit Tribune of May 23d, in an extended article on "Building Improvements" in that city, contains the following paragraph:

"At No. 223 Jefferson avenue, near Randolph street, a four story brick building is in progress of construction for Messers. J. & J. D. Cadwallader. These gentlemen propose to establish in the three upper floors a first-class photograph gallery, and a depot for the sale of photographer's stock. On the second floor will be the parlor, 44 feet in length, a capital operating room, with a skylight and several finishing rooms. On each of the two upper floors will be a skylight and operating room, and several other rooms for finishing purposes, and for preparing chemicals and stock. The parlor and operating rooms are to be decorated and finished in the most elegant manner, the floors to be of alternate strips of polished black walnut and yellow pine, and no expense is to be spared to make it one of the very finest galleries in the northwest. The ground floor will be used as a store. The cost of the building will be about $9,000."

Upon inquiry we learn from Mr. Cadwallader that the $9,000 mentioned above is independent of the lot, and for the naked building, without any fitting up of rooms; and that the "photograph gallery" will require about $5,000 in addition to render the rooms ready for operations. The best wishes of his fellow citizens here will attend Mr. Cadwallader.

Thanksgiving

The Marietta Register, November 9, 1865:

President Johnson has appointed a National Thanksgiving on Thursday, December 7th; and Governor Anderson has appointed a Thanksgiving for Ohio on Thursday, November 30th. Why the Governor should have made this appointment, after the President's Proclamation was out, and fixed the time a week earlier, it is not clear for us to see. The tendency will be to throw the whole matter into confusion.

The Governor most certainly should have conformed to the day fixed by the President, and as a matter of convenience to the people, we suggest to the several clergymen of Washington county that they at once make arrangements for the observance of the National Thanksgiving, by our people, with the hope that the Governor may make a change from November 30th to December 7th.

The Marietta Register, November 30, 1865:

Mayor's Proclamation.

In accordance with an ancient custom of our fathers, who loved liberty and religion, and hated tyranny, and who were ever thankful for divine beneficence and protection; and, in view of the recent proclamation of the president of the United States, and of the Governor of Ohio, setting apart Thursday, December 7, proximo, as a day of thanksgiving and prayer; and, especially, in view of the divine interposition in the overthrow of the recent rebellion, and the dawn of peace upon our beloved country, and the prospect of tranquility and plenty in the future, it is fit and proper, and is hereby earnestly requested that the citizens of the city of Marietta lay aside their various avocations of business, close their business houses, and conform, not only to the ancient customs of our fathers, but to the above-mentioned proclamation, and set the day apart as a day of thanksgiving and prayer to Almighty God for all our individual and national blessings. 

Samuel S. Knowles,
Mayor of Marietta

Fort Harmar

Marietta Daily Leader, November 24, 1900

In the autumn of 1785, Colonel Joseph Harmar sent Major John Doughty with a battalion of his (Harmar's) regiment to build and garrison a fort near the junction of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers. It was, when completed, the first fort in the State of Ohio, with the exception of Fort Laurens, which was erected in the year 1778 on the right bank of the Tuscarawas, a little below Sandy Creek, by General McIntosh, in the heart of the Indian country, and was evacuated in the autumn of the following year.

The fort stood on what was called the "second bottom," being elevated above the ordinary floods of the Ohio, while between it and the banks of the rivers was a lower, or first, bottom. The outlines of the fort formed a pentagon, and the area embraced within its walls contained about three-quarters of an acre. 

The main walls of the fort were built of large timbers, placed horizontally and raised to the height of twelve or fourteen feet and were 120 feet in length. The bastions were of large timbers set upright in the ground, fourteen feet high, and fastened together by strips of timber. The outlines of these were also [pentagonal], the fifth side, or that opening into the area of the fort, being occupied by the dwelling houses or quarters of the officers.

In the rear of the garrison, on the ground which had supplies the materials for building the fort, were fine gardens, laid out by Major Doughty. These were cultivated by the soldiers who took great pride in them. Peaches were planted out as soon as the ground was cleared and in the second or third year produced crops of fine fruit. A variety of this is still cultivated around Marietta and is known as the "Doughty Peach."

The fort was named in honor of Colonel Josiah Harmar. It was occupied by the troops of the United States until September, 1790, when they were ordered to Fort Washington, now Cincinnati. During the Indian wars, the fort was occupied by one Captain Haskell, their chief duty being to help the settlements of Belpre, Marietta and Waterford against the Indians. The houses formerly used by the soldiers as quarters were occupied by the settlers living on the west side of the Muskingum. 

It does not appear that any regular batteries were built within the walls for mounting of cannon, as it was in no great danger of any attack from the enemies who had the use of cannon. One or two six-pound field pieces were mounted on carriages and usually kept on the bank just without the walls; with these they could command the boats on the river.

Between the walls of the fort and the bank of the Muskingum was sufficient space to muster a battalion of men; a part of this ground was occupied by three stout log cabins erected for the use of the artificers attached to the garrison. At this day not only the whole ground between it and the water is washed away, but also more than half of the site occupied by the fort.

