USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cumminsville > History of Cumminsville, Ohio, 1792-1914 > Part 8
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In 1913 the Park Board purchased about an acre of ground on
Beekman Street next to the Garfield School and it will be equipped with apparatus to make a playground. Commencing about the year 1910 the Park Department conceived the idea of buying up consider- able of the woodland north and west of Colerain Avenue, and leading off of West Fork Road. They have purchased eleven hundred acres of ground there, and in the years to come this will be converted into a spot for recreation. In 1912 the Park Department purchased the Bowler Homestead in Clifton, and while this park is not strictly within the limits of Cumminsville, it overlooks the town and is very easy of access for all those who own automobiles.
PUBLIC OFFICERS.
Cumminsville has furnished many public officers besides the usual ward officers, some of whom are: Dr. Louis Schwab was Coroner in 1898, and Mayor during 1910-11; Judge August H. Bode and Judge August H. Bode Jr., have served at different times on the municipal bench; Philip Deitsch was for many years up to 1904
COL. PHILIP DEITSCH
Patrolmen of "Old Cumminsville District"
Chief of Police of Cincinnati, and was the most distinguished Chief of Police in the United States; Charles A. Miller was Connty Treasurer, served as one of the commission which built the City Hall of
Cincinnati in 1889, and also served as building commissioner for the Memorial Hall on Elm Street, member of the Board of Public Im- provements, and member of Board of Election; Mr. Charles L. Doran is at present one of the Tax Commissioners for the County of Hamil- ton ; and Judge John A. Caldwell is on the Hamilton Common Pleas bench, and has been judge of that court for the past ten years. Judge Caldwell was Judge of the Cincinnati Police Court in 1886, Congress- man in 1888, and also served as Mayor of the city of Cincinnati in 1894. He was Lieutenant Governor of Ohio in 1900. Henry B. Banning was Congressman; John B. Washburn was member of Board of City Affairs; E. L. Kennedy, Ohio Legislature; Ed. H. Strong, Ohio Legislature; and William Copelan is the present Chief of Police.
RECENT CHURCH ADDITIONS.
A Brief History of Emmanuel Baptist Church .- On July 21, 1889, the first preliminary meeting was held at the Cumminsville Christian
4.
EMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH
Church to organize a Baptist Sunday School and Church. The Reverends G. R. Robbins, pastor of Lincoln Park Baptist Church : E. P. Roberts, and JJ. H. Gray were the ministers present. Several
Souvenir "History of ('umminsville"
leading Baptist laymen from the downtown Baptist Churches were also present.
A Sunday School was organized, of which Dr. O. W. Lownsbury, Sr., was chosen superintendent. The Sunday School met regularly in the hall of Hoffner Lodge.
On Tuesday evening, March 11, 1890, a meeting was called for the purpose of organizing a Baptist Church in Cumminsville. This was consummated, with a membership of twenty-one. On March 11, 1890, Rev. H. C. Lyman, a graduate of Hamilton Seminary, of Hamilton, N. Y., was called to be the pastor of the new organization, and his pastorate extended over a period of four years. During this time a lot was purchased-in September, 1891-on the southeast corner of Hamilton and Pullan Avenues. A temporary chapel was built and occupied until the present church edifice was
"WILLEY MEMORIAL"-UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
completed. The first service in the little chapel was held on Sunday evening, November 18, 1891, when the chapel was dedicated to the service and worship of God.
On January 21, 1892, at 5 p. m., the corner stone of the present church building was laid, and the building was dedicated to the worship of God on November 29, 1892, and the first services were held in the new church November 27th.
The following ministers have served this church during its history : Rev. H. C. Lyman, from March 11, 1890, to April 22, 1894; Rev. C. W. Wheelan, from August 26, 1894, to September 25, 1896; Rev. J. W. Cathcart, from February 26, 1897, to March 31, 1899; Rev. W. D. Holt, from May 1, 1899, to November 14, 1906; Rev. W. H. Parker, from September 1, 1907, to August 1, 1910; Rev. J. M. Lockhart, from August 15, 1910, to September 1, 1912; Rev. A. W. Denlinger, the present pastor, commenced his work with the church on March 1, 1913.
During the twenty-three years of the church's life its history has been that of most mission churches. Struggles and sacrifices multiplied have come to its experience, but sinee conflict and sacri- fice is the law of progress, this church has willingly paid the price and now looks upon a most hopeful future.
The present membership numbers 140.
ST. PIUS CHURCH
United Brethren in Christ .- The congregation of the United Brethren in Christ, whose house of worship, the "Willey Memorial," is situated in South Cumminsville, on Borden and Weber Streets, had its origin in a small Sunday School that had been organized in that vicinity by Congregationalist people, but turned over to the care of Mr. W. S. Norris in 1896. Mr. Norris was a member of the Mt. Airy United Brethren Church, and reported the Sunday School to the
Souvenir "History of Cumminsville"
United Brethren annual conference for recognition that year. The recognition was granted and the school was attached to Mt. Healthy. and together they were called the Mt. Healthy and Cumminsville charge and Rev. G. T. Powell was made the pastor of the same. In March of that year he held a series of evangelistic services, assisted by Rev. J. E. Yingling, and at the conclusion of the meetings organ- ized a church with fourteen eharter members. The following July, as a result of a three-weeks' meeting held in the locality by evangelist G. K. Little of Chicago, Ill., twenty-six more united with the church. The annual conference held in August that year detached the Cum- minsville congregation from Mt. Healthy and attached it to Mt. Airy, and appointed Rev. J. E. Yingling to the charge. This pastorate held for four years, so far as the Cumminsville congregation was con- cerned. During this pastorate the house of worship, the stone church, and the parsonage, a brick structure, were built. The dedication took place at the annual conference held here in August, 1900, and the church house was named Willey Memorial, which name the congre- gation has also borne since. The following ministers, in addition to those already named, have served as pastors: E. W. Bowers, G. T. Powell, Chester Boda, B. F. Farris, and W. H. Klinefelter, who is at present entering upon his fourth year of service. The present membership is 110; the Sunday School enrollment, 210; the Christian Endeavor Society has active membership of about 20; the Kappa Sigma Pi nearly 20; the Otterbein Brotherhood, 12; and the Ladies' Aid Society about 20.
St. Pius Catholic Church .- Owing to the steady growth of St. Boniface congregation, a movement was started in the fall of 1910 to provide for the numerous membership which belonged to the con- gregation in South Cumminsville.
On October 13, 1910, the present pastor of St. Pins Church, Rev. John Berning, was asked to organize the new parish. On December 1st, H. Bertke, Frank Fischer, A. A. Luckey, and Edward Meyer were appointed as the building committee and met at the Sacred Heart rectory, Camp Washington, and approved of a plan for a temporary church. The northwest corner of Borden Street and Dreman Avenue was secured for the church purposes. The building was dedicated April 16, 1911, by Rev. F. Henry Bene. Shortly after the day of dedication the congregation met and elected a church committee. made up of the following gentlemen: A. A. Luckey, treasurer; Joseph Fischer, secretary ; H. Bertke, H. Laubernds, H. Kroner, F. Gerwe. Joseph Heyker, and J. Weitlauf.
The congregation numbers 250 families.
Ground for St. Pius School was broken March 19, 1912. The building was dedicated June 28, 1913, by the Most Rev. Henry Moeller. The building committee consisted of the following gentlemen: Frank Fischer. II. Bertke, A. A. Luckey, Edward Meyer. Henry Laubernds. J. B. Doppes, and Frank Holtman, with Rev. John Berning as chairman.
The school building is 67x102 feet, and contains eight regular class rooms and two music rooms. An auditorium seating 750 is one of the possessions of the congregation, in which they take great pride.
BIRD'S-EYE VIEW QF CUMMINSVILLE, LOOKING FROM ROLL'S HILL, 1913
Photo by Paul Mueller.
Souvenir "History of Cumminsville"
"BOYS OF '61-'65 IN 1914" Israel Ludlow Post No. 76, G. A. R., Organized May 19, 1881
Photo by Paul Mueller.
Souvenir "History of Cummins ville"
ISRAEL LUDLOW POST.
In the latter part of April, 1881, nearly sixteen years after the muster out of the veterans of the Civil War, a number of the veterans living at Cumminsville met at Seibert's Hall to organize a Post of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Application was made to the Department Headquarters for a charter, which was granted, and thirty-one charter members were mustered into the Grand Army on the evening of May 19, 1881.
By a unanimous vote it was decided to name the Post "Israel Ludlow Post," and the number given to them by the Department was No. 76. Charles A. Miller was chosen the first commander and Charles H. Wentzel first adjutant.
The Post grew rapidly and at one time numbered more than 350 members, and now only numbers 49. Of the 31 charter members 26 have died, and there are only 5 now living, 3 of whom are still members of the Post.
The present home of the Post (the old German Lutheran Church) was purchased by them May 6, 1895, and is one of the old land marks of Cumminsville. The cannon surmounting the cu- pola was presented to the Post by Mr. James Carson, a pioneer of Cincinnati. This cannon was known as "General Zollicofer," and was captured at the battle of Pea Ridge.
CUMMINSVILLE LIBRARY
On various occasions the survivors of the 4th and 5th O. V. C. have held their reunions at this hall.
Josiah S. Lingo is the present Commander, and James Winall. Adjutant.
BRANCH LIBRARY.
The magnificent edifice on Hamilton Avenue, which is the home of fiction and fact, is but the outgrowth of a spirit which prompted the opening of a branch in the rooms occupied at present by the Northside Business Club, on June 10, 1879. The Branch had a meagre existence, and finally was closed on March 1, 1882. for the want of sufficient funds to pay the rent.
The modesty of appeals for support is shown by the circular which is herewith reproduced, and which was issued in December, 1880.
Our Branch Library! 25th Ward Residents PLEASE READ THIS!
WE have enjoyed the benefits and Inx- ury of the Library now for near 2 years. We are all aware that it is an important factor in our wurd, and an attractive feature to our suburb, and who of our number will not give their mite towards its support, rather than see it taken from us ?
It Is incumbent upon the citizens of the ward, to pay the rent for the aparte Events It occuples, for light, fuel, and jan- itor, which requires about $150 per year. We are now in arrears ahout 870 for sald expeases, and unless rellef comes soon, we will lose that for which great efforts were made to secure.
The members of the FRANKLIN INSTITUTE feeling a decp Interest in the maintenance of the Library, have organized an ussociation to be known as
The BRANCH LIBRARY ASSOCIATION of the 25th Ward, Aud Invite the cooperation of the public, both Gentlemen and Ladies of the ward. The object of sald association will be to assist In maintaining the Branch Library in the 25th Ward.
We Issue this circular for the purpose of notifying all citizens that they will be called upon, und asked to contribute somnetblog lu support of this worthy en- terprise.
The names of all those contributing, and the amounts contributed will be published, and an account rendered from time to timeof all moneys collected. Hoping that we will meet with a prompt and willing response, We remain, Very Respectfully,
ALBERT WILLIAMSON, President, JOHN & CALDWELL, Via Pridat CHARLES L DORAM, SECTFLATT, IN MENTE THATTET, JOHDT P. MYERS, J. W. WEBBER. Directom. J. W. STRWILL Of the Breach Library Association ef the 15Là Wand
Just twenty-five years afterwards the old spirit came to life in the beau- tiful building now in use.
In the summer of 1904, Mr. Albert Williamson, Dr. C. C. Meade, Dr. H. W. Felter, Mr. John A. Pitts and a few others started a movement to secure a Branch Library through the co-operation of the Carnegie Associa- tion. The Cincinnati Library Board purchased a lot on Hamilton Avenue, 162 feet front and 170 feet deep. On December 28, 1905, the plans for the building were considered by the Li- brary Board, and after some delay the Carnegie Fund trustees agreed with the Cineinnati Library Board on the cost, $31.961.08. The building was started early in 1907, and opened to the public on April 27, 1908. without any formal ceremonies.
