April 2022 newsletter

VOLUME24,ISSUE 2 April-June 2O22
Randolph Times…
"Unit*,6 fu P*t uttL tlo P o"
Visit our website: www.rths.org
Quarterly Newsletter of Randolph Township Historical Society, [nc., 114 Valleyview Drive, Englewood, OH 45322
Dedicated to Preserving the History of Clalton, Englewood, Union, and the Surrounding Areas.
Officers
President: Doug Allen Vrbe-
Pres. Robin Perkins
Raording Secy: Kay Dawson
Corres. Secy. Terry Guerra
Treasurer: Doris West
aps. Dir.: Kristina Balside
Directors
Barb Eller (2022)
Mary Geiger (2022
BillGothard (2022
Dnn D=nn ta,1aar vl r l qP|/ zvLLl
Craig Fa lkno r (2O22aO23)
Jeff rey Hardi n g (2022-2023)
Glynn M arsh (2022-2023)
Wi I ma Schroeder (2022–2023)
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E Like us on
Facebook
Office Phone: 937-832-8538
Email. info@rths.org
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From the desk of ,,, Kristina Balside
\rhen I rvas offered the position of C)perations Director at the
History Center, I rvas overjoved at spending time rvith all the amazing
museum pieces that rve have in our collection. reading family histories
from the area, and hearing stories ofholv pieces rvere passed dorvn
through generations and then donated to the lvluseum. These pru:ious
items can norv be shared rvith others and kept safe for future generations.
I'r'e been a "History Nerd" since I rvas a really young kid. so the
Historical Societl,'N{useum feels like it's the place rvhere I belong.
One thing I hadn't realized thouglL is horv manv amazing people I
rvould meet! I'r'e had the pleasure of gettin-e to knorv the members and
volunteers here at the museum and see horv much the,v care about
preseninethe historv of Randolph Tounship. Their dedication has kept
the RTHS grorving since the founding in 198.
I have also met amazing visitors and nerv mernbers who have come
in rvith personal stodes of grolving up in the area, objets they found
rvhen they rvere kids. memorabilia. and discoveries of relics that they
." rvould like to fmd more information about. Each time I hear a famil-v
story or get to share in the excitement of a discoverv. is like a nerv ad-
venture for me. ['ve learned so much more than I knew before of our
local history. and I've heard remarkable stories. Please share your
memories rvith 1-our family, rvrite them dorvn pass them on! Always feel
free to share with LIS. Your personal histories help build the foundation
of our region. and we want to keep it alive and grorving.
E€UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTSE-@
All functions are at the History Center un,bss othqwise noted.
Meetings on 2nd Wednesdays
April 13: 7:00 p.m./business meeting,
talk by Martin Gottlieb
May 11: 7:00 p.m./business nreeting
June 8: 7:00 p.m./business rneeting
Special Events
April 13: Martin Gottlieb, Lincoln's Northern Nemesr.s, 7:00 p.m.
(see p. 5)
RANDOLPH I

QUARTERLY SUMMARY
Januarv 2022: The treasurer's report showed a slight decrease in total income.
The total !'ash assets of the Societt' on Dec. 31.2021, equaled S31,440.36.
Fumace repairs have been completed. Doug Allen donated a new clock fbr the Museum. Kristina
Balside. Doris \Iest. and Kal'Darvson will serve as a conlmittee to consider charges to the
newsletter as part of the reneu'al of normal activities. Work is progressing on updating the metnbers
list. Kay said an official of another organization old her PayPal operates by taking a small
percentage of everl.thing paid. and Glyrn advised avoiding electronic pal,rnents as providing too
much opportunity for problems. There was no program following the meeting, but cake was enjoyed
to celebrate the new vear.
