We all recall those folks who have left indelible marks on our lives when we were youngsters; obviously, some of those folks probably never fathomed the incredible impact they were making in the lives of those a part of their inner circles.
One of those very memorable individuals who affected the lives of so many in Elkton was William “Steel Arm” Tyler, an individual who adopted Todd County as his home when he abandoned baseball, married a Todd Countian and relocated to Todd County, a place he called home for many decades. Linda Stokes Fritz, who knew “Steel Arm” as a youngster as she trekked to her grandfather’s barber shop on the Square, messaged, “Always a smile, a chuckle, and a pair of sparkling eyes stood waiting for me as I disembarked from the Greyhound bus. ‘Steel Arm’ always had a strong hand grip as I placed my small hand inside his warm and welcoming one.”
In collaboration with the City of Elkton and following a suggestion by Linda Fritz to honor “Steel Arm,” a fundraiser is ongoing to generate monies to purchase and install a memorial for “Steel Arm” to be placed on the Elkton Square, more than likely in the vicinity of Hotel Jefferson Davis. A monetary goal set for this project is $5000 with any remaining proceeds from the fundraiser being donated to the TCCHS Alumni Foundation for a scholarship in “Steel Arm’s” memory. Someone who tours the 1835 Courthouse will soon discover upon entering it a ladder “Steel Arm” used to maintain the Courthouse clock, a task “Steel Arm” completed for many years. The visitor to the Courthouse will also see “Steel Arm’s” shoe shine chair he used as he worked at both Hotel Jefferson Davis as well as at Stokes’ Barber Shop. That shop, owned by Linda Fritz’s grandfather, was a busy spot with men gathering for haircuts, shaves, shoe shines, and ‘daily news’ events.
Linda also reflected, “‘Steel Arm’ shined shoes, ran errands, and entertained me when I was a youngster and in town. He walked me to the theatre on South Main Street and was always there waiting for me after the movie.” She also explained he was like a protective father, making sure she was safe and had everything she needed while she was at her grandfather’s barber shop. A native of Evansville, Indiana, “Steel Arm” also worked at the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Office and at the U.S. Post Office and was a volunteer for the fire department. One story that surfaces about “Steel Arm” is the fact he assisted with fighting a fire that broke out at George Parke Street’s Implement Company, helping to prevent multiple businesses from being engulfed in fire.
Arthur Green, Elkton mayor, commented, “This fundraising project focuses on the importance of recognizing individuals and their accomplishments. It also serves to remind us of the historical events and people of our past that have made such long-lasting memories for us.” Those who have purchased copies of Notables of Todd County will share “Steel Arm” is one of the featured entries there, a baseball player who had “a batting average percentile of 88, a home run percentile of 100, a walks per strikeout percentile of 85, and a strikeout percentile of 93.”
Recalling what she has heard from others is how gentle and kind he was, Laura Brock, Elkton City-Clerk, added, “I never met ‘Steel Arm,’ but his story of playing professional baseball, his tragic accident causing his retirement, and his moving to Elkton have been told by many. What I have also learned from others is that he was so helpful, wearing hats as shiner of shoes, handyman, and keeper of the Historic Courthouse clock.” Plans are for the memorial to be the focal point of a section of the Square with additional recognitions of other notable folks to be added in future years. Currently, the online fundraiser for “Steel Arm’s” recognition has been placed on the Elkton, Kentucky Government’s Facebook page at https://gofund.me/e09e1c9b. For those who prefer to donate either in person or via mail, you can drop off your donation at Elkton City Hall at 71 Public Square or mail it to the City of Elkton, P.O. Box 578, Elkton, KY 42220.
~ Article by Carolyn L. Wells
December 9, 2023
