Community Revitalizing Paulding (CoRP) celebrated the unveiling of the official Downtown Historic District sign on Saturday, July 11, marking the culmination of a project that has been years in the making.

The effort was led by a dedicated committee of local historians and community members, including Dave Burtch, Melinda Krick, Kim Sutton, Ann Walker and Jane Nice. Planning for the project began before the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily delayed progress. Once activities resumed, the group renewed its research and completed an application to the National Register of Historic Places in 2023.

In 2024, CoRP received official notification that Paulding’s downtown district had been added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing the area’s historical significance and helping preserve its heritage for future generations.

Following the designation, CoRP launched a fundraising campaign to purchase and install two historic district signs at the entrances to downtown along State Route 127, which passes through the historic district. The signs were designed to be durable and long-lasting, serving as a permanent reminder of the community’s commitment to preserving its history.

The new sign’s stately appearance reflects the importance of protecting Paulding’s historic character while celebrating the people, buildings and stories that have shaped the community. CoRP members said they hope the signs will stand as lasting symbols of the community’s pride in its past and its investment in the future.

PAULDING – Community members gathered Saturday, July 11, for the dedication of the new Paulding Veterans Memorial, honoring the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

The dedication marked the culmination of nearly three years of planning, fundraising and construction by a dedicated committee committed to creating a permanent tribute to local veterans. The project began following the demolition of the former church building once owned by Pastor Dwayne Richardson, transforming the property into a place of honor and remembrance. Much of the credit for bringing the memorial from vision to reality belongs to Paulding VFW Post #587 Commander John Daeger, whose tireless leadership helped drive the project forward, along with the countless hours contributed by committee members Mike Kauser, Dan Wilder and Jon Snodgrass, as well as guidance and direction from the Paulding County Economic Development office’s Tim Copsey and Paulding County Area Foundation, Lisa McClure.

The ceremony opened with an invocation asking God’s blessing upon the memorial and all who visit it in the years to come. The prayer recognized the courage, sacrifice and unwavering dedication of the nation’s veterans, describing the monument as a lasting tribute to their service and a reminder of the price paid to preserve America’s freedoms.

Special recognition was also given to living veterans and their families for the sacrifices they have made, while remembering those who gave their lives in service to the country. The invocation expressed hope that the memorial would inspire future generations to value honor, duty and unity.

Following the dedication, attendees were asked to remove their hats and face the flag as the American flag was raised over the memorial for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the completion of the veterans memorial.

The new memorial now stands as a permanent symbol of gratitude and remembrance, reflecting not only the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans, but also the perseverance and dedication of the volunteers who worked for years to ensure their legacy would be honored in the heart of Paulding.

By: Melinda Krick

It Happened in July …

Many important, unusual and memorable events in Paulding County history have taken place in the month of July:

1873 – The county’s first bank opened. “Paulding Bank” with George W. Potter, Banker.

1888 – The new courthouse is now inhabited. The furniture has all arrived and will be placed in position. The county officers have transferred their books, documents and papers into their new quarters. We have one of the finest courthouses in Ohio considering the price paid for its construction.

1888 – The sale of the old courthouse, county offices and contents took place at public auction and a good price was obtained for the property. The courthouse sold for $445 to M.D. Mann, who will move it to Jackson Street and convert it into an opera house.

1893 – Paulding is swept by fire with 43 business rooms and two dwellings destroyed, including the new Hotel Barnes and Deposit Bank. The hotel was set to open the next day. Fire enveloped the whole block of frame buildings fronting on Perry Street and also those fronting on Williams Street up to the alley next to Pursel’s brick block. 

1898 – Payne’s Second Big Fire: Two Whole Blocks Gone Up In Smoke! Fire raged for over four hours and thousands of dollars’ worth of property were destroyed on the evening of July 4. The fire was discovered in the rear of a store on the north side of Merrin Street. Hundreds of people from town and the surrounding country assembled to fight the blaze. Nearly 40 businesses were impacted.

1898 – A fire in Paulding on the south side of Perry Street in Paulding burned several business rooms containing the Model Opera House, a saloon, hardware store, meat market and bakery-restaurant. The Hotel Barnes and the Deposit Bank were spared.

1908 – The courthouse was struck by lightning but the only damage was a few slate tiles knocked off the little dome.