Februarv 2022: The cash assets for the RTHS increased by $3,230.35 during the month of Janu-
ary, u'ith a balance of $13,478 .25 in the checking account. Kay produced a letter to the chairman of
social sciences at Northmont, offering the RTHS's services to his deparlments on projects and mak-
ing his students rvelcome at the Center. Members discussed holding a car show as a fund-raiser later
in the year. Mary Geiger suggested a quilt exhibition and said one of her friends would be happy to
help. Cleva Collzr suggested inviting people from assisted living facilities in the area to attend.
Robin Perkins said Martin Gottlieb had accepted an invitation to speak on Clement Vallandighaln. a
Cir,il War leader of the Peace Dernocrats, at7:00 on April 13. His book, Lincoln's Northern Nenrcsis
: The II'ar Opposition and Exile of Ohio's Clement Vallandigham. wlll be available for purchase. (
See p.5.) Glvnn l{arsh and Kristina suggested arranging a program about the Ohio Soldiers and
Sailors Orphanage Horne in Xenia. At a board meeting on Feb. 9, the board voted to have 35 copies
of the booklet "The Baby Boomer Years" printed at $5.00 each. (See p. 6.) Members also voted to
arrarlge u'ith a local printerto print T-shirts with logos of old businesses. Kristina said First Finan-
cial Bank can set up a link on our website allowing people to pay for memberships and donations.
The board decided to see if the rveb master could do something similar and rroted to gather rnore
infbmralion. The board also voted not to join the Englervood Chamber of Commerce.
March 2022: The RTHS scheduled a car show for Sunday. July 17,2022. September was decided
on as a good rnonth for the quilt display. Doug Allen, Wilma Schroeder. Doris West. Kristina
Balside, and Robin Perkins agreed to iry to design a floor plan for the meeting room that would
maximize displays and meeting space. Kay suggested displaying maps and maybe some photos in
an upright poster display. Robin suggested a space for temporary exhibits. Kay also suggested
considering a brochure to explain displays to cut down on the space needed for signage. The
members voted to seek three estimates on solving the water problem in the basement, and Doug
volunteered to handle that.
Sheets Rifles
Sheets rifles manufactured in Union. Ohio were ntilled during the 1800s. Although
intended for l-runting, there is some possibility that the government contracted with Martin
Sheets of Union to purchase 100 rifles during the War of 1 8 12.
Any owners or collectors of any Sheets rifles are encouraged to contact the History Center.
Call 937-832-8538 or email: info@fths.org.

RANDOLPH RAMBLINGS
by Kay Dawson
Clean Clothes
Over the years, this area has had around
four laundromats. sometimes more
than one at once.
Tliere were. at one time or another.
Monday's Maid at 531 S. Main Street (the curent
location of Beeco Plunibing). Castle Cleaners at
1075 W. National Rd. (in Englewood Plaza),
Engleu,ood Self Service Laundry and Dry
Cleaners at 15 W. National Rd. (now the location
ot'Visiting Angels). one at the norlheast comer of
!'enger and Union roads. and fbr a shorl time one
in the Norrhmont Plaza shopping center on
Taywood Road. Laundromats first opened in
Texas in the 1930 s but they really became
popular in the 1950s and early 1960s. Despite
postwar prosperity, home washers and dryers
were still an expensive luxury and many
inexpensively built homes or older homes had no
room or adequate plumbing.
But folks saved their change to pay to use
coin- operated rnachines and were more than
u,illing to abandon the old wringer washers.
These were tubs with an electric motor below
tliem that powered an agitator and two cylinders
fbstened together on top of the tub in a frame that
could be swung to the side.
Women filled the tub with soap and water
and an adjacent tub, or sometimes two tubs, with
clear rinse water. If she had a "modern" house.
she fllled the tub with a hose attached to a tap in
the laundry room. If not so lucky, she carried
buckets of water (and for a while my mother had
to heat the water on the stove). After the machine
had been plugged in and the clothing agitated a
proper amount of time, the wringer was swung
over the rinse water and the clothing was pressed
between the cylinders, dropping into the rinse
water with most of the soapy water squeezed out.
