These stories are from
the Northwest Ohio Narratives oral history project. The total project
includes more than 100 interviews that the Northwest Regional Library
System and its member libraries have been collaborating on since the
summer of 2006.
John Page
December 11, 2007
—Produced by the Northwest Regional Library System and Claymont School
District Public Library
John Page was drafted into the US navy
in 1944. His discussion begins with his activities during boot camp in
Maryland, including representing his unit in the boxing ring. Mr. Page
also talks about segregation and prejudice in the military. After boot
camp, he was stationed at Treasure Island, California, where he served
for the duration of the war. Mr. Page describes some war time
entertainment, and remembers meeting up with a former high school
football opponent while in California. The excerpt concludes with a
brief discussion of the celebrations at the end of the war. The excerpt
is 10:08 long; Carol Donato is the interviewer
Guido Di Donato
December 11, 2007
—Produced by the Northwest Regional Library System and Claymont School
District Public Library
Guido Di Donato began his service with
the Navy at Samson Naval Base in New York in 1944. From there he
transferred Pearl Harbor, where he became a gunner’s mate on the USS
Griswold, in the 3rd Fleet. Mr. Di Donato recalls how he, and other
members of his company, cried when they first saw the Arizona and other
ships in Pearl Harbor. After he joined the crew, the Griswold saw some
combat in the South Pacific, then anchored off the shore of Japan near
Tokyo for the signing of the peace treaty with Japan. Mr. Di Donato
recalls the prevailing feeling of uncertainty that the war was over, and
the celebration on the day the treaty was signed. He also remembers his
adventures on shore leave in post-treaty Japan and some of the physical
hardships of living on a ship at sea. The excerpt is 11:15 long; Carol
Donato is the interviewer.
Jane Steele
December 11, 2007
—Produced by the Northwest Regional Library System and Claymont School
District Public Library
Jane Steele became a block operator on
the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1944, while her husband served in the
army’s European Campaign. In this excerpt from her oral history
interview, Mrs. Steele talks about her work and the men she worked with
during the war. The discussion covers, rationing, manpower shortages and
other ways the war affected people at home. Mrs. Steele recalls some of
the things she did for entertainment during the war, and her reaction to
the news that Japan had bombed Pearl Harbor. She also talks briefly
about her husband’s war experiences and how they affected him after his
return home. The excerpt is 11:12 long; Lorrie Wheeler is the
interviewer.
Local History
Uhrichsville
Uhrichsville was founded in 1804 by Michael Uhrich, the
first settler to this area. He was a mill owner and "Uhrich's
Mill" is how the town got its name.
Uhrichsville was originally called Waterford, but people
persisted in calling the area "Uhrich's Mill" so the name was
officially changed to Uhrichsville in 1828.
On August 13, 1866 Uhrichsville officially became a village.
John Milone became the first mayor.
Business and industry: during the canal era, wheat buying and
shipping was the primary source of income to this area. The clay
industry was a strong force in the area until the late 1950's
and early 1960's -- there is only 1 plant left in the area.
Dennison
Dennison is located midway between Columbus and Pittsburgh. The
railroad company wanted a halfway point to locate their offices
and shops.
Dennison was incorporated in 1873. It is named after Governor
William Dennison.
Dennison industry consisted of a flour mill and a coal mine,
but it was built and was most famous because it was a railroad
town.
Dennison is best known for its role during World Wars I and II.
During both wars canteens were established to serve the men of the
armed forces. the Red Cross ran the World War I canteen, and the
Salvation Army was in charge of the World War II canteen.
"Servicemen passing through on trains were served free coffee,
sandwiches, cigarettes, pop, magazines, gum, cookies and candy
twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Dennison became a
famous name to servicemen...around the globe. Because of the
canteen, Dennison was dubbed, 'Dreamland'." --History of
Tuscarawas County, Ohio, 1988
Claymont School District
Claymont School District was formed in 1965 by the
consolidation of Uhrichsville, Dennison, Union Township and Rush
Township schools.
Nickname: Mustangs.
School colors: Brown and white and orange.
There is high school building located on Indian Hill Road in
Uhrichsville.
There are 4 elementary schools and a middle school in the
school district also: Eastport Elementary, Trenton Avenue
Elementary, and Park Elementary. The middle school is Claymont
Middle School located at 215 E. 6th. Street in Uhrichsville.
Other schools not affiliated with the Claymont School District
include Immaculate Conception; a Catholic school grades K-8, and
Rush Christian School.
