The recent activity of gas line replacement may have made Yellow Springs residents a bit more aware of the roads on which we travel. To understand how those roads developed from the settling of the territory, be sure to attend the program presented by Dave Neuhardt, president of the Yellow Springs Historical Society at 2:00 pm in the Senior Center Great Room on Sunday, February 23.
Occasionally someone (typically a librarian) will share a list of odd things found in books. Those who explore books at auctions and garage sales may just discovery their own odd item, such as this note for a patent agricultural medicine(?).
“Glauber Salts” is sodium sulphate, typically used as a laxative, and Prussian Blue’s agricultural use is generally as a stain to reveal iron.
One wonders just how Thomas Arnold came up with this recipe (why peach leaves?), and how one can keep a hog off the ground, among other things.
First take 100 pounds of scrap iron, put it in a barrel and cover with 20 galls. Of vinegar, and one peck of wheat bran; then add five pounds of nitric acid, and a bucket full of peach leaves, and let it stand thirty or sixty days.
Take two gallons of the above, put in a separate barrel, and add to it ten gallons of water, one pound of quick lime, one pound of crude carbolic acid. Feed one quart to each hog once or twice a week, in ship-stuff or bran. Add all the ingredients and keep up the quantity.
To a barrel of the first add ten pounds of quick lime, five pounds of salt, and two pounds of tobacco—stems or any other part. Put from one pint to one gallon around the roots of each tree, (in proportion to its size) in the months of May, June or July. It will kill the borer, and all worms, and invigorate the tree.
One pound Prussian Blue, five pounds Glauber Salts, one pound crude Carbolic Acid, one pound Pepper; dissolve in two gallons of water. To be given in ship food, twice a day for five days. Put in 10 gals. water.
The above willl be enough for twenty-five hogs for five days. Give the hog exercise daily. Keep the hog off of the ground if possible.
Price $5.00. Not to be divulged under penalty of law.
THOMAS ARNOLD, Patentee.
This group includes three new designs for the Christian market. All designs were sold only in sleeves of 12.
0237-2 — Warbler licensed from Giordano Art
0238-0 — by Elizabeth King Brownd
0263-1 —Wallace, a British character from the Aardman Studios animated films by Nick Park
0264-X — an in-house design with Galatians 5: 22,23
0265-8 — frame design by Judy Hand with Jeremiah 29:11
0266-6 — by Kimberly Montgomery with Proverbs 10:22
A report on various CCC work, safety cartoons, and looking for romance…
TO MY CCC EXPERIENCES – By Bernard Dwyer
I enrolled in the CCC at Fort Knox, Ky., on October 15, 1934. We were stationed in Area N for a month and then moved to Area P.
I first worked under the direction of Colonel Barney on landscaping the yards around the homes that were built for the officers. After we had finished that we moved them to their new homes. One of the officer’s wives made us take off our shoes so that we wouldn’t mar the hardwood floor,m and we had to carry an 800 pound ice box too with our shoes off. I worked for a while on a building wrecking crew. We wrecked five old houses and one hanger after two weeks work. at this time i was transferred to a lumber crew working about nine miles south of Fort Knox. The hills were so steep that the trucks had to back up them.
One evening for supper we were called out to fight fire.We fought this fire for three days. At one time it had a nineteen mile front.
On January 15, we moved to Versailles, Indiana. Our camp was a new one and at that time there were only fifteen men to a barrack.
Worked for a foreman whom all the boys called “Pappy” Galbreath and who was 72 years old. We planted 10,000 black walnut seeds a day for two months then I became pump house guard, which job I had the rest of my enrollment. I was discharged in April and went home where I stayed for four month.
I reenrolled in October 1935 and was sent to Fairfield, Ohio, Company 3514. We were stationed in the new QMC garage. It had steam heat, and it was all right unless the firemen let the fire go out, then the fans would blow cold air over our beds.
Our work was planting trees and landscaping yards. I worked for Supt. Lambert and Walter Gill (formerly of 553) was my leader.
At Fairfield, we got to swim in the officers pool after supper during the week. This is a very fine pool.
I was transferred here on February 3, 1936 when Company 3514 was disbanded. I came here with twenty-one other boys, only six of which are left. I have worked for M. Mefferd and Wilfred Moore has been my leader until just recently. Most of my work here has been building the trails.
No. 1. Mr. Heck, Esq.: I am a young man, or old if you prefer; five feet three inches tall and weigh 150. I enjoy roller skating, pingpong and above all Wild Parties. I am not bad looking as I am considered the best dresser in the outfit. Would like to hear from a young lady with about $10,000.00 and between the ages of 22 and 26.Thanking you too much, I remain, Leslie “Uncle Neal” Bidlack
No. 2 Mr. By Heck. Dear sir: I am a very lonely man and would like to correspond with some lonely lady with $5.00 in change. Am American, hair sticking straight up, big nose and false teeth. I will answer anything that comes my way. In hope, Jay K. Sebring. P.S.: Do you want your radio fixed?
