Taken from the
book – 150 years in the Hills and Dales Vol. II, 1976
517-286-6511
This history is heavily dependent upon
assistance from Mary Marker and the Wright Guide.
Wright Township is a real jewel in the county of Hillsdale, known in the United States survey as Township 8 south, of range 1 west. In 1835 it was an impenetrable beautiful forest. In some parts Wright is almost level, in others, a rolling surface. The soil varies from rich black loam, black sand next to Lenawee County, gradually turning to clay. The little St. Joseph River enters the township from Pittsford. Lime creek has two branches in the township, and the north branch flows from Lime Lake. The south branch flows into Medina Township, and then flows into Bean Creek. Lime Lake derived its name from the bed of marl that composed the north shore. In early days the settlers burned this marl to furnish lime.
The name of the township was changed from Canaan to Wright by act of legislature February 24, 1844. The name Wright was in honor of Honorable Silas Wright, a Democratic leader of New York State.
The lands of this township were rapidly
taken up, the whole township passing from government ownership into private
ownership shortly after the year 1835.
The following is a list of ownership in the year 1835, Section 4 –
Gates, Lothrop and Olney, Lewis Gates, Charles Converse, N. Bryant, David
Short; Section 5 – Lewis Gates, Mary Marshall, Royal Raymond, John Lickley,
David Short; Section 6 – Clement, Raymond Ames; Section 7 – Howland, Miller,
Thorn, Daken; Section 8 – Michael Lickley, Moser Moore, Stephen Thorn, James
Sager, James Thorn; Section 10 – Lewis Gates, John Skinner, A.S. Berry; Section
11 – Alexander Duncan; Section 12 – Job Littlefield, Alexander Duncan, Asa
Reed, Thomas Sawyer, William Cavender, Arthur Lucas; Section 13 – Alexander
Duncan, Thomas Sawyer; Section 14 – Alexander Duncan, Hiram Lucas, A. J. Comstock;
Section 15 – Nathaniel Silsbee, Samuel Coman; Section 17 – Issac Sturgis,
Stephen Thorn, J. Sawyer, Nathan Birdsall; Section 18 – David Short; Section 20
– Joseph Williams, Jane Shute; Section 21 – Joseph Williams; Section 22 –
Alexander Duncan, Joshua Tompkins, Samuel Coman; Section 23 – Alexander Duncan,
William Tappenden, William Raleigh; Section 24 – William Tappenden, Alexander
Duncan; Section 25 – Thomas Smith, Benjamin Brown; Section 26 – Thomas Smith,
Henry Gardiner; Section 27 – Langford Berry; Section 29 – Charles Covall, Jane
Shute; Section 31 – Charles Covall, entire section.
An early settler of Wright Township was
William Brewster, a descendent of Elder William Brewster, a well-known member
of the band of pilgrims on the “Mayflower”.
He came to Wright Township in 1841 and died there March 31, 1863 at 85
years of age. They were members of the
Presbyterian Church. Wright was late in
getting settled as compared to other sections of Hillsdale County because this
town area was, in large part, purchased by speculators who held the land for
many years before they sold it to settlers.
During 1836 the township filled up rapidly. The settlers of 1836, 1837 and 1838 had to endure great hardships. They had to clear the land of heavy timber before crops could be raised, and until this was done, they were dependent on the outside world for their provisions. These original settlers did not raise sufficient food for their needs and had none to spare. To import from points east took time and money. Many incidents of privation and hunger transpired in the history of nearly every family as there land was developed.
On April 12, 1837 the first white child was born in this township to Russell and Ann Coman, a daughter named Marian. The first frame house in Wright was erected by William Brewster in the spring of 1841 in section 14.
About 1869 Colby, McDonald and Company built a sawmill and gristmill. The gristmill had two runs of stone. The lower sawmill was built by Augustas Sellick in 1877. These mills were all run by steam power and were very busy and prosperous.
The village of Wright was small, and its
growth was in section 33 and 34. All
business establishments were located here.
But owners of land adjoining this on the south Section 3 and 4 in 1876
established a town known as South Wright.
In 1876 its name was changed to Waldron, named in honor of Henry
Waldron, a member of congress, and the village was platted in 1877. The Wright
Directory in 1872 read as follows: A.W.
