TERRE HAUTE —
What was life like in Vigo County in 1887, 125 years ago?
Here is a summary of highlights of that year:
Jan. 5 – Fannie Janauschek appears at the Naylor Opera House in “Meg Merrilles.”
Jan. 12 – A subcommittee of the Indiana legislature arrived in Terre Haute to examine evidence in an election contest instituted by Vermillion County implement dealer Decatur Downing against Terre Haute lawyer-businessman John T. Beasley for a seat in the Indiana House. The evidence includes depositions taken before justices-of-the-peace Abraham B. Felsenthal and Joseph M. Wildy.
Jan. 15 – Cox & Fairbanks distillery burns and employee James Nugent killed.
Jan. 19 – Shannon’s Bank closed.
Jan. 26 – Dr. Benjamin Swafford is appointed administrator of the estate of Patrick Shannon.
Jan. 28 – Jim Duffy of Clinton and Mike Gainey of Terre Haute fought to a draw in six-round boxing match at the skating rink.
Feb. 6 – Two earthquake shocks felt in the city at about 4:10 a.m.
Feb. 7 – Realtor Ben Blanchard weds Avis Insley, daughter of Dr. W.Q. Insley.
Feb. 11 – Cross, a black sprinter from DuQuoin, Ill., edged Haughn, a white man from Casey, Ill., in 7.5 seconds before about 2,000 spectators at the Vandalia yards in Terre Haute to set an uncertified world record at 75 yards. The winner got $1,000.
Feb. 22-23 – Frank Mayo appeared with Terre Haute actress Alice Fischer at the Naylor Opera House in “Nordeck.”
Feb. 24 – Charles P. Staub, proprietor of G.W. Staub & Co., omnibus and transfer company, sold the business to William T. Beauchamp and Edwin R. Bryant.
March 17 – Herman Hulman, Jr. and Gertrude Preston elope in Cincinnati.
March 15 – Spiritualist Anna Eva Fay, “The Indescribable Phenomenon,” appeared at the Naylor Opera House.
March 24 – Ground is broken to construct McKeen Block, a massive commercial building at the northwest corner of Seventh and Wabash.
March 28 – The Coopers Union, with headquarters at the southeast corner of Fifth and Wabash, votes to strike on April 1.
March 30 – James G. Blaine, 1884 Republican candidate for President of the U.S., stopped in Terre Haute while on a trip west. Blaine was a congressman and U.S. Senator from Maine before earning the nomination. He was defeated in the election by Grover Cleveland and later served as Secretary of State to President Benjamin Harrison.
March 31 – The “Honorable” Bill Hicks, notorious burglar, returns from the Jeffersonville penitentiary declaring that he has reformed.
April 1 – Lotta Crabtree appears at the Naylor Opera House in “Mazette.”
April 6 – Blind Tom appears in concert at the Naylor Opera House.
April 15 – Cornelius Callahan shoots Jesse Harmon for stealing a water bucket.
April 19 – Lawrence Barrett appears at the Naylor Opera House in “Rienzi.”
April 28 – Legendary heavyweight John L. Sullivan gives boxing show at Naylor Opera House.
May 2 – Victors in the 1882 city election include Jacob C. Kolsem, mayor; James Fitzpatrick, treasurer; Alonzo C. Duddleston, clerk; Andrew J. Thompson, marshal; and Frederick F. Cornell, assessor. Casper Link’s body found in Wabash River.
May 7 – Jesse Harmon dies from gunshot wounds.
May 10 – First meeting of the new city council. Henry C. Nevitt was elected city attorney and Joseph A. Wimer was named street commissioner.
May 11 – The Patrick S. Gilmore Band appears at the Naylor Opera House; Terre Haute Street Railway Co. decides to extend its line to Collett Park.
May 12 – Perry Manis, convicted of murder, dies at Jeffersonville penitentiary.
June 1 – Henry S. Ives visits city to buy Terre Haute & Indianapolis Railroad.
July 4 – Independence Day celebration disrupted by the presence of Anarchist Robert Schilling.
July 8 – Superintendent of Police Michael Lawlor shot in leg by Bob Winburn.
July 19 – Ben G. Cox buys Lake Finvanna on S. Fruitridge from Joseph Gilbert.
July 20 --Jacob and Charles Baur buy one-half interest in Ellsworth Flour Mill.
July 29 – Rail extension to Collett Park completed.
Aug. 1 – Bill Hicks arrested for burglarizing the Fred Ross residence.
Aug. 2 – Earthquake shock felt at 12:30 a.m.
Aug. 7 – Invitation extended to President and Mrs. Grover Cleveland to visit city.
Aug. 9 – President and Mrs. Cleveland accept invitation to visit Terre Haute.
Sept. 20 – Thomas W. Harper, attorney for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and spouse of Ida Husted Harper, engages in a fist fight with John H. Rankin.
Oct. 1 – President and Mrs. Grover Cleveland visit Terre Haute.
Oct. 4 – Hung jury in homicide case against Callahan for death of Jesse Harmon.
Oct. 27 – Anton Hulman, Sr. and Mary C. Bannister wed.
Oct. 31 – Police commissioners order enforcement of 11 p.m. closing of gambling houses.
Nov. 8 – Sol Smith Russell appears at the Naylor Opera House in “Bewitched.”
Nov. 25 – Legendary billiard players Jake “The Wizard” Schaefer, George F. Slosson and Jacques Cartier, gave an exhibition at Daniel Fasig’s saloon, 503 Wabash.
Nov. 27 – Helena Modjeska appears at Naylor Opera House in Donna Diana.
Dec. 6 – Henry C. Nevitt resigns as city attorney; Horace B. Jones succeeds him.
Dec. 15 – New chemical engine arrives at the fire department.
Dec. 17 – Fanny Davenport appears at the Naylor Opera House in “Fedora.”
Dec. 29 – Plans announced to lift seven commercial buildings in Warren Block, extending west from Fourth and Wabash to the alley, four feet and to remodel each.
History
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: Summary of local highlights from 125 years ago
- History
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Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
As another spring blossoms, it is time for another season of baseball to descend upon the city of Terre Haute.
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HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: George Lance dominates intercity golf rivalry in 1927
What was expected to be a close match between two Terre Haute golfers for the 1927 Indiana Amateur Golf championship turned out to be a cakewalk.
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GENEALOGY: Follow ‘Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs’
I recently read an article called “Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs,” by Tamara Hemmerlein, Hoosier Heritage Alliance Coordinator for the Indiana Historical Society
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LOOKING BACK: 1988: Teachers issued rubber gloves to use in management of blood, other body fluids
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
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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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