450 - SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY Blessed is the man who has soul to catch the silent music—to live above the discords of earth life and catch the immortal strains. The radio simply receives vibrations that always have been in the air, and while the pioneers were circumscribed in their understanding of things about them, thinking that any pleasure not an absolute necessity was sin, whenever the Song Sparrow orchestra started up its musical cadences with Mr. Cardinal as chief soloist and musical Bob White as the conductor, the hoe seemed to move more rapidly down the long rows of corn; when the whole earth seemed fair and good why should the settlers stop their ears—why shut out the woodland music ? Those who now occupy the stage of action are glad their ancestors were unable to banish music from the world ; the stately rhythm : "When Music, heavenly maid, was young, When first in early Greece she sung," has no geographical limitations, and many join in the refrain : "I want to hear the old songs, I never hear them now— The tunes that cheer the tired heart And smooth the careworn brow," and when sufficiently urged there are men and women still lingering about the community who sing them ; it was demonstrated at the Yarnfest. When an aged violinist struck the notes of Nelly Gray the people sang it. James Whitcomb Riley said : "Thinkin' back's a thing that grows On a feller, I suppose ; Older 'at he gets, I-jack, More he keeps a thinkin' back," and that is essential in gathering up the scattered threads in any department of history. When a violinist who played a very old instrument—old enough that he called it a fiddle—emphasized that fact in securing an orchestral engagement he was assured : "No one will ever know the difference," but it seems that in a musical way many persons adhere to the old order of things. The hymn writers of the past seemed to leave little in the way of religious training for the hymnologists of the future ; those who write the hymns of the church have much to do with shaping theology. To the tune of Duke Street church-goers everywhere sing the line : "Our exiled Fathers crossed the sea," and in the second stanza of the same hymn is this further bit of American history : "Laws, freedom, truth, and faith in God, Came with those exiles o'er the waves ; And where their Pilgrim feet have trod, The God they trusted guards their graves," and the hymn writers have demonstrated that both religion and patriotism may be incorporated into the hymns the people sing ; while more than SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 451 300 years have cycled by since the time when "Our exiled Fathers crossed the sea," music still repeats the story. In the old days when because of the scarcity of church hymnals the minister "lined the hymns" by reading a line and then asking the congregation to join him in singing it, a feeble old divine from the pulpit one day exclaimed : "Mine eyes are dim, I cannot see," and when the congregation sang the words, he explained : "I did not mean it for a hymn ; I only said, 'Mine eyes are dim,' " and again they sang in unison, but as to the origin of songs it is said that more of them developed in the Civil war than in any other one period in American history. Historians say that "Nelly Gray" did as much to create anti-slavery sentiment as did "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and another song of the period, "Tramp, Tramp Tramp," while there are Civil war veterans or sons of veterans to sing it. In a short time everybody was singing: "We Are Coming, Father Abraham," and then came the plaintive song: "Just Before the Battle, Mother," and finally, "Tenting Tonight" was the expression of saddened hearts ; while people were awed at the prospect of emancipation there came another song: "Wake Nicodemus Today" that was more joyful, and just at the opportune time came, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." The words from the pen of Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, with the lilting chorus, "Glory, Glory, Hallelujah," is recognized as a national air, and Springfield people frequently sing it. "The Vacant Chair" was one of the saddest songs coming out of the Civil war—unquestionably the song-writing period in United States history. It is conceded that only war and love stir the emotions ; the people do not sing about the high cost of living, and even woman's suffrage does not bring forth enduring lyrics ; the world does not sing of the Panama Canal, which was the greatest engineering feat of the ages and the fruition of the hopes of many years. Perhaps "Tipperary" and "The Rose of No Man's Land" will live in history ; nothing has come out of the World war to compare with the songs of the Civil war. While the old-fashioned singing school had its part in perfecting the congregational singing of hymns—dignified verse set to stately tunes that revealed the whole plan of saving grace, the Civil war songs taught patriotism to everybody. The people sang them with spirit, and the line : "Take tip your gun and go, Min" was an irresistible appeal to the young men of the North. It is said the curse of modern music is commercialism ; that singing for money is different from singing for love of it. Coleridge says, "Genius is the power of carrying the feelings of childhood into the powers of manhood," and after the singing schools of the past had enabled the people to sing collectively they soon began sitting in groups in the churches, and thus was evolved the choir—the "war department" of the church today. The enriched church service grew out of the trained singers giving their time and talent to such things. For a number of years music has been incorporated into the course of study in the Springfield and 452 - SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY Clark County public schools, and a technical knowledge is acquired while pursuing other studies. It is known that a fund was created by President George Washington from which to establish a national conservatory of music, and recently musicians are investigating it. While Berlin once swayed the musical world, the discord of war destroyed the harmony there for Americans, causing this country to rely upon its own resources, and home talent meets the requirements. Because of his knowledge of local music, Prof. Arthur R. Juergens was appealed to, and he writes : "About fifty years ago when Springfield was only a village, the community could offer little inducement to the trained musician and thus musical endeavor for the most part was amateurish. Professor Burbank was a painstaking, energetic musician who gave an impetus to musical activity by organizing a large mixed chorus in Springfield ; this chorus studied the works of the masters, and gave a number of high grade concerts. Professor Burbank believed that the musical training of the child should be principally founded on a knowledge of the subject, and he therefore introduced regular class examinations in theory in the public schools and required memorizing of definitions. As a basis for instruction he used the Lowell Mason Music Series, a methodical and thorough text book containing much excellent song material. When Professor Burbank eventually resigned as teacher of music in the public schools of Springfield he was succeeded by Professor Hardick, who continued the same educational policy, these two early musical instructors perhaps more than any other factor changing the musical aspect of the town. Professor Hardick was a thorough musician of the old German school and an excellent piano instructor. Some of the best Springfield musicians, among them Charles L. Bauer, received from him their first piano lessons. Prof. Victor Williams of Cincinnati, the next public school music instructor, was an excellent violinist and a man of pleasing personality. Mr. Williams, contrary to Mr. Burbank's method, placed greater emphasis on tone-quality and expression in the music instruction. He held the position for a few years and then located in Richmond, Indiana. C. W. Stanage, who succeeded Williams, was an earnest advocate of the countrywide movement in favor of more sight-singing instruction in the schools, thus to some extent side-tracking the Williams method. In 1892, when Mr. Stanage resigned, came Arthur R. Juergens, a well trained Cincinnati musician, who was at one time a pupil in the public schools of Springfield. While he had some experience as a school teacher he had primarily followed private voice teaching and chorus and orchestra-conducting in Cincinnati ; he had also filled positions as organist and choir leader in Cincinnati churches. While he believed that the child should be well grounded in sight-singing and theory, so as to meet the practical demands of the church and home, yet he placed greater stress on the refining influence of music and on its importance as a medium for self-expression. Mr. Juergens also contended that every normal child can be taught to sing, and he soon won over a majority of the regular teachers to his viewpoint. It was a fortunate circumstance that Prof. Carey