I’ve written columns before with the help of one or more of the old directories which told us a lot about our communities and the people who lived there.
There were names and addresses, occupations, lists of children and, of course, business listings with appropriate names of individuals who owned or operated those businesses.
Fifty years ago, the 1972 rural Sandusky County directory brings back some memories and provides a look at how things have changed.
Those of us who turn to their phones and/or computers today to track down information — just about everyone — might be interested in a self-promotion advertisement in the directory.
People found names in the directory quickly
“It’s as easy as ABC to find ‘anyone’ in the road guide or ALPHA.”
True, it was pretty easy, but not as easy as hitting the keys or talking into your phone. It did provide some information that — since times have changed — is not so readily available today.
Given today’s communications options, one national advertisement said a lot about the changing world.
“Help stamp out snail mail,” it said, “Use Zip Code.” And, it added, “Mail moves the country — Zip Code moves the mail.”
The ZIP code was introduced by the U.S. Postal Service in 1963, but apparently was not being universally used nearly a decade later. (Remember when we could use Route 5, or something similar?)
ZIP stands for Zone Improvement Plan and, according to the advertisement, it meant that mail traveled more efficiently and quicker with its use.
At any rate, that 1972 directory contains several other items that might bring back some memories.
Liberty National Bank advertised its agricultural loans
Liberty National Bank was advertising itself as “Your Partner in Farming,” offering equipment loans, livestock loans and feeder loans with offices in downtown Fremont at the corner of Arch and State; Potter Village, and Lindsey.
The Fremont Oil Co., selling Fleetwing petroleum products and more, had its main office at 1907 W. State St. Many remember, of course, Fremont Oil’s Four Mile Service Center and Mark’s Restaurant at U.S. 20’s intersection with County Road 128 (Four Mile House Road).
As a rural directory, the book placed some emphasis on farming of what it called “the best soil in Ohio.” Thanks to the Black Swamp.
The diversity of the farming in the county was emphasized by the directory, which pointed to soybeans as the top money maker, providing 22% of the farm income. Soybeans remain a major crop here, but the list of leading income producers in 1972 also included sugar beets, which, according to the directory, provided 10% of the county’s farm income. Personally, I’ll never forget the lines of trucks at the sugar company on Front Street.
Other directory advertisers which might stir memories included Tschumy’s in downtown Fremont, which had provided “dependable furniture for over 112 years.”
Swint-Reineck was “Sandusky County’s Most complete Hardware” on Oak Harbor Road.
Johnson’s Greenhouse on Port Clinton Road had been serving the county since 1892 and promised “Prompt delivery anytime, anywhere.” They were “gardener, florists and designers.”
The Fremont News-Messenger, as it was known at the time (the word Fremont was later dropped from the title), touted the fact that same day home delivery was “now available to many rural homes.”
Roy Wilhelm started a 40-year career at The News-Messenger in 1965 as a reporter. Now retired, he writes a column for both The News-Messenger and News Herald.
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