April 26, 1971: 125 Students Take Part In Peace March

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on April 26, 1971.

125 Students Take Part In Peace March

An estimated 125 Valparaiso University students marched on the courthouse Saturday morning in support of Vietnam Solidarity Days.the students carried flags, placards and sang patriotic songs as they walked from the university, via Lincolnway, to the courthouse war memorial where a brief rally was held.

Gene Gross, VU junior from East Lansing, Mich., a march coordinator, explained to the crowd that the United States government policy in Southeast Asia was immoral, unnecessary and a failure. Gross stated that it was part time for the American people to take matters into their own hands and sign a separate peace with the Vietnamese.

Following Gross’s talk, marchers divided into groups and passed out copies of the People’s Peace Treaty, described as “a joint treaty of peace between the people of the United States, South Vietnam and North Vietnam.”

According to this peace treaty, Americans will set a date of total withdrawal of troops, the Vietnamese will agree to an immediate cease fire, all military prisoners will be released, Vietnamese will form a provisional coalition government to organize elections, all parties will guarantee the safety and political freedom of persons involved in the war and all parties will respect the independence, peace and neutrality of Laos and Cambodia.

Police Chief Lee Miller later described the marchers as “well-behaved” and reported the only incident occurred when an unidentified local resident jumped from his automobile, tore down a make-shift Viet Cong flag from a flag pole and drove away.

The turnout of 125 was far below the estimated 500 expected. Various students said the low number was because of chilly weather the general feeling of hopelessness on college campuses, the alleged inability of citizens to influence government policy and the memory of Kent State.

To Courthouse

Nearly 125 Valparaiso University students marched down Lincolnway Saturday protesting American involvement in Vietnam. Group held rally at courthouse. Copies of People’s Peace Treaty were distributed to members of community. Demonstration was noisy but peaceful, police said.

April 20, 1971: V-M Viewpoint - Soap Box Derby Nearing

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on April 20, 1971.

V-M Viewpoint

Soap Box Derby Nearing

Women’s liberation has prompted invasions and attempted invasions and attempted invasions into male activities where females heretofore feared to tread. Comes now “gal’s lib” to threaten male domination of the Soap Box Derby.

Officials of the All-American Soap Box Derby at Akron, O., have decreed that girls can qualify for the world’s gravity car championship by competing in local classics, which have been heretofore confined to boys ー aged 11 through 15.

In fact, sponsors of the Fort Wayne derby this year have already okayed entries of three sisters, whose brother was 1970 winner of the event. A. Mason Bell, All-American Derby general manager, waived the “boys only” rule after the president of a women’s lib group threatened to take the national sponsor. General Motors to court if girls were refused entry.

Actions in favor of participation of girls in local and national derbies remains the responsibility of the respective sponsored.

Soap Box Derby racing cannot be classed in the “dangerous” category. But, neither can it be said to be without chances of injury.

All hills are not the same, but where races are run on hills conforming to national derby specifications, it takes strong wrists and equally strong nerves to control a gravity driven car within set lanes at 40 to 45 miles per hour.

And, it takes split-second thinking and timing to apply the brakes after crossing the finish line without causing the car to swerve and crash. There have been some of these “accidents” in the Valparaiso classic over the years, and there’s  usually three or more annually in the national event. Nothing serious, but the drivers involved are not always free of injury.

Then there would appear to be another factor: Do the girls have the engineering ability to plan and build a car according to specs? This could cause problems.

Up until the present time the sponsors of the local race ー The Vidette-Messenger, Jaycees, Valparaiso Park District and Paul Dolembo Chevrolet and Cadillac, Inc. ー have received no request for entry by girls.

However, the success of any sports promotion is always based upon response and enthusiasm. Two years ago a peak of 68 entrants was reached. Last year this dropped to 60.

If the decline continues, there would be a possibility that the impetus needed to retain the derby franchise in Valparaiso would result in the waiver of the “all-boy” rule here.

A goal of 100 registered entrants with cars has been set by the sponsors for the 1971 inaugural run down a new hill being completed at Harold Rogers Lakewood Park north of the city.

Meanwhile, sponsors are planning to have girls competing among themselves in a “Powder Puff Derby” on July 5. They don’t have to build their own cars, but may use any of the many fine racers now gathering dust in garages or in basements. But, before these gals are allowed down the hill, the cars will undergo the same rigorous inspection given racers made by the boys.

As for the boys, they are urged to sign their registrations, to build a car and to be at the city’s brand new hill and ready to race on July 5.

April 8, 1971: Expect To Top Member Goal

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on April 8, 1971.

Expect To Top Member Goal

First New C-C Member

James C. McGill (left), member of Chamber of Commerce Contact Club, presented membership plaque Wednesday to WIlliam WHeeland of Jess Bowman Associates as Chamber’s first new membership drive.

