William H. Donner (1864-1953)

[RER]

From The Industrial Base of Columbus Indiana To The National Industrial Base & Canada
F. Donner & Son Flour and Grist Mill Company (1800s)
Started With Father F. Donner at Pearl & 5th Street

Comment: One of the most intellectual and comprehensive minds to leave Columbus Indiana and give so much back to this nation and Canada, during his life time. . [/b]

W.H. Donner

Mr. Donner was born in Columbus, Indiana, in 1864, Mr. Donner took over the family-owned grain mill while still in his twenties. He was co-owner of F. Donner & Son Flour and Grist Mill Company located on the corner of Pearl and 5th Street.

Brief Overview of Career:

Quote: "Before he was 30, Mr. Donner foresaw that the then recent discovery of natural gas deposits in Indiana would inevitably attract new industries to the area. He invested promptly--and with conspicuous success--in real estate. His foresight was rewarded, and the resulting profits largely financed his next major venture. Realizing that the demand for tin plate was increasing rapidly, Mr. Donner became interested in developing innovative technologies that could effect substantial savings in the manufacture of tin plate. By the time he was 30, he had launched the National Tin Plate Company of North Anderson, Indiana; three years later, having patented an ingenious rolling process for tin plate manufacture, he constructed another plant in Monessen, Pennsylvania. Eventually, he sold all his tin plate interest to the American Tin Plate Company." End Quote

His later family generations are active in the present day William H. Donner Inc. New York, New York. Go here to read about the many adventures, businesses and successes of a former Columbus resident:

www.donner.org/aboutwilliam.html

____________________________________________

W.H. Donner

"When we build
let us... build forever
Let it not be for present delight
nor for present alone
let it be such work
as our descendants
will thank us for"

_________________________________________

Donner Home Page: www.donner.org/index.html

Donner Foundation:

www.donner.org/thisyear.html

Last Comment: Don't let us forget the Donner family donated Donner Park in Columbus Indiana that thrives today for family recreation.


Reference source: The Donner Foundation quoted and referenced above. Last picture from McGill University, Canada

[nancs]

This is a post accessing 'my memory bank,' and I canNOT cite any reference to confirm same, so, by all means, if you 'remember differently' please, please add your two cents worth.

I can recall the 'old small swimming pool' in Donner Park. During my mom's time, before my parents married in 1936, Mom worked as a life guard at that pool. With that said, James Kay put on a post reminding us all that the 'dressing rooms' for that pool were sort of 'open air.' After the big Donner Pool facility was built this small pool became a 'casting pool' for local fisherman, young and old. Reference is also made to that on the boards.

Without a specific date, the new Donner Pool and facility probably dates to the late 40s. I know that I was old enough to be allowed to ride my bike there for swim classes and the afternoon swim sessions. It/the pool/facility was a really big deal in town. Many organizations such as Lions Club, Kiawanis, moved their meeting place from the rooms above the old City Hall to this brand new, beautiful facility. Within the boards are early photos of some of these club meetings, etc. at the new facility.

With regards to the swimming pool---------------as I recall---------------the new pool was donated to the city of Columbus by Mr. Donner------------------with some specific stipulations. It was his desire that every child in Columbus would be offered the opportunity to learn to swim, and at NO charge. (I am 99.9% certain none of us paid for the morning swimming lessons, certified by the Red Cross.) Additionally, I believe, that Mr. Donner also wanted there to be 'a free of charge time each day,' so that all kids in town would have the opportunity to make use of this beautiful facility. Seems to me this 'free time' followed the morning swim lessons, before the afternoon session began, and for that there was a charge.

With that said---------------I am now, through adult eyes, thinking that all the swim instructors must have been paid for their services via funding furnished by Mr. Donner or from the proceeds generated by the pool, via admission fees and season passes. Anyone know for sure??

The pool facility, later in the summer, offered an evening swim show---------with lovely synchronized swimming exhibitions that frankly did, Esther Williams proud. And probably the diving champions in town were in the show, as well. Know it was a 'production' with standing room only.

Okay, guys, add your pool memories, and surely feel free to correct my thinking, as this is all just 'a memory' with nothing to cite to make it fact.

Nanc

[RER]

Well, Nanc I think you are correct on the original “Free Lesson” thing sponsored by the Red Cross. I remember watching some of those very early morning classes before the main part of the pool opened in the summer. I am thinking here when I learned to swim and it was around 1950 (maybe 51) I guess.

I remember who taught me in the middle of the main pool. I was really scared that few days and was worried about drowning. Bill Stearman and his wife taught me how to swim and I will never forget the level of frustration and nervousness, but it all panned out. Your post really hit on the fine posts and I think it is probably accurate. I have no clue what Donner does today, but I am sure the kids really still enjoy the park and pool.

[RER]

Mr. Donner In Canada & His Legacy of Contribution

www.archives.mcgill.ca/public/hist_people/donner/whdonner.htm

[David Sechrest]

Bob. the Donner home was located on the north west corner of 7th and Franklin, right across from the Presbyterian Church.

There are pictures of the home. I believe that a picture of it was in the Columbus, 125 Years book.

It was a beautiful home, and a real shame that the city of Columbus lost it...

[jdhinkle]

DAVID WAS IT THE NORTH WEST CORNER ?
DID THE PHONE CO BLDG REPLACE IT

THERE WAS ALSO THE YOUTH CENTER NORTH OF THE CHURCH
HAD A NICE IN DOOR BASKETBALL COURT

THE ARMORY WAS SOUTH WEST CORNER
I KNOW THE SOUTH EAST CORNER IS NOW A PARKING AREA

[David Sechrest]

jd, yes, it was where the phone company is/was...

Maybe someone else will recall if they tore the house down to build the phone company?

[jdhinkle]

I REMEMBER MR PAUL STACKER WAS THE MAIN MAN AT THE POOL
HE WAS ALWAYS ASKING ME IF I WAS WALKING ON THE BOTTON WILL I WAS STOKING ABOVE WATER

ALSO DAVID HILYCORD WAS AN INSTRUCTOR IN THE JUNIOR POOL

THE CLUB SWIMMING MEETS WERE ALWAYS FUN FOR ME

Apr 17, 2008 9:19:03 GMT -5 RER said:

Well, Nanc I think you are correct on the original “Free Lesson” thing sponsored by the Red Cross. I remember watching some of those very early morning classes before the main part of the pool opened in the summer. I am thinking here when I learned to swim and it was around 1950 (maybe 51) I guess.

I remember who taught me in the middle of the main pool. I was really scared that few days and was worried about drowning. Bill Stearman and his wife taught me how to swim and I will never forget the level of frustration and nervousness, but it all panned out. Your post really hit on the fine posts and I think it is probably accurate. I have no clue what Donner does today, but I am sure the kids really still enjoy the park and pool.