davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18
SUDDEN DEATH OF HENRY C0WCILL
THURSDAY SHOCKS COMMUNITY

Port Clinton and the entire
community were shocked Thurs
day afternoon when work was an
nounced of the sudden death of
Henry A. Cowgirl, 66, Port Clin-
toms Safety Director and one of
this city's outstanding civic wor-
kers.
Mr.. Cowgirl passed away at LIS
in Magruder Memorial Hospital,
evidently of heart attack as he
was being prepared for surgery.
He took i'll Wednesday noon while
attending the Kiwanis Club meet
ing in the E.U.B. Church, and
was taken to his East Second
Street home. When his condition
became worse later in the day, he
was admitted to the hospital late
Wednesday night.
An autopsy was performed in
Toledo to determine cause of
death.
Born in Kennard, Ohio, August
8, 1887, Mr.. Cowgirl moved here
with his family in 1924, when he
was transferred to Port Clinton to
become division manager of the
Ohio Public Service Company. He
held that position until his retire
ment Sept. l, 1852. Holding cleo
trical and mechanical engineer
degrees, he was a graduate of
Ohio State and Harvard Universe
ties.
Last fall Mr.. Cowgirl served as
business teacher in Port Clin-
ton High School and also was ap-
pointed as executive secretary of
the Port Clinton Chamber of
Commerce During World War II
he was coordinater of national uti-
lities for Erie Proving Ground and
Camp Perry.
AS chairman of the city's Plan
Continued Page 2, Col. y
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18
CASE
IS CONTINUED

Following hearing in Ottawa
County Common Pleas court Mon
day forenoon, Judge James Nc
Crystal, Sandusky, sitting by as
signment in the local court, con-
tinued until next Tuesday, Decem-
ber %, the ballot shortage case
which Oak Harbor councilman
Louis Brindley filed last month
after he was defeated in his bid
for reelection
Brindley's petition was the first
of its kind ever filed in this coun-
ty and the case is believed to be
the only one in Ohio resulting
from the recent election.
Last week Judge McCrystal
ruled that the Ottawa County
Common Pleas Court does have
jurisdiction to hear and determine
the case. In his petition, Brindley
contended that an unknown num-
Der of voters in Oak Harbor's
three precincts were denied their
franchise to vote due to insuffl-
cient ballots.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18
31OO Get X-RAYS
IN This COUNTY

Thirteen hundred persons were
given free chest x-rays in this
county during the past week when
the mobile unit was brought here
by the Ottawa County tuberculosis
& Health Assn. Since the first of
the year, 300 persons have been
x-rayed in this county, including
all seniors and athletes in county
schools.
This service has been made pos
sible through your purchase of
Christmas Seals. 1t was conducted
through cooperation of the county
health department and medical So
ciety and financed entirely by the
Tuberculosis and Health Assn.
Mrs. Ray Claus, Oak Harbor,
Executive Secretary of the Assn,
reports that $4,221.55 has been re-
ceived thus far in the 1853 Christ
mas Seal campaign, representing
70 per cent of the quota.
Only 37.6 per cent of the ad-
dresses having received seals
through the mail have returned
donations. Persons who have de-
layed contributing to this worthy
cause are asked to send in their
donations without further delay.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18
BLOOD PROGRAM
SET FOR COUNTY
AT LOCAL MEET

Twenty-Five volunteer commit
tee members, representing all ar
cas- in the county, were present at
combined meeting of the Board
of Directors, Blood Program Com
mittee, and Finance Committee of
Ottawa County Chapter, American
Red Cross, last Wednesday eve
ming in City Hall, Port Clinton.
Perry M. Blankenship, chairman
of the Blood Program, presented
three dates for blood collections
during the first six months of
1854. The Feb. 9th date was cho-
sen by Elmore, the April collec-
ton by the Observation-Disclosures
Islands area, and June 18th by &C.
nOa.
Rev. Blankenship explained that
although after June 80, 1854 the
National Blood Program will be
known as civilian project, each
region will be expected to supply
the blood and blood products need
ed by military and VA hospitals
within its geographical territory.
It is also expected that the need
for gamma globulin to fight. polio
will continue on the same level
during the 1854 season.
Tentative plans were also pre-
sented for a series of water safety
classes to start about the middle
of April, offering swimming in
struction to the youth of this
area.
Those present from Port Clin-
ton were Ralph S. Forster, Chap
ter chairman, who presided at the
meeting; Perry M Blankenship,
chairman, and George Garst, CO.
chairman, of the blood program;
Rodena Konker, secretary of the
board of directors; John Belknap
and John Morton, chapter vice
chairmen; Archie King, Ezra Hiss,
Cliff Franck, Thomas w. Sutton,
chapter treasurer; Mrs. Ralph Sny-
der, Mrs. John Faris, Henry Ford,
Reynaldo F. Rodriguez, Mrs. Lena
Phillips from Put-in-Bay; Ralph
DeLucco, general field representa-.
tive, and Ada Hayden, executive
secretary.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18
WOMEN HURT IN
SNOW" WRECKS