In digging away the bank in 1840 to form a landing or road up from the river on the site of the old fort, several interesting relics were found which once belonged to the inmates of the garrison. Although no attack was ever made upon the fort by the Indians, yet they often appeared on the hill in its rear, which commanded a full view of its interior. From this elevation they often watched the inhabitants as they went out to work in the gardens and fields, and many of these were killed within gunshot of the fort.

No trace of the fort is left, except a small marble monument and a fine school building; this showing that the site on which formerly stood an edifice of war is now occupied by an edifice of learning.

J. O.

    

Deserter Shot

The Marietta Register, January 19, 1865

On Monday, 16th inst., about noon, Deputy Provost Marshal, George S. Corp, by order of Capt. Barber, arrested Horatio W. Mason of Adams township as a deserter from the 2nd Virginia Cavalry. Mason was on board the steamer Elk as a pilot, passing through the lock at Harmar at the time of his arrest. he was taken to Capt. Barber's office and at once recognized as having been enlisted there about a year ago. He denied his identity, stating: "My brother is the man you want." Capt. Barber asked him if he knew J. S. Sprague of Marietta, who was raised near by him and could clear him if he was the wrong man, but he was "not acquainted with Sprague."

Capt. Barber then sent him in charge of Corp and Ed. Booth, one of his clerks, to Sprague's grocery on Front Street for identification. Just at Sprague's door, Corp having dropped a little behind, Mason started to run. He darted across the street for the alley, when Booth and Corp ordered him to halt, to which he paid no attention. Corp drew his revolver and told him to halt or he would kill him, but he did not stop. Corp fired into the air,  but still he did not stop. Then, as he was running, Corp shot at him and the ball passed in above the right ear, under the scalp for about two inches, and came out front. This brought Mason down, and he was given lodgings with Sheriff Hicks. The wound is a flesh wound, not at all of a dangerous character; but it was a "close shave" on a fatal shot.

Mason, we learn, was in the three months' service as 2nd Lieutenant in 1861; he enlisted in the 36th in August 186a, but jumped the fence at the camp and left before being sworn in. He afterwards went into the 77th, but managed to get out by some means. He is said to be a shrewd fellow, "up to almost anything." At one time, we hear, he turned Campellite preacher, and somewhere in the upper part of the State, among strangers, he took an active part in holding a revival and baptized several converts.

 

Fire in Harmar

Home News, August 25, 1860

On Thursday afternoon last, a fire broke out on the kitchen roof of Levi Barber's residence in Harmar, which consumed the kitchen and roof of the main building before it was arrested by the energetic exertions of the fire companies and citizens, who were promptly on hand and worked, as usual, with a will. The family were all at the picnic of the Whitney Chapel Sunday School in Williamstown, except a hired girl, who was ironing in the kitchen and did not notice the fire until it had burned through the ceiling over her head. The damage to the building is $800 or $1,000, which is covered by an insurance of $1,500 in the Washington County Mutual. There was no insurance on the furniture, which was all removed in as careful a manner as possible under the circumstances.

Stars Over Her Door

Marietta Daily Leader, June 2, 1904

To Drive the Witches Away

Amusing Testimony in the McCormick Divorce Case

The suit for divorce and alimony which Mrs. Harry McCormick of this city brought against her husband in the court of common pleas of this county was up for hearing Wednesday and brought forth much testimony not suitable to print. The case will be finished today.

One bit of information brought out in the hearing Wednesday shows that superstition and belief in witchcraft are not yet a thing of the past even in the enlightened city of Marietta.

A succession of questions and answers regarding certain acts of Mrs. McCormick resulted in bringing out the following.

Mrs. McCormick was sick and some of the neighbors told her that an old lady living near her home was a witch and that she was probably bewitching her. Mrs. McCormick took their advice and placed three stars over the door of her house to drive off the witches. She denied, however, that she ever told her husband that she was bewitched.

 

The Horror of Hasty Interment

The Marietta Register, May 24, 1866

The Zanesville Signal of last week states that a few days since, a coffin containing the body of a lady was shipped from Parkersburg on board the D. M. Sechler for transportation to Guernsey County, via Wheeling. Upon reaching its destination and being opened by the friends, their horror and dismay may be imagined upon discovering that the unfortunate lady had evidently come to life during her incarceration within the narrow limits of her coffin. Her hands were up to her head, and the tangled and disordered hair gave evidence of a struggle which must have been as brief as terrible.

 

Local Man Purchases Wakefield

Marietta Daily Times, June 13, 1916

The Wakefield, one of Marietta's leading hotels, was sold Monday afternoon by Charles A. Ward to S. A. Mullikin of this city. The purchaser has leased the hostelry to Thomas W. Porter and Edward Cottle, who will take possession next Monday morning. While the purchase price is not given out, it is understood to have been something over $30,000.

