TERRE HAUTE —
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and the Tribune-Star.
2003
• The 2003 Boat, Motorsports and Outdoor Living Exposition was staged at “The Marketplace” in Plaza North Shopping Center with Mike King as show coordinator.
• The Tribune-Star ran a week-long series of features about the problem of the manufacture and use of methamphetamine in the Wabash Valley.
• Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College was taking steps to restore the Cecilian Auditorium in the Conservatory of Music building built in 1913.
• Faith Maher opened a wedding chapel at 220 Maple Avenue as an alternative location to courthouse and church weddings. The chapel accommodated 50 guests.
• Reicina Russell, currently a North Lawrence High School basketball player and formerly a member of the 2002 championship Terre Haute South Vigo High School girls team, made an oral commitment to attend Penn State in the fall.
• Jordan D. Lewis, U.S. District Court magistrate, swore in his son, Michael Lewis, to the office of judge of the Terre Haute City Court.
• Dave Blower Jr., editor of “Farm World,” announced that the three-day Farm World Expo would be held at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds in August.
1988
• The Downtown Revitalization Committee of the Alliance for Growth and Progress, chaired by Ed Jukes, discussed the problem of droppings from hundreds of pigeons and starlings which were delaying the downtown renaissance. Restaurant owner Betty Goodwin called it “a total disgrace.”
• Torner Community Center at Deming Park hosted an open house to showcase its ceramics, basket weaving, oil painting, computer and exercise classes. Joe Petrowski was the center director.
• Terre Haute’s crime index rose 2.9 percent in 1987 with increases in aggravated assault, rape and theft. Manslaughter and murder rates were unchanged.
• “Indiana University Basketball Trivia” written by Carl McKee, Terre Haute dentist, had sold out the original 10,200 first-run copies before Christmas.
• It was final exam time, but students were dismissed early at Terre Haute North Vigo High School because of water leaking into the building caused by cold and wet weather. Mytron Lisby was the principal.
• Case IH was conducting environmental testing at its former plant site in North Terre Haute to check for possible ground water contamination.
1963
• Quaker Maid, Co., Terre Haute’s second largest employer with 1,200 workers, launched a two-week celebration of its 34th anniversary in the city. The company, a division of A&P Tea Co., produced Ann Page foods at its Fruitridge Avenue plant. Freda Cornett, an employee in the canning department, reigned as queen over the celebration. C.W. Westrup was the general manager.
• Dr. Margaret Mead presented “The Early Adolescent in Today’s Culture” at Indiana State College’s first conference on the Junior High School.
• The Children’s Theatre presented “Daniel Boone” at the ISC Sycamore Playhouse with Jim Needham playing the title role.
• Mrs. Arthur Hagan was named chairman of the 25th Anniversary Mothers’ March for the March of Dimes. Richard Schuessler was the campaign director.
• The Rev. George E. Mitchell, pastor of the First Congregational Church since 1944, announced his retirement as of the end of the year.
• Steigers, 22 N. Sixth St., advertised these fur specials: mink coat, $1,595, Persian lamb coat, $395, and mink stole, $295.
History
LOOKING BACK: 1988: Pigeon droppings plague downtown
- History
-
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
‘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.
-
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.
-
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.”
-
‘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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Historical perspective: Babe Holland: advocate for equality
Wherever Terre Haute native William Sylvester Holland roamed, he made an impact.
-
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.
-
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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
- More History Headlines
-
Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
Raw: Widespread Destruction in Moore, Okla.
Raw: Rescue Workers Search Oklahoma School
Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma
Raw: Aftermath of Massive Tornado in Oklahoma
Active Search for Utah Missing Mom Ends
Huge Tornado Kills Dozens Near Oklahoma City
Raw: Aerials Show Path of Oklahoma Destruction
Voters Could Elect LA's First Female Mayor
Raw: Rescuers Pull Tornado Survivors to Safety
Raw: Japan's WWII Atrocities Under Fire in Seoul
Raw: Aussie Zoo Shows Off White Rhino Calf
Oklahoma Gov: 'Hearts Are Broken' After Tornado
Raw: Walking in a Flattened Okla. Neighborhood
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Horse Saved From Slaughter, Goes on to Win Big
MLB Hoping for Large Replay Expansion in 2014
Raw: Witness Describes Scene After Okla. Tornado
America's Cup Officials Say Race Will Continue
Raw: Suspects Butt Dial 911, Lead to Arrest
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
Arias Tells Jury What She'd Do if She Gets Life
The all-new Xbox One
RAW: Massive tornado strikes Oklahoma
VIDEO: Teacher reunites mother and son after tornado levels elementary school in Oklahoma City
Okla. tornado survivor finds dog buried alive under rubble
Jennifer Lawrence Gets Naked and Painted Blue as X-Men's Mystique
Pickler's Dance Moves Cause A Stir
Obama to tornado survivors: The country stands beside you
Reporter Cries Over Devastation
Sneak Peek: 'Modern Family' Says Good Bye
Trailer: 'The Last Stand' Available on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, Digital Download
IWitness Look at Moore, OK Tornado
RAW: Moore, OK tornado touches down near school
Robert Pattinson Moves Out
RAW: Russian dash cam catches car 20 feet in the air
Oklahoma tornado survivor: "Everything is gone"
Khloe Lashes Out at Kim Kardashian's Critics
Couple Argues As Woman's Lover Crawls Out Window
RAW: Brad Paisley Forgets Lyrics To His Own Song
