FEND NANCY NICKELS
Nancy was one of our spark plugs - even before we were more than a glimmer on the horizon. One sunny afternoon Jean, Ann Marie, and I were recalling some of the stories we had heard about " the old times" in Olmsted Falls. A most serendipitous moment occurred as Mrs. Nickels came by. We asked her if she could help answer some questions we had about Olmsted Falls. She was most kind and glad to tell us a few things. Later, I ran into her and Mrs. Jocke. They said there are nice historical societies in the area and they had things they would like to donate but wanted them to stay in Olmsted Falls. This was the spark that started our Historical Society of Olmsted Falls: have a small, local historical society. Whatever the Historical Society did, Nancy was involved - if not having inspired the event. then in encouraging those who did. When I would ask her ideas she would always say " Well, Bill, let me see and I'll see what I can come up with." - and she always did. Look at pictures of our activities we've had and Nancy is not only there, but she's usually leading it. It is because of her and other original members, i.e. pre-World War Two era residents, that inspired us to start the historical society. To them it meant more than a collection of events and items, it really was for preserving their way of life. With the loss of Nancy it was truly a last connection to a time gone forever. We may be lucky enough to preserve books and physical items but more importantly we are preserving a way of life. Thank you, Nancy, for all you have done for us.
FRAN YESENKO
Mrs. Yesenko was a founding member - quiet, unassuming and always ready to help.. She was one of our many "fall-back" to members - always ready to assist with what she could. She always had her smile which brightened the event up.. We do appreciate all her help and encouragement especially when we were getting organized. Thank you for your support.
BILL HOLSTEIN
When the Historical Society was looking for a stone for a memorial. Mr. Holstein donated the wheel outside the Olmsted Falls County Library branch. Each time you enter or leave the library you pass the stone which Mr. Holstein donated. It is a permanent tribute to Mr. Holstein and the memory of our military. Thank you, Mr. Holstein, for your generous gift.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW PRESIDENT, PATTI THOMPSON
The United States Navy rotates commanding officers every two years. During our existence we were lead by a wonderful first president: JEAN JOHNSON and, with the help of Mayor Donegan (then councilman) she built a solid foundation and lead us through unchartered With the help, devotion, and never quit attitude of Joan and Ralph Jocke, Nancy and Bill Nickels, Bob and Shirley Hecker, Clare and Amelia Harding, Mayor Robert Blomquist and many others here we are eighteen years later. Thank you, Jean, for all you did for us.
Jean was our Founding President in the early 2000's (officially 2006) but that doesn't include the years of hard work setting everything up beforehand: At Jean's home and Ann Maries' home figuring out what would be needed. They were interesting times contacting different establishments. historical societies and gathering information about historical societies. In 2006 it all came together and we were established.
In 2016, Jean retired. It was time for a new president. I do thank you for your trust in me. Unlike Jean, all the hard work was done and it is mostly keeping things on an even keel. Eight years is a long time and in December,2023, we elected Patti Thompson our third president.
Patti has so much energy, enthusiasm, and so many good ideas. Your continued support and help have meant so much to us over years. It will help the new crew immensely. With her supporting officers she will do a great job. I did say during the adjustment period I would be glad to assist. She graciously let me do the two official forms for 2023, appoint our delegate to the Southwest conference; and have the Happy Birthday, Ohio! March 1. All these things seem daunting but really aren't bad. As the new crew gets assimilated they will be all set for the future.
As of March 6, OFFICERS for 2024
President: Patti Thompson
Vice President: Lois Rowland
Treasurer: Barb Wehe, Ellen Martin
Secretary: The president can not be treasurer or secretary.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Most States require three board members (we need three): Usually President, Secretary, Treasurer
If anyone would like to be on the Board of Directors, please let the HSOF know. It usually gathers once or twice a year.
ROLE (WHO SHOULD NOT BE ON THE BOARD)
Provide direction for the organization (Those who lack objectivity)
Establish policy Govern the organization (People who are all talk and no action)
Believe in the mission (Those who are conflict averse and people who are not team players)
THESE ARE FINISHED FOR 2024
Federal Form (for 2023)
State Form (for 2023)
Continuing Existence Form (filed in 2023 -GOOD FOR FIVE YEARS (until 2028))
DON'T FORGET TO DO IT!!!!