Boggess, a man of musical taste and ability, was for almost a generation the superintendent of the public schools ; he not only supported the music supervisor in his endeavors, but also took a lively interest in the musical activity SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 453 of the community. Af ter several years of earnest work on the part of the regular teachers, word came from the Sunday schools and churches that the effect of the vocal instruction in the public schools was apparent in the improved singing in the classes and choirs. Children's choruses and orchestras were organized in the schools and frequent public performances gave the parents an opportunity to judge of the progress made ; for many years the children's chorus furnished the music at the annual high school commencements. In 1897 a notable school entertainment was given for the benefit of the fire sufferers of the East Street shops and the local Young Men's Christian Association. On this occasion a school chorus of over 500 children, dressed in appropriate colored gowns, represented a living United States flag ; the proceeds of the affair were equally divided between the fire sufferers and the Young Men's Christian Association. The work of the high school orchestra attracted attention ; it was frequently said of the performers that they played more like professional musicians than students. High grade concerts were given by this organization and the proceeds were used for high school purposes. A number of local musicians received the first stimulus to enter on a professional musical career while playing with the high school orchestra ; some of the students who specialized successfully in music after leaving the schools are : Ralph Wetmore, Charles Kalbfus, Frank and Ralph Rigio, Martha Cargill, Jessie Linn, Chester Moffett, Charles Woods, Orrin Dudley and Kate Cummings. The first text book used during a period of fifty years was the Lowell Mason Series ; then the Cincinnati Music Reader was introduced, and this was followed by the Model Music course. In recent years the Harmonic Music course formed the basis of study ; it is still used in a few of the grammar grades, while the primary grades study from the books of the New Educational Series, a revised issue of the original Lowell Mason Series. Lately the Hollis Dann Junior song book has been added to the seventh and eighth grades. In 1895 the Board of Education adopted a book for the high school music classes which was compiled and edited by Arthur R. Juergens ; this book was in use for fifteen years and it proved to be of great value on account of its song material ; in 1920, after twenty-eight years as musical supervisor of Springfield schools, Mr. Juergens retired from the service. The school music is now in charge of G. R. Humbarger, a progressive young musician of Marietta. He frequently contributes to programs, the whole community being interested in the work of the public schools. At an educational association attended by Clark County teachers in 1921 these subjects were discussed : "The relation of the school music supervisor's work to the community, from the viewpoint of the business man," "The relation of the music supervisor's work to the other activities of the school, from the viewpoint of the superintendent," and "The music supervisor's task, from the viewpoint of one of the most prominent teachers in America." GERMAN MUSICAL SOCIETIES Professor Juergens says of the Musical Activity in German Societies, that the musical history of Springfield would be incomplete without an account of the musical endeavor in the German societies. Fifty years ago when immigration was at its zenith, Springfield was favored by a large influx of German mechanics who sought employment in the factories ; as 454 - SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY most of these immigrants were unable to speak English, they organized societies among themselves, where they could sing songs in their mother tongue ; the foremost of these societies was the Springfield Maennerchor, a male chorus that met once a week to study German songs. It frequently performed in public, and many of its concerts were of a high order. The Maennerchor eventually joined the Central Ohio Saengerbund, a federation of German male singing societies. This organization arranged big festivals (Saengerf est) every two or three years ; at these festivals music of merit was performed by mass choruses, orchestras and eminent soloists. In the early '80s Springfield was chosen as the festival city, and under the leadership of an active committee and the director, P. E. Montamus, the city admirably disposed of its task. Prominent directors of the Springfield Maennerchor at different periods were : Dr. Charles A. Juergens, J. Sattes, John Reising, Joseph Link, Sr., Mr. Montamus, Mark Snyder and Arthur R. Juergens. Under the direction of the latter, Springfield Maennerchor carried off the prize in a song contest held at the Chillicothe Saengerf est in 1896, with seventeen societies participating. The. Maennerchor returned from Chillicothe covered with glory, and upon its arrival in Springfield it marched through the streets behind Hawken's band with Herman Voges, Sr., the president of the society, leading the procession and flourishing the laurel wreath, presented to the Maennerchor, as a mark of respect, by the women of Chillicothe. One of the most noteworthy concerts given by the Maennerchor was the one offered in 1897 at Black's Opera House. Mrs. Wentz-MacDonald, the famous contralto, and Michael Brand, the noted 'cello-player and orchestra leader of Cincinnati, appeared on the program as soloists. For a half century the Maennerchor was the social center of the German population, and in 1905, when a rapid decimation of the ranks of German pioneers had brought German social life in Springfield to low ebb, the Maennerchor "gave us the ghost." Prominent Germans, now deceased, who took an active part in Maennerchor affairs were : Frank Anzinger, Sr., Joseph Link, Sr., Leo Brame, Prof. August Mammes, Martin Kreis, Christian Binnig, and Edward C. Schmidt. Of those still among the living the following deserve mention : Herman Voges, Sr., Charles Gasser, Herman Gunder-man, Louis Miller, and Joseph .Schumacher, Sr. In the course of time other German male singing societies appeared on the scene to compete for German support. In 1894, under the auspices of the local Elks' Club, prominent Springfield vocalists organized the Orpheum Society in the Elks' Club rooms in the Old Zimmerman Building on East Main Street. The organizers, W. T. Putman, Edwin Arthur, Albert Rawlins and Mr. Juergens summoned the trained male singers of the city to unite for the purpose of cultivating chorus music of merit. Under the leadership of Mr. Juergens, the Orpheum flourished and soon became the leading musical organization of the city. Singers like August Mammes, P. E. Montamus, Henry De Leeuw, Frank Hemstreet, George Frankenberg, George Mellen, and Frank Prothero enrolled, and the music lovers of the city were soon regaled with concert music of a high order When the director, Mr. Juergens, resigned on account of the press of school duties Charles L. Bauer wielded the baton for the Orpheum, but it disbanded after an existence of two years. Another society was the Harmonia, organized by Dr. Charles A. Juergens, who also became its director. After a successful existence of several years SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 455 it disbanded. William Ottenfeld, Sr., was the leading tenor of the Harmonia. Eventually the Suabian Saengerchor, founded by Reinhold Singer, appeared as a rival of the Maennerchor. Directors of this society at different times were : Julius Trepz, Joseph Bischofberger, John Reising, Mark Snyder and Mr. Juergens. Recently the name of the society was changed to Germania Maennerchor. As a result of the war, it too is now peacefully resting beside its rivals. The choirs of the German churches of Springfield frequently gave creditable public performances, but the crowning effort was the big Schillerf est in 1905, given to commemorate the one-hundredth anniversary of the death of the great German poet, Friedrich Schiller. A mass chorus and a large orchestra under the leadership of Arthur R. Juergens rendered a high grade program, and the festival resulted in a musical triumph. The two chief and most deserving promoters of this German festival were : Louis Weixelbaum, the deceased German newspaper editor, and Adam Schmidt, the druggist. While Mr. Juergens has written of the musical community from the standpoint of personal observation and participation, Prof. John Reising, who for fifty years has been a writer and teacher of band music, says some unique things. Bands in Springfield used to play popular music long bef ore it was published, the teachers had to write it for them, and only time-tested music reached publication finally ; perhaps that explains the vitality of early music—only the fittest survived, demostrating its merit bef ore publication. Professor Reising enumerated Tuttle's, Krapp's, Hawkens' Seventh Regiment, Continental and Warder's Veteran Grenadier bands, and later the Big Six Band, of which he was the teacher and business manager. For years he wrote his own band music because he could not buy it ; the early Springfield bands all played manuscript music. Earl Hawkens is leader of the Cadet Band, organized in 1892, and contemporary with the Big Six Band, and other recent bands are : Metropolitan, Junior Order, Robbins & Myers and the Yolo Band, the most active band recently ; however, on short notice some of these bands are still called into action. There have been some good Negro bands in Springfield as the Alma and Duquesne Blues, Mr. Reising writing much of their music and sometimes instructing them. Years ago the Salvation Army had a good band with Mr. Reising as its teacher. Some of the Springfield lodges have maintained bands, as I. 0. 