Clark, Notary; Pratt and Bros., Mill; Dr. Evans, wagon maker; Dr D.V. Terry,
Physician; E.L. Foglesong, Blacksmith; Colby and McDonald, Sawmill; Colby and
Birdsall, Dry Goods; F. Smith, Dry Goods and Groceries; Dr. R.V. Morrison,
Physician; Double Hale, Mill; J.F. Farnham, Carpenter and Joiner. Waldron flourished as a progressive
mid-American town. An interesting part
of the town was the Elite Theater, operated in 1910 by E.J. Wilson featuring
silent movies and piano music by Mrs. Viers – entertainment typical of so many
towns of this time period.
Prattville is another old town of this township. In 1865 the only residence were William Bennett, Amos W. Clark, Nicholas R. Kipp, and Urian Mackey. They were joined in 1866 by Wellington and Henry Pratt from framinghom, Massachusetts and built a steam sawmill and in 1870 a gristmill. Later the machinery was sold and moved to Ransom Center. In 1872 a brick schoolhouse was built for $1400. By the year 1880 Prattville contained about 20 dwellings and 100 people.
The first church in Wright Township was Baptist, organized on October 29, 1847, by David, Lucetta, Martha L., and J.B. Woods, James and Lavina Hickley, and Mrs. Mary Raymond. Their Pastor was Rev. B.J. Lewis. A Methodist church was formed about 1854; A Wesleyan Methodist church was organized on March 11, 1855 in District 4. The first Christian Church of Wright was organized in 1860. The United Brethren in Christ Church was organized in 1867 by Rev. J. Lawes of Bryan, Ohio. The First Congregational Church was organized on March 12, 1874.
The History of Hillsdale County, Michigan in 1879 indicates that the oldest village is in the south part of the township, and the postal record establishes the name as South Wright, as of November 2, 1855, then the name was changed to Waldron on May 21, 1877. The story circulating among the elderly people is that “if the name were changed to Waldron in honor of Henry Waldron, he would donate the schoolhouse bell.”
The following is a list of postmasters from South Wright through the post office change to Waldron in 1879 up to present time 1952: Joel S. Hubbard, November 2, 1855; James M. Sexton, September 20, 1861; Thomas C. Thompson, May 7, 1866; Gideon L. Emerson, September22, 1869; Libbie Day, July5, 1882; James Forister, October 28, 1885; Charles H. Gorsuch, June 25 1889; Orin J. Gleason, March3, 1894; Edwin S. Gorsuch, February 3, 1898; Kern B. Wilson, January 8, 1915; Volney R. Reynolds, December 15, 1921; Max E. Wilson, January 9, 1934; Robert S. Mason, March 31, 1948; Dorris Wilson, November 15, 1950, Act.; Robert S. Mason, July 1, 1952.
Each year Waldron celebrates Labor Day with a large parade, homecoming, events, contest, chicken barbeque served by the Lions Club and Beauty Queen contest in the evening. In 1974, a quilt was brought for display by Mrs. Robert Stucky {Geraldine Shumway} of Bellevue, Ohio. From this story, printed in the September 4, 1974 issue of the Wright Guide, the businesses of 1910. This quilt was embroidered and appliquéd with the names of businesses people and firms of that year:
City Meat Market – Bart Laser: Mr. Laser was in Business from 1900 – 1928, later selling out to his nephew, Lester Laser, who is still in the grocery business, but in the location of the former Corser’s store. In 1975 Lester Laser celebrated 50 years of service in Wright Township in the grocery business.
Ed Kelley and Son: Grain and Coal has gone through a series of owners, namely, Dachsteiner, Rings and Greiser. Marcus Yager, to A.L. Rufenacht. In 1955 Mr. Rufenacht built a new elevator and in 1958, a new office building.
Peoples Bank: Ruel, Keeler and Shumway became Hubbard, Reynolds and Shumway and by 1921 when the Shumways moved to Ohio it became known as The Farmers and Merchants Bank. After a succession of changes in January 1935, it became part of the Hudson State Savings Bank. In June 1974, the Bank moved to the new location on the corner of Main and Center Streets where a new facility serves the community.
