Local Boy, Held A German Prisoner 3 Years, Released

 The Register-Leader, December 19, 1918

Private George Pfaff, for three years a prisoner in a German prison camp, has been repatriated according to word received the first of the week by brother Will Pfaff, 632 Fifth Street. The word was in the form of an official message from Ottawa, Canada, and stated that George Pfaff had arrived in Dover, England, December 9, from Camp Giessen, Germany.

George Pfaff is well known here where the greater part of his life has been spent. He was probably the first Mariettan to go into service, having enlisted in the Canadian army in October 1914. He served with Company C, 29th Battalion Infantry, and on April 20, 1916, he was taken prisoner by the Germans. 

In May of 1916, Will Pfaff received official word from the Canadian government that George was missing. The family at once got into communications with Canada in an effort to locate him, but they were unable to get information, their first knowledge that he was a prisoner coming when in July, they received a letter written in Camp Giessen, saying that he had been taken prisoner. Letters have been coming from him since his capture, but were so strictly censored that he could give very little news of himself.

It is expected that he will be home very soon and a warm welcome will be waiting for him. Before his entrance into the service, he worked as an iron moulder in this city.

Camp Giessen, German Prisoner of War Camp, WWI

From Imperial War Museums, UK

   

New Bridge Dedicated

The Marietta Daily Times, May 1, 1916

Formal dedication of the Parkersburg-Belpre bridge, which has been open for travel since a week ago, drew an enormous throng of people to the Wood County seat on Saturday afternoon. The weather was ideal for the occasion, and a number of speakers made addresses during the ceremonies.

President E. M. Gilkinson of the Parkersburg Board of Commerce, who presided at the affair, introduced H. P. Camden, president of the Parkersburg-Ohio Bridge company, who spoke on behalf of the Parkersburg Board of Commerce. J. Mentor Caldwell, former president of the Parkersburg Board of Commerce and the man to whom is given credit of first conceiving the practicability of a bridge between the two towns, was introduced by A. E. Kennedy and gave an interesting talk. Former Governor White of West Virginia also made a brief address, as did also Dr. F. B. Ames.

An automobile parade, the largest ever witnessed in Parkersburg, was a pleasing feature of the affair. Many of the cars were gorgeously decorated.

Another charming feature of the ceremonies was the march across the bridge of little Misses Dorothy McGrew of Belpre and Mary Camden of Parkersburg, hand in hand, each carrying banners bearing the mottoes and coats of arms of Ohio and West Virginia.

More than 400 were present at the "Dollar Dinner," which was given at 6 o'clock Saturday evening, and at which many speakers, including Mayor Allen C. Murdoch of Parkersburg, U.S. Senator William E. Chilton of Charleston, former Governor White and Hon. James A. Wakefield of Pittsburgh, made addresses.

Peoples Bank Plans Ten Story Building

 The Marietta Daily Times, June 30, 1919

Erection of a modern ten-story banking and office building at the corner of Putnam and Second streets, considered the best corner site in Marietta, is contemplated by The Peoples Banking and Trust Company. In line with this plan it has purchased the building owned by the Blume Realty Company on Putnam Street, now occupied by the Roby Book Store, and the building owned by Charles Schneider. Both properties adjoining the Mills building on the corner, which was purchased by the banking company some time ago. Options had been held for some time by the trust company on both buildings, the Schneider deal, which was made through John M. Doan, being closed today.

The Mills Building, Putnam and Second Streets, Marietta, Ohio.

Officials of the bank have taken the matter of plans for a building up with various architectural firms and although no definite plans have been adopted, it is certain that the new structure will be of the most modern construction and will embody office facilities of the best sort.

It is understood that the building purchased from the Blume Realty Co. will be allowed to stand as it is, making possible better lighting facilities for the banking room and lower floor office rooms of the new building.

It is expected that the alley separating the Mills building and the Schneider building will be bridged over in the construction of the new building, thus leaving an entrance for the other buildings fronting on Putnam Street.

Officials at the trust company do not know when the proposed construction will begin, but it is believed that work will be started early next spring.

Embodying as it will the much needed extension of office room in the downtown business district, the new structure will fill a great need. In addition to the utility, the building will add greatly to the appearance of Putnam Street and will be a distinct improvement for the entire city.

 

Sunday Schools

American Friend, May 22, 1818 

The committee appointed for the purpose, give notice that they have made arrangements for the commencement of two schools in Marietta, for the ensuing season: One at the Muskingum Academy, and one at the school-house on Point Harmar - to be opened on Sunday the 24th May at 8 o'clock in the morning. 

Those who are disposed to avail themselves of the advantages of these benevolent institutions are invited to attend. Adults and children will be admitted, without distinction of age or color. 

Experience has taught that punctual attendance, at the hour appointed, is not only important, but absolutely necessary.

Schools to be open from 8 to 10 A.M. and from 4 to 6 P.M.