Jan. 8, 1971: City Reaches 20,000

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

City Reaches 20,000

Valparaiso is officially a third-class city in the State of Indiana.

Based on official final population count in an advance report from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census, Valparaiso’s 1970 census figure is 20,020, just 20 noses more than needed to attain third-class status.

Final official figures showed Valparaiso with a 44.5 percent population gain, from 15,227 in 1960 to 20,020 today.

The official figures were received in an advance report, dated December 1970 by the Lake-Porter Regional Transportation and Planning Commission. The commission immediately confirmed the Valparaiso total with Mayor Bryce Billings.

Billings said he was elated over the official returns, adding he never had given up hope of reaching the 20,000 figure even after the preliminary figure of 19,550 was released last summer.

Before the city annexed 15,00 acres in 1969, planners had estimated the action would bring the city’s population to about 20,500.

No explanation was available today on the wide difference in last June’s preliminary figure of 19,550 and today’s 20,020.

Billings said today he is now checking state laws to determine what major changes will be necessary for a city of third class administration. He said he was advised by Water Dept. Supt. Philip Coote that changes in waterworks administration will have to be made in accordance with the statutes.

Billings also said he intends to contact the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns to determine if any official procedures are necessary to be recognized as a third class city in the state. The mayor said he represents fourth class cities on the association and will now lose this post.

Attainment of the new city status will now give Valparaiso administrators control over a three-mile buffer zone around the city, thus preventing any other ambitious city or town from encroaching within that territory.

The higher count also will benefit the city in state distributions of tax funds based on population. These include motor vehicle, alcoholic beverage and cigarette tax funds.

Portage Threatens

Official 1970 census figures from the U.S. Department of Commerce show that Valparaiso barely retained its position as Porter County’s largest city over fast-growing Portage.

Final figures gave Valparaiso an increase of 4,793, for 15,227 in 1960 to 20,020, a 44.5 percent gain.

Portage, however, showed the largest gain of 7,305, to come within 893 persons of Valparaiso’s total population of 19,127. In 1960 Portage had 11,822 people.

Chesterton tallied Porter County’s third largest advance, coming up with a population increase of 1,842 and moving the Westchester Township community from 4,335 in 1960 to the current total of 6,177.

Other municipality totals in Porter County in the 1970 census, with 1960 census and percent increase, were: Beverly Shores, 945, up from 773, 22.4 percent; Burns Harbor, 1,284, no 1960 census; Dune Acres, 301, 43.7 percent; The Pines, 1,007, up from 939, 7.2 percent; Porter, 3,058, up from 2,189, 39.7 percent; Kouts, 1,388, up from 1,007, 37.8 percent, and Hebron, 1,624, up from 1,401, 15.9 percent.

Final Porter County figures showed an increase of 26,835 residents, listing 87,114 compared to 69,279 in 1960.

Jan. 8, 1936: TRIP TO CALIFORNIA BY MOTOR PROVES THRILL TO ELIZABETH TOBIN SO SHE DESCRIBES THE BEAUTY SHE FOUND

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on January 8, 1936.

TRIP TO CALIFORNIA BY MOTOR PROVES THRILL TO ELIZABETH TOBIN SO SHE DESCRIBES THE BEAUTY SHE FOUND

EDITOR’S NOTE ー Impressions of a motor trip from Valparaiso to California proved so thrilling to Elizabeth Tobin that she has set them down for the enjoyment of those who never have seen the Wonders such a tour reveals. Miss Tobin is a sister of the late Arthur J. Bowser who gained considerable fame as conductor of his “Siftings” column in The Vidette-Messenger for over a year until his death last summer. 

My Trip to California

On November 1st, 1935, Miss Mary Williams, and I started on a trip to California via auto. We started out with many misgivingsーas I was ill and was not sure that I could make the trip. But I came through better physically and mentally, until today I feel fine and feel that I have a new lease on life. I am so thrilled over my trip I would like to tell you something about it.

As we traveled through Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona, we went through miles and miles of wasteland and as much as 50 miles at a time we could neither see man or beast. The villages were mere clusters of rude huts dotting an area of rocky desolation. No trees visible. The mountains stand out dreary and gaunt. As the days wore on, and we were drawn from one scene of desolation to another we doubted if we should ever reach the promised land. But finally through a last upheaval of defiant hills we reach the boundary line of California. We sped along with joy in dejection as the scenery was beautiful and barren. Never shall I forget the impression made upon me as I looked upon the gorgeous sunset in the mountains. They were breathless memorable moments.

