News compiled by Ginny Leap from past issues of
Switzerland County newspapers
10 YEARS AGO
Coach Scott Holdsworth’s Switzerland County Pacer basketball team capped a tremendous week Saturday night by defeating Lawrenceburg in the championship game of the Sectional. The Pacers accomplished Switzerland County’s fourth boys basketball sectional championship by defeating the top three ranked teams in the tourney – North Decatur, South Ripley and Lawrenceburg.
Fred Howlett, fire chief of the Posey Township Fire Department, retired from that position recently after 10 years of service.
The Switzerland County Middle School has formed a “Builders Club” which is fashioned after the Key Club at the high school and both groups are sponsored by Vevay Kiwanis Club.
It’s hard to believe that it has been one year since Switzerland County awoke to the rising waters of the Ohio River. In March, 1997, seven inches of rain in a 24-hour period led to the Ohio River raising nearly 13 feet in a 24-hour period, and a day later the waters were over the top of the Markland Dam.
15 YEARS AGO
School board members indicated they hadn’t made a decision about any construction project, but their comments sounded like the board is leaning toward building a middle school.
A surprise pitch-in dinner was held last Sunday at the Moorefield firehouse for John Lucas and Dale Lee Andrew. The birthday boys turned 70 and 75, respectively, on March 4th. They both were totally surprised by the event as each was told it was being held for the other. It took us many years, but we finally got them!
20 YEARS AGO
The Switzerland County High School Pacers basketball team were the 1988 sectional champs – the first for Switzerland County High School in 13 years.
Open house for the newly remodeled Jefferson-Craig Elementary School has been set for Sunday, March 13th, from 2 to 4 p.m. Superintendent Chester Meisberger, School Board President Ralph Hughes, and Mrs. Jill Cord, Jefferson-Craig Principal, will represent the school corporation in the dedication ceremony.
30 YEARS AGO
The deadline was Friday, March 3rd, for candidates for the offices in Switzerland County’s government to file their intentions in the County Clerk’s office. Fifty-one eligible countians have filed their candidacy with the clerk’s office for the 37 vacant positions.
The Switzerland County Emergency Medical Unit will receive an additional $20,000 from the Switzerland County Commissioners for the purpose of hiring two full-time persons to handle the emergency unit’s runs during working hours. Hired for the fulltime positions are Thelma Tinker and Floyd Wiltz, the only applicants for the posts from Switzerland County.
40 YEARS AGO
U.S. Army Specialist Four Francis E. Sigmon, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman E. Sigmon of route 2, Rising Sun, is taking part in “Operation Yellowstone” in Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division.
Switzerland County Commissioners will meet Wednesday to study a letter of resignation from Sheriff Ralph Brown which the sheriff sent to the commissioners at their regular monthly meeting Monday. If Brown persists with the resignation and it is accepted by the commissioners, a commissioner-appointed sheriff will take office.
Three Switzerland County young men now serving as privates with the U.S. Army have been assigned to Company D, 19th Battalion, 5th Brigade, at the Army Training Center (Armor) in Fort Knox, Kentucky. They are Robert W. Walcott, Renny Koons, and Robert M. Peelman, respective sons of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Walcott of route 1, Patriot, Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Koons of Patriot, and Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Peelman of route 2, Vevay.
Boilerman Third Class Robert W. Carver, U.S. Navy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Carver of route 1, Patriot, completed a visit to Naples, Italy, while serving aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Lawrence with the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean.
50 YEARS AGO
The sectional tourney crown is back in Vevay! Coach Dan Kile and his victorious Warriors returned from Dillsboro Saturday night with the nets and were welcomed here with a mile-long parade and bonfire on Market Square. Vevay’s triumph was capped by a 57-47 win over Rising Sun in the final game.
Vevay basketball center Keith Brown, a senior, scored 27 points in one game of the 1958 sectional tourney at Dillsboro. Vevay has been alloted 697 tickets for the Regional Tourney at Rushville. The Warriors meet the Versailles Lions in the second game of Saturday afternoon’s session.
60 YEARS AGO
The local post of Veterans of Foreign Wars have obtained a four point five field gun from the federal government and now has it parked at the corner of Market Square. The Post is making an effort to have it removed to the southeast corner of the courthouse yard. If the move is made the Post proposed to erect a suitable plaque of stone or marble, stating that the war relic is placed there in memory of all deceased veterans.
A baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Lee Sullivan of Vevay Tuesday, March 2nd, at King’s Daughters’ Hospital in Madison. He weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces and has been named Robert Allen.
Completion of the first unit of Vevay’s new shoe factory was announced this week by its sponsors, the Vevay Civic Group.
70 YEARS AGO
A daughter was born March 2nd to Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Lock. She has been named Jo Ann.
A son Virgil was born on February 20th to Mr. and Mrs. Harold Lozier.
Mr. and Mrs. Leon Ash left Sunday to attend the Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
Mr. and Mrs. James Aldred, Sr., celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary last Friday with a party for about 30 members of their family and friends.
80 YEARS AGO
George McClanahan of near Allensville died at his home Friday. Six days previous he was found on the floor of his barn stricken with paralysis, a faithful dog lying beside him as though on guard. Mr. McClanahan was carried to the house, the dog followed him. On the next day the dog was found dead, lying on the floor of the barn in the exact spot where his master was stricken. Mr. McClanahan served one term as County Commissioner.
The Graham brothers last week bought a Delco system for lighting the ferryboat, Robert T. Graham.
Miss Leo Little won the county essay contest on fire prevention which was conducted by the state fire marshal’s office.
