Dec. 6, 1935: VALPARAISO CITIZENS FIND V.U. SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IS WELL WORTH PATRONAGE

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 6, 1935.

VALPARAISO CITIZENS FIND V.U. SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA IS WELL WORTH PATRONAGE

BY ROBERT ALLETT

Valparaiso citizens are gradually awakening to the fact that Miss Helen Dvorak is building a splendid musical organization at the universityーone which last night proved itself a credit to the school, the director and the community.

One of the largest crowds ever to attend an evening concert of the Valparaiso University Symphony Orchestra responded with sincere applause to the group’s first concert of the present season. There must have been 500 present, the majority being townspeople, and Miss Dvorak has every reason to feel proud today. Her orchestra was excellent, the violin soloist, Darrel Kautz, who is a student of the director, demonstrated masterly technique, and the audience was receptive.

Not a “university” symphony in the strict sense of the word, over half the musicians being from outside the school, all credit must be given, however, to the student council of the local institution as the financier, and to Miss Dvorak as organizer, of so outstanding a group.

Presentation of Tchaikovsky’ “Symphony No. 5 in E Minor” revealed an orchestra that responded nicely to delicate direction; revealed a background that was strong and steady, with fine intonation, and justified the importation of professional players, horns, bassons, obees, and contrabass, that added muchh to the beauty of the interpretation.

Double stops offered no terrors for Darrel Kautz, student soloist who played de Bériot’s difficult “Concerto No. 7 for Violin.” His emphasis on technique made his interpretation clean cut and clear toned and the tricky bowing of the composition was done excellently. Responding to prolonged applause, Kautz played “Goin’ Home” from Anton Dvorak’s “New World Symphony” which was distinctly an anti-climax, especially in the latter part of the composition.

The orchestra caught the stiff rhythmatic mood of Herbert’s “March of the Toys” from “Babes in Toyland,” and in “Dance of the Buffoons” from Rimsky-Korsakov’s “The Snow Maiden” amused the audience with sound effects which gave the percussion department a chance to show off, but in both instances a bit more looseness and humor on the part of the musicians would have added to the effectiveness of the compositions which are, at best, tone-pictures of something light and fantastic.

Violins, which throughout the concert were overshadowed by the horns and woodwinds, came through admirably in “Suite Algerienne Op. 88,” by Saint-Saens, doing some good sustaining work. One thing that can be said of Miss Dvorak’s orchestra as it played last night, no department was overemphasized and there was no evidence of a top-heavy string section. Themes were tossed from instrument to instrument with a finesse that has seldom been heard on the university campus and “March Militaire Francaise,’ second movement of “Suite Algerienne,” which is a perennial favorite on the hill, was never played better by a local group.

Fredrick Schweppe, music director at the university, announced the forthcoming presentation on Sunday afternoon, December 15, of Handel’s “Messiah” as the student council’s annual Christmas gift to the city of Valparaiso. The university choir will be augmented by the Lake county Lutheran chorus and the two groups will total 125 voices. The orchestra, under Miss Dvorak, will play the accompaniment and the program will be free.

Symphony orchestra personnel:

First violinーDarrel Kautz, concert master; edward misiora, Armin Manning, Selma Kroencke, Glenn Tom, Jessie Swanson, *Josephine Wyckoff, *Lois Lichtensberger, Louis Birkholz, *Betty Balleau, *Betty Lichtenberg, *Janice Carstens.

Second violin ー Martin Katz, principal; Alfred Erickson, Paul Egli, Harland Kaufman, Dorothy Mackensen, Donald Wiersbaum, *Mary Ellen Steele, Rosaline Grosz, Betty Pierce.

Viola ー Adeline Eaton, George Myers, *Palmer Myran, *William Nelson.

Violoncello ー Philip Anderson, Clarence Schneider, Edward Egglebrecht, *Jeanette Kamms. Contra Bass ー Harold Rogers, Melvin Breining, Robert Kinne, *Kelen Cook.

Flute ー *Herbert Anderson, William Anderson, *Paul Dolembo.

Oboe ー *H. Buchsbaum, Mrs. William Johnston, August Breitbarth.

Clarinet ー Kenneth Green, Lester Spears, *Jean Ordung.

Bassoon ー *Dall Fields, William Johnston.

Horns ー *Stewart Taylor, Albert Szabo, *Kenneth Hedstrom, *Eva Mitchell.

Trumpet ー H. Fulton, Howard Betz, Harold Jones, *Leroy Brittan.

