The War Years.

 

 

 

  The Youngest Soldier to Carry a Musket in the Civil War was from Crestline.

 Youngest Soldier
To Carry a Musket in the Civil War Enlisted
in Crestline
.

____________

Crestline Advocate

Very few Crestline people are aware of the fact that this city furnished to the nation the youngest soldier to ever carry a musket in America's Great Civil War. His name is James R. Thompson and he was born and reared in this city, and he lived here ten years or more after the close of the war. He married the daughter of Daniel Koontz east of Crestline and is the brother-in-law of of Abe Koontz, the well known contractor just west of the city. Thompson now lives in Ashley, Indiana and was calling on Crestline friends and family this past week. In company with Abe Seib he called at the Advocate office because it was the very room where the Advocate office is now located that Thompson enlisted in Company B of the 179th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Thompson tells and interesting story. He is now just 58 years old; will attain his 59th anniversary on July 18. It was on June 17, 1863, before young Thompson had reached his 13th year that he ran away from home and went to Mt. Sterling, Ky, where he enlisted with the Indiana Scouts. Just about that time they were taking anybody down in Kentucky and when young Thompson came along the recruiting officer looked over his specs at the kid, grunted once or twice, hurried through some slight formality, and Thompson was a Union Soldier. He served a year with the Scouts and was transferred to the 45th Kentucky Calvary. After a year and four months service in this regiment he was honorably discharged and came back to Crestline, just about that time


 

 Captain Lyman Parcher was organizing company in Crestline and the fever was strong in Thompson to get back into the fray again But it wasn't so easy this time. Although he served two years and four months and had an honorable discharge the recruiting officer said 15 years was too young for a kid to leave home and he was compelled to get the signature of his parents for his re-enlistment. Armed with the proper credentials
Thompson presented himself before Capt. Parcher in the room where the business office of the Advocate now stands. Parcher had a grocery store here at the time.
Thompson was twice injured during the war and for a time lay seriously ill with smallpox.
Thompson didn't know that he had the proud distinction of being the youngest soldier in the war until he read a notice in the Fort Wayne paper one day about a man in Indiana who claimed the honor. Thompson and the fellow got together, compared notes and it was found that the claimant to the honor was 14 months behind Thompson. The matter being brought to the attention of the war department Thompson was told one day that he should stop at Washington if ever he was down East. He did so and at that time his claim to the title was fully established and there is no likelihood that it will ever be denied.
The Thompson home in Crestline formerly was located where the residence of George Hood now stands on Scott Street.

Abstracted from the

May 20, 1909 Crestline Advocate-Crestline Public Library

 

 

 

 

 Our Boy's in Blue

 Crestline Chapter of the Grand Army of the Republic

 Ridenhour Heads State G.A.R.

 THOMAS RIDENOUR NEW G.A.R. COMMANDER
Ohio's “Boys in Blue” Elect Crestline Veteran to Head Organization.
Crestline Advocate

Crestline's lone Civil War Vetean, 94 year old Thomas Ridenour, will be commander of OHIO'S GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC having been elected by his comrades during their 74th annual encampment in Columbus this week. The past year Mr. Riddenour served as senior vice cpmmander of the state organization.
The aged man who marched with Sherman to the sea and was wounded in the left arm in the battle of Chickamauga rode at the head of the parade in Columbus Wednesday night, and with him was Franklin D Morris, 93 of Chardon, whom he succeeds as head of the states fast-dwindling ranks. Fourteen other veterans, 12 of whom are from Ohio rode in the parade one of the largest in years.
Although the opening session on Tuesday only found 9 veterans registered, sixteen later attended and voted to hold their 75th encampment in Columbus this year.
Other elected officers were David M. Robbins, 94, South Vienna, Senior Commander, and John Grate, 95 of Atwater, Junior Vice Commander. Rev. W.L. Studer age 93, of Columbus was renamed Chaplin. All were installed Wednesday morning.
The veterans made unanimous objection to American entry into the European war, after they heard an address by National Commander John E. Andrew, age 92, of Quincy, Ill.
Mr. and Mrs Ridenour went to Columbus Monday, the latter attending some meetings of some of the organizations affiliated with the G.A.R., which were in session simultaneously.

Abstracted from the June 20, 1940 Crestline Advocate-Crestline Public Library

 

Last Members of the Crestline G.A.R. in parade car.

Moses Lewis Morton in far right back corner of car.

