January-February - Amherst Historical Society

The Grindstone
January/February 2014
Yesterday is history….Tomorrow a mystery….Today is a gift….That’s why we call it the present.
Live and savor every moment.
The Amherst Historical Society Board of Directors and Staff Wish One and All
A Very Happy 2014 New Year!
The Amherst Historical Society Board of Directors Welcomes it’s Four
New Board Members for 2014
Joan Rosenbusch
A resident of Amherst for over 60 years, Joan resides
with her husband, Ken, in their vintage house built by
Marion L. Steele’s grandfather. Joan graduated from
Amherst High School, class of 1957. She is a Board of
Education retiree, and past president of the Amherst
Band Boosters and Amherst Fire Ladies. Joan is an
active genealogical historian and organizer of the
Historical Society Curator Committee and society
research team.
Charlie Marty
Charlie and his wife, Sally, are life long Amherst
residents. Charlie attended MLS and later graduated
from Ohio University and the 110 Marching Band.
He is President of the Amherst Band Boosters, a cub
scout leader and summer baseball league director.
He currently is an active participant in the society
research team.
Col. Matthew W. Nahorn
Matt is a lifelong Amherst resident and an avid
local historian. He currently resides in the oldest
house in Amherst built by Amherst’s founder
Jacob Shupe. In 2002 he founded the New
Indian Ridge Museum to preserve the early
history of this area. He is a 2008 graduate of
Lake Ridge Academy and 2012 Oberlin College
graduate. He has served as past curator of the
society and is a member of the current Society
Curator Committee.
Jim Wilhelm
Jim, his wife, Kim, and their two sons live in
Amherst; Jim a lifelong resident.. He was
employed by Ohio Edison for 31 years and
later, 36 years to date, by the Amherst Fire
Department. Currently he is curator and
historian for the village Live Oak Engine Co.
and is a member of the society research team.
President’s letter
By Bob Pallante
It has been my pleasure to serve as President of The Amherst Historical Society for the past three
Bob Pallante
years. The Society has seen changes that are furthering the recognition of all the wonderful venues and
activities that the Society provides for the people of Amherst and surrounding communities. The addition of the
Fire Museum has been a major improvement to the Village, as well as the German Fest and the By My Lanterns
Light attractions for the public to attend. The functions have been excellent fundraisers in place of the Jamboree
and have brought many new people to the Village.
I want to thank the Board of Directors for their support and work accomplished as chairpersons of the various
activities and duties that they were assigned or volunteered. Without their diligence, the Society could not
function. The following people are leaving the Board at the end of their terms on January 1, 2014:
Kathleen Litkovitz, Judith Ryan, and Steve Sayers.
John Dunn will be the President for 2014 and will bring new ideas and energy to the Society from his experience
as President of Main Street Amherst. New to the Board will be Joan Rosenbusch, Jim Wilhelm, Charles Marty and
Matt Nahorn. This group of new Board of Directors have been very active in the development of cataloging
records into a reference library to improve searches for genealogy and historical references. As a group, they have
been renovating the displays in the Quigley and cataloging the contents and artifacts. They have also been active in
the Monday night research group that has been working on the records, pictures and information accumulated
within the society’s files.
Planning for activities for 2014 has begun and will be announced in the Grindstone as they are scheduled. As
always, volunteers will be needed to be able to have successful activities. Please call Donna Rumpler at 988-7255
if you are interested in being a docent, committee person, volunteer or contributor.
Have a very good 2014 and I thank you for your support.
Thanks to those who worked hard to make our fourth annual Ohio Archaeology Dinner a success. Thanks
also to all the folks who came to enjoy a gourmet meal prepared by FARC member Chef Tracy. The meal, which
included elk, prepared guests to hear an excellent presentation on the Hopewell, made by Dr. Mark Seeman. Mark
has dedicated as much time, effort, and expertise to the study of Ohio prehistory as anyone active in the field.
Needless to say it was a rare opportunity to glimpse into the world of Hopewell.
We also are happy to announce that we reached countless dozens of interested families and individuals
through two area events in October. First, we had a great turnout for the Halloween event at AHS Sandstone Village.
