Bush Parker

Bush Parker was a resident and businessman in Norwood. He was born on November 22, 1872, in Cincinnati, and died February 11, 1951, at Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati. At the time of his death, his residence was 5310 Wakefield Avenue, Norwood. His parents were Edward J. and Margaret M. Parker (nee. Leslie); both died while living in Norwood. Bush's wife was Josephine Philomena Parker (nee. Koverman or Reverman?). They married around 1899. His parents emigrated from England and Canada; her parents were from Pennsylvania and Switzerland.

The 1896 Directory records Bush as living at his parents house—1st house south of Williams Avenue, on the west side of Elsmere Avenue (possibly, 3955 Elsmere). The 1900 Census lists Bush and wife Josephine living at his parents' home.

The 1894 book, "Norwood, Her Homes and Her People," stated that Bush was a member of the Comus Club, a social dance club. The 1896 directory lists his occupation as clerk. The 1913-14 Directory records him as the Secretary of The Norwood Amusement Company in 1912 (and perhaps, at its incorporation in 1911). The business owned the Plaza Theater, and was headquartered in the same building, The Plaza Theater Building at 4630 Montgomery Road. Since, the Plaza Theater first opened in 1911, Mr. Bush was probably one of the founders of Norwood's longest open (it closed in 1966) and perhaps oldest movie house.