 

 

 

 First Resident of Crestline to Give His Life in WWI

 

 

 First Resident of Crestline to Give His Life in WWI.
CRESTLINE BOY DIES IN FRANCE
Walter Kime Succumbs to Disease in French Hospital--
Was Employed at International Mfg. Co. Here.
_______________________
Crestline Advocate.

Word was received Wednesday night by the relatives of Walter G. Kime that he had given his life for his country in a hospital in France on October 6. Young Kime is the first direct resident to give his life in Europe. His death was due to an attack from acute neuritis.
Waltr G Kime was one of the early drafted men to leave Crestline having entrained from Bucyrus on October 4, 1917. He went direct to Camp Sherman but was trasferred to Camp Grant Ill; leaving there early in December and landed in France December 27. He was a mechanic and was employed in the car shops in La Rochelle, France, when the sickness overtook him and which caused his death.
The deceased was thirty years old, born on September 6, 1888. He came to Crestline a number of years ago from the family home at North Fairfield, Ohio, and made his home with his brother Howard Kime. He was employed at the international Mfg., and was a very fine young man with numerous friends who feel the sorrow of the family in their sorrow.
Walter's mother preceded him to the other world and he is survived by his father two sisters and three brothers , as follows—O. F. Kime, Charles and Howard Kime of Crestline; Ralph and Stanley at the family home in North Fairfield, and Bryan, now training in the U.S. Army at Camp Taylor, Ky; Mrs. Grace Jennings of Chicago Junction, and Mrs. Vida Mitchell, of North Fairfield.
Young Kime was quite a scholar and his letters home from France, which were frequently in verse, were always read with great interest and eagerly anticipated y members of his family and large circle of friends. For Walter Kime the blue star changed to Gold and his name will go down in history as one of America's heroes who made the supreme sacrifice that his country might be free.

Abstracted from the Crestline10-31-1918 advocate – Crestline public Library.
Picture of Walter G. Kime in uniform appears in the 11-07-1918 Crestline Advocate – Crestline Public library

 

 Edward McWhirter

 First Crestline Son Killed in Action 09-27-1918

 

 Another Lad Killed in Action
Edward McWhirter Gave His Life While Fighting the Enemy in France
Information Received at his home Last Tuesday Night.
__________________________
Crestline Advocate

While all the world is celebrating peace in the world war brought by the victory of American and Allied Arms, sorrow entered the home of Thomas McWhirter on East street in the Highland Addition Tuesday night when a messenger came from the war department stating that his son, Edward McWhirter had been killed in Action
September 27. The message was the ordinary kind sent by the Adjutant General in the war Department and carried only the news of the young man's death.
Young McWhirter has been away from his home in Crestline for some time but when he enlisted he was an inspector of pine fuses for the French government in New York City. He resigned this position early last spring and enlisted in a company of engineers recruited in the city of New York and sailed a short time later for France with Co.E. 102D Engineers.
Edward was 22 years old on the first of last April. He attended Crestline Public Schools and left Crestline to take employment several years ago. He is survived by his father and the following brothers and sister: Charles McWhirter of Crestline, Sergeant Frank McWhirter in France; twin brothers Ernest and Russle, employed at the Navy yards in Washington; John and Kathleen at home.
His Mother died last Christmas day in Crestline .
Edward McWhirter is the first Crestline boy to be killed in action while fighting the enemy. He had many friends among the young people of Crestline who will be grieved to hear of his death.


Abstracted from the 11-14-1918 Crestline Advocate – Crestline Public Library.

 

 

First Crestline Woman to Enlist in WWII

Dorothy Arter

Crestline Has Its First Wave
Crestline Advocate

Dorothy Arter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Arter, East of Town, enlisted in the United States Navy as a yeoman and last Wednesday, January 20, passed the extermination at Cleveland and is now home on inactive duty as an apprentice seaman V10 U.S.N.R. Miss Arter expects to be called sometime in February and will probably enter State Teacher's College, Cedar Falls, Iaa, for indoctrination and training, after which she will be sent to a coastal station for duty.
Miss Arter was graduated with the class of 1936 from Crestline High School; attended Business School in Mansfield and for the past five years has been employed by the Mansfield Tire and Rubber Company as secretary and will continue her work there until called into service.

Abstracted from the January 28, 1943 Crestline Advocate – Crestline Public Library.

 

 PFC Ralph A. Gearhart First Crestline Soldier to die

in Vietnamese War.

