Martin Limb settled in Wooster, Wayne county, Ohio after arriving in America in 1849. Martin Limb bought properties in Wooster town, and established his residence and restaurant/saloon on E. Liberty street near the train depot. He married twice and raised a total of 12 children until his death in 1880.
Chippewa Lake
Chippewa Lake was a popular destination for Woosterites and the entire region. Many family reunions, company picnics and similar group outings gathered there for a pleasant day of boating, bathing, sports and games.
Wikipedia entry:
In the 1880s, Oscar Townsend and the Cleveland, Lorain & Wheeling Railroad (C., L. & W.) developed a prosperous vacation resort, eventually called Chipewwa Lake Park, on the banks of Chippewa Lake. The Great Depression and extinction of interurban rail service crippled the park, but in 1937, Parker Beach purchased the resort, and it enjoyed a swinging golden Age through 1969, as he kept the park’s ballroom filled with dancers and famous bands. In 1978, after more than 100 years in operation, Chippewa Lake Park was shut down and left to decay.
Andrew’s Pleasure Grounds, 1875-1898: In 1875, Edward Andrews organized a picnic ground and beach under the name Andrew’s Pleasure Grounds. The park operated with some success, but its condition deteriorated. With the addition of a steam boat and the park’s first rollercoaster, the amusement park was brought to life. The initial roller coaster had to be manually pushed up the track following each ride.
Chippewa Lake park, 1898-1978: Mac Beach acquired Chippewa Lake in 1898 and improved the park immensely. He also placed a ban on liquor sales. Mac’s son, Parker Beach, managed the park during its boom years: The Roaring ’20s. During that decade, the first modern coaster was built at the park, designed by Fred Pearce. Originally named the Big Dipper, it became bettie known as simply “the coaster.” The park also featured a live band-stand seven nights a week. The park opened the wooden roller coaster in 1925. The coaster was a fairly small roller coaster, estimated to be about 50 feet high. The coaster operated until the part closed in 1978.The coaster stood abandoned for over 30 years until it was demolished in 2010. The Beach family kept the park running successfully into the 1960s. Eventually, Chippewa Lake would feature three roller coasters, flying cages, a Ferris wheel, carousel, Tumble Bug, ballroom, and many other rides.
For some really nice photos and a history:
URBEX Underground: Chippewa Lake Amusement Park
1904 Wayne County Fair
Thursday, September 29 – Friday, September 30, 1904
Wooster Fairgrounds
Wooster Republican
Wooster, Ohio
Wednesday, 5 October, 1904
pg 6
Great Throng
Drawn to City by Annual County Fair.
The weatherman surely had another guess coming on the weather which he handed out for this section of Ohio for Thursday. Instead of showers as was predicted the sky from early morn until near mid day was clear as a bell. The people began coming to the city early and by 8 a.m. it was seen that the attendance at the fair was going to be large. The early morning train from the west was crowded with people from Loudonville. Bib Prairie and Shreve and all of the regular cars and a number os specials on the electric lines were filled to the doors. All of the cars on the Baltimore & Ohio train from the north were also filled to the platform. But the greatest numbers came in from the dountry districts and long before noon about all of the space in the feed stables and yards was taken. While the Agricultural society bus had days on which the number present was larger, yet all things considered the patronage Thursday was very satisfactory. The number of single admissions sold up to 2 p.m. was about 3500. To this should be added several hundred admitted on privilege tickets besides fully 2,000 children under 12 years of age admitted free. Estimates ranged as to the number on the grounds from 5,000 to 10,000.
The attendance Thursday at the Wayne county fair was much larger than was estimated by those who are accustomed to handling large crowds. When the count was made Friday evening it was found that 6,200 general admission tickets had been sold. To this should be added at least 500 for privileges and complimentary tickets and at least 2,000 children took advantage of the free admission for those under 12 years of age. It will thus be seen that over 9,000 persons were in attendance. There was probably no time when there was this number of persons within the enclosure as throngs that attend county fairs are restless and do much coming and going but it is safe to say that between the hours of 2 to 4 p.m. there were not less than 7,000 people moving about the grounds.
The people seemed to have come to enjoy themselves and patronized the various shows and stands very liberally. The Lambrigger zoo did a rushing business for several hours and lead all the others in this respect. The merry go round also did a paving business and the machine was kept going at a lively rate for several hours. The many catch penny affairs were attractive to many and those conducting the stands reported themselves as satisfied with the financial returns. The order on the grounds was very good not an arrest being necessary because of disorderly conduct.
During the last few years in all sections of the country practically all county fairs have gotten to be what are termed one day fairs because there is really one one day on which the attendance is large. The Wayne county fair is like all others in this respect and is getting to be more so year after year as witness the number of persons drawn to the city on Friday. The weather in the early hours of the morning could not have been better the heavy rain of Thursday evening having laid the dust and making the roads in the country fine for driving, yet the number on the grounds up to noon was distressingly small compared to Thursday, and this too with better race events on the card than on Thursday.
The Displays.
As a matter of fact the display in a number of the departments was never better and so large. This was due particularly of the good exhibit in vegetable hall. The show of fruits and vegetables was a magnificent one and gave the stranger who happened to be a visitor to the fair a good idea as to the fertility of the soil of Wayne county. Good taste and judgment was used in arranging the entries and this added materially to make the department very attractive.
The display in Art Hall was not so large as in former occasions but was still one of great beauty and very attractive to the fair sex who made the building their headquarters lingering fondly over this and that piece of fancy work made by deft hands for the adornment of home. Schmuch & Bevington had a very fine display of furniture from their establishment on exhibition as had Ben Alcock a nice showing of musical instruments.
The show of vehicles everything needed on wheels but automobiles was very large. The principal exhibitors in this department were Harding & Co., the Wooster Hardware Co., of Wooster and Gearhart & Hauk, of Overton. Of these exhibits we will have more to say later one. The showing of farming machinery was a very large one, comprising everything from a windpump to a hayloader and plows and harrows. While all the displays attracted attention those of the products raised on the experiment station, children’s home and Wayne county infirmary were so large and varied as to arrest even the attention of those who are not interested in farming so fine was the show and variety exhibited by each institution. The farmers of course, found much to interest them in cereals in the experiment station exhibit.
The number of entries in the cattle, sheep and swine departments was such as to make these departments of interest to breeders and producers. It has been many years since so many stalls were required to care for the many animals entered for premiums in the horse classes, those in which the farmer and breeder are interested, of course, leading. The little folks found much to interest them in the exhibit from the Taylor pony farm and a crowd stood about the tent, constantly. The show in the poultry department equaled that of former years and convinced the sight seer that the poultry fanciers of the county are up to the times with their pets.
Harding & Co.
Harding & Co. occupied their usual position in their permanent headquarters near the entrance to the grounds. Their display of buggies and implements was unusually large, and conveyed to the sightseers a good idea of the size of their establishment. In their buggy department all lovers of the beautiful were attracted by a handsome Stanhope road wagon with an automobile seat, one of the finest things in a buggy specialty ever shown in Wayne county. A prominent feature of their exhibit was of course, the showing of Page Bros. work consisting of single and piano box buggies and carriages. Harding & Co. have handled this reliable make for 16 years with tremendous success. There were besides, five or six other good makes, and prices from $60 for a pretty rubber tired piano box buggy up through the very finest grades as high as one would like to go. Prominent in this exhibit were a number of cut under piano box buggies and road wagons which are so popular in cities. The time is coming when there will be practically nothing else sold on account of their extreme safety in turning. Harding & Co. are a little bit ahead of the times with these cut under vehicles in a town of this size, but it will not be long until they are in general every day use.
