Halloweeners Make Merry

The Marietta Daily Times, November 1, 1944

Several hundred adults and children in masquerade costumes participated in the Halloween parade Tuesday evening and succeeded in making an evening of merriment and fun for thousands of Mariettans on the sidelines and at the municipal stadium. Prizes were awarded in the various classifications, and altogether 18 envelopes containing war savings stamps were given the winners after the committee of judges completed what was a difficult task.

The annual community Halloween celebration was a successful one sponsored for the 20th year by Marietta Lions Club as one of its civic projects. Cooperation was given by citizens generally, and the celebration was concluded with a theatre party at the Hippodrome. Marietta High School Band, directed by G. Gordon Ritter; Salem-Liberty School Band; and the Norwood Drum Corps, all in full regalia, had places in the parade which was headed by Highway Patrol motorcycle escort and the emblematic Lion's Cage.

Dr. W. L. Sackett, assisted by other members of the Lions Club, distributed the prizes from a truck platform at the stadium, where all prize winners were presented. Eighty-five year old Charles A. Cook of 314 Front Street, who came here recently from Tacoma, Washington, to find persons who might remember his family, was awarded first prize in the men's fancy dress costume. He wore his "Abraham Lincoln" outfit in which he has been characterized in parades in other cities.

Other prize winners in classifications were Georgianna Johnson of 348 Pike Street, Vivian Kilzer of 321 Harmar Street, Mrs. Arthur Schwartz of 131 Euclid Avenue, Betty House of 735 Sixth Street, John Wilford of Marietta, Gary Bishman of 417 Fort Street, Teddy Barnes of 812 Phillips Street, Ronnie Hackathorn of 316 Harmar Street, Billy Lee Miller of 729 Fourth Street, Judith Ann Dearth of Walnut Hills, Patricia Miller of Marietta R. 4, Lee Hadley of 500 Fifth Street, Melvin Douthitt of Gilman Avenue, Mrs. Robert Barnhart of Ninth Street, Mrs. Rector Carpenter of Walnut Drive, Joe A. Matthews and Kay Ellen Matthews of 108 Harmar Street.

Costume judges were Charles J. Otto, Clayton D. Porter, Mrs. Augusta K. Bedilion, all of Marietta, and Mrs. Faye R. Abicht, teacher in Salem-Liberty High School at Lower Salem.

 

Prosecuting Attorney's Annual Report

The Marietta Times, September 16, 1869

The following is the annual report of Walter Brabham, Esq., Prosecuting Attorney, to the Commissioners of Washington County for the year next preceding the first Monday of September, 1869 showing the number of criminal prosecutions pursued to final conviction and sentence under his official care during the year, together with the names of the parties to each and the amount of fines assessed by the Court in each case; also, the number of forfeited recognizances and the amount collected in each case:

-Edward Blum, for grand larceny, sentenced to penitentiary for one year.
-Ingraham Pitts, petit larceny, fined $10 and costs.
-William Robinson, burglary and larceny, sentenced to penitentiary for two years.
-William G. Weiss, selling liquor, fined $10 and costs.
-Samuel and John McMahon, petit larceny, fined $10 and costs.
-Joline Adams, assault and battery, fined $5 and costs.
-William Henning, selling liquor, fined $10 and costs.
-William Warden, selling liquor, fined $10 and costs.
-Philip Hinkel, selling liquor, fined $10 and costs.
John N. Nye, selling liquor, fined $10 and costs.
-Conrad Miller, selling liquor, fined $10 and costs.
-Henry Stephens, assault and battery, fined $20 and costs.
-George Harris, petit larceny, fined $25 and costs.
-George Boyd, bigamy sentenced to the penitentiary for 4 years.
-Andrew Pinkerton, assault and threatening, fined $5 and costs.
-James C. Powell, assault and battery, fined $5 and costs.
-Richard Elliott, assault and battery, fined $20 and costs.
-Amos Moss, assault and battery, fined $5 and costs.
-Henry Lenox, bigamy sentenced to the penitentiary for four years.

There were no recognizances forfeited during the year and no collections on forfeited recognizances made. There are, however, two cases where the judgments on forfeited recognizances have been obtained for the sum of $300 in each case, both of which have been taken to the District Court by defendants, on error to the Common Pleas, and both of which will, in all probability be decided in favor of the State and collected.