Delegate appointed for Southwest, 2024 Zoe Nechvatal
Once again, thank each and every one of you for all your help over the last eight years. It has been an honor to try and preserve a way of life.
HSOF Printer 2024
Update: Where, oh, where is Over the Falls, oh, where, oh where, can it be? Maybe in the computer!.
"Mimeograph, mimeograph wherefore art thou, mimeograph?" "Tis not as deep as a well nor as wide as a church door, but twill do, twill do." Thank you Mr. Cawley, I did pay attention in your English class! Thanks for all you taught me (us).
There is a reason for typewriters, computers, and printers - typewriters work!
In late spring the ten year old, faithful printer started acting - unique? Not being a computer admirer, I figured, easy enough - replace the printer. The new printer would be the kind where you fill the ink from a bottle. and save all kinds of money on ink. Great. Bought the new printer, set it up and eagerly awaited its work. Printed fine - from hard copies. - Tried to print what was on the computer - uh, oh, the infamous "looking for printer" message. came. on. Finally, it went through other interesting messages not quite as interesting as my thoughts about modern technology)! Anyway, three people I know would visit at different times and all said, "Oh, it'll be simple - be done in a couple of minutes." - in each case an hour later they left shaking their heads. The printer doesn't like the computer. Called the printer company and they were nice but I had no idea what they were saying. Anyway, someone I talked to knew of an inexpensive printer and ordered one. It came and it works using a wire. Beware! One cartridge of ink is supposedly good for 100 pages! - that will be five cartridges for one pack of paper!
We do need someone to be editor for OVER THE FALLS. It should come out four times a year-printers notwithstanding!
March 6, 2024, the changeover will be complete. Let us never forget March 6, 1836, (1994) when 180 Texicans stood up to an overbearing government. Not one of the defenders was seriously wounded until that fatal morning. Yes, again - those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it. But we must take the responsibility to teach history.
Thank you for all of your help over the years,
WME
American Convoys, Pre war- and World War Two
As the school year ended, the students would be off to new adventures in the fall.
The last day I gave them a brief note about convoys. The convoy system was used to escort freighters and troopships before and during the Second World War. The modern convoy system was based on the British design developed during the First World War. Because the school year was ending it would be time for the kids to pick up a new escort at their rendezvous in the fall. their present escort being sent back to escort a new convoy. One of our own Historical Society members, Bill Nickels, was a member of the Armed Guard on the S.S.KELLOGG where he and his crew mates safely protected their ship.. The time has come when it is necessary for us to get a new escort.
As you look at the original founders and supporters - the ones who encouraged us to start a small Historical Society that we could have just for Olmsted Falls - Bill Nickels, Ralph Jocke, Eljorie Mason, Vernon McCrae, Louis Miller, Richard Fenderbosch, Robert Hecker, Joan Jocke, Nancy Nickels- they are all gone. With the recent passing of Mrs. Nickels there are very few left to tell us what life was like in their times. With the passing of Mrs. Nickels an era has come to an end. Who is there to tell the stories of armed escorts, building the bombers at the bomber plant as my dad, Wm. Eichenberg Sr. did during the war, Lt. Lous Miller who was in the Army Air Corps for the entire war, - a navigator on B-25's. Who will tell their stories? Do we even find time today to even mention the whole Second World War? Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. What of those who are never taught it ?
After eight years it is time for new ideas, enthusiasm, and excitement. Our new president Patti Thompson will do very well as she has good assistants to help her in her duties: Lois, Zoe, and Barb Wehe. And where would we be if not for Barb and a few others whose devotion to not only Olmsted Falls but to us? There are many times when she could have said she didn't have time or didn't feel like it or could have quit. But she never did When you see her, thank her With the passing of Nancy the last of the generation who lived through their times is pretty much gone, but with a younger group taking over their ideas may be instilled so that hopeful we will never have people of Olmsted Falls say as Chief Logan once said: WHO IS THEIR TO MOURN FOR LOGAN? NOT ONE.