More than one person had a finger or hand
crushed between the wringers.
If the area had "hard" water (containing
iron and fluoride and other minerals). she added a
fabric sofiener or vinegar to the rinse water. In
the 1950's homes had private wells, and some
towns did not get their water seruice fiom
Dayton, leaving hard water for the residences.
Brookville water contained so rnuch iron that it
olien discolored clothing.
Meanwhile. the next load was stafied.
Often. the clothing was squeezed again into a
second rinse, but in any event, it finally passed
from the wringer into a clothes basket, caried
outside, and hung on a line. In bad weather it
might be hung on a line in the laundry room or
basement.
Line-dried clothing had a smell that dryers
can't duplicate. However. it also collected pollen.
was the target of birds, and often had to be
liurriedly brought in while damp if rain
threatened. Clothing not brought in befbre a rain
stafted sometimes had to be run through the
wringer again to squeeze out excess water and
rehung to dry.
And my mother discovered another hazard
when my brothers tied their pet goat too close to
the hanging laundry. By the time she noticed it,
the goat was happily chewing one of her
undergannentsl lt's no wonder people were so
happy to take a handful ofquafters and go to a
laundromat, where they could do several loads at
once. sit and read, watch TV drink cofl-ee. or chat
rvith their fi'iends, and in about an liour take
home dry clothing?
As of March 9. two new members have
joined the RTHS in2022. Seven members have
renewed, and three have upgraded their
mernberships. Also, Carra Builders has renewed
its corporate membership.
Please check the label on the back ofyour
newsletter to see if you need to renew.
Memberships run from January to January,
but people joining in the last quafter of the year
have until the end of the following year to renew.
2021 Corporate Members
CARRA BUILDERS, INC.
CITY OF CLAYTON
CITY OF ENGLEWOOD
CITY OF UNION
KINDRED FUNERAL HOME
LANDES FRESH MEATS, INC.
Membershi

IN MEMORIAM
Canceling our meetings during the pandemic helped keep our members saf'e, but it meant we
lost touch with rnany and are just now learning of those we have lost.
. Joann Connors had been a member frorn 2008. Until her health no longer allowed, she always
volunteered her senrices in some capacity at programs and other events.
. Joyce Ann Martin passed away in December 2020. after being a member since 2012.
. Rita Boshinski, a member with her husband since 2017, died in June 2020.
, Viola Richardson Olinger left us in October 2020. She and her husband, Dick, had joined the
RTHS in 2018.
. "Susie" Werlz died in March 2021. She had been a member of the RTHS since 2018.
. Roger Rhoads passed away in April 2021 .
. Arlene Szkudlarek left us in December 2021.
. Jo Ann Renner died in January 2021.
. Dave Christian left us in June 2021. He had been a life member since 2008.
. Virginia Wolf passed in March 2021 . She contributed an oral history to our archives.
. David Nicholson died in October. While we are of course sorry to learn of his death, we
appreciate tliat his wife. Terry Nicholson, has replaced their family membership with her own
individual one. We hope she will continue her participation for many years.
. Bob Peters passed in November 2021. He had been a member almost since the start, having
joined in January of I 999.
. Larv Crowell died in December. He was a member since 2007 and, like Joann Connors had
contributed many services to the RTHS.
. Loren Butterbaugh left us in Decernber 2021. He, too, had been a member nearly from the
beginning of the Society and over the years had contributed many invaluable services. He is
responsible for the cemetery readings in the archives that preserved the records of fading
tombstones. He played a major role in the purchase of the History Center, serving on the
board of directors that approved the purchase. He provided one last service when his family
suggested donations in his memory to the RTHS.
. Doug Balsbaugh passed away in January. The owner of Balsbaugh Excavating, Inc., he had been
a lifetirne member since 2007.
. Marilyn Baker died in January 2022. after being a member since 2008.