Trombone ー Arthur Griep. Howard Krieger, Wallace Wilson.

Tuba ー *Robert Kawmmer.

Percussion ー Raymond Handschy, Robert Kinne.

* Guest members

Dec. 4, 1965: Liberty Pupil Asks Whether Or Not Santa Really Exists Santa Clause Doesn’t See Debate Need

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 4, 1965.

Liberty Pupil Asks Whether Or Not Santa Really Exists

Santa Clause Doesn’t See Debate Need

(EDITOR’S NOTE ー Answer to letter to Santa Claus from the staff of Liberty Township school’s “Lion Roar.”)

By SANTA CLAUS

Dear Barbara: Why should there be any debate among the Lion’s Roar staff members about whether there is a Santa Claus? There is no reason to have to prove this. People believe in me, so I exist ー ask any one of millions of little people.

Don’t their eyes light up on Christmas morning when they see their presents? Ask them who brought the gifts and they’ll answer “Santa Claus”. How could he bring them if he doesn’t exist? Don’t the little people flock by the hundreds and thousands to see Santa and tell of their desires for Christmas? To whom are all the letters addressed expressing wishes for Christmas presents?

Perhaps as they grow older and more “worldly” some of them forget about their faith and belief in Santa. This, however, does not mean I don’t exist. How many other faiths and beliefs do some people deny? Does their disbelief and vehement denial give credence to their lack of faith?

Must Believe

Barbara, for those who believe in me, I exist. Those who do not think there is a Santa Claus are somewhat unfortunate and for those I can not be ー not until they believe.

It’s too bad the worldly, the knowing can’t take a lesson from the little people and learn the joy of really knowing that Santa Claus is real, for I am the personification of happiness and generosity that joins in the truly joyous spirit of Christmas born almost 2,000 years ago.

As for your requests, your one wish for a good luck charm can be fulfilled and you will find at your school one day soon a lock from that famous fluffy, white beard.

May it serve as a good luck charm for your basketball team, although they hardly need it. I hear they play a good clean game. That’s what really counts, isn’t it? But maybe they’ll pick up a few more wins now.

Tougher To Grant

The other request for more senior boys is a tougher one to grant. You have no idea how many similar requests have been pouring in from all over.

There aren’t a whole lot of senior boys to be found, but as soon as some become available they will be sent to Liberty, though they may arrive too late for you. The girls now in the junior class may be the ones who will be appreciating the arrival of the boys.

Meanwhile, be good to the senior boys you do have at Liberty. At least be kind to them. I’m sure they’re trying to do their best.

Mrs. Claus does plan to have a Merry Christmas. Both of us will rest and know the joy of having made so many people happy.

Be Seeing You

And so, Barbara, I’ll be seeing you on the street corners, in the stores and homes. You’ll be hearing my voice in the Christmas songs and greetings. If you listen hard enough you may hear me with my reindeer and sleigh jingling through the countryside.

You’ll be able to see the twinkle of my eye in the Christmas tree ornaments. You’ll see my smile passing from face to face as greetings of the season are exchanged and my laughter will ring out as the little people find delight first in anticipation and then in that morning full of wonder.

My red cheeks will be seen as the frosty air nips the shoppers busily thinking of others and the special gifts that must be found. My breath will frost the window panes as I peek at all the preparations being made.

Dream and Hope

My white beard will tickle the fancies of the little people as they dream and hope, hardly able to wait for that special day. As the gifts are opened my chuckle of satisfaction will be heard in the crinkle of wrapping paper as it is torn off to reveal all the long awaited pleasures.

And you’ll hear my prayer during Christmas worship services.

I exist, Barabara, but I don’t take the place of the true meaning of ChristmasーI only accompany it to help make the occasion truly great as it should be.

Merry Christmas, Barbara and the entire Lion’s Roar Staff. Merry Christmas.

Dec. 5, 1970: VHS Will Play Trojans Tonight

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 5, 1970.

VHS Will Play Trojans Tonight

New Suede Shoes

Jeff Butterfield, center, Valpo High senior guard, models new green uniform and holds new green suede shoes he will wear tonight when Vikings play Trojans at Chesterton. Players in practice uniforms are Mark Schafer, left, and Mike Frey, right.

HOBART ー The Valpo Vikings ー the boys in the green suede shoes ー put a quick end to Hobart High’s three-game winning streak Friday night by easily defeating the Brickies on their own floor, 70-56.