0. F. and K. of P. bands, and some of them played for years. They used to fill concert engagements, and were often in street parades. Splendid musical talent is sometimes brought to Springfield, and local musicians have been heard in other communities. Many Springfield musicians have studied abroad, but a list is an unwise thing—sometimes names are omitted—but conditions are such in Springfield that a good musical education may be obtained without the finish abroad. As early as 1814 William Nicholson taught singing school and public school in the home of William Ross in German Township, and in 1826 a society was formed for the encouragement of instrumental music, but that in the time of the sarcastic Rev. Saul Henkle, sometimes a writer, and he said : "The miserable condition of the instruments and the exertion of blowing brought on decay of the lungs by which it was carried off in a f ew months." Mr. Henkle said further : "In 1837 a vocal musical society was formed, but soon taking the influenza, it lingered for a while 456 - SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY and died," and there is record that on November 8, 1849, the Buckeyes, a quartet band of vocalists, Silas Ludlow, Thomas Dean, Oliver Kelly and James Wissinger, under the leadership of the bandmaster, L. R. Tuttle, gave a concert in Springfield. They had a crowded house, and the concert was a success. George W. Winger of Springfield is the only survivor of a quintet who sang campaign songs together in 1860, the others being : Amaziah and Hezekiah Winger, Andrew Watt and C. S. Ramsey. While as early as 1840 the people sang campaign songs, as "Tippecanoe and Tyler, too," this quintet was perhaps the first musical organization to travel all over Clark County, and Mr. Winger recalls these words : "Hark ye, men and maidens, don't you hear the clatter ? How the earth is shaking ; what can be the matter ? Horses, sheep and cattle frightened half to death— Flying through the meadow, till they're out of breath ; 'Tis Uncle Abe a thundering to the station, With a load of rails for fencing in the nation. Chorus : Conductors' just the man for putting matter through ; Measures six-feet-four—minus boot or shoe— Legs two Lincoln rails united at the top, And when the locomotes, you'd think he couldn't stop." Henry C. Hawken, who was a Springfield band music teacher before the Civil war, was with Gen. J. Warren Keifer as an army musician. Later his son, Earle K. Hawken, was a -band teacher, and still fills musical engagements. The Hawken Band frequently plays Sunday programs in Snyder Park, and in it are some of the original players. There are other father-and-son musicians in the community, Senior and Junior having been used by Mr. Juergens, and by local music critics—rather musical reporters in the newspapers.. Anna Marie Tennant writes of the activities of the Woman's Club, and the Fortnightly Musical Club in staging musical attractions, and she says Springfield has a number of music composers, and as an innovation the Fortnightly Club announced a program by local writers, including : Ralph Zirkle, Robert Brain, Jr., Philip Frey, and Robert Brain, Sr., whose violin numbers have long been recognized. Carl Wilhelm Kern, known as a composer, once lived in Springfield, and Prof. G. R. Humburger, while not writing music, adapts it to orchestral use as do Mark Snyder, David Driscoll and perhaps others. Miss Tennant writes : "Springfield has contributed a number of talented musicians to the world," and she mentions Francis MacMillan, violinist ; Miss Pauline Watson, violinist ; Ralph Wetmore, violinist ; Robert Brain, Jr., pianist and composer ; Miss Sibyl Sanderson Fagan, pianist and whistler, and Ralph Zirkle, pianist and composer. Mrs. Bessie Foreman Bevitt, who is an organist, once lived in Springfield, and local mention of Mrs. Margaret Hagan McGregor as organist and musical director is most complimentary, but every church choir has its competent leader, and Philip Frey, who gave a recent program, was spoken of as "Springfield's own pianist." A local news item reads : "The mouth organ is coming back. * * * The return of the mouth organ means a step away from jazz," and that form of music has stirred everybody to command or condemn it, so it must have some merit. There is now a "Bureau of Industrial Music," in some cities, and Springfield musicians have their industrial organizations. SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 457 While the pioneers whistled tunes, and some of them had fiddles in their homes, it remained for Pierson Spinning to bring the first piano to Springfield. It is now in the rooms of the Clark County Historical Society. Mr. Spinning bought this piano in 1832 in Philadelphia. It was carried to Pittsburgh in an overland schooner, and from Pittsburgh it was carried by boat to Cincinnati, and the last lap of transportation was by wagon to Springfield. Miss Mary Spinning, who played it, learned music in the school of Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe in Cincinnati. She was once the leading musician in Springfield, and her piano was brought into the community ninety years ago. While the church spire of the past has been followed by the pipe organ as distinctive architecture, some of the Springfield singers never had inquired as to what church was first to install an organ. The church without an organ is the exception, and when Mr. and Mrs. I. Ward Frey suggested that Alexander Sykes had been first to play an organ in the First Presbyterian (now Covenant) Church, and that Miss Helen McBeth had played the organ in the Second Presbyterian Church, none questioned their seniority, and none knew the number of pipe organs installed in Springfield today. A number of theaters have pipe organs. The second and third organ has already been installed in some of the Springfield churches, and some of the best organs are to be heard in Springfield ; the organ in Christ Episcopal Church was given by Mrs. A. S. Bushnell, and it is spoken of as an excellent instrument. Organ recitals have attracted large audiences, some of the foremost artists appearing in Springfield. Some humorist with a penchant for music recalls that years ago organ stools could be raised or lowered to suit the player, and all young girls spent a good deal of time in adjusting the stool. It was a round seat on a screw, and there was always a tidy cotton scarf over it. In these days of "canned music," and radio concerts, music is widely disseminated, the farm homes having instruments and. youngsters who play them. A recent platform speaker visiting Springfield charged that under the influence of a perpetual round of jazz dances, moving picture shows and aimless automobile riding, the faculty of concentrated and consecutive thinking is in danger of becoming completely atrophied in the coming generation, and Prof J. A. Ness of Wittenberg College characterizes jazz as jungle music, saying it is responsible for the barbaric attributes of modern dances, and in contradistinction is the tribute of a local speaker bef ore the Fortnightly Club, saying that God is to be found in the music of the woods and the great out-of-doors. Here is a neat little parody on a singer of note, reading : "Said the brook, 'I'm a singer, As all will agree ; I will sing till I finally Reach the high C,' " and that seems to be the inevitable—those having musical talent usually give themselves to it. Even violinists keep on playing till they finally reach the old fiddlers' contest stage, and all unite in the chorus : "There's a long, long night a waiting Until my dreams all come true ; Till the day when I'll be going down That long, long trail with you." CHAPTER LI SECRET ORDERS IN CLARK COUNTY The church entered the social life of the community early in its history. The settlers were busy keeping the wolf from the door, and they did not find time for secret orders until about the middle of the nineteenth century ; however, the settlers were fraternal since they always responded to the needs of others. A number of Springfield lodges own their own homes, and they are behind many community movements as boosters ; however, the social and benevolent features are the primary work of most lodges. According to data concerning secret orders collated twenty years ago by P. M. Cartmell of Springfield, the Springfield Lodge Independent Order Odd Fellows was instituted locally in 1844, and it was the first lodge in Clark County. This order is based on friendship, love and truth and three links are the symbol. The first Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge in America was organized April 26, 1819, in, Baltimore— Washington Lodge No. 1—and Thomas Wildy was its founder. After a few years the English charter was surrendered, and the Grand Lodge of Maryland was organized instead of it. There are now a number of I. 0. 