Dec. 22, 1950: Prisoners To Get Treat Cheer To Be Spread At Public Institutions

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 22, 1950.

Prisoners To Get Treat

Cheer To Be Spread At Public Institutions 

Christmas cheer will be spread at Porter Memorial hospital, the Porter County home and will even invade the county jail, a check with these institutions revealed today.

Patients at the hospital, who incidentally are crowding hallways due to an adult total of 75 at present, will be remembered with room decorations, tray favors and covers and turkey dinners for those on full diets, R. Edwin Hawkins, administrator, said, today.

Aluminum foil miniature Christmas trees of varied hues will be placed on bedside tables Sunday by the patient-cart committee of the Hospital Guild. Mrs. Wilbur Cooper and Mrs. Shannon Brown are co-chairmen of this committee, which makes regular room visits with a mobile cart filled with items for patient use. The guild will also treat patients with home-made cookies and Christmas story pamphlets. Mrs. Ross Corson and Mrs. Gerald Beach have been busy this week preparing the cookies.

For children at the hospital the Wheeler auxiliary of the hospital Guild, headed by Mrs. Edward Brickner, will make favors. Furnishing holiday favors for the children;s ward is a regular project for this auxiliary. Mrs. Carlton Patton will be in charge of the Christmas plans this weekend.

Brownie troop members have made individual tray favors consisting of tiny trees dipped in mica to add an effect of sparkling snow.

Girl Scouts of the junior high age group have also employed their artistic skill to bring cheer to 61 residents at the county home. Fifteen table centerpieces of miniature logs and Christmas candles which are being used at the home this holiday season are the work of Troop 10. Turkey and chicken dinners will be served at the county home, which has been decorated in holiday spirit. Members of the Catholic Woman’s club have supplied and decorated a tree for women of the home. The club also gave fruit and hard candy to add to their cheer. Mrs. Lawrence Mayer served as committee chairman.

Carolers have also added to the season’s pleasure for home residents this week, and various gifts and baskets have been given by Valparaiso organizations and individuals, as well as “sunshine baskets” of fruit and candy furnished by the Salvation Army.

Turkey dinner from “soup to nuts” will also be enjoyed by six inmates at the county jail. Candy will be distributed during the day.

Dec. 15, 1950: RAIL STRIKE SPREADS ACROSS U.S. Postal Order Hits Service In Valparaiso

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 15, 1950.

RAIL STRIKE SPREADS ACROSS U.S.

Postal Order Hits Service In Valparaiso

The Valparaiso postoffice today was not accepting parcel post Chrisrmas packages consigned to western points as a result of the crippling strike throughout the country among railroad trainmen, principally switchmen.

A general embargo order was received here on all second, third and fourth class parcel post, according to Postmaster Robert B. Wise. The ban also applies to all first class mail over eight ounces, including two-cent Christmas cards.

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RAIL EXPRESS EMBARGO

L.A. Fenimore, Railway Express company agent at the Grand Trunk, reported everything in and out of Chicago is embargoed except medical supplies. Shipments to the east are still clear, but operations are being conducted under difficulties, he added.

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The only exceptions to the order are daily newspapers, medicines and medical supplies, the postmaster added.

States not affected by the ban include Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and those in New England.

All air mail and parcel air post do not come under the order (One woman who tried to mail a large package to Florida was informed the postage would amount to $11.” Only first class mail is being dispatched to western and southern points.

Meanwhile parcel post and other mail matter is piling up at the local mail matter is piling up at the local office and in many terminals. Unless the strike is settled soon, many Christmas packages will not be delivered until after the holidays, postal officials said.

Package Number Dwindles

The volume of incoming parcel post received at the Valparaiso office has dwindled to a low point in the last few days, Postmaster Wise stated. The regular volume of 200 pouches during the first of the rush has been cut to around 50 to 75.

Railroads today reported passenger service is being operated on late schedules and freight business is slow and falling off.

Agent Ira Mummert, of the Pennsylvania lines, reported that freight headed for Chicago is being diverted at Hamlet on the New York Central to western point. However, freight consigned to Chicago is being held up at Wanatah and other points east of Valparaiso.

Mummert stated that both Valparaiso-Chicago suburban trains are still operating, as well as some other passenger runs, but several trains will be consolidated under a plan now being discussed. Most of the trains, however, are running late, he said.

Mail formerly handled by trains is now being taken over almost exclusively by trucks, the agent for the Chicago, New York, and St. Louis railroad (Nickel Plate) stated that no freight is being received out of Chicago and none is going in. Freight is moving in an easterly direction.

Ross Corson, agent of the Grand Trunk Western railroad reported freight business as slow. He said freight trains west are held up in the Elsdon switch yards of the company. Passenger trains are still operating, with three trains each way daily.

Dec. 13, 1950: Event For Male Shoppers Wives Urged To Let ‘Old Man’ Out Friday

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 13, 1950.

Event For Male Shoppers

Wives Urged To Let ‘Old Man’ Out Friday

Porter county men will have no excuse for late shopping this year!