The Wakefield, which is located at Third and Putnam streets, was erected about sixteen years ago, but a part of the structure had been operated by Mrs. K. L. Dye as a boarding house for 30 years. The hotel has always enjoyed a large patronage from the traveling public, as well as from the residents of the city.

The new owners will renovate the structure at once and expect next year to remodel the structure and build an addition of 25 rooms with baths, making a first class $2 and $2.50 house. The lessee will improve the service as soon as they take possession. They have purchased the furniture and fixtures.

Mr. Porter is an experienced hotel and restaurant man. He has operated the St. Elmo hotel for three years and the Superior restaurant on Second Street for the past six years. He will continue to operate the St. Elmo, but will turn the restaurant over to B. W. Stanley, who has been associated with him.

Mr. Cottle is a chef, who has recently been employed at the St. Cloud hotel. Formerly he was employed in a like capacity at Braun's.

 

Boys Risk Lives to Leave Jail

The Register-Leader, October 30, 1916

Youthful Robbers Break County Jail Here, Are Caught.

Make Key of Spoon.  Peg Leg Taken From Boy.

Clarence Lemmon, 17, and William Lemmon, 14, brothers confined in the juvenile apartment of the county jail made their escape sometime during Saturday night, the boys declare between 10 and 11 o'clock. They were caught by Capt. Smith of the Parkersburg police department about 10 o'clock Sunday morning four miles this side of Parkersburg. Sheriff Posey was notified and the young jail birds were returned by him by automobile to the county prison.

Asked how they made their escape, the boys said that they worked one whole day making a key to the lock in the prison window with an old spoon. Successful in this undertaking, they unlocked the barred window, climbed upon the window sill, pulled themselves up on an eavespout about five feet above the prison window to the roof of the court house, thence through a window into the tower and down the tower steps to the interior of the court house. Exit from the court house proper was made through one of the doors on the first floor.

The boys stole their way across the Ohio River bridge and were walking the road to Parkersburg when apprehended. Clarence, the boy who has a peg leg, tried to run into the Ohio River when Capt. Smith went to take him and his brother into custody.

Sheriff Posey is under the impression that the elder Lemmon boy broke the lock in the jail window with his wooden leg instead of picking the lock with a broken spoon. For this reason,the peg leg was last night taken away from the crippled boy and will be taken away from him every night until the courts dispose of the case of the two youths.

It was Clarence, William, and their elder brother Ernest who robbed the Buckeye Clothing store of over $600 in merchandise and carried their loot through the culvert that leads from behind the Buckeye store to the Muskingum River. They carried the clothing in a boat to Little Hocking, where they shipped it to Akron. The boys were caught in Akron and brought to Marietta. 

Arraigned before Judge Follett in common pleas court last week, Ernest Lemmon pleaded not guilty to the charge of robbing the Buckeye Store. Clarence, the peg leg, pleaded guilty in an effort, it is believed, to obtain the mercy of the court, while William, the youngest of the trio, was detained for action of the probate court.

The law provides that juvenile prisoners not be imprisoned with the other inmates of a county prison. The only place in which juvenile prisoners can in anywise be securely confined in the county jail, is by placing them in a small room, just opposite the wash room of the jail. There is but one window in this room, and covering it is a large iron-barred affair provided with a heavy lock. It was through this window that the boys escaped. How the peg-leg youth climbed the eavespout onto the roof of the court house is a mystery. It must have been a difficult feat, even for his brother, who is very small for his age.

 

Pike Street School to be Re-Opened

The Register-Leader, October 3, 1916

Requests by residents of the East End, presented to Marietta city board of education several weeks ago for the opening of the Pike Street school, were granted at a meeting of the school board Monday evening. Pike Street school, which has been closed for several years, will be reopened about November 1. Just how many grades will be taught at Pike Street has not as yet been determined, but this will be known within a week or two. Pupils in the lower grades of Willard and Norwood schools will be transferred to the Pike Street school.

The board instructed Supervisor of Buildings, Whiston, to make the necessary repairs on the Pike Street building in order to use the building for school purposes. Mr. Whiston stated that it would probably be the first of next month before these repairs could be completed.

Action on the opening of the Pike Street school was delayed by the board until it became known just how many children would be accommodated there. The big increase in the number of enrollments in the Norwood and Willard buildings makes it imperative that another school building be opened.

Many Students Enrolled

An increase in enrollment of nearly 200 pupils in the city schools at the end of the first month of school this year was reported by Superintendent Skinner, over the enrollment at the end of the first month one year ago. Mr. Skinner reported the following comparative enrollments:

High school:  1916 - 503; 1915 - 455

Marion school:  1916 - 290; 1915 - 289

Washington school:  1916 - 725; 1915 - 710

Willard school:  1916 - 346; 1915 - 321

Norwood school:  1916 - 341; 1915 - 306

Harmar school:  1916 - 426; 1915 - 389

Terberg school:  1916 - 69; 1915 - 63

Fairview Heights:  1916 - 27; 1915 - 36

Totals:  1916 - 2,727; 1915 - 2,569

This is the largest enrollment ever reported for the Marietta schools, and Superintendent Skinner reported that only three or four rooms in the entire city had any empty seats. The eighth grads in all the buildings are especially crowded, an unusually large eighth grade, composed of 53 pupils, being enrolled at Willard school.