0. F. lodges in Clark County. In 1848 Clark Lodge Free and Accepted Masons was organized in Springfield, and it ranks among the strongest fraternal orders in Clark County. While the origin of Free Masonry is lost in the mists and obscurity of the past, well authenticated reference to it is found dating almost as far back as the beginning of the Christian era. It was in the third century that the Emperor Carausius "granted the Masons a charter, and commanded Albanus to preside over them in person as Grand Master." The name Free Mason is met with in connection with the organization of Masonry in England as far back as 1350, although it is not known just when the title originated. June 5, 1730, is the beginning of the order in America. Anthony Lodge, organized in 1871, observed 'its fiftieth anniversary in October. While the Negro Masons have more lodges, the older lodges have greater numbers. In 1872 the Improved Order of Red Men was first instituted in Springfield, the Lagonda Tribe being followed by other lodges, and in 1893 came the Independent Order of Foresters. In the same year the Junior Order United American Mechanics was organized with other lodges from time to time. The Knights of Pythias Lodge had its origin in a poem written in 1821, in which a loyal friendship is portrayed as existing between Damon and Pythias. This touching story of friendship and , devotion stirred the heart of Justus H. Rathbone, who read and re-read the poem in 1857-8, and while he was impressed with it the War of the Rebellion—the Civil war—delayed things, but finally when he read the poem and a ritual he had formed to Robert A. Champion, they immediately began activities. It was in 1864 that the order was instituted in Washington City, and in 1871, Moncrieffe Lodge was instituted in Springfield. The Negroes also have Pythian lodges in the community. There are three Ohio fraternal homes located in Springfield, and all of them look after both aged and young relatives of members. In - 459 - 460 - SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY 1895 the Masonic Home was located in Springfield, and soon after the I. 0. 0. F. and Knights of Pythias homes were established. While they are elsewhere mentioned, they all occupy commanding sites adjacent to the city, the Knights of Pythias old people being downtown in the P. P. Mast property, while the children are sheltered in the home on North Fountain Avenue. In the other homes all are at the same place although not under the same restrictions. The members of these homes are not wards of the state, but they are cared for by the fraternities with whom their relatives have been associated, and who provided for them. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks instituted a lodge in Springfield in 1885, and while it is not a beneficiary order it is given to philanthropy ; the brotherly spirit of the order is paramount to all else in times of grief, suffering and distress. The Order of Elks is distinctively American, and there never will be a lodge outside of the United States. American patriotism is a foundation stone, and the American flag lies upon its altar ; no Elk's Lodge opens or closes without the inspiring influence of the American flag. On the first Sunday in each December every Elks' Lodge in the United States holds its Lodge of Sorrow in memory of its deceased members. While the most widely known orders have been enumerated, as early as 1849 the American Mysteries is listed in Springfield. The Ancient Order of Hibernians was instituted in 1875 and the Springfield Centennial Book lists the Grand Army of the Republic Mitchell Post as instituted in 1881, mentioned already in the military chapter. In the Fraternal News section of the Springfield' papers other lodges are mentioned, but the time of installation is not given and secret orders are destined to remain secret until they give out their own information. While some of the orders are beneficiary, all are fraternal and charitable, and many favors are shown without ostentation—let not thy right hand know about thy left hand and its mission—and widows and orphans have disclosed kindly ministrations from lodges that otherwise would not be known outside the membership of the orders. CHAPTER LII ORGANIZED LABOR IN CLARK COUNTY There are many benefits arising from organization, and those who labor with their hands are not all who are benefited ; however, a labor writer says : "As unionism grows, the great power placed in its hands may be misunderstood and diverted to purposes of private profit, thus f orming a veritable labor trust. This will not be possible, however, as long as leaders of the labor movement see fully the needs of wage-workers, and remain true to their responsibilities." While "sweatshops" never have been factors in Springfield industry, union labor does enter its protest and teach the following : "Let every worker demand goods bearing the union label on its product. The woman who sweeps the floor can use a union made broom as well as the man can wear a union made suit of clothes ; in making your purchase in a store, inquire for a union clerk, and make it plain to him that the article you want must carry the union label. Constant inquiry for union label goods has made the merchant and manufacturer recognize the demand for them. Let organized labor continue to demand union goods, and it will not be long until every article used by man will carry the union label," and this bit of loyalty to union labor finds its counterpart in the story of the Shorthorn cattle breeder who ordered roast beef at table d'hote, and the horticulturalist who demanded that apples be included in the fruit menu on the same table. The unemployment of the idle, and the idleness of those who are employed are problems confronting political economists and expediency experts, and while the teaching is old that everything comes from land and labor, the colleges and universities now are studying the situation. Babson, who writes on the labor question from the religious viewpoint, says that natural resources, available labor and capital are important, but they are of little value in the economic structure until they are released by people filled with the spirit of God. "That is what the study of economic history clearly teaches," and he quotes Towson thus : "Materials, labor, plants, markets, all these things can be adjusted, but the soul of man which determines his purposes and his motives, can only be converted through religion." In 1909 organized labor in Springfield established The Tribune as its official organ and mouthpiece ; it is published by C. W. Rich and W. C. Hewitt. In November, 1913, The Springfield Trades and Labor Assembly acquired the Labor Temple, and since that time The Tribune has maintained its office there. T. J. Creager, labor union secretary, has an office in Labor Temple. In 1901 he published the story of local labor development, saying : "In no direction has greater progress been made in Springfield than in its manufacturing interests. * * * With the assistance of the well known high mechanical ability of Springfield's workmen, it has manufactured products which now reach every civilized portion of the earth, and have made Springfield known throughout the entire ;world as a city whose products in the line of manufacture in which it engages are unexcelled. It is universally admitted that the condition of any community is reflected by the condition of its wage-earners. "While Springfield has been so wonderfully progressive in an industrial sense, the proportion in which its working people have contributed - 461 - 462 - SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY to its advancement should not be overlooked ; without competent labor, our city could not have progressed ; without competent labor nothing can be accomplished. In the words of the immortal Abraham Lincoln : 'Capital is the fruit of labor, and could not exist if labor had not first existed; labor, therefore, deserves much the higher consideration.' This city numbers among its most substantial citizens some of the men who have for a greater or less period of time worked daily stipulated hours for a stipulated wage, in the manufacturing and other concerns of the city. To fully appreciate this fact, one has but to witness one of the annual Labor Day celebrations on the first Monday in September.. "It has often been remarked by persons witnessing these celebrations : `Springfield should be proud of her workingmen;' and while conditions surrounding the working men are not just what