Los Angelesーa city of business, industry, commerce and cultureーyou can satisfy your interests in any of these, which will occupy many profitable hours. You have an opportunity to live life to its fullest. The paved highways and throngs of motor cars, are an indispensable medium of transportation throughout the year. Miles and miles of scenic boulevards, with inspiring scenery. Gently sloping beaches of clean white sands, cooling and warming breezes of the beautiful Pacific. The sun-bathed beaches present a combination of giant cliffs at the base on which ways dash their fury. Homes, apartments, hotels are built on knolls overlooking the sea.

I shall never forget my first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. It's great majesty and track lit space together with the moaning of the surf upon the sand completely overwhelmed me. We stood awed with its miles of breakers curling into foam. The fascination of Southern California at last completely captured me. It's ocean, desert and mountains, and the life of the city, ranch and beach has cast a magic spell over me.

It is wonderful to ride for such a distance in a perfectly level valley and see an uninterrupted range of mountains 8,000 feet in height, rising like a long battle line of an invading army.

We visited Palos Verdes Hillsーwhere sea meets the mountains and as we stood spell-bound on the summit, below us lay the towns of Long Beach, San Pedro, Point Fermon, North Crescent, etc., and saw the great commercial ships that receive and deliver passengers and freight from all ports of the world, floating fortresses of the U.S. Navy, and graceful pleasure crafts giving in and out. On our way to Palos Verdes Hills stretched away along the valley such enchanting green fields, flowers, beautiful houses nestling in the foliage and orchards with their luscious fruits, that appeared a perfect paradise.

We visited old Plaza Mission Church, in the Heart of Los Angeles, the first church built in Los Angeles in 1814, known as the Church of Nuestra Senora Renegade Los Angeles (Our Lady Queen of the Angeles). The gorgeous old paintingsー masterpiecesーand beautiful statues clothed in Royal Purple velvet, as was in the days of old. The altars are very old and exquisite. It was wonderful to enter this grand old mission.

The Poor Farm in Los Angeles looks like a garden of paradise. Rows of beautiful individual bungalows, paved streets, flowers and palm trees. A wonderful hospital with graduate nurses to care for the sick and invalids. A wonderful dairy, gardens, poultry, etc. It looks like a city of prosperity.

Signal Hillーentirely surrounded by Long Beachー has extensive oil developments. The hill is entirely covered with oil wells.

Santa Monica is a beautiful place, where the mountains meet the sea. The Douglas Aircraft plant is here.

San PedroーLos Angeles Harbor, gateway to Pacific ports. Headquarters for Pacific fleet.

San Fernandoーwonderful to see miles of citrus fruits and olives.

Veniceーnoted for its beautiful bathing Beach. Flood lights illuminate the marvelous strand.

Long Beachーa beautiful city with its “Midway Pleasants” on the beach and beautiful subway stores. Pleasures of every kind to suit every individual. We took a drive on Rainbow Circle. This drive takes you out into the ocean.

My greatest thrills were the site of the majestic U.S. Navy battleships line in the harbor, and my visit on the Pennsylvania battleship: a yachting trip on the Pacific: my first ride in an airplane and a ride in the Goodyear blimp. Wish I had more time and space to tell you about it.

I had the pleasure of seeing many of the movie stars in person. Mary Pickford, Edmund Lowe, Jack LaRue, Sally Eilers and many  others. Also their beautiful estates. Christmas decorations were beyond descriptionーthey were marvellous. I also visited many other places of interest but will not tire of telling you about them.

I thank you for your patience. This trip gave me the thrill of my life and I could not restrain telling you something about it.

Jan. 7, 1956: Wheeler Soon To Have Its First Woman J.P.

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on January 7, 1956.

Wheeler Soon To Have Its First Woman J.P.

By ROLLIE BERNHART

“Magistrate, “man-of-the-house”, and mother.

These are the jobs which Union township’s first woman justice of the peace, Mrs. Beverly M. Squires, of Wheeler, is filling.

She is “filling the shoes” of her late husband, Robert, who died unexpectedly Nov. 13, in serving out his unexpired term as justice of the peace, and is being both a father and mother to her five-year-old son, David.

This seems like quite an order, but Mrs. Squires is determined to make a success of it.

It was this same determination which impelled Mrs. Squires to weather the shock of losing her husband, and to do some clear thinking about the future of herself and her son.

Accompanied by Joseph Rowlandson, Union Township Trustee, she appeared recently before the Porter county commissioners and requested appointment to serve out the justice of the peace terms of her late husband, which officially had until 1959 to run.

Receives Commission

Her straightforward manner and the knowledge she had gained as a clerk and bookkeeper for her husband's court activities, received the approval of the commissioners for the Union Township Post. She received her commission from Gov. Greg on Dec. 30th.

Thus she became the second woman in Porter County History to assume the office of justice of the peace. Mrs. Edna Wilkes was a Liberty Township “JP” from 1939 to 1946. Known as the “flying Justice” (she held a pilot's license), Mrs. Wilkes was defeated in the 1949 primary.