Increased enrollment in the Fairview Heights district has necessitated the reducing of that school from a four-grade school to a three-grade school. The pupils of the fourth grade in that district have been transferred to the Harmar school.

Enrollment of First Grade Pupils

Superintendent Skinner asked for a modification of the rule covering the enrollment of first grade pupils. He wants a rule made that children entering the schools for the first time should do so but once a year. The present rule provides that all children whose sixth birthday is before Jan. 1 can enter school in September, and all whose birthdays are after Jan. 1 enter at the beginning of the second semester. Mr. Skinner asks that the rule be changed so that all children whose birthdays fall before March 1 be permitted to enter in September, and that no new first-grade pupils be permitted to enter at the second semester. The board instructed the superintendent to make a careful examination into the question and bring the matter to its attention again.

The salaries of Mrs. Whiting, janitress of the Terberg building, and Mrs. Lillie Wolfe, janitress of the Fairview Heights building, were increased from $7 to $8 per month, respectively.

 

General Rufus Putnam's Army Chest

The Marietta Register, May 16, 1878

Through the courtesy of our well known and respected fellow citizen, Col. William R. Putnam, American Union Lodge No. 1 of Free and Accepted Masons have been put in possession of a very valuable relic, the old hero's army chest. It is made of pine, 3-1/2 feet long, 18 inches wide and 16 inches deep, with a till across one end. On the outside is the name in well shaped letters, R. Putnam, Lew't Colo'n 22 Reg. The chest shows unmistakable signs of antiquity and rough usage.

In 1740, there were 80 males of the name of Putnam in America, two of whom became conspicuous in the history of our country and Free Masonry. Rufus was born at Sutton, Worcester County, Mass., April 9th, 1738, joined the Revolutionary Army at Cambridge, 1775; made a Mason in American Union Lodge No. 1, July 26th, 1779. The place of meeting of the Lodge when he received the degrees was at the "Robinson House," on the east bank of the Hudson, about two miles below West Point. 

Eleven years after (June 28th, 1790), he was present at a meeting of the Lodge in Campus Martius, Marietta, Ohio, at which time he was elected Junior Warden. This was the first Lodge opened in the Northwest Territory. He was elected Master of the Lodge in 1791, served six years and gave great satisfaction. In 1808, a convention was called at Chillicothe to organize a Grand Lodge of Ohio. At this meeting Putnam, at the advanced age of 70, was unanimously elected Grand Master of Masons in Ohio.

He continued his membership in American Union Lodge until his death, which took place in Marietta, May 4th, 1824.

Any person having old Masonic books, papers or relics of any kind, pertaining to American Union Lodge or Masonry generally, are most earnestly solicited to present them to Old No. 1, and the undersigned is duly authorized to receive them.

George T. Hovey

Oak Grove Memorial Building

Marietta Daily Times, October 11, 1917

Beautiful Community Mausoleum Building of Granite, Marble and Bronze, to be Located in Oak Grove Cemetery.

One of the most important movements along the lines of civic improvement ever attempted in this, or any other city, is now on foot and within a few months Marietta will be able to boast of one of the most beautiful and magnificent mausoleums to be found in the state. For some months past the Marietta City Council have been carefully investigating the subject and arrangements are now fully completed to carry the project to fulfillment.

Thoughts Turned to Sanitation.

In studying the histories of all races through past ages, it is found that when a nation had reached a high degree of civilization, it turned more and more to sanitary improvements, and in keeping with these sentiments, a better means was sought to take care of their dead than that found in earth burial with its accompanying horrors of decay, putrefaction and decomposition. Under high civilization earth interment has always been regarded with horror and a better and more sanitary method of above ground entombment was resorted to. The proof of this change of sentiment in the heart of the nation is found in the pyramids of Egypt, the Catacombs of Rome, the tombs of the Caliphs, the thousands of tombs along the Appian Way, and in our own country by the thousands of tombs and vaults which have been built within the past few years, and the costly and imposing tombs we have erected out of respect for our Lincolns Grants, and McKinleys.

High State of Civilization.

The people of the United States are living today in a higher state of civilization than any other nation in the world's history, and as a result sanitation and humane undertakings of every kind are daily being forcibly promoted throughout the length and breadth of the land, and it is this general wave of sentiment towards better things, sanitary and humane, which has made the community crypt mausoleum popular, offering as it does at a small cost of a better method of taking care of the dead than ever attempted before.

Mausoleum in Many Cities.