Preliminary reports indicate that the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce membership drive will exceed the goal of 40 new or renewed memberships, according to Contact Club Chairman Ronald McGuire.

McGuire said over 30 paid memberships were received in Wednesday’s drive with others still coming into the chamber.

Chamber President Art Malasto, who hosted a victory party for the volunteer workers in his home Wednesday afternoon, said, “We are deeply grateful to the volunteers and businessmen who made this victory possible. Our Chamber of Commerce faces unusual challenges as the largest businessmen’s organization in Indiana’s fastest growing county. The support and participation of every business and interested individual is vital, if we are to meet these challenges successfully.”

McGuire urged anyone who has not yet been contacted to call the chamber office, so a Contact Club representative can arrange to personally discuss the Chamber action program.

McGuire pointed out that the chamber “is only as effective as its members make it ー and like all human endeavors it is subject to errors.” But, he said, “Excellence is our primary goal. We now have nearly 30 chamber committees working together for a better community. And, the partnership between the chamber, local governmental officials, and private citizens is becoming much more effective in solving community problems.

April 6, 1971: To Pass Into History

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on April 6, 1971.

To Pass Into History

A bit of Valparaiso railroading tradition will pass into history May 1 when the Grand Trunk Western discontinues passenger service to the city.

According to an official notice, released last week by the Grand Trunk in Detroit, the International Daily, the Mohawk Daily and the Maple Leaf Daily will no longer make their six daily stops in Valparaiso.

According to the National Railroad Passenger Act (Railpax), of which the Grand Trunk is now a member, a participating Railroad may discontinue any inter-city service not included in the Railpax master plan so long as it gives a 30-day discontinuance notice.

The act prohibits the Interstate Commerce Commission from protesting the discontinuance.

The Grand Trunk has been a part of the Valparaiso railroading scene since 1880 when the old Chicago and Grand Trunk began operations from a terminus east of South Bend and ran westward through Valparaiso and into Chicago via Griffith.

It was reorganized as the Grand Trunk Western in 1900. Railroad buffs will recall that the line became famous for establishing milk stations along its route.

Grand Trunk officials report that no decision has been made concerning the local station.

Rail Service Ending Here

Four score and 11 years ago, Grand Trunk Western began its operation in Valparaiso. But after May 1, local residents will no longer stand here to catch trains to Chicago or Detroit. Grand Trunk is discontinuing passenger service here. W.E. Frame, station manager, reports no decision has been made on future of depot.

April 2, 1971: Parsnips Anyone?

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on April 2, 1971.

Parsnips Anyone?

George J. Clifford, of 2808 N. Campbell, holds two large parsnips grown in his home garden. Largest parsnip is 20 inches long, 14 inches in circumference and weighs two and one half pounds. Clifford says organic gardening is hobby and he is president of Valparaiso Organic Garden Club. Success is due to plenty of rain, rich soil and fertilizers.

March 9, 1971: Order Appropriating Jail Land Signed

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 9, 1971.

Order Appropriating Jail Land Signed

An order appropriating property for construction of a new county jail and appointing appraisers for the two condemned parcels was signed today by Porter Circuit Judge Alfred J. Pivarnik.

Appraisers to be sworn in Thursday are Dorothy Fry, James Dickey and H. Pete Hudson, for the property of Mr. and Mrs. Donald FIndling at 103 Monroe; and John Griffin, Max Dickey and Gilbert Gregory, for the property of Bruce Bornholt, 155 Franklin.

Appraisals are to be returned March 23. The county may then gain possession of the land by paying the amount of the appraisal into the clerk’s office. County Atty. Roger Claudon reported that the county would like to have possession April 1.

If the county or landowners in either case object to the court appraisal as being too high or too low, and a condemnation trial results, the county or landowners pays the difference required after the jury award.

Tenants on the Findling property are Mr. and Mrs. Walter Lamberson and John, Anthony and Ann Nykiel, who are also listed as defendants in the condemnation suit. Bornholt’s niece, Ann Browning, has an interest in his property and is also a defendant in the condemnation suit of his parcel.

Hearing this morning was on the question of whether the County Board of Commissioners was entitled to appropriate fee simple title to the land.

Judge Pivarnik ruled that the county has the power to build jails and that the Board of Commissioners has the power to appropriate real estate, and condemned the property for the use of the county.

The condemnation suits against owners of the two parcels were authorized by the Board of Commissioners Feb. 1 after the landowners refused to sell their land for the amount of appraisals made for the commissioners last year.

Owners of two other parcels to be taken for the jail settled for the appraisal offers. The county paid $20,000 to Leslie Large for property at the corner of Franklin and Monrow and $10,000 to Mrs. Jennie Cavinder Porch, 103½ Monroe, west of the alley in the blok.

Bonds for $1.96 million for construction of the jail were sold by the county in December at a rate of 4.02 per cent to a group of banks including Northern Indiana Bank and trust Co. and several Chicago financial institutions.

