The next three images show the cover pages of three issues of "The Log" that Phil Allen found and saved - because, he saw that they contained images of people from Darrtown and vicinity.
ABOVE: The cover of The Log
Published: February, 1954
ABOVE: The cover of The Log
Published: May, 1954
ABOVE: The cover of The Log
Published: November, 1960
Webmaster noter: Pages 4-7 of the May 1954 issue of "The Log" focused on Butler County's connection to professional baseball. The article included the following "Champions in 'Landis' Land" article that references Darrtown and some of its residents. The story, written by Bill Thompson, has been replicated below. Below the Thompson article, there are nine images that were included in the article, along with the captions that accompanied them.
RIGHT:
L-R: "Smokey" Alston, Tobey Alston, and Bill Thompson
"One thing about 'Smokey,' said "Tobey" Alston, "he never let success go to his head. And, by golly, if he ever does get the swell head, he ain't welcome at my house."
This image appeared on page 4 of the magazine.
LEFT:
L-R: Verle Kennedy (foreground) Walter Alston, and Ken Swing
"I was talking to Warren Giles, before you got the job," said Ken Swing, personal friend of the National League President. "He said he didn't think you would get the Brooklyn management, because you are not very well known."
"Yeah, but I had a hunch 'Smoke' would get it all along," put in Verl Kennedy.
This image appeared on page 4 of the magazine.
RIGHT:
L-R: Walter Johnson, Walter "Smokey" Alston, and Ev Potts
"Flanked by Walter Johnson, honorary president of Champion's Hot Stove League, and Ev Potts, one of Hamilton's all-around athletes, Smokey Alston casts a glance at skid after skid of Champion paper. Alston merely smiled when asked about the Dodgers' chances in 1954."
This image appeared on page 5 of the magazine.
ABOVE: L-R: Roy Allen, Jim McCormick, Doug Gallagher, and Walter "Smokey" Alston
Roy Allen: "I used to be a Pirate fan."
Alston: "The Pirates ought to have a very good club."
Jim McCormick: "What about Joe Black, 'Smokey'?"
Alston: "It's a mystery to me. I don't know what happened last year, but it happens - especially to pitchers. He was off on control and lost a little bit of confidence. I talked to Campanella recently though and he said Black looked good again."
JIm: "What did you feel like when you read what the reporters had to say?"
Alston: "I expected it.'
This image appeared on page 6 of the magazine.
ABOVE: L-R: Walter "Smokey" Alston, John McIntosh, and Dick Baaman
John McIntosh, center: "Haven't seen you 16 years. Remember when we used to play in back of the old school house?"
Dick Baaman, right, an American Leaguer at heart: "I think you have been put in a tough spot, 'Smokey.' Everything to lose and nothing to gain - unless, of course, you can win the Series.
That big Alston grin seemed to say, "No comment."
This image appeared on page 6 of the magazine.
LEFT:
L-R: Lulu Huey (cafeterian), Mary Ellen Hussey (Chaco), and Walter "Smokey" Alston
Lulu Huey: "This is where I work, only usually, you can see me running around here in a white uniform."
Mary Ellen Hussey: "If my dad, Pat Hussey, were here, he would talk your arm off. He's told me all about you. Said you were just a tiny kid when your dad put a glove on your hand and gave you a ball. Said his first pitches to you just rocked you on your heels."
Alston laughed and admitted that what Mary Ellen said was true.
This image appeared on page 5 of the magazine
ABOVE: L-R: Walter Alston, Doug Gallagher, Don Junkin, and Elmer Lemp
Doug Gallagher, while in No. 2 Machine Room Inspection, explained that "All records of paper for the past six months are kept here."
Elmer Lemp, at right: "I want to extend my congratulations, 'Smokey' - although I am a Redleg fan myself."
Alston: "I hope the Reds win all their games next season - except for the ones they play against the Brooklyn Dodgers."
Don Junkin, second from right: "I believe you will go all the way."
This image appeared on page 7 of the magazine.
ABOVE: L-R: Eva Miller, LIl Campbell, and Walter Alston
Eva MIller, at left, "Whatever you do, don't trade Jackie Robinson."
Alston: "I don't want to trade him."
Lil Campbell: If I can't root for the home team, I won't root, but, we'll be watching you on television. You better beat them #@%$# Yankees.
Eva: "I'm a Dodger fan and my husband is a Yankee fan. If you don't beat the Yankees this year, there will be a divorce."
Alston: "Well, we'll have to win the pennant first."
This image appeared on page 7 of the magazine.
LEFT: L-R: Walter Alston, Tobey Alston, Beph Thompson, and Coleman Bishop
Coleman Bishop, who never misses an opening game: "I see you at the gun club, "Smoke,' and I don't think I ever saw a guy who can beat you at cracking those birds."
Beph Thompson, in rear with Tobey Alston, recalled the days when he and Tobey were co-managers of the Baldwin Grocery team.
Tobey Alston: " "Beph and I had a hard time keeping equipment in those days."
Beph: "I've always been a Dodger-hater, but not this year."
This image appeared on page 7 of the magazine.
An article that appeared on pages 14-15 of the February 1954 issue of "The Log" referenced Darrtown and some of its residents. The story, which was titled "Stoking the 'Hot Stove' " and written by Bill Thompson, has been replicated below. Following the Thompson article are four images that were featured in the article, along with the captions that accompanied them.
Feb. 1954
May 1954
Walter "Smokey" Alston, Brooklyn Dodgers' manager, pondered a moment when asked by a Champion Hot Stove Leaguer, "What are Brooklyn's chances of taking the World Series from the Yankees this year?"
Alston replied, "We have to win the pennant first, you know, and so do the Yankees. There's a long season ahead of us and a lot of fine ball clubs. But, if that situation should arise..."
"...you can bet we'll be in there doing our best to win the Series. Like I said before, though, that's a long way off and there are a lot of 'if's' between the beginning and the end of a season."
LEFT:
In the Alston workshop, to discuss major league baseball with the Brooklyn manager are a few of the Ohio Division's Hot Stove Leaguers. From left to right, John Reiff, Ralph Gift, Tobey Alston (genial father of the Dodgers' pilot), "Hap" Davish, JIm Minter, "Smokey" Alston, and Little Leaguer, Lee Purdy, son of Mel Purdy.
Nov. 1954
A photograph that included Walter "Smokey" Alston and several other residents of Darrtown and vicinity appeared on page 20 of the November 1960 issue of "The Log." The photo and accompanying caption has been replicated below.
ABOVE: AT A HOMECOMING PARTY for Smokey Alston, manager of the Dodgers, these Ohio Champions were on hand to welcome him. From left to right are Vernon Wilhelm, Larry Best, John Wilhelm, "Hap" Davish, Smokey, Verle Kennedy, Paul Weiss, Gerald Best, and Jess Schroder.
Snapshots 1 Snapshots 2 Snapshots 3 Snapshots 4 Snapshots 5 Snapshots 6
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