New Vienna's Railroad Ave. in 1958

Two houses were demolished in New Vienna on Railroad Avenue when Wells Mfg. added a paint building.  The 1957 Chrysler was our family car.  Parallel parking in this car was a challenge.  I drove it to my summer job at the Wilmington Public Library in 1965.

1957 Chrysler.  House torn down for Wells paint building (Railroad Ave.)

1957 Chrysler in New Vienna with machine shop in background (Railroad Ave.)

The 1930 Census, the most current census available for public viewing, does not show any residences on Railroad Avenue, though two families are listed as living on "Pass" Ave.   Could this be an older name for Railroad Ave.?  Living on Pass Avenue were:

• Jesse Leggett (45) 1885-1948, his wife Belle (29) and their children Madge (10), Elizabeth (6), Ruby (5), Jessie Jr. (2) and Robert (1). - Rental $7/month. Jesse is listed as a trucker for the grain elevator and Belle as a laundress who worked at home. Ruby died in 2001 in Lebanon, Ohio.
• Jesse Shaffer (42) 1888-1977, wife Carrie (33) 1897-1970, children Pauline (12), Edna (10), Margaret (8), Dorothy (7), Elizabeth (6) 1923-1943, Jesse Jr. (1) - Rental $8/month. Jesse was a laborer who did odd jobs. Dorothy graduated from NVHS in 1941, Elizabeth in 1942, Jesse Jr. in 1946. A son Edgar died as an infant in 1925, and they had another son Charles Russell 1931-1979

Ten households are listed on Pearl Street which connects Railroad Ave. with SR-28 also known as West Street.  Families living on Pearl St. in 1930 were:

• Herbert Howard (33), his wife Louise (29) and son William (7). - Rental $12/month.  Herbert was a barber.
• Mary Elizabeth (Garner) Achor (38) and her daughter Helen Louise (12) - Rental $6/month. Elizabeth (1891-1965) was a seamstress and is buried in NV's IOOF East side cemetery. Elizabeth "Lizzie" Garner married Frank Achor (1886-1966) in 1911 and they are buried together but in 1930 census records show he was living and working as a farmer on Wright Rd. in Green Township with his mother, Tabitha (1854-1930) and his sister Bessie along with her husband Hugh Bernard and their grandson Paul, born c1925. Helen married Charles C. Perry in 1940, he died in Italy in 1944. She later remarried twice, to Robert Gall and then to Mr. Wilson.
  
• Dana Bond (68), his wife Luthera (69) and his brother Thomas (73) - Owners of house valued at $1800.
• Emma Trimble (73), her sister Francis Irons (72), and her sister-in-law Alice Trimble (81).  Their house valued at $2600
• Harry Bower (69), wife Margaret (57), son George (25) and daughter Sarah (21).  House valued at $2000.  Harry was a bookkeeper at the bank, George an inspector at a paper mill, and Sarah was also employed as a bookkeeper ar the record office.  Sarah graduated from NVHS in 1926 and later married a Mr. Nordonbrock.
• Clyde Curtis (50), wife Beatrice (45), children Robert (24), Marcille (16), Gayle (13), Jeanne (10), and Richard (8).  House valued $500.  Beatrice was employed doing housework in private homes, Robert as a lineman for the telegraph company.  Marcille graduated from NVHS in 1932, Jeanne in 1937 and Richard in 1939.  Richard married Arlene Preston who graduated from NVHS in 1941.  They had two children, Richard and Robert.
• Arthur Cade (61), wife Lillie (60), children Everett (25), Margaret (17) and Jessie (16) - Rental $8/month.  
• Margaret Ryan (60) and her daughter Mary Stultz (28) - house valued at $600.  Margaret born in Ireland, was Joseph's mother.  Mary was employed as a practical nurse in private homes.
• Joseph Ryan (32), wife Ella (34) and Ryan's step-children Cordelia (16) and Charles (15) Shaw - Rental $8/month.  Joe was a local blacksmith known for his strength.  He once was known to "throw" a refrigerator in anger.  His wife had a small garden business, selling seedlings, etc.
• Ed Magee (64) - Rental $2/month.  Ed was a shoestring salesman.

Farmer's Exchange becomes New Vienna Milling Co., Mill Story #2

"Put in a penny, turn the crank, and voila, a handful of peanuts would appear."


John Cooper bought the NV Milling Co., from McMillen Feed Mills in 1957, the year his son, Ed, graduated from High School.  

New Vienna Ohio Farmers' Exchange: Grain - Seed - Feed - Coal c1950.
Photo courtesy of Carolyn Collier Taubenheim

Previously John had managed two mills (Richmond & Fountain City) in Indiana for McMillen.  The family lived in Rushville IN before moving to New Vienna, although previously they had lived in the Xenia area.  Marie worked for a Dr. after high school who was into horses and met John's brother who was a feed salesman.  John and Marie first met on a blind date.

John 1912-1980 and Marie 1914-2004 had three sons, Ed who now lives in Dayton area and is retired from J.C. Penny's;  Bob graduated from NVHS in 1959 and now lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Tom, NVHS Class of 1964 although thanks to consolidation he graduated from Simon Kenton.  He now lives in Phoenix, Arizona and has a Dairy Queen business.

Mill Workers, New Vienna Milling Co. c1958.
Left to right: Bob Cooper, Harry Everhart, Bud Storer, Phyllis Tilton White, Burdette Edgington, John Cooper.  Photo courtesy of Phyllis Tilton White.

Coopers sold the mill in 1970, John went into full time pig farming, raising piglets in a building specially built for 500 pigs on Clark Rd.  In 1967 and 1970 Marie is listed in the City Directory as being a clerk at the Stitching Post Store in Wilmington.  Ed, although he never attended school in NV, spent much time with his parents and with his Mom in her later years and has made many friends in New Vienna.  Coopers were also active in the NVUMC and Marie used her culinary expertise in running the kitchen at the NV Senior Center.

John bought 100 acres from Brumley on SR-350, sold 50 acres to Stan Hannah who built a house there and Hannah later built the new NVUMC.  After John died, Marie moved back into town and enjoyed her final years living in New Vienna.

