Fred Herman Reekers
Kentucky Post, Tuesday, 17 January 1922, page 1
Discussing probable appointment to the office of Dayton city clerk made vacant by the death of Will C Martin, Fred Reekers, mayor said Tuesday he favored the naming of someone who would agree to give a portion of the salary to Martin's family, which consists of the widow and six children ranging in age from 6 to 18 years.
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Kentucky Post, Friday, 2 June 1922, page 1
When and where were you born? Covington
Ky. May 3, 1868.
What is your earliest recollection? First day starting to school.
What was your boyhood ambition? To become a carpenter and builder.
How did you earn your first dollar? Working in a rope factory.
How did you happen to get into your present position? Through the advice
and efforts of my friends.
Where did you meet your wife? At school in Dayton
What is the most memorial event in your life? When elected city treasurer
of Dayton in 1909.
Why do you like Dayton? It has been my home since boyhood days. I think
it is the best city around here.
As a public official what is the one thing you would like to do to make
Dayton a better place in which to live? Make it a greater Dayton.
What do you consider Dayton's greatest need? More territory.
What counsel would you give a young man starting in life? To be honest,
upright and conscientious in all his dealings.
What is your favorite recreation? Helping others to get homes.
What's the luckiest thing that ever happened to you? Getting married.
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Kentucky Post, Saturday, 9 September 1922, page 1
Mayor Fred Reekers of Dayton Saturday was not disturbed by a report that certain residents of Second av. had filed a petition with the Kentucky State Board of Health asking it to investigate conditions arising from a lack of proper sewage.
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Kentucky Post, Thursday, 9 November 1922, page 2
Mayor Fred Reekers Thursday issued a proclamation calling on all citizens to contribute to the Red Cross drive Sunday with a spirit commensurate with their appreciation of what the Red Cross did for Dayton boys during the World War.
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Kentucky Post, Thursday, 5 July 1923, page 1
Richard Gunning, Dayton Councilman, 821 Sixth av. was burned about the hands and arms Wednesday night when he tore a fiery cross from its moorings on Belmont Hill, Dayton. The cross was burned just after hundreds of residents had left the hill after an all day community celebration. Fred Reekers, mayor, who also had noticed the cross, joined them as they passed his home and the three climbed the hill to investigate.
When Gunning saw the cross was a symbol of the Klu Klux Klan, he tore it from its moorings and stamped on it until the blaze had been extinguished. A can of gasoline was found beside it. The men said they saw a man with a flashlight go over the side of the hill as they approached.
"We will not tolerate Ku Kluz activities in the city of Dayton. The spot where the cross was burned is within the city limits and if persons responsible for the affair are apprehended they will be severely dealt with." Mayor Reekers said Thursday.
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Kentucky Post, Monday, 17 December 1923, page 1
Prediction is made Mayor Fred H Reekers veto of various salary boosts for city employees will be over ridden by more than a two-thirds vote. The majority of citizens are with Reekers in his protest. The mayor's chief objection is the raises along with the money needed for a new public school and completion of the Second av. sewer will cause the tax rte to be raised.
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Kentucky Post, Thursday, 2 April 1925, page 4
Fred H Reekers, Dayton mayor issued a proclamation naming April 4 to 9 "cleanup week" and urging all citizens to rid their homes and yards of unwanted articles.
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Kentucky Post, Tuesday, 9 June 1925, page 2
Life is too short and sweet to Mayor Fred H Reekers, Democrat of Dayton to tempt him to remain longer in politics. "I'm completely disgusted with the game," he said Tuesday, affirming the report he would not make the race or toss his hat into the ring for treasurer as some of his friends had been urging him to do. Constant rows, blocks and subterfuges while leader have gotten on his nerves.
Mayor Reekers decision to retire from public life will terminate a career of 21 years in politics, 13 of which he served as treasurer, four as member of council and four as mayor.
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Kentucky Post, Tuesday, 8 December 1925, page 1
Mayor Fred H Reekers, who retires Jan 1, after a public record of more than 20 years presided at the first session of the new Council. Mayor-elect Conrad A Wissel commences a four year term Jan 1.
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Kentucky Post, Wednesday, 20 January 1943, page 1
Fred H Reekers, prominent banker and one of the leading figures in Dayton's political business and public welfare and his wife Caroline, will observe their 50th wedding anniversary Monday. Mr. Reekers referred to by many of his friends as "the grand old man" of Dayton and Mrs. Reekers, the former Miss Caroline Gramer, a life long resident of Dayton, were married Jan 25, 1893 in the old St Francis Church.
The anniversary will be observed with a Mass of Thanksgiving at 8:30 am Monday at St Bernard Church, Dayton, and will be followed by a reception and dinner at the home, 610 McKinney for members of the immediate family. Mr. Reekers and his wife are members of the oldest families of Dayton. Although he was born in Covington, then moved to Dayton at the age of 7, Mr. Reekers grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Reekers, settled in Dayton, then known as Jamestown nearly 100 years ago.
Mr. Reekers was one of the original leaders in the movement which eventually led to the building of the Mary Ingles Highway. He also was one of the organizers of the State Bank of Dayton and now serves as president of the bank. Always having the interest of Dayton and its citizens in his mind, Mr. Reekers has been one ofthe foremost leaders in political and public welfare activities in Dayton. He is now rounding out his 29th year in public office. He served as a member of Council, then treasurer and mayor and now occupies the position of city assessor.
His son, Alfred Reekers, now serves as mayor of Dayton. They have three other children, Mrs. Bert Dickman, Dayton; Ansel, Park Hills; Leon, North Carolina. Mr. Reekers is now 74 years old and Mrs. Reekers is 75. Mr. Reekers has a brother, Edward, Maryland; and a sister, Mrs. Josephine Wessel, Dayton, while Mrs. Reekers has three sisters, Mrs. Rose Schneider, deceased; Mary and Theresa Gramer. They also have six grandchildren.
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Kentucky Post, Saturday, 30 August 1947, page 2
REEKERS, Fred H, beloved husband of Caroline (nee Gramer) and dear father of Mrs. Bert Dickman, Lee, Alfred and Ansel Reekers, died Friday August 29, 1947 at residence, 610 McKinney st. Dayton Ky. Funeral from the Muehlenkamp Funeral Home, 215 Sixth av. Dayton Ky. Tuesday 8:30 am. Requiem High Mass St Bernard Church, 9 am.