TERRE HAUTE —
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
2003
• Sam Hulbert, president of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology since 1976, announced he would retire effective June 30, 2004.
• The Hangar Restaurant at Terre Haute International Airport-Hulman Field reopened with Wanda Harrah as the operator.
• Doughmakers received the Marketer of the Year Award from the Wabash Valley Chapter of the American Marketing Association. Bette LaPlante and Diane Cuvelier were the company founders; William Wagnon the marketing vice president.
• Bruce Baumgartner, former Indiana State University and Olympic wrestler, was inducted into the Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame in St. Louis.
• Creative Impressions was back home at 1327 Wabash Ave. The business had been located temporarily on 15th Street after a fire damaged the building in May. Steve and Virginia Mankin were the owners.
• Shelva “Butch” Warner, Byron Lorey, Larry J. Smith, David Ofansky and Douglas Timmons were the newly appointed members of the Terre Haute Fire Department Merit Board.
• The Wabash Valley Art Guild named Patrick Titzer, co-owner of Titzer Art Metal Studios at 681 Wabash Ave., as its Artist of the Month.
1988
• A full-blown ice storm coated the Wabash Valley, downed trees and power lines, and left 3,500 Wabash Valley residents without electricity.
• Under the new state-mandated ISTEP program, children in grades 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9 and 11 were taking examinations on mathematics and English.
• Andrea Atterson of Terre Haute, an Indiana State University sophomore, was selected as one of 33 princesses to compete for the title of 1988 Indy 500 Festival queen.
• The Indiana State University Lady Sycamores finished the season with a 22-5 overall, the best in school history. Coach Andrea Myers was named Gateway Conference Coach of the Year.
• Thomas “Bo” Bohannon was the new interim director of the Banks of the Wabash Chorus succeeding Myke Lucas who had moved to Michigan. Terry Wence was the BOWC president.
• The former Oddfellows Temple, owned by the Hulman Co. and located at 22 S. Eighth St., was cited as unsafe by Terre Haute inspection officials. A Hulman official met with Don Harris, building inspector, and agreed to take care of the problems.
1963
• Schulte High School observed its 10th anniversary during the month of March. Original enrollment of 211 in 1953 had grown to 375 in 1963.
• The Garfield High School Purple Eagles defeated the Gerstmeyer Black Cats 76-62 to win the basketball sectional.
• City Engineer Ray Harris announced Carl Reames of Fort Smith, Ark., would fill the new position as superintendent of the $6.3 million sewage disposal plant under construction along Indiana 63.
• The former Temple Laundry building on the northwest corner of Third and Chestnut streets was being razed to make way for the construction of a new bowling alley and billiard establishment. The corporation was headed by Jesse Spencer Jr., operator of Campus Bowl, 9 N. Sixth St.
• The 18 YWCA Y-Teen Clubs in Vigo County junior and senior high schools launched their 15th annual cancer linen drive. The clean white cloth was used to make dressings for cancer patients.
History
LOOKING BACK: In 2003, RHIT president Hulbert announces retirement
- 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