they should be, considerable improvement has been made, and that the conditions which now obtain are as good as they are, can be attributed in a great measure to the work—educational and otherwise—of the labor organiaztions. These unions, formed primarily with the object of advancing their members intellectually, socially, morally and financially, have certainly accomplished a great deal toward elevating the working men and their f amilies to the station in life which they should properly occupy ; better wages, better hours, Saturday half-holidays and better working conditions generally have resulted from their efforts, saying nothing of the education of the members on questions about which they should be informed. It is admitted by those familiar with the subject that the trades union is one of the best intellectual training schools in existence. "While the efforts of the labor unions in this city have resulted in great benefit to the. members of the organization, these benefits have not been confined to them exclusively ; the effects of their work have been felt and enjoyed also by those who have not held membership, contributed financially, or devoted their time to the work of making these efforts successful. When the trades union succeeds in securing something of benefit to its membership, these same benefits must naturally accrue to the entire craft, including those who are not members of the organization. Previous to 1864 there was no organization of labor in Clark County ; in the light of subsequent events, this seems to have been due to the fact that the industrial conditions prevailing were entirely satisfactory. "With the increase of population, and the ever-changing methods of production and distribution natural opportunities were lessened, and competition grew fiercer and fiercer between investors on the one hand, and wage earners on the other, developing into a struggle of capital against capital and labor against labor. (Just at this period the home production dropped out of the competition, as housewives found they could buy fabrics cheaper than they could weave them ; the loom was not much in evidence after the Civil war.) Capital organized to protect and advance its interests, and for the same purpose its example was quickly followed by intelligent' labor. (Since such great industrial changes grew out of the Civil war, it is interesting to note the reconstruction labor developments following the World war.) Today we have on one side an almost complete organization of employers in the various branches of industry, and on the other there are countless organizations of labor. "The organization of only one of these forces—capital or labor—would mean disaster and ruin to the other ; therefore, the organization of both is necessary to the success of either, and to justly conserve the SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 463 rights of all ; organization promotes higher civilization ; individualism is maintained, and the strong comes to respect the weak ; our republic exemplifies the merits of cooperation advocated by organized labor. Uncle Sam has been a union man from the beginning, and without the cooperation of the states this greatest of nations could not exist. No one who understands our form of government would exchange it for any other. * * * When it is understood that short hours, and wages based on the value of the thing produced will mean steady and profitable employment, and enable the consumer to buy back the product he has created to the extent of that which is his just portion, thus increasing consumption, then really sound business methods will be understood and prevail universally ; many years of educational work may be necessary to secure a practical understanding of these principles. "The labor organizations are seeking to do their share in this direction ; the union is a school for the workers, while in the meantime they are endeavoring to secure a sufficient compensation, and conditions that will enable them to live comfortably." (In the chapter on the industries of Springfield, mention has been made of the activities of W. H. Stackhouse Washington, and he is credited with an effort to save the Workmen's Compensation Law, with organized labor back of it.) Mr. Stackhouse was called to Washington to participate in the unemployment conference, and as a manufacturer he represents the interests of both capital and labor; he is recognized in the councils of the nation. While Springfield industries are not all unionized, the local unions have been able in a measure to control wages, and there is little labor friction. There have been some differences in the building trades, and among the molders and metal workers in Springfield. "To the victors belong the spoils," but it is admitted that Civil Service does much to correct the spoils system. While Mr. Stackhouse has done more than any other single man for the labor situation in Springfield, he has not always agreed with Samuel Gompers or with local leaders; however, he is a student, and has his facts in hand before arriving at conclusions. Those who differ from him credit him with honesty, and the courage of his own conviction. Springfield has been fortunate in the nature of its industries with regard to the labor question ; when a man can do the work in one factory, he need not leave town to find similar employment in another. While it is an open shop community, there have been few labor difficulties. The East Street shops in the '80s had some serious difficulties. Springfield is an industrial center for printers, and it offers sufficient employment to bring them into the community in numbers. Iron Molders' Union No. 72, organized in March, 1864, with twenty-two charter members, was the first labor union in Springfield, and some of its members later held responsible positions. While a few remained in the "sand heap," others became interested in business for themselves. The Iron Molders' Union purchased a burial lot in Ferncliff and in St. Raphael's and Calvary cemeteries to be the final resting place of those who do not have family burial plots in the community. While the panic of 1872 caused some of the •members to leave Springfield, the spirit of unionism did not remain dormant. While the charter was surrendered, it was taken out again at the time of the re-organization in 1878, and until 1896, when this feature was incorporated in the national body, the local union paid about $4,000 for sick and funeral benefits ; since 1896 such benefits are drawn from the National organiza- 464 - SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY tion. A death benefit of $100 is paid within thirty days, and if the member had been five years in the union an additional $50 is applied on his funeral, and the local union pays $50 additional. The Typographical Union No. 117, organized September 1, 1868, was the second trade union in Springfield, and it received its charter from the National Typographical Union. It had seven charter members, and seldom had more than fifteen members at one time. It had a strenuous existence, finally dropping out, but on July 28, 1882, it was re-organized and as printing has become an extensive business in Springfield, it has flourished again. On October 6, 1890, a resolution was passed abolishing the practice of paying employees in order for merchandise, and that throws some light on an economic condition existing in 1827 in Springfield. About that time a paper mill was built on Mill Run. It was an acquisition to the industries of the town, and operated by local capital. There was little money, but it offered both employment and a market for rags. In a short time mill owners opened a store, and the mill hands were paid in trade. Wheat was taken in exchange for merchandise, and it was converted into flour, and thus the mill employees obtained their living from the store without the painful necessity of handling and counting money ; however, in 1890, the Springfield Typographical Union had recourse to resolutions because payment with store orders was detrimental to the craft. The Typographical Union has its own welfare department, and local printers have been sent to health resorts, and they may have residence in the Union Printers' Home at Colorado Springs. In 1894 type-setting and type-casting machines were introduced by the Hosterman Publishing Company, and in 1896 by the Sun Publishing Company, and later in the same year by the Crowell & Kirkpatrick Company, now the Crowell Publishing Company, and now there are many Mergenthaler type-casting machines in Springfield. The introduction of the linotype was the greatest epoch in the history of the art preservative, and while many thought it would cause printers to change their occupation or seek other communities, it proved a stimulus to the business, and Springfield is now one of the greatest publishing centers in the world. On August 17, 1882, the initial move was made toward organizing a Trades Assembly in Springfield, and December 3, 1885, another committee was appointed of which T. J. Creager was a member, and when the Trade and Labor Assembly was