125 years Ago
October 19, 1892
At the instance of the Executive committee of the National Public School Celebration of Columbus Day, a bill was recently introduced into Congress instructing President Harrison to issue a proclamation making Columbus Day a general holiday. In the interest of scholarly accuracy, this bill wisely authorized the change in date from Oct. 12 to Oct 21st. It passed both branches of Congress and received the President’s signature. The change from Julian to Gregorian calendar accounts for the change in the date. On October 21, 1892, the sun will occupy the same relative position on earth as on that memorable Oct. 12, 1492.
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Two deaths from diphtheria were reported today. One was a little girl in Anna and the other a nine-year old girl in Sidney. The health office noted this morning that only one new case of the disease has been reported in the past four days.
100 Years Ago
October 19, 1917
Mayor Crozier and City Solicitor Doorley went to Columbus today to consult with the State Fuel Administration department in the matter of securing coal for this city. They were accompanied by Harry Bennett and Fred J. Russell. In addition to a domestic shortage of coal many of the local manufacturing plants report their supplies are extremely low and they may have to shut down unless coal is forthcoming.
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The H.M. Wright confectionary store on the south side of the square is being equipped with an entire new line of furnishings and will have a formal opening on Saturday. A new Sublima piano and mandolin orchestra machine has been purchased and will be a feature of the store.
75 Years Ago
October 19, 1942
Plans for the second test of the Sidney air raid warning whistles, which will be held early next week were being completed today with improvements being planned in light of the lessons learned in the initial test last week. Only three whistles were used at the time, and it is hoped to have seven available according to Harry Binkley, in charge of the air raid warning system.
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The Shelby county rationing board announced today that all cars, trucks and bus owners are expected to have their present tires recapped at least once before they are eligible for new tires.
50 Years Ago
October 19, 1967
Members of the Sidney Board of Education at their meeting Monday evening approved detailed specifications for the addition to the Senior high school building and authorized advertising for bids. Approved by the voters of the school district at the election last November, the high school addition is a part of the expansion and improvement program for the local schools. Construction of additions at Longfellow and Emerson Elementary schools, also a part of the program, is already under way.
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Appointment of a second full-time sanitarian was announced today by Dr. Robert S. Oyer, Sidney-Shelby county health commissioner. He is Robert Potter, 22, of Weston O., a 1967 graduate of Bowling Green State University. The addition to the department, according to Dr. Oyer, will make possible greater activity in the field of sewage districts and sanitary sewer programs.
25 Years Ago
October 19, 1992
“Performing civil marriage ceremonies is one of my duties as a Mayor of Sidney”. Doris Blackston told her audience at the Wednesday meeting of the Sidney-Shelby County Chapter No. 4648 of the American Association of Jackson Towers. “As of this date, I have performed 40 wedding ceremonies, from the simple to the elaborate, some storybook events”. She talked about the various duties demanded by the office, and especially of how she meets the challenge of being the first woman mayor of the city. “I’m pleased that the Dirksen Marigold was named the official flower for Sidney by popular vote. We will be giving away 5,000 seed packets at the 1993 MayFest. Also, “ I get great pleasure when I affix the Sidney Pride merit award certificate to renovated homes, as part of our city council’s improvement program.”