1913 – The two-story main building at the county infirmary [county home] caught fire from a spark from the kitchen chimney. The frame building and contents were totally destroyed.

1914 – Paulding’s first Chautauqua, a seven-day event conducted by the Redpath Chautauqua, was a grand success. Every afternoon and evening program had a good musical program accompanied by a good lecture or entertainment. The opening session was marred by heavy wind and rain that collapsed the large tent on the audience.

1916 – Oakwood Deposit Bank vault was blown open by thieves, who were unable to open the inner safe that contained the bank’s cash assets. The vault had been drilled by an electric drill. The thieves fled with a small amount of currency. Later, a badly wrecked car was found close to Toledo, and contained papers bearing the Oakwood bank name and a small quantity of dynamite.

1916 – A special election will be held asking voters to approve issuing $20,000 in bonds to purchase a site and construct a county hospital.

1921 – Paulding County’s new $200,000 brick highway, extending four miles west from the Payne corporation limits to the state line, completely opened to traffic.

1930 – State Route 9 through the county is now designated as U.S. Route 127, connecting Cincinnati with northern Michigan.

1931 – The Farmers & Citizens Bank of Payne has taken over the business of the Farmers National Bank of Haviland, which discontinued operations.

1933 – A dam is being constructed across Flat Rock south of the sugar factory. When completed, it will form a basin in which a large quantity of water can be stored. The dam will be about 150 feet in length, four feet thick and seven feet high a portion of the distance.

1933 – The Latty district school board has decided to abandon the Briceton School because of the small attendance and as an economy measure.

1935 – Trustees and clerks of the county’s 12 townships have formed a county trustees’ association. They elected O.E. White of Payne as chairman; M.M. Hoover, clerk of Paulding Township, as vice-chairman; and Charles H. Dunakin, county surveyor, as secretary-treasurer. This is the last county in the state to form an organization.

1938 – Vagabond Village, your neighborhood picnic ground and tourist camp, located between the junctions of U.S. 127 and U.S. 24, is now an official Greyhound Bus Stop.

1950 – Over 10,000 attended Paulding’s Centennial and Second Annual Homecoming. A mile-long parade opened the three-day celebration. Local merchants hope to make the homecoming an annual affair.

1957 – The first annual “John Paulding Days” is being staged here Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The stores will be open each evening and are already giving away tickets for grand prizes, including a portable TV set. Entertainment will include bands, dances, Teenage Road-E-O, kids’ day contests and a carnival on the north and east sides of the square.

1968 – Twenty-three cars of an eastbound Norfolk & Western freight train derailed west of Melrose, just east of the Goodwin crossing. The accident tore up about three-quarters of a mile of track.

1970 – Mr. And Mrs. Ernest Weller are tearing down the old Norfolk & Western Railroad depot at Oakwood.

1983 – Five Span Bridge, close to a century old, will soon be a part of nostalgia. Workers began tearing out asphalt and guardrails. Construction of the original iron bridge began in 1875. The first span on the west is the only remaining original span.

1984 – Paulding County Carnegie Library hosted ceremonies marking its listing on the National Register of Historic Places as the first county library funded by Andrew Carnegie.

1986 – Joint efforts of federal, state and local government agencies as well as numerous private companies have resulted in the containment of an oil spill on the Auglaize River between Five Span Bridge and Power Dam. The 42,000-gallon spill originated at Lima. Crews worked 24 hours a day for several days at the bridge, Oakwood and other locations. The oil impacted wildlife, killing many fish, birds and other species.

By: Mark Holtsberry

Elyehue Lee Underwood

This fella was born May 25, 1898, in Paulding County. The son of Orlando Addison Underwood, born June 9, 1878, in Paulding, and Mary Jane (Lee) Underwood, born May 12, 1880, in Harlan County, Kentucky.

