Dec. 12, 1935: KOUTS’ ONE-MAN INFORMATION BUREAU GIVES TIP ON RABBIT HIDE-OUT; BOYS FAIL FIND IT

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 12, 1935.

KOUTS’ ONE-MAN INFORMATION BUREAU GIVES TIP ON RABBIT HIDE-OUT; BOYS FAIL FIND IT

BY ROBERT ALLETT

KOUTS, Dec. 12.ーGordon Starkey is the local unofficial one-man information bureau. If there’s anything about Kouts or vicinity you want to knowーask “Gordie”ーthe chances are ten to one he can tell you, what, when, where and why. His modest service station is headquarters of the Hot Stove League and about half of this community’s younger male population makes a daily visit to the small shop where a good yarn is always being told by someone. Gordie is a great favorite with hunters, young and old. Having worked around here and old. Having worked around here most of his life he knows all the best spots for rabbits, squirrels and quail and in these days when game is getting more and more scarce and farmers more and more particular about who hunts on their land this knowledge is invaluable to shotgun devotees.

Yesterday, however, his reputation as a dispenser of hot tips was placed in serious jeopardy. Glenn and Gerry Gordon, Edward Pumroy, Kendrick Hiatt and “Snip” Cannon, five young natives, well-known here for their love of the hunt, stopped in to see if Gordie couldn’t tell them a new place to get rabbits. Having hunted in just about every square inch of this territory, there seemed little chance that Starkey could tell them anything they didn’t already know.

But Jesse Williamson, Morgan township farmer, Wednesday morning told Gordie to send any local hunters, who wanted some real rabbit shooting, over to his farm. “Only don’t send any hunters from Gary,” he asked. “The last time a bunch came over they took a pot-shot at my horses.”

So when the boys came in yesterday afternoon Starkey had just the information they wanted. They all knew just where the Williamson farm wasーor thought they didーbut Gordie, to be sure they would not get on the wrong land, took the pains of drawing them a rough map, along with implicit instructions as to how they might easily get there.

Two hours later an indigent quintet stormed into Starkey’s office and this time they weren’t hunting rabbits but so-called “information bureaus.” Gordie, it seems, had given them a bum steerーor so they said.

There is no record of anyone ever having got lost in the wilds of Morgan township before but the boys claimed they had covered the southwestern half of Porter county, had run out of gas, wasted an afternoon, broken their car and got kicked off three farms, with no luck as far as finding Jesse Williamson was concerned.

Starkey thinks the boys are too young to go hunting alone and he is going to get them all a compass for Christmas. Pumroy thinks Gordie gave them the wrong directions and is keeping this hunting paradise for himself. He also told Starkey he didn’t know a quail from a snow-bird anyhow.

In the meantime, little cottontails frisked about the Williamson farmーwithout a care in the world.

Dec. 12, 1975: V-M VIEWPOINT Is There A Santa Claus?

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 12, 1975.

V-M VIEWPOINT

Is There A Santa Claus?

A NINE-YEAR-OLD student from Valparaiso has asked The Vidette-Messenger a most profound question: “Is There a Santa Claus?” The girl wrote:

“IS THERE a Santa Claus? Please would you print my answer in the paper? It’s not that I want my name in the paper. I just want the truth, please.

“I believe, but nobody’s sure, so I want to know from you. The reason I want it in the paper is because I want other children to see it.”

WE THANK her for the inquiry, and commend her for having a searching mind. While this answer is intended primarily for her, we would trust that all her young friends and people everywhere would take cognizance of the indisputable truth that indeed there is a Santa Claus.

Most frequently Santa is portrayed as embodying the Spirit of Christmas ー  and that he most certainly does. But what is too frequently forgotten is that his light shines throughout each year.

Santa Claus is readily identified as being responsible for bringing toys, clothing and good things to eat to homes throughout the land. He is less discernible when he provides necessities to the needy during this season but these actions are nonetheless true signs of his Spirit of Christmas.