Over one thousand cities and towns in the United States have erected community mausoleums within the past five years, these buildings containing nearly five hundred thousand crypt or compartments, and while Marietta is therefore far from being the first to adopt this progressive idea without doubt one of the most beautiful of its kind, and will stand a delight and inspiration to all loyal citizens, and as a monument to their intelligence, humanity and sentiments.

Oak Grove Memorial Building.

Inspection of the approval and accepted plans and specifications of the building which will be known as the Oak Grove Memorial Building, reveals one of grandeur and beauty. The style of architecture is colossal, grand and imposing. The exterior is of granite, massive and indestructible, and durable throughout all the time. The interior is one vast expanse of marble, beautiful and everlasting. Massive bronze doors and cathedral windows make the structure particularly beautiful and imposing as it is possible for human ingenuity to construct.

Within this mighty structure, a monument, which for magnificence, dignity and durability cannot be surpassed, fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, husbands and wives can be side by side through the long eternal sleep, each preserving the human form, separated only by the walls of their chambers, calm, peaceful and a source of constant satisfaction to those of the living who know that they have done the best thing possible for their loved ones, and are themselves saved the pangs of sorrow incident to the thought of the unpleasant consequence of earth burial.

One of the most beautiful sites, almost the highest point, in Oak grove Cemetery has been selected as a location for this building, which will be erected under the patented construction of the American Mausoleum Company, for thirty years the leading mortuary architects of the country.

When the building is completed, a sufficient endowment fund will be created, the interest from which will be used to maintain the building, and thereafter it will be governed by the rules of the Marietta City Council.

Mr. Charles R. Raynor, field manager of the American Mausoleum Co., whose offices are in Cleveland, and granite plant at Clyde, Ohio, will take full charge of the subsidiary company, which will be known as the Marietta American Mausoleum Company, with offices in the German National Bank building. Mr. Raynor is one of the pioneers of the "Community Mausoleum" in this country, being responsible for the erection of a number of these buildings, over an area extending from New York state to California.

This gentleman speaks very highly of our beautiful Oak Grove Cemetery and goes so far as to say that he considers it the most beautiful and best kept cemetery in any city of its size, and does not except but very few larger ones. It was in connection with a chance visit to Oak Grove that he decided on this project and says the location for this building is absolutely the best of any he has ever been connected with.

Subscription lists for space in the building will be open in the course of a few days. The prices will be moderate and will compare more favorably with those of earth interment. Office of the company, 300 German Bank building. Phone 714-R.

Joseph Stephens, One of Marietta's Oldest Men, Taken

The Register-Leader, August 2, 1916

Was "Forty-Niner" - He With Others Crossed Plains to Golden Gate.

Joseph L. Stephens, a "Forty-niner" and one of Marietta's oldest residents, died Tuesday evening at 6:30 o'clock at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Mary L. Goodloe, 321 Sixth Street, death being due to old age. He was ninety-two years of age and was born at Paris, Kentucky, being one of a family of thirteen children.

He spent his early life in Bourbon County, Kentucky, coming to Marietta to reside in 1848. Shortly after his arrival in this city, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary A. Nolcini, who died a number of years ago.

In March 1849, he with five others made the trip across the western plains to California, where he prospected for gold, returning to this city in 1852. Following his return to Marietta, he engaged in various business enterprises.

Mr. Stephens was a member of the St. Luke's Episcopal church, and is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Mary S. Goodloe of this city, and by one brother, Charles Stephens of Paris, Kentucky.

Funeral services will be held Friday morning at nine o'clock from the late residence, 321 Sixth Street, and Rev. J. M. Hunter will officiate. Friends have been kindly requested not to send flowers.

Marietta Watermelons

Marietta Intelligencer, September 8, 1852

Nearly or quite all the fine melons yet offered in our market were brought from Marietta and that vicinity. They are raised there in immense quantities, and we were somewhat surprised to learn that no work is done toward cultivating them. After the vines begin to run, so as to interfere with ploughing, the weeds are thereafter suffered to grow at will. The soil is sandy and finely adapted to the melon. Great quantities of fine apples are also grown there.

A more beautiful body of land than that of the Marietta bottom, as it is called, we have never raved over, and we think it strange that the town, which is most eligible located, has not more rapidly improved. But it will become a very important point and property, we learn, is recently advancing rapidly in value. The bar opposite the town makes it nearly impracticable to land at the wharf in low water, and the Virginians, it is said, refuse to suffer the wharf boat to lie out on the bar, so that Point Harmar (below the mouth of Muskingum) has advantage in her landing. This obstruction removed and the wharf now in progress perfected, we think speculators in town property, or those who desire a delightful and profitable residence, could hardly select a more advantageous point of operation.

Pittsburgh Dispatch

  

Front Street

Marietta Intelligencer, August 12, 1841

There is now a prospect of the speedy completion of some of the improvements long ago commenced upon this thoroughfare. Instead of the present circuitous route, the completion of the bridge over the "cut," will make it direct, safe, and pleasant. The abutments of the bridge are to be 21 feet high, of solid masonry, and connected with them is a Guard Lock which controls the water power of the Muskingum Improvement. Mr. Cram, the contractor, hopes to complete his job by the 1st of October.