This couple was married July 24, 1898, in Paulding. By 1900, a son, Elyehue, was born. This family was living in Blue Creek Township, Paulding County. Orlando was farming. On January 28, 1901, a son, Ora Edward, was born. In 1903, a son, Olen Aaron, was born. A daughter, Cleo Belle, was born in 1904. By 1910, this family was still living and farming in Blue Creek Township. The children were in school. In 1914, Elyehue left home at the age of fifteen. On March 5, 1914, Elyehue arrived in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He lived in Cottom, Ontario, Canada. On May 28, 1917, Elyehue came home to Van Wert and joined Company D, 2nd Ohio National Guard, out of Van Wert. This unit was consolidated into the 145th United States Infantry. This occurred November 17, 1917. He served in Company C. He was transferred to Headquarters Company March 27, 1919. He served in the Meuse-Argonne defensive sector. Slightly wounded October 16, 1918. On March 20, 1919, he boarded the ship “Great Northern” at Brest, France. On March 27, 1919, the ship landed in Hoboken, New Jersey.

On April 16, 1919, he was honorably discharged. In 1920, Elyehue stayed in the military. He was stationed at the Aviation Field, Riverside, California. Also in 1920, he married Helen Ruth (Mumy), born September 9, 1901, in Kansas. On January 25, 1921, a son, Vernon Lee, was born, followed by Helen Louise, August 19, 1922, and Donald Charles, October 24, 1925. He served in World War Two as a radioman second class.

He retired from the California State Highway Patrol. By 1930, Elyehue, Ruth, and family had moved to Dearborn, Wayne County, Michigan. He was working for a construction company. He was living with his brother, Olen, and his wife, Violet. By 1934, Elyehue was working as a construction engineer-foreman for the Victorville County Water District. He was running a W.P.A. (Works Progress Administration) crew. They were working on a new water supply system for Victorville County. Elyehue and his wife, Ruth, were living at 4485 Riverside, California. On December 5, 1937, Elyehue was going home to Riverside for the weekend to spend time with family. He was traveling down Cajon Pass and, apparently, he did not see the truck in front of him in time. He hit the brakes and slid 32’, and his sedan struck the truck from behind. Elyehue was killed instantly. Tuesday, December 7, at 2:00 p.m., funeral services were held in the chapel of the Simmons Mortuary at Riverside, California. The #1726 V.F.W., Odd Fellows, and American Legion were present. Burial was in the Legion Post plot at the Riverside Cemetery. His wife, Ruth, passed away June 14, 1955. She was buried beside Elyehue.

…Until Then!

Several veterans from Antwerp VFW Post 5087 stand at attention along the State Route 49 bridge over the Maumee River during Memorial Day observances. Following the traditional tossing of a memorial wreath into the river, the veterans paused in silent remembrance to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. The annual ceremony serves as a solemn tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes and their enduring sacrifice for our freedom.

By: Mark Holtsberry

Lloyd Aaron Sutton was born in Grover Hill, Ohio, on October 8, 1891. He was the son of Jacob Sutton, who was born on March 7, 1842, in Randolph County, Indiana, and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Ann (Kinkade) Sutton. Jacob had two previous wives who passed away: Isabella, who died in 1874, and Charlotte, who died in 1877. Jacob and Elizabeth were married on August 30, 1879, in Paulding.

By 1890, the Sutton family was living in Blue Creek Township, Paulding County. Jacob was a farmer. The couple were the parents of John, born in 1880; Cornelius, born in 1880; Catherine “Katie,” born in 1882; Daisy, born in 1885; and twins Floyd and Lloyd, born in 1891. The older boys helped on the farm while the younger children attended school.

By 1906, Lloyd had quit school. By 1910, Jacob’s daughter Daisy had married and moved away. Catherine and her husband, Warren Hadley, had moved in with Jacob and Elizabeth. Lloyd and Floyd remained at home, working on the farm.

On June 5, 1917, in Toledo, Lloyd registered for the World War I draft. He had been living in Toledo for several years, working as an inspector for a block-bearing company. Lloyd was described as short and slender, with brown eyes and dark hair, and was single.

Lloyd joined the National Army on June 27, 1918. He was assigned to the 24th Company, 6th Training Battalion, 158th Depot Brigade, where he served until July 19, 1918. On August 1, 1918, he was promoted to Private First Class and assigned to Company A, 333rd Infantry, serving until October 5, 1918. He was then transferred to Company E, 138th Infantry, where he served until his discharge. He served in the Meuse-Argonne sector and was slightly wounded in action on October 31, 1918. Lloyd received an honorable discharge on April 1, 1919.

After returning home, he met a young woman named Mary Ann Brenner. She was born on July 11, 1898, in Ohio. The couple married and moved to Latty, Ohio, by 1920, where Lloyd worked as a farm laborer.