HE IS VERY much present when we give our abundance to those less fortunate than we are. Sharing with our family, relatives and friends is a true sign that we love them, but the real Spirit of Christmas is much more than this. It is helping strangers, orphans, windows and the poor to bask in the warmth of this season.

We have always believed that there is a Santa Claus. Sometimes ー particularly as we grow older ー we have our doubts. But that is human weakness.

There is a great mystery surrounding him. Mostly he acts quietly. He is not one to stay around long enough for us to say “thanks” to him.

BUT WE OWE him much. Without him this would be a bleak world. There would be little true hope, love or joy.

To all our young children, we would say that we all are made very much aware of Santa Claus during the Christmas holidays. We see him in the store, or his picture appears in the newspaper, or his “Ho-Ho-Ho” resounds over the airwaves via the television set.

That is all well and good. And that’s the way it should be. We want him to make his presence felt at this time of the year.

BUT THE SPIRIT of Christmas somehow has a way of fading out during the rest of the year. We have a tendency to forget about the needy and those less fortunate than we are. This young student has asked us to tell her whether or not there is a Santa Claus. And we assure her there is.

However, now we would like to ask her, her mother, her father, and people everywhere to help us make that Spirit of Christmas live throughout the year. It can. It must. But we all must join together in making it work. Then only will we all have a chance to make this a better world in which to live.

Then indeed only can we truly join with Santa Claus in saying, “Merry Christmas ーAnd a Good New Year.”

Dec. 11, 1940: Help Offered To Family Left Destitute By Fire

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 11, 1940.

Help Offered To Family Left Destitute By Fire

Several movements were afoot today in an effort to extend aid to the Dunklebarger family of Wheeler after fire Tuesday had left a widow and four children homeless.

Mrs. Ethel Dille of the county welfare department announced that an immediate investigation of the situation would be conducted by that office to determine the amount of aid needed. She said the Wheeler unit of the Red Cross would no doubt offer some assistance since the loss of a home by any family in dire circumstances could be considered “an emergency.”

At the same time an appeal was issued by Mrs. E.F. VanNess from the relief room of the Valparaiso Woman’s Club for clothing which might be given to the mother and youngsters. The mother, Mrs. VanNess said, wears a size 44 dress. In addition there is one girl of high school age, one girl in the eight grade, and twin boys who are sophomores in high school.

Persons having clothing that could be used are urged to send it to the Woman’s Club building by Saturday noon. Those having bedding and furniture which might be contributed are asked not to send these articles to the club building, but instead to call 932R, telling what items are offered.

In the third instance of proffered aid, a local man called at The Vidette-Messenger office this morning early, volunteering $10 to a fund for the family if the newspaper would act as an intermediary and accept other cash donations. For those who wish to contribute, The Vidette-Messenger will assume the responsibility of seeing that the money is placed in the hands of the mother.

Meanwhile, it was assured today that other needy families of Valparaiso and vicinity will be remembered on Christmas with baskets of food and other articles.

This was revealed today with the meeting Monday night of representatives of some 23 local organizations at the office of the county welfare department in the court house. Other groups not represented signified their intention to cooperate in making this Christmas one of joy for those in distress.

Mrs. Ethel Dile, county welfare director, was elected permanent chairman of the Christmas Basket Clearing committee, and Miss Betty Lou Nichols, also of the welfare department, was named secretary.

Among those present at the meeting was Major Harry Strissel, Gary corps commander of the Salvation Army. He announced that his organization will assist the local groups this year. Last year the Salvation Army provided 35 baskets in Valparaiso. At a single kettle in Valparaiso last Saturday, more than $17 was obtained. The kettle will be put out again next Saturday and maintained from that date until Christmas eve, Major Strissel said.

This is the fourth year Christmas baskets have been distributed under the supervision of the Christmas Basket Clearing committee. The Porter county welfare office serves as a clearing committee to prevent duplication of gifts. The organization giving away baskets are in sole charge of the distribution.

In the main the baskets contain food articles, but some organizations will give toys and clothing in addition.

Dec. 10, 1970: Pupils Need Articles For Yule Project

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 10, 1970.