Harry Everhart 1905-1973, lived in Penn Township, Highland County.  A farm laborer in 1930, wife Bessie and daughter Anna, brother-in-law John Edwards [related to Cornelia Edwards Carey?, she was Ralph Carey's mother, and lived next to them.]

Homer "Bud" Storer 1925-1976, father of Buddy (1947-1967, Donald who is now married to Burdette Edgington's daughter Carolyn, and Dana.  Divorced from his wife Mildred in 1971.  Mildred worked at Wells as did Carolyn.

Phyllis Tilton White - Graduated from NVHS in 1946 and began her working career with a brief stint at Wells Mfg. in 1947, then located in Dayton.  In 1948 she went to work full time for Eagle Specialties, a subdivision (?) of Carter Engineering, which made metal folding baby strollers.  When they went out of business she became a bookkeeper in 1949 at the NV Milling Co., which was then known as Farmer's Exchange owned by R.P. Barrett, with Elroyd Collier* as manager.  She worked at the mill 10 years, quitting when her mother was in very poor health.  After the death of her mother she returned to Wells, which had moved to New Vienna in 1948, where she was a dedicated employee for close to 40 years.

Burdette Edgington 1919-2011, father of Linda Lunsford, Ronald, Carolyn Storer (married Bud Storer's son, Donald), and Terry.  As well as working at the mill he was a WWII Army Veteran, a Clark Township Trustee and a longtime farmer in the Martinsville area.  He married Goldie Mae Alexander on December 16, 1941.

*Carolyn Collier Taubenheim remembers:  "I wasn't very old when Dad worked at the mill, but I do have some fond memories.  He took his daughter to work before it became so popular to do so years later!  

I loved riding in the big truck because it occasionally backfired, and I thought that was REALLY COOL!  I also remember going into the office where Phyllis Tilton worked.  She was such a nice lady.  Anyway, there was a gumball machine filled with peanuts, not gumballs.  Put in a penny, turn the crank, and voila, a handful of peanuts would appear.  Customers would come in to settle up with Phyllis, and I'd have myself parked next to that little machine.  When they'd turn to go, they'd see me me and ask, 'Oh, are you Elroyd's girl?'  I'd nod my head and more often than not, end up with peanuts!  

Another interesting thing is even though 'flour' is painted on the side of the building, I never saw any.  I think it was predominately a 'feed mill' selling feed for cattle and hogs.  It also sold some other things, like coal."  

*****
A future mill story will delve more deeply into the "flour" mentioned in the paragraph above.

Click here for Mill story #1 which focuses on the Shoemaker/Collier Family.

Rural Mail Directory 1924-27

Recently added to my reference library of New Vienna related items is a copy of the Clery's Rural Mail Directory for Clinton County, Ohio 1924-1927.  [Thanks, Dad!]  Here's an ad from the inside of the back cover:

New Vienna Bank and Fred A. Eaton Men's Clothing ads from 1924-1927 Clery's Rural Mail Directory for Clinton County, Ohio

Almost a century later the bank is still open although now part of NB&T.  Fred Eaton was most likely a competitor of Philips Bros. Clothing which later became Huffman Clothing where the long time employee was Bill Holmes.  Fred was the father of Doris Eaton Jones, and an uncle of Virginia Hildebrant, therefore a great-uncle of Janie Hildebrant Pidgeon.

Below are copies of the three pages covering New Vienna's RFD 1, 2 and 3, that list the people and the roads covered on each route.  Interestingly (and for privacy sake?) the people for each route are listed in alphabetical order.  Not sure how many of these families continue to occupy the same location -- that's research for someone who knows who lives there now.  I do see some familiar names.  Some of the road names have since changed, e.g. Highland Pike [SR-28], Centerville Pike [SR-729?], Willettsville Road [SR-124?], James Roads Pike [near James Roads house presumably].

If you are interested in the small print the number after the name is the number of acres with "O" denoting ownership, "R" renter, "L" laborer.  "L" with O or R denotes lot.

Rural Mail Routes and Names for New Vienna from 1924-1927 Clery's Rural Mail Directory for Clinton County, Ohio - RFD No. 1

Note the ad at the top for funeral homes, including Littleton which is still doing business in Sabina and then the ad in the middle stating "The old must die.  We are young and want your cream.  A. L. Kirk, Wilmington Produce Co."

Rural Mail Routes and Names for New Vienna from 1924-1927 Clery's Rural Mail Directory for Clinton County, Ohio - RFD No. 2 and No. 3

Rural Mail Routes and Names for New Vienna from 1924-1927 Clery's Rural Mail Directory for Clinton County, Ohio - RFD No. 3 Continued.

NVHS [Ohio] Class of 1944 in 8th Grade

This war-time high school class, along with the class of 1943, did not get a senior picture. Therefore, no picture of these classes in the New Vienna High School Memory Book.  Other NVHS graduates without group pictures include: 1881-1898, 1900-1903, 1907-1917, 1921-1923, and 1926-1928.  On which wall of the school did these pictures hang?  What has happened to them since – are they at the elementary school?  [Have recently heard that these pictures were offered "for sale" when the school closed, but now may be in storage in the new Elementary School.]

I got identification of all but two of these 8th graders from class member Jane Selph Fauber.

Class of '44 New Vienna Ohio 8th Grade 1939-40 - Front row  left: Georgina Lacey, Joan Rulon Hughes, Martha Stephenson, Christine Caplinger, Donna Morris, Unknown Girl, Elizabeth Sayre and Faye Rhoads.  Middle Row Beulah Wood, Jennie Swingley, Dale Crabtree, Rollin Hakes, Mary Etta Pierson, Unknown  Girl, Jane Selph Fauber and Herbert Spencer (teacher).  Top Row Wilbur Morris, Frank Purtee, William "Bill" Chesnut, Bob Sonners, Harold Prickett, Philip J. Levo, Calvin Smith, Bob Linkhart and William "Bill" Lamar.  Unknown girls are possibly Joanne Smith,  Betty Roush, or Marjorie Hachathorn.  Image Courtesy of Larry Martin.