Lloyd’s father, Jacob, passed away on February 21, 1921, and was buried in Live Oak Cemetery. Lloyd and Mary’s daughter, Kathryn, was born in 1920, followed by Lloyd D. in 1923, Gloria in 1925, Dorothy in 1927, and William in 1929. By 1930, the family was living at 406 North Cherry Street in Paulding.

Lloyd had become a mail carrier. By 1940, the Sutton family was still living at 406 North Cherry Street, and all of the children remained at home. In 1942, Lloyd registered for the World War II draft, although he was not selected because of his age.

On April 22, 1944, Lloyd passed away and was buried in Live Oak Cemetery. Mary later worked for the Division of Aid for the Aged in Paulding as a caseworker, retiring in 1959. She passed away on September 24, 1969, and was buried beside her husband in Live Oak Cemetery.

The youngest child, William, served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He passed away in 2020 and was buried in Live Oak Cemetery.

…Until Next Time!

Congratulations to the Huber Opera House & Civic Center in Hicksville for receiving a $2,000 grant from the Hicksville Community Fund, a fund under the umbrella of the Defiance Area Foundation. This grant will be used for the stage floor replacement project taking place at the Opera House.

Pictured above are (l-r) Jim Schmidt – Hicksville Community Fund Founder and Chris Feichter – Director of Operations at the Huber.

The Baughman Tile Company recently made a second generous donation towards the Veteran’s Memorial project in Paulding to honor the wishes of the late Gene Baughman, an Army Veteran.  Gene was an ardent supporter of the memorial, and it was his intention to ensure the memorial’s successful completion. 

The memorial is nearing completion and a formal dedication is presently planned for Saturday, July 11th.  

After years of sitting quietly on a shelf, Top of the Mountain has finally found its way into readers’ hands.

The debut western novel by Antwerp resident George Forrest will be celebrated during a special book signing from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22, at the Antwerp Branch Library, 205 N. Madison St., Antwerp.

Forrest, 98, is no stranger to storytelling. A former judge and attorney, accomplished artist, published poet, and one of the last surviving World War II veterans in Paulding County, he has spent a lifetime collecting experiences worth sharing. While he has published poetry for many years, Top of the Mountain marks his first venture into fiction.

The novel follows rancher Andy Steele through the rugged wilderness of the American frontier, where cattle rustlers, hidden mountain passes, and difficult moral choices test both courage and character. Along the way, readers encounter unforgettable companions, unlikely friendships, frontier justice, and a story that is as much about loyalty and perseverance as it is about adventure.

Adding another unique element to the book are the custom pencil illustrations created specifically for this edition, bringing key scenes and characters to life throughout the story.

Published locally through West Bend Printing & Publishing, Top of the Mountain represents more than the release of a new book. It is the fulfillment of a dream decades in the making and an opportunity for the community to celebrate one of its own.

Copies of the book will be available during the event. Community members are encouraged to stop by, meet George Forrest, hear the story behind the novel, and help honor a local author whose first work of fiction proves that it is never too late to share the stories waiting to be told.

By: MELINDA KRICK

20 Years Ago

From the Paulding County Progress, June 21, 2006:

The Paulding Pool was busy last week as the high temperatures brought in a record attendance. Water aerobics and swimming lessons also are being offered.

Verl Dasher, who has spent most of his life working with the Boy Scouts, has published a book, The Adventure Patrol. In it, the longtime scoutmaster details many of his backpacking and canoeing outings.

Oakwood EMS and Fire Department will hold a groundbreaking for the new fire/EMS station on June 29.

Paulding County Relay for Life exceeded its goal by raising $50,000 June 2-3 at the fairgrounds. Thirty teams walked around the track to support the American Cancer Society and raise awareness. There were 82 cancer survivors at the opening ceremonies this year, compared to 60 last year.

60 Years Ago

From the Payne Reflector, June 16, 1966:

Two long-time Payne school teachers are retiring. Mrs. Clara Gorrell has taught 47 years. An estimated 2,000 children have passed through her classroom. Her first year of teaching was in Jackson School with all eight grades. Miss Enid Kilpatrick has set a record of teaching 48-1/2 years at Payne. She taught second grade. She began her career at Logtown, Benton Township for a year, then a year at Happy Corners in Harrison Township.

