SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 475 beginning, and a news paragraph reads : "Taking care of the juvenile delinquents of Springfield and Clark County is by no means a small task, but Mrs. John Parsons seems to be able to handle the job." Mrs. Parsons considers the detention home as a place of protection rather than as a house of correction. Wayfaring children are placed there to get them away from the influences that have caused their trouble and they are fed and clothed until the Juvenile Court makes final disposition of their affairs and that ends her relation to them. The Juvenile Court and detention home are closely associated in welfare work in Clark County and Judge Frank W. Geiger says : "In dealing with the child delinquent as distinguished from the adult, the first problem is to let the child understand that the court is not its enemy but its friend." SPRINGFIELD DAY NURSERY While the day nursery was organized July 1, 1920, and was located on Limestone Street with Mrs. Frizelle as its first matron, it was moved October 1, 1921, to the City Building on Fountain Avenue—the old city prison—and it occupies the second floor there rent free. Its mission is the care of children for mothers who must quit their homes in domestic service or other day-time employment. When the day nursery was moved Mrs. Ada M. Clark became matron and she is sensitive about the prison story, while Miss Anna B. Johnson of the Federation of Women's Clubs points with pride to the nursery as a better thing than a prison. The children who attend Northern Heights School are not distressed because it was once an infirmary. Mrs. Clark would shield the child from knowledge of the prison and that demonstrates her qualification as matron. The nursery has capacity for fourteen children but as yet many working mothers do not understand its relation to the community. Those who can afford it pay ten cents a day, and only children whose fathers do not contribute to their support are eligible at the nursery. They are cared for from 6 o'clock in the morning until 6 o'clock in the evening and whether or not the child has had breakfast at home, it is fed at 9 o'clock in the morning, at noon and again at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Nutrition is a study and a child will thrive on the nursery menu if it is not fed at home at. all. They are frequently put to bed without supper and they are brought in the morning without breakfast. The day nursery is financed by the Young Women's Mission and by the Federation of Clubs of Springfield. The Young Women's Mission once undertook similar work among the colored people, but they changed their patronage for better cooperation at the day nursery. While Mrs. Clark has help, she is alert to the welfare of the children. There were sleeping babes and little ones in the play room and all seemed happy. There is a continuous rummage sale in process, many garments of value being consigned, and when the organizations financing the nursery are not represented, Mrs. Clark sells the article as patrons ask for them. In the same building is the Social Service Bureau and it refers many people to the rummage sale for bargains. SOCIAL SERVICE BUREAU The Social Service Bureau, which coordinates relief work, thus avoiding duplication, is the outgrowth of the original Associated Charities SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 477 organized in 1885 in Springfield. It was deemed advisable to drop the word "charities" and thus clothe the office with more dignity—help people to help themselves, to raise the estimate of themselves by those needing assistance. Social service means all that associated charities meant, and it does not humiliate those requiring favors. The Springfield Social Service Bureau is controlled by a board of which W. W. Keifer is president, Border Bowman secretary and George E. Kelly treasurer. Other board members are : B. J. Westcott and F. M. Wallace, with Miss Gladys Freeman as the executive secretary in charge of the bureau. The waiting room in the old city prison, now the Social Service Bureau headquarters, is frequently filled with persons asking relief, and after investigation they are assigned to the right sources for the needed things. The welfare workers and social service secretaries of southwestern Ohio held a two-days' conference in Springfield outlining the work to be done in the winter months. The meetings were held under the direction of the Ohio Council of which the local Social Service Bureau is a member, and the rehabilitation law providing for vocational training for persons physically handicapped was explained, and the organization of a Springfield public health nursing association which will coordinate all public health and welfare work done by semi-official and private agencies and place the service of these coordinated agencies at the disposal of the city health department is under consideration. The Clark County Public Health League, B. F. Kaufman president, has charge of the sale of Christmas Seals and maintains nursing service beside doing other work in the fight against the spread of tuberculosis. When Health Director R. R. Richison filed his annual report for 1921, it showed seventy-six sanitary investigations had been made ; water from sixty wells and springs had been analyzed ; the department held 313 public health conferences, and 234 consultations had been made with physicians ; the department had examined 2,187 school children, consulted with thirty-seven principals and 300 teachers, and 746 parents. It had given health advice to 595 classes, to 3,594 individuals and had visited 505 homes. Humane Officer J. B. Colbert, representing the Clark County Humane Society at its 1921 annual meeting, had made 873 investigations. City Manager Edgar E. Parsons reported 918 cases of diphtheria placed under quarantine, and the total number of communicable diseases in 1921 reached 2,467 in Springfield. While diphtheria was epidemic forty physicians volunteered their service and extra nurses were employed by the city. It was January 1, 1920, that the public health commission was established in every county in Ohio, but Clark County did not take advantage of it till March 1, when Dr. R. R. Richison, who was already city health commissioner, was appointed, becoming the first incumbent. Miss Agnes Kyle is his assistant in the county work and as health commissioner he sends patients to Springfield City Hospital, to Hull Private Hospital, and to the Second District Tubercular Hospital. The Clark County Medical Society cooperates with the Social Service Bureau in a survey of disabled persons . and the doctors report cases of need among worthy families, and in some cases the bureau assumes medical bills. The Needle Work Guild reported a fund of $375 and 832 garments furnished to the Social Service Bureau and the Jewish women of Springfield instituted and financed a "Conservation of Sight" week by showing a film in the 478 - SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY Regent Theater and by having specialists deliver addresses in the public schools and in Wittenberg College. The Catholics of Springfield have their own system of welfare and the "big brother" movements in men's clubs are in the interest of unf ortunate persons. The Eagles Lodge has distributed shoes and most organizations have availed themselves of this offer—have sent needy applicants to the order, and since "winter's first blast brings many calls for the necessities," and there are responses from clubs, Sunday schools, churches, and while the philanthropic societies are committed to welfare work, a great many dispense charity privately and without others knowing about it. A Springfield housewife sent home a family lunch by her washer woman and the fraternal and social organizations do many favors unheralded to the world. When it was reported that there were hungry children in the public schools, Springfield club women arranged for their need and even the prisoners in the county jail were reminded of Christmastide through special dinner arrangements. A "flop house" was fitted up in the basement of the city hall as a humanitarian measure when it was known that men were on the street with no shelter, and six persons availed themselves of the privilege the first night. While the cots were without mattresses they are better than the pavement through the night. A report of the jobless men in New York says they prefer sleeping in the parks to the charitable lodgings offered. They are out of work but will not accept charity. Through the activities of A. E. Wildman of the Selma Friends community a carload of flour was shipped from Springfield to the starving Russians, and the Red Cross and Salvation Army have not ceased to relieve the needy. There