Grad Stories - Homer Marsh

Sponsored by the Pilot News

*Note - In going through nominations for the PHS Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame, the stories of accomplishment are astounding. Some of them are so beautifully and elegantly told by the nominator that they stand on their own. I am going to share some of these stories with you in the next few newsletters and I think you'll agree they will make you even more proud of the school and community you come from.

Our first story is told by nominator Gates Thompson about Homer E. "Pete" Marsh from the class of 1931.

Homer E. "Pete" Marsh was born in Plymouth Indiana on April 19, 1912 the youngest of three sons born to Marion and Pearl Ritter Marsh. From friends and neighbors that are yet living it seems the family lived on Pennsylvania Avenue across from the Abrasive Mining Building. Pete's brothers Merle and Ed may have been born here also.

The Marsh's were building a new home on the north side of Williams Street which runs parallel to the then Pennsylvania Railroad tracks. It was a large, two story house and the year was after World War I about 1918.

Both parents had asked the boys to stay out of the new home until it was finished. It was dangerous to cross the railroad tracks and there were nails, loose boards and much, no doubt yet to be done. As often happens, the boys went in through a window and one of the brothers says that the youngest boy, Homer, slipped on a board. When they learned later that their little brother had a splinter in his leg, probably the knee, they knew they might have to tell their parents or let it go. when the parents learned of the mishap, infection had already set in. Blood poisoning meant that amputation would be necessary.

At this time no drugs or medicine were available to fight infections and it was necessary for Homer's leg to be severed above the knee cap. The operation was performed by Dr. Aspinall, a well known local doctor at the time.

It is not known if Homer started school before or after his misfortune. At the time he was about seven years old and school is a new world to a young, healthy, growing lad, and more so to him. He had to start over again and with help from family and friends was an inspiration to all.

When I first met him in 1925 he had overcome all obstacles. He was in Boy Scouts, had a paper route for the Pilot News, rode a bicycle, mowed lawns, played ball and went swimming at Dixon Lake.

He went to Scout Camp during the summer of 1926 and passed his swimming and Red Cross Life Saving test. Homer was always among the first to be chosen in all games. In sports that required running he had learned to use his good leg and one crutch - nothing was impossible to him.

He worked at  the Dixon Lake Bath House and Resort for Bill Baseler during the summer of 1928. Mrs. Baseler had died unexpectedly on January 12 of 1928. This left Bill the task of raising four young children and running one of the most popular places around on hot summer days.

One hot summer evening Clifford Kain and I were going to sleep out in a tent under the huge cottonwood tree near the beach at Dixon Lake. Before midnight a sudden thunder and lightening storm came up. The Baseler's home was on a hill south of the road along the lake. Bill came with a kerosene lantern and we followed him to his home. He was concerned for our safety.

When we entered the house, we both learned a wonderful thing was about to happen. Homer was staying at Bill's house and had not gone to bed yet. Bill had purchased a new artificial leg for Homer. He put it on and tried to walk around the dining room table. It was a happy occasion as he awkwardly stumbled about the room displaying his new limb. He also had new socks and shoes and wore them.

Homer was in Lincoln High School and graduated with the class of 1931. He was class President all four years of his high school days. After graduating from high school he met his wife while working. They were married May 24, 1941.

He attended Indiana University for his undergraduate and graduate study, and was an instructor in the Indiana University school of Business Administration in 1935 and became the director of research and statistics for the unemployment compensation division of the state of Indiana from 1936 to 1944. From there he became the the director of labor statistics for the U.S. Department of Labor and director of research for the National Tax Equality Association of Chicago.

From 1960 to 1970 he held many prestigious national positions and authored many groundbreaking books on cooperatives, marketing and tax law.

While living in Washington D.C. Homer and his wife Hazel Gladys Monce bought a home at 405 Beerenbrook in Plymouth over the telephone. It was 1977 and Homer was retiring. They spent one winter in Florida.

Hazel lived in the home until she was forced for health reasons to move to Pilgrim Manor in the north part of Plymouth.

Homer died on November 5, 1978 at the age of 66. He and Hazel had no children but left a host of friends and admirers.

Much could be written about this wonderful person who to my knowledge never let on that he was disabled or handicapped and never used it for sympathy or gain. He certainly stands tall in his achievements and is worthy of recognition.

*Note- Homer Marsh is surely a Plymouth grad worthy of recognition, and Gates, thanks to your heartfelt narrative he will receive it.