TERRE HAUTE —
On a Sunday in July 1893 – about 120 years ago – the Chicago Inter Ocean newspaper devoted an entire page to the City of Terre Haute, written by artist James Farrington Gookins, one of its native sons.
The feature story, accompanied by Gookins’ sketches of Chauncey Rose, Mayor Fred Ross and State Normal School, was titled, “On Terre Haute Velvet, a Social Study.”
An artist of national renown in charge of designing the lakefront plans for the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, Gookins offered his impressions of the city where, on Dec. 30, 1840, he was born.
While noting that “the dusty roads” of his youth are “trim asphalt streets now, edged with flowers and lovely lawns instead of dog fennel and jimson,” there still was “the same old time spirit of transcendant subtlety in the atmosphere and water . . . that gives the grand king trotters of the turf fire and speed . . . and a certain delicious tang, like the faint suggestion of wild honeycomb, in the beer so well named ‘Terre Haute Velvet.’”
“But there are many kinds of Terre Haute velvet other than beer,” Gookins noted. “When Nancy Hanks had made up her mind and body to go a mile in 2:04 (at Terre Haute’s Four-Cornered track last September), Mr. (Budd) Doble did not hang onto her fly brush for fear she would get ahead of him and do something he could not do.
“On the contrary, he encouraged her and was as proud when the people went crazy over the result as though he had trotted that mile himself. It is not the custom of its businessmen to sit in any kind of game whether it be building a hotel or railroad, planning a car works or a cemetery.
“When John Collett was made State House commissioner some 15 years ago, he made his debut with the motion, ‘Gentlemen, I move that every action of this board shall be unanimous.’ The motion was carried, and its adoption as a guiding principle built Indiana’s State House within the $2 million appropriation and saved the state from repeating disastrous history made by other states in connection with public works.
“Royal and silken in luster and colors are the blue velvet and silver skies and blue grass at the fairgrounds in these perfect summer hours. And Axtell, Stamboul and Nancy Hanks show all their graciousness and beauty, surrounded by the aristocrats of peerless strains in splendid retinue. Here is the trotting center of the world.
“Nowhere else on earth as an every day occurrence can millions of dollars worth of horses be found gathered and dwelling together, or any morning over a million dollars’ worth be seen exercising around one track. . . .
“It is the land of coal, where steam coal can be had on ten-year contracts, with never a famine, at 20 cents a ton on track or 40 cents delivered. It is where the finest lubricating oil pours from the oil wells in some back yards, making it possible for the local companies to furnish fuel and illuminating gas of the finest quality at a maximum price of 35 cents a thousand. . . .
“Here men can live well, learn well and make money.
“‘By their fruits ye shall know them’ may not have had prophetic reference to Terre Haute unless you consider watermelons, for they are plentiful, enormous and incomparable . . .
“The country (around Terre Haute) is as superior for small fruits as it is for horse raising. (The great driver-trainer) Budd Doble says the combination of the blue grass, as fine as that of Kentucky, water that is pure but contains lime, the climate and firm sandy roads permit more days of jogging the horse for exercise then he has found anywhere else for raising high blood horses. . . .
“As for spiritual yield, it can boast what people say in the biggest distillery in the world and, though less commercially profitable, an organized and efficient charity.”
Gookins paid tribute to Chauncey Rose and Herman Human for their philanthropy. He described how the community, through stock subscription, supported the establishment of a fine female college in 1857 but, after several years of success, it lost prestige and closed. Hulman bought the buildings and grounds and converted them into St. Anthony’s Hospital, munificently endowed in memory of his wife.
He also lauded the system of schools, “unsurpassed anywhere,” and “the great State Normal School with over twelve hundred teacher students.”
In passing, Gookins mentioned that Terre Haute was the home of Col. Richard W. Thompson, “a grand old statesman whose head is crowned with silver .... has formulated nearly every Republican platform from that of the Philadelphia.”
He recalled “the thrilling reception” Col. Thompson received at the last 1892 Republican National convention as Chauncey Depew led him down the aisle (to second the nomination of Benjamin Harrison), “which found a responsive echo in every true American heart because it honored a patriot.”
Gookins also noted that Terre Haute once was the home of Orlando Jay Smith, “the Greenbacker whose song, like that of the grasshopper, became a burden.”
“It also was once the loved home of George W. Cutter, who wrote ‘E Pluribus Unum’ by the bivouac fires of Buena Vista and that wonderful lyric of time, ‘The Song of Steam.’
“And it still is the home of United States Senator (Daniel Wolsey) Voorhees who, as chairman of the committee on finance, has now before him the grandest opportunity of modern times.
“So in politics or war, in gaiety, patriotism or grace, she has been eminent and, as for the beauty of her women, it was of one born and raised here that (artist Karl von) Ploty said hers was the most beautiful face he had ever seen (who this woman is I am unable to report) in the courts of Europe.
“So may not this queenly little winsome city well claim to wear royal velvet? With the Wabash for her jeweled zone and the flowery prairie for her dias, she steps daintily down the golden stairs of time as any queen that ever wore a velvet train.”
History
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: 'On Terre Haute Velvet' by James F. Gookins
- 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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