Shoemaker/Collier Family: NV Mill (related) stories #1

"My Dad started at the mill right after the war in the fall of 1945.  He later became the manager and left in 1953.  I have many fond memories of being a little tyke and being down there and probably getting in the way." --Charlie Collier

Mabel & Elroyd Collier, parents of Charlie & Carolyn, c1946 in front of Harris Apartments, New Vienna Ohio.  Photo courtesy of Carolyn Collier Taubenheim.

First came the Shoemakers:

In 1800, Simon Shoemaker and his family moved from Virginia to the Singing Spring area [Highland County's Brushcreek Township] according to Daniel Scott's A History of the Early Settlement of Highland County, Ohio, page 64.

This move impacted Clinton County when 138 years and six generations later, a few of his many descendants began moving to New Vienna.  [Simon (1736-1820) > Samuel (1766-1837) > Simon (1793-1875) > Michael (1823-1895) > George M. (1859-1947) > Orva (1882-1964). Orva M. Shoemaker and his wife the former Mary K. Zile (1886-1952) had seven children, four of whom lived in/near New Vienna between 1937-2004.

*****
Mary Blanche Shoemaker Hill (1908-2005) was born near Marshall in Highland County, Ohio and attended Marshall Public Schools.  She helped out on her family's farm until her marriage to Galen Hill on November 6, 1937.  They moved to New Vienna shortly thereafter, beginning the chapter of the Shoemaker/Colliers connection to New Vienna.  Galen was the New Vienna school custodian in the 1940s and took up house painting as a profession with the start of the new decade.  Unfortunately an accident involving a ladder and electrical wires resulted in his death in 1951.

The values of independence and self-reliance learned on the farm served her well after the death of Galen.  Use up, wear out, and make do became her creed.  An avid gardener, she could grow an amazing abundance of produce on a very small parcel of land, sometimes preparing the earth with only a spade.

Blanche took a job at the New Vienna locker in 1952 and worked there until her retirement. Blanche and Galen lived outside of town at first, on 73 near the Doyle Wright house and behind Lewis Bernard (who later married Dorothy Johnson, the teacher) on Antioch Rd.  They then moved into town, across from the bus barn, next to the Trenarys.  This would have been a convenient location for Galen's work as the school custodian included shoveling coal into the school furnace on Sundays so that the school would be warm on Monday morning.  Later Blanche moved downtown to Dr. Fullerton's place and then across the street to Dr. Hause's former office.  Her bedroom was where many of us had our teeth drilled.

[Picture of Blanche taken in 1981, Galen's picture in 1949, is from the New Vienna High School Memory Book, p. 71.

*****
George Robert Shoemaker (1913-1984) and his wife Lella (Carrico 1906-1995) joined sister Blanche in New Vienna when George became manager at the Farmers Exchange Mill in the mid 1940s.  George and Lella had a son, George Clifford (1940-2007) who attended school in New Vienna until the family moved to Columbus in the late 1940s.

Elroyd Collier at New Vienna Ohio Mill c1950 - Image Courtesy of Carolyn Collier Taubenheim

Although George and Lella may have lived in a farmhouse in Highland County, Jane Selph Fauber, who also worked at the mill in the 1940s, remembers that Lella provided her with lunch after Charlie was born in 1947 and she rode with George to their house on the north side of Bernard Road.  She described it as a square brick house.  Prior to Charlie's birth, Mabel Collier had provided Jane with lunch.

*****
Mabel Elizabeth Shoemaker Collier (1916-2004) was the third of the Shoemaker siblings to make New Vienna her home when she moved from Highland County as a newlywed with her husband Elroyd Elmo Collier (1915-2000).  Both were born in Highland County to farm families who made living off the land a way of life.

Times were hard when Elroyd graduated from Singing Spring High School (1934).  The Great Depression had a strangle hold on the nation, and jobs were scarce, so he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps.  In 1941 Elroyd joined the US Army and after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor he was shipped to the South Pacific where he spent 3.5 years, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Mabel attended Marshall Public Schools.  During the war, she continued working on the family farm until moving to Hillsboro to begin a job at the Hercules Trouser Company.  When Elroyd was honorably discharged in August, 1945, he returned home and he and Mabel were married on October 7, 1945, moving to New Vienna shortly afterward when Elroyd took a job at the Farmers Exchange Mill, also known as the New Vienna Mill, later replacing his brother-in-law, George Shoemaker, as manager.

Elroyd and Mabel had two children, Charles (born 1947) and Carolyn (1949).  In 1954, Elroyd was hired by the New Vienna Bank, later known as the NV Branch of the Clinton County National Bank and Trust Company.  Mabel was a homemaker and "Mom."  She also worked as a cook at the New Vienna Elementary School for several years.  Elroyd was the clerk of the Green Township trustees for 22 years.  He retired from the bank in 1980.

[Picture courtesy of Carolyn Collier Taubenheim, taken in 1978.]

*****
Beryl Ruth Shoemaker (1918-2004) was born near Marshall in Highland County, Ohio.  At the age of four, in a defining moment of her life, she stepped on a rusty nail in her family's farm barnyard, developing blood poisoning.  The resulting surgery saved her life but resulted in a disability that she bravely coped with for the rest of her days.

Ruth attended Marshall Public Schools and later became a caregiver for her mother, who suffered from poor health, and then her elderly father.  In 1964 after her father died, Ruth moved to New Vienna to be near her sisters, Mabel Collier and Blanche Hill.  Her caregiving experience proved valuable and she cared for the children of several local families, including the Uibles, until her retirement.

In 1984, Ruth moved to Prairie View Apartments in Wilmington where she immensely enjoyed social activities and the camaraderie of friends until her death on December 18, 2004.

[Picture courtesy of Carolyn Collier Taubenheim, taken in 1980.]

June 15, 1939 New Vienna Reporter - Municipal Building Dedication

June 15, 1939 New Vienna Reporter, front page
Pictured: C.J. Uible, Dusty Miller, Mack Sauer, G.C. Wright, James R. West

Transcription:  These men will take part in the dedication ceremonies of the New Vienna municipal building Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock.  G.C. Wright is general chairman.  Dusty Miller* will be the principal speaker.  Mack Sauer will make a talk.  C.J. Uible is the contractor who built the structure, and James R. West is the mayor of the village.