No. 3. Dear Mr. Heck: I am a young man, 22 year of age, five feet ten inches tall and weigh 140. Would like to hear from a young lady between the ages of 19 and 45. I’m a big shot in this man’s army, but will take time off to answer any letters that come my way. Charles (Chief) Baird
No. 4. Dear Sir: I am a tall, good looking blond headed young man, of about 20 years of age. I love all kinds of sports, but above all, I like mine eats. Would like to hear from some local young lady who likes to bowl. Andrew “Andy” Pirics
HELP TO THE LOVE-LORN, AND SHOP-WORN
No. 5. Oh, Mr. Heck: I want help in finding a girl that I have just lost. She’s about five feet six in height, has a dark shade of blonde hair, hazel eyes, weighs about 116 lbs., is VERY good-looking, and is awfully nice. She disappeared some time last Friday. The last time she had been seen was around 2 o’clock that afternoon. At that time she was seen leaving shoe store in Springfield in the company of Ray Sommerville, who had been helping her pick out a pair of shoes (which he describes as chic). If some kind person happens to locate someone of that description, please get in touch with me, quicker than possible because I would like to find her very much. Phillip White
Mark the date for our next 2 pm Sunday afternoon program in the Great Room of the Yellow Springs Senior Center.
Yellow Springs Historical Society President Dave Neuhardt will guide us through the history of the roadways in and around Yellow Springs, from buffalo paths and the Pickawillany Trail to the military roads and the first state road in 1804, through the 1840’s turnpike boom and on into modern times.
Horses!
Our nearest postoffice was in the village of Donnelsville, about two and one half miles south of our home. At the age of eight or nine years it was a treat to me to be trusted to go alone to this burg occasionally to mail a letter or make some trifling purchase. Springfield, six miles east, was our regular trading place and postoffice address. In the busy working season a horse could not be spared from work to be driven to Springfield, but a boy like myself could walk the short distance to the village. To save time I would take the short cut through the woods following the creek, and then cross fields. After transacting the business required of me a little time was spent in looking around the village to see the sights, especially the window display of goods attractive to youngsters. On one of these occasions I very much admired an assortment of boys’ apparel displayed in the window of a tailor shop kept by one Andy Glace. Here was a boy’s cap which to my mind was a daisy. I had no money with me or authority to buy, but I thought it would do no harm to step inside the shop, look over Mr. Glace’s stock and ask prices, especially of the cap of my fancy. Mr. Glace received me very kindly, asked my name and that of my father. He showed me the cap and let me try it on, assuring me that it was a perfect fit. Then he graciously agreed, since I was the son of John Miller, to let me have it for 75 cents, a great reduction from the regular price. I told him that I was not prepared to purchase it then but I would speak to my parents about it and, if permitted, I would return. Of course, my parents were amused at my story, especially of the promised reduction in price because I was the son of John Miller, but I was not sent back to take advantage of the enticing offer of Mr. Glace. A cash outlay was not a necessity while my supply of homemade caps were decent and wearable.
A boy’s life on a farm has much to do with domestic animals. He knows them all by name and is familiar with their special characteristics. While mention of small details may not be of much interest to my children or grandchildren who care to read this writing, respect to the memory of some of these faithful animals that contributed much to our happiness and comfort (sometimes discomfort) impels me to record the names and good and bad traits of our work horses.
One black mare was named Nance. She was a trusty worker in most any capacity – safe for women to drive. Salem, an iron grey, was a splendid saddle horse, trained to take his place on the near side by word of command from the driver. He was a reliable puller – always to be depended upon to start the load and hold on in critical places where a let-up in his important position as wheel-horse would cause a stall. As a riding horse his leaping gait and amiable behavior made him useful to me in playnig circus after the manner of the circus riders seen in the shows in Springfield. With a long bridle rein as a guide and a nice level spot of ground for a ring display, I could stand up on his back and reproduce quite a few circus stunts, much to my glorification, in the presence of other boys of less agility.
Flora, a black mare, was generally a willing worker but not always dependable with other horses if the load was heavy. If pressed too hard she might refuse to co-operate with the rest of the team. She worked well in shafts and was perfectly safe for the women to drive. Prince, a fine bay horse, was full of life and energy. My brother claimed him as his own – a gift from father when he become of age (21 yrs). This was in accordance with the custom of the times. Milton broke this fractious animal to work, a hazardous task because of his strength and wild disposition. I well remember seeing Milton mount this steed for the first time in order to train him as a riding horse. All went well for a short time, when suddenly Prince realized that his liberty of action was being too greatly restrained. He quickly reared up on his hind feet and in some manner Milton was struck on the forehead. The contact knocked Milton senseless for a time. I witnessed this accident from the gate quite a distance form where it occurred. Brother Samuel, who happened to be not far off, hurriedly brought water from the spring and Milton was soon restored to consciousness. The work of training the colt was abandoned for the time being, but was successfully accomplished later on. This fine spirited horse was afterwards sold by Milton to obtain funds to continue his college education at Antioch College under Horace Mann.