Millinery: Mrs. Frank Thompson, later Mrs. Nellie Shafer had this location, then Lena Howard. After that a barbershop operated by Herbert Lecuru occupied that area. In 1966 the building was torn down to be part of the remodeling of Lester Laser’s grocery store.
E.J. Wilson, Implement Dealer: Many memories of this building center around activities held on the second floor, which was called “Wilson Hall.” Plays, programs, basketball, skating and even commencement exercises were held there until the gym was added to the school.
A.S. Pilkenton, Dentist: There has not been a dentist in the village for many years.
Dr. Yeagley: Was the physician in the area until his death in 1943. His daughter and son-in-law, Mr. And Mrs. John Fox live in the residence and the former office is used as the office of the Waldron Telephone Company owned by Mr. Fox. In 1946, Mr. Fox purchased the telephone company, then operating on the west side of the street. With the conversion to “dial” the move was made across the street. Dr. James Barnes was a physician at 109 Center Street and Dr. L.E. Blanchard had office hours for a while in the 30’s in the building while various families occupied the residence. This was discontinued and the building used as a residence.
John Baldridge, Photographer: Some photographs bearing this name can be found in albums. No one succeeded him.
Avis Milling Company: Makers of Royal and Eclipse Flour. This mill burned about 1918 but another milling site was acquired near the railroad. The mill passed through the following owners: Mr. King, Mr. Hubble, Cort Raser, Dennis Clark, Vernon Young, William Waters, to the present Waldron Grain and Fuel.
B.F. Pettit: Dealer in candy, nuts, tea, coffee, and sugar. Shoe repairing neatly done.
B. Brewer, Hotel: Rooming house on East Center Street, property now used as the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Myers. The Property at 115 East Center Street was also a hotel at one time. McFarland’s sold this and the George Sodi family lived there; later E.D. Rutledge had his Insurance and Realty office there.
W.E. Cockin: General Merchandise, dry goods, boots, shoes, and groceries. This corner located business was sold to Charles and Ernie Moine who operated it until Elmer Abbaduska and son took it over. In 1943, Mr. and Mrs. L.V. Mason obtained the business and operated it until 1963, selling the business only to Cecil Lawrence, but retained the building selling it to the Wright Guide in 1965. We all appreciate the fine work of the Wright Guide in our area.
S.T. Baker: Weaver, fancy carpet and rugs. This business was located on South Main near the present County Road Base.
C.H. Gorsuch and Sons: “The old reliable Drug Store.”
W.B. Moore: “Sugar Beets a specialty.”
A.E. Towers, Barber Shop: There have been various barbershops through the years operated by Frank Thompson, Robert Walkup, Kenneth Abbaduska and Herbert Lecuru. At present, the only one is located in the Township Building and is operated by Richard Carmean.
Butler E.S. Terrill: Mr. Terrill operated a Drug Store in the village for over 50 years. He passed away September 5, 1974.
Waldron Recorder: L.W. Downs, publisher. The Waldron Recorder was established as a weekly paper in 1893. After Mr. Downs, the publisher, was Frank Nevin and then J.D. Driskill. The last publication was December 19, 1946.
Gleason Brothers Hardware: Was sold to Heacock and Snyder of Pioneer, who then sold it through Layton Coman to Mr. and Mrs. L.V. Mason in 1945. It was operated by R.S. Mason until 1948, who sold it to Carroll Hoffmaster. In 1962, Robert Mason purchased the building and moved the post office into the building located on the west corner of South Main and West Center Streets.
C.W. Leavely, “Poultry A Specialty”: In later years Frank Lester had a hatchery located on North Main Street.
F.J. Street: Confectionary and Groceries.
W.E. Halstead: Fancy Baked Goods Bakery and restaurant was operated by H.W. Andridge and son in 1938-1939. The building was torn down by the Hudson State Savings Bank to build their new bank building, which opened in 1974.
Eleanor
Simpson, Dressmaking
Mrs. Belle
Forrester, Dressmaking
A.D. Way Lumber: This Business was located in the south part of the village on the east side of the highway not far from the County Road Base.
