TERRE HAUTE —
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
2002
• Terre Haute Mayor Judy Anderson and other local officials delivered petitions, letters and postcards opposing the new-terrain I-69 route to Gov. Frank O’Bannon’s office.
• The Fascinators, who began as the kings of doo-wop at Garfield High School in the 1950s, presented a reunion concert in Indianapolis at the Fountain Square Theater.
• Hatfield Hall, the seventh multimillion-dollar structure constructed on the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology campus in six years, was dedicated with a concert by the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra.
• The AP&S Bone and Joint Center hosted a public open house at its new facility, 1725 N. Fifth Street.
• Terre Haute Moose Lodge 1009 hosted an open house in honor of its 90th anniversary at its 3708 Wabash Ave. facility. Founded for men in 1912, a women’s affiliate was organized in 1922.
• Tashina Kastigar, West Terre Haute, was chosen Miss Indiana USA and would represent the state at the 52nd Miss USA pageant in February.
• Keifer Keyes and Alec Harper won the Harry Potter costume contest sponsored by Books-A-Million and WMGI-FM.
1987
• Indiana Secretary of State B. Evan Bayh opened his campaign for the governorship at the Bayh family farm south of Shirkieville. His bid was to become the first Indiana Democrat elected governor since 1965.
• The laying of the cornerstone culminated more than 10 years of planning for Hamilton Center’s $3 million Developmental Disabilities Center. Don Foltz was executive director; Jim Malloy, president of the board.
• “In My Dreams” was the theme for the YWCA Y-Teen Interclub Harvest Moon dance at LaFer Hall on the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College campus. Nikki Harroll, Terre Haute North Vigo High School, and Felicia Short, Terre Haute South Vigo High School, were the co-chairs.
• Renovation work at the Red Lobster restaurant included new windows, lighting, wall decor and booths. Manager Bob Cummins said, “People used to want dark, but now the trend is more toward light and openness.”
n Brian Dorsett, Terre Haute native who joined the Cleveland Indians in September, presented an anti-drug use program to members and parents at the Terre Haute Boys Club.
1962
• Terre Haute’s observance of Veterans Day included the traditional parade, a memorial service at Seventh Street and Wabash Avenue, a plaque placed on the Indiana Air National Guard jet aircraft on the courthouse lawn, and dedication of the military room at the Vigo County Historical Museum.
• Birch Bayh Jr. (D) defeated Sen. Homer E. Capehart (R) who had represented the State of Indiana in the U.S. Senate longer than any other person. Democrat victories in the county included Circuit Judge H. Ralph Johnston, Prosecutor Ralph Berry, Superior Judge Harold J. Bitzegaio, Sheriff Herbert E. Beasley, Recorder William R. Cox, Auditor Leroy Lewzader, Assessor Fred Bauer and Surveyor Claude Reese.
• The new personnel training and recreation center for the staff of the U.S. Penitentiary south of Terre Haute was dedicated. Located on the Prairieton Road, the building was constructed by prison labor and with materials from barracks at the former Vigo Ordnance plant.
• Eugene Knauer, owner of Eat-A-Teria in Terre Haute, was elected president of the Indiana Restaurant Association.
History
LOOKING BACK: 1987: Bayh opens campaign for governor
- History
-
-
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.
-
Five book bundle for genealogists
Family Chronicle is again offering a special book bundle that is back by popular demand.
-
1988: More than 1,000 kids hunt for eggs
More than 1,000 children participated in the 55th Easter Egg Hunt at Deming Park sponsored by American Legion Fort Harrison Post No. 40. It was one of the state’s largest Easter Egg hunts.
-
Genealogy: 35 Clay County soldiers fell in WWI
This week is a continuation of tabulating the men and women from the Indiana side of the Wabash Valley who gave their lives in World War I–the so-called Gold Star Honor Roll.
-
Historical treasure: Buggies needed a license, too
While visiting the Vigo County Historical Museum’s exhibit, “The River, the Road, and the Rails,” I was surprised to see a City of Terre Haute Vehicle License issued on Feb. 15, 1899. I hadn’t thought about vehicle licenses being issued at that time.
- More History Headlines
-
Historical Perspective: Wabash Valley is home to prominent comedy opera stars
Coffee Run Leads to Hatchet Hitchhiker Arrest
Conn. Commuter Trains Collide; 60 Go to Hospital
Raw: Driver Ejected From Truck, Over Bridge
Probe Begins After Conn. Commuter Trains Crash
Fmr. IRS Head Insists No Politics in Targeting
NTSB Begins Investigation Into Conn. Train Crash
Raw: Germany Protestors Picket Barbie House
China, Others Want What's Under the Arctic Ice
Lotto Fever Sweeps the Country
CDC: Fecal Bacteria Common in Swimming Pools
NM Mom Chases Down Child Abductor
Raw: Suicide Bomber Kills 2 Americans, 13 Others
Raw: 6 Die in Russian Ship Fire
Raw: Crash Sends Car Into Fla. Pool
One Million Evacuated As Cyclone Hits Bangladesh
Raw: Gun Scare Mars Cannes Film Festival
Raw: Pope Frees Doves From Cage
Raw: Texas Gov. Flies Over Tornado Damage
$1 Million in Jewels Stolen at Cannes Film Fest
Raw: Obama Sits Down With Elementary Kids
Twiggy, the Water Skiing Squirrel
Sailor Surprises His Mom At Her CU Denver Graduation Ceremony
Official: ‘Amazing’ No One Was Killed In CT Train Crash
Coffee Stop Leads To Arrest Of YouTube Sensation Wanted For Murder
Bearded Dragon Reunited With Owner
Marine Reunited with Warzone Companion
Beyonce Is Pregnant!
SF baseball player overpaid $500,000 RETURNS money -- and team says KEEP IT
Dad returns from Afghanistan, surprises family during Rays' first pitch
See Jennifer Lopez's New $10m Hamptons Mansion
Woman tricked into taking abortion pill
Emma Watson Goes Pantless
IRS scandal: Republicans seek to tie Obama to agency's woes
Play of the Day: Flipping to Safety
Pregnant Kim Kardashian Squeezes Her Swollen Feet Into Stilettos
Top Videos of the Week: Angry Taco Bell Guy, Glacier Moves on House, Dog Hates Baths
Cindy Crawford Stuns At Cannes
