Marge Schott is dead .... and we care why?

[dknelson]

And why should a railfan care (Marge was the outspoken and alas somewhat bigoted former owner of the Cincinnati Reds baseball team)?
Well the reason why a railfan should care is that Marge's husband was the last owner of the Purington Brick factory in East Galesburg Illinois. Purington Pavers were not only commonly used for city streets but for depot and station platforms. If you nose around the sites of abandoned depots you might well find a Purington Paver buried in the dirt or weeds. They are collectors items. Some streets in the midwest remain paved with these extremely durable bricks.
The factory was/ is on the old ATSF (now BNSF) main line in East Galesburg and the remains of a smokestack can be seen from railside. The factory itself is in total ruins and trespassers are not welcomed (and the East Galesburg police have been known to use the site for target practice -- so when I say "not welcomed" I mean "not welcomed.")
Oddly I do not know if the Santa Fe ever served the plant -- the CB&Q had a spur to the plant until the late 1960s or early 1970s. At one time this was the largest brick factory in the world. The land has been undevelped because Marge Schott did nothing with it. This might change. It it became residental property or a hotel that would be primo railfanning.
Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

It's amazing the facts on this forum you can find out because someone out there knows.

[Anonymous]

..it would be even better if they moved an industry in there that would utilize the rail spur.

[tree68]

QUOTE: Originally posted by macguy

..it would be even better if they moved an industry in there that would utilize the rail spur.

Instead they'll put in housing filled with residents who will complain about the railroad...

[JoeKoh]

Rest in peace Marge.
stay safe
joe

[Anonymous]

WILL WE CARE IF GEORGE STIENBREENER DIES NO SO WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT THIS BRAT

[Anonymous]

Don't care about Marge. But the hotel sounds good.

[mudchicken]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JoeKoh

Rest in peace Marge.
stay safe
joe

(1) If DOGGY knew a little more about Marge Schott, he might consider eating his words. Beyond the well publicized miscues, the lady did not take a back seat to anyone, was actively civic minded and was ahead of her time. George is a little bit phony - Marge, for all her faults, was the real thing. (Anyone who could take on General Motors and win gets my vote)http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2004/03/03/loc_schottmain.html
p.s. Doggy, please find the "shift" key and QUIT SHOUTING, please.[}:)]

(2) Purrington Brick got absorbed by the Alton Company (Maryland Heights / St. Louis) somewhere before Schottco (The Schott's family business) owned it as part of the purchase of Alton Co by Mr.Schott before he died in '68.....

(3) Galesburg (yes, the same folks who are suing BNSF over the closing of the locomotive and car shops) probably would like to see development of the brick refractory on one hand, on the other they are probably chafing at the bit to stick their noses into the problems created at a refractory. Those busybodies probably are of the "somethin -for-nuthin" persuation that would make redevelopment of the white elephant site even more expensive. In the end, Schottco got stuck with a problem, not of its own creation. Time will tell.....

[cherokee woman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JoeKoh

Rest in peace Marge.
stay safe
joe

Yes, Marge, rest in peace. You deserve some peace. You might have been opinionated, but you helped Cincinnati and its citizens in ways that lots of
people do not know about. Now, who will do the GOOD things for Cincy that you did?

[louisnash]

I think that before people start criticizing Marge they should know how generous she was. She gave millions to the CIncy Zoo as well as for the homeless in the area, both in Cincy and Northern Ky. She also gave to the children in the area whether it be for cub scouts or any other child societies.

As for her estate, all the money that will be recieved, it has been said, will be donated to various charities. I heard that she was worth 200 million.(Don't know how accurate that is.) Some of that money will be for the homeless in the area and the boy scout organization. Who knows what else will be donated.

It was also said that she would write a check for half a million to a charity and not worry a bit, but be bothered about buying an $80.00 dress for herself. If she was somewhere and saw a person that needed to eat she would feed them and not blink an eye. If you were at a game you could go down and get her autograph and she was happy to do so.

As for the Reds, I believe she took a professional approach to the team. She cared about the fans as much as people do for their own children. I know that some of the remarks she made about certain issues were very wrong, but she was not afraid to speak her mind. I know that the remarks she made about race was way out of hand, but she grew up in a time that some of us probably don't understand and to her that was common. It was very wrong for what she did. For everything that she did good that is probably the only thing people will want to remember her by. Exactly why I felt to post my two cents here.

Everyone always looks at the negatives of someone without seeing the real person. She was a class act. Giving to those who are less fortunate than a lot of us here.