 PFC Gearhart Dies in Viet Nam War
Crestline Advocate

The first Crestline man to die in the war in Viet Nam was Marine PFC Ralph A. Gearhart, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward H. Gearhart , RFD 2.
PFC Gearhart was killed in action near Quang Tri, RVN, May 26, 1968.
A gunshot wound to the head was reported as the cause of death.
He was born here, February 1, 1948, the son of Edward and Louise Painter Gearhart. He was graduated from Crestline High School where he was an outstanding Athlete. Prior to entering the Marine Corps in October of 1967, he was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad as a brakeman in Indianapolis, Ind.
He is survived by his parents and two sisters, Mrs. Peggy Rachel of Ontario, and Mrs. Mary Lou Heiby of Galion and a brother Cary (Butch) Edward of Crestline. PFC Gearhart was a member of the First Methodist Church. Funeral Arrangements, which are being handled by the Beck Funeral Home, are incomplete pending arrival of the body. Burial with full military honors will be made at the Green lawn Cemetery.

Abstracted from the June 6, 1968 Crestline Advocate – Crestline Public Library.

Funeral for PFC Gearhart Is Thursday
Crestline Advocate


Funeral Services for PFC Ralph A. Gearhart, 20, the first Crestliner to die in the
Vietnamese war, will be June 13 at 2:00 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church.
Calling hours will be observed at the Beck Funeral Home until noon Thursday. The Body of the young Marine was brought to Crestline from Columbus on Monday night.
Rev. Olyn F. Hull, pastor, will officiate for a full military service, burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery.
Abstracted from the June 13, 1968 Crestline Advocate- Crestline Public Library

Mayor Asks Tribute for Slain Marine.


Mayor Robert L. Flohr, addressing City Council at the meeting Monday night, asked that local business, industry, and residents display their American Flags at half mast for one week beginning June 7.
The request was made to honor the memory of Marine PFC. Ralph A. Gearhart, the city's first serviceman to die in Vietnam.

Abstracted from the June 6, 1968 Crestline Advocate- Crestline Public Library.

 

 

 

 Lutheran Church Dedicates Flag to Soldiers

  Service Flag Dedicated
Twenty five stars on Flag
Presented Sunday at English
Lutheran Church.

Crestline Advocate September 10, 1942


A service flag bearing twenty five stars for young men, members of the English Lutheran Church now serving with the various branches of the armed forces was dedicated Sunday at the church hour. The Sermon Topic Presented by th pastor, Rev. S A. Metzger was entitled “On Two Fronts.”
The Flag was carried to the front of the church by Willis Kaler, and Mrs. Fritz Varga (Ruth Kaler) the honer going to them because of the death the past summer of their son and brother Ensign Emerson Kaler. Each young man whose star appeared on the flag was represented by some member of their family who followed the Kalers to the alter. Harry E. Rhodes, A. S. home on leave fro the Great Lakes Navel Training Station, was the only service man present.
Stars on the Flag represented the following. Ensign Emerson Kaler., (Gold Star), Sgt. Edward E. Laughbaum, Ensign Robert F. Teeter, and Pvt . Charles E. Thoman of the Air Corps. Candidate Clarance A. Armstrong, Corp, Harry Clark, Pvt, Robert Dick, T-5 Herbert J. Eichler, Pvt. Carl Eugene Fisher, P.F.C. Robert H. Glauer, P.F.C. Glen F. Hipp. Pvt Elwood Leicy, Pvt Herbert H. McNeal, Sgt. Robert Shindledecker, and corp. tech. Clarence Speelman, of the Army, Pvt. Carl F. Hagy, jr. Pvt, Russel Theodore Wood of the Marines; Richard L. Helfrich, A.S., Robert E. Hoffman, Ensign Joseph Lightburn, Lt. Charles E.F. Miller, Harry E. Rhodes, A.S., Clinton L. Schreck, A.S., Warren Jack Wood of the Navy and Ivan Leroy Hipp S.F.C of the Coast Guards.

Abstracted from the Crestline Advocate--Crestline Public Library

 

 Crestline Canteen and Service Center appreciated.