Pupils Need Articles For Yule Project

Wheels and tires from bicycles, tricycles, and buggies are needed by the Vocational Industrial Club of America (VICA) at Valparaiso High School. They will be used to repair toys for needy children for Christmas.

The VICA is repairing the toys in shop classes. Beta Sigma Phi Sorority will distribute them to needy homes.

The youths, whose instructor is Ronald Pollock, are accepting repairable toys, puzzles and games until Monday. They now have 25 to 30 toys repaired.

Members of the club earned funds to buy supplies for repairing the toys by cleaning the football field after games this fall.

Persons wishing to donate toys or wheels may call Valparaiso High School and members of the club will pick up the articles.

Repair Toys For Needy

Members of Vocational Industrial Club of America at Valparaiso High School repair toys which will be distributed to needy children for Christmas. From left are Chuck Watson, vice president; Bob Ranson, Student Council representative; Mrs. Ron Pollock, service chairman for Beta Sigma Phi, the organization which will aid in distribution of the toys; Jan Nelissen, treasurer; and Dean Anderson president.

Dec. 9, 1970: Break School Windows - Vandals Smash 350-400 Panes

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 9, 1970.

Break School Windows

Vandals Smash 350-400 Panes

Between 350 and 400 windows and glass door panels at six schools and a gymnasium in Porter County were broken early this morning by vandals, who also struck two business firms where six windows were smashed. One school cancelled classes today.

A white compact car, possibly a Ford, was being sought by police who said a vehicle of that description with three persons was observed driving away from the scene of one vandalism.

Schools sustaining damage and the number of windows or door panels broken include Washington Township, 115; Jackson, 95; Kouts, 86; Morgan, 46; Liberty, 17; Westchester Junior High School, 7. Two glass door panels and a window were broken at Chesterton High School’s Goldsborough gymnasium.

Business firms sustaining damage by vandals are Don’s Sinclair Station, U.S. 6 and Meridian and Brown Tire Co., Inc., Indiana 49.

The vandalism in most cases occurred between 4:45 and 7 a.m., Sheriff’s Detective George Earley said. Deputies regularly patrol the schools and when Jackson and Liberty were checked at 4:45 a.m. everything was in order.

All classes in schools are in session with the exception of Morgan Township School.

There was no estimate of damage, but costs of replacing windows and other school equipment will probably mount to the thousands of dollars.

Vandals used rocks, pipes, teeter-totters, and portions of cement blocks, to cause the damage.

Band equipment at Morgan and Washington schools was damaged by items which were thrown or pushed through windows.

Majority of damage at the schools occurred on the first level, Earley said, and vandals kept away from the fronts of the buildings to avoid detection.

Rocks found at the scenes indicated that vandals picked them up elsewhere than on school grounds.

Washington School, where the largest number of windows were broken, is not covered by vandalism insurance. Most of the county schools do not have vandalism insurance and the cost of repair will have to come from the schools’ budgets.

Damage At Washington

All windows in overhead door in shop area at Washington Township School were broken today by vandals. Removing glass (top photo) is Glenn Brown, who along with other Washington students assisted in clean-up so classes could be held. Principal James Dold holds 3-pound which was thrown with such force it traveled 30 feet, broke exterior overhead light fixture and smashed through inner office glass panel.

Dec. 9, 1940: Schools Put On Carnival To Boost Athletic Fund

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 9, 1940.

Schools Put On Carnival To Boost Athletic Fund

BY HERB STEINBACH

(Photographs by Paul Pattee)

The old fashioned “carnival spirit” pervaded Jackson township one night last week as the populace of that north Porter county area milled around the small gymnasium trying their skill at various improvised boothsーand incidentally helping the high school athletic fund out of narrow financial straits.

Because of a small seating capacity and comparatively small number of families dwelling in Jackson township, athletics at that high school have a hard uphill struggle to meet expenses. Three years ago school officials devised a community carnival to help the cage and diamond sports pay their freight, and it has since become an annual institution.

