TERRE HAUTE — The year 1816 was the last year of James Madison’s presidency, the Second Bank of the U.S. was chartered, Indiana was admitted into the union as the 19th state, and the weather was brutal. In fact, 1816 is often referred to the “Year Without Summer” or the “Poverty Year.”
During the summer of 1816, Europe, Canada, and northeastern America (primarily the New England states and New York), were overwhelmed by below-average temperatures. In May, a frost killed off many of the crops that had already been set out. In June, it snowed twice, killing most of the remaining crops. The later summer months saw ice on lakes and rivers as far south as Pennsylvania. Frosts were recorded in every month of 1816, and some went as far south as North Carolina. Dramatic temperature swings were common, with the thermometer going from normal to below freezing in a matter of hours. The winter of 1817 was especially bitter, too. It is estimated that the average temperature of the earth dropped 3 degrees Fahrenheit during this time.
The result of the summer snows and killing frosts was widespread famine in the human population. Europe lost 200,000 people to famine. Also, there was an energy crisis of sorts. In those days, the major form of transportation was horses, and horses ate oats. Due to crop failure, the price of oats increased eightfold, from 12 cents a bushel to 92 cents. This greatly affected transportation in the affected areas.
The year without summer was caused by a tremendous volcanic eruption, estimated to be the largest in the past 10,000 years. In April of the previous year Mount Tambora, in Indonesia (then the Dutch East Indies), erupted and exploded, hurling extremely large amounts of ash and dust into the sky. As this debris circled the earth in the upper atmosphere, it blocked the sun’s rays from the earth. It didn’t help matters that there had been some other volcanic activity in the previous few years, or that there was low solar activity coming from the sun. All these factors combined for a “perfect storm” that would affect the earth and those living on it.
There were some long-lasting effects on society and culture because of the weather of 1816. An inventor in Germany named Karl Drais invented a prototype of the bicycle called the velocipede in response the loss of so many horses and the affect on transportation. In the arts, J.M.W. Turner and others painted the spectacular sunsets that occurred at this time (caused by the sun reflecting off the dust in the atmosphere). Lord Byron wrote a poem called Darkness which begins, “I had a dream, which was not a dream. The bright sun was extinguish’d.” Many of the famine-ridden families of New England and New York decided to migrate west to the Northwest Territory after experiencing the summer of 1816, so this event hastened the settlement of our own area.
Announcement
Because of negative changes in the economy, the Vigo County Public Library is experiencing budget problems and will be conducting public meetings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday and from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday in the main branch of the library. The budget cuts being discussed could include closing branches, changing the hours when the library is open, charging for services that used to be free, and other options. The cuts could definitely affect the Special Collections Department, so please attend if you have an opinion you want to express.
History
GENEALOGY: Looking back on the ‘Year Without Summer’
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Historical Perspective: Wabash Valley is home to prominent comedy opera stars
Comic opera, a genre consisting of light hearted musicals, was introduced in Europe during the 17th century.
In the 19th century, several female vocalists from the Wabash Valley, earned national celebrity by using that art form to excel. -
Looking back: In 2003, Storm rips off half of Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof
A Saturday morning storm ripped off half of the Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof and caused heavy damage in Allendale. Wind gusts topping 60 miles an hour brought down power lines and trees throughout the county. Hail almost an inch thick and 1.5 inches of rain fell in less than an hour.
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Abundance of shoe stores existed downtown
Spring to me means putting away heavy winter sweaters and bringing out fun lighter sundresses. It also means the possibility of shopping for a new dress or even new shoes.
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Genalogy: Handwriting in 1700s-1800s Copperplate or English Round Hand
The primary style of old handwriting in the mid 1700s through the 1800s is sometimes called Copperplate or English Round Hand. This style of writing is much more recognizable and readable than the older Secretary Hand style discussed last week, and it is much less ornate as well.
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The death of Irish Kate Preston
The lifeless body of Catherine Preston, commonly referred to as “Irish Kate,” was found Saturday morning, Oct. 5, 1895, on a sandbar at the western edge of the Wabash River wagon bridge.
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Looking back: 2003: Sherertz sets nine-hole school record
Terre Haute North Vigo High School’s nine-hole record at Hulman Links was broken by golf team member Matt Sherertz who shot a 4-under-par 32 in a team-record win over Northview.
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Historical perspectives: Railroads were models of innovation and growth in Haute
Railroads have played an important part in the building of our nation and in the history of Terre Haute. It is no small wonder that these amazing machines were turned into children’s toys, as well as models for the more mature train enthusiast.
