Friday, April 4, 1913

Falls Man is Crushed Between Cars

Orville Howe Dies on Way to City Hospital From Injuries Received Monday at Akron -- An Act of Courtesy Cost Him His Life.

The life of Orville Howe, one of the life time residents of the Falls, on Monday morning met death in a terrible form at Akron as he was about to board a car for his return trip to the Falls. Mr. Howe was about to board the 10:30 Akron, Kent and Ravenna car when a lady was about to get off, he courteously stepped back to allow her to pass, and before he could step aboard was caught in "the devil's strip" by a Falls car, and badly crushed in the small space between the cars on parallel tracks.

Mr. Howe was picked up unconscious and was being rushed to the hospital in Billow's ambulance, when he breathed his last however before the hospital was reached, and was then taken to Billow morgue where the remains were prepared for burial. Although the body was badly crushed and it is said no bones were broken, he was in nowise injured about the head.

The remains of the unfortunate man was brought to the home of John Burrell, a son-in-law, on north Front street by Undertaker Brown, Tuesday morning.

Orville Howe was born and spent his entire life in CF, spending a portion of his early life on a farm through which the Mountain line now passes. He was 75 years, 10 months, and 10 days old. March 20, 1859 he was united in marriage to Jelany Holcomb, who passed away eleven years ago. The deceased was the last descendant of the Howe family who came from Connecticut and were among the early settlers in this section of the country.

Coincident of the death of Mr. Howe, Monday, was the birth of a  son to Mr. and Mrs. Minor Howe, Stow street the grandchild, coming into the world at practically the same time the grandfather met his death.

April 11, 1913

First Fire Co. In The Falls

Hook and Ladder Co. Organized in 1837 -- Members Exempt From Military Duty.

W.H. Patterson of south Front street has in his possession the secretaries' book of the first fire company started in Cuyahoga Falls in 1837, this was a hook and ladder company. There was also an engine company worked by hand, says the record. The following excerpts from the records will be of interest to Reporter readers:

"All the members of this company who served five years got a certificate from the State exempting them from road tax or serving as jurors or during military duty during the balance of their life while in the State of Ohio.

Under date of march 22, 1890 - There is eight of the company living, Luther Dodge, Ravenna, Portage County; Jonathan Jones, N.Y. City; George Daily, Simon Brown, John Rumsell; J.H. Byrm, Cuyahoga Falls; N. Longsdorf Logansport, Ind.; Edward Jones, now State Rep. one of the eastern states.

The constitution gives the date of organization Feb. 2, 1837, the company to be called the Cuyahoga Falls Hook and Ladder Co. The officers were first and Second Foreman, Secretary, Treasurer and two Marshals.

Art. 8 - Members of this Co. shall upon the alarm of fire immediately repair to the hook and ladders and then to the fire. Art. 9 - If any member shall neglect to conform to the 8th Art. he shall be fined to a sum not less than 25 cents, nor more than $2.

At a meeting June 30, 1837, it was voted that the uniform of this consist of a hat, frock and belt. The foreman to provide themselves with a staff, to carry at fires as a badge of office. members were required to appear in uniform at the meetings of the company, or pay a fine of 25 cents.

It appears by the records that members did not "take" to the plan of attending meetings in uniform, as the fine was raised to $1 and later it was voted that those who did not appear at the next regular meeting equipped, shall be expelled from the company and returned to the militia, unless they can render a good and sufficient excuse. At a later meeting the excuses offered by two members were evidently not accepted as they were "returned to the militia".

The records show the organization of the company, and transaction of business at regular meetings from the date of organization, Feb. 1887 to June 1846. The business affairs of the company recorded would be of interest, especially to the older residents of the Falls.

April 4, 1913

New Buildings On Front Street

Old Structures Will be Razed to Make Room  For Modern Business Rooms and Flats.

A number of buildings on Front street condemned by the State Fire Marshal some months ago will be razed and a two story brick building, business rooms and flats will be erected to take the place of four of the business rooms that have been used for different lines of business for many years. The laundry building recently purchased by William Hageman. Smith's barber shop and Harrington's meat market will give way to a brick building to be erected by these men. Details of same have not as yet been completed, but it is probable that the building will be 0 feet in depth. The frontage of each lot is 16 feet.

Wm. Mrray, owner of the building on the south of the laundry, has razed same and will erect a two story brick business room and flat.

With the destruction of these old structures and completion of handsome brick buildings to take their place, will greatly improve the appearance of this business district of the town.

Other frame structures in this section may also be sacrificed to make room for improved business rooms. Let the good work continue.