125 Years Ago
October 31, 1891
At a meeting last evening, the committee on light reported it had compromised with the Big Four railway in the matter of lighting its street crossings, accepting $400 as the annual payment. The solicitor was instructed to draw up an agreement. In other action . an ordinance prohibiting the reckless loading of the fire department vehicles was adopted.
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James N. Anderson and C.W. Frazer have purchased the out-lots on both sides of the south end of Miami avenue and have commenced improving the place. They will lay out 24 nice building lots, and improve the large dwelling known as the VanGorder place.
100 Years Ago
October 31, 1916
Sidney’s Halloween celebration last night can be said to have been the biggest affair of its kind ever given to the city. Thousands of people lined the streets during the evening, with hundreds coming from the county and nearby communities. The big parade was led by the band with S.B. Purnell as the grand marshal. A movement is on foot to make the celebration county wide next season.
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The city football team started on their annual rush Sunday afternoon at Lakeside park, when they defeated the fast Lima Tigers by the score of 37-0.Hollinger, Mike Seving and Simmons starred in the Sidney backfield during the Afternoon.
75 Years Ago
October 31, 1941
Friends of Jack L. Webster, 18, of Sidney, aboard the U.S.S Kearny, when the destroyer was torpedoed on the night of October 16, near Iceland. Family members were able to learn more about the incident when Secretary of the Navy Knox yesterday revealed that the ship was attacked, in the course of an all night action with escorting warships and German U Boat “wolf pack” which attacked the convoy. Eleven men were killed in the attack. Webster apparently escaped injury.
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The United State lost its first Naval vessel in World War II today when the destroyer U.S.S. Reuben James was torpedoed and sunk early this morning while convoying in the North Atlantic west of Iceland. The vessel carried 114 officers and men. No casualty list was immediately forthcoming, but it was feared the loss in lives would be heavy.
50 Years Ago
October 31, 1966
Trick-or Treat Theresa Short, small daughter of Auditor Thelma Short of Sidney, seriously thanked Horace Risk, of 721 Johnson drive when he gave her an extra box of cracker jacks to take home to her mother. A short time later the Risk doorbell rang. There stood a smiling Mrs. Short displaying her traditional cracker jack prize-a miniature elephant. Mrs. Short is Republican candidate for re-election to her auditor’s post.
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Miss Mary Evelyn Maxwell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Merton E. Maxwell, Jackson Center, was chosen sweetheart of the Mathematics Club at Ashland College. She represented the club at the college homecoming held Oct. 29.
25 Years Ago
October 31, 1991
The Spring Creek United Church of Christ(Brush) will celebrate its 140th anniversary on Sunday. The church was organized in 1851 and met in a log school. In 1853 a house of worship was built on ground where the present church stands. The congregation grew and a larger church was built in 1869. In 1943 the church closed but reopened five years later. In 1952 the church was raised from its foundation and a basement dug, and an addition added. This gave more room to the congregation for services and Sunday School. Sunday’s service will be held at 10:45 under the leadership of the pastor, The Rev. Carl Asher.
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A concert version of the music from Cole Porter’s “Kiss Me Kate” will be presented during the coming days. The program features eight Sidney performers. The score will be performed by Victoria Blackford, Stephen Weadock, Sarah Harlament, Robert Schroerlucke, Kent Smith and Christi Thomas. Shearl Edler will provide narration, with piano accompaniment by Scott Parsons