Praise For Crestline Service Center
Crestline Advocate
_______________

Crestline's Service center got another boost this week when Miss Mary Stephan wrote from from Waukegan, Ill., to Mayor Kindinger. Miss Stephan who has two brothers in the service and they went through Crestline recently to visit their Grandmother in Pittsburgh. She says: “ I know it must take untold dollars and much time to make all those sandwiches and cookies. It was the first time I had ever
seen a town do anything like that; even in our larger cities. Those women have a marvelous system. There must have been 200 men on the train that day that got off for food and in 10 minutes every one of them had something.
“The treatment given those boys in Crestline was worth more than money to them. There are lots of boys going home from distant camps who use every cent for railroad fare. I have been telling everyone around here about the very patriotic city of Crestline. Words are rather useless when you like to show your appreciation to people who are doing so much. I only hope that the boys from your town are finding such thoughtfulness, wherever they may be.

Abstracted from the December 5, 1942 Crestline Advocate-Crestline public Library.

 

 Crestline Women to Watch Railroad Crossings

Railroad Crossings to be Watched by Women
Crestline Advocate
_______________________

Women will enter a new phase of railroad work in Crestline now with the advent of women watchmen at the street crossings. Two women have been hired for the Thoman Street Crossing and it was the first of the week they were due to go to work any day. Only two women will be used as they cannot be worked after 10:00 at night. Other spots will be taken care of by women as fast as they can be secured and men are called for work women are not able to do.

Excerpt abstracted from the 11-19-1942 Crestline Advocate-- Crestline Public Library

 Bob Frye OSU Halfback from Crestline, Oh Enlists and Fights

War Correspondent Meets Crestline's Bob Frye
Crestline Advocate
______________


Cincinnati, April 23 --- Private Robert Frye, Crestline, former Ohio State Football player, is now playing in the biggest game of his life.
A halfback on the Ohio State Football Team of 1942, Pvt. Frye is now fighting with the 96th Division
on Okinawa, according to a dispatch from Milton Chase, station WLW war correspondent in that area.
Chase met the Crestline Soldier in the tent of Army Chaplin, Captain Howard Patrick, former Methodist minister from Spencer, Ohio.
Private Frye is attached to a survey section, and it is his job to plot various gun positions, to coordinate the fire of batteries and to prevent American shells from falling on American front—line positions.
From Chaplin Patrick, the WLW correspondent got some idea of the furious struggle on Okinawa.
Artillery men, unable to leave their position, hold church services on the field. Gun barrels are still warm and nearby pieces continue to bark as prayers are said.

Abstracted from the April 26, 1945 Crestline Advocate--Crrestline Public Library

 

 Crestline Students Seize and Burn German Text Books

 German Books Destroyed.
Crestline Advocate

While the government war picture, the “Remaking Of A Nation” was being shown in Crestline Monday evening, Crestline school boys put an end to the German text books used in the public schools by making a bonfire of the books on the High School campus.
The books had been taken from the schools during the past week and hidden with their ultimate end in view and the boys seemed to think Monday night was just the right time to clean out the text books of the enemy language.
Weeks ago the Board of Education unanimously decided to eliminate the study of German from the Crestline Public Schools at the close of the present school term, so that burning the books merely served to bring an end to the study somewhat sooner than had been expected. Superintendent Welshimer substituted other studies and the work of the schools moved along smoothly as usual.

Abstracted from the April 18, 1918 Crestline Advocate – Crestline Public Library.

 

 

 

Cresline Homing Pigeons prepared to Fly For the United States in The War 

Tom Walker, John Varga, and William Garrett Prepare

Pigeons in Their Lofts

 

 Crestline Pigeons may fly for the U.S. Signal Corps.

Efficiency of Carriers in Indicated in the Trial Flight the Past Week.