Nancy was one of our spark plugs - even before we were more than a glimmer on the horizon. One sunny afternoon Jean, Ann Marie, and I were recalling some of the stories we had heard about " the old times" in Olmsted Falls. A most serendipitous moment occurred as Mrs. Nickels came by. We asked her if she could help answer some questions we had about Olmsted Falls. She was most kind and glad to tell us a few things. Later, I ran into her and Mrs. Jocke. They said there are nice historical societies in the area and they had things they would like to donate but wanted them to stay in Olmsted Falls. This was the spark that started our Historical Society of Olmsted Falls: have a small, local historical society. Whatever the Historical Society did, Nancy was involved - if not having inspired the event. then in encouraging those who did. When I would ask her ideas she would always say " Well, Bill, let me see and I'll see what I can come up with." - and she always did. Look at pictures of our activities we've had and Nancy is not only there, but she's usually leading it. It is because of her and other original members, i.e. pre-World War Two era residents, that inspired us to start the historical society. To them it meant more than a collection of events and items, it really was for preserving their way of life. With the loss of Nancy it was truly a last connection to a time gone forever. We may be lucky enough to preserve books and physical items but more importantly we are preserving a way of life. Thank you, Nancy, for all you have done for us.
FRAN YESENKO
Mrs. Yesenko was a founding member - quiet, unassuming and always ready to help.. She was one of our many "fall-back" to members - always ready to assist with what she could. She always had her smile which brightened the event up.. We do appreciate all her help and encouragement especially when we were getting organized. Thank you for your support.
BILL HOLSTEIN
When the Historical Society was looking for a stone for a memorial. Mr. Holstein donated the wheel outside the Olmsted Falls County Library branch. Each time you enter or leave the library you pass the stone which Mr. Holstein donated. It is a permanent tribute to Mr. Holstein and the memory of our military. Thank you, Mr. Holstein, for your generous gift.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW PRESIDENT, PATTI THOMPSON
The United States Navy rotates commanding officers every two years. During our existence we were lead by a wonderful first president: JEAN JOHNSON and, with the help of Mayor Donegan (then councilman) she built a solid foundation and lead us through unchartered With the help, devotion, and never quit attitude of Joan and Ralph Jocke, Nancy and Bill Nickels, Bob and Shirley Hecker, Clare and Amelia Harding, Mayor Robert Blomquist and many others here we are eighteen years later. Thank you, Jean, for all you did for us.
Jean was our Founding President in the early 2000's (officially 2006) but that doesn't include the years of hard work setting everything up beforehand: At Jean's home and Ann Maries' home figuring out what would be needed. They were interesting times contacting different establishments. historical societies and gathering information about historical societies. In 2006 it all came together and we were established.
In 2016, Jean retired. It was time for a new president. I do thank you for your trust in me. Unlike Jean, all the hard work was done and it is mostly keeping things on an even keel. Eight years is a long time and in December,2023, we elected Patti Thompson our third president.
Patti has so much energy, enthusiasm, and so many good ideas. Your continued support and help have meant so much to us over years. It will help the new crew immensely. With her supporting officers she will do a great job. I did say during the adjustment period I would be glad to assist. She graciously let me do the two official forms for 2023, appoint our delegate to the Southwest conference; and have the Happy Birthday, Ohio! March 1. All these things seem daunting but really aren't bad. As the new crew gets assimilated they will be all set for the future.
As of March 6, OFFICERS for 2024
President: Patti Thompson
Vice President: Lois Rowland
Treasurer: Barb Wehe, Ellen Martin
Secretary: The president can not be treasurer or secretary.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Most States require three board members (we need three): Usually President, Secretary, Treasurer
If anyone would like to be on the Board of Directors, please let the HSOF know. It usually gathers once or twice a year.
ROLE (WHO SHOULD NOT BE ON THE BOARD)
Provide direction for the organization (Those who lack objectivity)
Establish policy Govern the organization (People who are all talk and no action)
Believe in the mission (Those who are conflict averse and people who are not team players)
THESE ARE FINISHED FOR 2024
Federal Form (for 2023)
State Form (for 2023)
Continuing Existence Form (filed in 2023 -GOOD FOR FIVE YEARS (until 2028))
DON'T FORGET TO DO IT!!!!
