100 years
Nov. 13, 1915
The Monarch Machine Co. was seriously threatened by fire last evening when flames destroyed a barn occupied by Charles A. Jones and a barn owned by John Burkhardt, located adjacent to the plant. Mr. and Mrs. George Mann, who live nearby, report hearing an explosion about 8:15 p.m. Going to investigate, they found the Jones building on fire. Located just south of the Monarch plant, this building was used for the baling and storing of old paper and junk. By the time firemen reached the scene, the flames had spread to the Burkhardt barn at the rear of the home of George McDonald, and another barn in the rear of the Mann home. Firemen soon brought the fire under control, but not before the flames had attracted a large number of people to the scene. The entire northwest end of the city was lighted by the flames and the report was first circulated that the Monarch Machine plant was on fire.
75 years
Nov. 13, 1940
The sudden crime wave that has swept Sidney and Shelby County in recent weeks was further intensified late yesterday afternoon when a young bandit robbed the Gulf Service Station at the corner of North Main Avenue and North Street of between $50 and $75, and made good his escape. The young man, who had entered the station to inquire as to the best route to Detroit and secure a road map, apparently helped himself to funds in the cash register while Bud Lynn, the manager and Marion Baker, an attendant, were in and out of the station. The shortage was noticed shortly after the man left but efforts to locate him in Sidney or the immediate area were fruitless.
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Members of the junior class at Jackson Center High School will present their annual class play Thursday evening at the school. Members of the cast include: Evelyn Regular, Edith Miller, Evelyn Metz, Martha Metz, Junior Hostetler, Ray Leininger, Robert Sailor, John Heintz, Ruth Evelyn Pence, Joe Reinhart, Margaret Miars, Robert Wiessinger and Frederick McGowan. Mr. Ambos is directing the play.
50 years
Nov. 13, 1965
Sidney’s new Leech-Packer body collection truck was put into operation Wednesday afternoon after factory representatives demonstrated its features to Department of Sanitation personnel and the All-American City Insignia was painted on it at the incinerator plant. City Manager John J. Dullea this morning expressed satisfaction with the first equipment of its kind in operation here.
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Sidney firemen had only a short distance to go in answering an alarm with two pumpers last evening at 8:54. Their destination was the Sidney Feed and Supply across the street from the fire station. What had been reported as smoke coming from the rear of the old mill proved to be only steam from a grain dryer.
25 years
Nov. 13, 1990
The cast for the Sidney High School play entitled, “Our Town” has been announced. Students taking lead roles include Aaron Money, Alex Clarkson, Carrie Clawson, Nicholas Beard, Travis Cooper, Rebecca Gibbs, Jason Harbison, Laura Berlin and Ashley Valentine. Dates and times of the play will be announced later.
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An attempt will be made to save an important county landmark. Landman’s Mill, located in Lockington, is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Schnable. They seek funds to renovate the structure. It dates from the mid-1800s. The mill last operated in 1961. The owners purchased the property 30 years ago but did not develop the funds for the project. The renovation estimate is about $250,000.
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