A.W. MC McFarland “Old Reliable Blacksmith Shop”: A blacksmith shop in later years was operated by William Simmons at two locations on North Main Street. One location was south of the Wilson Building and one north where the present H and H gas station is. This was between 1912 and 1924 when he took up farming. For a time his shop was located near his home on South Main Street. The blacksmith shops gave way to garages and gas stations later.
One business not indicated on the quilt was the mortician, W.F. Barnes who was in business at that time. A clipping from a 1933 Waldron Recorder reads: “Greetings! My first Christmas in Waldron was in 1883. 17 years as physician at a time when the roads were not built for automobiles, and 33 years as Furniture Dealer and Funeral Director. Witnessed the building of the Cincinnati Northern Railroad through our village and many changes. Had an office on the so-called basswood block when the town burned down and with it all my earthly belongings. Always tried to do my bit in the support of our schools and churches and worked for the general uplift of our community. With kindest regards, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year. W.F. Barnes.”
M.F. Eagle came to Waldron in 1933 and opened his Funeral Home in what is now the William Stuck residence at 310 West Center Street. About 1936, Mr. Barnes and Mr. Eagle went into partnership and then in January 1938, Mr. Barnes retired and M.F. Eagle continued the business located at 122 South Main Street.
The furniture business was phased out and the building at 107 North Main later became the Township Hall. Since the new Township Building was constructed at 112 East Center Street, the former Township room is being used as Waldron District Library.
Peppermint Processing: Three brothers worked at this unique business. The brothers were James, Joe and William Borton, all living on Tuttle Road but at separate locations. The peppermint was put through a distilling process to make it a salable product.
Garages: With the improved roads, the discontinuing of the passenger trains on the Cincinnati and Northern Railroad, business of garages and filling stations came into being. A large brick garage was built on the area of 109 South Main Street. In 1919, Wilbur McCloe had a Ford Agency there. Later E.D. Rutledge had a Chevrolet Agency, also handling insurance. Around 1940, he took up residence and office for his Insurance and Realty in the house at 115 East Center Street sold to him by George Sodt.
A garage was also operated at 125 North Main Street for several years by Alva Smith and Earl Coman. It was later operated by Rex Gibbs and is now the Waldron Implement Company operated by Harold Dunn. A filling station is conveniently located next to it on the corner and is operated by present Roy Hall. It has been operated by the Eidenier family and earlier by Charles Hephner and his son, Harold.
A filling station was located at the corner of South Main and Church Street, 209 South Main Street. Stewart Maloney purchased it in 1940 and expanded the business and operated it until 1968, selling out to Hal Masters, the current owner. About 1940, the Lewis Oil Company owned a gas station at 135 South Main Street. This has progressed through various ownerships and is now owned and operated by Donald Bignell who also has a welding service.
In the 40’s Fred George operated a canning factory, south of the Lumber Company owned by the Wilson’s. It has been a sale barn operated by Charles and E.D. Rutledge and before that it was a furniture factory owned by Jake Myers. Some of the chairs in some Waldron homes trace back to this factory. In the late 40’s the canning factory burned and a modular home sets on the site at 318 South Main Street. The Lumber Company is in operation; K.B. Wilson and Max had the Lumber Company formerly owned by a Mr. Kruse from Hudson. They operated the business until it was purchased by Porter Lumber Company.
In 1938, the Gingham Inn was destroyed by fire. Roy Baer had this restaurant and ice cream parlor business. Later some of this area was rebuilt by the Kramer Manufacturing Company. During World War II Kramer Manufacturing operated a factory in this rebuilt cement block structure and the “Wilson Hall” building. Their offices were located on the second floor of that building. In 1962, Waldron Industries came to the village and occupied these buildings with their factory. In 1969 their new facility was completed and they moved to their present location at 335 Water Street. Their proper listing is Waldron Industries Division American Warming and Ventilating Inc.
A relatively new business for Waldron is the eggplant located at 109 South Main {once a garage}. This was operated by J. Clive Helferich. After his death the building was leased to Imco Poultry Company and their egg processing continues today.
In reference to fires, one clipping stated, “On May 6, 1889, fire leveled 32 buildings to the ground.” The first fire truck was purchased September 24, 1936, at a cost of $2,300. Anew one was purchased in 1951, a tanker in 1956, a jeep in 1969, and a modern engine in 1975.