A group of 40 workers will begin a religious census of all Paulding County residents on June 17.

The free public museum, based on the collection of the late Otto E. Ehrhart, well-known naturalist and photographer, has been completely refurbished for the summer season. The museum is located in the Antwerp City Hall. Installed in two large display cases are murals depicting early scenes in Paulding County. Local artist Norma Jean Hughes has contributed a large painted mural showing scenery along an early mud road.

From the Paulding Progress, June 16, 1966:

Governor James A. Rhodes will be the guest speaker at a groundbreaking ceremony of the industrial shell building at the new 75-acre industrial park on Road 144 [Gasser Road] at Paulding.

Water flowed for the first time Monday in Paulding’s new $1 million water system. The system includes a water reservoir, a fresh water storage tank, pumping station to pump purified water into the distribution system, and a 250,000-gallon water storage tower. The purification system has a daily capacity of 1.5 million gallons.

85 Years Ago

From the Oakwood News, June 19, 1941:

Due to a misshipment of type, the Oakwood News is unavoidably late this week.

The removal of Oakwood’s historic iron cage calaboose from the building that had housed it for many years just off Main Street and its consignment to the acetylene blowtorch of Kohart’s Auto Wrecking Co. marks the obliteration of some of the somber history of erring sons as well as the memory of some notorious criminals housed there, for safe keeping, until they could be transferred to the county Bastille at Paulding. Chief of the dramatic incidents that featured this grim old cage was the time the building was dynamited, in the dead of night, to prevent the incarceration of a “leading citizen” who had been caught selling liquor on Sunday.

Due to the great response to the free shows sponsored by the merchants of Oakwood, it was decided to have an additional program on Saturday nights beginning June 21. The show last Wednesday was interrupted so that the Joe Louis–Billy Conn fight could be presented over the loudspeaker. After the bout, the picture was finished.

Fire caused by an overflowing water heater fuel tank in the rear room of Bidlack’s new barber shop burned it so badly that it will have to be rebuilt.

From the Paulding County Republican, June 19, 1941:

The Shawnee Council Boy Scout camp, on the Auglaize River south of Defiance, was dedicated last Sunday as the council’s permanent camp. Eight scouts from Paulding Troop No. 27 attended a three-day camporee: Ralph Holesworth, Alvin Loop, Justice Parrish, Red Kipker, Herbert Haney, Gene Stahl, Robert Davis and Ralph Nicelley.

Fort Brown Park will be hosting three celebrations: Northwest Ohio coon hunters’ “Big Coon Chase” on June 22; “Old Fiddlers’ Reunion” June 29; and July 4 festivities including ball game (Kalida vs. Fort Brown), races (row boat, swimming, obstacle, slow bicycle), greased pole, duck chase and boat rides.

Ray Guerin, proprietor of the Guerin’s Electric Shop, and Homer Zimmer, manager of the Grand Theatre, returned from a week’s fishing trip in Canada with a catch of 76 trout and wall-eyed pike. The sportsmen “weighed in” at the Community Lockers and a weight slip of 110 pounds of fish supported their report.

Coming soon to the Grand Theatre: Henry Fonda in “The Trail of the Lonesome Pine”; “The Singing Hill” with Gene Autry plus Episode 5 of “Adventures of Capt. Marvel”; “That Night in Rio” with Carmen Miranda; and “The Flame of New Orleans” starring Marlene Dietrich.

110 Years Ago

From the Paulding Democrat, June 22, 1916:

National Guard in Mexican Conflict: An order was issued last Sunday by President Wilson and the war department for the mobilization of practically the entire National Guard of all states for service. Capt. R.C. Leslie, of Company B, Second Regiment, Paulding, received an order by telephone Monday morning to mobilize his company and prepare for orders to move as soon as possible.

There are plans for a petition for a vote of the people of the county on the subject of issuing and selling bonds for constructing and equipping a county hospital.

Paulding business men have decided Paulding shall have a Fourth of July celebration. One of the star features planned is a mammoth automobile parade, with at least 600 machines in parade. It is also planned to have a motorcycle parade. A ball game is booked between Payne’s fast team and the Paulding boys. Fireworks, a high-class band to give concerts on the square day and night, races, a merry-go-round and other special features are being arranged.