Avon Theatre Opened Thursday

Five Nights Weekly to be Open

NEW VIENNA – Last Wednesday evening when the doors of the Avon Theatre were opened for the first show, "Blondie," New Vienna was suggestive of Wilmington on New Years Eve at the Murphy.  The Theatre was filled with people for the first show.  Many were unable to obtain seats and waited for the second show, at which the house was again filled.  Ladies were presented with orchids.  For Friday night, when "The Hardys Ride High" was shown, the house was well filled.  In comparison with other movies, many movie fans are stating the Avon is equal to the best.

The theatre has a seating capacity of 280 and is equipped with latest type, comfortable seats.  Screen and equipment is the latest and most efficient.

J. Henry Davidson of Lynchburg, operates the Avon.  He also has theatres at Georgetown, Sardinia, Greenfield and Lynchburg.  K.R. Roberts is associated with him at Georgetown and Greenfield.

Millard Kessler is manager of the theatre.  He was for many years with Bell's Theatre at Hillsboro.

The theatre will be open Friday and Saturday, Sunday and Monday and on Wednesday for a 10¢ bargain night.

Dedication Program

New Vienna Municipal Building

Saturday, June 17, 3 p.m.

Avon Theatre

Band–Patriotic Number
Invocation–Rev. F.H. Smith
Introduction of Architect– C.W. Sullivan
Introduction of Contractor–C.J. Uible
Introduction of General Foreman–Vaughn Huffman
Introduction of President of Council–Dr. L.H. Fullerton
Band
Talk–Mack Sauer
Grange Quartet–Ben Terrell, Lawrence Terrell, Carl West, Burdette Bernard
Address–Dusty Miller
Band
Benediction–Rev. R.E. Linder
Inspection of Building

Fine Program Arranged; Dusty Miller to Speak

Municipal Structure Completed at Cost of Approximately $32000

NEW VIENNA– The new $32,000 municipal building will be dedicated Saturday afternoon with exercises being held in the auditorium.  G.C. Wright, chairman of the dedication committee will preside.

Dusty Miller will headline the program.  The New Vienna Band will furnish the music.  A complete program appears elsewhere on this page.

One of Finest in State

Without question, New Vienna can now boast of one of the finest municipal building to be found in any small town in Ohio.  It contains a theatre, room for U.S. Post office, mayor's office and council chambers and fire department headquarters.

The building is of brick and concrete and is fireproof throughout.  Construction was started October 7, 1938 by C.J. Uible, New Vienna contractor.  It has latest type indirect lighting system, hot water heating system, and asbestos tile floors in office rooms.  Venetian blinds are to be installed int he post office room and council chambers.

Located at Third and Main

The building stands on a lot 98 by 165 feet, at the corner of Third and Main streets.  Properties of Mae and Charles Nordyke and Stella Hunt were razed to make room for the structure.  The building is 63 by 100 feet.  A waterbound macadam street with curb and gutters is being laid around the back and south side of the building.

In short, nothing has been left undone that would add to the beauty and convenience.

Approximately 45% of the cost was given by the government as a P.W.A. project.  A bond issue was passed by the voters of New Vienna making the village's share possible.

Grunkemeyer and Sullivan and Associates of Cincinnati were architects on the building.  H.O. Townsley usually represented the firm.

Village officials are: James R. West, mayor; R.J. Rulon, clerk; Dr. L.H. Fullerton, president of council, Oscar Dennis, Fred Johnson, Carey Fox, and Clay Richard Clark, councilmen; Mrs. Marie Simkins, treasurer.

The dedication committee is composed of G. C. Wright, chairman, Willard Mongold, D.R. Smith, Dr. L.H. Fullerton, C.J. Uible, H.M. Phillips, and Mrs. Irene Gray.

*****  Other front page news:

Tonsils Removed

NEW VIENNA– Jane Selph [Fauber] daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Selph submitted to tonsillectomy last Thursday at the Dr. Waring hospital.  Dr. J.B.H. Waring, surgeon.  Dr. Charles W. Matthews, physician.

Improve Property

NEW VIENNA– Mrs. Bess Donohoo is improving the appearance of the exterior of the Monarch Restaurant by new paint.  Wilbur Huffman is doing the work.  Boyd Hardware furnished the paint.

Blanchester to Play Here

NEW VIENNA– New Vienna Cubs made it five straight over the tri county league opponents by beating Buford on their diamond Sunday 3-0.  Don "Conky" Conklin pitching a 2 hit ball one of them being the scratch variety.

In beating Blanchester 5-1, Lynchburg 9-0, Dodsonville 11-0, St. Martin 5-4 and Buford 3-0, Simkins won two 5-1 and 5-4, Conklin two 13-0 and 11-0 and Rollins one 11-0.  With Lefty Baugh pitching 1 hit ball the last four innings of the Dodsonville game, Manager Phillips has quie an array of pitchers who are capable of starting a game.

This Sunday a much improved Blanchester team will play on New Vienna's diamond with Conklin on the mound for New Vienna and Gray catching.  Carnahan will pitch for Blanchester.  Game time, 2:30.

*****

*Thurman "Dusty" Miller (1881-1977) of Wilmington, born in Highland County, was a nationally known editor and speaker.  He owned several newspapers including the New Vienna Reporter and also taught school at one time in both Highland and Clinton County.  Whether he owned the New Vienna Reporter at the time of this article (1939) is unknown.

Cecil Uible 1883-1969
Gurney C. Wright 1882-1964 Funeral Director
Mack Sauer 1896-1960
James R. West 1880-1958
Don Conklin 1913-1975
John Henry Davidson 1908-2001 Avon Theatre Operator
Kibler R. Roberts 1906-1984 Associate Theatre Operator
Jane Selph Fauber, whose tonsils earned her front page status, may be the only person mentioned on this page still living. The baseball players are hard to identify without first names.

