Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on January 11, 1936.
100th Anniversary
Big Decision Lies Ahead, Will Notes
By KARL D. HENRICHS
There may be major changes in store for Valparaiso early in the city’s second century, Mayor Don Will said Monday.
Speaking at a City Council meeting marking the 100th anniversary of the city’s incorporation, Mayor Will said, “We are on the verge of having to decide whether we should exist as we are to change into a more industrialized city.
“I can see that in the next two to five years, Valparaiso will undergo a great change. It is up to the city administration, with the cooperation of the citizens, to make ready for this change, whatever it is,” said Will.
Given Citations
The mayor spoke in City Hall where former mayors, clerk-treasurers and councilmen were guests and were presented citations for distinguished service.
Honored were former Mayors G.D. Conover, Elden Kuehl and John E. Wiggins, former Clerks C. Lee Nelson and Mrs. Christine Marks, and former Councilmen Lee Ragsdale, Charles S. McGill, Frank Ferguson, William G. Whitehead, Dan Follis, Harley B. Snyder, Alfred Rader and Vernal Sheets. Unable to be present were ex - councilmen Harold Cleveland and George Stanton.
In his address, Mayor Will briefly reviewed the city’s incorporation and history, noting that the first regular meeting of the City Council was held Jan. 5, 1866.
Notes City Pride
Will described Valparaiso as a city proud of its fine schools, hospital and churches.
The honoring of former elected officials and WIll’s address were a part of the regular council meeting. The Rev. L.E. Myers, Church of the Nazarene, gave the invocation and the benediction. A coffee hour followed.
The council’s brief business session included the introduction of an ordinance rezoning from C-residential to local business property at 402 Indiana where Vernon and June Williams propose to operate a dress shop.
The matter, which has received favorable action by the City Plan Commission, was carried over until the next meeting.
Mayor Will asked Street Chairman Arnold Smith to have his committee prepare a list of major street projects to be carried out in 1966.
AT CENTENNIAL RITES ー Hundredth birthday of Valparaiso was observed at Monday’s City Council meeting when three former mayors were present. From left are John Wiggins, who served in 1952-59; G.D. Conover, 1943-47; Elden Kuehl, 1948-51; and present Mayor Don Will, who’s served since 1960.
COMES FROM PITTSBURGH ー Mrs. Gus (Christine) Marks (right) came from Pittsburgh home Monday to attend City Council meeting in observance of city’s 100th birthday. Mrs. Marks was clerk-treasurer in 1950-56. She is shown with current clerk, Mrs. Hallie Edge, and C. Lee Nelson, who served in 1939-46.
