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Some have asked whether I might be doing coverage of the history of their particular church before I change the focus of this column. Few churches, or groups of churches, have a reference like the history of the South Branch Charge, written in 1932. I'm always amassing material, and I do have a wealth of materials on several select churches. However, in a few weeks I'll change topics, with attention going back to churches in late summer. This week my focus is back on Otterbein Church, at this time a United Brethren congregation. Although the history recorded was a little less than some of our other United Brethren churches, I think you'll find its membership list fascinating. Here's the final paragraph listing the history of the church: "Otterbein has been among the most loyal of the congregations in the meeting of its financial obligations. The Union Church at Jordan Run was built in 1904; the Brethren, Baptists and United Brethren owning the same. S. L. Baugher was the last U. B. pastor to hold regular services there, though various services have been held irregularly since then. Excelsior was designated an appointment of South Branch Circuit in 1905. Otterbein Church, of course, being the logical successor to the Excelsior Class. The L. R. Keplinger family has faithfully promoted the program at Otterbein since its establishment. M. E. Dolly and family are deserving of mention for faithful attendance and service. Many other names are entitled to recognition if space were afforded." The membership list of Otterbein follows.
Please note that post offices listed most often are
Maysville, Jordan Run, Streby and Scherr. Only members'
addresses out of this area will be listed with names: I'm almost halfway through the membership list, but I think it advisable to share a little "text" to tie this presentation together. This booklet was published for the benefit of those who attended the churches named, and their families. The cost was largely offset by the display ads taken by local businesses. For me, reading these ads is a real treat. Some are still with us; many are gone, but I can remember seeing them in operation. Others I've only heard about, and a few leave me absolutely clueless. Keep in mind, this information is 76 years old. I previously discussed Allen's Drug Store, which took a full-page ad on the first page. Here are six businesses listed on the next advertising page: "Sites Tip-Top Lunch. Special Plate Lunch 35 cents. Sandwiches-Ice Cream-Candies" Only the youngsters won't know about this place on the south-east side of Main Street. This was one of THE gathering places for locals, as well as for CCC boys and GI's training up North Fork. I'll have more on this eatery soon. "National Service Station. Petersburg, W.Va.-Gas and Oil, Accessories, Tires and Tubes" Depending on the era, this station at the Y just below Johnson Run on the South Side had different operators. When I first knew of it, Don Harman was the man in charge. For you who only remember the "modern" era, Paul Alt had a long stint here until his untimely death. Few areas of town have changed more. Johnson Run School used to be close by. The Dorcas Road went to the left of the building to the Horseshoe Curve above, and Alt's used to have an extensive selection of bedding plants below the big curve on the Franklin Pike. Each time I launch into nostalgia I get carried away, so rather than six businesses, I'll stop with two, with good reason. The next advertisement was for the "W. D. Trenton Service Station." I even have a picture of this on my desk, for from 1949 to 1962 it was Garber Service Station-my second home. Next week, the rest of Otterbein's membership list, with a few more ads which have caught my fancy. |