 

Brewer's Art Studio

The Marietta Times, October 21, 1869:

From the Scioto Gazette, Chillicothe. "Our artist friend, Mr. John S. Brewer, the gentleman who has for some time past occupied apartments in the Allen block, as a studio, has brought his stay among us to a termination, and has shaken from his feet the dust of the 'Ancient Metropolis' and gone to that still more ancient burgh, Marietta, for a brief sojourn. Mr. Brewer is a gentleman of polished manners and refined cultivated tastes, an artist of skill and with an intimate knowledge of the manners and customs of the world at large, having spent several years of travel upon the European continent, visiting all places of note and seeking every opportunity of perfecting himself in his profession by a study of the works of the 'old masters,' as they are found in the collections and picture galleries of the old world. We shall miss his genial face and cordial greeting, and can only regret that circumstances have necessitated his removal from among us. We commend him to the acquaintance and friendship of the citizens of Marietta as a gentleman whose acquaintance will be found a pleasant and agreeable one."

Mr. Brewer has taken rooms over the drugstore of Pearce & Triem on "the Island," Front Street. He comes with the best of recommendations, and we take pleasure in presenting him to this community.  

 The Marietta Times, October 28, 1869:

We paid a visit yesterday to the studio of Mr. Brewer, which is directly over the Drug Store of Pearce & Triem. We were greatly interested in the portraits. Those of Judge Safford and Dr. Waddle of Chillicothe, whom we personally know, are admirable as likenesses. Always fond of seeing portraits of remarkable men, our attention was drawn to that of the late Sol. Smith of St. Louis, the author, actor, humorist, and what is strange in such a combination, the steady, straight-forward business man. His countenance proclaims what he was.

Not far from him is a portrait of McKean Buchanan, the actor - a character in his way, but overrated on the stage. The picture of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Vincennes is well finished. Conspicuous is the portrait from life, as are all the rest, of a British sea captain, a genuine salt, with a face as red as Bardolph's and an expression of satisfaction which nothing but beef and brandy could afford him.

In contrast, we have the picture of a French physician, a second Dr. Caius, with the true Gallican grimace and shoulders that almost shrug while you are looking at his likeness. At fifty, his complexion is that of a dull parchment, and he has as many small wrinkles as most men who have gone beyond their rime, the result of unrestrained indulgence in coffee and tobacco. There is a lecture in every line of his face, and as the writer is fond of smoking, he felt an admonition to break his pipe. But who reforms at forty?

There are other portraits in the room - of artists, of businessmen, and also of commonplace creatures who have no more character than a cow pumpkin.

Mr. Brewer has established himself among us, and we hope he will be encouraged as his genius merits. His work must plead for him, however, and so we ask all who feel interested in art to visit his studio. It is worthwhile.

The Marietta Times, November 25, 1869:

Calling at Mr. Brewer's studio over the Island Drug Store one day this week, we noticed the excellent portraits of Colonel John Mills, William F. Curtis and R. M. Stimson, which have just come form his pencil. They are admirable as likenesses, for not only is the countenance accurately mapped out in each picture, but the expression is life-like and natural. It is not often that portraits as good as these are met with, and there are none better. We advise all who are interested in works of art to call at Mr. Brewer's room and look at them. 

The Marietta Times, December 9, 1869:

Our people should see the portraits of Colonel Mills and William F. Curtis at Mr. Brewer's studio over Pearce & Triem's Drug Store. As likenesses, they cannot be bettered. Besides, the artist has shown consummate skill in every detail of the work before him.

We cannot but express the hope that Mr. Brewer will be appreciated and patronized, as he should be, in a community like this. It is seldom that one so thoroughly master of his profession is at the service of those who wish to procure excellent portraits of themselves or of their friends. 

It is folly or nonsense to engage pictures - as some do - by having a photograph taken here, while the work of the painter is done elsewhere. The proverb, Descriptions decide nothing, is absolutely true in respect of persons. To make a good likeness, the artist must see the subject of his pencil, even though casually and but once. Otherwise, the portrait will be weak and unsatisfactory.

The Marietta Times, December 30, 1869:

 Mr. Brewer is now at work on portraits of President Andrews; W. H. Oldham, Esq.; William Warden, of the National House; and Dr. Stout. The pictures, as yet, are unfinished, but sufficient progress has been made to show that they will be good likenesses. 