. Mary Ann Mehaffie also left us in January. She had taught for 34 years at Northrnont and had
been a lifetime member of the RTHS since 2012.
. Glenna Dohner died in February 2022. She had been a member since 2001 .
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FUTURE HAPPENINGS AT THE RTHS HISTORY CENTER
As things open up again, the RTHS is again planning prograrns. All prograrlts are tiee and open
to the public.
Program by Martin Gottlieb
After the regular business meeting at 7 p.rn. on April 13, Martin Gottlieb will present a program on
Clement Vallandigham. Mr. Vallandigham had been a prominent attomey and Congresslnan frorn Dayton
at the beginning of the Civil War. He quickly became the leader of the Peace Democrats. a Norlhem party
that f-avored peace even if it meant accepting slavery.
His amest by the military in 1863 sparked a riot that left Dayton under marlial law. He was
convicted by a military tribunal. but President Lincoln comrnuted his sentence to exile behind
Confederate lines. Vallandigham made his way to Canada and continued his agitation. Afler the war. he
retumed to Dayton and rebuilt his career. He died at the Golden Larnb while preparing to defend Tom
McGehan against a charge of murder.
Mr. Gottlieb retired fi'om the Day,ton Daily News after 27 years, and has written Linc'oln 's
Northcm Ncmesi.s: Thc Wur Opposition und Erilc o/'Ohio's Clcntatt Vallandightrni. which willbe
available fbr purchase at the program for $25 (cash or check only) Attendees should plan to arrive about
6:55. Light refi'eshments will be served.
Car Show Scheduled
The RTHS will hold its first ever car show on Sunday, July 1 7 . The entry fee will be $15.00
with registration at the History Center as the date approaches. Awards will be given for different
categories. Godown's Fixin's will be available, serving their arnazing menu items. Check the Web
site or our Facebook page for details on when registration is available.
Quilt Shop
The RTHS is also discussing a display of local quilts. This will be held in Septernber, and the
next issue of the newsletter will contain rnore details.
ldeas for Programs?
If any local members have been doing any research into a topic that would be a suitable
program, have discovered letters or diaries from an ancestor, or know of a person who would make
an interesting speaker, please contact Mce President Robin Perkins at info@rths.net or 832-8538.
And if any of our members, located out of state, have attended any prograrns that would lend itself to
a local version, please contact us.
LOOK LEFT AND RIGHT
For many years, the History Center seemed to be the best-kept secret in town. When people
asked where it was, " I l4 Valleyview Drive" often brought the puzzled response, "Where's Valley-
view Drive?" Many people never noticed there was a street between Main Street and the bluffs
above the river.
Lately, it seems people have discovered it. It's not a heavily traveled thoroughfare, but when
arriving or backing out of the History Center parking spaces, please check all directions, including
History Lane. We want all our members alive and well. PLEASE LOOK !!

HISTORY IS TODAY
Too often, people think of history as great events perfbrmed by people with old-fashioned
clotliing and liair styles.
For many years, history was taught as the accomplishments of great men. But in the 1970s, a
new group of historians began studying "history from the ground up," looking at the lives of ordinary
people as they went about their daily lives.
Below is an account of the rnemories of one local resident. Dave Oldham. A member of the
Norlhmont Class of 1 961 . His memories here are of activities past and of places unknown to many
later residents.
ln 1956-57 we use to go horseback riding down by Carillon Tower in south Dayton
on the Miami River. There was a riding stable along the river where we would rent horses
by the hour. lt was so much fun, but it didn't fill our thirst for horseback riding. That winter
for Christmas I got a horse which made me so happy! So, on Saturdays in Spring and
Summer we, Bill Josselyn, Bob Holloway, Mike Beriese, and I would take off on our
horses and ride along the sides of the roads over to Millers Grove Pool and Drive-in
Theater or other destinations as long as we stayed off the main highways.