Thanks to FARC members Brian and Sharon for presenting such a great event (and cool haunted laboratory) for all
the trick-or-treaters! Second, FARC members Chad and Lee greeted and conversed with guests at the Cleveland
Museum of Natural History’s Archaeology Day; thanks Chad and Lee. Both events were held on the weekend of
Saturday, October 19.
I hope you got to enjoy one of our fall events. If you missed out on these activities, consider joining us for an
upcoming lab session. Check out our website www.firelandsarchaeology.org for details.
Brian L. Scanlan
FARC President
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DO YOU REMEMBER?......
The Miracle of Television
By Vivienna Bickley
The first time you watched a television program?
My first glimpse of T.V. was back in 1946, while waiting in line at Radio City in New York to view Vivienna Bickley
a radio show being broadcasted. They told us to look at the screen and a television camera was taking
our pictures as we moved along. Amazing!
The “rolling” picture? We had to get up off the couch and adjust the set, yet again! No remote control as yet.
When “rabbit ears” were not of the chocolate nor furry animal variety, but were an antenna that you placed on top
of your set. Where you finally were able to watch a really good show on Saturday night, not just wrestling
matches. The Sid Caesar's variety program with Imogene Coco would still be appreciated today...and it was clean.
All in black and white, of course.
When kinescope was used for many worthwhile drama shows. The film reproduction was so blurred that it spoiled
the show. When “Father Knows Best” and the “Donna Reed Show” about family life were shows we could
identify with. When kids were glued to the set watching cartoons on Saturday mornings. Mom was glad she could
get housework done without interruption.
Your first color T.V. Wow! We all just had to buy a new color set! The addition of V.C.R’s...tapes then. C.D.’s
adding much to our entertainment pleasures.
Many old sitcoms, still shown as reruns have withstood the sands of time and are still enjoyed by newer
generations. I “loved Lucy” nearly as much as Desi did, but I still watch Raymond reruns because I love him even
more.
With all the amazing improvements over the years, who knows? They may come up with Smell-o-vision. ( Fast
foods and perfume sponsors would love it.) Come to think of it, some of the programs already emit a bad
odor...thank goodness for the remote!
2013 Fundraising Committee Report
By Chairman, John Dunn
This past year the Fundraising Committee established two goals: first to raise sufficient funds to assist in financing
the various projects and events to be held throughout the year, and second to establish events that would bring
exposure to the sandstone village buildings and grounds. The committee feels it has achieved both goals in that this
year’s fundraising efforts exceeded previous years and the increase in visitors attending our village events has been
overwhelming. Its not uncommon to hear remarks such as, “ We are so glad we came, since we pass by all the time
not realizing all this was here”! The committee is currently planning a variety of upcoming spring projects and
summer events; several not previously held at the village.
As well, a special thanks to the Steele High School students, the Amherst Soccer Team and the Amherst boy scouts,
girls scouts and eagle scouts for all their assistance in making the year’s projects and events successful.
And, last but not least, a personal acknowledgment to committee member, Marilyn Jenne, for all her support and
contributions.
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BY MY LANTERN’S LIGHT….HALLOWEEN IN THE VILLAGE
Chairperson, Kathy Dean-Dielman, coordinator of the fall event, posing with her mom,
Elaine Stevenson, in front of the autumn display designed and created by Elaine.
Kathy collaborated with Steele High School history teacher, Emily Marty, for history
students to assist with the event for extra class credit. The students, dressed in vintage
costume, participated either as lantern carriers, story tellers or grounds attendants.
Approximately 300 visitors were led by lantern carrying guides to listen to stories of old
Amherst...tales based on true events with just a little tad of embellishment! Later visitors
gathered in the Grange Hall to take family pictures in front of the autumn display while
enjoying cider and donuts.
L-R: Kathy Dean - Dielman
& Elaine Stevenson
Megan Wilson welcoming
visitors to the village relating
how the village has special
stories to tell.
Dru Marcucci informing the
group of the Long Barn’s
history as a reputed POW
Barracks.