Delegate appointed for Southwest, 2024 Zoe Nechvatal
Once again, thank each and every one of you for all your help over the last eight years. It has been an honor to try and preserve a way of life.
HSOF Printer 2024
Update: Where, oh, where is Over the Falls, oh, where, oh where, can it be? Maybe in the computer!.
"Mimeograph, mimeograph wherefore art thou, mimeograph?" "Tis not as deep as a well nor as wide as a church door, but twill do, twill do." Thank you Mr. Cawley, I did pay attention in your English class! Thanks for all you taught me (us).
There is a reason for typewriters, computers, and printers - typewriters work!
In late spring the ten year old, faithful printer started acting - unique? Not being a computer admirer, I figured, easy enough - replace the printer. The new printer would be the kind where you fill the ink from a bottle. and save all kinds of money on ink. Great. Bought the new printer, set it up and eagerly awaited its work. Printed fine - from hard copies. - Tried to print what was on the computer - uh, oh, the infamous "looking for printer" message. came. on. Finally, it went through other interesting messages not quite as interesting as my thoughts about modern technology)! Anyway, three people I know would visit at different times and all said, "Oh, it'll be simple - be done in a couple of minutes." - in each case an hour later they left shaking their heads. The printer doesn't like the computer. Called the printer company and they were nice but I had no idea what they were saying. Anyway, someone I talked to knew of an inexpensive printer and ordered one. It came and it works using a wire. Beware! One cartridge of ink is supposedly good for 100 pages! - that will be five cartridges for one pack of paper!
We do need someone to be editor for OVER THE FALLS. It should come out four times a year-printers notwithstanding!
March 6, 2024, the changeover will be complete. Let us never forget March 6, 1836, (1994) when 180 Texicans stood up to an overbearing government. Not one of the defenders was seriously wounded until that fatal morning. Yes, again - those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it. But we must take the responsibility to teach history.
Thank you for all of your help over the years,
WME
American Convoys, Pre war- and World War Two
As the school year ended, the students would be off to new adventures in the fall.
The last day I gave them a brief note about convoys. The convoy system was used to escort freighters and troopships before and during the Second World War. The modern convoy system was based on the British design developed during the First World War. Because the school year was ending it would be time for the kids to pick up a new escort at their rendezvous in the fall. their present escort being sent back to escort a new convoy. One of our own Historical Society members, Bill Nickels, was a member of the Armed Guard on the S.S.KELLOGG where he and his crew mates safely protected their ship.. The time has come when it is necessary for us to get a new escort.
As you look at the original founders and supporters - the ones who encouraged us to start a small Historical Society that we could have just for Olmsted Falls - Bill Nickels, Ralph Jocke, Eljorie Mason, Vernon McCrae, Louis Miller, Richard Fenderbosch, Robert Hecker, Joan Jocke, Nancy Nickels- they are all gone. With the recent passing of Mrs. Nickels there are very few left to tell us what life was like in their times. With the passing of Mrs. Nickels an era has come to an end. Who is there to tell the stories of armed escorts, building the bombers at the bomber plant as my dad, Wm. Eichenberg Sr. did during the war, Lt. Lous Miller who was in the Army Air Corps for the entire war, - a navigator on B-25's. Who will tell their stories? Do we even find time today to even mention the whole Second World War? Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. What of those who are never taught it ?
After eight years it is time for new ideas, enthusiasm, and excitement. Our new president Patti Thompson will do very well as she has good assistants to help her in her duties: Lois, Zoe, and Barb Wehe. And where would we be if not for Barb and a few others whose devotion to not only Olmsted Falls but to us? There are many times when she could have said she didn't have time or didn't feel like it or could have quit. But she never did When you see her, thank her With the passing of Nancy the last of the generation who lived through their times is pretty much gone, but with a younger group taking over their ideas may be instilled so that hopeful we will never have people of Olmsted Falls say as Chief Logan once said: WHO IS THEIR TO MOURN FOR LOGAN? NOT ONE.