During the
Civil War Newcomerstown made a steady growth in population and
the period following the war brought inventions that added to
the comfort and prosperity of the community. The canal still
flourished as the "most popular thoroughfare," and the returning
soldiers often found employment along its banks.
The more
prosperous housewives of the period had sewing machines, mostly
of which sewed with a chain-stitch, which often resulted in
embarrassing situations. In 1876 a man named Bell as reported to
have invented the telephone, but it as 20 years later that the
first one was installed in Newcomerstown.
During the
1880's the town hall was built and this brought many prominent
actors and musicians to the town. In 1895 the Clow plant moved
to Newcomerstown and added to the growth of the population to
such an extent that it doubled in the next 10 years. From that
time on the industrial and social life of the town has had a
steady growth.
In the
latter part of the 19th century Newcomerstown instituted what
became a thriving fair each fall. It lasted four days and was
the high point of the year, not only for Newcomerstown but for
people from miles around. Everyone came with filled baskets and
every girl in her new fall finery, for this was the fashion show
of the season, and she expected to be escorted by her beau in
the good old horse and buggy and to witness the horse races,
side shows and see who received the blue ribbons for the best
spiced peaches or marble cake or dainty "doily." There were also
bicycle races, balloon ascensions, and other diversions to
entertain the visitors.