have been charity balls and they have been commended and condemned, and Bethel Mission, composed of Mennonite workers, is doing welfare work in the community. While rummage sales are regarded as charity, patrons buying cheap articles, "The Sun's Syncopator" has found that since the "rich ladies are reducing," they wear their clothes longer, thus beginning charity at home and rummage sales do not offer so many bargains. A man connected with the Social Service Bureau said that the citizens of Springfield do engage in philanthropy, that when the story of a needy family was reported, as that of a man with ten children asking the first time for help—well, some one offered them a house rent free, and many trips were made to the home, and the family slept under warm bed clothing and had sufficient food, and when an ax was supplied the man said he could earn enough chopping to supply the need and thus much relief work is done that is not listed by the Social Service Bureau at all. Education is the remedy for social evils and in a public address Judge F. W. Geiger of the Juvenile Court advised against early marriages, characterizing a "marriage evil" rather than a "divorce evil." Persons of weak intellect and feeble constitution should not marry and bring f eeble-minded children into the world. It is said that parents are awakening to the problems of moral and sex education, and the time may come when delinquency in children will not be the fault of the parents who bring them into the world. Springfield does not come under the bans of King Solomon, who said : "Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself but shall not be heard." SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 479 FRATERNAL HOMES OF OHIO It was in the '90s that all eyes were focused on Springfield because of the location of the Ohio Masonic Home, the Odd Fellows Home of Ohio, and the Ohio Pythian Home, and since then the city has been the mecca of many tourists who come to visit friends in these institutions. While the buildings are elsewhere described—the chapter on homes in Springfield—these institutions are not local benevolencies only as Springfield and Clark County citizens are members of the lodges supporting them. The Masonic Home was located first, and while the cornerstone was laid in 1892, it was not occupied until 1895. As early as 1888 committees were sent to inspect sites and investigate inducements in Ohio and report to the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons, and when the committee visited Springfield Asa S. Bushnell, recognizing what such a home would mean to the community, gave $10,000 toward it. The Bushnell bequest was a strong influence with the committee and an option was secured on the Leffel farm of 154 acres and finally a plot of 223 acres skirting Mad River for one mile and along the National Road was secured, the agrarian rights insuring that nothing will be constructed to obstruct the view. Masonic Hill affords a vista unequalled in beauty, not only overlooking Mad River but in every direction. It has excellent buildings and more are promised and while the farm is operated it is to supply the necessities—not necessarily to support the institution. The field and gardens are productive and the dairy affords fifty gallons of milk every day. About 100 hogs are butchered and 600 hens are kept on the farm. The poultry yards are well equipped and there is shelter for all livestock and machinery. A small flock of sheep is kept and the members of the home are furnished with the best of everything. In 1921, 2,127 visitors registered at the Ohio Masonic Home and there were many who failed to register. In treading the corridors visitors are shown a room fitted up by Mrs. D. R. Locke in memory of her husband, the once famous newspaper correspondent—Petroleum V. Nasby. A donor may have his name on a door and many Masons are thus commemorated by relatives. Superintendent F. D. Saunders has much pride in showing the home to visitors. Mrs. Lottie L. Saunders is matron and they exercise parental and fraternal interest in the community of 200 aged and young persons sheltered there. Service is not required of those enjoying the comforts of the home only as they volunteer, the old idea that a "child must earn its keep" not considered in institutional life any longer. While discipline is enforced, it is done in kindly manner. The children from the Masonic Home attend graded school at Rockway and high school in Springfield. Since there is no nearby church, the religious educational department of Wittenberg College has opened a Sunday school there, furnishing the superintendent and student volunteer teachers—the home supplying transportation in the form of interurban railway tickets. All of the children and many of the students attend the session of the Sunday school in the home chapel, and every Sunday afternoon a preaching service is held in the chapel. In 1921 ten Springfield ministers were Masons and they volunteered their service in turn at the home. It is one big household—not inmates but members, living in the Ohio Masonic Home. In discussing the beauty of the surroundings, and of the interior decorations, Superintendent Saun- SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 481 ders said that when brains were mixed with colors the results were satisfactory. In the dining room and reception halls special attention had been given to the color schemes, and the whole ensemble is attractive. In 1921 there were 163,477 Masons reported in Ohio and the Ohio Masonic Home receives $1 a year from each member for its maintenance, and a hospital costing $500,000 is in process beside the splendid buildings housing those who are in health. The new institution is one of the most complete hospitals in the country. The dormitories for the children are supplied with swimming pools and gymnasiums and. cleanliness and self-respect are possible under such environment. The children, who are well born, have suffered the loss of parents, and at the Ohio Masonic Home they have every possible advantage. When it was known that the home would be located in Springfield an ovation was given Mr. Bushnell by the citizens. There was a band serenade and the whole community joined in honoring one of its foremost citizens. ODD FELLOWS HOME OF OHIO It was in a Rebekah Assembly that the plan of an I. O. O. F. home in Ohio was organized in 1891 and in 1892 a committee from the Daughters of Rebekah visited Grand Lodge and presented the matter. The Springfield people immediately laid plans to secure the institution and the Fay farm of seventy-nine acres was available, but since then a farm of 300 acres on the Clifton pike has been acquired and it supports the home. The home lies northeast and the buildings overlook Springfield. The Grand Lodge expended $73,000 in building and the home was dedicated October 27, 1898. While it was originally planned as a home for children, later on aged men and women were included and it is supported by a per capita tax on all I. 0. 0. F. lodges in Ohio. While the Rebekahs are not assessed, the Rebekah lodges have voluntarily furnished the home. The buildings are of red brick with tile roof and cupolas. There are terraced lawns well set in shrubbery and the home is an imposing picture. The property is valued at $150,000 beside the 300-acre farm which supports it. Each year the home uses 200 head of hogs and forty beeves, and the f arm furnishes grain and vegetables as well as poultry. There were eighty men and fifty women and 200 children, and Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. McDonald were superintendent and matron. The children attend Sunday school at North Minster Presbyterian Church and they attend public school in Springfield. When in physical condition the adults all come to the dining room for their meals. The aged people require more discipline than the children and when they are not "livewithable" they are dismissed from the home. The superintendent and matron may train children, but the aged people do not invite such attention. Their habits are established and conformity is not easy for them. Chapel exercise is conducted each morning and sometimes Springfield ministers are present. In 1916 a history of the home was published and it is dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Turner, who for many years were superintendent and matron, and who are called father and mother of the home. Mr. and Mrs. M. W. Battlefield were superintendent and matron bef ore Mr. and Mrs. Turner, and Mr. and Mrs. McDonald succeeded them, assuming the management April 1, 1919, and they feel the importance of training the children and caring for the aged sheltered there. As the children complete their Vol, I - 81 SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 483 education they quit the institution, equipped for making their own way in the world. Improvements are made as needed and comfort is in evidence at the I. 0. 