The new justice of the peace in Union Township will be “in business” officially just as soon as her bond is filed and she receives the oath of office.

Meanwhile Mrs. Squires plans to attend a seminar at Purdue University next week which will deal with traffic court procedures.

A graduate of Emerson High School, Gary, Mrs. Squires stated that she has always had a natural interest for the legal and judicial professions. She appears as adept at consulting the two volumes of Indiana Laws she has on her book shelves, as she does working about her home and kitchen.

Mrs. Squires will conduct the duties of her office on a full-time basis, and will be available at all times in the spic-and-span red cottage at the end of Fourt street in Wheeler.

 Although she believes in the theory that persons are innocent until proven guilty, this female “JP” will back up and support the state troopers who bring violators of the law to her Court.

“As far as I am concerned," she stated, "I'll go by their judgment. They have enough to do without being charged with looking for cases."

Speeders and motorists caught passing school buses, and brought before her had better beware. These are two types of traffic violators on which she intends to crack down.

In so far as making her office a Gretna Green for couples seeking to be tied in wedlock, Mrs. Squires prefers to be old fashioned.

“I’m just not the ‘marrying justice’ type. I just believed that marriages should be consummated in church."

David, her son, will be of age to start school next year. Until then she has no other desire than to stay at home and be both a “father” and mother to him. 

Although the field of politics is new to her, she is determined to be a success. Rather wistfully she said, "If it only works out, I'd run for another term.”

Will Serve In Court, Kitchen

UNION TOWNSHIP’S First woman justice of the peace, Mrs. Beverly M. Squires (top), brushes up on traffic laws in her home on Fourth street in Wheeler, where she will hold court. She will serve out the unexpired term of her husband, Robert, who died Nov. 13th. Bottom, Mrs. Squires casts aside the dignity of the court, and dons an apron to prepare a meal.

Jan. 6, 1951: Courthouse Records Sorting Is Going At Lively Pace

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on January 6, 1951.

Courthouse Records Sorting Is Going At Lively Pace

Sorting of old records in the record room on the top floor of the county courthouse building is proceeding at a fast pace under the direction of R.B. Heritage and Byron K. Henry, field examiners for the state board of accounts.

The work was started about 10 days ago and already a large amount of useless material has been called from the mass of papers in storage.

In order to deal with the disposition the old records and organization called the commission of public records was formed with judges of both courts county clerk, county auditor and county commissioners as members. Field examiners were included in the group along with representatives of abstract forms in Porter County Historical society in an advisory capacity.

It is estimated that about 10 tons of old records will be junked before the task is completed. Binders on a number of Records valued at from $5 to $7 will be salvaged and used over again.

Jan. 5, 1955: Seeking Opinions About Courthouse Tower Clocks

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on January 5, 1966.

Seeking Opinions About Courthouse Tower Clocks

Do the people of Valparaiso and Porter county want the exterior clocks now adorning four sides of the courthouse?

Members of the Porter County Board of Commissioners are considering eliminating the traditional courthouse timepieces because of the excessive cost of service and maintenance on the old works which are constantly malfunctioning.

At a recent meeting, an $85 per month contract to service the clocks by a Ohio firm, was rejected by the board which felt the unserviceable timepieces were no longer a public service.

Parts Unavailable

Commissioner Martin Ericson noted that maintenance of the clocks was now an unnecessary expense to the taxpayers and would continue to be since replacement parts are now unavailable.

The present clocks were installed in the courthouse tower prior to the fire in 1932. Two years later the same works were used with new dials and installed in their present positions.

Despite constant service and attention, the four clocks have lately achieved an unenviable reputation for their inaccuracies.

Members of the commission indicated they would initiate a study for replacements (not clocks) in the areas now occupied by the aged and faulty timepieces.

Jan. 5, 1931: Resolutions in the 1931 Manner

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on January 5, 1931.

THIS MODERN WORLD

(Reg. U.S. Pat. Off)

A Daily Department Devoted to Fashion, Decorations and Social Customs. News of Things Which Contribute to Gracious and Alert Living

Resolutions in the 1931 Manner

If ever a waning year inspired one to make resolutions, the last few hours of 1930 should have found us all pledging madly to lead better lives! We aren’t going to embarrass you by asking whether you made resolves, and if so, how goes it? Most of ours are broken, too. But looking back on the recently deceased twelvemonth, it strikes us that we learned a few good lessons which could tide us over into this new one. A few notes for our appendix to the book of etiquette, modes and manners or whatever your personal term for it is, are here jotted down.