In Harding & Co.’s implement display the farmer could feast his eyes in pleasant anticipation. Here were shown the New Adriance Binders and Mowers, the very finest implements in the market. The Adriance lever binder and the chain and gear power mower occupied quite a good space. Of the several mowers shown all were sold. In the hay loader display were the New Sterling with extra sweep, the Key Stone with side delivery rake. In the implements for potato raising were potato tooths, complete, with planters, diggers and sprayers. The new “Sure Drop” corn planter, which was in motion, was driven by the Perkins air cooling gasoline engine with which Harding & Co. are having such good success. Among the cultivators were the Gale Pivot Axle, the Pivot Gang, the celebrated Iron Age, the new Iron Age potato cultivator. There were spring tooth and spike tooth harrows and the new “Success” manure spreader which is having a great run. In the wagon display was the celebrated O’Brien that has stood the test of years. Altogether the Harding & Co. display was one of the really fine features of the Wayne County fair.
Wooster Hardware Co.
One of the exhibits that the farmer visitors to the Wayne county fair always see is that of the Wooster Hardware co., given in the building owned by the firm and on the land adjacent to the structure. The company never had an exhibit that attracted more attention. While having had larger displays the one for 1904 was pronounced the very best. In the vehicle line, buggies and carriages only high grade work is shown work from the following concerns being included in the show Weimer & Gerstenschlager of Marshallville, Koch Brothers, New Waterford, Robeker Bros. Carriage of Crestline, Richland Buggy Co., Mansfield. A display that arrested the attention of the sight seer here was the magnificent line of buggy harness and ? of all hues, shades and styles. The wives of the farmers evinced much interest in the DeLayall Cream Separator on exhibition in the building. What was to many the most attractive piece of machinery shown was a four horsepower Hamilton gas engine for which the firm are Wayne County agents. The engine was in constant operation, and the steadiness with which the engine drove the large number of machines attached to the shatting? was s source of wonder. Among the implements in operation were the Ohio Hay Loader, the New Deere Hay Loader, the Black Hawk Cornplanter, the Evans Cornplanter, Buckeye Grain Drill, Ohio Side Delivery Hay Rake, Douden Potato Digger, besides a general line of all manner of farm machinery. The large number of salesmen in charge were kept busy explaining the workings of this and that implement and had the satisfaction of making a number of sales in all of the departments.
The Races.
The speed events on Thursday afternoon while all going in straight heats, were interesting and on their merits. The dust made it unpleasant for the spectators outside of the grand stand, and combined with the high wind, caused the track to be heavy and the racing slow. Following is a summary of the races that were finished.
The Ball Game.
That many hundreds of those who were drawn to the city came for the express purpose of seeing the ball game was demonstrated by the way they turned to the fair grounds on reaching town. The game was not started until 10:45 owing to the fact that some work had to be done to the grounds before the players would play. Fully 2,000 watched the contest, and although the grounds were in bad shape for anything like good ball playing, yet a very good game was played. Loudonville came loaded with a bunch of players from Canton and Massillon, Wilmot and Kettler of the Canton team being at the points. Billiard and Follis did the good work for the Giant.
One of the Loudonville players missed the train and Forby Alcock filled the position, left field, until another man was secured. Cliff Scotland, who was to score the game, consented to help the visitors out and did well, batting in two of their runs, and made one of the five scores to their credit. Capt. M.R. Limb did the umpiring, and did very well although the Loudonville aggregation kicked on a number of decisions. The score follows.
Batteries—Wilmot and Kettler; Billiard, Lloyd and Follis.
Umpire—Limb.
Board Is Delighted.
Secretary G.J. Ebright was delighted with the large crowd on the fair grounds Thursday, and with the success of the fair in general. “I estimate the total crowd at between 10,000 and 12,000 people for Thursday, and it is the largest crowd we ever had on the grounds, said Mr. Ebright. Other members of the board were also happy over the result in the total attendance, and think the fair is a stronger institution than ever before.
Mansfield’s Old Leaguers who had been engaged to play with the Giants failed to get to the city. Manager Sheedy telephoned at 8 o’clock that five of his players had missed the train and winting to know if he should bring the team on the noon train. The management of the fair would not consent to have the game during the afternoon as it would interfere with the races. After a hurried conference with the managers of the Athletic association it was decided to make an effort to get Massillon, North Lawrence or Orrville. It was finally arranged to have Orrville come as neither of the other teams could get together in time to get here for a game that morning and then only by agreeing to furnish three players.