Geri Rice in the Octagonal
Barn captivating the children
with her story of the Metro
Parks Witch.
Diane Peabody in the caboose
telling the chilling story of the
1916 Amherst train wreck and
the Body in the Basement.
Anthony Stevenson, Jacob Witz,
Evann Figueroa & Amber Hennes in
the Fire Museum pavilion conveying
the tale of the Gore Orphanage fire.
Liam McCarthy by the
Quarry Men’s Store sharing
the accounts of the Hedwig
Family tragedy.
Sharon Denslow in the
FARC building with her
enchanting story of Teeny
Tim & the Witch Woman
Special Thanks to By My Lantern’s Light Benefactors:
Aufdenkampe Farms, IGA, Your Personal Handyman, Dr. Eric Stocker, Corks and Stubby’s, Deb & Jim Moennich,
Bob & Martha Pallante, Elaine Stevenson, The Fire Place & Discount Drug
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Christmas in the Village
December 8, 2013
Co-Chairpersons, Kathy Dean-Dielman & Elaine Stevenson
The day began with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Hickory Grange greeting dozens of families…
Santa listened to their whispers of Christmas wishes. One little girl brought him a
Christmas stocking she specially designed. Others came with hand colored pictures and many
had their own Christmas lists as well as lists for brothers and sisters who could not attend.
Cameras were clicking as entire families posed with Santa for that special holiday picture.
Mrs. Claus captivated young and old alike with her songs, skits
and stories of the North Pole, Santa’s reindeer and the wonderment of
Christmas. Youngsters would volunteer to help Mrs. Claus relate the
stories while others sat and watched with wide-eyed amazement.
Next to Mrs. Claus was Jeff Pietch of Amherst
with several of his Christmas tradition model trains on
display. The trains reminded some of the tradition of
putting a train around the Christmas tree…perhaps some
families still follow this tradition.
While in the Grange kitchen, Donna Rumpler, Donna Breckenridge and Martha Pallante readied hot chocolate
and cookies for Santa’s and Mrs. Claus’s special guests.
In the Harris-Dute House docents Kay Clark, Shirley Provident, Bernie Doane and Maddie Dean-Dielman
guided the day’s visitors on tours where they could see Geri Rice, portraying an early Amherst pioneer, bake cookies
in the kitchen. In the parlor Leanne Traster, daughter of Eleanor and Terry Traser, entertained on
the 1871 square upright piano while on the floor of the parlor two young boys played checkers.
In the St. George Chapel Ruth Haff greeted visitors and related stories of the early German
Christmas traditions. Bob Cole manned the Amherst Auto Garage joined by members of the
Cornerstone Community Church who were welcoming donations of toys for needy families.
At the caboose, hobos, John Dunn and Charlie Wearsch warmed themselves beside a fire
while reminiscing riding the rails in the mid 1900’s. Out in the Octotanial Barn, Ralph Zilch
portrayed a pioneer farmer and spoke of the life of an early farming family. Matt Nahorn, attired
in a Santa hat, was busy working alongside Smithy Tom Roth in the Blacksmith shop producing
red hot iron implements. While in the Fire Museum Jim Wilhelm talked about fire safety this time of year and passed
out fire safety pamphlets to parents and fire hats to the children.
And amid all the village activity, you could hear the blended voices of the Amherst Madrigals as they caroled
throughout the village giving one a nostalgia sense of an earlier time.
To cap the activities of the day, an annual event took place in the St. George Chapel. Mary Miller played the
pump organ while her son, Norm, led the group in traditional carols.
The Amherst Historical Society would especially like to thank the Steele High School student volunteers,
Dru Marcucci, Michael Burgess, Jacob Lutz, Taylor Moore, Maggie Fada, Sara Elliott, Sara Urbanik, Brandon
Fernandez, Stephanie Teska and Casey Pihiblad, who assisted in making the event so special.
Additional thanks to Lillie Kreps who patiently waited for visitors to tour the Quigley Museum.
