The Royalton Recorder carried a feature called “Sally’s Letters to G. I. Joe.” It was a little corner of the front page. Some bits and pieces of news from Royalton, just enough to clip and tuck in a letter to the fathers, brothers, and sons that were fighting in Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific on their way to Japan. By the end of 1944 there was renewed hope that the war would end, “soon.” Still, there was a lot of fighting ahead. Dr. J. G. Rosenbaum, founder of the Recorder, went to the service as did so many young guys from Royalton. The Chamber of Commerce chugged along supporting a normal life on the home front.
North Royalton would have a brand new Cuyahoga County library branch as early as January 1945. Farm equipment was exempt from any ration restrictions, the difficulty was finding the equipment, and all metal was being diverted to armaments. Kohl and Sons on Pearl Road offered a complete line of quality Kasco farm animal feeds available in cotton calico print dress bags, ready for sewing children’s clothes. There was V.E. (Victory in Europe) Celebration committee with all plans ready and just waiting for the great news. The committee was headed by Mayor Edgerton with business and clergy represented. Great news was received, V. E. Day was May 8 and V.J. Day was August 15.
The 1946 North Royalton picnic committee planned for a picnic that truly was a Homecoming. There was an increase in planned nuptials and by 1948 the Chamber of Commerce was encouraging the School Board to anticipate an increase in school enrollment as the upcoming 1950 census would put North Royalton in the status of City rather than Village. In addition to increasing school enrollment the village must join other cities of comparable size in employing a full time mayor and city clerk. Acting before the census confirms what the village already knew would prevent a willy-nilly patchwork of city services when the designation of “City” became a legal reality. The Chamber also encouraged residents to apply for house numbers. Residents had to apply to the building inspector and include a self-addressed, stamped postal card to receive their house address number.
We take it for granted now but in 1949 piping in city water to North Royalton was a really hot topic that brought gentlemen to the edge of fisticuffs. Those folks having good producing wells certainly didn’t want to subsidize piping in city water. Gas wells and drilling was another ongoing debate that had much discussion at the Chamber of Commerce meetings and in the City Council meetings merely saying the word “water” was akin to WTH in today’s social media. It was reported that a mile of water pipe could be installed and put into service within 90 days of the start of the project. This was good news for gentlemen still on the fence about piping in city water.
By June 1949 the city was assured of city water. All residents were invited to attend the Chamber of Commerce meeting to be filled in about the particulars. The membership role of the Chamber of Commerce was growing. At one time only five businessmen who actually lived in North Royalton and had their businesses in North Royalton were members of the Chamber of Commerce. A substantial membership campaign listing the benefits of being a participating business man had a positive effect. The roles of the Chamber of Commerce grew. By the end of the year the Chamber had approved a planning commission in anticipation of the 1950 census, a transportation committee to study the needs of bus lines to “the city.” It was Royalton’s good fortune to listen to the Chamber and heed its suggestions as it entered the 50’s.
By LINDA KWARCIANY
Contributing Writer