By Delores Romigh
Crestline Advocate August 20, 1942

Crestline pigeon fanciers are doing their part to win the war and also enjoying a grand sport at the same time.
Homing pigeons played and important part and came into prominence during the last war and have assumed their obligation in the present conflict. Many of the birds are already being skillfully trained by their owners to enable them to carry valuable messages in actual combat should the United States government feel it is necessary to call them.
Over 300 Homing Pigeons are being trained and cared for each day right here in Crestline. Perhaps some day one of them shall earn for itself in World War II, such enviable and honored records as many very famous carrier pigeons did in the last war – for example, Mocker.
Credited with having saved the whole 77th division, A.E.F., is the famous pigeon Mocker. As records relate, the division had been unable to locate German Guns that were pounding the Americans. By chance a scout located the position of the enemy fire, realized that there wouldn't be a chance for him reaching his division alive if he left his observation post. It was then that Mocker started his valiant journey.
With the precious message written on paper and attached to his leg, in the regulation small capsule like container, Mocker was released on September 12, 1918. Before an altitude high enough for safety could be reached the side of his face and one eye was torn away. Weak from loss of blood and frantic for with almost unbearable pain, the bird sank to the ground where he was reasonably safe, but as soon as he could rally, soared upward through the fire and and made it safely back to his division. The information he carried served to help the Americans silence the guns that had almost annihilated them.
Cher Ami was another valiant winged messenger who, despite a broken breast bone and fractured leg, carried on and delivered a message which eventually led to the rescue of a lost battalion.
The army has gone in for pigeons in a big way, having been convinced of the unbelievable fortitude and skill of these famous military messengers. Although in use for thousands of years, these homing pigeons were first used by General Pershing in the Aisne-Marne Drive, when Seventy two birds were released during actual combat without the loss of a single message. Today the pigeons are being used by the Army, Navy, Air Corps, Coast Guard, Marines and Secret Service. They are an honored branch of the Army Signal Corps and receive training at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.
Due to the widespread publicity given to the activities and usefulness of these birds , today, as never before, the Homing Pigeon occupies a a unique and respected position in the minds of the people of the United States , instead of being greeted with the former amused tolerance.
Crestline should be mighty proud of her three men who have entered wholeheartedly into skillfully and lovingly training their Homing Pigeons, not only for the sport, and thrill which these pigeons fanciers receive form racing their birds, but also to train them for service. All Homing Pigeons are subject to the draft by the United States Government, should an emergency arise deeming such an act necessary.
Tom Walker, of the Standard Oil station at the corner of Seltzer and Scott street is and enthusiastic pigeoneer in the training of Homing Pigeons in this section , and has frequently mentioned his birds to me as I have passed by there on my way to and from work. And last week, I received one of the greatest thrills and spend a most interesting afternoon . After you have heard about it, I don't doubt but what you'll be a trifle envious and become as interested in these pigeons as I have.
Three Crestline men, Tom Walker, John Varga of Scott street, and William Garrett of St. James street, along with President Don West, Secretary James Rowan, and Kenneth Black, Frank Simon and C.G. Kochieser of Galion are members of the North East Ohio Club. Affiliated with the American Racing Pigeon Union . These men are not alone in their love and interest in pigeons as the Union includes the United States, Cuba, Canada, and Hawaii, and embraces some 15,000 members. Tenny Wright Production Manager at Warner Brothers Studio in Hollywood, California and movie actors Andy Devine and Roy Rogers along with many other famous personages are included in this membership. Mr Walker and Mr. Wright are very well acquainted through their mutual love of their pigeons and correspond regularly.
A talk with any of these men would convince you that their heart is certainly in their work and all together they are training over three hundred Homing Pigeons; Mr. Walker approximately 60, Mr. Varga 150, and William Garrett about 100.
But to get back to my exciting afternoon.
The birds are exercised every other day being taken miles from their home and turned loose to fly back. In addition to this, they receive an hour and a half of exercise every day flying around the loft. One day last week when it was time to take the birds to a distant destination, Mr. Walker was kind enough to ask me to accompany him. I'm glad I went. We took about fifty five or 60 birds into Logan County near Bellefountaine to turn them loose-that being the highest point in Ohio. And on the way down Mr. Walker explained the following interesting things.
Racing these pigeons is very thrilling sport. The average lifespan of a Homing Pigeon is 10 years, although they are raced only until they are about 7 years old. Birds under 1 year old are considered as young birds and are raced in the Fall;-those over 1 year, the old birds, are raced in the spring. A pigeon trained, fit and bred of good stout stock can fly 500 miles at an average of 40 miles an hour.
Homing Pigeons however, must be trained and taught to return to their home base. Young Pigeons, flying for the first time are taken only a short distance from the home loft; the second time a little further, and thus the distance is slowly increased until they are capable of flying hundreds of miles. Many times the pigeons become lost and do not return home, but their owners want only the best and most reliable pigeons, and if the pigeons must be lost they are glad it is in the early stages.
Pigeon fanciers have often wondered how these lost birds reacted. All pigeons are very home loving birds and when away can hardly wait to return. Much study is given to how these birds lost in flight manage to survive without the attention and affection they seem so to require.
Pigeons being sold by their owner to other pigeon fanciers generally require several months to get accustomed to looking upon their new lofts as the home to which they must return after the flight. The Signal Corp, however has birds which in three days time time can adapt themselves to new surroundings. Most homers will stop flying when darkness approaches, but by training them very young to fly in the morning and then each day making it a little earlier until they are flying in total darkness , much has been done to overcome their natural fear of darkness in these specially trained messengers of the sky.