0. F. Home of Ohio. OHIO PYTHIAN CHILDREN'S HOME It was in 1892 that the Grand Lodge Knights of Pythias began to agitate the question of a state home and the old McCreight homestead was on the market at the edge of Springfield. Mr. Bushnell and P. M. Cartmell did much toward attracting the location, and the P. P. Mast home was available for the aged Pythians and the Pythian Sisters. By this time the spirit of giving was developed in Springfield and the site for the children's home was purchased by the community at a cost of $25,000, and in 1894, the first cottage was built, and from time to time there have been additions, and in 1921 there were 242 children enrolled, and from the beginning 1,129 children had entered the institution. For twenty-five years Mr. and Mrs. R. M. LeFevre were superintendent and matron and when they left the places were filled by Mr. and Mrs. Albert A. Wormwood, who had been familiar with the institution for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood had retained some of the governesses employed by Mr. and Mrs. LeFevre, and beside the public school opportunity all had careful training at the home. While there are eighty-four acres in the McCreight farm, which was purchased, the Board of Managers sold forty-two acres to the Ridgewood addition, and with twenty-five acres in campus and the rest in gardens, the home is supplied with vegetables and poultry although it has no dairy or farm. Forty children from the K. of P. Home were in the Springfield High School, and as the result of a fund established for that purpose the three making the highest grades are given college advantages. The first superintendent and matron were Thomas H. Collins and his wife, who did not remain long and the LeFevers, who succeeded them, were known to everybody in Springfield. Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood reared their own family before assuming the responsibilities at the home. They are the embodiment of father and mother, and nine governesses assist them. There is a band and an orchestra in the Children's Home, and they frequently visit the downtown home and entertain the aged Pythians with music. While devotions are conducted every day at the home, the children attend the Fourth Lutheran Sunday School and some remain for the church service. A Young People's Society Christian Endeavor has been organized at the home, and there is enough music talent to enliven the service. As Mr. Wormwood led the way through the corridors and into the rooms, he was greeted by the children, who would cling to him as they would to their own father and mother, had not a rude fate robbed them of home environment and parents. The children in the fraternal homes of Springfield are given careful training, and while they are under strict discipline they understand the meaning of courtesy—would put to shame many children reared by their own parents. Springfield has a rare privilege—three state fraternal homes—and all are training future citizens who will become useful men and women. There are children and aged people in all of the homes, and the community is advertised by them all over the country. CHAPTER LIV SPRINGFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The constitution says : "The name of this organization shall be the Springfield Chamber of Commerce; its object shall be to promote the commercial, industrial, agricultural, civic and moral welfare of the City of Springfield, the County of Clark, and the State of Ohio. * * * This organization shall not affiliate with any political party, or religious denomination," and the by-laws read : "All persons, firms or corporations interested in the advancement and prosperity of Springfield and adjacent territory, are eligible to membership in the Springfield Chamber of Commerce." Some one has said : "Of living creatures, business men are nearest sane ; their philosophy is as accurate as their multiplication table," and in the main the Springfield Chamber of Commerce is an association of business and professional men. "The business man knows the weakness of propositions, the danger signs, the failings of men ; he knows how much statements should be discounted, and herein lies his value to the world." The organization of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce (1921) is : Elza F. McKee, president ; George F. Metcalf, vice president ; Edward Harford, treasurer ; C. E. Hansell, manager, and Arthur R. Altick, secretary, and on the business stationery is this statement : "Member of Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America." In its re-organization, 1922, Homer C. Corry became president, Mr. McKee becoming a member of the board of directors, and the Springfield Chamber of Commerce has been an unfailing source of information in assembling data for a Clark County history. In a folder the question is asked and answered : "Why do you serve meals at the Chamber of Commerce?" and in the dining hall there is a veritable "round" table, about which "everything under the sun" is threshed out, and sometimes when the gleaner of historic data had been in a quandary while investigating some particular subject, bef ore the meal was finished some one discussed it—the pros and the cons, the lights and the shadows—a free lance discussion, and without a single inquiry the whole thing was made plain at one sitting. While some one designated it as the "knocker's table," saying the "rough necks" assembled there, it was always the first table to be filled, and those surrounding it all seemed to have good digestion as well as mental assimilation. The official answer to the query, "Why do you serve meals ?" is : "It has been pointed out that the social features of the Chamber of Commerce should not predominate ; the members have so expressed themselves. However, by practically a unanimous vote they have expressed themselves as being in favor of certain social features, especially meaning the dining room ; it has been a gathering place for those who desire to talk over things of a business or civic nature, and as such has justified its existence. The daily contact of men at the noon lunch time is considered necessary in that it makes for closer cooperation, and a clear and more sympathetic understanding. The dining room is not operated at a loss, and it is the intention to run it as long as that basis can be maintained," and other social features are : men's parlor and card rooms, - 484 - SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 485 and these privileges are available to the members at all times. On the subject of "cliques," the f older carries the information that any organization—civic, commercial, religious, fraternal—is run by those who are vitally interested in its activities, and who devote time to its affairs. There were two earlier organizations having similar missions in Springfield, the failure of the East Street Shops in 1887 impressing upon the business men of the community the necessity of concerted action, a "four million dollar failure," being a serious matter. In order to induce firms to locate in Springfield, and utilize some of the empty buildings, it was necessary to inaugurate some definite city enterprise and in 1889 a number of business men organized the Springfield Board of Trade, with Clifton M. Nichols as secretary. The board of trade functioned until. 