Two women were injured Mon
day afternoon when their autos
Skidded during the snow storm
and crashed into trees east of the
city.
Most seriously hurt was Mrs.
Rhea Capes, At, Sycamore Street,
Lakeside, who suffered broken
knee cap and other injuries when
ber car skidded into tree along
Route 163, six miles east of the
city.
When the accident happened,
Mrs. Capes was enroute to Toledo
to visit her husband, who recent
ly underwent amputation of a leg
in Flower Hospital. After emer-
gency treatment at Magruder Hos
pital, Mrs. Capes was transferred
to St. Charles Hospital in East
Toledo, where she was to under
go special surgery to reduce the
knee fracture. Deputy Sheriff Clar.
ence Stephens investigated the ac-
cident.
Two hours later, an auto being
driven by Thelma Emch, Sandus-
ky, skidded in East Catawba Road,
and crashed into a tree as she
was delivering newspapers. The
driver escaped with minor injur-
les. Deputy Sheriff Myron Hetrick
investigated.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18
Legion Plans
Christmas PARTY

E. Printy Arthur will present
members of his Girls Chorus of
Port Clinton High School in a pro-
gram of Christmas music at the
regular meeting of Port Clinton
American Legion Post 113 this
Thursday evening, Dec. II, in the
Legion Hall. Refreshments will be
served by Atty. James Thierry and
Ray Sperber.
The annual Christmas party for
members and families of the Le-
gion Post and Auxiliary will be
held this Sunday, Dec. 20, starting
at $3.50 in the Legion Hall with
Paul Balangue and his committee
in charge. There will be potluck
dinner and Santa Claus will have
gifts for all the children.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18

win with strong candidate-our
party is loaded with good timber"
Democrat leaders appeared to
be more concerned with avoiding
a primary fight than with merely
designating a candidate. A screen
ing committee has been set up to
handle the problem.
Sheriff Merlan Budd, one of the
county's most popular office-hold-
ers, is reported ready to enter the
race.
Among other names being men
toned are AL Kalb, former 3-tern
legislator and export Clinton
postmaster; Prosecuting Attorney
Myron A. Rosentreter; o. L. Tea
garden, vice chairman Of the Ohio
Turnpike Commission and mem
Der of the party's state executive
committee; Joe FURY, mayor Of
Oak Harbor; Edw. H. Tank, county
commissioner and one of the ar
ea's strongest vote-getters; Ralph
L. Snyder, Port Clinton appliance
dealer and former publisher Of
The News, and James Thierry,
Port Clinton, president of the OIL
tawa County Bar Association.
It is expected that the question
will be resolved by both parties
about Jan. 1. Filing deadline for
all candidates is Feb. 8.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18
Auto Dealers Hold
Annual Yule Party

Highlighting a busy years pro-
gram, 70 persons attended the an
nual Christmas banquet of til e
Ottawa County Automobile Deal
er's Association at Travellers Inn,
Wednesday night
Dealers wives attended the e.
laborately-planned affair, with all
arrangements being handled by
Clerk of Clerk of Courts Velma
Sauvey and her deputies, Miss
Ann Nelson and Mrs. Eula Merit
chic.
Wives were recipients of an ex-
elusive cologne flown especially
for the event from the Stork's
Club in New York City.
Scores of other prizes were a.
warded following a three-course
dinner.
Robert Tank, of Williston, presi
dent of the association, spoke
briefly and Carleton Allan, Port
Clinton, served as master of cere
monies and introduced members
and guests. The invocation was
given by Cliff Dunn, Curtice.
State Senator and Mrs. De1bert
Latta, McComb, and State Rep. and
Mrs. Robert w. Reider, Oak Har
Dor, were among the guests.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18
SET COMMUNITY
XMAS PARTY FOR
NEXT TUESDAY