The new jail is to be built south of the present jail, and will include juvenile and sheriff’s facilities and room on the fourth floor for county offices until the space is needed for future jail facilities.

Architect Campell Kane is working on specifications for bids for construction of the jail.

March 5, 1971: Honor Tilton, 93

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 5, 1971.

Honor Tilton, 93

By ROLLIE BERNHART

Ira C. Tilton, 93, lawyer, author, lecturer and teacher, was honored by the Porter County Bar Association Thursday for 57 years of dedicated service to the legal profession.

Atty. Herb Douglas, member of the association’s honors committee, presented the dean of Porter County lawyers with a gavel plaque in his study at 405 Garfield.

Tilton fought back tears of gratitude as Douglas read the inscription, “In recognition of 57 years of service to the citizens of Porter County in active practice of law and Jurisprudence in Porter County in active practice of law and Jurisprudence in Porter County, Ind., by Ira C. Tilton. Presented by the Porter County Bar Association, March 4, 1971.”
Douglas made the presentation on behalf of Honors Committee chairman Quentin Blachly, who was out of the city.

A letter was read from Porter Superior Court Judge Russell Nixon, also unable to attend because of business reasons, who went back a “respectable distance” in local history to reminisce about Tilton and other members of the legal profession.

“My happy memories of those days,” Nixon wrote, “include many conversations and discussions with you, and down through the years that followed, my contact with you was always pleasant, even when adversary. We are members of a great profession. To have performed well in it is indeed an honor, and worthy of any tribute. I add my good wishes to those of your many friends.”

Tilton also received a congratulatory telegram from 2nd District Congressman Earl F. Landgrebe.

On hand to honor Tilton and listen to him reminisce about his family tree and the county legal profession after he was admitted to practice on Jan. 14, 1914 were Bar Association members George Douglas, Eng Zimmerman Jr., Circuit Court Judge Alfred J. Pvarnik, Superior Court Judge Russell Willis, James W. Chester, Raymond Kickbush; Mrs. Avery Weaver, Tilton’s daughter and law partner, Mr. Weaver, and Rollie Bernhart (who also goes back a respectable distance) of The Vidette-Messenger.

The hour spent with Tilton resulted in a remarkable demonstration of a keen and analytical mind despite advanced years. Tilton will have a 94th birthday in December.

Coming to Valparaiso from Kansas, Tilton graduated from Valparaiso University in 1909. In the years following admittance to practice law, Tilton served as city attorney, county attorney, deputy prosecutor, Circuit Court Judge, Democratic county chairman for 10 years, member of the Valparaiso School Board, and was the organizer of the PTA in Porter County.

For Service

Atty. Ira C. Tilton holds gavel plaque presented him Thursday by Atty. Herb Douglas on behalf of Porter County Bar Association in tribute to 93-year-old lawyer’s 57 years of legal service to citizens if Porter County

Jan. 25, 1971: V-M Viewpoint About Local Industry

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on January 25, 1971.

V-M Viewpoint

About Local Industry

What products are made and what services are provided by local manufacturers and firms?

We believe that it is unfortunate that most of us wouldn’t score too well if we were asked to take paper and pencil and list these products and services. And yet many of the things manufactured here not only are spread around the country, but around the globe as well.

We would suppose that most people residing in this area are aware that we have firms in our community that manufacture bearings, magnets and food processing machinery. Probably a lot of local residents know that Valparaiso is the home of the world’s largest producer of hybrid popcorn seed.

But how many people could say what goes on at the Robert L. Miller Laboratory, Impact Extrusions, Inc., or Shepco Products, even though these firms have been with us for many years?

We suspect that many local persons realize that wiper blades for automobiles are made by the Anderson Company, which has diversified operations based in Valparaiso and Gary. It also manufactures blades for airplanes.

In a recent edition of the Anderson Company’s house organ, Anco Family News, there was an interesting discussion on the firm’s wiper blade business.

It was pointed out that it supplies blades for the huge 747 jets, but despite the big bulk of this plane, the wipers are not eight feet longーwhich is quite a bit longer than those used on passenger cars.

Incidentally blades are longer than that on two jumbo jetsーLockheed 1011, 26-inch long blade; and Douglas DC 10, 29 inches.

Maxi-sized wiper made by the company dates back to World War II when Anderson produced a 36-inch blade for the tail gunner windshield on the B-29. Probably most people didn’t realize that the tail gunner rated a wiper blade.

Now what about mini-sized blades? That one’s being made now by Anderson for the Volvo, a Swedish car, which sports a four-inch wiper blade for its headlamp.

You never heard of wiper blades for headlamps and tail lamps, but they are already popular in Europe as safety measures, and they are expected to become so soon in the United States.

It’s like we say, you never know what’s going on inside the walls of our local industries, unless you inquire or the company takes time out to brief you on its operations.