Home OP-ED Stone House (Soon to Go) Held a Secret Not So Mysterious

Stone House (Soon to Go) Held a Secret Not So Mysterious

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Dateline Dayton — After dropping off old tax records at a shredding event sponsored by our credit union a week ago, it was on to our two granddaughters’ soccer games.

Madison's team won 4 to 0. Julia's game ended in a 0-0 tie.  From Julia's game we went to breakfast/lunch at a new casino-restaurant where we were meeting my sister and brother-in-law.

Although the casino area isn't large, it is adequate. The race track looks nice. An asset to Dayton, it will be interesting to see how the harness racing track is received when the season starts in October.

Since Pauline and I are big-time gamblers, we allocated our normal $20 each to lose, when we visit these establishments.  When we left for supper, we were only down $24. I figure we're ahead $16, making us a winner, right?  –

After church on Sunday and a visit with Pauline's brother, we were back at the soccer field for another of Julia's soccer games, this time a 1-1 tie.

Turning to Stone

A few months ago, a large stone house, midway between our old and new homes, was torn down. Such a waste. It was the largest stone house in Centerville, known for its stone houses. A shopping center will be built in its place. The home had a cornerstone with a time capsule.  Monday evening the Bellbrook Historical Society opened the time capsule.  Since the home was built by a relative of John H. Patterson, the founder of National Cash Register, my employer, I thought we should attend.

The public event was held at a church in Bellbrook, a short distance from our condo.  We weren’t the only ones interested in the contents of that time capsule. The church was packed when we arrived. Fortunately, we were found two seats.

To accommodate the crowd, it was decided that everyone standing or seated in the aisles, would wait in the parking lot. They would have a second presentation.  The opening of the time capsule would take place between the presentations, in the parking lot. Everyone would be able to see.

After a presentation on the Pattersons and the Dilles who owned the home, it was out to the parking lot for the opening.

Although the cornerstone itself was two feet by two feet by three feet (the Dille family has the cornerstone) the time capsule itself was a copper box about 12” x 12” x 3.”.  After some difficulty in prying it open, the contents were exposed, as follows:

  • A copy of a Dayton Daily News from May 16, 1937, the year the house was built.
  • Pictures from a party that took place at the home.
  • A box containing a dead toad, the significance of which is not known.

So much, for an exciting Monday evening.

Time to Remember

I hope that last week on Sept. 11 everyone paused to remember those killed in the terrible terror attack on our county.  We must always be on guard so as not to have another attack on this great county.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net