1904, when it was absorbed by the Commercial Club. A younger and perhaps more active and aggressive group of men became interested, and it adopted the motto : "Make Springfield Flourish." The time had come when "single-handed extremity was organization's opportunity," and the Commercial Club had a social side as well as business outlook, and posted in business vestibules was the following notice, still to be seen in the city : "As members of the Springfield Commercial Club we are not permitted to make any contributions without the indorsement of that organization," and the Chamber of Commerce indorses the idea—simply a protection against churches and lodges seeking donations—and the appeal through the business manager is a saving of time and money. The Commercial Club functioned until January 1, 1919, when it merged into the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and it is a community forum—a center of influence in Springfield. Every successful business is in a constant state of reorganization ; it is a sign of weakness when the management is completely satisfied with methods, and taken from the Ten Commandments of the Chamber of Commerce are these thoughts : It must be organized democratically, with the right to learn by making mistakes ; it must be free from the domination of money, giving the right of way to character and intelligence ; it must be non-partisan, non-sectarian and non-exclusive in purpose and practice, and progress is only possible when there is mental hospitality to new ideas. The Springfield Chamber of Commerce is fortunate in having a business manager who possesses the ability to do two things at one time, few men having the qualities combined in Mr. Hansell. While he does not overlook any social opportunity, he secures his business proposition at the same time. As the year 1921 was passing, for a week there had been a bulletin in the lobby : "Open house New Year's Eve, December 31, 1921. Be sure and come, one big time for all," and this bulletin reflects the attitude of the Chamber of Commerce toward the community—a social center—and in the review of the year prepared by Mr. Hansell and Mr. Altick, it is cited that many things have been accomplished through cooperation, and within the year 648 different meetings were held in the rooms, and demonstrating the fact that the Springfield Chamber of Commerce is a community of interests center. Within the year 29,821 meals had been served, and about the dinner tables have been held many important conferences; it is the business center of Springfield. CHAPTER LV LIBRARIES OF CLARK COUNTY There is no place where personality or individuality manifests itself more than in the library ; there are chosen friends, and there are chosen books. The library is a sanctum sanctorum where none but chosen friends presume to enter, although some families in the world fill up their shelves without thought of the consequent culture or mental development. However, the modern library is more than a store house for books ; it is more than a mere distributing agency for good literature ; it is more than a community information bureau—it is all these, and more —it is a great educational institution second only to the public school itself. In the multiplicity of its functions, the library is helpful contact with the home and society. The public library has come to be a perpetual evangel holding out to humanity the choicest things that life offers ; a community of readers is not a community of mobs, murderers and malcontents. What a happiness would come to Andrew Carnegie to witness the long procession of people of every station whose lives have become richer and fuller by his munificence in distributing libraries. What of Benjamin H. Warder, who has given Springfield such an institution? On a tablet in the entry of the Warder Free Library is the information : "The library has been erected in memory of Jeremiah and Ann A. Warder by their son, Benjamin Head Warder. It is given to the people of Springfield for their full enjoyment, and is left in their charge forever. It was dedicated June 12, 1890." In 1829 Rev. Saul Henkle, who was an expert with a "wet blanket," penned the lines : "A library society formed in 1816 was soon threatened with death by starvation, and by the overseers of the poor it was sold out, but soon of ter died in a state of feeble childhood," and he adds : "A library society, brother and successor to the above, formed say 1820 or 1821, it has been nearly frozen to death in an empty case, but of late has got into trousers, but it is still very delicate," and later he sums up everything, saying : "A sort of fatality seems to attend the benevolent and literary societies which have been gotten up in this good Town of Springfield." Few later writers have been such masters of sarcasm as Rev. Saul Henkle ; he was writing 100 years ago, and some of his statements would be censored today. The constitution of the Springfield Lyceum was adopted November 13, 1841, and the avowed object of the organization was to secure for Springfield a public library, among the other advantages of the town. While the annual membership dues were $3, the Springfield clergymen were granted the privileges of this library without expense; they were honorary members. The lyceum president was James S. Halsey, and its secretary was Edward M. Doty. There were annual and life members of the library thus organized, and the association functioned until 1849, when there is no further record of its activities. While this Lyceum Library was in existence, members were allowed to introduce out-of-town visitors who were accorded reading room privileges for the period of two weeks. The smoking restrictions were the - 486 - SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 487 same as today, and while the gleaner was copying the above information in the Warder Free Library, a young man said he was going outside to smoke. In the Lyceum Library no conversation louder than a whisper was allowed in the reading room, but there was nothing said about the privilege of sleeping vouchsafed to patrons of the Warder Library. In the winter of 1843 a Young Men's Literary Association was formed similar to the Lyceum and it assembled a small library. In 1847 it affiliated with the Springfield Lyceum, and there were no longer two separate societies. Perhaps the books were worn out as nothing is known of them, and in 1867 Mrs. Samson Mason headed a movement among Springfield women for the organization of a small circulating library. When this circulating library was ready for patrons, its management was given into the hands of the newly organized Young Men's Christian Association. It was a popular movement and many families contributed books from their own collections to it. The Y. M. C. A. was in an upper room on East Main Street and a reading room was opened in connection with the library there. While it was not like a public library, it was a nucleus of books, and plans were formulating for a library. While substituting for W. H. Rayner in the rooms of the Clark County Historical Society, E. E. Shuirr looked through the newspaper files for any mention of a library, and in The Springfield Republic of February 15, 1871, he found the following: "We are glad to learn 488 - SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY that some interest is manifested in the community on the subject of a free public library." On that evening an oyster supper was to be held in the Congregational Church, at which Rev. A. H. Ross was to give an address : "Ought Springfield to have a free public library ?" The meeting was well attended, and reasons were given for and against it, the main one against it being the way to raise the money to run it. The present Springfield Library Association movement had its active beginning February 22, 1872, when fifty men were asked to take $5 shares of stock, and it was planned to capitalize the association at $10,000 with a capital stock of $50,000 as a possibility. While the shares were placed at $5, there was no limit to the number and Benjamin F. Warder took fifty shares, paying $250 into the treasury. Washington's Birthday, 1922, was the jubilee anniversary of this meeting. John Foos, Ross Mitchell, John H. Thomas, B. F. Prince, only a few men living who were active in library affairs half a century ago, but George W. Winger, who became treasurer, still has the original subscription list. He continued to handle library funds through the building period when Mr. Warder, who was the heaviest subscriber, finally made the Warder Free Library a possibility. While a tablet tells the story, the library building was a magnificent thing for Benjamin Head. Warder to give to Springfield. Everything comes from small beginnings, but Springfield was a growing city and the different library efforts only met a temporary requirement —they did not supply the permanent need. The Republic of March 16, 1871, carried a half column on the subject of a public library—what Springfield needs, and giving numerous reasons in its favor. In its issue of March 22, the same paper said : "Much has been said recently about the establishment of a free public library in Springfield," and it refers to a meeting at which several gentlemen met in an informal manner and discussed methods for bringing about the desired result. It was unanimously conceded that it would be better to relieve the Young Men's Christian Association of the charge of the library— especially so, as its members desired to be relieved. Plans were discussed and the matter was left in the hands of John H. Vorhees, Cyrus A. Phelps and Henry C. Rogers, and persons interested were requested to talk the matter over with them. The Republic of March 23, said : "It is proposed that the new Library Association shall be entirely separate and distinct from every other society or association. Plans were mentioned of ways to raise money for the project; the manufacturers and leading business men, though, were not then ready to make adequate subscriptions, having a little item of $20,000 to pay in the near future to the Columbus, Springfield and Cincinnati Railway Company. The plan proposed provided for a free, library: it was a question to be decided whether the library should be free or whether a fee should be asked, and April 6, The Republic said: "Now that the election is over, some thought and action (we hope) may be given to the project for establishing a free public library. The plan generally agreed upon is one for raising an annual fund by securing subscriptions of $1 a month to the amount of $1,500 or $3,000 for the first year. A committee has prepared a constitution and a meeting will be held at an early day. We urge all good citizens to be on the lookout for this meeting and take pains to attend it. Suitable rooms can be obtained for the library in the Opera House if action can be taken in time. We suggest that a meeting be SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 489 held at as early a day as possible after the return of Mr. Vorhees from Washington, he being chairman of the committee." The Republic of April 27 says the plan favored is a room free to all in a central location, and amply supplied with books, magazines, reviews and journals sustained by an annual subscription until the time when a permanent fund of $50,000 or $100,000 is practicable, and two days later a meeting was held in the counting room of The Republic when it was decided to solicit subscriptions ; a few leading citizens resolved to meet the issue at once by purchasing or erecting a building suitable for library purposes. The issue of June 6 says : "The circulating library will continue in the same room," perhaps the Gunn Book Store. In the issue of July 19 is an article written by Nickliffe (was it Clifton Nichols?) in which he expresses a hope that the library question will soon be taken up "with the spirit and energy for which our Champion City is famous." The issue of October 25 mentions a letter and says little was done through the summer, and the issue of October 31 says "Mechanic" is invited to call on A. C. Black or the editor of The Republic—something about a "certain letter," and it makes the statement that Mr. Black is ready to take the lead in organizing a library. On November 2 there was a meeting in Mr. Black's office, attended by Judge Leavitt, E. C. Middleton, Captain A. P. Steele, Mr. Russell, Cyrus A. Phelps, Henry Rogers, James A. Cashman, Henry E. Shepherd, Thomas F. McGrew and a number of other gentlemen. Mr. Black and Mr. Cashman were authorized to solicit subscriptions, and to draft others, and November 21 The Republic said the solicitors were out and that the response was favorable, and December 11 appeared the statement that the enterprise was still on its feet, the Lagonda mechanics standing good for $400 and the Whitely, Fassler and Kelly shops assuming $600 in subscriptions. It seems that library activities ceased through the holiday period, but January 19, 1872, The Republic announced a meeting of all persons connected with the public library enterprise in the office of D. R. Hosterman—the old Board of Trade rooms (showing that there was a Board of Trade prior to the East Street Shops failure) at 7 o'clock the next evening. Mr. Black reported $3,000 obtained from the working men and mechanics of the city, there being about 250 subscriptions. The levy was explained by Mr. Bowman, and a committee was named : Samuel A. Bowman, John Foos and B. H. Warder, to report a plan of organization. Another meeting was announced for the following Saturday night. Mr. Black, W. A. Scott, Thomas Sanderson and G. W. Winger were constituted a committee to solicit further subscriptions. At the next meeting five incorporators : Judge Leavill, T. F. McGrew, A. C. Black, B. H. Warder and John H. Thomas, and Friday, February 2, 1872, the following announcement appeared in The Ohio State Journal in Columbus : "The Springfield Library Association filed its certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State on Thursday ; its capital stock is $20,000, divided into shares of $5 each," and the name of John Foos was added to the list of incorporators. There were frequent subsequent meetings and the following were chosen directors : John Foos, Benjamin H. Warder, William A. Scott, A. C. Black and James Cashman. In the organization of the board Mr. Foos was elected president ; Mr. 'Winger, treasurer; and E. J. Vose, William Pinlott and George Oakes were added to the subscriptions committee to secure more money. Mr. Winger and Mr. Rogers were 490 - SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY appointed to assist the secretaries, Cashman and Scott, in listing the books coming to the Association from the custody of the Young Men's Christian Association and the Gunn store room, and A. P. Steele, William Warder and John H. Vorhees were constituted a committee to co-operate with the secretary in preparing a list of books to be purchased for the library. The library was located in the Black Opera House Building, some changes being made to accommodate it, and W. F. Poole of the Cincinnati Public Library assisted the purchasing committee in selecting the hooks. Shelving to accommodate 3,000 volumes was placed in the library. An appeal had been made to Hon. Samuel Shellabarger in Washington for assistance in securing a catalogue, and he surrendered a claim for court services, $100 to go to the library fund and the rest to the Springfield Episcopalian Church ; it seems that 1,700 new books were purchased at an expense of $1,200, and while there is record of Isaac Lancey as librarian, at an election held in April, 1872, the directors : president, John H. Vorhees ; vice president, J. J. Smith ; corresponding. secretary, W. A. Scott ; recording secretary, James D. Cashman ; treasurer, George W. Winger, and librarian, Thomas Jefferson Thompson, were elected, and it seems that The Republic is silent about a meeting held February 22, as reported in the older histories. June 5, The Republic announced that the library in Black's Opera House Building would be open to the citizens and friends of the institution on Saturday evening ( June 8), and the issue of June 10 carries the account of the formal opening of the library, and June 29 there was another article referring to what had been accomplished at the library. In 1877 the Springfield Library was located in Union Hall, where it was housed until May, 1890, when it was removed to its present location, the Warder Free Library being dedicated June 12, with W. C. Woodward as librarian. In an article on public schools, Prof. Samuel H. Weir speaks of Isaac Lancey as a custodian of books, and between Mr. Thompson and Mr. Woodward there is mention of Mrs. Virginia Heckler and Mrs. Mary Rice as joint librarians. Miss Alice Burrowes was an assistant librarian when the library was moved from 'Union Hall to the Warder Free Library Building. Mr. Woodward was the first man to leave any detailed history of Springfield, writing Springfield SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 491 Sketches and the historical data in the first Springfield Directory, both published in 1852. He was a former student of Wittenberg College, and librarian when he died July 24, 1896, having been with the library throughout its organized history. When Robert Christie Woodward died there were eleven applications for the position made vacant, and when the board met September 5, 1896, the position was awarded to Miss Burrowes. While Miss Burrowes was chosen for one year, she still assists investigators to find necessary facts. Benjamin F. Warder, whose generosity made the Warder Free Library a possibility, was an active business man and influential citizen of Springfield. He donated the site and the building, at a combined cost of $125,000, and it stands as a monument to the name Warder—an early family in Springfield. It is of durable brown stone, designed before the present day style in library architecture ; it has commodious reading rooms, but needs modern lighting fixtures. The 1921 library board is : President, John L. Zimmerman ; vice president, John B. McGrew ; secretary, M. T. Burnham, Miss Anna B. Johnson, Edward L. Buchwalter and Henry D. Titer. The prominent citizens of Springfield have been connected with the library. When the. Warder Free Library was dedicated Asa S. Bushnell, who was a member of the board, acted as master of ceremonies, and Samuel Shellabarger of Washington City was the speaker. It was his last public address as he died in September. He had one time been foremost among platf orm speakers in Springfield. The address is referred to as a classic, and the newspaper containing it and an account of the ceremony is now part of the library record ; the names of distinguished citizens present in 1890 are chiseled on