The first race for young birds this season was held Sunday at Bellefountaine with Tom Walker claiming ownership of the winner. The second race will be next Sunday with the starting point at Sidney Ohio.
Before the race a leg band bearing his number is placed around the pigeon's leg for identification. This band is in addition to the seamless aluminum band which is placed upon one leg when he is one month old and remains there permanently, expanding as the bird grows. These permanent bands are furnished by the American Racing Pigeons Union and bear the year of birth of the pigeon – the letters NCO (North Central Ohio Club) and their number.
The day before the race all members of the club bring their pigeons to a designated place have a collar made (records by the secretary of each bird, taken from the leg bands.) All are placed in sealed crates and shipped to their point of starting. The express agent turns them loose and forwards to the club members the time they were released and the weather conditions . All birds are given water before they are released. Each bird returns to his own loft and upon the pigeon's arrival at home the first two must be caught the leg band removed and placed in a clock which is sealed and positively fake proof.
For a short race the clocks are opened and tabulated the same evening, but for a longer race, all members convene the next night for the results. The clocks can be opened, only in the presence of all the club members.
Perhaps the timing devices should be explained. All birds are released at the same time. Upon their arrival to the home loft, the band of the first pigeon is placed in the clock, the lock turned and immediately the clock starts, There are two clocks inside and the same is done with the second leg band. These clocks have been sealed before the race and cannot be changed or altered in any way. When the clocks are unsealed in the presence of all the club members the length of time the clock has been running is determined and from that they can tell how long it took the bird to return home.
Diplomas are awarded to all of the winners, giving all statistics – bird number, owner, race station, air line distance , yards per minute the pigeon flew, the point of liberation , miles flown, weather conditions, etc. Blue seals denote that the bird won first place and red seals that they came in second. And don't think for a minute that those awards aren't treasured possessions.
The speed a pigeon flys is measured by the yards per minute that they flew and the distance in miles is figured in air line distance – the shortest way from point to point which the pigeons have an uncanny faculty for finding instinctively. The longest distance which the local homers will be sent during the fall races will be to Missouri.
All pigeon lofts have to be inspected by examiners for size and condition. Etc. and all pigeon lofts in the United States have to be registered with the government. Some lofts have already been drafted by the United States for war purposes but their locations are not made known.
Out of curiosity I asked Mr. Walker what his pigeons ate and he said they were fed a variety of corn (Kaifer and flint) Canadian peas, vetch, hard wheat and hemp seed. Some diet! Imagine flying all of those miles for a meal like that!!
By the time we had reached our destination and set about to release the birds, being careful to choose a place with good vision and no wires so that none of the birds were injured during take off.
The birds in their crates seemed to know what was coming off and were excited , nervous and anxious to be on their way. And I got to release them. Gee! “t'was swell.!
We released the birds at 2:58 p.m. They all flew out of the crate together and then went directly overhead. They turned in a northeast direction, gradually weaving back and forth , getting their bearings. At last they headed straight east toward home. Exactly 1 ½ minutes after they were released the pigeons were out of sight.
Johnny Varga here in Crestline was going to time the birds when they arrived in their lofts and of course, we were in a hurry to get home and see just what kind of time they made. But the birds beat us home! They arrived all at once at 4:27 having flown 55 miles air distance in one hour and twenty nine minutes and beating us home by 33 minutes!
And those pigeons are really beautiful birds, ranging in color from almost white to dark gray and brown; they have green and maroon and many other neck colorings. They're very peaceful and intelligent looking birds and have been frequently called the “Doves of Peace”.
Mr. Walker was a pioneer in Homing Pigeon training around here and is quite attached to the birds as are other young men . Each Bird has a pedigree dating back twelve or fifteen generations and there are birds in Crestline lofts whose grandparents are among those famous birds successfully flying the English Channel . Thousands of birds have lost their lives attempting that feat. And to prove the monetary value of these birds, local fanciers have turned down offers of as high as $100.00 for a single pigeon. It is easy to see that in the 2000 years of their existence, the homing pigeon has initiated and maintained a fine standard both in war and peace. The feathered soldier of today have learned tricks that would have surprised Decimus Junius Brutus. , the first captain to harness homing pigeons to his war chariot, flying them with messages to relief legions over the head of Mark Anthony's besieging force. After 1870, when the beleaguered Parisians flew pigeons over the Prussian's heads in the same old way, men thought the the inventions of Bell, Marconi, and Morse would combine to put the war pigeon out of business. But World War No. 1 proved them wrong. By the time the Armistice was signed, the British Army alone had 22,000 pigeons, 150 mobile lofts and 400 soldier pigeoneers, when the A.E.F. Signal Service, starting in 191 with only 14 pigeon men, finished with 6,000 birds, 5 lofts and 324 men. And time lapsing between the last war and this, has placed the birds in their present honored position-irreplaceable by any modern inventions.
Although the average life of a pigeon is 10 years-there are exceptions to the rules, and “The Kaiser” proves it, having now lived through two wars.
“The Kaiser” is probably the oldest Homing Pigeon in the world. Captured from the Germans during the World War in 1918, continued investigation showed that the bird was reared in Coblenz, Germany and was hatched in January 1917. This 25 year old veteran has been spending his final days at the U.S. Army Pigeon Center, Ft. Manmouth, New Jersey, but last week was moved to the new SignalCorp Replacement Training Center at Camp Crowder, Missouri.
But Really Folks, there are so many interesting and worthwhile things about pigeons that I'm unable to tell you. I am sure either Mr. Walker, Mr. Varga, or Mr. Garrett would welcome your earnest enthusiasm and be glad to show you the birds and explain more fully the intricate details. They're a grand bunch and the birds are tops! -