Are there any former students out there who can describe how this was used?
Hilda Livingston, featured in a recent post, was mentioned in the following article from the Dayton Daily News of Sunday, December 5, 1965,
The article features issues still of concern today – effective fundraising and healthful nutrition.
When and why was the program stopped, and what became of the mill?
By CLEO SHUPP
You expect to find bingo and handicrafts in a senior citizens center. But a flour mill?
The Yellow Springs Senior Citizens center not only has the flour mill—it helps pay the rent on the center.
The mill is operated by the senior citizens, the director, and volunteers. Whole-wheat, stone-ground flour is delivered locally to Dayton and Springfield supermarkets and shipped to New York and Pennsylvania.
Last year, the mill contributed $1,400 to the $6,000 annual operating budget of the center. (The remainder of the budget is made up from $1,200 from the village of Yellow Springs, donations, and proceeds from the used-goods shop and various projects of the 100 members and volunteers.
The center entered the flour business shortly after it opened about seven years ago. Arthur Morgan, former president of Antioch college, was instrumental in establishing both the center and the mill. Hilda Livingston was center director at the time.
The electrically powered, metal-inclosed burrstone flour grinder and cleaning machine were loaned to the center by the Richard Eastman family. At one time, the mill was used in the village bakery.
The purpose of the flour project was twofold: to provide a source of revenue, and to encourage the senior citizens to take advantage of the nutritional benefits of whole-grain projects.
Programs were planned around guest speakers who explained the health benefits of whole grain. Originally, Thursday afternoon teas were held which featured hot, sliced homemade bread and butter.
Now the demand for flour exceeds the supply. “There is a market for the flour and we could sell more of it,’ explains the Rev. Wesley Matthews, current director of the center.
The mill is located in a small back room of the rambling, old dime store on Xenia Ave. that houses the center. Here, organically grown grain from Ohio, Texas, Montana and Minnesota is emptied into the cleaning machine, ground, sacked and prepared for delivery.
The first miller, Augustus King, now over 80 years old, is assisted by 72-year-old George Allen. Jerry Wilburn, a young volunteer from the village, helps lift the 60-pound sacks of grain and his wife Marilyn sacks the flour.
About 300 pounds of wheat are ground each week. It takes about five hours for 100 pounds to go through the grinders.
Matthews delivers the flour to local markets,. Smaller orders are filled at the center. Antioch college, the largest consumer, takes about 125 pounds a week for bread and rolls served in the student dining room and inn.
Mrs. Anna Struewing, center president, bakes bread for special orders.l At 35 cents a loaf, it’s snapped up so quickly it barely has a chance to cool.
Center offiicals express the hope that another mill can be added and the project moved into larger quarters in order to keep up with the demand.
However, the success of the flour mill isn’t measured in dollars and cents. Center officials say its greater value has been in improving the diets of elderly people.
Not mentioned in this entry in Women of Greene County is the fact that Hugh, one of her children, followed her lead of community service by becoming a Yellow Springs police officer.
Hilda Mayes Livingston was born near Lemont, PA, where she spent most of her early years. She was a graduate of Pennsylvania State University and Boston School of Physical Education. In 1927 she came to Antioch College as Director of Physical Education for Women.
Livingston introduced field hockey as a major sport to the women of Antioch. Thanks to Livingston’s efforts, this sport soon spread throughout Ohio schools and colleges, and intramural tournaments were held at Antioch.
During the Depression things changed and families grew closer. Livingston knew everyone in the Village of Yellow Springs, and visited all low income families—Black and White. She saw needs and gave assistance wherever she could. She was instrumental in developing a wide range of community health, welfare and recreational activities in Yellow Springs.
Because Black children were excluded from the nursery school and scouting Livingston formed her own groups. She found a Black teacher for the nursery school, a Black man for the Boy Scouts, and she herself managed the Girl Scouts.
Other projects identified with Livingston included the Goods Exchange where used clothes were available,.Community Day Camp, Well Baby Clinic, a large community garden that once supplied canned vegetables for the school lunch program, vocational training groups, and the Community Youth Council (precursor of the Community Council which was formed in 1942). All these efforts reflect Livingston’s creative efforts to alleviate and solve the problems of the Depression years.
In 1941, Livingston served as Miami Township Trustee. She pulled the largest vote of five candidates for the office. She was a deacon in the Presbyterian Church in Yellow Springs where her husband was an elder.
The Livingstons (including three children) left Yellow Springs in 1944. They first went to Savannah, GA, and then on to Selma, AL. Livingston taught hearing-impaired and mentally retarded children in Alabama.
After her husband’s death Livingston returned to Yellow Springs in 1958. She was a volunteer and director of the expanding Senior Citizens Program in 1958 and 1969. She worked closely with Arthur Morgan on the Senior Citizens Program, establishing the first headquarters in the Yellow Springs Opera House. Livingston continued to be active in the Senior Citizens Program where she functioned as social worker, member of Motor Meals, visitation, housing, and other committees.
Hilda Livingston left an indelible mark on many lives.
