125 Years Ago

Feb. 21, 1894

A party of 12 accepted an invitation to take supper last evening with friends in the country. A large bob sled was provided as the means of conveyance, but foot motion had to be resorted to on almost the entire outward trip. Of the six miles covered ‘tis” said five and one-half miles of the distance was walked.

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Four gentlemen comprising a committee from Wapakoneta were here today to look over our waterworks plant. Wapakoneta people are thinking of putting in a waterworks plant since the disastrous fire of last week. The fire, which burned out eight business houses, causing a loss of some $70,000, was the worst in the history of the community.

100 Years Ago

Feb. 21, 1919

The organization of the Shelby County Hunters and Anglers Club has been completed. The organization will operate in direct harmony with the Fish and Game Department of the State of Ohio in the interests of Shelby county sportsmen. George Bush has been named president of the club, with Howard Vertner, vice-president, and William Blake, secretary and treasurer. Ollie Taylor is president of the board of directors.

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The Elks bowling team entered the National Elks bowling tournament to be held next month in Columbus. Members of the team expect to take part include: Grover Timeus, Carl Dunn, Frank Smith, Brownie Goffena, and George Trydel.

75 Years Ago

Feb. 21, 1944

Shelby county has received a call for 161 men to take their pre-induction physical examination at Ft. Hayes of March 15. Local draft board officials, however, were uncertain whether this number included the 20 per cent additional men announced earlier for February and March.

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American soldiers and marines landed on Enwetok in the northern Marshall Islands, meeting stiff resistance; Marine reinforcements were called in to help wipe out the Japanese defenders on nearby Engebl. In Italy the Germans and their offensive against the Anzio beachhead and Allied attacks on the German line farther south also subside. (Ed. Note James Arness, Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke was wounded at Anzio, and thus the limp he had on the series)

50 Years Ago

Feb. 21, 1969

Sidney’s Luckly Barrel finally had a winner Tuesday when the name of Mrs. Anthony Schroeder, Miami Avenue, was selected at The Famous. She won $600. Registration is under way at Jerold’s store for a $500 prize.

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Mrs. Melvin Knasel and George Metz were named the “Queen and King of Hearts” when the annual Valentine Day party was observed Friday February 14, at the Senior Citizens Center. The king and queen were presented a corsage and a boutonniere and each was given a gift. Feature speaker for the event was Mrs. V.W. LeMaster who gave an interesting account of the lore and legend of St. Valentine’s Day.

25 Years Ago

Feb. 21, 1994

Lehman standout Ryan Sollmann, who rushed for 2,219 yards last season and led the Lehman football team into the Ohio Division V state semifinals, announced Wednesday that he will be playing for the University of Dayton Flyers next season. Sollmann was heavily recruited by both Dayton and Wittenberg as a tailback and the final decision was extremely difficult. Sollmann’s size prevented a lot of bigger schools from pursuing him. He is 5-foot-8 and fluctuated between 160 and 168 pounds during football season. He is at 175 right now. “He was at the top of our list all season” said head coach Mike Kelly. Even though he does not have major college size, he has major college feet. Ryan is the son of Denny and Rita Sollomann.