It was the third straight win of the season for the Vikings and their second Duneland Conference win. They will journey to Chesterton tonight to take on the Trojans in another league tilt.

In defeating the Brickies, the Vikings came up with their best game to date. They played outstanding defense, shot well from outside, controlled the boards and came through with a devastating fast break.

The VHS defense held the Brickies to just four baskets in 22 shots in the first half and 16 for 52 for the game. VHS, meanwhile, hit 28 baskets in 65 attempts. The Vikings outrebounded the Brickies, 53-26.

Jeff Butterfield and Tom O’Neill led the Viking attack with 18 and 20 points, respectively. Butterfield was 9 for 19 from the field while O’Neill hit 7 of 14 goals and 6 of 7 free throws.

Shooting of the other Vikes were Mike Frey, 1 for 3; Mark Schafer, 2 for 4; Dan Keefe, 1 for 4; Jim Doane, 2 for 4; Freeman, 3 for 9; Domke, 3 for 8; Gordon, 0 for 1.

Slow Start

Both teams had trouble getting started in the first quarter. John Dubenetzky opened the scoring with a free throw and Jim Doane tallied a field goal to give the Vikings a 2-1 lead. They never trailed thereafter.

With less than a minute to play in the slow first quarter, VHS led 12-7. However, just before the gun, Dennis Doll came up with a three-point play for the Brickies to make the score 12-10.

Mark Freeman and O'Neill picked up quick baskets at the start of the second quarter and then Jeff Butterfield put on a display of outside shooting. He hit six long shots in the period in seven attempts as the Vikes rolled up 26 markers while holding the Brickies to 11 to take a 38-21 lead into the dressing room.

The Vikes slowed the game down in the third quarter and were outscored, 16-14. O’Neill had six points for VHS in the period and Larry Domke and Butterfield, four each. Dubenetzky led Hobart with five.

Reserves for both teams saw plenty of action in the fourth quarter as the Brickies again outscored the Vikings by one point ー 19-18.

Dec. 5, 1935: WOMAN CHICK THIEF GETS 6 MONTHS TERM

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 5, 1935.

WOMAN CHICK THIEF GETS 6 MONTHS TERM

Chicken stealing in Porter county was given a rude setback Wednesday with the conviction of two arch offenders, one in the Porter superior court, and the other in Jasper circuit court at Rensselaer.

Mrs. Marilyn Gaylord, […] twenty-three years, and styled “the queen of the chicken thieves,” was sentenced to six months in the Indiana Women’s prison at Indianapolis by Judge Mark B. Rockwell in Porter superior court on her plea of guilty.

She, with a male companion, who is still at large, is believed to have attempted a burglary of the Otto Jardine hennery in Jackson township on July 3 last.

Surprised in the act by Mr. Jardone, the couple pulled guns on Jardine, relieved him of his shotgun, and then locked him in the chicken coop, making their escape.

Mrs. Gaylord, who claims Seattle, Wash., as her home, was arrested in Lake county by Sheriff Neil Fry and Chief Deputy Sheriff Carl Herron, who had been working on the case.

Desco McBride, age 40, who admitted stealing chickens in Porter county, was sentenced to one to ten years in Michigan City prison by Judge Moses Leopold at Rensselaer.

McBride was apprehended in LaPorte county by authorities after officers had been tipped off by a Valparaiso dealer to whom he had sold chickens.

He was accused of stealing a quantity of chickens from a farmer living near Rensselaer. The farmer identified a number of fowls found on McBride’s farm on State Road 6, near the LaPorte-Porter county line, as those taken from his hennery.

McBride moved to his present location in April and last year was arrested at Troy, Mich., for grain thefts.

To Sheriff Fry he admitted having stolen some chicken in Porter county.

Dec. 4, 1945: Mayor Accepts Moose Gift to Valparaiso

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County December 4, 1945.

Mayor Accepts Moose Gift to Valparaiso

Mayor Garrett D. Conover, who accepted a $1,100 iron lung on behalf of the city of Valparaiso, is shown in the center of the picture above as he extends his thanks to Arthur Curtis, governor of the Valparaiso Loyal Order of Moose, who made the presentation.

Formal ceremonies were held at the Moose temple last Tuesday night. Richard Dowdell, in the left foreground, is seen “modeling” one of three various sized metal jackets. Witnessing the ceremony in the background, from left to right are: Chester Anderson, Wallace Gray, Frank Bender, Harold Pence, Lawrence Young (behind Mayor Conover, Roy Hewlett, Wilbur Cowdrey (standing to Curtis’ right), Fred Butterfield, Thomas Brown and Edward Stoltz.