It is worth the time and trouble to pay a visit to Mr. Brewer's studio over Pearce & Triem's Drug Store, on the Island. We have, heretofore, spoken in decided terms of his merits as an artist, and we could now but repeat what we said then. We do not believe that better work than his can be procured in the large cities, and we are certain that in Cincinnati, pictures greatly inferior to those which he produces, command twice the price he asks for a portrait.

The Marietta Times, January 27, 1870:

Mr. Brewer has finished a crayon portrait of W. H. Oldham which is worth seeing. It is not only a good likeness in that the features of his face are all there, but the vigor and force of expression which he has managed to throw into it make it one of the best pictures we ever saw.

A portrait of Mr. Warden of the National House, done in oil colors, will be recognized at once by anyone that has ever seen him. There are besides, admirable likenesses of other Marietta men - Col. Mills, W. F. Curtis, President Andrews, R. M. Stimson, and N. Fawcett.

Mr. Brewer will stay but a little while longer, and those who wish to have first-rate portraits should now avail themselves of this, the best opportunity they will ever have. No better pictures can be produced anywhere. To satisfy yourself of this, call at his studio, over Pearce & Triem's Drug Store.

*  *  *
Note - John S. Brewer, or John James Scriven Brewer, was born in Canada in 1824, the son of Richard and Ann Scriven Brewer. He died February 22, 1881, in St. Louis, Missouri.

They Were Married Very Quietly

The [Marietta] Daily Register, October 6, 1894

Mr. B. G. Dawes and Miss Bertie Burr Join Their Lives

From Lincoln State Journal

Miss Bertie O. Burr, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carlos C. Burr, and Mr. Beman G. Dawes, were united in marriage at the First Presbyterian church last night at 7 o'clock, by Rev. E. H. Curtis.

The ushers, Messrs. F. S. Burr; W. E. Eells of Marietta, Ohio; R. M. Joyce; S. E. Low; D. G. Wing and Lew Marshall, were kept busily engaged in seating the friends of the contracting parties.

Promptly at 7 o'clock, Mrs. P. V. M. Raymond struck the first notes of the Lohengrin wedding march and Miss Burr and Mr. Dawes entered through the western door. The bride was clad in handsome brocaded crepe, trimmed in ribbons and lace with a bridal veil hanging in graceful folds down her back. The groom looked his best and there were many complimentary exclamations on their appearance. The ceremony was brief, the ring service being used. Mr. C. C. Burr, the bride's father, gave her away.

At the close of the service, Mr. and Mrs. Dawes left the church by the eastern entrance, moving up the aisle to the sweet strains of Mendelssohn's march. They went directly to the home of the bride's parents, where a reception, which was attended by relatives and the most intimate friends, was tendered them.

The guests at the reception were given an opportunity to inspect one of the most elegant lists of presents ever received by a young couple. It was known that Mr. and Mrs. Dawes intended going to housekeeping immediately upon their return from a bridal trip, and it was natural therefore that all the presents were useful as well as beautiful. There was a large room devoted to the display of presents and in this could be found almost everything needed in making a home lovely, from a handsome filigree sugar spoon to a set of furniture. There were sets of china, choice bits of bric-a-brack, pictures denoting the taste of the donors and bank checks which will prove useful in the furnishing of a home.

Mr. and Mrs. Dawes were accompanied to the train at 9:30 by a large party of friends. They expect to be absent about two weeks, visiting the parents of the groom in Marietta, Ohio, where a reception will be tendered them. They will go from there to Washington and New York, returning to Lincoln about the 20th.

The [Marietta] Daily Register, October 10, 1894:

In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Beman Gates Dawes

The beautiful home of General and Mrs. Rufus R. Dawes, Fourth Street, was the scene of a charming reception from 8 to 11 last evening, in honor of Mr. Beman Gates Dawes and his beautiful bride of Lincoln, Nebraska. The house was handsomely decorated with potted flowers. Everything was appropriately arranged in green and white, the bride's colors. The bride was clad in handsome brocaded crepe, trimmed in lace.

Nearly one hundred guests were present. After being received by Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Dawes, Mr. and Mrs. Rufus C. Dawes, and Mr. and Mrs. B. G. Dawes, the guests were invited to lunch by Mrs. William W. Mills in her pleasant way, where in the adjoining rooms tables were arranged and refreshments were served, white and green prevailing.