Valparaiso merchants will welcome male shoppers in a big way Friday when the Christmas evening shopping season will open officially with a special “stag night” shopping event planned for 7 to 9 p.m.

“Be sure to let the ‘old man’ out Friday night so he can buy a present for you,” was the timely advice offered to wives today by Max Dickey, president of the Merchants’ bureau.

The event will not be confined to married men only, but sons, suitors, uncles, brothers and grandfathers will be catered to as well. One department store is planning an “open house” for the men with hostesses, gifts for all masculine shoppers and free refreshments. There will be special displays in some departments and experienced clerks will be ready to make suggestions for suitable gifts.

Cigars will be given to the men at one ladies’ dress shop, according to an announcement from the management. The store is also offering a free pair of women’s stockings with the purchase of each six pairs. If customers wish, garments will be modeled for their selection, the manager stated.

The idea of a stag shopping night has been in vogue in a number of Indiana communities for several years and has proved very successful, James Patrick, secretary-manager of the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, said today. This year will be the first time the event has been city-wide here, he said.

Patrick urged men to shop Friday so they “won’t be pushed around by a flock of women.” He added that, while women shoppers would not be turned away from any stores, stag night has been planned primarily to “offer male shoppers a chance to buy the lady-of-the-house a gift without having to sneak out to get it and to give them a chance to do their own thinking.”

Stores will close at their regular closing hours Friday and open again at 7 p.m. Starting Monday and running through Saturday, Dec. 23, stores will stay open all day until 9 p.m.

All merchants, including groceries and meat markets, will be open for the stag night, according to the Merchants’ bureau. Advertising featuring stag night bargains, individual store plans and merchandise, appears in today’s 16-page Vidette-Messenger.

Nov. 8, 1950: North County Twins Invent Reel To Cut Farm Labors

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on November 8, 1950.

North County Twins Invent Reel To Cut Farm Labors

By MRS. NORMAN B. FINNSTROM

CHESTERTON, Nov. 8一Sylven and Sieverd Bodin, twin brothers from the Chesterton area, started last week to combine soybeans with machinery they built themselves and on which they have applied for a patent.

The self-propelled combine has a reel attachment that was designed and built by Sieverd, with Sylvan’s assistance. An eccentric in the reel keeps the tines pointed downward and in position to comb the soybeans across the cutting bar into the combine.

This reel is the result of seven years of work. Earlier they had a similar machine, but it was of lighter material and not as efficient. Seamless tubing helping in improving the original invention.

The twins report that it is not unusual for some interested farmer to stop his car along the highway while they are combining soybeans and to question them. Some of them even take notes on the operation.

With their special equipment, the Bodins reportedly are able to “save” grain where other farmers have “failed.”

It was pointed out that oats readily succumb to the whims of the wind during a storm. With their combine, however, which combs the matted grain, they can harvest a “lost crop.”

Like Comb In Hair

Sylven stated that the combine works “like a barber holding the comb in a hair while he cuts it.”

Sieverd built a tractor from parts he bought at sales throughout the country, the cost being very reasonable through this method.

Both of the men hold pilot licenses and by means of an airplane they are able to attend farm sales anywhere and thus can buy materials they need for their “tinkering.”

Sieverd, to whom Sylven gives all the credit for building the farm machinery, said his specialty is tinkering. Sylven would rather fly and works in a coke plant in addition to farming along with his brother.

Edna, Sylven’s wife, also likes to fly with the brothers, but her principal hobby is raising African violets and refinishing antique furniture.

The twins are members of the Flying Farmers organizations and frequently go on trips with this group.

TWINS SIEVERD AND SYLVAN Bodin, of North Porter county, have invented a reel attachment for a combine which works “like a barber holding the combs in hair.” By this means they are able to combine matted grain, such as oats. This week they started combining soybeans. The reel is the result of seven years of work. They are flying enthusiasts and regularly fly to farm sales to collect machinery at a saving for their tinkering with farm machinery.

Nov. 4, 1950: 16,000 Are Expected To Cast Ballots

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on November 4, 1950.

16,000 Are Expected To Cast Ballots

Porter county voters will go to the polls next Tuesday for one of the most feverish, important and crucial “off year” elections in the last 20 years of the nation’s history. More than 21,000 are registered to cast ballots, but only about 16,000 people are expected to vote.

Because of the many issues involved, international, national, state and local, this year’s runoff has assumed a heightened interest that eclipses any of past presidential campaigns. It has been both bitter and hard fought.

With stirring appeals of rival chieftains, business and civic leaders and organizations “ringing in their ears” it is expected that the voting duty will be heeded in greater fashion than in previous plebiscites.

Both Republican County Chairman Robert L. Bibler and Democratic County Chairman David Parry were equally confident that their parties would poll a substantial vote.

Portage Vote

Democrats are banking on a heavy vote in Portage township which has a large labor population employed in the Calumet district. The township has shown an abnormally large increase in population within the last few years.

Estimates on the size of the vote Tuesday vary considerably but political observers generally believe the total number of ballots to be cast will be near 16,000, with it being admitted generally that the republican county ticket will poll a majority of the votes.

