125 years ago
March 4, 1896
The Sidney Electric Railway group is making progress. Some of them will visit the Loramies. Others just completed visits to Oran and Newport to explain the plans. Shareholders and leaders of the project include H.T. Mathers, Frank Hunter, Charles Timeus and Jonas Kaufman. The object is to form an electric railway in this area.
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It was an entertaining night for the members of the I.O.O.F members. The Odd Fellows celebrated 50 years of service in this community. The membership of the lodge is now 246. A banquet was held to celebrate the occasion.
100 years ago
March 4. 1921
Government tests on surface outcropping of oil veins below the surface revealed the promise of oil. Test wells will be drilled in Franklin and Dinsmore townships beginning next week. The principal site will be the farm of M.R. Brookhart.
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Sidney has a new 500 club. It was organized last night at the home of Miss Rosanna Taylor. Members include: Miss Dorothy Morrison, Miss Grace Morrison, Hilda Kaiser, Mabel Nipgen, Edith Cronley, Carolyn Griffis, Edna Heiser, Pauline Reick, Cora and Rosanna Taylor and Mrs. Fred Pruden.
75 years ago
March 4, 1946
The Sidney City Council took strict action to enforce the ordinance relating to youths. All minors under the age of 16 must not loiter in or upon any street or public place after 10 p.m. at night, unless accompanied by an adult.
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The Beta Dramatic Club of Holy Angels High School will present its first performance. It is entitled “The Heart of a Shamrock.” Cast members include Jack Frantz, Kathryn Raterman, John Wagner, Mary Klipstine, Rita Staley, Frances Bouquot, Gene Steinke, and Johnnie Eshman.
50 years ago
March 4, 1971
Robert Burns, the Sidney postmaster, has accepted the position of chairman of the Shelby County unit of the American Cancer Society’s 1971 educational and fundraising drive. The appointment was made by Fred Linker, the president of the local unit. Burns commented “We must not lose momentum in this fight.”
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Gary Michael, the 4-H agent for the county since November 1, 1969 will be leaving his post. He will be devoting his full time attention to his large dairy heard in Turtle Creek Township. Gary will be joining his father, Waldo and his two brothers in the operation. They are building a 200-stall dairy barn.
25 years ago
March 4, 1996
Officials of the parent company of Wagner Manufacturing in Sidney, General Housewares, may have a buyer for the Sidney plant. Robert Gray, the chief financial officer of GH, made the announcement today. “We are very close,” he stated. The business closed here in recent months. There are a number of interested buyers.
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Plans are moving forward on the new bridge across the Great Miami River south of the current bridge location. It will be just south of the John and Beth Masteller residence, County engineer Bob Geuy reported that the easements have been obtained. As part of the process, the entrance to Graceland Cemetery near the Big Four Bridge will be moved to across from the I.U.E. Hall south of town.