The auditorium in the first story seats 149. The main building is 90 feet by 54 feet. and the architecture is modern French Renaissance. The Library floor includes, besides the regular book delivery room. a chil- dren's reading room and adults' read- ing and reference room.
Souvenir "History of Cumminsville"
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THE CHESTNUT HOME ON BLUE ROCK STREET
THE MeMAKIN HOME
LOOKING EAST FROM BADGELY AVENUE TOWARD KIRBY ROAD SCHOOL
NORTHSIDE COUNCIL, KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
THE LUDLOW AVENUE VIADUCT
HE LUDLOW AVENUE VIADUCT, recently completed,- T extends from the intersection of Ludlow Avenue and Spring Grove Avenue in a southerly direction to the west side of Ludlow Avenue, about one hundred feet north of the bridge over the Miami and Erie Canal, crossing Mill Creek and the tracks of the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern Railroad. It was designed to eliminate the dan- gerous grade crossing of the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern Railroad, and as the tracks are also used in conjunction with the New York Central Lines, the traffie is very heavy, causing the crossing to be often blocked. For this reason an overhead street crossing secures improved conditions for the safety and speed of street ears and vehicular traffic.
By an ordinance presented by former Councilman Schueller, and passed on April 17, 1911, the City Couneil authorized the con- struction of the viaduet, the city to pay thirty-five percent of the total cost and the railroad company sixty-five percent. Bids were let in December, 1911, and work commeneed the following spring.
The viaduct, inelusive of approaches, is 1,750 feet long, it being comprised, starting from the north end, of an earthwork approach contained between two concrete retaining walls 150 feet long; a reinforced concrete structure of column, beam, and slab construction, consisting of 24-foot spans, 373 feet 6 inches long; then six reinforced concrete arches of 85-foot clear span, with roadway over them, of column, beam, and slab construction; then a span over the railroad tracks 110 feet long, consisting of ten steel plate girders, incased in concrete; then a reinforced concrete structure of column, beam, and slab construction, made up of 24-foot spans, 313 feet long, terminating in a reinforced concrete wall; an earthwork approach abont 265 feet long completing the improvement.
The viaduct proper is 1,336 feet long. It has a width of sixty feet, with a forty-foot roadway and two ten-foot sidewalks. The roadway of the bridge is of vitrified brick laid in the regulation sand cushion, and the south approach is the same with a concrete base. The north approach is paved mostly with granite block.
Beginning with the north end, the viaduct is designed with a
rising grade of 5%, which is maintained for 368 feet; over the arch spans for a distance of 580 feet there is a 4.65% grade; the portion over the railroad is level for 110 feet, clearance from top of rail being 22 feet; and for the remaining 370 feet there is a descending grade of 0.25% towards the south.
The piers supporting the arches, as well as the beam and girder spans, are resting on concrete footings carried on reinforced concrete piles. No extensive difficulties were encountered in placing the foun- dations, and the superstructure was started as the work progressed.
In the superstructure the piers supporting the arches rise as a solid pedestal to the arch skewback, above which elevation a pilaster construction supports the roadway over the arches. The arch spans are made up of a three-centered arch ring 50 feet wide, 2 feet deep at the crown, and 5 feet 2 inches at the springing linc. These rings are each surmounted by columns extending over their full width carrying the beams and slabs which form the roadway. The sidewalk slabs overhang the parapet walls five feet. The parapet walls on the face of the arches are five inehes thick, and with the columnar effect the appearance is very pleasing. The beam and girder spans are carried out in the same style, so that there is a continuity of archi- tectural design throughout the structure. The hand rail was designed for strength, simplieity, and to harmonize with the rest of the struc- ture. It is made of reinforced concrete, consisting of light posts resting on the edge of the sidewalk and supporting eight-foot panels.
The proposed electric lighting system will consist of thirty-six single light standards of the boulevard type. These will be placed along the curb and will be 13 feet 6 inches high. Each standard will be equipped with one 450-watt nitrogen filled lamp, giving about 750 candle power.