Abstracted from the August 20, 1942 Crestline Advocate -Crestline Public Library.

 

 

 

 Crestline First Again
Crestline Advocate
_______________________

Leads All the Schools of the County
in Sale of War Savings Stamps for the Year 1918

Again, the people of Crawford County must doff their hats to Crestline for another war work accomplishment. This time a careful tabulation of reports for the year 1918 shows that Crestline Schools stand head and shoulders over all other schools in the county in the sale of War Savings Stamps, estimated on the basis of pupils enrolled, for the year 1918. The Crestline Schools sold stamps to the total value of 14,0057.46 of an average of $20.08 per pupil enrolled. The Bucyrus Schools come second with and average of $14.43 per pupil and a total of $29,948.50, the county schools are third with an average of $6.39 per pupil or a total of $11,415.43 while Galion Schools are on the tail end if the list with an average of only $2.23 per pupil and a total of only $2,822.50. for the entire year for their schools. In the face of the report for all schools of the State the Galion Schools made a regrettable showing, there being only three schools in the entire state whose showing was worse. These are the country schools of Huron county with and average of $2.08 per pupil, the Struthers Village Schools, of Mahoning County with an average of $2.03 per pupil and the Niles Schools with an average of $1.43 per pupil. Of these only the Struthers Schools sold a total less stamps than Galion.
The report also shows that the average sales per pupil for the Crestline Schools was twice the average sales for the entire County and while Crawford County stood in the seventieth place among the 88 counties of the state Crestline Schools stand thirty-ninth among the 250 reporting schools of the State.
Curiously enough the schools at Bridgeport have the highest average per pupil for the state and these schools are in charge of former Crestliner, Prof. S.A. Gilett, as superintendent. The Bridgeport average is $85.04 per pupil and they haven't even any close competitors for the honor.
The pupils of Crestline Schools have much reason to be proud of the excellent showing the have made in this war work reported for the year 1918.
G.H. Beck is chairman for the War Savings Stamps for Crestline.

Abstracted from the January 30 1919 Crestline Advocate – Crestline Public Library.

 

 29 Gold Stars Honor Crawford County Dead

 29 Gold Stars
Crestline Advocate

________________________________

Will Be Place on the Crawford County Memorial Tablet to Honor Our Hero Dead.

Gold stars for 29 Crawford County Men who have died in the service of their country, at the front or in camp, are due to be placed on the County Memorial Tablet at the Court House, in Bucyrus, Ohio.
The county has lost 29 men to date, of whom 19 died in the camps from the influenza epidemic, within the brief space of a couple of weeks. Six have been killed on the west front in the fury of fighting. One died abroad from disease. Two were killed at home while in the Aviation Service.

 

 

Roll Call
 

 

 Crawford County – War of 1914.