As for the Cincy area she will be deeply missed. That is all I have.

Brian (KY)

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mudchicken

QUOTE: Originally posted by JoeKoh

Rest in peace Marge.
stay safe
joe

(1) If DOGGY knew a little more about Marge Schott, he might consider eating his words. Beyond the well publicized miscues, the lady did not take a back seat to anyone, was actively civic minded and was ahead of her time. George is a little bit phony - Marge, for all her faults, was the real thing. (Anyone who could take on General Motors and win gets my vote)http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2004/03/03/loc_schottmain.html
p.s. Doggy, please find the "shift" key and QUIT SHOUTING, please.[}:)]

(2) Purrington Brick got absorbed by the Alton Company (Maryland Heights / St. Louis) somewhere before Schottco (The Schott's family business) owned it as part of the purchase of Alton Co by Mr.Schott before he died in '68.....

(3) Galesburg (yes, the same folks who are suing BNSF over the closing of the locomotive and car shops) probably would like to see development of the brick refractory on one hand, on the other they are probably chafing at the bit to stick their noses into the problems created at a refractory. Those busybodies probably are of the "somethin -for-nuthin" persuation that would make redevelopment of the white elephant site even more expensive. In the end, Schottco got stuck with a problem, not of its own creation. Time will tell.....

Well they will not close the Galesburg sop because Burlington is closing I will not take back my comments about Ms. Schott she had a big mouth also I'm a baseball fan and she led to the collasep of the Reds and she was too convertial

[Anonymous]

Having lived in Cincinnati, I am glad to see some people see the good side of Marge. I have read obits in the The NY Times and Chicago Tribune which focused on her down side and not what she did on the good side. Please read the article referred to above to see the good side. P.S. You could still a $1.00 hot dog at the ballpark when she still owned the team.

[greyhounds]

Anybody who liked dogs and baseball was always OK in my book.

She had flaws, we all do. But she was a life and we should respect and regret her passing.

Hope you meet your "Schottzies" at "The Bridge" Marge.

Ken Strawbridge

[louisnash]

Marge always said that a family should be able to go to a baseball game and actually afford it. I wouldn't go now if you gave me front row tickets. For a family of 4 with a median income you could spend easily 1 weeks paycheck. Another reason I don't go is from the last strike. I'm not missing anything. I really used to enjoy baseball at one time and could tell you quite a bit about it.

As for Doggy saying she was the collapse of the Reds. I kinda have to disagree. I really think that those million dollar, steroid pumping crybabies had a little to do with that. They are the ones that actually played the game. But that is my opinion.

Long live the memory of Marge and her kind generosity of others. Read the link from Mudchicken also. It will show exactly the kind of lady she was. Can also check out:
www.wcpo.com and www.channelcincinnati.com . Both these websites have tributes to her. Read all the links and you will understand just the way she was. It was more than making racial remarks.

Now it's back to reading about railroads. Hope that I did not cause any controversy here about the players.

Brian (KY)

[RudyRockvilleMD]

This is an interesting but tenuous connection between Marge Schott and railroads. If I am not mistaken Marge Schott inherited a GMC csr dealership from her late husband. Was it Chevrolet or Buick?

Unfortunately, all I knew about Marge Schott's remarks was they were off-base, so the bad out weighed the good she did.

[Anonymous]

louis,
She took away the copy machines, the out of town scores, killed the scouting and be the stupiest owner behind Bud Selig and Wendy Selig of the Beweres

[vsmith]

I'm sure the employees and team members of the Reds would like to kindly remember Marge for her endearing ways with her employees and fill her coffin with some of those Purlington Pavers and a few of those Baseball Card packets with stale bubblegum she gave out as Christmas Bonus's one year before they heave the coffin into the river...

[JoeKoh]

QUOTE: Originally posted by vsmith

I'm sure the employees and team members of the Reds would like to kindly remember Marge for her endearing ways with her employees and fill her coffin with some of those Purlington Pavers and a few of those Baseball Card packets with stale bubblegum she gave out as Christmas Bonus's one year before they heave the coffin into the river...

Ladies and gentlemen
Being a lifelong reds fan I can testify to all the bad things she did in public and to the team but please lets remember the good and let her rest in peace.
please thank you[:)]
stay safe
joe

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by arnstg

Having lived in Cincinnati, I am glad to see some people see the good side of Marge. I have read obits in the The NY Times and Chicago Tribune which focused on her down side and not what she did on the good side. Please read the article referred to above to see the good side. P.S. You could still a $1.00 hot dog at the ballpark when she still owned the team.