Preparations for the legal machinery which will handle voting Tuesday practically are completed. Today inspectors of the 44 voting precincts received their supplies from the election commissioners at the office of County Clerk Freeman Lane.

Polls will be open Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., giving voters 12 hours in which to cast their ballots. Every attempt will be made to get a heavy early vote to prevent any jamming at the polling places during the final hours of the day.

State candidates on whom voters will ballot Tuesday include a United States senator, secretary of state, auditor of state, auditor, treasurer, superintendent of public instruction, clerk of the supreme and appellate courts, judge of supreme court, first district; judge of supreme court, third district; judge supreme court, fifth district; two judges of appellate court, first district; two judges appellate court, second district. Also to be elected are one representative in congress; judge of the Porter circuit court; prosecutor of the 67th judicial district; one joint senator; one joint representative; clerk of the Porter circuit court, county auditor, county treasurer; county recorder, county coroner, county surveyor, county assessor, county commissioner, second district; county commissioner, third district; four county councilmen, first, second, third and fourth districts; three county councilmen-at-large.

In the twelve townships of the county, trustees, justices of the peace, constables and advisory board members are to be selected.

Every effort is being made to get out the vote. In Valparaiso a joint committee of the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce and Valparaiso Junior Chamber of commerce has arranged to provide cars to haul the voters to the polls and also have provided for baby sitters where mothers have young children and cannot leave them.

Democrats closed their campaign in the county Friday night in the democratic headquarters, Lincolnway and Michigan, with a pre-election rally. Atty. Henry Sackett, of Gary, democratic nominee for judge of the supreme court, fifth district, was the main speaker.

New faces will be seen on precinct election boards in a number of Porter county districts next Tuesday. A number of changes have been made in inspectors, who will all be republican, and also among clerks, judges and sheriffs.

AN UNUSUAL STUNT in the Jaycees’ Get-Out-the-Vote campaign was staged in the business district today to encourage citizens to go to the polls Tuesday. Here Jack Kain, sporting the latest thing in stripes with appropriate ball-and-chain accessories, is under the scrutiny of “Guard” Walt Wieggel. The sign: “I did not vote when I had the chance,” was expected to catch the eye. Jaycee officials also hope that would-be voters will catch the idea.

(Polaroid One-Minute Photo by The Vidette-Messenger)

Oct. 7, 1950: Fire Levels Six Farm Buildings

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on October 7, 1950.

FIRE LEVELS 6 FARM BUILDINGS

Call 4 Crews To Blaze In Portage Twp.

Property Owned By George Lute; Crowd Attracted

A spectacular fire destroyed six farm buildings late Friday afternoon at the George Lute farm in Portage Township, occupied by his son, Howard Lute, and his family.

A large barn, about 90 by 50 feet, was the source of the fire and that building was the major loss.

Four fire departments answered the call to the blaze which broke out in the hay mow about 4:40 p.m. and the last unit left the scene about 10 p.m.

The fire, which consumed the barn, milk house, implement shed, garage, an older implement shed and corn crib, could be seen for miles around and attracted hundreds of cars which lined the road for nearly a mile. Residents in Crocker, about five miles away, reported seeing the flames.

The 267-acres farm is located on the first east-west road north of U.S. 6 in Portage Township, near the south end of the Willow Creek Road.

Spontaneous Combustion

Spontaneous combustion in the hay mow was believed to be the only possible cause for the fire, according to Mrs. George Lute, who said that hay and straw had been stored in the barn for only a month.

A south wind contributed greatly to the loss in property as the fire spread rapidly north from the barn, consuming the other buildings and much machinery as the flames progressed.

The large farm house, occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Howard Lute and their two children, was saved although neighbors, whose efforts were although neighbors, whose efforts were praised by Mrs. George Lute, had cleared the house of all its furnishings, even tearing the cupboards from the kitchen walls. Also saved was a new corn crib.

Improvements costing $4,000 were affected on the barn, which was built in 1913, last summer. The building, which had facilities to house 39 head of cattle, had no cattle in it when the fire broke out. But had the blaze started 10 minutes later, the cattle might have perished in the conflagration since it was almost time for the evening milking when the fire started, Mrs. Lute said.

Milkhouse Destroyed

The milkhouse, which was joined to the barn, contained a milk cooler, cans and tanks used in washing milk implements which were destroyed.

The implement shed loss included a corn shredder, corn sheller and corn picker and numerous smaller articles.

A car was driven out of the garage before flames engulfed that building. The corn crib loss included the building. The corn crib loss included the building and a brooder and fanning mill. An old implement shed, formerly used as a granary, also contained several farm implements which were destroyed.

Damage to the silo attached to the barn was confined mainly to the doors, Mrs. Lute said.

The East Gary Fire Department, first to arrive at the scene, was assisted by units at the scene, was assisted by units from Chesterton, Valparaiso, and Hobart. They concentrated mainly on saving the farm house and also were instrumental in saving some machinery from the smaller buildings.