The annual exhibition of the Wayne county Agricultural society which closed on Friday was a financial success. The attendance on Thursday was the largest in a number of years. The patronage on Friday was small compared to Thursday and not at all what it should have been as the three events on the speed program proved to be the best of the meeting.
The ball game in the morning was a rather one-sided affair. Mansfield’s Old Leaguers missed the train and as the managers of the fair wished to have a ball game in the morning to keep their promise to the public the Orrville team was secured for the game. Owing to the short notice but six of the Orrville players caught the train and three players were picked up to fill out the nine. The score resulted 6 to 5 in favor of the Giants. All things considered the Orrville boys and those who assisted them did very well. While the game was not what it was hoped to give the public it was the best that could be done under the circumstances.
The crowd present in the afternoon witnessed three good races. The 2 25 trot went to Pat Anakin owned by J.M. Irwin of Dalton, and went in three straight heats, Anakin having too much speed for the others. The second race, the 2 22 pace was won by Dexter Bayard a pretty chestnut gelding that was in sixth place in the first heat. The race of the day came in the 2 20 trot five heats being necessary. The race was won by Charles Marion, who was very unsteady in the first two heats. Breaking all the way around the track John Bell, the aged colored man who is the owner and driver of the horse, finally got the gelding steadied down and won the third, fourth and fifth heats, in good shape, although closely pressed by Lady Espy and Electropois.
The crowd in the grand stand and along the stretch was with Bell and when he put Marion under the wire first in the third heat gave the old colored man an ovation. This was repeated at the end of the fourth heat and when he made the drive of the race to win the fifth heat and the race the cheer that went up in his honor must have been sweet music to his ears. As Bell drove up before the grand stand he was greeted with calls for a speech. Bell was equal to the occasion and in a few words expressed his thanks and modestly received the congratulations of those gathered about him. After Bell had concluded his speech the horse was unhitched from the sulky, the old man was lifted onto the seat and a half dozen fleet-footed young men hauled the old chap to his quarters. It is safe to say that Bell will remember Wooster as long as he lives.
The horsemen were all pleased over the old colored man’s victory as he is clever and obliging and seems to have the good will of all. The old fellow has been playing in hard luck for some weeks and was down to hard pan, as a matter of fact did not have enough cash to pay the entrance fee and would not have been able to start his horse if it had not been for the kindness of a friend who stood good for the money.
A summary of the races follows:
Hallowe’en in Wooster
Saturday, 31 October, 1925
Wooster Daily Record
Wooster, Ohio
Thursday, 22 October, 1925
pg 6
A Masquerade On Halloween On The Square?
A masquerade on Hallowe’en night, with the public square as the center of festivities, is under discussion at the present time.
Mayor M.R. Limb today suggested that a “part” of this kind might be a suitable solution to hallowe’en difficulties.
A certain amount of energy is bound to be extended on that night, he pointed out, adding that if it was directed in the direction of wholesome enjoyment downtown, the residential districts would be comparatively free from the usual pranks.
The street dancing was suggested along with the masquerade, but up to the present time no definite arrangements have been made.
Wooster Daily Record
Wooster, Ohio
Saturday, 24 October, 1925
pg 3
Need Some Music For Hallowe’en Celebration
“I have been getting numerous favorable responses to the suggestion that we have a downtown party on Hallowe’en night,” said Mayor M.R. Limb today. “Those who have spoken to me about it feel that a masquerade parade and street dancing would be very satisfactory. The only thing we haven’t got is the music. I would be glad to have some suggestions for a solution of this angle of the affair.”
Wooster Daily Record
Wooster, Ohio
Thursday, 29 October, 1925
pg 14
Hallowe’en Doings As Usual in Wooster
The change in the weather may stop a general Hallowe’en celebration in Wooster on the square, as had been suggested several days ago, but it will not stop the usual festivities that amuse the small boys and some of the older ones. From year to year Hallowe’en is celebrated in various forms, but in America it is an evening of mirth and joy. The evening, according to the church calendar, is All Hallows or Al Saints’ evening and is observed before All Saints day, which will be observed in the churches next Sunday.