Last Thursday afternoon the pupils left their textbooks early to erect their stands and decorations for the night’s big “shindig.” Each class was responsible for its own concession, which it had previously devised and hastily constructed several hours before the carnival opening. Enterprising merchants from throughout the count donated suitable prizes for the various games of skills, and other knick-knacks were purchased in gross lots. For their part in aiding Jackson township the contributing merchants had their names boldly listed on the south wall on a large “honor roll.”

Armed with paper hats of all descriptions, balloons, horns and various noisemakers the students sold their wares to their parents and friends as they joined in the evening of merrymaking. The blaring of horns, and screechings of noisemakers, and occasional bursting of balloons helped put the crowd in jolly mood as they made the rounds.

In 1938, when the idea of an indoor carnival first took hold in the Jackson school, the athletic fund realized a boost of $75 from the night’s entertainment. Last year the “take” was upped to a top of $98. In those two years a night shortly before Thanksgiving was chosen, but because of conflicting events in the community this year the carnival was not held until the first week of December on a night when the thermometer hovered around the five-degree mark. As a result attendance dropped and the receipts fell to the level of the first endeavor.

Despite the raw lake breezes which were stirred up outside the goodly crowd on hand did manage to warm up, once inside. Piping hot coffee and red hots were sold to aid the cold and hungry patrons. The usual line of pop and ice cream bars were also served.

One of the busiest individuals present that night was The Vidette-Messenger photographer, who pressed his way around the crowd, as he sought suitable subjects to help the readers get a pictorial view of what transpired at the carnival in Jackson township. The results are shown above.

To the left in the above series of pictures is a general shot of the gymnasium as caught by the camera’s eye from atop the stage. Along with a portion of the crowd present some of the concessions can be noted here.

The photograph to the right of the general shot shows a fair young coed trying her skill at putting. She is bending over a golf club and ball, preparatory to “sinking a putt” in the “cup” located by the wall at the end of the uphill runway. Curious onlookers are making the studious Miss Muriel Youngkin, a junior in the high school who resides on Valparaiso route one, extremely nervous. P. S. ー She missed the putt!

The young man with the air gun at the extreme right, trying his luck at the shooting gallery, is Don Metzner, an eighth grade pupil. The fellow attacking a boiled “puppy” with vigor and delight is the school’s head man, Principal Clarence Olinger. (The photographer says Mr. Olinger’s apparent delight is due to said photog’s spending a nickel for the hot dog as his contribution to the athletic fundーMr. Editor please note).

The eagle-eyed fivesome appearing in the left bottom picture are awaiting the outcome of Lady Luck’s spin. As the cameraman perched his lens at the rear of the wheel the group intently looks on to see whether their number has “come up.” The man with the smileーwhose name was not obtainedーholds Card No. 23ーthe winner!

Among the other concessions not photographed here were a fish pond, ten-pin game, dart ball contest, dodge-’em baseball in which the customer tried to smack a baseball mask hiding a youth’s face, a “guess your weight” contest and several other entertaining features. There was also a free show, in which the crowd was presented with a half-hour musical program provided by the newly organized school quintet.

Dec. 8, 1960: Plans Being Developed For Proposed Valparaiso Park In Spectacle-Loomis Area

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 8, 1960.

Plans Being Developed For Proposed Valparaiso Park In Spectacle-Loomis Area

By ROLLIE BERNHART

Preliminary action has been taken by the Valparaiso Park District board to acquire and develop an 85-acre land and water area north of the city for development as a park and recreational area.

Park Supt. Harold Rogers said Wednesday an architect is now in process of preparing long range development plans for the acreage at Spectacle and Loomis lakes, located just off Meridian (Campbell) road, one and one-quarter miles north of the city limits.

Legal procedures necessary to acquire the land from Atty. James W. Chester, of this city, are moving along per schedule, Rogers noted Wednesday.

The 85-acre tract of natural woodland and lakes is being offered to the city for purposes of park and recreational development by Chester at a below present market cost figure of $75,000.

Immediate plans by park board president, Tom Carlin, and members Raymond Harvey, Alan Lippman and Bruce Zimmerman, call for development of a 200-foot wide swimming beach, shelter house and rest rooms on island between Spectacle and Loomis lakes.