E.D. Rutledge opened the sub-division at the west edge of the village in 1955, with Larry Drive, Bruce Court, and the park all in the plans. In 1959, the Rutledge's took their Insurance and Realty Business to their new home in this section. Other new homes were added and in 1962 work started on the park. The park was opened in June of 1963 when Waldron Homemakers Extension club gave the park three tables and a grill. September 6, 1964, the park was dedicated in memory of Robert Rutledge.
Dress shop: In 1959-60, Mrs. Joan Dunn operated a quality dress shop and bridal gown service at 110 North Main Street. One of the community “highlights” was a fashion show she put on with the cooperation of the Mother’s Club in the Waldron School gym. Due to poor health she closed her shop and about 1963, Mrs. Margaret Shaffer opened a restaurant in the same building and operated it successfully for two years. Later she was able to resume her talent in cooking with the Waldron School lunch program. After a series of owners, the restaurant is now being operated by Betty Sheffer.
Plumbing and Heating: Marion Simmons had a repair shop on South Main Street in the early 50’s. From 1958 to 1968, his business was located on East Center Street in one of the buildings, which later was torn down for the building of the new Township Hall. Mr. Simmons has relocated his machine shop, “Service and Sales” near his home on the corner of Hartley and Waldron Roads.
Beauty Shops: Through the years there have been a number of persons in and out of this occupation. Some are LeRoy Keyte, Martha Fiddler, Peggy Gendron, and Jeanette Kibbler. At the present time there are two shops operating: Petite Beauty Salon which is operated by Sharon Davis at 114 North Main Street and Louise Beauty Salon operated by Louise Masters at 104 North Main Rear.
Floor Covering: One of the new flourishing businesses in Waldron is Larry’s Floor Covering, which is located at 104 North Main Street, operated by Mr. and Mrs. Francis Smith.
Meat Processing: Hillsdale County Meats is located at 1156 Territory Road near Waldron and is operated by Donald Ledyard Jr.
County Side Grain: This large new grain operation is located on Broom and Coman Roads. The operator is Howard Laser.
Real Estate: Richard Masters of 1411 Lickley Road is in the Real Estate Business. James Schmucker has his office at 950 Hartley Road. The Rutledge Agency has celebrated a year in there newly “redone” office, which was the one vacated when Hudson State Savings Bank moved to their new facility.
Churches: There are three churches in Waldron, however, there is a change from time of the 1879 history. The Wesleyan Church was a white frame structure on West Center Street and the Methodist {M.E.} Church was a brick building on East Center Street. At some time during the ministry of Rev. A.D. Wright these groups merged and the brick church retained. The frame building was used by Leroy Wilson as an office for his Insurance Business and Clyde Yeagley also had his clover seed business there. After those gentlemen died the building was torn down and Mr. and Mrs. Max Wilson continued the insurance business in her home. The congregation at the East Center Brick Church became known as the Wesleyan Methodist. They have made two additions to their facility and added a large parking lot. The parking lot took the area of the former Alpha Martin Mill. The Church of Christ is located at 107 West Street and the United Brethren on the corner of South Main and Church.
Clubs and Organizations: Waldron Chapter No. 365 Order of Eastern Star chartered in 1908 was consolidated with Diamond Chapter No. 127 at Osseo in September 1965 and the Leonard Lodge F. & A.M. did the same with the Star Lodge at Osseo a few years later and their building was sold. The Knights of Pythias {K.P.} Hall is still in use and the Pythian Sisters are quite active in the community. The Hall is located above the Laser Food Market.
The Waldron Woman’s Literary Club, in its 68th year, is holding some of its meetings at the social room of the new Bank, the rest in homes of members. On Saturday May 13, 1967 the club invited a group of people to the Township Hall and during this meeting the “Senior Citizens” were organized. The officers were elected and they have been having interesting meetings ever since. For sometime they met at the Bank’s Social Room. Lions International is represented with a club, Veterans of Foreign Wars was organized in Waldron after World War II and the name is Leonard T. Simmons Post. A new building was built on East Center Street. Through the years there have been Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies and 4H for young people. Waldron School has active Future Farmers of America and Future Homemakers of America Chapters. Waldron Chamber of Commerce was organized in the late 50’s and sponsors the Labor Day celebration. The local firemen assist in this as they do in the very fine Ambulance Service started in 1971.