90 YEARS AGO
The steamer Kentucky landed here Sunday on her way to Cincinnati, the first freight-carrying boat to make this port for 58 days. The Corker came down Tuesday and these two boats are now making regular trips. They are the only craft in condition to run but it is understood that the City of Louisville and City of Cincinnati lost in the ice will be rebuilt.
At a special session of the County Commissioners on Wednesday Joseph D. Froman was appointed County Auditor to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Dr. Smith. He will serve until the regular election in November.
The Vevay team, accompanied by Coach Iddings, will leave Thursday evening for the tournament at Columbus. The boys making the trip are Dickason, B. Scudder, R. Scudder, Weaver, Noble, Slawson, Geiger and Moreillon.
The Grim Reaper has taken a heavy toll in the county and we report the following deaths: Dr. John W. Smith of Vevay died suddenly Saturday afternoon while trimming grapevines at his home. He was serving as Auditor of Switzerland County.
Harry A. Knox, city treasurer, died Friday in Indianapolis where he had been receiving medical treatment for several months.
The home of Miss Louise Luke of Florence burned to the ground Sunday morning. Miss Luke who lives alone was burned about the face and hands fighting the flames before help arrived.
A daughter was born March 1st to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hardin of Florence.
Twins, a boy and girl, were born February 28th to Mr. and Mrs. John Stevens of Patriot.
The parents of Will Wahl have received word of his safe arrival in France.
100 YEARS AGO
The new concrete bridge at Plum Creek is a total wreck. Early Tuesday morning it was discovered that the wing walls on the south side of the structure and the south rail on the main arch had fallen into the creek. Piece by piece the concrete since that time has broken and crumbled off until the whole bridge is a ruin.
The brown stallion Lucky L., owned by William Brett, Jr., of Long Run, was sold last week to Joseph A. Works who purchased the horse for Dr. C. Dana of Wyoming. Price paid $450.
George McClanhan and family leave this morning for Alva, Oklahoma where they will locate.
Clay Hall of route 2 has sold his farm near Mount Sterling to Minor Bakes.
The steamer Queen City passed down Monday for the Mardi Gras in New Orleans with a crowd on board.
E. A. Crockett who owns 5 and 10 cent stores in Aurora, Vevay and Madison has been declared as bankrupt.
The Reveille Press has given an order this week for several thousand dollars worth of new machinery which will be installed within the next 30 days and which will result in making the plant one that is unequaled in any city the size of Vevay.
110 YEARS AGO
George E. Pleasants will go to Poseyville, Illinois to accept a position as telegraph operator in the railroad office as soon as his health will permit.
Green Brothers of Patriot have bought through Dr. Craig, agent for A. J. Schenck, the Ohio River Telegraph Line and put in a long distance telephone. The office is in charge of Fred Spaeth.
Lucian Harris and wife will soon move from Patriot to Vevay. Mr. Harris is a young attorney of much ability and will be quite welcome to our city.
A recital of Miss Mary Dickason’s music classes was held Friday night at the home of W. F. Goldenburg.
Miss Julia Knox has passed the civil service examination and stood second in the list of lady applicants.
120 YEARS AGO
Sim Mix is making maple molasses.
A baby daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Gene Janes of Allensville February 22nd.
Henry Weales, Sr., and family and Henry Weales, Jr., and family will start for California next Monday. We regret the departure of such good and useful people.
Mr. and Mrs. Tague of Craig Township are the parents of a new baby boy.
Last Sunday evening the Seminary building on the highest hill north of Vevay was destroyed by fire. It was owned by Mrs. Polly Protsman and son W. R. Protsman and was built about 55 years ago to be used as a County Seminary. The building was unoccupied and the cause of fire is unknown.
130 YEARS AGO
Dr. A. C. Craig has removed from Ghent to Vevay where he has located to practice his profession.
Charles Protsman has purchased a farm of 180 acres near Tulahoma, Tennessee, and last Friday started with his family for their new home.
A daughter was born February 18th to Andrew and Mollie Works of Allensville.
140 YEARS AGO
Schenck’s block of three story brick houses on Main and Ferry streets caught fire Saturday but the loss was small.
Schofield and Cochran of Madison who bought the Vevay Woolen Factory of Lindenschmidt and Company a few weeks ago took possession Monday.
The frame cottage of F. W. Baxter caught fire from a defective flue Wednesday but was extinguished with small loss.
150 YEARS AGO
On last Saturday, Dr. T. C. Gale met with quite an accident while trying to manage a frightened horse which he was driving. The bridle bit broke and he was thrown from the horse bruising himself badly.
Some rude, ill-mannered youths attempted to take possession of the room in which Dr. Bland was having his school examination last Friday evening and had to be stopped by Sheriff Keeney.
152 YEARS AGO
As soon as the river opens and we get news something less than a month old we intend to print more news and less politics.
Jesse D. Bright’s term of service in the United States expires March 4th, 1856.
The Working Men’s Institute will meet at the courthouse on March 3rd. By a letter received from Judge Hovey we learn that the sum of $500 is now at the command of the Switzerland County Working Men’s Institute.
In a letter to the editor signed “Alpha” the writer explains as follows in “Vevay and her wants.” It is truly astonishing that so little interest is manifested on the subject of education. Men who labor day and night to secure to their children a fortune instead of bequeathing to them a far richer legacy, a good education – permit them to grow up in ignorance. There is not a building in Vevay dedicated to school purposes which is in any way a credit. Imagine a room 18×20 feet seated so as to accommodate 50 scholars, with space for a stove, stand chair and then six inches left for the teacher to turn around in and you have a graphic picture of a Vevay school room in this progressive age of the 19th Century.
It is true the public is possessed of a Seminary – whose old dilapidated form has haunted me as far back as memory runs. Yonder it stands upon its mountain site, specter-like and gloomy.