Killed Abroad

Walter E. Bauer, Bucyrus
Joe W. Chapman, Galion
Ora C. Cole, Dallas Twp.
Ralph Bender, Auburn Twp.
Frank M. Lisse, Galion
Karul Hurr, Bucyrus

Died Abroad.

William August Haffner, Bucyrus.

Killed at Home
Harry J. Myers, Bucyrus
Donald H Charlton, Bucyrus

Died at Home
Eugene Beaston, Bucyrus
Carl Geiger, New Washington
David O'Donnell, Bucyrus
Jay Glen Lamb, Galion

Lawrence Carlin, Galion
Carl W. Kehrer, Whetstone Twp.
William E. Staiger, Sulphur Springs
Conrad Eisinger, Bucyrus
Forest K. Ranck, Lemert
Charles A. Jordan, Cranberry Twp.
Wayne D. Davis, Bucyrus
Elmer J. Shifley, New Washington
Arthur C. Kafer, Sulphur Springs
Clarence H. Smith , Lykens Twp.
Albert Hoffman, Crestline
Gilbert Schultz, Galion
Charles Gleason, Bucyrus-Galion
Lewis Garbrock, Bucyrus, Flint MI
Edward Tschannen, Lemert
Patrick J. Burns, Bucyrus

Abstracted from the October 24, 1918 Crestline Advocate-Crestline Public Library

 

 Boy Scout Wins Medals
Crestline Advocate
_____________

To John McWhirter goes the honor of winning two gold medals for his efforts in the sale of Thrift and War Savings Stamps and Liberty Bonds. The Boy Scouts under the direction of Scoutmaster E.N.Cullums, were put in the field the last ten days of the Third Liberty Loan campaign and were offered prizes by the U.S. Treasury Department for selling $250.00 in Thrift or War Savings Stamps to at least twenty-five different people and for receiving orders for Liberty Bonds from at least 10 individuals.
John immediately set out to earn the medals offered and at the start sold $1000 in war stamps to one individual. This made him four times the amount needed, but the rule that said he must have twenty-five purchasers made it necessary for him to continue his work and he soon had a total of $2220, which entitles him to the Scout Ace Medal. In addition to this he took subscriptions for fourteen Liberty Bonds, totaling $1,000, for which he earned a second medal. He wears a button as an achievement award for securing the 25 customers.
John is the son of Tom McWhirter, of East Street, and is an enthusiastic member of the Boy Scouts organization He says he enjoyed doing the work for which he received his medals, because he felt he was doing the small boys part in helping the cause, since they were too young to enter the military service. He has a big brother Frank McWhirter, on duties over seas.
Other Crestline boys have sold a number of bonds and stamps but have not as yet met with the full requirements to earn a medal.

Abstracted from the June 13, 1918 Crestline Advocate-Crestline Public Library
Note: Scout John McWhirter would loose his older brother Edward McWhirter, First Crestline Son to die in Action 3 months later September 27, 1918.
A picture of this boy scout accompanies this article in the Crestline Advocate.

 Crestline school students encouraged to save fruit seeds

 Save Fruit Seeds.
Crestline Advocate

Here is an opportunity for Crestline boys and girls to help win the war.
Poison gas was one of the first fruits of Kultur. It stings, blinds and kills.Charcoal or carbon made from fruit pits and nut shells is used to neutralize the gas.
The Government needs carbon. It asks the boys and girls of America to save:
Peach Pits,Apricot Pits, Plum Pits,Cherry Pits,Prune Pits,Hickory Nuts,Walnuts and Butternuts.
Dry the pits thoroughly in the sub and take them to school. Two hundred peach or, seven pounds of nuts produce enough carbon or one gas respirator.Carbon is made from the fruit stones
and nut shells.

Abstracted from the September 12, 1918 CrestlineAdvocate—Crestline Public Library.

 

 

 

 

Wrigley Gives Tin-Foil to Government
Crestline Advvocate
____________

To help meet the needs of the Government, Wirgleys will discontinue the use of tin-foil as a wrapping for “ Juicy Fruit” chewing gum, in order to release this valuable material for Uncle Sam.
Hundreds of thousands of pounds per week of tin-foil will thus be made available to the Government, it is said. “Juicy Fruit” will here after appear in the hermetically sealed pink wrapper same as “Spearmint”. “Doublemint” will also be wrapped in waxed pink paper, instead of green.


Abstracted from the October 24,1918 Crestline Advocate – Crestline Ohio.