Community Improvements: These improvements have greatly helped the town: First the city water system in 1955, the sewer system in 1970, and telephone lines buried and private phones in 1971.
Song: Norval P. Smith wrote the lyrics and music for a song he entitled “Waldron My Own Home Town.”
Three school structures, all standing, fill three very different needs at the present time. The small brick school located at 106 East Mill Street is now the comfortable residence of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hall. The two-story brick barn owned by Leslie Graham was the school and a plaque on the building is dated 1879-1911. The structure on East Center Street served many years as Waldron Elementary and High School dates from 1906. The first high school {four year} diplomas were issued in 1907.
The actual consolidation of Prattville and Waldron Schools took place in 1945, however the last graduating class of Prattville was 1940 and the students came to Waldron between those years for high school during the change over. In 1954, a more extensive expansion began and work toward the new school was planned. The School Board and Mr. John Morrison, Superintendent, acquired the land on Waldron Road and the corner of Hartley Road. The Board of Education at this time was A.L. Rufenacht, President; Donald Williams, Secretary; John Ely, Treasurer; Donald Bernath and Harlan Caywood, Trustees.
The school year 1956-1957 started with the grades seven through twelve in the new facility and the class of 1957 was the first to graduate from the Waldron Area High School with Commencement in the new gym. The dedication and open house took place Sunday, February 3, 1957.
The elementary buildings at Prattville and Waldron were used for several years. In 1974, an addition was designed and built to the existing high school and on May 18, 1975, this structure was formally dedicated. The Superintendent was Dewey Schramm and the Board of Education was Coe Durling, President; Harold Meister, Vice President; Gary Leininger, Secretary; Kenneth Dickson, Treasurer; Leonard Peck, Dan Ulrich, and Roger Zimmerman, Trustees. The complete system now is centrally located on Waldron Road. The former buildings were closed and sold. Duane Rufenacht purchased the Waldron Elementary buildings and Rex Wolf the Prattville buildings.
The following were superintendents of the school system in the Waldron area: Charles Poor, Arthur Kalder, Russell Myers, D.T. Perrine, R.C. Young, Freemont Burger, Lawrence DeBoer, A.L. DeGreen, John Drake, G.C. Bradley, J.K. Dygert, A.F. Welling, A.B. Twiss, M.V. Ferguson, W.D. Moats, C.M. Simon, James Pepper, Leslie Graham 1941-1953, John <orison, D.H. Ponitz, Paul Shank, A.F. Welling, Marvin Patrick, Charles Rix and Dewey Schramm at the present time. Leslie Graham was superintendent for the longest number of consecutive years of service. Mr. Graham and Mr. Welling were the only superintendents to date who were local graduates.
In the History of Hillsdale County printed in 1879 we find the village of Prattville mentioned as a “village of modern growth”. In 1866 Wellington and Henry Pratt came form Farmingham, Massachusetts to the village having William Bennett, Amos Clark, Nicholas Kipp and Urian Mackey already residing about a half mile each way from the corners. A post office had been established called “cass” and the succession of postmasters given in the 1879 publication was as follows: Timothy Johnson 1848-death, Edwin Brewster about 1855, Edwin C. Brewster 1864, Henry M. Pratt 1867.
The name of the settlement was changed to Prattville about 1872. The Messrs, Pratt had a store but they also engaged in lumbering and Mr. J.T. Perry came, also from Massachusetts, in 1868 to operate a sawmill.
The fourth settler in the area, according to the Bean Creek Valley History by James H. Hogaboam, was Joseph L. Farnham. His grandson Harold {“Tink”} Farnham had a Variety or Hardware store on the northwest corner. This store was written up in Friend’s Magazine March 1951.
One business operated by the Bennett’s was a cheese factory. This was on the farm now owned by William Klinger. The Hills Brothers Brick and Tile business was operated west of Prattville, Luke and Abe Hills owned this business.
The Blacksmith shop was operated by Melvin {“Kirt”} Phillips. Mr. Maloney and Mr. Forman had also been associated in the business.
The Blacksmith shops and Wagon shop gave way to the garages of the years to come. One such garage was operated by Rex Dopp who retired and moved to Florida. The current Post Office is at this site.
