Thursday, April 2, 2026

Guns and germs

Democrat, April 1, 1926

BULLET

Fired Through Glass Door Narrowly Misses Kroger Store Manager

Bernard Rolfes, who recently became manager of the downtown Kroger grocery, located on the west side of Main Street between Fifth and Sixth streets, narrowly escaped death Monday night by a bullet from a revolver fired by some person through the glass of the door opening into the passageway on the south side of the building.

The bullet missed Mr. Rolfes only a few inches, splintered the upper edge of a shelf and struck the brick wall back of the shelving. The shot was fired about 8:30 o'clock, while he was alone in the store.

Whether the dastardly act was committed by an enemy of the new manager or for robbery or some other purpose of course is unknown, for although the officers were immediately summoned, the miscreant had made a safe getaway.

Tuesday, an officer of the company and a detective were here investigating but found no clue to the identity of the person who fired the shot.

Anti-Spitting Campaign

During the first week in May, the Franklin County Tuberculosis Association will conduct the annual Anti-Spitting campaign. The object of this work is to show how much disease is spread by this unsanitary and very offensive habit.

Monday, March 30, 2026

1921 fun, had by all

Democrat April 1921

Fairfield Class Party

The door bell being out of commission, a spoon and pan gave the alarm that the S.S. class taught by Alma Himelick had arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Snider, near Fairfield, on the evening of April 1.

A peanut hunt, which proved to be an April Fool joke, was participated in by a few. This started the fun to going.

Thirty-five members and visitors took part in the simple game "Gossip" which caused much merriment.

Stunts were performed, proving they were active young people. The boys and girls sang several songs, the boys proving themselves to be the singers of the evening.

At a late hour, lunch was served consisting of fruit salad and cake, at which Virgil Bowne and Chas. Linegar showed the girls that they were capable to serve the eats.

This class of young people extend an invitation to anyone who wishes to join it and assist in making it one of the best classes in the Sunday School.

Note: Yodeling, not included.

D. of I. Entertain K of C

It was an inexpressible joy and pleasant surprise to the Knights of Columbus to see the Daughters of Isabella render a prepared program at their joint meeting Thursday evening, March 31. It was beyond all expectation. With every number their enthusiasm increased. 

Much praise is due to Miss Lauterbach, who handled with exceptional ability, the work connected with this entertainment. The work was exemplified most beautifully by every character participating, each one displaying an intimate knowledge of her part, which reflected much credit to their teacher.

The program consisted of vocal solos by misses Helen Fries and Clara Smith, accompanied by Miss Hilda Geis, a reading "Robert of Sicily," by Miss Dorothy Reifel, a piano solo by Miss Agnes Humig, two comedies, "Not a Man in the House" and "How a Woman Keeps a Secret," in which 15 girls took part.


Saturday, March 28, 2026

1908 -- cars you couldn't afford

 








Or motorcycles either



Patent medicine -- you are cured!

 Ads from the late 1800s and early 1900s dotted all newspapers with ridiculous claims that are still being sold in the 2020s. Purge the poop, get cleaner blood. Castor oil.

"Tell your doctor if you are flatulent." 






Thursday, March 26, 2026

1919 news

Democrat July 1919

ANOTHER PIG

Feeding Club Formed in Bath

Another Pig Feeding Club is formed in the county. Boys and girls in the neighborhood of Bath have formed a club and are starting their pigs on feed.

It is their intention to make the Brookville and Laurel clubs work for the county prize, regardless of the interest the other two are showing in the start. There are other interesting points of competition; the three girls enrolled against the 11 boys, and the nine Franklin County members against the five Union County members.

The Bath Grange is offering to pay at least $15 on the expenses of the winner of a trip to the state Club Round-Up at Lafayette next spring.

G.L. Reed, County agent

Note: Bath kids knew how to have a snortful of fun

Buggy Wrecked

Reckless driving cause a serious collision Saturday night when a new buggy had two wheels wrecked by an auto near the residence of the late Samuel Masters on North Main Street.

A shade tree was ruined in the mix-up but none of the occupants of auto or buggy were hurt. 

Sunday School Picnic

The Fairfield M.E. Sunday School will have an all-day picnic next Saturday, Aug. 30. Come will well filled baskets and enjoy this all-day outing at the Noree Cory cottages, north of Fairfield. An excellent program has been arranged.