granite today ; they were seated on the porch and the lawn, and among them were Mr. and Mrs. Warder. When Mr. Bushnell introduced Mr. Shallabarger, the speaker paid tribute to the Warders, saying : "This suitable and generous act has enshrined Benjamin H. and Ellen N. Warder in the hearts of the people of Springfield." While Mr. Warder gave to the community the library, there are those who ascribe him further honors ; they say he helped a number of Springfield citizens to help themselves. An American flag was floating and when Mr. Warder responded he said his wife joined him in the gift of the library and that they wanted scientific knowledge to be available to the citizens of the community. Mr. Shellabarger said it remained for the citizens to show their appreciation by using the library. When Mr. Shellabarger and Mr. Warder first knew each other a school house occupied the site of the library. While library sentiment began to crystallize early in the history of Springfield, and there are conflicting stories afloat about it, the Warder Free Library is a reality. Miss Burrowes reports 37,000 volumes of carefully selected books, and the latest bequest from the Warder family is a collection of pictures representing a large expenditure of money. When the Warder family lived in Springfield they had many paintings, gathered from all parts of the world, and after locating in Washington others were added, and it is this collection Mrs. Warder is giving to the library. The Warders were extensive travelers, and in 1904 Mr. Warder died in Egypt. The name Warder is inseparable from the history of Springfield. Records in possession of Mr. Winger show the library movement as having been launched February 22, 1872, while news items gleaned from The Republic create a different impression, and an 492 - SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY item in The Springfield News in connection with the half century anniversary, says that in the fall of 1871 the women of Springfield gave a great bazaar to raise funds with which to purchase new volumes for the library. However, Mr. Shuirr found no reference in The Republic to this bazaar or to a Washington's Birthday meeting, and he paged the files in search of such information. ZIMMERMAN LIBRARY The Zimmerman Library Building at Wittenberg College is a gift from John L. Zimmerman, an 1879 alumnus who feels an abiding interest in his alma mater. While a nucleus of books formed a small library in 1845, when the college was founded, it has grown as reference volumes have been acquired until it contains more than 25,000 volumes, with many pamphlets and periodicals ; the books are selected to meet student needs, and for many years they were cared for by different college professors, but in 1891 the splendid library building was begun, and from the time it was ready for occupancy Miss Grace Prince has been librarian. The library occupies a commanding site on the college campus, and Mr. Zimmerman has given the college $25,000 with which to make some improvements at the library ; it stands four square to the winds of winter, and with its stacks in one end and reading room in the other it is a mecca for many Wittenberg students. Mrs. J. S. Crowell recently transferred 800 choice books from the private library of the late J. S. Crowell to SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 493 the Zimmerman Library ; in the collection is a forty-five volume library of the World's Best Literature and a sixty-five volume Dictionary of National Geography, beside books of travel and history. THE LAW LIBRARY As president of the Clark County Bar Association, Elza F. McKee automatically becomes president of the Law Library Association (see Bench and Bar), about which there is some question of privilege, certain attorneys at the bar having paid a stock subscription toward it. When the Law Library Association was incorporated in 1892 (March), meetings were held the first Monday in each month in the Court House, where the library was housed, and William F. Bevitt was the librarian. When the Court House was destroyed by fire February 26, 1918, many of the books were carried out uninjured, but a portrait of Samson Mason, an early jurist and painted by Jerome Hale, was destroyed ; since 1912 Olie C. Gregory has been librarian, and when the fire broke out he dratfed assistance and succeeded in removing most of the books to the basement of the West County Building and into the rooms of the Clark County Historical Society in the East County Building. When court was opened in Memorial Hall, filling such time as the Court House was out of use, the Law Library was opened there : it contains almost 10,000 volumes, including the Ohio Reports, and those from many other states. The librarian has a list of special legal volumes in private collections not found on the shelves, the number so great that one man or firm cannot afford to own or shelter them all. Books in private libraries not duplicated in the Law Library are available to members, the court bailiff always serving as librarian. Provision for a Law Library is made under an act of the Ohio Assembly, and those consulting the books do not remove them from the library ; they are always accessible when they are not loaned and carried away for examination. South Charleston was promised a public library from the Houston family, and after complications arose involving the property of L. H. and E. 0. Houston the village counsel, Stewart L. Tatum, made application in court for $40,000, the sum indicated in a will to be used for a library. The Springfield Exchange Club fostered a library for the Tuberculosis Hospital, and there are small libraries in many institutions. Some Springfield and Clark County f amilies have excellent private libraries, and to them is offered this suggestion : "When you buy an edition de luxe, Be sure and examine the buxe ; Make sure they're just so, Ere you pay out your dough, And don't buy de luxe buxe from cruxe." CHAPTER LVI CLARK COUNTY BOOKS AND WRITERS It will not be charged to the account of Springfield and Clark County that the citizenry thereof is given to dreams, although there are more published volumes than are to be found in some communities. When the wolf was to be found in the Clark County forest the settlers were too busy "keeping the wolf from the door'! to write either fiction or poetry ; they gave their attention to the stern realities. In August, 1749, the French Major Celoron Debienville ascended the LaRoche or Big Miami River in bateaux to visit Twightee Village at Piqua on Mad River—the story told to Gist, the agent of the Virginians interested in Ohio land ; he formed the Ohio Land Company and wrote the first English description of the locality. While in the vicinity of Dayton along the Big Miami, Gist visited the Miami Village in 1751, and he relates that the Shawnees were then on Mad River. He speaks of the fertile soil and of the well watered land, covered with oak, walnut, ash, wild cherry and other trees ; there was game in the forest—wild turkeys, and from thirty to forty buffaloes were seen feeding in one meadow, but by 1795—the Greenville Treaty year—the elks and buffaloes had disappeared and there was white clover and blue grass in the valleys —the very first published account of the area now in Clark County. The oldest publication by a resident of what is now Clark County is "The Indian Doctor's Dispensatory, being Father Smith's Advice Respecting Diseases and Their Cure, Consisting of Prescriptions for Many Complaints, and a Description of Medicines, Simple and Compound, Showing Their Virtue and How to Apply Them, Designed for the Benefit of His Children, His Friends and the Public, but More Especially the Citizens of the Western Parts of the United States of America," by Peter Smith of the Miami Country. This book was printed in 1813 for the author in Cincinnati, and at the time Peter Smith lived along Mad River. Mention is made of this book in the chapter on Materia Medica because of the nature of it. Peter Smith was born in Wales, February 6, 1753, and he was educated at Princeton University. The book was out of print, and Dr. John Uri Lloyd of Cincinnati, who republished it in 1898, had despaired of ever seeing a copy ; had known the name "Peter Smith, the Indian Herb Doctor," until one day he met Gen. J. Warren Keifer at Middle Bass Island, Lake Erie, when he learned that General Keifer possessed a copy of it. The lost book was found and the history of its author authenticated ; he was the father of General Keifer's mother. The book was published again and copies of it are to be found in Springfield ; its author lies buried at Donnelsville. While the Mound Builders and the American Indians had the instinct of preservation, as is witnessed in the mounds and in