North Mountain Historical Society Minutes

Meeting: April 2003

 

The History Buffs met at the Brass Pelican on Monday, April 21. Jim Vance chaired the meeting. He asked each one to introduce themselves and tell where they were from. The minutes of the last meeting were read. Jim then turned the meeting over to David Kline who had arranged the program. The topic of the day was "Story Tellers" and the stories were interesting and funny- shall we say hilarious.

A tape was played of O.B. Savage and friends. David gave a brief summary of the history and demise of the Welle Hess Bridge, near what was once Guava, later Laubachs. The bridge was built in 1871 and collapsed in July 1981, shortly after the Frank Lockard family crossed it on their bicycles. It was decided in Columbia County Court that repairs being neglected was the cause and not the Boyer Oil Truck that had crossed the bridge a short time before.

John Laubach brought up memories of prominent Benton residents. Squire Freas, Ariey Meeker, early law enforcers in Benton, Ben McHenry who handed out nickels or dimes to the youngsters hanging around Kozy Korner.

Others shared their stories including Dayne Kline, Dick Shoemaker, Jeanie Walters, and Jim Thomas. Monica told us how the Brass Pelican was started and how it got its name.

Dick Savage had numerous tales to tell about his Dad, O.B. Savage and others had stories to add.

Charles Chapman had an interesting tale to tell about his introduction to the Benton community by his newly formed herd of Black Angus cattle.

Marilyn Seward read a humorous poem taken from an early Suburban News.

Jim Vance closed the discussion with stories of his experiences with the Benton Fire Company.

It was an interesting and different meeting.

The next meeting will be Monday, May 19. The speaker will be Brad Cole who will talk on the history of St. Gabriel Church and the surrounding area.