James R. West (1880-1958), was mayor 1932-1943, preceded by D. C. Bond in 1931 and followed by Harry L. Carey 1943-1945. West was opposed to the new municipal building and served as Chairman of The Citizens Committee opposing the bond issue. See blog post – Voter Pamphlet Against the Municipal Building.

Fred G. Johnson (~1881-1961?, NVHS 1895) - 1930 census, living with his parents Wavious (?) J. (~1856-?) and Ella (~1860-?) Johnson on Laymon Road, occupation auto supplies salesman. He must have moved into NV, in order to be on the council?  Or it could have been a different Fred Johnson.  John and Linda Levo's great-grandfather, Fred S. Johnson 1855-1938, died a year prior to this event so it's doubtful he would have been considered a member of the Council.

Robert Joseph Rulon 1887-1967, lived on Church St. in 1930 and was employed as school janitor, married to Abigail, father of William, Curtis, Alberta, Paul, Janet, +

Dr. L.H. Fullerton, 1905-1979, lived on 2nd St., near school in 1930 with wife, Elsie, and baby Marguerite. His wife, Elsie Staubus Fullerton, died in 1994, she was related to the Bernards.  Later in the 1930s he had an addition built on to the front of the house to the east of the new Municipal building for his office and lived in the rear part.  Patients had to climb a high set of stairs to reach the office.  In the 1950s he moved his office into the then new medical building on 3rd Street south of the Municipal building and built a new house east of NV on SR-28.

Oscar R. Dennis, 1880-?, lived on Main St. in 1930 with daughter Hilda Cade and baby grandson, Robert M. Cade. His occupation is listed as Real Estate Broker.

Carey W. Fox 1877-?, lived on Main St. in 1930 with extended family. Carey's occupation is listed as garage mechanic.

Clay Richard "Dick" Clark 1902-1982 (NVHS 1921), in 1930 he, his wife Gertrude and son, Jacque, are listed as living on "Vienna Valley Road" near then baby Harold Thornburg and his parents, so perhaps that is now Thornburg Road. He was later the manager of the Farm Bureau and Gertrude owned Clark Clothing Store in New Vienna. In 1930 his occupation is listed as farm laborer.

(Etta) Marie Simkins 1894-?, lived on corner of College & 2nd Sts, mother of Eloise and Fred Allen Simkins. She was a widow and her occupation in 1930 is listed as dressmaker.

Others on Dedication Committee:
Willard [R.W.] "Shorty" Mongold, 1898-1975. In 1930 he and his family lived on Main St., and he was employed as a drill factory machinist. He founded (?) Southern Ohio Tool & Die, and was a good friend of C.J. Uible and was the main reason the Uibles moved to New Vienna in 1927. Picture of him and clipping about Southern Ohio Tool Co. at this link.

D.R. Smith, owned gas station on corner of SR-73 and SR-28, which is now Shell. He sold this service station lot for big $ per HH, invested the money in property in Florida, and then lost it during a real estate bust. His wife was active in the pro-library movement of the NV Women's Club in the late 1930s.

Harley Martin "H.M." Phillips 1880-1960, owner of clothing store where Bill Holmes worked, lived on Main Street in 1930.

Mrs. Irene Gray 1884-1974 lived on West St. in 1930. Her husband, Burl, was a Veterinarian. In 1930 they had three children: Louis, Lane [or Zane? NVHS'38] and Marjorie (NVHS'40).  Marjorie later married Ernie Sullivan and ran "Good Deal" Realty in New Vienna.  According to HH, Marjorie was likable but a bit ditzy, and was famous for burning her Christmas tree in the street (SR-73 just north of Christian Church) in front of her house on New Years Day.

Municipal Building New Vienna Ohio 1939

Dedication for the new Municipal Building was held June 13, 1939.  Cost $32,000 with C.J. Uible as general contractor, with $13,000 received from the Public Works Administration of the Federal Government.

Municipal Building Completed June 1939

Municipal Building Theatre/Auditorium 1939

Construction of the Municipal Building 1938-39

After the site was cleared in the fall of 1938, construction began on the new Municipal Building for the Village of New Vienna Ohio and was continued, weather permitting, through the spring of 1939.  The entire process took approximately 9 months.

Municipal Building under construction 1938-39, CJ Uible in 3rd picture from top

Municipal Building Site, septic tank installation 1939

Municipal Building Site 1938 - Prior to Construction

In August 1938 voters in New Vienna went to the polls and voted for a new municipal building on the corner of Main and Third Streets.  These pictures show the property just prior and during the demolition.

Municipal Building Site rear view, buildings torn down Fall 1938

Municipal Building Site rear view, buildings being torn down Fall 1938

Municipal Building Site front view, building demolished Fall 1938

Sign says "Wrecked by P.L. Murphy & Sons, [wreckage] For Sale"

Voter Pamphlet FOR the Municipal Building 1938 - New Vienna Ohio

In August 1938 voters in New Vienna went to the polls to vote for or against a new municipal building.  Here's the pamphlet urging voters to vote FOR the bond issue.  Transcription follows.

Voter Pamphlet for Municipal Building Bond Issue - August 9, 1938 front & back

Voter Pamphlet for Municipal Building Bond Issue - August 9, 1938 inside p.1

Voter Pamphlet for Municipal Building Bond Issue - August 9, 1938 inside p.2-3 with floor plan

[Front:]  A Message to the Voters of the Village of New Vienna, Clinton County, Ohio.  --Issued by the Village Council

[Back:]  Vote "YES" for the bond issue Tuesday, August 9, 1938

DO THESE THINGS:

1. Discuss the needs of the new Municipal building with your Village Council.
2. Understand the facts.
3. Save the taxpayer approximately 1/2 the total cost of the building by taking advantage of this Government gift of $13,000.
4. Maintain a community center for various organizations of this community to meet.
5. Provide New Vienna with this much needed improvement.  Let us make the Village of New Vienna a community to be looked up to by its neighbors.

Expenses incurred in printing and distribution of this pamphlet are being paid through private contributions.