hieroglyphics, about the first definite mention of Springfield is found in The Ohio Gazetteer, published in Columbus, November 22, 1816, with John Kilborn editor and publisher. The copy shown at the rooms of the Clark County Historical Society is the personal property of W. H. Rayner, his f ather—William Rayner—having picked it up at a public sale January 2, 1918, in Miami County. Since there is no copy of it in the library - 494 - SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 495 of the State Historical Society it may go there as it would mean more to the State of Ohio than to Clark County, Springfield being mentioned as in Champaign County. It is said that the best genealogical library in the United States is in Boston because of the Pilgrim History there, although the Newberry Library in Chicago is a mecca for investigators. While popular demand for the knowledge of ancestry was once restricted to the reputed wealthy, since the middle of the nineteenth century "the common herd" have interested themselves in it ; less affluent families have searched for the blood connecting them with early history. The oracle : "Know thyself" also implies a knowledge of ancestry. The Patriotic Societies, the Sons and the Daughters of the American Revolution, have had trouble with their grandfathers and grandmothers because of insufficient records left by them. A livestock specialist must understand the science of relationship—must know blood lines in order to write pedigrees, and the genealogist must possess similar knowledge—encounters the same difficulties. A good biography means much to any progressive family ; there are always some who want to know their origin and who are not afraid of the theory of evolution. While there have been few air-castles in the history of Clark County, there are some splendid castles, and the community may yet develop a coterie of writers ; some one has said : "But when old age came creeping on, With all its aches and qualms, King Solomon wrote the Proverbs And King David wrote the Psalms." CLARK COUNTY HISTORIES Bulwer Lytton says : "There is no past so long as books shall live," and Dean Swift exclaims : "Books, the children of the brain," and it seems that "To the making of many books there is no end," and in the pages of a well-written history it is possible to live one's life again ; the past becomes the present in the preservation of things of interest to future citizens. While the idealist never is at his best in the field of realism, the student of economic conditions in Clark County realizes that the increase in prosperity and the advance in achievement has been much greater since Henry Howe's second tour of Ohio than what he records between the '40s and '80s, when he twice traversed the commonwealth of Ohio and each time visited Clark County. In the preface to his second History of Ohio, Mr. Howe, who was a native of Connecticut, finally living in Columbus, wrote : "We don't know what is before us," and then he details something of his adventures traveling through the state in 1846, at which time as a young boy General Keifer was detailed by his father to accompany the historian to the battlefield—now Fort Tecumseh—and again in 1886, when they met for the second time, this time in the Keifer law office, and Mr. Howe says in speaking of his second tour : "Not a human being in any land that I know of has done a like thing." While some have regarded the Howe History as they think of garden seeds, because for so many years free copies of it were distributed by the members of the Ohio Assembly, the state having acquired the ownership of the plates from which it was 496 - SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY printed, it always has been near the hearts of those fortunate enough to own a copy of it. The thing that endears Howe's History to the State and to the Jiff erent counties is the number of now imperishable incidents related in it. Not only Clark County people prize it, and while other Ohio histories have a Clark County department, none are so personal ; what the veteran historian says of the State as a whole applies admirably to Clark County, but almost as much time has now elapsed since he said it, as had elapsed between the times of his two visits. Were Henry Howe to return to earth and tour the State again he would find the strides of progress had been greater since his second pilgrimage-1846 and again in 1886—in Clark County. There are copies of both editions of Howe's History in the Warder Free Library. The age of electricity was just dawning, and any Rip Van Winkle would have difficulty adjusting himself today. As early as 1852 Springfield citizens began publishing their own proceedings ; in that year a small volume : "Sketches of Springfield" appeared as an anonymous publication. While it is accredited to Robert Christie Woodward, one volume shows the research man had the name of J. K. Dodge penciled in on the title page. The booklet bears the date January 1, 1852, and it was published by T. A. Wick & Company in Springfield. Dr. Samuel Johnson says : "Knowledge is of two kinds ; we know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it," and the author of this booklet says there were then three men in the community whom he consulted : David Lowry, John Humphreys and Griffith Foos. They were pioneer citizens. The copy of this book : "Sketches of Springfield," was given to the Clark County Historical Society by Daniel Baker, who in turn had obtained it from John Potter, and this is the volume credited to J. K. Dodge. While not all are bibliomaniacs, there are book collectors in Springfield. There is a copy of this booklet in the Warder Free Library. While directories are a necessary adjunct to business today, the very diminutive Springfield Directory issued in 1852 reads : "Directory of the City of Springfield, containing the city charter and ordinances, and a brief history of the city, and the names and residences of householders, and all persons engaged in business, and accompanied with a new and complete map of the city," but the copies in existence do not possess maps. Beside those in the Historical Society collection and in the Warder Free Library, Dr. B. F. Prince, Gen. J. Warren Keifer and Henry L. Schaefer had copies all minus the maps, but an inquiry through The Springfield Sunday News brought forth one with a map in it. When William Lohnes read the newspaper article he notified Mr. Schaefer that his father, Peter Lohnes, had purchased the 1852 Directory and the map was still in it. Mr. Lohnes had not attached any value to the Directory until he learned of the rarity of the map ; however, he loaned Mr. Schaefer the copy and he traced several copies, presenting one to the Historical Society. The publisher's card reads : "Map of the City of Springfield, drawn from the latest authorities by Robert Black, and engraved by Croome of Dayton." This map made threescore-and-ten years ago is a rare possession today. There are two old maps on the wall at the rooms of the Historical Society, one made in 1853, and while the other was copyrighted in 1855, it was not printed until 1859, and both are of the county, while the directory map is of Springfield alone. The 1859 map was made by T. Kizer, civil surveyor, SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 497 and corrected and published by J. Douglas Moler. Not many maps have been made in Clark County. The compiler of the Springfield Directory of 1852 published the statement that the venture was not a financial success ; the historical data in it corresponds with that in Springfield Sketches of even date and is ascribed to the same writer—R. C. Woodward. In 1859 appeared "Williams' Springfield and Urbana Directory, City Guide and Business Mirror," with the explanation : "The growing importance of these two cities demanded that their population and business should be presented in this shape," and much valuable data is preserved in the advertising pages of this directory, the copy exhibited belonging to E. E. Shuirr. Keeping to the chronology, the Historical Society has a scrap book loaned by Mrs. Sarah Shockey which contains the Ludlow Papers of 1871, and which by many is regarded as an excellent history. The Ludlow paper was written by Dr. John Ludlow and covered the period of seventy years. In 1875 came an illustrated Historical Atlas of Clark County, with a general map of the United States and grand divisions, published in three parts and complete in one volume," and since this Atlas corresponds exactly with the Ludlow papers it is interesting to know that in a personal letter written November 24, 1921, Prof. W. H. McIntosh of Auburn, Indiana, admits having utilized the information. He had a "wagon load of Atlases, the Springfield Atlas among them," having retained