The Kelly Brothers, Lloyd and Wayne, operated a garage {1940-1966}.
When hats were in vogue Mrs. Lynch sold hats and bonnets in her millinery shop.
Harold Durling had an ice business, which he sold to Lyle V. Mason, who operated it from 1926 into the early 1930’s. With the invention of Electric Refrigerators this occupation was no longer needed. The ice was harvested from Lime Lake and stored in an “Ice House” with sawdust and hay during the winter. The large cakes of ice were then transported by dray or truck to homes, stores, and meat markets.
Also at nearby Lime Lake the churches conducted Baptismal Services in the summer months. The land for the Prattville Cemetery was given by John P. Emens. The village had a Physician at one time. His name was Dr. Wesley Barnes.
The Grain Elevator was owned at one time by Frensdorf and Son and operated by Eugene {Gene} Harrison. This passed through a series of operators, some of whom are “Elick” Bricker, Paul Krieble and Harley Dennis.
The present grain company is called the Prattville Fertilizer and Grain Inc. It is owned and operated by James Briskey, Roy Worley and Floyd Webb.
Mr. and Mrs. Claude Neidigh gave valuable service to the community in operating the Telephone Company. They retired with the installation of the dial system about 1961. Mr. Neidigh had also been a barber.
The Cincinnati Northern Railroad played an important part in the development of Prattville. The following men were agents in the office. William Winn, G. Shear, Mr. Slimmer, A.W. Agnew, Dewey Blake, Clifford Long and some who worked both Waldron and Prattville when the office was closing. Most people think Mr. Blake was associated with the office the longest period of time.
The grocery stores through the years have been operated by a number of people. The McNair family was associated with the grocery business and their daughter Edna was was also in the business with her husband Clint Holland. Others are Fred Crisp, Leo Downer, Claude Neidigh, L.W. Large and “Cobbie” Thompson’s meat market. Lester Laser and his father James Laser bought their grocery store from Clyde Martin about 1925 and continued into the early 60’s. Lester Laser was appointed postmaster in July 1926 and continued to July 1966. During this time there was a rural route service. Clifton Tuttle was an assistant R.F.D. carrier from 1914 to 1918 and in 1918 became the regular carrier until retirement in 1954. Henry Lickly had preceded Mr. Tuttle as the rural carrier. After Mr. Tuttle’s retirement the R.F.D. was taken over by Hudson and Pittsford routes.
Mrs. Leona Hoffman operated a nursing home for about seventeen years 1950-1967 approximately.
The churches in the area are important to its history. The history of the Congregational Church is given in the section devoted to churches. The present Seventh Day Adventist Church was originally the Dunkard Church and changed about June 2, 1895 to the present denomination. This group has also maintained a school in the area.
The very early schools were discussed in the 1879 history. Some things relative to the more modern brick building, with its block gym addition, located south of the corner and on the east side of the street follow; Many activities centered there such as good baseball teams which were very successful. The Wolf boys and Sweigarts played enthusiastic games. There was an orchestra for many years, giving musical opportunity to students, under the direction of Donald McFate.
One graduate of Prattville High School, Dr. John R. Emens, went on to several honored educational positions in Michigan. He then became President of Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, from which he retired before his death. He was a descendent of the pioneer John P. Emens family. Through its years of distinguished service to the community the following persons have served as Prattville High School Superintendents from 1913 to 1940: Levi Porter, John Harriman, Jay Howald, Ray Barshney, John DeHann, George Dill, Howard Cook, Elbert Thompson, Donald McFate, Chester Snyder, Carleton H. Andrews, Roland Kahle and Clyde M. Simon. The High School students were then transported to Waldron, but the elementary school was maintained until the new building was completed at Waldron and the children were moved into the new facility in March 1975. Rex Wolf purchased the elementary property building, at an auction for $5,000 April 26, 1975.
Recreational facilities for roller skating and dancing were located over one of the stores. The fraternal order of Knights of Pythias and Pythian Sisters held meetings for many years. There was also a record of a hotel and a restaurant located in Prattville in by-gone years.
Prattville - By
Mrs. Arlow Welling
Mr. Doyt Timma