Wooster Daily Record
Wooster, Ohio
Thursday, 29 October, 1925
pg 14
Hallowe’en Carnival Saturday is all off’
The proposed Hallowe’en carnival and dance on the public square for Saturday night has about been given up.
No suitable suggestion for the music for the occasion was forthcoming and the matter has been at a standstill.
The police department is making preparations to put on extra officers to break up groups bent on destruction. Only the usual harmless Hallowe’en pranks are to be permitted.
Wooster Daily Record
Wooster, Ohio
Saturday, 31 October, 1925
pg 5
Hallowe’en Is Here Tonight
Tonight is Hallowe’en and cabbages in the garden and swings on the front porch are likely to be found in unaccustomed places Sunday morning unless they are removed to the cellar and attic respectively before darkness comes tonight.
Some groups of youngsters were out “practicing” last evening and committed numerous pranks.
The police department warns that no destruction of property will be tolerated. Special officers have been added to the force and will patrol the city, watching gangs that threaten to grow into dangerous proportions.
Wooster Daily Record
Wooster, Ohio
Monday, 2 November, 1925
pg 6
The Days Of Real Sport
Wooster Daily Record
Wooster, Ohio
Monday, 2 November, 1925
pg 8
Hallowe’eners Celebrate
Some Pranks Are O.K., Others a Bit Off Color.
Hallowe’en and its pranks have gone for another year, leaving in its wake some evidences of the revelry of Saturday night.
Porch rugs and porch swings and chairs, taken from Wooster homes, turned up Sunday morning in various places.
Sidewalks and porches were strewn with confetti and corn, ghosts walked in all parts of the city, and groups of young people surged up and down the streets taking along everything that was loose.
One of the off-color pranks was committed at the home of Mrs. O.N. Hills, Pearl street, where a lot of cheese cloth was ruthlessly taken from a newly made bank where grass was sown. The bank was damaged as part of the grass was torn away and the work will have to be done over again.
Persons going up North Bever street late Saturday night noted that one of the pranks was the taking of a cow from a barn and tethering bossy on the front porch.
Garbage cans were a particular mark of the celebrators, and many were carried away and in some instances the contents were dumped where garbage dumping is no ordinarily done.
Out in the country roads were blocked with corn shocks and fence posts.
Other Notable Events in Wooster
Wooster Daily Record
Wooster, Ohio
Thursday, 10 March, 1927
pg 10
Sheriff And Deputies Are Now Fully Armed
Equipment for the sheriff’s office, recently purchased by the county commissioners, arrived yesterday and was distributed by Sheriff Albert Jacot among his deputies. The equipment in part consists of four thirty-eight caliber revolvers with ammunition, belts and holsters, several pairs of handcurrs and other needful tools to properly equip the men who are keeping the peace in this county.
Wooster Daily Record
Wooster, Ohio
Monday, 14 March, 1927
pgs 1 & 2
Former Mayor Forbes Alcock Dies, Aged 75
Gained Fame Over Nation as Drillmaster of Prize Winning Canton Wrights.
Capt. Forbes Alcock, 75, mayor of Wooster from 1911 to 1918, and for thirty years commander of prize-winning drill teams of Canton Wright, I.O.O.F., died last night at midnight in the family home on Spink street, following an illness of more than one year.
Mr. Alcock was a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, and came to this country at the age of 21 years, a skilled granite cutter. For a number of years he was employed at his profession on buildings built for the federal government and later he went to Pittsburg where he entered the monument business.
In Wooster 17 Years
For??? Mr. Alcock came to Wooster and opened a partnership with James Donald and George Hatton in the granite business, the firm operating as Alcock, Donald & Hatton. First Mr. Hutton and then Mr. Donald ? from the firm ?? operation ??? present form, ??? Alcock’s great skill in the profession he made his life work’s evidenced in many of fine specimens of granite cutting on monuments in Wooster cemetery. ??? of the mausoleums ??? there are masterpieces of his design and execution.
