Dorothy Jerse
Special to the Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE — Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
2000
• A public hearing on the Interstate 69 study was held at Terre Haute North Vigo High School.
• An interview with Timothy McVeigh by Ed Bradley was aired on the television show “Sixty Minutes.” McVeigh was awaiting execution at the federal penitentiary south of Terre Haute which housed the country’s only federal death chamber.
• Ann Chi, Honey Creek Middle School eighth grader, won the 17th annual Tribune-Star Wabash Valley Regional Spelling Bee and would move on to the national competition in Washington, D. C.
• Karen Goeller, Vigo County School Corp. executive director for curriculum and instruction, was promoted to deputy superintendent.
• The annual Celebrate Women’s History Month program at the Vigo County Public Library honored Terre Haute journalist Susan W. Ball in a program presented by Elizabeth Robbins.
• The local Civitas branch banks closed and reopened under their new Fifth Third Bank name.
• The Indiana State University Sycamores’ basketball season ended at the NCAA tournament in Salt Lake City with a 77-61 loss to the University of Texas.
1985
• Several thousand entries had been received for the Terre Haute Area Chamber of Commerce “Vaute for Terre Haute” contest. Earl Rodgers was the Chamber president.
• The West Terre Haute Volunteer Fire Department voted unanimously to restore rescue service in West Terre Haute. Dr. Enrico Garcia, newly-named town physician, assured the department that necessary funds could be raised.
• “On Golden Pond” opened at Community Theatre. Directed by Tom Venable, the production starred Bob Ratcliffe and Sondra Grantham.
• A 35-unit St. Patrick’s Day parade attracted some 400 persons. Local historian Dorothy J. Clark said it was “Terre Haute’s first”” such Irish event. Dick Donham was mayor for the day.
• Wally Graham received an American Bowling Congress ring in recognition of his recent 299 game at Sycamore Bowl. His 792 three-game series rolled the previous day was the highest recorded at the bowling center.
• The Law Auxiliary guest day luncheon at the Country Club of Terre Haute included a style show by Schultz Store and Mr. Corey. Sally Hassler was the luncheon chair.
1960
• Max P. Gabbert was named superintendent of the Terre Haute schools.
• An estimated 100 farmers were expected to attend the farm mechanization meeting at the Chas. Pfizer & Co. research center south of Terre Haute.
• Hillman’s took over the management of Elliott Jewelers in Meadows Shopping Center.
• Mr. and Mrs. Carl Koile were appointed new managers of the Vigo County Infirmary succeeding Jasper Lewis who had served more than 20 years and was retiring because of ill health.
• The Garfield Mothers Club sponsored a style show-bridge to benefit the school athletic association. Mrs. Jame Dodson was club president.
• Dairy Queen, 3201 Wabash Ave. and 1331 N. 13th St., apologized for raising the price of its shakes and malts to 30 cents because of the increasing cost of supplies.
• The long-idle Owens-Illinois Glass Co. plant at Voorhees and Third streets was purchased by Wheaton Glass Co. Parker Bitner was to return to Terre Haute as manager. Owens-Illinois had purchased the plant in the 1930s and had operated it as a manufacturing facility until 1948.