53 Years of Freedom To Be Celebrated

The Register-Leader, August 19, 1916

A celebration more elaborate than that held three years ago, which marked the semi-centennial of the abolition of slavery in this country and brought a large crowd of people of the colored race from miles around, is being planned this year, the occasion being the fifty-third anniversary of the freedom of the negro from the bondage of slavery. The fittingness of a celebration of this kind finds ample justification in the marked progress of the race during its fifty-three years of freedom and everything points to the largest celebration of the kind ever held in Ohio.

The celebration this year will be of the nature of a Home Coming Week, during which former residents of this county and state are to be invited back to join in the celebration which comes to a close on Emancipation Day, September 22. 

Thursday evening a concert at the Auditorium theatre here by Miss Rachael Walker, prima donna soprano, who has won fame in the musical world and distinguished herself among the people of her race. The appearance of Miss Walker here promises to furnish a fitting climax to the week of festivities. Miss Walker is a former Cleveland, Ohio, girl. She is a finished singer, has been complimented by royalty and also by Mme. Patti. She is a pupil of the famous teacher, the late Mme. Marchesi.

The concert will be held Thursday evening, September 21, and local talent will contribute to the entertainment. The presence of Wright's Orchestra of Columbus will also be a pleasing feature. 

The celebration will begin with special services at the Wesleyan M. E. church here on Sunday, September 17. Monday evening a reception will be given at the church according to the tentative arrangements. Tuesday, a picnic and dance will be held at Fern Cliff Park, and on Wednesday, a lawn fete will be held at Sacra Via Park. Thursday evening Miss Walker will appear in a musical at the Auditorium, and Friday a general celebration of Emancipation Day will be held.

A big parade will be held in the morning. William Peyton of Rockland, an ex-slave said to be past 107 years old, will lead the parade, which will proceed to the fair grounds where the festivities will be held, including speeches and athletic events.

Governor Willis has been invited to address the holiday crowd and a colored speaker of national reputation will be included in the program of addresses. Gloucester, Athens,  Middleport and Pomeroy will join with Marietta in the celebration of Emancipation Day, and large delegations are expected here on that day from Zanesville, Cambridge, Noble County, and the many other points in this section of Ohio and West Virginia.

A committee has been appointed by the Chamber of Commerce here to cooperate with the committee which has the arrangements for the celebration in charge and this furnishes even greater assurance of the success of the affair.

  

Amusement Park on the Stevenson Farm

The Register-Leader, August 7, 1916

Stevenson Farm East of the City May Be Turned Into Amusement Park For Marietta Next Spring.

Marietta is to have a first class amusement park next year, if plans now being considered by local businessmen are carried out. The park will contain a roller coaster, merry-go-round, skating rink and many other devices.

It was learned today that the fifteen-acre grove of Russell Stevenson of Newport Pike would probably be the location of the park, and an option has been secured on the property. It would make an ideal site for an amusement park, according to those who have visited the spot with the promoters.

The plan of the promoters is to fence the grove, and inside, to have a large number of devices that will provide amusement for holiday seekers. One of the proposed features will be a large swimming pool with bath houses that will probably prove a great attraction on warm summer days. A large dancing hall will be erected on the grounds, and this is expected to attract many to the new park.

Plans are now underway for the organization of a stock company to equip and operate the park, and it is understood that sufficient local capital has been secured already to give some assurance that the plans of the promoters will go through.

Nothing will be done with the new park this year, it is announced, as the season is too near a close. Work will be continued, however, in the organization of the park company, and the different amusement devices will be erected at the park during the late fall and winter, so that everything will be in readiness for an early opening next spring.

The only drawback to the Stevenson farm site, it is said, is the fact that at present there is now no means of transportation to and from the proposed park, which is about a half-mile up Newport Pike, beyond the Duck Creek bridge. The difficulty will be overcome by next spring, the promoters state.

 

Marietta Boy in Hospital in Calais, France

The Register-Leader, August 10, 1916

Joe Pflug Wounded in Face - Parents Here Receive Word From Him.

Joseph Pflug, 39 years old, of the Canadian contingent of the British forces in France, was wounded on July 29 by a gunshot wound in the face, according to official notification received Wednesday afternoon by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Pflug of 402 Warren Street. No details were given of the occurrence in the notification, which was from the Canadian army headquarters at Ottawa, Canada, which stated that Pfug was in a hospital at Calais, France, recovering from a wound in the face.

The message was forwarded by the Ottawa office from the report issued by the army authorities in France. Pflug enlisted in the Canadian signal corps two years ago, shortly after the outbreak of the war. 

His parents are greatly worried over the message, fearing that he might have been blinded. It is quite possible that they may receive no further word of their son until his condition takes a turn for the worst, or he is discharged from the hospital.

