| 1955 caught Milford and Milford High School in an exciting
adventure. A train load of wild animals was being shipped by railroad
and wrecked
along Route 126. The animals were destined for Winter Haven
Florida
to be sold to a number of Circus ventures. Dozens of wild animals
easily crossed the Little Miami River and laid siege to Milford for
almost
three days! It was fortunate that few serious injuries occurred
although
two people remain missing to this day.
This photo was taken immediately after the siege began. It is
from the files of the now defunct Milford Enquirer. Children in
the
local schools were kept behind locked doors for the duration of the
crisis. In desperation, city fathers called noted big game hunter Frank
Buck
out
of retirement to round up the animals.
Buck arrived and within two days had every animal accounted for.
Citizens were so grateful that they petitioned the governor to name
something
in his honor. The governor signed a decree that changed the Ohio State
University nickname from the Hedgeapples to the Buckeyes!
Frank Buck poses in front of the Milcroft Inn with the final animal
he captured to end the Great Animal Attack of 1955.
|