All childrn in the community
will meet Santa Claus at 3:15
next Tuesday afternoon, December
%, when the anual Community
Christmas party, sponsored by the
Kiwanis Club, will be held in the
Clinton Theatre.
Harry Callahan, manager of the
Clinton Theatre, is donating use
of the thaetre and will show a
program of free cartoons and fea-
lures for the enjoyment of the
kiddies.
AL Davids is general chairman
of the Kiwanis committee and is
being assisted by James Wolf,
Frank Quisno, Dalton DeLor,
Adair WILDER, Carl Heckler and
Howard Fulton.
Every child attending will re-
ceive gifts of candy and popcorn
balls from Santa Claus. Remem-
Der this community party is free
to all children, so take your kid
dies to the Clinton Theatre at
3:15 Tuesday afternoon, December
%.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18
Group REJECTS
PETITION FOR
zONINC CHANGE

Portage Townships proposed
zoning code was again under at
tack Friday night, when IL prop
erty owners of lakefront property
presented a petition to the COM
mission, headed by Francis Mekus,
in which they asked that their
area be changed from RI to R-2
residential status.
Signed by property owners liv-
ing between Woodlawn Cabins
and Knecht's Trailer Camp, east
of the city, the petition declared
that the RI designation, which
permits only one or two-family
dwellings, schools or churches,
would be detrimental to their
businesses.
Several motels, summer resorts,
cottage courts and apartments are
located in this area. While the
zoning code would not affect pres
ent buildings or businesses, the
owners claimed they would be put
at a disadvantage whenever they
made even minor repair changes.
They asked that their area be
changed to an R-2 designation
which would permit apartments,
motels, cottage courts and other
semi-commercial dwellings.
Their petition was presented to
the Portage Township Zoning
Commission at a meeting Friday
evening, but was rejected by the
commission, according to Ronald
Qualman, one of the petitioners
Another public meeting of the
proposed Portage Township ION
ing code will be held when the
township trustees meet to adopt
the commissions recommends
tionS.
A special election will be held
in February when residents OF
rural Portage Township will either
adopt or reject the proposed zon
ing code.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18

Solicitor Reinheimer had not ac-
cepted the proposed injunction
early this week and there Is no
deadline for his acceptance or re-
lection. Reasonable time" is the
legal deadline limit. If the solici-
tor rejects the proposal, the tax
payer CMr. Hersberger) can file
the injunction in Common Pleas
Court.
In his bid, Mr.. Dietrick's Sky
Tours offered to pay the city a flat
$4,000 annually for the first two
years of the contract, and $500
for the third year, plus annual
rentals of $100 for the hangar and
$100 for the garage.
In his final settlement to the
city, after his flying service was
purchased by Dietrick's firm,
Hersberger paid the city $1,500
which was to cover landing fees,
hangar rentals and other charges
which the city contended he owed
Continued on Page Col. 81
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18
Cowgirl Memorial
Fund Underway

At a directors meeting in the
Island Hotel Tuesday noon.
members Of fhe Port Clinton
Chamber Of Commerce voted TO
establish the Henry A. Cowgirl
Memorial Fund from which they
expect TO furnish a double room
in the proposed addition TO Ma
gruder Memorial Hospital.
In announcing tfss proposed
fund, Kelly Dunn. president of
the Chamber Of Commerce. stat.
ed the fund would serve a two-
fold purpose in that il would
help TO show fhe cify's thanks TO
Mr. Cowgirl and his family and
also would aid the hospital
drive.
Letters have been mailed to
all chamber members but as This
fund is open TO everyone, checks
should be made out to the Port
Clinton Chamber Of Commerce
and mailed, or taken, 70 its Of
flee at 121h Madison Street.
Deadline for the fund donations
is January I.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18
FAMILY LOSES
WARDROBE IN
MONDAY BLAZE

Fire of undetermined origin
shortly before noon Monday de.
stroyed all clothing and caused
damages estimated at $500 by Fire
Chief Walter Miller to the apart
ment of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Tay-
lor and children at 1856 East Loop
in Erie Gardens.
Mrs. Taylor and their five chill
dren, Jimmy, six; Dick, five; Linda,
four; Susie, two. and Mike II
months were assisted from the
two-unit apartment by a neighbor
who was visiting when the fire was
discovered. The husband and faith
er was at his Erie Ordnance Depot
job when the fire broke out.
While most of the damage was
limited to the bedroom, where the
fire started, other rooms also were
damaged by smoke and water. The
next door apartment, occupied by
Mr.. and Mrs. William Twynham,
suffered no damage
Members of the Port Clinton
Fire Department extinguished the
blaze, which had gained much
headway before they could arrive
at the scene.
1t will be a sad Christmas for
the family as toys and other gifts
stored in the attic were damaged
by smoke and water.
The fire spread so quickly that
nothing could be saved from the
bedroom Mrs. Taylor and her five
small children escaped with the
clothes "on their backs"
All of the famSy's clothing, as
well as beds and bed clothing, we're
destroyed in the fire, Port Clinton
residents are asked to open their
hearts and purse strings to donate
clothing and other items to this
family. Donations may be taken to
the Erie Gardens office.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18
DEMOCRATS SCAN FIELD
FOR ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE

