'Once Over Lightly,' ringing bells, and an anniversary wish

By Rhonda Westfall

"'Once Over Lightly' - 1880-1980. This section is dedicated to the Clinton County News and its predecessors from which it was compiled by Shirley Karber."

That's the introduction to 358 pages in the 1980 History of Clinton County which the warm-hearted local historian produced by gathering snippets of newspaper stories.

Shirley passed away Jan. 22, but the array of information which she compiled stands as a most appropriate legacy. It encapsulates the essence of life in Clinton County - sometimes trivial, happy times and tragic events, but always a part of our collective history.

"1880 - The Gypsy train was in camp near Ovid last week."

"1928 - The cornerstone of the new Holy Trinity School at Fowler was laid June 4, by the Rev. Geo. J. Esper, pastor of the parish."

"1942 - Lights must be extinguished from 10 to 10:30 p.m., Aug. 12, when Clinton County will participate in a blackout."

"1971 - Sgt. Richard Dale Randolph, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Randolph of DeWitt Road, St. Johns, was killed in Viet Nam Feb. 1."

"1980 - Both Teresa Merrill and Central Elementary Schools have been entered in the National Register of Historic Places."

Shirley obtained the information for the 'Once Over Lightly' section by scanning countless rolls of microfilm and reading through bound-volumes of the paper. It was tedious work - to say the least. In fact, it's mind-boggling.

Anyone who has used a microfilm reader will know what I mean. The process is simple enough - load the roll of film into the machine and individual pages of the newspaper appear on the screen in front of you. But, looking at those old-time pages in a darkened room under the dim bulb of the microfilm reader is a headache in progress.

And, in the project Shirley completed, we’re talking about 100 years of newspapers - nearly 50 years of which had to come from the miracle of microfilm since bound-volumes of the papers no longer existed.

It was an incredible undertaking.

I don't know if anyone ever properly expressed their gratitude to Shirley for the contribution she made in the 1980 History. My guess is that a few folks who understood the time and effort involved in the compilation project probably did - but that leaves a whole lot of us who never said anything.

Thank you, Shirley - your work will stand the test of time.

* * * * * * * * * *

According to a reliable source, we need to add St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns to the list of sites where bells rang in the New Year. In fact, St. Joe's bells rang for such an extended period of time, it took a pair of bell-ringers to finish the task.

Apparently 200 pulls on the St. Joe bell rope is a little too much for one set of arms.

John Thelen and Pete Motz teamed up to ring in the New Year - dinging St. Joe's bells for a full five minutes at the start of Midnight Mass on New Year's Eve.

We have no word on whether or not they're planning a repeat performance.

* * * * * * * * * *

Speaking of ringing - anyone who tried to send a fax to the Clinton County News office last Wednesday was greeted with lots of rings on the line, but no transmission of their document.

Sorry about that. Even the wonders of modern technology require some adjustments now and then.

The wonderful little machine is up and running properly again - so fax it to us, 224-9458.

* * * * * * * * *

Lastly, I'm taking advantage of this editorial ink to wish my parents 'Happy Anniversary!' Clemens Kloeckner and Marcella Witt were married Jan. 29, 1941 - a cold winter's day that has been followed by 59 warm and wonderful years.

At least most of that time has been happy, I think.

Like any couple, I'm sure my Mom and Dad have had their share of ups and downs - but, somehow they made it. Heading into their 60th year together is quite an accomplishment.

Best wishes on your special day - your family loves you.