John Blumenshine

The Blumenshine name is familiar in Washington. Audrey Kochendorfer (the last living sibling of our subject today) was kind enough to share some history on her family, most especially the respect and love she had for her older brother, John L. Blumenshine, Jr.

John Lee Blumenshine, Sr. (1886-1962) and his wife Mabel (1887-1947) lived a solid yet modest Christian life in the small town of Washington.  John Sr. supported his family as a blacksmith, and his shop was originally on the square across from what is now Brecklin’s BP station.  When his wife became ill, he moved the shoeing operation to his home, which sits on the corner of Monroe and N. Wood Street.  The couple gave life to twelve children, 11 of whom lived to adulthood (1 daughter died very early). There were seven daughters: Orva Hockenbury, Geneva Blumenshine, Audrey Kochendorfer, Anna Moreland, Loretta Stromberger, Shirley Nicholson, and Marcella Squires; and four sons: Eugene, Raymond, Denver, and John Jr. The boys and girls attended grade school on Spruce Street, and all enjoyed the security of our little town.  Playing hopscotch, chalk the corner, softball, or kick the can until dark, walking up to the square to get an ice cream cone, or just sitting in the square while friends rode their bikes or ponies around during a band concert kept the kids happy.  Sadly, Mabel died in 1947, and the boys and girls supported each other as each of their own families prospered. That brings us to our future mayor, John L. Blumenshine, Jr.

John L. Blumenshine, Jr. was born on April 1, 1918, in Washington, and he married Anna Lundberg in 1947 after proudly serving his country during World War II.  Four sons completed their lives:  John III, Edward,  Douglas, and Clarence.  John owned the Washington Cycle Shop on Peoria Street, across from Lindy’s present location.  He served more than twelve years as a local volunteer fire department member.  At that time, the volunteer wore many hats, and obviously, the compassion and concern shown to residents in a time of need suited John. Serving as a Republican alderman in the first ward for four years, that segued to a City Clerk position for six years.  He knew the machinations of the city well and was certainly a dedicated and respected member of the city government.  The Washington Association of Commerce elected him secretary and then president of their organization.

Finally, in 1965, he was elected mayor of the city. Always a visionary, he avidly promoted the Route 24 bypass for the city. He did the research and paperwork associated with such an undertaking and was getting ready to present his final recommendations to the council. Tragedy then struck the family. John L. Blumenshine Jr., age 48, died suddenly of a heart ailment, leaving a void in the hearts of his family and the town.

John’s vision was eventually brought to life. The bypass was his passion and legacy, and so should be noted for future generations.