The race for Ottawa County's
seat in the Ohio House of Repre-
sentatives in next years elections
appeared to be wide open today.
Party leaders in both the Demo-
cratic and G. o. P. rszlAs, it was
learned this week, are endeavor-
ing to avoid primary battle scars
by screening potential candidates
for the job being vacated after
six years tenure by Robert w.
Reider, publisher of The News.
Reider is dropping out to make a
bid for the Democratic nomination
as Ohio's secretary of state.
Only avowed candidate thus far
is Carl Becker, who was defeated
in the G. o. P. primary in May,
after serving three terms as may
or of Port Clinton.
There were hints, however, of a
primary fight in G.. 0. p ranks
despite harmony moves on the
part of county leaders. Names
mentioned besides Becker includ-
ed VIM. E. Fleckner, former rep
resentative of Oak Harbor; John
Wood II, Elmore turkey raiser;
and Adair Wilber, Port Clinton
attorney.
On the Democratic side, party
leaders declined to reveal details
of a recent strategy" session 9th.
er than to state "we'll qualify and
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18
HOME TREATMENTS AID BOY WHO
WAS BURNED SEVERELY WEEKS AGO

In a rural home just off Route
1853, west of Lacarne, Don Allan
Deuschle observed his 11th birth
day Tuesday. He didn't celebrate
by shedding like other boys but
he did rejoice in the fact that he
is at home after weeks in the hos
pital.
Don probably won't be able to
enjoy winter sports this year. He'll
be confined to his bed and wheel
chair for several more weeks, as
his legs heal from the severe
burns he suffered early last fall
when his clothes caught afire
while he was playing with a neigh
Dor boy.
Last Friday Don was returned
to the home of his parents, Mr..
and Mrs. Harold Deuschle, after
eight days treatment in a FIRE.
mont hospital. This was his second
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18

trip to the hospital, as he had un-
dergone two skin grating opera
tons on his lower legs during a
previous six-week disqualification.
Don's parents will be his physi-
cal therapists during his recupera-
ton. They have installed whirl-
pool bath in their home and Don
is given special treatments daily
to help repair the damages in
flicted by the fire.
Making his birthday observance
happier Tuesday was the four-day
furlough home of his brother, Av-
iation Boatswain's Mate Second
Class Edwin Dueschle. A crewman
aboard the USS Siboney, Ed was
to leave Toledo airport for his
base at Norfolk, Virginia, Mon
day night, but all planes were
grounded due to the snowstorm.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18
HERSbERGER THREATENS INJUNCTION
TO HALT NAMING AIRPORT MANAGER
Taxpayer Claims Bid
Is Illegal As Landing
Fee Scale Is Omitted

After several months of peace the Port Clinton Munich
pal Airport front the controversial subject jumped back
into the meght this week when Milton Hersberger former
operator of the airport threatened file taxpayers in
junction which would prevent the Board of Public Utilities
from entering into contract with the manager of the
airport.
Hersbergers actions through his attorney Leslie Meyer
several hours after the deadne for acceptance of bids
Only bid received that being from Ralph Dierick
Sky Tours lnc present operators of the flying service
tween the mainland and the islands
Contendng that the bid not fair in that Detrick asks
the city to omit his Sky Tour planes from the fixed landing
fee charges Hersbrger asked his attorney to file request
ed injunction with City Solicitor John Reinhemer which
would prevent city council from entering into an illegal
tract for the airport manager
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18
Seek Toys Here
For Needy Tots

William Mack Of The Lake
Erie Sports Store reports thar
his store will be a collection
point locally for the Toys For
TOTS" drive which the U. S. Ma
rine Corps Reserve is sponsoring
nationally TO collect new and
used toys in good condition for
needy children.
Toys donated here will be
wrapped by Reservisf Mack and
his assistants, tagged for boy or
girl and as 70 age group, and
will be distributed by the EIks
when they hand OUT food bas-
kefs TO needy families.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18
Long Ago Xmas Is
Stores Theme