[Inside Page 1:]

Facts pertaining to the building of a new

Municipal Building at New Vienna, Clinton County, Ohio

It has been proposed to the Village Council of New Vienna that a new Municipal building be erected.  This being the case, it is wise and necessary to issue this pamphlet that through this medium public opinion will be enlightened concerning the outstanding facts and questions in connection with this matter, and in general, the importance of this issue may be placed before the voters of this Village.  Before arriving at a conclusion it is always wise for an individual to weigh both pros and cons in connection with the construction of a new Municipal building.  Inasmuch as the desirability of a new building is apparent to everyone, the proposition in this case revolves itself into this question.  Why is it advisable and sensible to construct a new Municipal building in the Village of New Vienna at the present time?

The Village of New Vienna has passed the century mark and during this time a great historic background has been built up by this Village.  Before the year 1912, this town had a central meeting place in the old opera house.  However, in 1912, this opera house was demolished by fire and has never been replaced.  Seeing the great need for an auditorium in this Village where community activities could be given, for various meetings and clubs holding forms of entertainment, it is deemed wise by the Council of this Village to propose a bond issue for the erection of same.  In this new building there is to be composed an auditorium to seat approximately three hundred people, mayor's office, fire department, and the other various rooms necessary for a Municipal Building.

The Mayor's office at the present time [1938] consists of nothing more than a small brick building, which was erected only as a temporary measure at that time.

The total cost of this complete project, including heating, electric, plumbing, equipment, etc., is to be $30,000.  However $13,000 of this amount will be donated to this community by the Federal Government in the form of a gift.  It is the policy of the Public Works Administration of the Federal Government to lend assistance to various communities where worthwhile projects are being fostered.  Furthermore, and so far as possible, local workers will be hired and material bought from local dealers, thus stimulating business in this district for approximately eight months.

[Inside Page 2-3:]

To make use of this donation of $13,000 from the Federal Government, it is necessary that the Village of New Vienna pass a bond issue of $17,000.  To maintain a fine community spirit it is necessary that a common meeting place be erected in order that the community as a whole be held together.  Therefore, let us maintain our fine community spirit in the futures as we have in the past.

Questions and Answers pertaining to the 

new municipal building of New Vienna

Q.  Of what is the new Municipal building to be composed?

A.  The new Municipal building will be composed of an auditorium, which will be rented out to a theatre company thus bringing a very desirable form of entertainment to our community.  By renting the auditorium to a theatre company this will maintain the overhead expenses and also help pay on the principal of this new structure.  Other units in the building are the fire department, mayor's office, jail, and in other words, a modern up-to-date Municipal Building.

Q.  How much will this new proposed building cost the taxpayers?

A.  The total estimated cost of this new project will be $30,000, of which $17,000 will be voted upon in the August Primary election.  To raise this, a tax levy of 2.50 mills will be necessary.  The remainder, named $13,000 will be given as an outright gift by the Federal Government.

Q.  Would you refuse an offer of $13,000 to bring about such a much needed improvement in your  Village?

A.  ?  ?  ?  ?  ?

Q.  How will this building affect the employment of our Village?

A.  By providing work for the unemployed, and materials being bought as much as possible, from local dealers.  It is the intentions of the Federal Government that this labor be given to local people and every capable and available man needing employment will receive work on this project, thus keeping this money all, or as nearly as possible, in our local community.

Q.  How will a new Municipal building at New Vienna benefit the people of this Village?

A.  By providing an auditorium where community activities might be held.  Also this new Municipal building

Q.  Can all the statements in this pamphlet be verified?

A.  Yes, any member of the Village Council or the Committee, or anyone connected with the operation of this Village will be glad to go over the matter with any interested person.

Therefore, let us continue in the future as we have in the past in maintaining a fine community spirit by providing a modern Municipal Building of which the people of the Village of New Vienna might rightfully be proud.

Voter Pamphlet AGAINST the Municipal Building 1938 - New Vienna Ohio

In August 1938 voters in New Vienna went to the polls to vote for or against a new municipal building.  Here's the pamphlet urging voters to vote AGAINST the bond issue.  Transcription follows.

Voter Pamphlet against Municipal Building Bond Issue - August 9, 1938

ABOUT THE BOND ISSUE

At the present time there exists in our village considerable agitation sponsored by a minority group for the placing of a bonded indebtedness against our village in the amount of $17,000 which means the mortgaging of our homes for the next 17 years, for many of us the balance of our lives.  This money is to be spent for the construction of a municipal building.  Now the questions is are you willing to mortgage your homes for the balance of your lives for the construction of a building, or anything else nonessential and of no value to our town save and except to stand as a monument to the sponsors thereof.

We have a building that is adequate for all the needs of the village.  It contains rooms for council meetings, storage for fire equipment and a jail.  What else do we need?  The sponsors say we need a room for a picture show.  Who needs such a room?  Has our town constructed any buildings for the conducting of any other line of business in our town?  The picture business is the same as any other line of business.  It is a business for someone to conduct to gain something for himself.  Our town won't gain anything from its operation.  Where is there a town in the state of Ohio the size of New Vienna that has spent $31,000 for the sole purpose of housing a picture show?

There are things that our town needs and thins that are essential.  For instance we have a city water system that is badly in need or repair and new equipment, in order to give us a sufficient supply of pure and wholesome water.  This we must have and the time is at hand when we must spend several thousand dollars for the repairing of and equipment for our municipal water plant.

The sponsors say this bond issue will not raise your taxes.  How untrue this must be, when we know it means an additional expense to our village of approximate $1,600 per year and this must be assessed against your homes.  The statements herein made are facts.  Now how can any man or woman vote such indebtedness against the home owners of New Vienna for the construction of a building that is not essential for either the moral or material upbuilding of our community?  This huge sum of money wold raise our taxes almost to the limit of our ability to raise money by taxation as the law places a limit upon the voting of bonded indebtedness of municipalities.  Now if we vote for the issuance of the $17,000 debt against our town how are we going to raise the money for things our village must have?

The sponsors of this project are mostly men of wealth, men who care little for the extra taxes they must pay.  They also care little for poor men or men of moderate means, who are trying to provide themselves with a modest home, or the renter who is toiling every day to pay his rent and provide himself and his family with the necessities of life.

