Monroe Gazette July 31, 1890 Sardis, O., July 28th, 1890. The river is very low and the smallest boats only are running. The photo palace "Sunny South" is at the wharf doing good work. The largest fish of the season was caught by Ed Frey and weighed 37 lbs. Will Goodwin and Ed. Dunn, of the Steamer Ben Hur, and F.W. Martin, of Steamer Keystone State are at home. A. Longwell is quite ill with dropsy. Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Vetter made a prospecting trip last week through the eastern part of this state. Mrs. Millie Heinlein has moved to town. Mrs. Flora Goodwin has returned from a visit to her old home. We learn that S.W. Suter, of Wheeling Island, will move here the last of the week. The Normal School taught by J. M. Goddard and Geo. Baker began last Monday with a fair attendance. Both teachers are well known and successful instructors and deserve a large school. The Demorest Medal Contest held here last Saturday evening was pronounced by all the best entertainment ever held in Sardis. The church was handsomely decorated with flowers, mottos and flags. There were nine contestants, all of whom spoke extremely well. By the decision of the judges the silver medal was won by Miss Elva Anderson who spoke "A Voice from the Poorhouse." Next in grade was Master Fred Lemmon on "The Original Liguor League." Following him in grade was tie between Misses Alma Funk and Alice Fagert, the former spoke "The Martyred Mother: and the latter "Prohibition a Blessing to the Poor." Very interesting and instructive addresses were made by Mr. J. M. Goddard and by Mrs. Morris, a white ribboner, of Piqua, Ohio. The speaking was interspersed with lively music by the L.T.L. Jess. From another correspondent. Sardis, O., July 28th, 1890 Eds. Gazette: --We will now try to give you the news of our town. The Demorest Medal contest came off Saturday evening and we pronounced it a success. The speaking was the best that we have heard for some time in our town. The speakers had only a short time to prepare for the contest. The Church was crowded. Mrs. Elva Anderson was awarded the medal, and it was a close contest. Mrs. Miller, of Miami county, Ohio, gave us a short address, which was good and to the point. Prof. J. M. Goddard's address was excellent. Our choir sang some very good pieces. There were several from W. Va. present. Miss Lizzie Schafer is visiting friends at Eusaps. Miss May Walters has returned from a visit at Matamoras. Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Vetter returned from a trip through Ohio. Mr. C. E. Dally was up at Wheeling last week. Wm. Goodwin is at home again. Capt. Eli Hoskinson is at homet this week. F. M. Gano made a trip to Waverly last week. Gen. A.J. Warner was in town looking after the interest of the Ohio Valley Railroad. Mr. Ed Sims, of Clarington, was in town this week. Ed. Frey caught the largest fish of the season; 37 pounds. The river is very low, only a few boats plying between Wheeling and Parkersburgh. Summer school commenced July 21. Vidi transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly re: Richardson, Suter, Griffith, Nesbitt, Deiter