Mr. and Mrs. Dawes remain until the latter part of the week, when they leave for a short visit to eastern cities, returning the next week for a few days' visit here, then to their home at Lincoln, Nebraska.

The reception was one of the prettiest for many seasons. We congratulate Mr. Dawes on his good fortune and wish him and his bride many years of prosperity and happiness.

   

Pfaff's Bakery

The Marietta Daily Times, January 19, 1952

One of Marietta's Oldest Business Establishments Closes Its Doors

Roberta S. Burson

When Pfaff's Bakery, located at 112 Putnam Street, closes its doors and draws the blind tonight, it will mark the end of one of Marietta's oldest business establishments.

Started in April, 1871, by Jacob W. "Jake" Pfaff, whose career began when he landed on American soil after a 42-day sailboat journey from Germany, the bakery has been in continuous operation for the past 81 years by the Pfaff family.

After serving an apprenticeship at the J. & D. Mueller Bakery, young Jake branched out on his own as a baker. With only a minimum amount of cash, but with an abundance of nerve and faith in himself and in Marietta, he baked his first batches of bread in a single brick oven which he constructed with his own hands in the basement of the present establishment which was then considered "uptown."

Peddled Bread in Basket

A familiar figure in the olden days, he peddled his bread and other baking in a basket to customers scattered throughout Marietta. Later he acquired a horse-drawn van which he used for delivery purposes. Branching out in the meantime with the assistance of his wife, Katherine Braun Pfaff, he added a confectionery to his bakery establishment. Still later, and still growing in business, he opened a small restaurant which soon became famous for its oyster stew and other items.

"Oysters came in bulk then, and had to be shucked," young Jacob Pfaff, his grandson who has been continuing the business with his father, Edwin W. "Eppie" Pfaff, and his mother, explained this week. "Many times grandfather and grandmother made oyster stew for Marietta College boys after store hours."

These and other incidents related to the early days of the establishment, when home-made ice cream sold for five cents a dish and a full dinner could be bought for 35 cents, were recounted by young Pfaff, namesake of his grandfather.

Location Never Changed

Following the death of Grandfather Jake in 1913, his three sons, Edwin W., Walter, and Clarence Pfaff, who were born on the third floor of the present bakery, continued the business. 

Walter, who worked in the shop for the most part, died in 1914. Three years later Edwin, known to hundreds as "Eppie," bought out the interests of Clarence and Walter's wife. Dispensing with the wholesale business in 1917, Eppie and his wife, Anna Gerber Pfaff, concentrated on baked goods, ice cream, catering, and restaurant business. For the latter, the couple, like Eppie's father, began on a shoestring. Their kitchen "equipment" included one roaster, one coffee pot and a few dishes which Mrs. Pfaff brought from home. They served 19 customers on their first day of business. Their specialties, known far and wide, were scalloped oysters, baked ham, ice cream and chicken pie.

Until 1943 catering for numerous organizations was a specialty of the Pfaff Restaurant. During their years they served an average of 1,500 or 2,000 meals per week. Many of their meals went free of charge to a number of Marietta College boys who were given jobs as waiters to help themselves through college.

In June 1944, however, the Pfaff Restaurant ceased operations. With the return of Eppie's son Jacob in 1941 from four years service with the U.S. Army, baked goods became the main product of the establishment.

Long, Long Years

"It's been grit and grind and work," young Jake said, "but it's like Pop (Eppie) always said - if you have things good, people will come to you for them."

"What are your plans for the future?" He shook his head. "They're indefinite. Pop doesn't want to give up the business, but mother desires to." He looked around the bake shop back through to the huge ovens which have turned out thousands upon thousands of loaves of bread and other baked goods.

"Sometimes it gets me here," he said, placing his hand over his heart. "I guess once you like something it's hard to give it up. We will maintain the building, though, until Pop (who is 75 and is now hospitalized in Memorial Hospital) and mother decide what they want to do."

Mrs. Pfaff, pausing for a few words, smiled. "I'm happy to give it up," she said. "It will mean lots less work and worry, but of course I'll miss our many friends and customers."

Those many friends and customers will miss the Pfaff bakery, too, which through the years has held the interest of Marietta uppermost in mind. They will miss their regular orders of raisin and cinnamon bread on Mondays, rye and kimmel bread on Tuesdays, salt-rising bread on Wednesdays, pumpernickle bread on Thursdays, and hearth loaf on Saturdays, but as each one knows - all good things must sometime come to an end.