A vote against this big bond issue is a vote to save our village from a hopeless debt, preserve our municipal water plant and our street lights.

On Tuesday night of this week a man from Cincinnati made a speech in New Vienna telling you how you should vote on this bond issue.  What interest has this man in the welfare of our village?  I would say none, but he does have a selfish interest in the promotion of this project.  Should the people of this town approve the bond issue, this man already has a signed contract wherein he is to get $1,800 of our hard earned money and he will do very little work to earn it.

Vote AGAINST the Bond Issue

[Issued by] The Citizens Committee, James R. West, Chairman

New Vienna Ohio Cemetery

Did you get to the cemetery during the last few weeks?  Here are some past views of the New Vienna Cemetery.  I like the stairs over the fence in the first picture.  Not sure of Georgia Dodd's era or how old she might have been in the second picture but her husband, Bill [William Roy Dodd] was a member of the NVHS Class of 1955 and she survived him when he died in 2010.  Was their a previous Georgia Dodd?  The woman in this picture does not look especially young and the picture appears to be old.  Any ideas?

Cemetery New Vienna Ohio postcard c1910?  Image Courtesy of Mike Whited.

Georgia Dodd at the New Vienna Cemetery, unknown date.  Image Courtesy of Mike Whited.

1958-59 Fourth Grade (Class of 1967)

4th grade 1958-59 New Vienna Ohio Class of '67. Front Row: Laura "Weegie" Hughes Page, Sybil Gano Allen, Shirley Bernard Haeuptle, Nancy Henderson Hamilton, Marilyn Vanzant Cooper, Sandra Nischwitz, Carolyn Vanzant Brown, Patty Walker Ryan, David Schwering, James Storer, Greg Linkhart, Larry Mitchell, Larry Strevel, Keith Collins, Lonnie Stewart Back Row left to right: Greg Schamaun, Unknown, Carolyn Collier Taubenheim, Catherine Uible Morgan, Cheryl Cluxton Mongold, Gary Orebaugh, Alice Fisher Symons, Linda Eltzroth Compton, Pete Walls, Pamela Purtee, Mike Whited, Susan Deck, Linda Sweeney, Karen Haynie, Mrs. Hildebrant. 

Not pictured: Linda Brooks. 

Image courtesy of Mike Whited.

News reports from Mrs. Hildebrant's 4th Grade:
Thanks to Carolyn Collier Taubenheim (and her mother who saved such items) for the two class reports.

FOURTH GRADE
Mrs. Hildebrant [November 1958]

We have been making pictures of the southern English colonies.  We hope to make some of the Pilgrims before Thanksgiving.  We are really enjoying our Social Studies Books.

In arithmetic we're busy with our multiplication and division facts.

Patty Walker, Catherine Uible, Larry Mitchell, Carolyn Collier and Linda Brooks are the only ones that have all 100's in spelling for the past five weeks.

Catherine Uible and Linda Ann Eltzroth have handed in the most book reports.

We wish to thank all who helped make the Halloween Carnival a success and especially our home room mothers, Mrs. Paul Linkhart, and Mrs. Donald Bernard who helped in place of Mrs. George Henderson.

*****

Grade 4
Mrs. Hildebrant [January 1959]

The fourth grade would like to thank the Board of Education for making our rooms more desirable places for school work.  We really do appreciate it.

We are beginning the new semester with resolutions to work harder.

Most of us know all of our multiplication and division facts, and we are enjoying our new game Quizmo in which we use these facts.

Larry Mitchell was the only one to receive all 100's in spelling the past six weeks.

Laura Louise Hughes, Catherine Uible, Carolyn Collier, Linda Eltzroth, and Larry Mitchell made the highest grades in our class this six weeks.

Linda Eltzroth has handed in the most book reports for the girls and David Schwering for the boys.

We are all enjoying our flutophones.  Most of us can play Jingle Bells.

We hope to see you at the tournament.

1916 Graduation Announcement

Class of 1916 New Vienna Ohio High School Graduation Announcement.  

Image Courtesy of Mike Whited.

Class of 1916:
Minnie L. West [Southerland], Joseph H. Blackburn, Ruth E. Nordyke [Beery], Harry S. Rowe, Jessie B. Hussey [Cosley], Rayburn E. Engle, Anne E. Purdy [Pushee], Leroy F. Cade, Maria J. Hoop, Thomas E. Lamar, Reba Williams [Sprinkle], Raymond A. Driscoll, Ralph E. Carey

Some information about the class of 1916:

Harry S. Rowe is mentioned in the Wilmington College news of the class of 1915 [Yes,  this is the year before he graduated from New Vienna, but that's what the Wilmington College Alumni news of 1957 states.]  The 1957 W.C. Alumni news goes on to report the passing of Harry, a retired farmer, born in August 1896 near New Vienna and survived by his widow, Elba McKay Rowe, and one sister.  The Ohio Educational Monthly (1916) reports that Harry Rowe was one of five recipients in southwest Ohio to receive a four-year scholarship to the College of Agriculture.

Ralph Carey, born June 1, 1898 married Elizabeth Ellen Hogsett.  His sister Bernice Carey Dunlap, born in 1891, was the mother of Eleanor McKibben.

Minnie West married Glenn Southerland (NV'1917).  Glenn and his father-in-law, Benson West, went into the Grain mill business together on Church Street.

Here's a picture of Ralph, his mother and their Careytown home in a 1937 clipping.

C.N. Carey Farm - Careytown, [New Vienna] Highland County Ohio. Clipping from Hillsboro News Herald, February 18, 1937. Image courtesy of Jerry Trimble.

1914 Graduation Announcement

Class of 1914 New Vienna Ohio High School Graduation Announcement.  

Image Courtesy of Mike Whited.

Class of 1914:  Hazel Evelyn Johnson [Penn], Glenn H. Smithson, Edith Powell [Smith], Theodore D. Ockerman, Flora Hussey [Hinkle], [Eva] Ruth Carey [Haines], Mary Alice Wright, Ruby Carey [Ball], Marian Virginia Cadwallader [Jarman], Harry E. Pemberton, Eva Rollins [Graham], Mary Edna Cook [MacKenzie], Annie Johnson [Levo], Mary Lucille Derivan, Reba Carey [Fries], Orley Hussey, Senorita [B.] Haynie [Tener].

