Looking Back

100 YEARS AGO, NOVEMBER 10, 1921

■ Wapakoneta electors went to the polls Tuesday and almost swept the present municipal administration off he map. But one present city official, who appealed for an endorsement of his first term, received it. Otto Buchanan, Republican candidate for councilman from the Second Ward, was the sole survivor of the present day administration. Democrats elected Tuesday include Mayor Fred Klipfel, President of Council Neuman Metz, Auditor Fred Nester, Treasurer Ditt Spees, Solicitor Frank Connaughton, as well as Council at Larger—frank Budde, Henry Knost, Arnold Yaggi. Ward Councilmen—a.a. Schneider, Jospeh Miller, William Hastings, and Buchanan. Assessors—r.c. Howell, Henry Ambos, David Brown. Jacob Zint….the public and electorate remembered the fact that public partisan bodies had bowed in the majority to the absolute domination of party bosses and gangsters in the matter of returning findings against civil service employees…..intimidation of minor public officials was, and is, a highly developed art in Wapakoneta. To hold your job, you must be subservient to the orders and wishes of the curbstone bosses. That era in Wapakoneta public life will pass with the ringing of the bells that welcome the new year.

■ Many favorable comments were heard Tuesday evening at the excellent appearance made by the Wapakoneta Boy Scouts. The movement yet young in his city already shows the worth of the undertaking. They lined up in splendid style in the escort for General Dickman’s reception and were eager to be presented to the grizzled veteran of whom they had heard so much. It was a proud Boy Scout who stood at attention and saluted as the General and his party passed thru their lines en route to the Elks Temple.

■ One hundred and forty quarts of nitro glycerine were exploded in the 1268 foot oil well recently drilled on the Vossler farm two miles northeast of the city by the Vossler Oil Company. The prospects a for a good well are very flattering and arrangements are being rapidly being brought to a head to supply tankage an dipping to take care of the yield that is expected.

■ A delightful surprise was given to MM Fred Gehrlich Tuesday evening when a crowd of relatives and friends gathered at their home, 4 miles southeast of Wapakoneta, to help them celebrate their 11th wedding anniversary. They all came with well-filled baskets and a beautiful lunch was served. The evening was spent in playing games and music. Those present were: MM John Sheipline, MM August Mosler, MM Wm. Luntz, MM Henry Knerr, MM Elmer Thuman, MM Edward Baeumel, Misses Leona Knerr, Viola Ruck, Margaret Ruck, Pauline Mosler and Alma Luntz, Messrs. Theodore Luntz, Delbrin Luntz, Gust Knerr, Richard Sheipline, Russel James, Clarece Mosler, Nelson Ruck, Harold Thuman, Lloyd Thuman, Urban Knerr, Wilbert Knerr, Herman Ballweg, Johnnie Baeumel, Carl Baeumel, Edward Baeumel, Victor Gehrlich, Richard Gehrlich, and Frederick Gehrlich. They all departed at a late honor, wishing MM Gehrlich many more years of happy married life.

75 YEARS AGO, NOVEMBER 10, 1946

■ A highly spirit rivalry is anticipated in the Armistice Night AMVETS game at St. Marys which finds the stars of former years of Wapak and St. Marys pitting their brawn against each other. The local team includes: Butcher, left end, Blume 1946, Navy. Smith, left tackle, Blume 1944, Army. K. Urich, left guard, Blume 1945, Navy. Miller, center, Blume 1943, AAF. Gierhart, right guard, Blume 1945, Nacy, Siferd, right tackle, Blume 1939, Navy. Zwiebel, right end, Blume 1938, Army. D. Metzger, quarterback, Blume 1946. Lietz, left halfback, Blume 1942, Navy, B. Urich, right halfback, Blume 1944, Navy

50 YEARS AGO, NOVEMBER 10, 1971

■ Under the direction of their language arts teacher, Mrs. Tilson, the junior high students of St. Joseph School have edited their first newspaper. Members of the newspaper staff include: Pat Madigan (interviews), Marge Luthman (girls’ sports), Tina Elliott (artist), Mag Street (interviews), Collette Anthony (artist), Cindy Elliott (ask us column), Denise Strohm (ask us column), Sue Mcclintock (coeditor), Jill Kuhn (girls’ sports), Mike Sobocinski (photographer), Liz Madigan (poetry), Laura Marker (poetry), Vickie Brockert (co-editor), Julie Spyker (lay-t), Mark Koenig (lay out), George Cecere (boys’ sports), Fred Neumeier (boys’ sports).

■ Auglaize County Health Commissioner Dr. Robert Oyer said today defeat of the proposed .2 mill additional health levy last week indicates some services and or personnel may have to be curtailed. However, Oyer said no action would be taken until the Health Boad meets November 23 to review the situation.