Conerete used in the structure was of a 1:2:4 mix, square twisted steel bars being used for reinforcement.
Quantities in the structure are approximately as follows: Exca- vation, 10,100 cubic yards : piling, 28.100 lineal feet : reinforcing steel, 600 tons ; structural steel. 260 tons: concrete, 15,000 cubic yards.
The work of construction extended over two years-March, 1912. to June, 1914-conerete work having been suspended for about three
Souvenir "History of Cumminsville"
months during each of the two winters. The total cost of the viaduct is about $355,000, including property, of which the city pays $124,250.
The structure was designed by Mr. Frank L. Raschig in 1909. while the Department of Track Elevation and Subways under Mr.
istration of Mayor Henry T. Hunt, Mr. V. T. Price being Director of Public Service and Mr. Henry M. Waite Chief Engineer. It was finished during the administration of Mayor Frederick Spiegel, Mr .. Philip Fosdick being Director of Public Service and Mr. Frank S. Krug Chief Engineer. The work was under direct charge of Resident
FRANK L. RASCHIG
EDOUARD DE MEY
Hugh L. Conway was still in existence. Mr. Raschig also directed the construction of the viaduct. Contracts were let in December, 1911, during the administration of Mayor Dr. Louis Schwab, Mr. J. H. Sundmaker being Director of Public Service and Mr. H. F. Shipley Chief Engineer. The work was carried on mainly during the admin-
Engineers Messrs. A. P. Birnbaum, Paul Laur, and Edouard de Mey. The contractor for the structure was Mr. C. H. Glandorf, the superstructure being built by Mr. Thomas P. Strack. The approaches and paving of the viaduct was done by the Kirchner Construction Company.
محمد
LUDLOW AVENUE VIADUCT
Souvenir "History of Cumminsville"
HISTORY OF THE NORTHSIDE BUSINESS CLUB
JOHN A. HERBERT Founder of the Northside Business Club
WM. F. R.AY First President of the Northside Business Club
Souvenir "History of Cumminsville"
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W. B. ROBERTSON President. 1909-10
DR. S. C. SWARTSEL President, 1911-12
*
CHAS. O. DHONAU President, 1913
SHE NORTHSIDE BUSINESS CLUB was organized under the laws of Ohio with the sole object of promoting the T general welfare of the city of Cincinnati, and particularly that section representing the twenty-second, twenty-third, twenty-fifth, and twenty-sixth wards, giving especial at- tention to public improvements and all that relates to the development and beautification thereof, and the convenience and comfort of its inhabitants.
Early in January, 1907, a mass meeting of the citizens of Cummins- ville was called by Mr. Jno. A. Herbert for the purpose of organizing a business club for this section of the city. Upon the occasion of the first meeting over one hundred of the leading business men attended, and Mr. Herbert was elected temporary chairman. At a subsequent meeting a committee was appointed to invite the Northside Business Club, whose charter was issued February 6, 1907, to join with this body into one organization. This union was effected and their charter taken over and name adopted. At the first annual election, in which 240 charter members participated, the following Board of Directors was elected: President, William F. Ray; First Vice-President, Dr. C. C. Meade; Second Vice-President, Dr. Louis Schwab; Third Vice- President, William Salway ; Treasurer, L. E. Keller; Secretary, E. L. Kennedy. Directors: Frank W. MeNutt, Ira D. Washburn, Eugene Schoettle, Harry R. Weber, N. L. Pierson, Charles W. Snyder, Geo. R. Kiehborth, John J. Vogelpohl. F. G. W. Dhonau.
During the summer of this year the Club rooms, situated at the
corner of Hoffner and Spring Grove Avenues, were handsomely equipped and furnished, and still serve the Club as a suitable home.
It was during this year that a committee was appointed to repre- sent the Club at a joint meeting of improvement bodies, and which resulted in the formation of the Federated Improvement Associations of Hamilton County, which in 1914 has forty-eight constituent bodies affiliated with it.
During this year the Club also became affiliated with the Anti- Tuberculosis League, and has ever since taken an active part in the humanitarian work fostered by this organization.