*****
Information about the Class of 1914 that I was able to obtain:

Annie Johnson Levo is the grandmother of John Levo and lived long enough to attend the 1989 New Vienna Alumni Event, 75 years after graduation.

Senorita Haynie graduated from Wilmington College in 1922 and married Frank A. Tener.

Eva Ruth Carey Haines married Everett E. Haines, moved to Warren County had five children and died in 1981.

Reba and Ruby Carey were twins, born January 9, 1896.  Their sister Bernice, born November 19, 1891 was the mother of Eleanor McKibben.  Their brother Ralph, born June 1, 1898 married Elizabeth Ellen Hogsett.  Bernice and Ralph were the only two of the nine children of Charles Newton Carey and Cornelia Edwards Carey who stayed in the New Vienna area.  In 1936 Ruby, who married Robert Ball, lived in Columbus and Reba, married to Park Fries lived in Detroit.  Here's a picture of the parents, siblings and spouses taken in 1932:

Carey Family with Husbands/Wives.  Top Row left to right: Gladys Pemberton Carey, Donald Carey, Ruby Carey Ball, Robert Ball, Charles Newton Carey, Cornelia Edwards Carey, Park Fries, Reba Carey Fries, Ralph Carey, Eythel Carey Okey
Bottom Row: Halbert (Herb) Rapp, Grace Carey Rapp, Gerald Yates Trimble, Helen Carey Trimble, Bernice Carey Dunlap, Ernest (Ike) Dunlap.  Taken in Careytown [Highland County, New Vienna, Ohio] 1932.  Image courtesy of Jerry Trimble.

Click here for a few more details about the Careys pictured.
More about Gladys Pemberton and Donald Carey, both members of the Class of 1913, in a future post.

1907 Baccalaureate and Commencement Programs

Commencement for the New Vienna [Ohio] High School Graduating Class of 1907 was held Thursday, May 23, at 8 O'clock at the Opera House, following a "Class Night" at the Opera House on Wednesday, May 22.

Class of 1907 New Vienna Ohio High School Commencement Program. May 23, 1907.  

Image Courtesy of Mike Whited.

Class of 1907:  Ethel Carey [Okey], Mary Rohan Brown [King], Helen Duvall Brown, Lucile F. Nordyke, Nell Frances Hussey [Brewer], Nelle Harris, Margery Penn [Sullivan], Oscar F. Boyd, Lawrence G. Wright.

Class Historian - Helen Duvall Brown

Class Lawyer - Nell Frances Hussey

Class Prophet - Mary Rohan Brown

Invocation - Rev. Wynn Stout

Music - Dr. H. E. Jameson

Benediction - Rev. M. F. Bagby

Annual [Baccalaureate] Sermon by Rev. Warren B. Dunham, Opera House, Sunday, May 19, 1907.  7:30 O'clock.

Class of 1907 New Vienna Ohio High School Baccalaureate Program. May 19, 1907.  

Image Courtesy of Mike Whited.

Class Motto: Ad astra per aspera [Through hardships to the stars]

Class Flower: La France Rose [according to Wikipedia, a hybrid rose marking the transition between two eras, those of old roses and modern.]

Class Colors: Scarlet and Gray

*****
Information about the class of 1907:

Ethel Carey had eight siblings, including twins Reba and Ruby (NV'1914), Ralph (NV'16) and Bernice Dunlap who was the mother of Eleanor McKibben.

Margery Penn, married Prin. H. L. Sullivan of Ashtabula on October 10 [1912?], according to the Ohio Educational Monthly of January 1913.  She died in 1964 and is buried in the Washington County Ohio Cemetery.

Oscar Fisher Boyd went to Wilmington College in 1908 as a freshman and retired from Wilmington College in 1954 as chairman of the department of chemistry.  In 1953 he was honored as "Mr. Wilmington College" and honored him by naming the new campus auditorium, Boyd Auditorium, according to the 1961 Wilmington College Alumni Magazine.

1898 Commencement Program

The Class of 1898 of New Vienna [Ohio] High School held their Commencement on Tuesday Evening, May Twenty-fourth at the Opera House.

Class of 1898 New Vienna Ohio High School Commencement Program. May 24, 1898.  

Image Courtesy of Mike Whited.

Class Members: Lizzie Laymon, Harrie B. Hussey, Alice Shockley, Maude Hildebrant

Commencement Address by Hon. O. T. Corson, State School Commissioner

Annual Sermon by Rev. W. O. Thompson, D.D. L. L. D., President of Miami University.

Music Furnished by Wilmington Orchestra.
Invocation by Rev. John Wilson
Benediction by Rev. E. D. Murch

1896 Commencement Program

The Sixteenth Annual Commencement of the New Vienna [Ohio] High School, Opera House*, Thursday, May 28, '96, 7:30 O'Clock P.M.  The Class of '96 invite you to be present at their Commencement Exercixes, Thursday Evening May Twenty-eighth.  Opera House.  Annual Sermon by Prof. C. L. Williams, Of Dennison [sic - should be Denison] University at Opera House, Sunday Eve, May 24th, 7:30 O'Clock.

Class of 1896 New Vienna Ohio High School Commencement Program. May 28, 1896.  

Image Courtesy of Mike Whited.

Clas of 1896:  Gertrude Ingold, Ada M. Posegate, Inez M. Nordyke, Stella Oswley, Winfred W. Polk, Josiah W. Brewer, Ernest M. Barrow.

School Board:  Mrs. Olive A. Brown, President.  Dr. R. T. Trimble, Clerk.  Matthew Leeka, Treasurer.  E. P. West, Superintendent.  E. M. Craig, Principal.

Music Furnished by the Bundy Orchestra of Lebanon, O.

*In 1893 and prior years Commencement was held at the M. E. (Methodist) Church.  The Opera House must have opened between 1893 and 1896.