One particular Saturday it started raining and we stopped by a farm to ask if we
could put horses in barn until the rain stopped. I think we were there an hour or so, then
left and made it home for our Oreo cookies and milk. Back in those days cars weren't as
prevalent on the roads and drivers were courteous by not honking their horns and scaring
our horses!
On Thursdays we would ride down to Randolph School and watch a football game or
just stop to talk to some of the kids. Sometimes we would take some of the kids for a ride
on our horses. So much fun! We would have liked to ride in the conservancy or park but
I don't think we were allowed. That would have been the ideal area to ride with paths and
woods available.
One year, before we got our horses, the Englewood carnival raffled off a large pony
for the grand prize. Lots of kids wanted that pony but didn't realize where to put it or feed
it if they won! I guess the idea of winning a pony, was a dream come true for young kids.
Years later they changed locations of the carnival to the playground of the Randolph
school, and I don't know how many years it was held there.
There were free movies held on the side of the old Legion Hall; they put up a screen
against building. Then they moved the movies to the Randolph playground on a screen in
back of visitors' stands. They would get pretty large crowds at free movie, especially when
held in town! THE END!
Baby Boomers
The RTHS has published a booklet entitled "The Baby Boomer Years". This compilation of
stories was written by kids that were born after WWII. that grew up in our area. This generation saw
rapid changes all around them. Randolph Township grew from three small towns with small schools
to a suburban area with a large school district.
The booklet is available for $5.00 at the History Center. It is also available by mail, with a
charge fbr postage. There is an order blank on Page 7.

Membership lnformation
Name(s):
Address:
City/State/Zip:
Email:
Date: New membership: Renewal: Gift:
Membership Level (check one)
lndividual @ $15.00/year _Sponsoring @ $75.00/year
Family @ $25.O0/year
Sustaining @ $35.00iyear
_ lndividual Lifetime @ $250.00 (onetime)
_ Corporate @ $150/year
Extra Cash Donation: $ Enclosed is my check for $
Please send completed form with check to:
Randolph Township Historical Society (RTHS History Center)
114 Valleyview Drive
Englewood, OH 45322-1324
Plcase send _copy(ies) of "Tlte Baby Boomers"
If ordering several copics, please attach a list of names and addrcsses on a seperate shcct. I
Name(s)
Address
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CitylStatelzip
Make checks payable to:
Randolph Township Historical Society
RTHS History Center
114 Valleyview Drive
Englewood, OH 45322-1324
Number of Copies $
X $5.00 Each $
Postage – $5.00 Each $
Total $

RNDOLPH TOWNSIM MSTORICAL SOCIETY
rNtcr.orArIo
ll.l Vallcyricw Drive – Englewood' Ohio {5321
"Unittug the Past with the Future"
Cleytoo-ltl6 Erglcrmd-18{l L'aior'1E16
SOME DATES TO REMEMBER REMAINING IN 2022
All events are held ot the RTHS History Cetttet', ll4 Valleyvieh,Dr., Englev)ood, Ohio,
Ltnl ess otherwise noted.
Monthly Meetings:
2nd Wednesdays
April 13, 7:00 p.rn.
(note time change)
May I 1, 7:00 p.m.
June 8, 7:00 p.rn.
July 13, 7:00 p.rn.
Aug. 10, 7:00 p.m.
Sept. 14, 7:00 p.rn.
Oct. 12, 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 9, l:00 p.m.
(note time chonge)
Dec. 14, l:00 p.rn.
Visitors' Hours at the
History Center
The History Center is open on
Sundays from I through 3, as
long as merrbers volunteer to
host. If the flag and the
OPEN sign are out by Main
Street. corne on in!
The Center is also open other
times by appointn-rcnt.
Call (937) 832-8538 and
leave l-nessage.
Special Events:
April 13, 7:00 p.m.
Martin Gottlieb program on
Clement Vallandigham
Sunday, July 17
l:00-6:00 pm:
Car Show