The portable lung, which can be adapted to the needs of small children and adults, is being housed in the Valparaiso fire station. It can be used in cases of drowning, asphyxiation, suffocation, electrocution and infantile paralysis.

Dec. 3, 1975: 'Unforgettable Event'

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 3, 1975.

‘Unforgettable Event’

Ralph Schenck’s Valparaiso Observer

Near the close of a year’s course in U.S. History we used to pass out carbon copies of famous slogans such as “Taxation without representation is tyranny;” “Millions for defense but not one cent for tribute;” “54-40 or Fight.” Remember “Make the world safe for Democracy”?

Depending on class ability we then had written or oral comments on the birth of such phrases and the justice or injustice of their sources.

Thirty-four years ago on Dec. 8, 1941, another famous phrase caused a blaze in what had heretofore been coming over the radio in peaceful fireside chats. What was it? In general, it was, “A Day that will live in infamy.” As the historical past dims in perspective, this one, too is in the shadows of languishing retrospection.

Many of us can recall that apprehensive blast as it boomed over the radio and it was followed by many inflated articles in the then current periodicals. This was a unanimous response to the unity for war. Again, many that did respond are now couched in the hallowed accolades of eternity because of this war.

Immediately afterwards, there were feverish motivating parades and a variety of public incentives in the cause of patriotism. The naval disaster at Pearl Harbor was, supposedly, a complete surprise. Today, this is but a fragment of past history for each new incoming generation. Quoting, “The past is really almost as much a work of imagination as the future.” Pearl Harbor is still a  lingering and unforgettable experience of those still living today.

The world is still intellectually sterile in seeking a truth serum for eliminating the idiocies of war. Such a serum could be an antitoxin for future civilization that could be the most remarkable discovery since the dawn of recorded history.

It has become evident that, in our country, the young are growing bigger, healthier, stronger and, with our knowledge explosion, indeed much wiser. Technically, we are making unbelievable progress. Humanity is likely to be crowding into the portals of other planets in the next generation, yet there remains a chasm between the basic scientific realities and the human social adjustments of how the behavior of people can be changed to live peaceably together on this earth.

The joys of opulence, comfort and security in one field of learning are reciprocated by the despairs and dismays in the area of human behavior. Perhaps a computerized mentality may eventually divulge some abstract solutions so that the awesome militarism of the world powers might retire in mutual trust.

May we emphasize that talented social scientists are not neglecting this continuous research. The old League of Nations, the World Court and so many other historical attempts have been recorded in the past. As of now, most of these have suffered from egotistic obesity and are smothered in the documentary dust of past history.

Let us recall that it was on Dec. 7, 1941, that Japanese planes surprised the American fleet at Pearl Harbor and destroyed or disabled our protective power in the Pacific. More than 3,000 Americans died on this day. The United States found itself in a war for self-preservation. Japan was planning to destroy this strong embryo of democracy. The promised land, that had been a haven for the depressed of the world for more than 200 years, was aflame with anger.

Four years later, a new Caesar mushroomed over Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This country did not shirk its sacrificial duties for survival. It is said that even hell has some system of management, and as Gen. William T. Sherman of the Civil War said, “War is hell.”

Preparedness is still necessary for future security for wars are still imminent. When our country is endangered we usually rise in social solidarity for the common welfare of all. A war goes on at a blistering pace until the evil is removed. After such a war, it is still not “Gone With the Wind.”

We then venture into a yawning epoch of united world conferences seeking guidelines and taboos for some means to develop a decent society in which mankind can become peaceful.

At some unknown mark on the calendar newly created debacles of destruction and devices of death will be used. How strange it seems that while we have acquired the capability to immunize society against former plagues and diseases, yet the hideous reality of the world’s greatest plague still remains a seething caldron of human anxieties. Peace is a fragile fabric.

Some few today may recall that ominous voice on the radio which said, “The Japanese have attacked Pearl Harbor.” Perhaps, then, only about one person in a hundred knew where Pearl Harbor was. Many, however, were then aware of the menace of Hitler as a friend of the Japanese.