One Of the most unusual
Christmas decorations in this
city can be seen at Loretta's De-
partmenf Store where the en-
pIoyees have used the theme
"christmas Morning as it was
100 Years Ago..
Featured is a Christmas tree,
decorated as it might have been
in 1883. Popcorn balls. tinseI
and ancienf decorations make
the tree even more beautiful
than foday's modern trinkets. In
a what not" on the wall are
dainty and expensive china.
Underneath the tree are an
fique toys. including an ancient
china tea set, an iron toy stove,
a walnut spool doll bed with
which Mrs. Vincent ellis mo-
fher played as a child rs years
ago, china headed doll once
owned by Vincent ellis mother
and now nearly 100 and numer-
Gus other interesting toys.
Completing the pioneer at
mosphere are an ancient Bible
and a huge family album.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18
Liquor Store To
Remain Open
by MISCH

To aid purchasers of holiday
cheer during the holidays. ex-
tended hours for the state liquor
store, West Perry Street, have
been announced for fhe three
days preceding Christmas and
New Years, Manager Art Rea-
ser reports.
The liquor store will be open
from 3 a. m. to J p. m. Tuesdays,
Dec. n and 29. Wednesdays,
Dec. 23 and 80, and Thursdays.
Dec. "a and Dec. 81.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18
News To Publish
Early On HOLIDAYS

So that advertisers will get
full advantage of their adver-
fisements and employees may
enjoy the holidays, The Ottawa
County News will be published
one day earlier Christmas and
New Year weeks. The paper will
be on the streets and in the
mails by noon Wednesday. Dec.
23, and Wednesday, Dec. 30.
Advertisers, pastors, news
correspondents and the general
public are asked to cooperate
in having their news items re-
ceived at our office as esFiy in
fhe week as possible, with Mon
day preferred.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18
HOME ON FURLoUCH

Airman Second Class and Mrs.
Donald Atzinger and their daugh-
ter, Cindy, arrived Saturday at the
Bay Township home of her par
ents, Mr.. and Mrs. A. N. Paulsen,
coming from his former base at
Rapid City, South Dakota. Don will
be on furlough until January 10
when he leaves for his new base
in England. His wife and daughter
will remain here with her parents.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18

from New York's tony Stork
Club. lucky girls. ;.
County Engineer Delos j. Mis-
sen, who was elected treasurer of
the state association for the ump-
teenth time last week, is mighty
rough customer in a five-handed
pinOchle game
Stan Sfepnitz lucky fellow
.. has tickets for the Rose Bowl
game out in Pasadena on New
Years Day -.
Our Florida correspondent
tells us that Billy and Grace
Adams of Put-in-Bay are So
journing in sunny Fort Lau-
derdale.
Ed Tank, the popular county
commissioner, made a big hit at
the state convention by showing
'em how to cry an auction
A movement is underway to
draft Sheriff Merriam BUdd, one Of
the covnty's top vote-getters, into
the race for state representative.
Jack Anspach, after mi
grating to Toledo years ago,
has returned to Ottawa Coun-
ty and is nicely settled in a
brand new home at Elmore.
Duck season has come and gone
again and We never did get a
chance to take up that generous
offer of Bill Carstens' -.
Our nomination for one Of the
incest guys around George
Mohn, manager Of the Ohio Edison
Company.
Those loud vests are all the
rage now. and two of the
addicts are John Meckfessel
and Dave Thierwechter.
That was quite a party that
Celotex group had at Joe and Vida
Morgan's Ark the other night i.
Or. Robert MinnicI, Oak Harbor
physician, is sporting butch hair
cut =.
A number of those who at
tended the Oak Harbor J.W.C.
dance at Bark Inn the other
night are still commenting on
the cleverness of the snow
man centerpieces built around
coke bottles. ;.
Emerson hike, the uTUSSlSI, Is
a handy fellow with the flash cam
era
Volunteer firemen from al! over
the county had themselves quite
a ball at jerusalem township Sat-
urday night according to one Of
our ace informants i.e., Emil
Parker ..
Ginny Dunn, wife of Ottawa
County's multiple Chevy dealer,
finally achieved a long-standing
ambition =. she won lovely holi-
day centerpiece at that association
banquet Wednesday night. ;.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18
STORY HOUR IN LIBRARY

Children are invited to attend
the story hour in the public IL
brary Saturday morning at 10
O'Clock. Christmas stories will be
featured
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18

Ginny Dunn, wife of Ottawa
County's multiple Chevy dealer,
finally achieved a long-standing
ambition she won a lovely holi-
day centerpiece at that association
banquet Wednesday night. :.
Ottawa County news. (Port Clinton, Ohio) 1931-1956, 1953-12-18
bob-TaIes
by ROBERT w. REIDER.

Ladies attending that gift
laden auto dealers banquet
Wednesday night were re-
cipients of a special surprise. /,
Velma Sauvey, popular Otta-
wa County Clerk of Courts,
arranged for a shipment of
exclusive cologne by air direct
from New York's tony Stork
Club. lucky girls.