50 years ago
Despite the drenching downpours, 1,200 youngsters attended the 17th annual Police Picnic.
The calf wrestling event at the Washington County Fair has been canceled due to insurance costs.
75 years ago
A Donald Devore escaped from Jefferson County Jail near Steubenville by digging through at 16-inch thick wall in the jail bullpen. Before escaping, Devore threatened to cut the throat of Emmett Pizzoferrato, another inmate, if he sounded the alarm. Devore has served two terms in the Ohio penitentiary.
Four Marietta establishments were broken into. The freight offices of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, the Floyd Pape garage, the Standard Oil Company bulk station and the William Schlaubach grocery store all had items taken. Most items were of modest value.
100 years ago
The Washington County Teachers' Institute held its annual election of officers. The following were elected: J.H. Lawton, president; Hattie De Witt, secretary-treasurer; M.C. Smith and George M. Plumer, members of the executive committee.
The Parkersburg city council opened bids on the construction of a new reservoir to be built on Terrapin Knob. The Nelson-Merydith company was the lowest bidder and will be awarded the contract.
Compiled by Amanda Nicholson, Marietta College Special Collections.