That frightening bolt out of the blue burned in the minds of all Americans. War factories lit up like fireflies. Assembly lines changed to produce war materials. There were orgies of mass production for the instruments of death. Albert Einstein from Germany, Enrico Fermi from Italy, Robert Oppenheimer, the American, and many other gifted scientists began an endless research for more deathly carnage of slaughter. The sword of Damocles was quivering. Hiroshima and, three days later, Nagasaki were destroyed in an inferno of annihilation

Darius was once a great conqueror over others. Alexander conquered the then known world. The galleons of Spain created an empire. The British navy established a colonial globe upon which the “sun never set.” the atom bomb entered into the course of history.

Perhaps all we have discovered at the end of the rainbow of peace is a lead pipe instead of more light for the brotherhood of man on earth.

A short time ago a winter declared that the present international militarism was forecasting an “approaching apocalypse.” Whatever that is, there will always be a tomorrow and we just might discover another rainbow with instruments for peace to be used for the brotherhood of mankind.

Dec. 3, 1955: Pets Given Space To Roam On Farm In Hebron Region

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 3, 1955.

Pets Given Space To Roam On Farm In Hebron Region

By CHET DYNEWSKI

HEBRON, Dec. 3 ー A desire to give their pets plenty of fresh air and freedom of space, without undue annoyance to neighbors, prompted Mr. and Mrs. Fred Stott to move from Chicago to a 66-acre farm at RFD 1, Hebron.

On the Porter township farm, where he will breed his parakeets, canaries, tropical fish, cats, dogs and even monkeys, Stott hopes to be able to raise the pets in peace.

Inasmuch as the farm will be strictly for pets, a wildlife and game preservation is being planned. In the spring and summer months, the dogs and cats will have outside pens and the birds will have exterior flight cages.

When the cats are turned outside, they will wear collars with small bells to warn and attract any unwary prey, Stott pointed out.

Planned also for the farm is a fish pond aquarium for the tropical fish.

Stott has an inherent love for animals of all kinds. Included in his present menagerie is Millie, a spider monkey, and other “celebrities” who have appeared on many television pet shows in the Chicago area.

In 1949, Stott stated that he had a parakeet who amassed a vocabulary of “750 words” through his tutorship.

His parakeet protege today is “Corky”, who utters such well known lines as, “Twinkle, Twinkle, little star; Canaries can’t talk, they sing” “Jack and Jill went up the hill”; “It’s a beautiful day in Chicago”; and the latest, “I live in Hebron, Ind.”

There are about 600 birds at the Stott farm, with about 60 females currently hatching eggs. Stott pointed out that the female parakeet will lay an average of five eggs, although some have had 13 eggs in a nest. Unlike the canary whose eggs hatch every day, the parakeet’s eggs hatch every other day.

That kindness to animals is inherited, is evidenced by the acts of the Stotts’ two grandchildren, Terry, 4, and Linda, 2, who reside with them. Always on hand to aid in the feeding of the many pets, both children make certain that the bird seed swept from the floor of the large cage, is thrown outside for the wild birds to eat.

Monkey Makes Home On Hebron Farm

“MILLIE,” a spider monkey, who has experienced the pleasures of appearing in television programs in the Chicago area, is one of the many pets on the newly established pet farm of Fred Stott, above, at RDF 1, Hebron.

Parakeet Boasts Remarkable Vocabulary

MRS. FRED STOTT demonstrates the versatility of “Corky,” a parakeet with an amazing vocabulary, by permitting the bird to roost atop her head. (Chet Dynewski Photos)

Dec. 2, 1970: High Winds Topple Wall Hurt As Wall Falls

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 2, 1970.

High Winds Topple Wall

Hurt As Wall Falls

Edward J. Koutsky, 54, of Portage, injured Tuesday when cement blocks toppled on him as he was working at the Kroger Family Center site, was listed in guarded condition today at Porter Memorial Hospital where he is in the intensive care unit.

Koutsky and his son-in-law, Ronald Pearce, 30, of Portage, were working at the site between East Chicago Street and Lincolnway east of Roosevelt when high winds forced over a 15-foot portion of a 30-foot high wall.

Pearce suffered minor leg injuries, police said, when attempting to come to the assistance of Koutsky when he saw the wall beginning to fall.

Koutsky, who was on a ladder attempting to brace the wall, was buried in the mud when the blocks fell, police said.

Developer of the complex is Trebor, Inc., headed by Robert J. and Dolores Cooke, of Portage.

High winds Tuesday apparently caused a 15-foot portion of a wall to collapse, seriously injuring Edward Koutsky, 54, of Portage, who was working at Kroger complex site on East Chicago Street near Roosevelt. Koutsky was attempting to shore wall when wind toppled cement blocks.