Besides his parents, Pflug has a number of other relatives in this city. He left Marietta about five years ago, and until the time of his enlistment, he was employed in the lumber camps of Quebec.

 

Councilmen Hear Professor Geren

The Register-Leader, July 21, 1916

Asks For Police Protection; Says He Has Been Abused by City.

"I can't get any more police protection in Marietta than I could if I lived in Mexico," was the "kick" registered by Christopher Geren of South Seventh Street at the regular meeting of the city council Thursday evening.

"Professor" Geren informed council that he was receiving insufficient police protection and that employees of the city had damaged members of his family and his residence, and declared that the city should pay him damages. For a period of more than ten minutes, Geren enumerated all the things that the city had done to him and his property, and closed his eloquent address by offering to present a bill for all these damages.

He asserted that he had issued warrants for poisoning, shooting, house breaking and assault and batter, and that the police had refused to serve them.

He told how the neighbors abused his five year old son; how his wife fell into a ditch dug in front of their residence by city employees; how his house had been broken into and even the chimney and floors taken away; how he had anchored his house to a buried piece of gas pipe by a wire, and how the city employees had dug up this gas pipe, with the result that his home had floated away during thee 1913 flood; how somebody had poisoned his cow in the year 1907; how the city was responsible for the Ohio river during a recent flood, undermining a section of his yard; and closed his complaint with the statement that the police would not give him protection and that he was afraid to take the law into his own hands for fear that he would be placed in jail.

Upon motion, his complaint was referred to the police committee.

Harmar Bathing Beach

The Register-Leader, July 31, 1916:

Hundreds Find Relief From Heat in River

Hundreds of young people in Marietta, Sunday, found relief from the heat wave in the cool waters of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers, the most favored spot being the newly discovered bathing beach at the mouth of the Muskingum river on the West Side, which is becoming one of the most popular swimmin' holes ever known in this section. Several hundred people enjoyed bathing at this point and at times during the afternoon and early evening the spot was black with bathers frolicking in the water, while an even larger crowd composed the spectators.

There were many on the banks sweltering in the heat who would like to have gone into the water, but after a lapse of years wouldn't dare. For them it was a great treat, however, to watch the younger folks who apparently got much delight from the sport.

To add to the excitement of things on the river front, George Whiting, a local baseball player, jumped from the railroad bridge into the river, others following in his lead.

Owing to the present heat wave, ice manufacturing facilities of the local plant are unable to keep up with the great demand for ice, and as a result, carload shipments of ice are being received daily from the Athens ice plant to keep up with the Marietta demand. The experience of the Crystal Ice Company is that of companies in other cities in the heat belt, the big ice consumption keeping the companies hustling to keep up with the demand.

The mercury reached the height of 96 degrees Sunday afternoon, according to Prof. Biscoe's official thermometer, thus passing Saturday's high mark of 94 by two degrees. The lowest temperature of Sunday night was 70, and at 1:30 o'clock Monday afternoon, the thermometer registered 90 degrees.

The Register-Leader, August 3, 1916:

Sewers Too Close to Bathing Beach

Because of the proximity of the beach at the mouth of the Muskingum river to the outlets of two large city sewers, the bathing beach committee of the Chamber of Commerce has declined to accept the beach as a possible site for a public bathing beach, and points out to the public that the water at the mouth of the Muskingum is impure, and may prove a cause of infection.Dr. Ballard, chairman of the committee, stated that it was dangerous to the health to go bathing at this beach, because of the filth emptying into the Muskingum just above the beach.

The Register-Leader, August 10, 1916:

Bath Houses Will Be Built at Fort Harmar Beach

With Point Harmar bathing beach growing in popularity despite reports that sewers empty into the Muskingum river at that point, there is every indication now that the beach at the mouth of the Muskingum on the West Side will become a permanent swimmin' hole for the season anyway. A fund has already been started by patrons of the beach and residents of West Marietta, which will be used in the construction of two bath houses at the beach and a board walk down the bank to the river.

The fund for this purposes was started Wednesday evening when a collection was taken up among the two hundred bathers in the river at that point. The sum of $15.50 was raised Wednesday evening. As only $50 is needed, it is estimated, to provide the improvements needed at the beach, little difficulty is anticipated in raising sufficient money. A committee, it is understood, has in charge the matter of raising the balance of the money needed.

A drop in temperature failed to cut down the size of the crowd at the bathing beach Wednesday evening, there having been a large number of bathers and a large crowd of spectators.

The Register-Leader, August 18, 1916:

Council Takes Up West Side Bathing Beach

Council discussed the West Side bathing beach at its regular meeting Thursday evening, Service Director Daker recommending that council take favorable action in the matter. The bathing beach was discussed at considerable length, Harris leading the fight for the beach.