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Memories Pages Prelude by Marilyn Jenne
I had always known that my grandfather, Clayton Engle, was killed when he was pushed into a quarry hole
while working at the quarries in 1895. My mother was 8 months old at the time. A few years later my grandmother remarried and I was not close to my grandfather’s family. I knew little about them until I recently
came across a family history written in 1934 by Charlotte Mae Lewis, my grandmother’s sister. I learned much
about his family and about our strong connection to the quarries. I had never seen this history before and was
thrilled with it ..folded and almost eligible as it is. Perhaps others will find it as interesting as I did.
Excerpts from Memories Pages by Charlotte Mae Lewis,
Marilyn Jenne
(continued)
In 1886 death entered our home and took from us our dear father. I did not realize the loss of a father, I was too
young. I was grieved because my mother was in such sorrow and distress, and every one seemed so sad. If us
children could only have realized what it really was to mean to us to grow up without the love and guidance of a
good father. I will remember the long black casket, with its sheaf of wheat upon it. (which I believe the undertaker
furnished) and a piloer colored plate upon which were these words, “ Rest in Peace.” Those were sad days. The
many hours mother spent at Father’s grave. I could not understand then, but now I know that it was a great comfort
to her to do so. How she did work to keep her home and family together, but this she did without the help of anyone. Dear mother, how she sacrificed for her children, not only when we were young did she do so, but always,
down through the years, her first thoughts, and greatest pleasure’s were in her children. How glad I am, that the last
years of her life she had full and plenty. Father and mother were Christians. They united with the 1st Congregational Church in Amherst about 1878 or 79.
When my brother Arthur was about 20 years old he married and established a home of his own. About three years
later, brother Clayton married. This left Mother without their financial help, but she was a young woman and with
her small widow’s pension, and hand work she managed to get along. No mother was ever loved ,more dearly, nor
mourned more deeply by her children then was my Mother. The dear Lord took her to her heavenly home on
January 16, 1927 at the age of 81 years.
When brother Clayton’s little girl was 8 months old, God called him home. I can not bear to think of his tragic
death. It occurred one winter morning December 4th 1894 while at work at the quarry. He stepped to the side of
the great deep hole to warn the men below that a large box was to be lowered. He was pushed off, and went to the
bottom. When bother Art (who was working near by) was told what had happened, he told the men to go and do
what they could, and he would come as fast as his strength would allow him. When he would try to walk he would
fall upon the ground for he realized what an awful thing has happened. He was a splendid looking young man and
one of the best boys that ever lived. We have never forgotten our brother, he too was a Christian and a member of
the M.E. Church at North Amherst.
“ God will tell why he called you home so soon, When life seemed full of hope and joy for you,
It may be that up in the city fair, Was some great work, He wanted you to do”.
Today, December 3, 1934, there are three left. The great love and devotion for each other which as always been
predominate in the family, still exists, perhaps even in a deeper way. I could never tell what my brother and sister
are to me. They have shared my joys and my many sorrows. Never so long as I live can I repay you my beloved
sister and brother.
I have tried to tell something of the journey of life of loved ones as I can remember, but the words I have penned
have not told it. It is like a song that was never sung, so many mistakes and tragedies not spoken of and better so.
Charlotte Mae Lewis
1934
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This concludes Charlotte Mae Lewis’s memory pages. Our thanks to Marilyn Jenne for sharing it with the Grindstone.
The Genealogy Corner: # 50 - Orville Manes
Otto Witte
Orville Manes
Otto Witte was born in Germany, May 5, 1847, and came to the
United States with his parents in 1853. In 1869 the family
settled on acreage between Russia and Amherst township.
Witte grew chestnut and English walnut trees, grafted trees and
shaped evergreens. (Note pictured shrub.) In 1870 he married
Miss Caroline Kaman of Amherst and following her death
married Miss Mary Kruse in 1885. He was a charter member of
the Plato chapter of the I.O.O.F. lodge and a member of St.
Peter’s Evangelical Reformed Church. At the age of 91 Otto
died on March 15, 1938 at his home on North Ridge Road, east
of the corporation limits. Appearing below is an 1937 article
from the Amherst News Times written by Mrs. F.R.Powers.
