These are recent articles that ran in The Mirror Newspaper.
To see what else you've been missing . . .
WHS Honors Longtime Volunteer
BY BECKY JACOBS — MIRROR REPORTER
Bud Ziegler, longtime member of the Waterville Historical Society, was surprised by fellow members at a potluck dinner on June 16.
At the entrance to the driveway to Wakeman Museum on Farnsworth Road, a street sign was erected with the name “Bud Ziegler Way.”
Members spoke of all the ways Ziegler has helped with the museum, including using his engineering skills, construction abilities and any other way he could offer a helping hand. As he said, it took many volunteers to bring the projects to completion.
One of Ziegler’s biggest achievements was his fund-raising abilities, selling engraved stones and bricks. To date, that project has brought in close to $60,000 for WHS, which pays for restoration and the day-to-day running of the museum.
Third-graders in Polly Miller’s classes at Waterville Primary have contributed $1,300 to that total, raising enough money to purchase a $100 brick each year.
Neighbors Celebrate Friendship, Five Decades On Same Block
BY NANCY GAGNET – MIRROR REPORTER
There’s no place like home for five neighbors who have lived in the 600 block of West Dudley Street in Maumee for more than 50 years.
“I’ll never leave. I love my home,” Jeanne Chengges said.
Not only has the fondness for their homes kept them rooted, but the comfort of knowing they have each other has also made them stay put.
“It’s been one of the factors that have kept my husband and me in our house – we would miss our neighbors,” Janet Weyandt said.
In addition to Jeanne and Janet, Ruth Dollman, Ernie Koontz and Jackie Pfleghaar moved to the street between 1950 and 1958 and share a special feeling for the place they call home.
“This block was full of kids,” Jackie said.
All of the ladies – who range in age from 78 to 88 years old – have children; Ruth has seven, Jackie has six, Ernie and Jeanne each have three, and Janet has two.
Their families have also grown to include in-laws and grandchildren, Ernie said.
“This was the type of neighborhood that when one child accomplished something, everybody rejoiced,” she said.
“When they were in trouble, they could go to one of the neighbors and they could get help,” she added.
The friends recalled spending time together at block parties, cookouts and weddings and say that although they are empty nesters now, they still have the same good feeling about being there.
“It hasn’t changed much,” Janet said.
The neighbors admit that while raising a family and working they didn’t spend ample time together, but would talk over the fences and when they were out.
Last week the ladies enjoyed lunch together at the Lamplight Café and Bakery in Perrysburg to celebrate their friendship.
“We should do it more often,” Ruth said.
“We love Maumee,” Jeanne added. “It’s a great community and this has been a great street.”