At the second annual election, held December 18th, the following officers were elected to serve during the year 1908: President, William F. Ray ; First Vice-President. Dr. C. C. Meade; Second Vice-President, Dr. Louis Schwab; Third Vice-President, Dr. T. D. Meguire; Treas- urer, L. E. Keller; Secretary, E. L. Kennedy. Directors: Geo. R. Kiehborth, William A. Schmid, John J. Vogelpohl, John J. Bruce, James Garfield Fisk.
It was during this year that the Club began to use its influence in favor of a large sewer for Mill Creek. The Mill Creek sewer had been a topic for much discussion for nearly a half century, and in 1908 the Club took an active hand in the matter and continued to exert much effort along that line until in 1913, when sufficient funds were provided to construct the sewer, and work was commenced on the first section.
Souvenir "History of Cumminsville"
The Club also began to push the extension of Beekman Street in this year, and after years of effort in getting the necessary legis- lation through Council, the work was started and in 1913 this most important thoroughfare was thrown open to the publie.
Second Vice-President, Chris. J. Keller; Third Vice-President, John Ziegler, Jr .; Treasurer, Harry E. Fisk; Secretary. A. L. Parker. Directors: J. F. Kutchbaneh, Ben H. Meyer, F. L. Randolph, Charles O. Dhonau.
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE NORTHSIDE BUSINESS CLUB
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1-Fred W. Stifel 2-E. M. Swango, Ist V-Pres. 3-W. Del Atkins, 3d V-Pres. 4-Edgar Biggs 5-John A. Schon
6-Joseph F. Bohnert 7-Chas. H. Nicholas, Treas. 8-T. D. Meguire, President 9-E. L. Kennedy, Sec. 10-Thomas A. Sullivan
11 -- Richard Claxton 12-E. F. Skidmore, 2d V-Pres. 13-S. C. Swartsel 14-Leo T. Folz 15-John White
The new branch library was also completed in this year.
At the third annual election, held in December of this year, the following officers were elected to serve during the year 1909: Presi- dent, W. B. Robertson; First Viee-President, Robert H. West, Jr. ;
Elimination of grade crossings received its first impetus during this year, the Ludlow Avenue crossing over the B. & O. Ry. receiving the most attention. The Club also demanded the elimination of all the erossings over the C. I. & D. Ry.
Souvenir "History of Cumminsville"
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MEMBERS OF THE NORTHSIDE BUSINESS CLUB
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1-Chas. H. Nicholas 2-Dr. S. C. Schwartsel 3-Edgar L. Kennedy 4-Edgar Biggs 5-John A. Schon
6-Ed. B. Harris 7-Frank Hamilton 8-Geo. Fein . . 9-Erwin Hoffman 10-J. M. Buck
11-Leo T. Folz 12-Dr. T. D. Meguire 13-John A. Herbert 14-Chas. Schneider 15-Aug. Heyn
16-Andrew G. Spaeth 17-Wm. Erd 18-Ernst A. Spreen 19-A. I. Murdock 20 -- Wm, Lillie
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30g
21-Jno. Seiwert 22-Wm. Wunder 23-Ed. Herberg 24-E. N. Mortimer 23 -- Michael Courtot
26-E. F. Skidmore 27-Louis E. Dornseifer 28 -- Thos. P. Zachman 29 -- Theodore Schneider 30-Chas, W. Snyder
Souvenir "History of Cumminsville"
MEMBERS OF THE NORTHSIDE BUSINESS CLUB
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1-Albert Herbolsheimer 2-E. M. Swango 3-Wm. H. Wilson 4-JJacob Kolmer 5-Rev. Henry Huebschmann 10-Harry F. Erd
6dos. F. Bohnert 7 -- J. R. White 8-Paul Mueller 9-Louis Uninger
11-Richard J. Cluxton 12-Wm. E. Wright 13-Holman Baker 14-Ed. Heinz, Jr. 15-Chas. F. Leopold
16-Conrad Heinzering 17-C. E. Stevens 18-Ed. JJ. Driscoll 19-Chas. O. Dhonau 20-Geo. F. Crawford
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