finally founded in 1890, members of the Typographical Union became its most active supporters. Since the '90s new labor unions have been added almost every year. The Mad River Assembly, instituted April 9, 1883, with seventy-one charter members was recognized as the largest Knights of Labor Assembly thus far instituted in the West, and it prospered for a time, its membership reaching 200 two years later, and it still f unctions in the community. The Cigar Makers' Union became active, and the assembly always has had an active interest in civic affairs in Springfield. It has influenced state legislation in some instances. In 1890 the Trade and Labor Assembly began to observe Labor Day ; its purpose is to emphasize the place of labor, and to make the laborers f eel that there is a place for them in the economy of social life. The observance of the day has become a fixed fact in Springfield ; it has done much to bind together the various unions in the general brotherhood, and the success they won in securing shorter hours of labor has bene- fited others. All advances that have been made for the better condition SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 465 of wage-earners have come through the unions. Labor does the best for its employer when it does the best for itself. Through the Springfield Trade and Labor Assembly, organized labor indorsed the Woodrow Wilson Foundation, Secretary Creager saying : "Any movement which has for its purpose the abolition of war has the wholehearted support of the wage-earners of the country, who must bear the greater portion of the burdens of war." Organized labor has used its influence toward providing public work in building streets in Springfield in the period of bUsiness depression, and groups of men have had part time employment, the groups shifting to accommodate others and thus enable families to have necessary money. Because of the depression the community is losing both immediate and potential production, and it is better to have improvements through taxation than to administer charity to workers who are unemployed, and more than 700 men applied for emergency street employment. While unions regulate wages, criticism is offered because men will not accept wages offered them when they are in need of money. A local writer says : "If we are expert mechanics, musicians or accountants, and circumstances force us out of our line temporarily, and we are required to don overalls and get down to common labor, we are bigger men than if we were to sit around and whine because we cannot find a place in our chosen work, and refuse to accept anything else." The same writer continues : "If such fellows would get down to business, and do whatever their hands found to do, the capitalistic powers would open their eyes and see that they are not going to starve in spite of the fact that the hinges on the factory doors are rusted, and spider webs over the windows shut out the sunlight," and because of the difference in wages it is found that in times of business depression there are more idle men than women. Before the industrial era that was ushered in with the advent of the steam engine, every little neighborhood was a world to itself, and it knew nothing about strikes and labor difficulties ; the farmer took his wheat to mill and brought home the flour ; he exchanged his produce for the things he needed at the store. There was no over-production and no era of prosperity followed by a period of depression. While nobody had a great deal, those who were willing to work never went to bed hungry ; then came the industrial development, and the era of the world markets, and along with it all came the labor question. Now everything is done by machinery, and without it 3,000,000,000 slaves would be required to duplicate what is now done by Americans—so says a bulletin issued by the Smithsonian Institute. When the chasm between capital and organized labor has been spanned by the bridge of better understanding, there will be fewer clashes in the economic world. While under war-time labor conditions there were jobs for all, the pendulum swung back again ; the manufacturers have been able to ferret out the indifferent, inefficient workers thus reducing their payrolls without lessening the production, and with the rest of the world Clark County is again passing through a reconstruction period. While many men employed in local open shops belong to unions, organized labor does not control the situation in Springfield. Anything that makes the home more comfortable, renders life more happy, and has a tendency to better social conditions is worthy of favorable consideration, and such is the mission of trade unionism in Clark County. Vo1. I-30 CHAPTER LIII WELFARE WORK IN CLARK COUNTY In every community there are those who, by reason of age, infirmity or misfortune, have a claim on society. An economic critic exclaims : "Organizations for charity ! they may be found in every community, watching over the apparent needs of those who are taught to expect and receive alms," but who would care for those unable to care for themselves, were it. not for organized charity ? How did the pioneers handle the question ? "Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have—" and it seems that want always has been relieved in society. Was the woman who was moved to charity and who gave something to a beggar in order to insure her own good luck a benevolent woman? It is said that great charitable institutions are founded on the surplus earnings of active men who did good while earning their money, and who closed their lives in a burst of philanthropy. They establish foundations, and the good they do lives after them. Those who endow beds in hospitals are doing welfare work, whether or not they regard it as charity. There is a fellowship of service, and public spirited, benevolent persons soon learn to know each other. Sometimes common interests cement friendships, and the difference in environment makes the difference in humanity. The root word that used to be translated charity has since been translated love by students of the original script, .and through its impulse the county and state act as broadminded, public spirited benefactors in the care of unfortunates. Just as the taxpayers of Clark County contribute to schools and the higher institutions of learning, the community has other coteries of citizens who receive benefits from the county and state charitable, benevolent and fraternal organizations. In the last analysis, private individuals constitute the county and state and their organizations, and there are some comprehensive citizens at the helm in Clark County. While some citizens live in their own homes, others live in public institutions and Clark has not only county but state institutions—there are many beneficiaries of the county direct, while the state institutions are all of fraternal nature. While some families send their children to universities others go to asylums ; all are beneficiaries of the county and state. While some homes are more fortunate, in others there are children who are educated in the institutions for the blind, and for the deaf and dumb and when such advantages are provided through taxation, all property owners have their part in "sweet charity." While there may have been frequent need of charity among the pioneers, men and women then dispensed it on the plan of "Let not thy right hand know what thy left hand doeth," but in these twentieth century days of organized charity, all welfare workers know of existing conditions, and thus they do not duplicate in their relief activities. CLARK COUNTY HOME When Will Carlton gave to the world the epic : "Over the Hills to the Poor House," he added to the burdens of those grown old who, are dependent, and Springfield people went in numbers to see the poem - 467 - 468 - SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY illustrated in pictures, although the scenario does not accurately depict the poem. Because of this poem there is a measure of reproach attached to life in a county institution ; while some who live in the county homes never may have read it, others have been deterred from going there because of it. While people used to say "poor house," infirmary or county farm, by recent act of the Ohio Assembly the designation has been changed ; it is now the Clark County Home, and that appellation flavors less of charity. While some people proclaim that the world owes them a living, those cared for in the Clark County Home usually have some serious physical handicap. As early as 1829, the Rev. Saul Henkle, minister and editor in Springfield and sometime-politician, wrote in sarcastic vein. after reviewing several failing efforts of literary and religious nature, saying: "To these may be added a society proposed to be formed for the promotion of Christian charity ; this cannot be organized at all, in our opinion. (note the editorial prerogative in the use of the pronoun 'our'), as it requires a commodity (charity) very rarely to be met with in this market, and besides this, no man here has any idea that he stands in need of the