First Baby of 1975

The Journal continued its "First Baby of the New Year" contest right into the 1970s, which is pretty impressive if you think about it, with all of the cultural changes taking place. The prizes supplied by local merchants that were awarded to the proud parents, however, continued to shrink.

But it didn't take too long to announce the winner. Christen Ann Stauder, daughter of Richard and Daisy Stauder, was the first baby born in 1975 in the Golden Crescent. Here's the cute photo and accompanying article that ran on the front page of the Journal on January 2, 1975.

The article also includes the names of the 'First Babies' born at Elyria Memorial, Willard Hospital (in Huron County), Good Samaritan Hospital (Sandusky) and Memorial Hospital (also in Sandusky).

Much like the merger of Lorain's St. Joseph Hospital and Lorain Community Hospital, Sandusky's two hospitals merged to form Firelands Community Hospital (known today as Firelands Regional Medical Center).

So what about the goodies? Here's the ad with the prizes that ran in the Journal on January 4, 1975.

Although Gaylord's and National Pharmacy are long gone, it's good to see that Drug Mart (with only one local store in 1975) is still with us and doing well. The Vermilion Drug Mart outlet is my favorite store (and is about two or three minutes from my condo).

Januzzi's is still around as well, and right across Route 58 (Leavitt Road) from Drug Mart. It's focus now, however, is on "expert shoe fitting for people who have special needs due to feet that are hard-to-fit or for those who suffer from foot ailments or conditions that can not be satisfied by shopping at typical stores or online."