Remember When: A “power duo” to be remembered

Joyce Harvey
·4 min read

A well-matched “power duo” married in 1879, when Edward C. Rutter was 24 and May Adelaide Walker was 19. Most readers appreciate Lancaster’s soon-to-be 133-year-old fountain in Zane Square, and remember learning local merchant Andy Bauman located a fountain to purchase. However, the money needed to purchase the fountain was raised by a committee of women who “marched like a well-trained army upon the pocket books of the community…Ice cream festivals, lawn fetes, balls, operas and concerts followed each other at a somewhat frequent, but very money making succession” (Daily Eagle 1890 July 18).

It should be remembered it was Mrs. May Rutter, who organized the committee and served as president. July 17, 1890 the fountain was dedicated and at the celebration “The ladies turned the fountain over to the city free of debt or incumbrances of any kind, and with the presentation speech, presented the bill paid in full to the city

Mrs. Robert U. Hastings, Sr., 140 E. Wheeling St., startled gate-keepers Paul F. Switzer (center) and L. C. Moeller (right), when she presented an 89-year-old fair pass at the grounds on Oct 16, 1953. It was a member's pass for the 13th annual Fairfield County Fair in 1864, signed by U. C. Rutter. He was Mrs. Hasting's grandfather, who was president of the county agricultural society at that time. While the gate-keepers were scratching their heads, Mr. Hastings purchased two 1953 tickets so the couple could attend the fair.

Edward Rutter, with a common school education, became an attorney and was elected Probate Court Judge serving 1891-1897. He also contracted 126 N. Columbus to be built, and there his son Edward V. opened the Baltimore Dairy Lunch Room in 1908.

The Rutter family purchased the home of Miss Nellie Stutson, 140 E. Wheeling St., in Oct. 1912 for $7,000. She had lived there since at least 1904, and died Sept. 15 at 45 years of age. Her funeral was held in the home and she was survived by two brothers.

Rutter built another new building at 128 N. Columbus in 1914. It was a two story brick block that would “greatly improve that part of the town.” The Gazette (1916 June 24) announced the new Rutter building had been rented. J. H. Goldcamp had taken the second floor for his hardware store. J. H. McClanahan was to use the first floor “as a bowling, pool and billiard parlor.” A valued improvement in front of the stores was a new cement sidewalk.

Edward C. Rutter had this building at 128 N. Columbus St. built in 1914. It has been "remodeled" many times and has great stories to share about its 100+ years of history.
Edward C. Rutter had this building at 128 N. Columbus St. built in 1914. It has been "remodeled" many times and has great stories to share about its 100+ years of history.

Russel Kocher and Fred Dumm announced the opening of their K. & D. Dermatician Shop at 128 ½ N. Columbus St. on February 17, 1927. They would offer “Lancaster’s most sanitary shop for men’s women’s and children’s hair, scalp and facial work.”

The Fairfield School of Business announced (1930 April 21 Daily Eagle) they were opening a modern commercial school in the newly remodeled top floor of the building at 128 N. Columbus St.

Mrs. Hazel Graham from Bremen High School would be in charge of the accredited teachers.

Remodeling continued and new businesses moved into The Rutter Building. The Lancaster Provision Store would offer a “complete grocery of the modern type with a delicatessen,” (1932 Aug 2 Daily Eagle). Ben Tiller leased the pool room back of the Kocher barber shop. The Fairfield Gymnasium opened over the pool room (11 Feb 1933 Daily Eagle) and announced boxing and wrestling exhibitions would be held. “Seating arrangements have been made providing 300 seats. Lady free with lady or gent holding ringside seat.” The Williams Beauty Shop, and Dr. C. L. Beatty, Dentist, also opened at 128 N. Columbus as some businesses closed.  The Royal Tavern opened at 128 N. Columbus March 10, 1934, and was then replaced by Stone’s Grill, Shaffer’s Grill, and presently the Orange Carpet Lounge.

The home of Miss Nellie Stutson and then Edward C. and May Rutter is shown as it stands proudly yet today at 140 E. Wheeling St.
The home of Miss Nellie Stutson and then Edward C. and May Rutter is shown as it stands proudly yet today at 140 E. Wheeling St.

May (Mrs. Edward C.) Rutter, died at 75 in 1935, leaving three daughters and two sons. May had been active in the community, serving as Fairfield Garden Club president, Library Board member, and an accomplished card player. She wrote and published several booklets including “Ready Reference in Auction Whist” in 1922. In 1933 Mrs. Rutter was described as having “the enthusiasm and energy of a woman of thirty” when she was organizing junior garden clubs in all villages of Fairfield County. She was known as “one of the most outstanding flower gardeners in this section of the state.”

Attorney Edward C. Rutter died at age 85 in his home at 140 E. Wheeling St. in 1940. After his death, his daughter Mrs. Blanche Rutter Hastings, purchased her father’s home at 140 E. Wheeling St. and the family lived there until Blanche Rutter Hastings died there in 1973. Her husband, Robert U. Hastings, Sr., former Fairfield County Prosecutor and judge, died in Florida in 1978, and 140 E. Wheeling was sold outside the family after 66 years.

Readers may contact Harvey at joycelancastereg@gmail.com

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Remember When: A “power duo” to be remembered