This book is the second volume of a collaborative project called “Birmingham Remembers” Residents of the Birmingham neighborhood had been interviewed in the 1980s. With this project the participants comments are organized by topic. Topics include heritage, education, religion, work, recreation, neighborhood, rituals, holidays, the Great Depression, military service, the Hungarian Revolution, activism and reminiscences.”
James C. Holland. The public architecture of Kansas, especially in the capital city, is largely a record of the skill and experience of one man, James C. Holland. Mr. Holland by all the standards that can be applied is a great architect. He has gained a well deserved prominence in this profession. His experience in Kansas covers more than thirty years. At one time he held the office of state architect, but throughout his business has largely been in connection with the designing and the superintending of construction of buildings which serve a public or quasi-public purpose. A few years … Read more
Hill, Thomas William; banker; born, England, May 30, 1847; son of Thomas R. and Mary Alice Hunt Hill; public school education; married, Detroit, Mich., July 15, 1870, Harriette C. De La. Hooke; one son, Harold H.; came to America with parents in 1850; located at Flint, Mich.; enlisted, September 1863, with the Michigan Cavalry (Custer Brigade), (Sheridan’s Cavalry Corps); served until the close of the war; with the W. U. Telephone Co. at Toledo until 1869; with the same company at Detroit, as bookkeeper and cashier, 1869-1885; transferred to Cleveland, as mgr. of their Cleveland office, 1885-1892; elected cashier Cleveland … Read more
The self-supporting woman of today wants to work for and deserve whatever success may come to her. These women are not asking for favors. All they want is fair competition. Formerly all that the self-supporting woman could hope for was to make a living, but since the World war the forward march of working women has taken on new life and women are everywhere measuring up to new standards. It is not enough that they take care of their own needs. In addition to this they must contribute something for the betterment of the world and in doing so they … Read more
William Harry Little, M. D. The community of Alta Vista in Wabaunsee County had had the capable services of Doctor Little as a physician for more than fifteen years. In connection with his large practice Doctor Little also conducts the leading drug store of the village. Doctor Little is a native of Ohio, but had spent most of his life in Kansas. He was born in Lucas County, near the City of Toledo, November 5, 1868. He is of colonial American stock, originally from Scotland. His people were early settlers in Pennsylvania and pioneers in the State of Ohio. His … Read more
Shepherd, Arthur Bishop; electric machinery and building materials; born Troy, N. Y., Nov. 29, 1871; son of William A. and Martha Vail Shepard; educated, St. Paul School, Garden City, L. I.; Columbian University, Washington, D. C.; Massachusetts, Institute of Technology, Boston, Mass.; married, New York City, September, 1900, Gertrude Robins; three children; designing engineer for The General Electric Co., Schnectady, N. Y.; afterwards mgr. of their Cleveland office; with the company fourteen years; one year pres. Toledo; Chicago Interurban R. R.; at present, district mgr. for the following corporations: Wagner Electric Mnfg. Co., Asbestos Protected Metal Co., Colonial Fan & … Read more
Herschel C. Porterfield. Thirty-five years in the oil fields and thirty years as a contractor and producer constitute the record of this veteran of an industry which has brought Kansas untold wealth. Like hundreds of men of this class, he has found Independence as the most satisfactory city for residence and business headquarters. In another respect he is typical of perhaps a majority of the oil men of the country–his native state is Pennsylvania. Born in Butler County, August 10, 1856, he was one of several brothers to become identified with the oil industry in one way or another. Up … Read more
Jones, Frank Z.; plaster contractor; born, Delaware, O., Sept. 21, 1879; son of Albert and Margaret Common Jones; educated, Delaware, O., public schools; married, Windsor, Can., Dec. 1, 1903, Lillie L. Baker; issue, three sons; learned trade under his father, and contracted in Delaware for several years; in 1901, went to Dayton, O., and spent three years there as journeyman; worked in Toledo one year, and then came to Cleveland, in 1904; worked as journeyman until 1912; moved to Lakewood, and built his home, and has been in contract business since.
Interviewer: K. Osthimer Person Interviewed: Hannah Davidson Location: Toledo, Ohio Place of Birth: Ballard County, Kentucky Date of Birth: 1852 Place of Residence: 533 Woodland Avenue, Toledo, Ohio Mrs. Hannah Davidson occupies two rooms in a home at 533 Woodland Avenue, Toledo, Ohio. Born on a plantation in Ballard County, Kentucky, in 1852, she is today a little, white haired old lady. Dark, flashing eyes peer through her spectacles. Always quick to learn, she has taught herself to read. She says, “I could always spell almost everything.” She has eagerly sought education. Much of her ability to read has been … Read more
The growth and history of Holy Rosary Church in Toledo Ohio, from its organization in 1901 until 1944, are documented in this book.