Baseball, Ohio (Part 5)
Writer's note: In the last installment of this series, we provided a partial list of some of the names suggested in numerous editions of the Twin City News following the annexation of Basil to Baltimore in 1947. There were more than two dozen names proposed by both local and out-of-town writers. Most contributors identified themselves, but some chose to remain anonymous. Many of the suggested names were self-explanatory; however, a few required a bit of thought. I have selected some that need a bit of an explanation.
March 13: SEEVER COULD BE REASON TO NAME TOWN SEEVERVILLE.
"...I am also a former member of your Liberty Union faculty... may I suggest two names... Seeverville and Refugee Center... It might be interesting... to know that Ralph Seever can trace his athletic stature and ability to a rugged pioneer family whose great-great grandparents, Peter and Elizabeth Keller... settled on a 160-acre farm in Liberty Township, three miles north of Baltimore near Refugee Corners in the Spring of 1810. (Writer's note: Canadians who had sacrificed property to help the Colonies become the United States of America during the Revolutionary War were awarded land in the new country. Since the new nation did not have ready cash, debts were often paid in land. One hundred and sixty acres constituted a quarter section of land under the Land Ordinance of 1785.) ... I, a descendant, wish to suggest that your committee name your town Seeverville to honor your candidate, (Ralph) Seever, of the L.U. Hall of Fame. (Writer's note: Ralph Seever became Liberty Union's first officially named athlete to an All-Ohio Team for his outstanding play in basketball.) Furthermore, since this family was closely associated with the Refugee Trail (Road), why couldn't you consider Refugee Center for a second choice name? ... Humbly Submitted By, Mrs. Charles G. Struthers, Thurston, Ohio."
April 10: BEAUTIFUL
"Dear Sir, Some of us have been watching with great interest the discussions relative to a name for the community we know as Basil and Baltimore... Of course we think it is the garden spot of the universe and that song often comes to mind about another feature of our great state, namely – BEAUTIFUL OHIO – why not call it that? ... 'BEAUTIFUL OHIO in dreams again I see visions of what used to be.' ...it would be a pleasure for those of us who have left to address our mail to – BEAUTIFUL OHIO... You would be known far and wide for the beauty spot of the country... Cordially, C.M. Sims, Piqua, Ohio."
Writer's note: Many residents who lived in Basil or Baltimore still remember that on Tuesday, September 9, 1947, the Twin Cities looked like a ghost town. A large number of residents had gone to Lancaster to the Common Pleas Court to witness the case regarding the merger name. Local Judge Kilbarger had called in a visiting judge to avoid any conflict of interest. Next week, we will take a look at what resulted from that courtroom drama. A community's civility depended on it.