article in question, each supposing himself abundantly supplied," but his attitude is not reflected in the community today. While there always will be both optimists and pessimists—the one seeing the doughnut while the other only sees the hole in it—the community as a whole is inclined to liberality. The first benevolent institution in Ohio was the school for the deaf and dumb, established in 1829 in Columbus, and Reverend Henkle may have had his impressions from that source. In 1837 came the school for the blind and Clark County has benefited from both institutions. It was not until 1893 that the hospital for epileptics was established, but its proximity to Columbus gives Clark County the advantage of all the state institutions without much financial burden in reaching them. Children with the handicaps of blindness or deafness are given such excellent training in the state institutions that they are enabled to enjoy themselves, and in many instances they learn to sustain themselves. In 1833 the Board of Clark County Commissioners purchased the Joseph Parrott f arm of 48.54 acres, now the site of the Northern Heights School, and it was utilized as an infirmary until 1912 when it became a school site and the charitable institution sought another location. In 1839 the commissioners bought the tract still owned by the county and used as the Clark County Children's Home in order to secure wood for heating the county infirmary, but as Springfield built up and land increased in value, the county sold the original purchase and acquired a short quarter section of land along the Valley Pike in Bethel Township. In 1912 the institution was transferred from Northern Heights to the Crof t farm, the mansion occupying the site having been built in the time of the Croft Distillery along Mad River, an old account reading : "The mansion was the stopping place for the minister and his party till the first bell rang. (Mention of the Croft Church elsewhere.) This is the farm selected by the county commissioners for a new infirmary. The barn still adorns the hill, but its ancient glory has departed. The bottom was used to raise corn to make whisky, Mad River being the banner stream in the state for that business. The Lowry f arm adjoining, besides being good corn land had and still has a noted sugar camp, now used for making syrup." SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 469 The Clark County 'Home as established by the board of county commissioners was managed by a board of directors and when it was opened for inmates in 1836, they were : Joseph Perrin, Charles Cavalier and Cyrus Armstrong. In 1842 the board was : J. W. Kills, Joseph Osborne and Levi Lathrop. Records show some of the succeeding directors as follows : in 1853, Peleg Coates ; in 1858, Jasper W. Post ; in 1861, William Eby ; in 1864, Alexander Ramsay, and same year J. D. Stewart ; in 1874, J. T. May ; in 1876, E. B. Cassilly ; in 1877, Samuel Rhodes ; in 1878, John E. Layton, and in the same year Isaac Kindle ; in 1881, Adam Lenhart, and in the same year George W. Alt ; in 1885, John Goodfellow, and in the same year James Buford ; in 1891, B. F. Flago and same year Charles Butler ; in 1892, John Stewart ; in 1896, R. J. Beck ; in 1897, Marshall Jackson ; in 1898, R. B. Canfield ; in 1903, G. H. Logan ; in 1904, George Y. Bymaster ; in 1905, R. T. Kelly ; and since that time the directors have been: A. A. Huffman, John Sullivan, J. V. Pence and E. P. Deaton. Since 1919 Mr. Deaton has been superintendent and his wife has been matron, and there are usually about 100 inmates of the institution. Those who are in physical condition are used about the farm and in the house, but since it is easier for women to secure employment outside than for aged men, there are more men than women in the Clark County Home. The present superintendent had his salary advanced because he operated the home at a profit, producing many of the necessities. The men work in the garden and they pick up potatoes and the women work in the laundry. It is always necessary to have a foreman who directs their efforts. There are always inmates who create dissatisfaction, and the superintendent and matron have to exercise judgment in dealing with them. Insane persons are transf erred to the hospital at Dayton, but many die and are buried here. By virtue of his position the superintendent is a member of the different welfare organizations of the county and the state, and he frequently attends welfare meetings. CLARK COUNTY CHILDREN'S HOME The Clark County Children's Home was opened in March, 1878, utilizing land owned by the county in connection with the infirmary. It had been purchased for the firewood on it when the infirmary occupied the site of the Northern Heights school. While the home was begun in March it was not ready for children until July 5, 1878, and since that time it has sheltered many of them. The home is controlled by a board of managers with a superintendent and matron in charge, and the 1921 organization is : A. H. Drayer, president ; Harry Ester, vice president, and W. W. Witmeyer, secretary, with Edgar S. Thomas, superintendent, and Mrs. Emma P. Thomas, matron. From the beginning the superintendents are : Nathan M. Conkey, Rev. Philip Trout, Adam Lenhart, Benjamin F. Brubaker and Mr. Thomas. Since 1915 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have been in charge of the home. There have not been many changes in superintendents. Dr. W. B. Patton has been the physician for many years, the finance being taken care of by the commissioners. There are sixty-five acres at the children's home with forty acres of cleared land, and the timber near the buildings makes it an attractive spot. While there is not enough pasture, a small dairy is operated and SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 471 the institution is largely self-sustaining. Intensive farming is necessary and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are adapted to the requirements. By successive plantings they extend the garden period, and they have small fruit in abundance. When the land was transferred from the county home to the children's home in 1878, it was valued at $2,600, but it is now valued at $15,000, although it is not on the market. The improvements suit the requirements and such a home is a necessity. The home accommodates 125 children, and governesses are employed to assist the matron in the care of them. When Mrs. Thomas goes to the meetings of welfare workers she knows that the home is cared for by her assistants. Men and women now heads of families look back over their own childhood spent in the Clark County Children's Home. While the land and improvements represent an original investment of $20,000 and there has been an expenditure of $28,375, with the advance in the price of realty the home is now valued at $65,000, and annual reports are made to the Clark County Commissioners and to the Ohio Board of State Charities. For the fiscal year ending August 31, 1921, the report shows that in twelve months seventy-three boys and 154 girls had been registered, although some did not remain long and some were returned from temporary homes, where they had not pleased the families asking for children. Unless they are satisfactory, families may return children within a stipulated period of time. The average for the year was forty-one boys and forty-seven girls, making the comparatively low average of eighty-eight children for the year. While the superintendent and matron have their homes and their living free, he is paid $90 and she is paid $50 a month, and with all expenses included the home has been operated a year for $31,750.39, being a per capita cost of $348.64 for each child, which reduced to a weekly basis is $6.70, or almost $1 a day that Clark County pays for each child cared for at the institution. While the children are transferred by truck to Northern Heights School, a hospital had been almost completed and the board of managers was selecting its furniture. It is not a permanent home for delinquents, although same are sheltered there at times. While the best American blood is seldom found in an institution, lack of capability on the part of the parents explains why some children are found there. While some are orphans, others have one of the parents living who is unable to care for them ; in some instances parents are of low mentality and morality and are not allowed the care of their children. Since the saloon has been banished from the community, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas recognize higher moral standing and better welfare conditions. At Christmas time the children are remembered by many friends in Springfield and throughout Clark County. Sometimes they are brought to entertainments in Springfield. OESTERLIN ORPHANS' HOME While the Oesterlin Orphans' Home is within the limits of Clark County, it is maintained by the Lutheran church and was established in 1904 by Mrs. Amelia Oesterlin of Findlay. She was a Lutheran woman and in her will she 'left a fund of $30,000 to the synod with which to establish a home for orphan children of Lutheran