Three cheers for Adolphus

By Frank Gluth

APPLE FESTIVAL - 2009: Another autumn has arrived and another Apple Festival has blossomed and passed gone by. To this writer this particular Apple Festival was extremely important and equally as memorable.

Included in the curriculum was the official dedication of Adolphus Kramer Park. The "old town hall" park is now formally designated as Adolphus Kraemer Park. I was fortunate enough to participate in this event. The ceremony was both sentimental and highly significant.

Bill Williams, great-great- grandson of Adolphus', Ann (Williams) Kalih, his sister also a great-great-grandchild, Sally (Petersen) Fastzkie, great-great-great -grand daughter and Karen (Below) Schultz, great-great-grand daughter, were all present to assist in this Oak Harbor historical moment. Bill and wife Carol came from Cali-fornia, Ann and husband Jim came from Missouri. Karen and Chuck Schultz and Sally are all Oak Harbor residents.

I am a romantic but also believe that God works in subtle ways to show His newrness. I firmly believe that somewhere, somehow Adolphus was in attendance in this dedication and he had a large, satisfying smile on his countenance.

A monument graces the entrance to the park. A two ton fieldstone rests in a prominent location, just as you turn onto the Log Cabin sidewall. An 18 by 24 inch bronze plaque proclaims "Adolphus Kraemer Park - Dedicated October 10, 2009. Adolphus Kraemer June 17, 1810 - August 15, 1885 - Oak Harbor Pioneer, Adolphus Kraemer, was born, raised, and educated in Germany. After immigrating to the United States, he purchased the heavily forested land that is now Oak Harbor form Joseph Wardlow and moved here in 1838. He founded a saw mill and lumber company, and operated a general store. Serving the fledgling village of Hartford as Probate Judge, County Surveyor, Lawyer, and Prosecuting Attorney. Mr. Kraemer also practiced medicine., farmed and was a member of the State of Ohio constitutional convention in 1873-74. He donated land for many of the area churches and parsonages, and seeing the need for a local newspaper, founded the Ottawa County Exponent. Mr. Kraemer saw his dream of founding a city come true, and gave it further importance by assisting in changing its name to Oak Harbor. After a long life of service to his community, Adolphus Kramer died n August 15, 1885 and is interred in Union Cemetery, Oak Harbor.

An entire host of people were responsible for support and assistance for this naming. Much of the tribute for this dedication rests within the hands of the Log 'Cabin Committee. With their support and toil, the event transpired. It was spearheaded by the Log Cabin Committee. A special thanks is also owned to Oak Harbor City Council, Crosser General Home and the many individuals who contributed to the cost of the Memorial Stone and Plaque.

Next time you are downtown, take the time to peruse the Memorial Plaque, and digest the full impact of this dynamic man upon Oak Harbor. It still exists today.

DR. RICHARD KRAMB: Had a note from Dick Kramb - descendent of the folks who founded the Kramb Company. Dick is an optometrist in California but still has roots in Oak Harbor. Dick says it is ironic that the Kramb Company was built on the horse and buggy and then fell victim to gas driven vehicles. He also asked whether I (or others) had ever heard of the Kramb Brick and Tile Com-pany... Dick's Father, Albert was the president. MANY AMPUTATED arms and legs from the Civil War went to medical colleges for teaching proposes.

SOME CIVIL WAR TRIVIA:

CAPTAIN HENRY WIRZ: Only one Confederate was ever executed as a criminal of war. Henry Wirz was the Commandant of the infamous Andersonville Prisoner of War Camp in Georgia. This prison was known for its inhumane treatment and plethora of deaths. year. Captain Henry Wirz had been the officer in charge of the notorious Andersonville Prison in George, where in excess of 13,000 prisoners died in about a year's time. Mass graves held bodies shoulder to shoulder. Wirz was found guilty for this abuse and was executed by hanging after the war.

BATTLES WITH TWO NAMES: Many Civil War battle were given two names. Confederates would identify them according to the proximity of a towns or village. The Union named them after a river/stream/lake or other landmark location

BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC: Were you area that the words of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" were set to the music of "John Brown's Body?" Julia Ward Howe wrote the words, and was paid a paltry five dollars for her diligent efforts."

SHERMAN'S BOWTIES: During Sherman's march to the sea and along with his scored earth policy, the Union destroyed railroad lines. To assure they would not be rebuilt;. Massive bonfires were set and the rails were placed upon them until they were red hot. Manually the invading troops would pick them up and wind them around either trees or telegraph poles. The nickname "Sherman's Bowties" was coined to them.

The lid was down

But now it is up

The men are home

And it is time for sup.

**BURMA SHAVE**

(By Harold Lewis)