a copy "Of each, and in the '70s he devoted his time to it. Mr. McIntosh acquired a fortune and the High School site and building in Auburn are his compliment to the community, the site having been his homestead for many years. Just a few Springfield citizens remember Mr. McIntosh, who in the Atlas says : "We have gathered past memories and present statistics. Frontier life is far distant ; the war for the Union is becoming more remote. * * * This work will be a link to connect the future with the past." The copies of the Atlas in private homes—Clark County and the rest of the world—were often destroyed by the children whose mothers allowed them to amuse themselves looking at the pictures. Art has changed and the Atlas of 1875 is an heirloom, copies of it being secured and bound again because it reflects an epoch in publishing—that style of book prevailing all over the country. In the Atlas and the Ludlow papers many dates are substantiated that would now be hard to establish, that generation having passed out of the world. In 1880 appeared : "A Portrait and Biographical Album of Greene and Clark Counties, containing full sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the two counties, together with the portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States." In 1881 appeared a volume : "The History of Clark County, Containing the History of the County, its Cities, Towns, etc., General and Local Statistics, Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men. It Includes a History of Northwest Territory ; History of Ohio ; Map of Clark County ; Constitution of the United States, and Miscellaneous Matter." It is referred to as Beers' History, and many features were furnished by Springfield citizens, although not so indicated on the title page. That type of book was also published all over the country contemporary with the local publication. Much of it was used verbatim in other communities. However, it is regarded as a reliable local history. Vol. I-32 498 - SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY In 1882 appeared an "Atlas of Springfield from Actual Surveys and Official Records, by and Under the Supervision of E. Robinson and R. H. Pidgeon, Civil Engineers." In 1894 appeared "The County of Clark, an Imperial Atlas and Art Folio, Including Chronological Chart, Statistical Tables and Descriptive Surveys." In 1901 appeared "The Centennial Celebration of Springfield," edited by Benjamin F. Prince ; it was a community effort, the "pens of ready writers" being enlisted in the enterprise. This book appeared twenty years ago, and in the preface is the line : "A hundred years in the life of a community which has had a prosperous and successful growth is worth reviewing," this production limited to Springfield. In 1902 appeared : "A Biographical Record of Clark County, Illustrated." In 1905 the issue of The Americana Cyclopedia carried an article on Springfield and Clark County, written by J. H. Rabbits, who was then postmaster in Springfield. In 1906 the Commercial Club issued a booklet : "Springfield, the Great Manufacturing City, with specific information relating to Springfield, its advantages commercial and industrial," the slogan : "Make Springfield Flourish." In 1906 appeared "A Twentieth Century History of Springfield and Clark County, and Representative Citizens," edited and compiled by Judge William M. Rockwell, being the first county-wide publication with local editor. In 1909 appeared a booklet : "A Short History of James and Elizabeth Todd, and a List of Their Descendants." There may be other genealogies but they are not on file at the rooms of the Historical Society. The secretary invites them, as there are frequent inquiries for definite family information. The name Todd comes from the old English word meaning Fox, and in Clinton County Todd's Fork takes its name from the Todd family. The booklet tells of the old homestead in Greene Township, the house built many years ago. In 1909 appeared "A History of the Police Department of Springfield From the Earliest Times, with a Record of the Principal Crimes Committed ; a Description of the Public Buildings Connected With the Administration of Justice ; Roster of the Officers and Members Past and Present, Illustrated," and written by John Ballard and published by the Policeman's Mutual Benefit Association. In 1910 appeared : "South Charleston, Early History and Reminiscences," by Albert Reeder. The booklet contains much valuable data and many local traditions. In 1917 appeared "A History of the M. E. Church of New Carlisle, by W. H. Sterrett," which includes many local stories. In 1920 came "Early Methodism in the Miami Valley, Including a History of Central Methodist Episcopal Church, Springfield," by Albert L. Slager. This booklet contains considerable general information. A recent publication which is brought up-to-date frequently : "Springfield Facts," issued by the Chamber of Commerce for general distribution, includes the Springfield of yesterday with a general summary of present-day conditions. In the Rose Album issued for distribution is the line : "Our story is told without exaggeration," and in it are many attractive local pictures. SPRINGFIELD AND CLARK COUNTY - 499 Through the assistance of W. H. Rayner, secretary of the Clark County Historical Society, and Miss Alice Burrowes of the Warder Free Library, the gleaner in the field of local historical research has tabulated previous publications, and when the list appeared in The Springfield News inviting additions to it a Springfield club woman remarked : "The timely appearance of this Clark County Bibliography has saved me an endless amount of research ; it was my assignment in the club," and no doubt there are other booklets that should have been included in the list ; due effort was made to assemble them. It was October 13, 1921, that the representative of The American Historical Society, Rolland Lewis Whitson, arrived in Springfield with only a cursory knowledge of the community ; his mission was "A Standard History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio, covering the period 1801 to 1921, with particular attention to the modern era, viewed from the standpoint of its commercial, industrial, educational, civic and social development," all copy to be submitted to Dr. Benjamin F. Prince for his approval, and the books already listed were at the disposal of the peripatetic who gleaned from them what appears in these pages. The sojourn in Springfield ended February 25, 1922, and it was a most agreeable experience, citizens interviewed co-operating in splendid manner, causing the gleaner in local fields to wish he might live permanently in Clark County. While the reference volumes are in many private libraries, the Springfield business man who refused to buy a dictionary because he knew where all his customers lived had confused it with a directory, the 1921 Springfield Directory. saying : "Springfield is without natural boundaries," and while directories have not been issued every year since 1852 many offices have the different issues, using them to substantiate evidence, time and place of residence, etc., and for the benefit of its members the Springfield Chamber of Commerce has a library of different city directories. While it is said that "books go under the hammer first" when adversity overtakes a family, sometimes a county history is sold at auction, but there always is some one who wants it ; a man wanted the county history in a division of property because the family story was in it, but through the claims of seniority an older brother secured it. It has been charged that none are mentioned in county histories but those who buy them, but that is a fallacy ; the biography volume in this edition is wholly in the interest of patrons who make the history volume a financial possibility. The men and the women who developed the community are part of its history, and they are mentioned as far as it has been possible to gain information about them. Some persons are not sufficiently public-spirited to entitle them to mention in the annals of the community ; they are not even mentioned in the newspapers. In an effort to secure further unpublished data the gleaner in the field of local history used a slogan: "Cover Clark County and Spring Springfield" in a series of reminiscent articles in The Sunday News, and some persons responded to the invitation with the desired information. Charles Kingsley said : "We ought to reverence books, to look at them as useful and mighty things ; if they are good and true, whether they are about religion or politics, farming, trade or medicine, they are the message of Christ, the maker of all things, the teacher of all truth." Emerson says : "Books are the best things, well used ; abused, among