An Active Oddfellow
On February 16, 1883, Mr. Alcock was inducted into Wooster lodge No. 42 I.O.O.F. and immediately became an active member of the organization. He took the degrees of the Encampment and was one of the leaders in the organization of Canton Wright, being made its first captain. With the exception of one year, he served in the capacity of its captain continuously from its organization until his death. Mr. Alcock, who had been a private and then a commissioned officer in old Company D, learned military tactics there but it was as captain of Canton Wright that he showed his real genius for developing formations that thrilled thousands of people throughout the country because of the ? of their execution. Canton Wright gained a national reputation under his leadership and ?? team captained by him won many of the highest prizes offered in the ? of Oddfellowship, both in Ohio and in other states.
Headed Many Demonstrations
Captain Alcock’s ability as a drill master and his interest and enthusiasm for work of this kind gave him many appointments for special tasks. When the Wayne county centennial was held in 1896, he was chief marshal of the biggest parade of the occasion, and down through the years, scarcely a pageant or a demonstration occurred but what he had a place of distinction and of responsibility in organizing the parade. Assigned to tasks of this kind, Capt. Alcock invariably tackled them with the enthusiasm for which he was famous. He was happiest when commanding his trained Canton men in a prize competition.
Capt. Alcock was also a member of Masons and K. of P. orders.
Six Children Survive
On the day he sailed from Liverpool for the United States, Mary Ann Hill, a native of Plymouth, England, also set sail on another boat for this country. It was years later after Miss Hill had become Mrs. Alcock that they learned both had started for this country on the same day. In Wooster Capt. and Mrs. Alcock reared their family of five sons and one daughter, Ben, George, Bechtel, ? Forbes, Jr. and Harry. Bechtel Alcock is in business in New York and Forbes in East Liverpool. The remainder of the children reside in Wooster.
Capt. Alcock’s election as mayor of Wooster came as a reward for his interest in city affairs and civic management.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at ? 30 p.m. from the Beall avenue home of George and Ben Alcock. The services will be under the auspices of Canton Wright, and Rev. Ian Robertson, pastor of the Episcopal church, and his father, Dr. Robertson, a retired Scotch Presbyterian pastor.
Burial will be made in Wooster cemetery.
Wooster Daily Record
Wooster, Ohio
Tuesday, 15 March, 1927
pg 3
Friends Invited to the Forbes Alcock Funeral
?? to the funeral ?? Forbes Alcock [???mostly unreadable???] who weill be assisted by his father Dr. Robertson, a retired Presbyterian minister, who was born in Scotland where the late Mr. Alcock was born. Officers and members of Canton Wright I.O.O.F. ? pay tribute to their departed leader ?? service.
Announcement was made this afternoon that the funeral of the late Forbes Alcock will be held at 3 ? Wednesday afternoon ?? of the ??? in the ? New York of Mrs. Bechtel Alcock.
Officers of Rising Star Lodge Knights of Pythias announced today that members of this order will meet in the hall at 1:30 o’clock on Wednesday to attend the funeral in a body.
Oddfellows will assemble in their temple at 2 o’clock and will also attend in a body. The I.O.O.F. organizations have informed Cantons in neighboring cities and it is expected that a number of them will send representatives here for the funeral services.
Wooster Daily Record
Wooster, Ohio
Wednesday, 16 March, 1927
pg 6
Former Mayor Alcock Laid To Rest Today
Tribute to the memory of the late Forbes Alcock, former mayor of the city of Wooster, was paid in funeral services held this afternoon in the home of George and Ben Alcock, Beall avenue.
The Episcopal service was ? by Rev. Ian Robertson, rector of St. James church, who was assisted by his father, Dr. Robertson, a retired Presbyterian minister.
The Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias paid tribute to the memory of a deceased brother.
The pall bearers were Odd Fellows from Canton Wright of which organization Mr. Alcock, as captain of the drill team was a prominent member. The active pall bearers were ? ?, Jesse Warner, ? ?, Frank Boigegrain, R.T. Bechtel, Arch Dice, Joseph Kestler and Simon Brenner. The nonorary pall bearers were William ??, J? R?, George Hutton and ??? Cameron.
Last line is totally unreadable.