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‘Foreign’ letters to confuse a genealogist
Any serious family researcher will at some time or another encounter old documents in an older handwriting style that need to be read and deciphered.
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1988: 700 teachers unite in protest
At least 700 teachers were absent from their Vigo County School Corp. schools as part of a job action to protest lack of progress in contract negotiations.
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Genealogy: Vigo County Gold Star Honor Roll
FamilySearch International recently announced “the release of significant new enhancements to its web services that allow visitors to collaboratively build their family tree online, preserve and share precious family photos and stories, and receive personal research assistance–all for free.”
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‘Far-sound’ rings in a new era
This week’s Historic Treasure is an invention that changed life, as we know it in a great way, the telephone.
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Historical perspective: Venard: soldier in the War of 1812
His name was Stephen Venard. For more than 50 years he resided in Terre Haute, without fanfare, with his wife and a daughter. Much of that time was spent in the 400 block on N. First St.
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Looking Back: 2003: Mark Cook brings blues home
Mark Cook returned to Terre Haute to play with fellow musicians in the Cook-N-Blues group at Brazil and Terre Haute.
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Historical perspective: Attempted carriage-jacking thwarted
Nineteenth century newspapers covered several topics that might astonish current readers. For example, the front page of the Terre Haute Weekly Gazette on Nov. 16, 1878 – 135 years ago – reported on the bold attempt by four “villains” to rob two women riding in a carriage immediately west of the fairgrounds at Brown and Wabash avenues:
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Genealogy: Dutchman seeks family of missing soldier
Query: I live in the Netherlands and recently I have adopted the name of American PFC Joseph P. Nelson at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten. He was killed in action on Dec. 5, 1944, and his name is on the Walls of the Missing.
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Sewing Society keeps hospital in linen, supplies
When Tracy Pruitt came across a small box of old ledgers and receipt books recently, his first impulse was to throw it away. But he decided to sit down and examine its contents. In doing so, he discovered a story.
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Looking Back: 1963: Officials prepare for disaster
City officials were studying survival plans in case of a natural disaster or attack by an enemy source. Gilbert Leonard was the director of Vigo County Defense.
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Genealogy: Gold Star Honor Roll: Vigo County
This week continues with the Gold Star Honor Roll (those who died in WW I) from the Wabash Valley. The Vigo County list is long and will be run in three parts.
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River boat models capture glory of former culture
In the River portion of the latest exhibit at the Vigo County Historical Society museum are two models of river paddle boats created by Alfred F. Nehf.
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Historical perspective: Babe Holland: advocate for equality
Wherever Terre Haute native William Sylvester Holland roamed, he made an impact.
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Historical Perspective: Terre Haute’s architectural heritage
Much more than is commonly recognized, Terre Haute has a rich and diverse legacy of landscapes designed by some of the nation’s most talented architects.
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Genealogy: A search for names from broken stones
This week there is a query about an old cemetery in Parke County, that is believed to have been destroyed:
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Hidden treasures: Laborers phased out by machines
Today’s historical treasure will intone to many people an early experience of practical labor. For others, this artifact might lack a contextual notion.
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Looking back: 2003: Two men rob Terre Haute First National Bank
Two men robbed Terre Haute First National Bank’s banking center at Southland Plaza, South Seventh Street and Margaret Avenue. It was the first bank robbery in Terre Haute since November 2000.
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Interurban makes city Crossroads of America
Electric transportation is not a new technology. With the arrival of the electric car we are reminded that electric technology has a long history in Terre Haute.
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The tale of the Wabash River
On March 14, 1913, the Indiana General Assembly adopted “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away,” by Terre Haute native Paul Dresser, as Indiana’s state song.
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Five book bundle for genealogists
Family Chronicle is again offering a special book bundle that is back by popular demand.
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1988: More than 1,000 kids hunt for eggs
More than 1,000 children participated in the 55th Easter Egg Hunt at Deming Park sponsored by American Legion Fort Harrison Post No. 40. It was one of the state’s largest Easter Egg hunts.
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Genealogy: 35 Clay County soldiers fell in WWI
This week is a continuation of tabulating the men and women from the Indiana side of the Wabash Valley who gave their lives in World War I–the so-called Gold Star Honor Roll.
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Historical treasure: Buggies needed a license, too
While visiting the Vigo County Historical Museum’s exhibit, “The River, the Road, and the Rails,” I was surprised to see a City of Terre Haute Vehicle License issued on Feb. 15, 1899. I hadn’t thought about vehicle licenses being issued at that time.
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Historical Perspective: Wabash Valley is home to prominent comedy opera stars
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