TERRE HAUTE —
Inside the archives room of the Vigo County Public Library, row after row of fragile documents, rare out-of-print books, and historic photographs are kept on shelves in a humidity and temperature-controlled room. This is a part of the library that many patrons are not familiar with because the archives are located in the basement in a “staff only” area. The information in this room can be valuable for genealogists, however, and it is available to the public at certain times.
The community archives contain items of historical significance to the Wabash Valley. They are donated by individuals or groups and then become a part of the permanent record of the community. Some of the collections are records from various area clubs and organizations. They contain such items as a group’s membership lists, minutes, financial records, newsletters, newspaper clippings about the group, their scrapbooks, histories and photographs.
There are several types of community groups represented in the collections: labor organizations, such as the American Federation of Musicians Local 25; fraternal groups, such as Alpha Kappa Alpha and the Knights of Pythias; professional groups, such as the Florence Nightingale Club; special issues groups, such as the League of Women Voters and Housewives Efforts for Local Progress (HELP); social clubs, such as the Newcomers’ Club; shared interest groups, such as the Terre Haute Horticultural Club and the Pen and Brush Club, and churches, which will be discussed below.
In order to be successful in researching the archives, you must keep several things in mind. First, not every group that has ever existed in Terre Haute will have a collection in the archives. Only groups (past or present) that have donated their files to the archives will be represented in the collection. Second, the time periods represented in the collection vary considerably. There are records of groups from as far back as the 1860s and up to the present. Different groups came and went in the Wabash Valley as time passed and not all are represented in the archives. Finally, though they may be of historical importance, not all of the collections are valuable to genealogists. The staff will help you to decide whether a particular collection will be helpful to your family research.
Research in the archives is not for everybody, and these are not browsing collections. But if you know or suspect that a relative was a member of a particular community group, you need to first ask a staff member to see the inventory of the community archives collections. This lists the holdings the library has on each group, the years covered, and the items in each collection. If a particular collection looks promising to you, you need to make an appointment with the archivist in order to see it. These materials are to be viewed under the supervision of library staff.
One of the most useful items in the archives for my own research has been the records of the Union Baptist Church, one of Vigo County’s pioneer churches. Located in Pierson Township in the south part of the county, the church was established in 1822. The records have lists of congregation members and the dates associated with their membership — when admitted to the congregation and how, by religious “experience” or by “letter” (a reference from another church); and how they ended their church membership — by death, “dismissal” by letter (moved away and went to another church, carrying a letter of reference from the former church), or by “exclusion” (when a member engaged in behavior such as drinking alcohol, and was then ostracized by the church members).
Yes, there is much information in the VCPL archives for genealogists who just start looking.
History
GENEALOGY: Library archives contain tons of information
- History
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Looking back: In 1988, the drought caused water shortages in Parke and Vermillion counties
The drought caused water shortages in Parke and Vermillion counties. Both Montezuma and Cayuga were selling record amounts of water to farmers and residents of neighboring towns.
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Federation of Genealogical Societies conference in August
The Federation of Genealogical Societies will stage its 2013 conference Aug. 21-24 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne.
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Historical perspective: Engraver Fahnestock among local headlines in 1856
While perusing antique Terre Haute newspapers, the following story by editor-publisher Robert N. Hudson in the April 2, 1856 issue of the “Terre Haute Daily Express” attracted attention:
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Terre Haute fortunate to have a fine symphony orchestra
We are fortunate in Terre Haute to have a fine symphony orchestra as one of our entertainment venues.
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Looking back: In 1988, the Children’s Science and Technology Museum of Terre Haute opens in Central Christian Church
Eighty persons attended the opening of the Children’s Science and Technology Museum of Terre Haute, housed in the lower level of Central Christian Church, 720 Larry Bird Ave.
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Genealogy: Any community can take advantage of cultural tourism
Cultural tourism is a subset of the tourism industry that focuses on a region’s cultural heritage, lifestyle, history, geography, art and architecture. We may think of it as something elaborate and grand, like traveling to Europe or Africa to experience the culture of our ancestors, but it can take place in almost any community.
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Historic treasure: Fold-up map fit in glove box of Model T
My maternal grandparents used to love to tell the story of how they decided on the driver/navigator orientation on their road trips after their retirement.
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Histori9cal perspective: Mace and Hyde included among significant educators
Since this column was launched in January 1995, it has emphasized notable accomplishments of past and present Wabash Valley residents.
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Historical perspective: The death of newspaper publisher George M. Allen
The name of George Murdoch Allen, editor and publisher of the Terre Haute Express for 16 years, is rarely mentioned today.
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Genalogy: Gen Gathering site a great opportunity to volunteer
Gen Gathering is a website that aims to match volunteers who have access to resources and are willing to do someone a favor, with researchers who need help.
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Looking back: In 2003, Terre Haute Police Department resumes bicycle patrols downtown
In 2003, members of the Terre Haute Police Department resumed bicycle patrols in the downtown area.
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Historical treasures: Horses, buggies and the Fouts and Hunter Carriage and Manufacturing Company
In her history of the Fouts and Hunter Carriage and Manufacturing Company, Mae Hunter Weinstein wrote that her father, William Robert Hunter, always had a song in his heart. Maybe that joyful spirit helped Hunter and his son keep the company going from the Civil War through World War I.
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GENEALOGY: Info sought on people buried in Clay County
This week, we have several queries.
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HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: O.C. Simonds’ ideas launched Fairbanks Park
Among the first serious efforts to beautify the landscape near the Wabash River in Terre Haute occurred early in the 20th Century.
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LOOKING BACK: 1988: The Waffle House closes after 21 years
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 Treasure: Davis Gardens: Once one of the largest greenhouses in world
Another rainy spring day kept me out of the garden so I decided to research some gardening history at the Vigo County Historical Museum.
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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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