parentage. When this bequest ,was available, the trustees of the fund were influenced by the fact that Wittenberg College was at Springfield and it offered an opportunity 472 - SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY of completing their education while children were members of the Oesterlin institution. Springfield was already a Lutheran center and the Zimmerman farmstead in Springfield Township suited the requirements. There are 108 acres in the Oesterlin Home and the tract adjoins Lagonda—convenient to Springfield. It is a beautiful site with evergreen hedges leading from the road to the buildings with hilltop vantage, and the Zimmerman farm buildings were ample for the requirements. -While the place is picturesque, the farm furnishes much of the necessary supplies ; livestock is kept and the children are busy looking after everything. While farming is carried on, the first care of the superintendent and matron is the proper training of children. Industry is part of their education. The Zimmerman farm was purchased in 1905 for $12,000 and $3,000 was expended on the buildings, installing sanitary requirements and making other necessary changes. There are fifteen members of the board of trustees of the Oesterlin Home living in different parts of the country, but within the limits of Wittenberg Synod. The 1921 annual meeting was held at the institution. The organization of the board is : Prof. S. E. Greenawalt, president ; Miss Ida Bartell, vice president ; Rev. Charles E. Rice, secretary, and W. H. Schaus, treasurer. When the Oesterlin Home was opened, Rev. A. J. Kissell became the first superintendent, and Mrs. Della Etta Kissell was matron. The home was opened in June and she died in December. Reverend Kissell resigned as superintendent, and Rev. W. M. Havey and his wife filled the vacancies. In turn they were succeeded, April 1, 1918, by E. F. Fry as superintendent and Mrs. Lillian Fry as matron. The 1921 report to the Wittenberg Synod was satisfactory. The report sets forth that "The family is a happy one, dwelling together in as complete harmony as could be expected under the circumstances." There are twenty-four boys and eighteen girls. Some are in the grades and others are in the Springfield High School. The forty-two children come from homes all over the Lutheran territory in Ohio. The Oesterlin Home family attend the Fifth Lutheran Church and Sunday school (the church nearest the home), and the children are catechised and confirmed when they attain suitable age. There are SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 473 more applications than the home can accommodate and more room is needed at the institution. The 1921 report says : "The Synod of Ohio heartily recommends the action of the board of trustees of the Oesterlin Home in planning to increase the facilities of the home and that our people from all over the territory be urged to make liberal contributions to the building fund, etc." Many people have been generous, one Cincinnati donor lately giving a Ford sedan car for the use of the home, beside adding $1,000 to the endowment fund. The Synod of Ohio says : "Oesterlin is our orphans' home and there is great need that we make it bigger and better ; it is serving the church in a splendid and Christlike way." CLARK MEMORIAL HOME The Clark Memorial Home at No. 616 North Limestone Street is a bequest from Mrs. Charlotte S. Clark and is not a county institution. It had been Mrs. Clark's family residence, and in 1899 she converted it into a home for aged women, dying there herself. The time came when Mrs. Clark was without relatives and the home is for other women similarly situated. Women having relatives are not admitted. A woman sixty years old pays an entry fee of $300 and $50 is set aside for her burial expense, the remainder going toward an endowment fund. The women living there are relieved of all personal responsibility. While Mrs. Clark was living there was a woman's Christian association in Springfield to whom the management was intrusted, and when the Young Women's Christian Association was organized it succeeded to the management of the Clark Memorial Home. The property was remodeled at an expense of $3,000 and $2,000 was expended in furnishing it, and on November 16, 1899, it was opened for the inspection of the public and for occupants. Miss Elmina Shaffer has been matron from the beginning and beside Miss Shaffer Miss Julia Tracy is the only living member who came in on the opening day. She is an active woman, although alone in the world. The Clark Memorial Home is a refuge for unfortunates without relatives. Each woman has a private room and all have the use of the reception hall. They all assemble in the dining room unless it becomes necessary to serve meals in their rooms. They assemble each morning for Bible reading, Miss Shaffer leading unless others volunteer their service. While Mrs. Charlotte S. Clark founded the Clark Memorial Home other Springfield citizens have contributed liberally to it. At one time John W. Bookwalter gave $2,500 to cancel an indebtedness on it. Mrs. Amaziah Winger and Mrs. Charles Stout have given liberally and there are tag days and "Harvest Home" days when the public gives to the home. While there is an endowment, these two days are regarded by Springfield citizens as their opportunity. The same board managing the Y. W. C. A. handles the finances of the home. It is a matter of record that Mrs. David Frantz, in the vicinity of Donnelsville, lived many years longer than her husband, and while she had property she ended her days in the county infirmary. It was before the days of organized charity, and being without relatives she paid her way and lived in the home provided by the county. Mrs. Frantz would have appreciated a refuge like the Clark Memorial Home on North Limestone Street in Springfield. 474 - SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY CLARK COUNTY DETENTION HOME In June, 1908, the Detention Home at 122 North Limestone Street was established in Springfield and from the beginning Miss Carrie B. Hershey has been probation officer. In dealing with Clark County delinquents Miss Hershey is doing a community service. Mrs. Alice L. Stewart is assistant probation officer, and resident in the detention home are John C. Parsons as superintendent and Mrs. Cora Parsons as matron. The home has dormitory accommodations and when necessary youthful charges are imprisoned there. While young children find temporary shelter, they are immediately consigned to the Clark County Children's Home. Sometimes a mother goes to the hospital and her children are temporarily cared for at the detention home. As probation officer with her office at the detention home, Miss Hershey endeavors to influence young women for better living, realizing that many of them have not had the best opportunities. "A girl will sell her soul for an automobile ride and a boy to drive it" and many students of social conditions are agreed that the advent of the Cincinnati cheap buggy in the '70s was the downfall of many young women who thus escaped friendly observations and deficient home training explains why many reach the detention home in Springfield. The lines : "She's more to be pitied than censured, She's more to be helped than despised. She's only a lady who ventured On life's stormy way ill-advised. Do not crush her with words harsh and bitter, Do not laugh at her shame and downfall," seem to reflect Miss Hershey's attitude in dealing with offenders. As chief probation officer Miss Hershey is chairman of the clearing house activities for social service work and thus she represents the Community Welfare Council of which P. H. Staley is president, and associated with him are Miss Dorothy Neer, Miss Elizabeth Miller and Miss Myrel Reynolds. Miss Marjorie Williams of the Y. W. C. A. is active in the Community Welfare Council, and Miss Lelia Ogle, who was the first president, is now doing community work in Cleveland. The council has many problems and patience and discernment are necessary in handling its affairs. The foreigner comes under its observation and it is a slow process changing from spaghetti to baked beans as a diet, and Miss Hershey meets all nationalities in dealing with welfare questions. The Clark County Juvenile Court, of which Miss Hershey is probation officer, deals with offenders under eighteen years old, and those detained in the home range in age from infants to the age limit. The period of adolescence is the time Miss Hershey sees them and they are absolutely without social status. They are in need of home training and she advises them accordingly. Under normal industrial conditions she calls on factory superintendents and secures employment for those who are physically equal to the labor. She has secured employment many times for fathers and changed the economic condition of the family. It is her business to investigate conditions and she says that Springfield always responds to urgent calls for charity. While the detention home comes under civil service regulations, the superintendent, matron and probation officer have remained from the