For instance, take snobbery. A distasteful term which received a popular jolt when gentile poverty captured the ranks of our best people. The deflating of stocks deflated a great number of egos simultaneously and brought a lot of self-styled snobs back to normal. It became smart to admit economies, it took the chic from extravagance and it restored individuality to a great many. Simplicity has now become a fetish, snobbishness a lamentable acquisition.

You could add paragraphs to your book about the return of nicer manners. Attribute it to changing fashions or what you will, but the fact remains that good manners are once again counting for something. After giving frankness and freedom a free rein for over a decade, the glamour has worn offーthe crudities show up like tarnish. Children have ceased to be amusing in precocity, adults have become stupid who stoop to crassness. It is like warming oneself before a glowing fire to have soft phrases fall upon the car againーflattering to have little niceties revived.

The edge has worn off boredom, too. You don’t see the modern woman’s face overcast with a film of blase resignation in 1931. The chic of that deplorable fad has been exploded along with a great many of our other less charming gestures. There is a new movement toward tremendous enthusiasms. Games, amusing personalities off the beaten path, delightful, exciting places bring a sparkle to eyes that used to feign a false weariness. If boredom is evidenced outside one’s own portals, it is at the risk of popularity!

Scads could be written about the return to naturalness, about what fun it is to be oneself again whether it be in make-up or in personal adornment. But space limits, sadly. However, with only so few days begun on a new year, it does look as if we have the best chance in a long while, to be the clever, charming cells we have always thought we were!

Note ー if you will forward a stamped self-addressed envelope, This Modern World will send you notes on etiquette attached to “making and receiving calls.”

Jan. 4, 1951: 3-Man Board To Operate Opera House

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on January 4, 1951.

3-Man Board To Operate Opera House

By ENG ZIMMERMAN, Sr.

A three-man board will be invested with the authority to operate the county-owned Memorial Opera House, memorial to veterans of the War of the Rebellion, and long the storm center of fractional fights among various organizations.

This plan was announced by the board of county commissioners Wednesday at the group’s concluding session of its January meeting.

The commissioners’ decision followed recommendations made early in December by special committees of the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce and Porter County Farm Bureau which spent much time in investigating the matter.

Only one man was named to the board by the commissioners at yesterday’s session. He is Edward F. Sebens, of RFD. 2, Valparaiso. Sebens operates a farm in Porter township.

The commissioners sought James Patrick, secretary-manager of the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, to act as a member and fill the office of custodian, but he was unable to take the post because of press of chamber business. The custodian would be in charge of all funds received. He would account to the county commissioners. His salary could not exceed $25 per annum.

To Name Two More

The other two members are expected to be named within the next week. Their names will be made public when the commissioners hold a joint meeting with the county fair board at the office of County Agent M.A. Nye on Wednesday night, Jan. 10, to discuss 1951 fair plans.

In announcing its decision to turn control of the building over to a three-man board, the commissioners liberalized the recommendations submitted by the chamber-farm bureau committees.

The commissioners approved the committee’s suggestions that the building be kept as a memorial to the veterans of the War of the Rebellion, and that it be made available to a reputable non-subversive Porter county organization, association, group or individual for the purpose of holding meetings, gatherings, patriotic celebrations and home talent performances, school functions, symphonies, community concerts lectures, debates and uses of like kind. No meeting, however, will be permitted that is not in the best interests of the county, state and nation.

The hall will not be allowed for use in competition with other industries, though the commissioners said they felt that organizations desiring to bring in outside entertainment should not be barred.

While the new board will be authorized to deny use of the building where they deem the venture not justifiable it cannot deny the people of Porter county the right to use Memorial hall, the commissioners ruled.

Members of the joint committee which submitted the recommendations for the new setup were Paul Carmichael, Tom Womacks, James Patrick, Gale Corley, Vernon Dinse, Alva Jones and Walter Sievers.

The opera house which has been under lease to the Shauer interests for a number of years, is now ready to be taken over by the new board, the Shauer lease having expired Jan. 1.

Recently the county replaced the old heating apparatus in the building with a new one at a cost of around $2,000.

The new board when it takes over will be faced with the problem of no funds. Last fall a $1,500 appropriation for 1951 was eliminated by the county council when it was pointed out that as long as it was not known whether the building would be used an appropriation was unnecessary.

Jan. 3, 1931: Mystery Fire Stirs Hebron

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on January 3, 1931.

MYSTERY FIRE STIRS HEBRON

HEBRON, Jan. 3ーTHis town was agog with excitement last night when it was learned that a barn on the William Alyea farm, four miles east of here, was destroyed Friday noon by fire, resulting from an explosion. According to reports the place had been leased to a foreigner last fall. Following the blast a man was seen running from the place, and the next minute flames burst out from every part of the barn. Remains of what some declared to have been a still were found in the ruins.