Well even with that My oppinoin still hasan't changed of her she was a bum and had a big mouth but I give her credit for making ballgames afforable

[favuprailroadfan]

Well see one of the reasons that you guys should care. She is a part of my family, granted its down the line aways, but she is still family. I am so glad that you guys are seeing the good in her, and looking over some of the bad. She was an awesome owner of a baseball team. She was a very nice person, even though she got bad press. So I jsut hope that you guys don't DOG on her to much, remember she is a human being and we all make our mistakes.
Rest in Peace, Marge Schott
Thanks guys, Dru Alan Schott

[JoeKoh]

QUOTE: Originally posted by favuprailroadfan

Well see one of the reasons that you guys should care. She is a part of my family, granted its down the line aways, but she is still family. I am so glad that you guys are seeing the good in her, and looking over some of the bad. She was an awesome owner of a baseball team. She was a very nice person, even though she got bad press. So I jsut hope that you guys don't DOG on her to much, remember she is a human being and we all make our mistakes.
Rest in Peace, Marge Schott
Thanks guys, Dru Alan Schott

Small world huh?
Joe

[Anonymous]

Look I'm going to give my opinion, it's the Charleton opinion of this Scenerio, so Brace yourself...


Whne anyone Dies, Public Figures etc.. They bring a peice of history, that no one knew, with them to the Grave. When I die I will bring secrets to the Grave that die with me, and so will anyone else.

The fact is one somone dies who was part Of the Railroad, they tend to bring a bigger peice of history to the grave with them, Loved or hated, they are dead. Theres a FACT: THEY ARE DEAD!

If you hated the person: Good.

If you Loved the person: Great.

Whatever you wanted to say, it's too late now, your last impressions are stuck forever.

It is my recomendation to all of you, if you are in anyones black book to make up with them BECAUSE you never know the next time you will meet him or her if Ever.

For those of you that think personal Attacks will do you any good, I think U2 put it best, all your doing is Running to stand still It really won't get you anywhere, shes morté.

I don't know what else to Tell you.

[Anonymous]

They had a ceremony for her at the Cubs vs. Reds I can't belive they would do such a thing for that Block Head

DOGGY
CUBS WIN

[cherokee woman]

Doggy,

They had the tribute because she was their owner for years! Marge may have said bad
things once in awhile, but she loved her team and her city.

It was only proper that they had a tribute to her on OPENING Day of Baseball Season.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cherokee woman

Doggy,

They had the tribute because she was their owner for years! Marge may have said bad
things once in awhile, but she loved her team and her city.

It was only proper that they had a tribute to her on OPENING Day of Baseball Season.

She was odd and called a player the n word so she had issiues will they do this for Geroege Stienbrenner when he dies No so why should they do it for her

DOGGY

[Anonymous]

i'm sorry buth this has nothing to do with what you are talking about. DKNELSON what do you know about the peter cooper glue factory? me and my friends stumbled upon it today and it was freaky and it was only 2 pm. what do you know about it? if you can e-mail me back at [e-mail] i'd really appreiciate it. we want to go inside there. but it's scary as HELL looking from the outside. please help

[dharmon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Doggy

QUOTE: Originally posted by cherokee woman

Doggy,

They had the tribute because she was their owner for years! Marge may have said bad
things once in awhile, but she loved her team and her city.

It was only proper that they had a tribute to her on OPENING Day of Baseball Season.

She was odd and called a player the n word so she had issiues will they do this for Geroege Stienbrenner when he dies No so why should they do it for her

DOGGY

In a few years Doggy, kids will be outraged because some called somebody Black or Brown. She was a part of a different time. She did good things and bad things. Only one dude that I know of can claim to be without sin. So lighten up. For a kid, you have alot of opinions about folks. You cannot similtaneously transmit and receive.... big world out there, sit back and take some of it in, then form some opinions based on experience. It's kind of like the Rule G discussion. ..you cannot judge things that happened in the past by today's standards.

[dknelson]

The Peter Cooper Glue Factory is in Oak Creek WI, formerly known as Carrollville in the steam railroad days (what is now the City of South Milwaukee was known as Oak Creek until it incorporated in 1897). Only part of the factory is still there. I suspect what you were really looking at was the old HyNite plant. It is crumbling but intact. Just a couple of years ago the railroad for some unknown reason went in and tested the scale track that is on the plant property. There used to be a different scale house nearer the road on the spur to the sewerage treatment plant.

