Handbook N-P - Fulton County Public Library

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An artist in his field of endeavor was Bill Green. Bill had little or no interest in the
painting of houses, barns or buildings of any type. He was in fact an artist, a sign kpainter of rate
ability and scene painter whose name on a canvas might have brought in many a dollar had he so
devoted his talents to such. In his school days he drew attention of his teachers by his ability to
draw. The last time I ever saw Bill he was putting on an act with an accomplice in store windows
wherein Bill’s associate played the part of a dead man who apparently didn’t breathe, move an
eyelid or show any signs of life for hours at a time. Eventuall Bill wiped the dust of Fulton County
off his feet and left for parts unknown.
Link and Schuyler Osborn were local citizens and painters by trade although they did not
work as partners or a team. Like many of the journeymen of their day they worked best with a wet
whistle and much credit was due to the speed with which they could apply the wite lead and
linseed oil.
Then there was a “floater” who dropped into Rochester from wherever his hat was off
last. Haven’t been able to find anybody here who remembers his name, but the boys over town got
a great kick out of his bragging that he “painted the Masonic Temple” in Chicago. The stranger
(and he was about Rochester for a number of years) was constantly inveigled into a local bargber
shop by Bill Parker who then brought up the matter and got the subject off to a great start by
agreeing with all that was said.
The family of Spohns were all painters, the last of whom, as far as I know, was Vern who
could throw more paint in a given time than a half-dozen other artisans.
Of the once-greats, only Alf Van Dien is still living and I believe retired. Certainly there
were others, the names of which I have forgotten, but held their place in the sun and were a part of
Rochester’s history. I am glad for the memory of those tradesmen who came, labored and
relinquished their posts that younger men could find employment to carry on the tradition.
[Earle A. Miller, The News-Sentinel, Tuesday, July 7, 1959]
PAINTERS UNION [Rochester, Indiana]
FIRST ANNUAL BANQUET
The first annual banquet of the Painters’ Union of this city, was held in Painters’ hall
Monday evening, with twenty-two members present.
The union was organized just one year ago Monday and the occasion was commemorated
by a large spread which was enjoyed immensely. After supper a smoker was engaged in and
various painters gave talks on the good of the order which were very interesting.
The union has flourished ever since it was organized and the existing harmony among the
members bespeaks still more prosperity for them.
[Rochester Sentinel, Tuesday, October 20, 1908]
PALACE BAR [Rochester, Indiana]
[Adv] LOOK HERE. Why do you buy adulterated Whiskey when you can buy a good
Rye Whiskey guaranteed at the PALACE BAR at a price lower than elsewhere. Come and be your
own judge. IRA SHOEMAKER, Proprietor.
[Rochester Sentinel, Saturday, April 27, 1907]
PALACE CIGAR STORE [Rochester, Indiana]
NEWS OF THE DAY
Chas Mitchell will open a cigar store in the room formerly occupied by Ditmire’s book
store, in the near future. It will be called the Palace Cigar Store and Reading Room.
[Rochester Sentinel, Thursday, October 13, 1904]
PALACE FURNITURE STORE [Rochester, Indiana]