As it had been brought out that at present the beach below Fort school was contaminated by private sewers from Fort Street residences, the whole sewer problem of the West Side was introduced and discussed. It was suggested that a sanitary sewer be laid on lower Fort Street that would take the private sewers away from the beach. Councilman Dabold recalled that the sewer committee had investigated the west side sewer some time ago, and that it would cost the city more than $5,000.This $5,000 cost would be for putting in a sewer up as far as Smith Street, and it was brought out that it was not necessary to run the sewer up that far in order to make the bathing beach free from contamination.

A motion was made by Plumer that the bathing beach be referred to the sewer committee, and this motion was seconded by Harris. It was later amended to include the water and sewer committee and the city solicitor.

When the question was put, Dabold and Schultheis voted against the motion. President Crawford stated that the whole discussion was of too petty a nature to occupy the attention of council.

 

Razing Old Catholic Church Building

Marietta Daily Times, July 3, 1917

A ripping crash, followed by a thundering noise, startled residents of lower Fourth street late Monday afternoon. It was only the steeple of the old Catholic church, which is being torn down by workmen employed by the Taylor and Dye Development Co., which is reconstructing the building to be used as a garage.

A jerk of the ropes attached to the steeple caused the huge woodwork and some slate to come down with a crash that echoed against Walnut Hills. The bell tower also is to be removed.

The cross that formerly perched far up on the church building was at one time the highest built point in Marietta.

Marietta's old Catholic Church on lower Fourth Street was built in 1853. It was the first building in Marietta constructed from bricks made of clay from the Sacra Via earthworks. Photo by Wilson Waters, ca 1880.

The old Catholic Church building was converted into the "New Auto Storage" and service station in 1917. Photo by Harry P. Fischer, ca 1920s, Marietta College Library.

Running Cisler's Brick Plant to its Full Capacity

The Marietta Times, November 27, 1890

Monday morning the Times reporter, on invitation, visited the Brick Plant of Thomas Cisler. On arrival we found that Mr. Cisler was running his plant to its full capacity, employing from twenty-five to thirty men.

His new pressed brick machine turns out some fine bricks, which, when they come out of the machine, seem almost hard enough to use without burning. This machine is of the Boyd pattern and has a capacity of 10,000 brick daily. The dry clay is shoveled into it and, after being ground, is run through sieves and carried into the press by buckets and a chute, where it is, in the mold, subjected to a pressure of three hundred tons. From the press the bricks are carried on trams to the kiln.

When the reporter visited the plant the workmen were busy putting in the last bricks in the kiln and preparing it for burning, which was begun that afternoon. In this kiln there are about 200,000 common brick and 100,000 pressed brick. It will be ready to open about Christmas.

In making his pressed brick Mr. Cisler uses red clay which he gets from "College Hill," which he recently purchased from the college. This clay contains considerable iron, which gives color and strength to the brick.

The building in which both the common and pressed brick are made is about 200 feet by 50 feet, and contains all the machinery, engine, boiler and dry room for the common brick.

It is Mr. Cisler's intention to build another kiln, making three in all, in the spring and should trade justify it will put in another pressed brick machine.

The Fourth of July

The Marietta Register, July 12, 1866

The morning, in Marietta, was ushered in with the firing of cannon, the ringing of bells, and martial music. At 7 o'clock, there was rain, but it soon cleared up so that the day was pleasant. The number of people in town was very large. At 10-1/2 o'clock, the procession was formed on Front Street, at the foot of Scammel, under the direction of Col. R. R. Dawes, Marshal of the Day, assisted by Col. Van Bukey and Maj. Palmer. 

The Martial Band, under command of Maj. George Payne, and the Athens Cornet Band, made the music and did it well. Flags of the 36th, 77th and 92nd regiments, of Buell's Pierpoint Battery, of Co. B. 4th West Va. Cavalry - "Paxton Guards" - and perhaps some others, all war-worn, were in the procession, proudly borne by men who had fought under them. There was one flag of the "stars and bars," captured from the rebels at Fort Donelson, and now owned by Charles Bowen of Waterford. Sergeant Shumon, who lost one arm in the service, led the soldiers, comparatively few of whom could be induced to go into the procession, very large numbers of veterans being in town, but not now disposed to "play soldier."

The procession marched to the Quadranaou above Warren Street, sometimes called "Camp Tupper." Rev. I. N. Carman opened the exercises with prayer. Gen. B. D. Fearing, President of the Day, made appropriate remarks. Col. S. H. Stafford read the Declaration of Independence. Gen. T. F. Wildes of Athens made a first-class address, which was exceedingly well received. Gen. C. H. Grosvenor of Athens spoke. Capt. S. S. Knowles made an appeal in behalf of the Washington County Soldiers' Monument. Gen. T. C. H. Smith made a few remarks. Refreshments and music, and a social time, completed the exercises. The Glee Club won general admiration. The leading singer, J. A. Freeborn of Harmar, has a powerful out-of-door voice, clear as a bell, and he is a most capital singer.

At night there were fire works on the Common under the supervision of I. E. Thurber. The display of some of the principal pieces was injured by a shower, just at the hour of beginning, but as a whole it was very fine.