An Evening with Mr. Otto Witt— By Mrs. F.R. Powers
Without the formality of an introduction, I shall begin my story today. So much is there worth hearing, to tell about
Mr. Witte, that I somehow hesitate to spend words for a preface when I might be using them to write down more of the
many interesting things in the life of this remarkable man.
Mr. Witte will be ninety years old in May. Born in Germany in 1847, he came to the United States at the age of six.
He has been a resident of Lorain county for nearly 84 years, and sixty-five of those years have been spent in the home
in which he and his wife now reside.
In the year 1853 the little boy, Otto, and his parents sailed from Hamburg in a five masted ship to the land of Promise
across the sea. Nine weeks it took for the crossing. “We went back nights almost as much as we went ahead days”,
laughed Mr. Witte. When the ship came within sight of New York harbor, and the weary travelers crowded the rails,
eager for the landing, their release was not yet forth coming. Dependent of the fickle wind, the five masted sail boat
hung in the water and the captain refused to pay the price for a tugboat to tow it into the harbor. Memories of endless
days and nights on the ocean, a shortage of food and fresh water, and the thoughts of waiting friends combined to
place the passengers in no mood for bargaining. They told the captain that he could have his choice between hiring the
tug or being thrown overboard. Within two hours, the ship was majestically gliding into the harbor behind a puffing
little tugger. One more boat ride and the Witte family reached its destination– the home of friends in Cleveland. They
stayed there for but a short time, and on the recommendation of one who had blazed the trail before them, young
Otto’s father purchased a tract of densely wooded land on the Townline between Russia and Amherst Township.
There were sixty-seven acres, two had been cleared and a shanty and a small barn were standing on them ready to be
occupied by the new tenants. Then began the task of clearing, for crops must be planted and stock put out to graze.
Four or five of the new neighbors came to help and the trees were felled– white wood, hickory, black ash and with the
aid of oxen and chains the logs were rolled together and when they had been stacked into a pile, the height and width
of an ordinary sized living room, a fire was set to the windward side. For two weeks the pile burned, and at the end of
that time only the center logs were reduced to ashes. Again the oxen and chains were brought forth; the logs were
shifted and set to burning again. Each time the logs were re-rolled the pile grew smaller, and after awhile nothing was
left but a heap of finely-textured pure white ashes. The kinds of wood that could be of some special use to the pioneer
escaped the flames, all but the tops. And often the tops of the felled trees were made into brush fences.
Otto Witt’s accounts of early Amherst as written by Mrs. Powers will continue in the February/March issue of the Grindstone.
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BOARD
O F D I R EC T O R S
Jami Anderson
Kathy Litkovitz, Treasurer
Paul Bires
Bob Pallante, President
John Diedrich
Kelly Post
Kathy Dean-Dielman
Judy Ryan, Secretary
John Dunn,
Vice-President
Steve Sayers
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
ADDRESS LABEL
Frank Janik, Esq.
The Amherst Historical Society wishes to acknowledge
a charitable remainder trust created by Mr. Evan Nord
and administrated by
The Community Foundation of Lorain County.
Grindstone edited by Bob & Martha Pallante
and Donna Rumpler, Printed by SQP Print Center
The Sights and Sounds of the Village
There was no need to travel three hours to Cleveland to
see spectacular Christmas lighting. Not only was Amherst
City Hall and the rest of the downtown area dazzling, the
Amherst Historical Society Sandstone Village was transformed into a “beautifully lighted old fashioned small
town” to quote several Facebook Friends.
Many thanks to Terry Traster, Charlie Wearsch, Tom Roth
and Bill Provident who worked diligently to provide the
amazing light show.
Sounds of the season were delivered by the Amherst
Madrigals as the strolled caroling through the village to
the enjoyment of the Charismas in the Village visitors.
Additional seasonal sounds echoed from the St. George
Chapel as Mary Miller played the pump organ while her
son, Norm, led the visitors in traditional carols.
Mary and Norm also provided the musical entertainment
at the annual Historical Society Christmas dinner.
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