Beach Area Picked

Selected beach area, according to plans, is located along westside of Loomis lake on the fringe of the naturally wooded picnic section. This section of the lake has been tested as safe for swimmers of all ages. Bids will also be let soon for installations of water, sewer, and electricity lines into the park areas, Rogers noted.

Improvement of driveways to and from the park is also on the agenda for immediate development.

In the area where Spectacle lake runs close to Meridian (Campbell) road, a chain link fence will be installed. Other fencing will be installed to the north and south, according to plans.

To Sell Bonds

The project will be financed through sale of park district bonds, as specified under Indiana statutes. On basis of estimates compiled by the park board and dependent upon final costs of the eventual 85-acre development, taxpayers would face an increase of only six cents on the present park bond and interest rate of 12 cents. The 18-cent rate would become effective in 1962, it was noted.

Park board officials said that the proposed park of 50 acres land and 35-acres water, has not been a financial dead-weight over the years.

During the past three years the site has been used as an informal recreation area, and has attracted excellent patronage despite lack of publicity, by fishermen, picnic groups and others seeking recreation. Records indicate approximately $75 weekly had been derived over a two-year period.

Residence Included

Included in the purchase price, in addition to the land and lakes, are recently remodeled seven-room caretaker’s residence, one-room caretaker’s residence, one-room boat shed at Knapp’s landing, Fordson tractor, woods mower, 17 wooden boats, 12 picnic tables, and four smaller buildings.

Before the park board unanimously decided to purchase the site, more than six months was spent in studies and investigations for possible uses, feasibility and financial return. Results of study and discussions revealed that of all the chain of small lakes (as shown on sketch on page 19 in today’s Vidette-Messenger) north of town, the Spectacle Loomis area proved to be the most accessible from Valparaiso; a winding shore line providing fishing, swimming, canoeing, casting and boating; its 50 acres of ground easily controlled for picnics, outings, camping and other recreational uses; and that it could be made almost self-supporting through recreational receipts and concession leases.

LOCATION OF PROPOSED CITY SITEーSketch shows location of Valparaiso Park District’s proposed new city-lake park and recreation site at Spectacle and Loomis lakes, in relation to other lakes in area. Dotted lines in foreground show location of 85-acre site currently in process of being purchased by city park board Story appears in Page L.

Dec. 7, 1940: Born Before ‘84? It Will Be Hard Thing To Prove!

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on December 7, 1940.

Born Before ‘84? It Will Be Hard Thing To Prove!

Porter county residents born before 1884 will find it impossible to get statistical records in Valparaiso and Porter county to establish their age in event it is needed for old age assistance grants or employment purposes.

An investigation made by a Vidette-Messenger reporter Friday revealed the fact that Porter county records on birth go back only fifty-six years, and in some of the years the records are incomplete, due to improper recording.

In the case of Valparaiso citizens the records are available from only 104 and part of the statistics covering the period from 1914 to 1926 are embraced in the Porter county records, the health officer during that time being in charge of both city and county recordings.

At the office of Dr. George R. Douglas, county health officer, it was ascertained that about 35 persons, mostly those seeking employment with factories and other firms, apply monthly for duplicate birth certificates. The number who applied at the office of Dr. J.C. Brown, Valparaiso city health officer, was reported to be considerably less.

Both offices now issue birth certificates to parents of new born children as soon as a birth is reported by the attending physician to the health official. In years gone by this practice was not followed.

The health officers are constantly besieged by persons seeking old age assistance for proof of their age. Sometimes the request is made to the county clerk. The Vidette-Messenger has also received letters from former residents living in all parts of the United States asking for information to include in affidavits so their ages may be established. The family Bible, if one is available, or affidavits from persons who have known the persons and can swear they are old enough to obtain old age assistance are often resorted to when birth records are not available.

At one time during the regime of Dr. M.B. Fyfe, the county birth records were turned over to the county clerk for safe-keeping, but when a new health setup was devised by a recent legislature the records were taken over by the county health official.