100 Years ago in West Jefferson
Dec. 27, 1912
Madison County Democrat — Christmas will be a season of happiness undisturbed by accidents if the people will be careful in guarding against the dangers of the Christmas tree and holiday decorations declared State Fire Marshall J. W. Zuber in a bulletin warning issued Saturday.
He issues the following timely list of “don’ts:
• Don’t leave an illuminated tree unwatched.
• Don’t use festoons of tissue paper or cotton batting on a tree.
• Don’t use any ornaments of celluloid.
• Don’t let the children touch the tree.
• Don’t remove a thing from the tree until the candles on it are blown out.
• Don’t permit a draft of air to sway the branches of a tree while it is illuminated.
• If the appearance of snow is desired for any purpose use mineral wool or asbestos. It will not burn and gives a better effect than cotton.
— Just a present that brother would appreciate. A “Kleen Kutter” pocket knife, fully guaranteed by Anderson and Hume.
— The community was pained to learn of the sad death of John E. Roberts, who died at his home on Saturday evening at 9 o’clock, of a complication of diseases at the age of 65 years.
He leaves a wife, one son, Matt Roberts, two stepdaughters, Mrs. E. L. Evans and Mrs. M. A. Silver. The funeral services will be held at the M. E. Church on Tuesday at 2 p.m. Conducted by Rev. P. W. Drumm, burial will be made at Pleasant Hill Cemetery and will be in charge of the F&AM Lodge No. 221.
— The funeral services of Henry Allerton were held at Alton on Saturday at 2 o’clock conducted by Rev. P. W. Drumm. Mr. Allerton died at his home on Christmas night at 9 o’clock, at the age of 75 years. He leaves a wife and several children and a host of relatives to mourn his loss.
Part II
The Madison Press, June 4, 1953 — Richard Hurt, son of Dr. and Mrs. J. William Hurt, will receive the degree of Bachelor of Arts at commencement exercises at Miami University, Oxford, Monday. He will enter the College of Medicine at Ohio State University in October.
— June 11, 1953 — Jefferson Post No. 201, American Legion, was awarded three honors at the 6th District convention at Marion, according to Commander James M. Arganbright. Post 201 was also designated as “hot” post among the eight counties in the district. Commander Arganbright was elected as an alternate delegate to represent the district at the National Convention.
— John Schweigart, “The Great Scott,” noted heavyweight wrestler was fined $25 and costs in the court of Mayor Homer O. Braithwaite, about two o’clock Wednesday morning. According to the patrolman Schweigart was speeding 75 to 80 mph between Summerford and Lafayette about 1:30 in the morning. He paid the fine and was released.
— Jerry Chambers and Ed Campbell of West Jefferson with Max Garrett of London have gone to Idaho to spend three months employed as Forest Rangers.
The boys left May 30 by motor and en route to Idaho spent some time in Yellowstone National Park. Jerry Chambers is a graduate of 1953 and Ed Campbell will be a junior this fall. Max Garrett graduated from London High School.
Dr. and Mrs. T. J. Froncek of Kansas City, Missouri, have come to spend the summer with Mrs. Froncek’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Rader. Dr. Froncek will start his internship at Doctor’s Hospital and in the fall Mrs. Froncek will take up her duties on the faculty of the Columbus School for Girls, where she will teach English.