I would not advise tresspassing both for legal and personal safety reasons. That is a very old plant and is likely to have rotted wood floors in spots.

I remember when the Peter Cooper plant was in full operation. It would get open gondolas of animal parts, hooves, bits of flesh and skin, bones etc -- left over from Milwaukee's meat slaughter, leather tanning, and animal/pet food industries. The smell of the open gondolas on a hot day was awful -- and the flies! The railroaders called them "gut cars" and sometimes on hot days the gasses would explode or boil over the sides of the cars! But the smell of the plant in full operation was even worse. Somewhere on this forum is a series of posts on the gut cars that were parked at the old depot, now torn down. By the way the HyNite plant next door also used animal parts for fertilizers and, briefly, chicken feed. Until they learned that the heavy metals in tanned leather killed chickens.

Another sweet smell. Interestingly that whole area of Oak Creek was at one time going to be a series of liquor distilleries -- the idea was to rival Peoria Illinois in that regard.

Somewhere in the middle of the brick HyNite plant is enclosed the original wood stables for the horses that would pull the wagons that brought the product to local markets. That is why I urge you to be careful and use binoculars from public access if you want to check out this extremely interesting old plant. I imagine the oldest parts are pre 1900.

That entire area (from north to south): the sewerage treatment plant, the Peter Cooper glue works, the HyNite fertilizer plant, and the Vulcan aluminum recycling foundary, were all in full operation when I was a kid and, more importantly, were all railroad (C&NW) customers. The switcher would work the depot for a long long time arranging cars on the wye. And one leg of that wye also served an Allis Chalmers experimental factory that was very mysterious -- I guess when they wanted to build stuff out of the public eye they would do it there. And the depot also served as a team track for Oak Creek as well as a place were damaged Coal hoppers and gons were parked from the Oak Creek Power Plant -- staged before taking them to the Cudahy Car Shops.
You could build a very busy and large model train layout involving that area of Oak Creek WI. And just north of there was a different spur from the C&NW that went due west on Drexell Ave that served the Everbright Sign Co and a different sewerage treatment plant, plus a switch back to a tiny tiny factory that probably had last seen railroad service in pre truck days. It (the spur) went past the Little League Ball Park/
Dave Nelson

[vsmith]

I'll second the motion of STAY THE HECK OUT! As part of my profession in two capacities (as an Architect and also as a Building Inspector) I had to go into old run down buildings to survey and inspect and if your not really trained to know what to look for you can and will get seriously hurt. Dryrot and termites do amazing things to buildings. The floors can and do collapse, we learn to try and walk on nail lines if visible (indicates a joist or beam below) but it's happened to me (i put my leg thru the floor of a deck up to my butt on an OCCUPIED apartment building!) Abandoned buildings are far worse, if brick, the mortor can be weak and just walking by can cause loose bricks, joists, and other parts of the building to fall. Plaster ceilings are very prone to falling when weakened. We wear hardhats and overcoats in old buildings for a reason!

Another danger is that you may not be alone in there, transients love abandoned buildings and some view these building as there personal property and will not like to see you in their living room, especailly if they think you are the law. You might just be robbed and beaten up if your lucky. And the non-human entities can make even the most unsavory hobo seam preferrable! I went into an old abandoned house once and was imediadtly jumped by 10,000 FLEAS! It was awefull, I was spraying aerosol insecticide on my pants and shirt, had to take them off it was so bad! Not a good day!

So stay out of abandoned building, they really can be dangerous!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon

QUOTE: Originally posted by Doggy

QUOTE: Originally posted by cherokee woman

Doggy,

They had the tribute because she was their owner for years! Marge may have said bad
things once in awhile, but she loved her team and her city.

It was only proper that they had a tribute to her on OPENING Day of Baseball Season.

She was odd and called a player the n word so she had issiues will they do this for Geroege Stienbrenner when he dies No so why should they do it for her

DOGGY

In a few years Doggy, kids will be outraged because some called somebody Black or Brown. She was a part of a different time. She did good things and bad things. Only one dude that I know of can claim to be without sin. So lighten up. For a kid, you have alot of opinions about folks. You cannot similtaneously transmit and receive.... big world out there, sit back and take some of it in, then form some opinions based on experience. It's kind of like the Rule G discussion. ..you cannot judge things that happened in the past by today's standards.

Lets not start the Rule G fiazcol here again

DOGGY