TERRE HAUTE —
2002
• An “I Believe in America” program, honoring veterans and those affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, was presented at the Wabash Valley Festival in the newly refurbished amphitheater in Fairbanks Park.
• Demolition of Indiana State University’s 50-year-old, coal-fired power plant began. It had been replaced with a new $16 million gas-fired power plant in operation since last October.
• Terre Haute North Vigo High School was named the Elks Vigo County All Sports Champions for the 2001-2002 school year. Patriot teams had won or shared county titles in 10 sports. Bob Mardis and Mel Kirkman made the presentation.
• Carole Barr was appointed administrative manager at Western Indiana Employment and Training Services Inc.
• Terre Haute Regional Hospital donated $10,000 to Fuqua Elementary for the second year in a row as part of its school-business partnership.
• CSX Transportation closed its railroad service between Terre Haute and Evansville over the four-day Memorial Day weekend. Employees worked round the clock to repair crossings, replace ties and install new roadbed materials.
1987
• Students and teachers felt the heat during a week of record-breaking temperatures and high humidity. Only 11 of the Vigo County School Corp.’s 31 school buildings were equipped with complete air-conditioning systems.
• Noisy cicadas had reached their 17-year cycle in Indiana. They had been underground since 1970 and now were emerging in the Terre Haute area.
• Digital Audio Disc Corp. officials introduced the new three-inch compact disc on the occasion of its 50 millionth disc pressing at the local plant employing 600 workers at 1800 N. Fruitridge Ave.
• One hundred Section 8 housing units were to be added to the 700 privately owned units rented to low-income tenants at reduced rates by the Terre Haute Housing Authority. Patrick Barder ws the director.
• Carl Riddle, who was graduating into retirement, was awarded the Hand Clasp Award for Education by the Kiwanis Club. He had been principal of Terre Haute North Vigo High School for 16 years.
• ML Express broke ground for a new plant and offices at First and Hulman streets.
1962
• Memorial Day services were conducted at Highland Lawn Cemetery with music provided by Local No. 25, American Federation of Musicians, directed by Stanford Gilley.
• The fifth annual 500 Festival Week was under way through the Merchants Division, Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce. The Tribune-Star published 10,000 copies of the souvenir issue covering the event.
• Some 800 youngsters were honored at the annual School Patrol Picnic hosted by the Terre Haute Elks Lodge No. 86. Representatives of all 56 public and parochial schools in Vigo County received a composite picture of the Paul Dresser birthplace and a copy of his “On the Banks of the Wabash,” Indiana’s state song.
• The Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce went on record as opposing medical care to the aged through the extension of Social Security taxes. President John F. Kennedy kept his no-compromise stand on the issue.
• The West Vigo High School Home Economics Club, sponsored by Margaret Ray, toured the Automatic Canteen Co., 1631 S. 17th St., to view the latest coin-operated food/drink vending machines and kitchen.
History
LOOKING BACK: 1987: Record-breaking temps hit Vigo
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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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‘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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Historical perspective: Babe Holland: advocate for equality
Wherever Terre Haute native William Sylvester Holland roamed, he made an impact.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads




