229. From The Genealogy Files. Lynn Folks: Yates, Bowen, Mitchell (1955)

RCHS Blog Post Number 229

From The Genealogy Files: Lynn Folks -Yates, Bowen, Mitchell

________________

MITCHELL

Lynn Herald

September 26, 1955.

This sketch concerns a "duo" which began a few months ago, located two and one-half miles south on high-way 27 where they are jointly operating a truck stop known as the Blue Roof.

  Mrs. Mitchell, Nellie to her friends, is manager of the restaurant end of the business where delicious food is served twenty four daily. The restaurant, which is modern in every feature, is commodious and well lighted and occupies the major part of the front of the building.

  The mechanical part of the business is operated by "Jim," who with his assistant, offers full time service. Located on nine acres of ground it affords ample space for trucks an cars on the outside, and the garage proper is well equipped with the modern conveniences necessary for good mechanical work.

  Jim and Nellie came to Lynn from Union City in 1939 and have lived in Lynn since that time. Jim was located on South Main street where he successfully operated a filling station and motor repair shop. He is a native of Salamonia, in Jay county and Nellie came from Salina, Ohio. They are the parents of two children, Ronnie, who is married, lives at Mason, Ohio, where he is employed as an engineer in electronics, and Margo, who is a student in the Lynn high school.

  Jim is affiliated with the lodge of Masons and Nellie is a member and past president of the Hunter Home Demonstration club. Religiously, the Mitchell family are identified with the Trinity Lutheran church of Union City.

  The Mitchells are having a grand opening of their establishment, September 24, when gifts will be given with each $2 purchase of gasoline. Mrs. Mitchell reports a pork manhattan plate lunch will be served on the Saturday and the Sunday menu will include roast turkey.

  Mrs. Mitchell is assisted by Mrs. Helen Bussear, Mrs. Mollie Crow and Donna Wright, full time helpers and Mrs. Edith Magner, Mrs. Blanche Wise, Mrs. Patty Meyer, Miss Marilyn Hill and Margo Mitchell, part time.

  In the garage, Jim has as his mechanics, Chester Henisa, during the day and Earl Davis as night man.

________________

BOWEN

Lynn Herald

October 29, 1955

  Out at the Lynn union depot you will find Earl Yates, first trick telegraph operator-agent and Raymond Bowen, who operates the second trick. Mr. Yates , who came to Lynn 20 years ago is a native of Randolph county, having lived at Parker. However, he lived in Danville, Ill. and Indianapolis prior to coming to Lynn.

  Earl has been employed with the New York Central Railroad system since 1907. Married to the former Mamie Silvey of Indianapolis, they are the parents of four children, three of whom live in Lynn, Marvin, Mrs. Betty Fry and Margaret. Raymond is living at Mattoon, Ill.

  Raymond Bowen began work as an operator in 1908 with the Pennsylvania Railroad and has seen several changes made until the present time. He states that at one time there were 33 operators employed between Richmond and Fort Wayne. Now Lynn and Decatur are the only station operators employed. This was caused by the installation of the block system.

  A native of Randolph county, he was born on a farm near Crete, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Will Bowen. He was married to the former Nina Hinshaw, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elwood Hinshaw. Both are descended from pioneer families. They have one son, Harold, who lives in Lynn.

  The familiar click of the telegraph key is now almost a thing of the past in the lives of these two operators. The one from Lynn to Hollandsburg, Ohio, is the only one they operate. All other messages are received and sent either by telephone or radio.

________________

Would you like a book to learn more about local history? 

Randolph County, Indiana 1818-1990
Commonly referred to as "The Red History Book"
Compiled by the Randolph County Historical Society, 1991, Second reprint 2003.

To obtain your own copy of "The Red History Book" stop in at The RCHS Museum Shop or send an email to arrange placing a mail order.

__________________

Want to learn more?
Visit The Museum.
     Hours vary with volunteer availability. Check the website or Facebook for current open to the public hours or call/message/email to arrange an appointment.
Facebook group: Randolph County Indiana Historical and Genealogical Society

Visit the website.
     Here is a link to the website:  https://rchsmuseum.org

Follow the blog.
     Scroll to the right or below the article to click "FOLLOW" to get email updates as soon as a blog is uploaded.  This is a great feature to share with family and friends who are not active on social media.