Jan. 24, 1931: HOT DEBATE IN COUNCIL OVER SKATING RINK

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on January 24, 1931.

HOT DEBATE IN COUNCIL OVER SKATING RINK

Councilman Inform that No City Lots Are Available Which Are Suitable for Flooding.

Valparaiso youngsters who delight in the sport of ice skating may not have their desires for this form of sport satisfied this year, it was learned at Friday night's meeting of the City Dad's at City Hall.

Councilman Harry S. Albe, who was called to the telephone during the councilmanic session by a mother who was anxious to get action, presented the proposition.

A red-hot discussion followed in which it was learned that Councilman Albe and Cleveland had made trips all about the city and couldn't find any available place where a skating pond could be created.

Two factors entering into inability to construct a speeding fine that would be feasible from a practical standpoint, it developed.

According to council members, no vacant lots are available where the ground is suitable for holding the water until it freezes. Then again, the weather has not been cold enough to ensure complete freezing of the water.

Councilman Albe informed the members that Mandel Lowenstine would provide a special nozzle for spraying the ground.

Albe scored the city for not providing a place of recreation for the youngsters. “There is not a place where the boys and girls can go and enjoy good, wholesome recreation,” he asserted.

Councilman Zimmerman wanted to know why the natural recreational centers adjacent to the city could not be used in the general scheme. “Why,” he said, “they go 10 miles in Chicago to pounds and parks, when plenty of places can be found on the edge of Valparaiso,” he declared. He mentioned Sager's Lake as an example.

“Yes, but who wants to send their five-year olds to Sager’s Lake?” Albe queried. “If you had known of as many drownings at this lake as I have, maybe you would not care to send your children there.”

The upshot of the whole affair was that nothing was done about speeding ponds.

On the other hand, Zimmerman created a flurry and a good laugh when he rapped the celebrated snow ordinance passed last July by the council ordering citizens to keep their walks clean.

“Why is it not enforced?” Zimmerman asked. “If people had shoveled off their walks during the last snowfall, lives of pedestrians would not have been in danger during the recent icy spell,” he added.

Councilman Zimmerman said he shoveled snow and his walks were free of ice. Others, he said, did not.

“Well why don’t you enforce the ordinance,” Mayor Schenck informed him. Zimmerman, however, said it was not up to him.

Councilman Albe chimed in long enough to say this was solely a police duty.

That was the end of a perfect discussion which got nowhere and only served to bring bolder relief the fact that ordinances of the type of the snow shoveling law are difficult to enforce.

Jan. 23, 1961: 2 V-M Carriers Thrilled By Inauguration Rites

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on January 23, 1961.

2 V-M Carriers Thrilled By Inauguration Rites

The color, vitality, and pulsating throngs of people who milled through Washington, D.C., on the weekend of Jan. 20 will be long remembered by two Valparaiso Vidette-Messenger carrier boys who were fortunate enough to witness the inauguration of the 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy.

Ron Oelling, son of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Oelling, RFD 5, Cooks Corners, and Ron Boyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Weller, 403 Beech, were the two lucky lads who saw the inauguration proceedings from choice seats in the stands of Section B, just to the left of the television platform, and directly opposite the inaugural platform.

Boyer (left) and Oelling (right)

The boys, winners in a recent contest conducted by The Vidette-Messenger, were taken on a three-day tour of the Capital by Vincent Anderson, V-M circulation manager.

The tour was under the auspices of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, and included a jam-packed three days of sightseeing, in addition to the inauguration and the inaugural parade.

Through the generosity of Rep. Charles Halleck, minority leader of the House of Representatives, the boys and Anderson were able to obtain tickets to the prized seats just two hours before the swearing-in ceremony was to begin.

Anderson contacted the Congressman early Friday morning and was invited to the Capitol building where the office of the minority leader is located. There they were given tickets for the Inauguration proceedings.

Boys Meet Halleck

While at the Capitol, Anderson was able to introduce the two boys to Congressman Halleck, immediately before he left in his car to pick up Vice President Richard Nixon.

They were also able to see Sen. Mike Mansfield, majority leader of the Senate, as he was leaving his office for the Inaugural.

The bitter cold and heavy snowfall in Washington Friday hampered traffic to the Capital but by 11 a.m. the streets were filled with invited guests and sightseers all converging on the grounds.

The boys, who had gone back to their hotel for Oelling’s camera, were caught in the crush of people and security police on Pennsylvania avenue. The police checked the passes about five times before the group was able to reach their section of the stands by 11:30 a.m., it was noted.

Impressed By Youth

About 50,000 persons filled the available seats and lined the grounds to witness the inauguration.

Anderson stated the speech given by the new president was very well received by those assembled, and the affection of all for poet Robert Frost was evident.

“I was very impressed,” Anderson noted, “by the youth of the men who will make up the administration, and by the number of young governors seen in the parade.”

Anderson and the boys went to the stand to witness the parade and were able to obtain seats on South Pennsylvania avenue, directly in front of the U.S. District court building.

Red Cross and First Aid station personnel worked overtime treating frostbite cases, and others who suffered ill effects in the cold weather.

See Gov. Welsh

During the parade, the group was able to see Gov. Matt Welsh and the units sent from Indiana. They moved down Pennsylvania avenue with the throngs and finally left to eat dinner at 6 p.m.

The boys arrived in the Capital on Thursday morning and toured the Capitol, building, House of Representatives, and the White House; went to the top of the Washington monument, and the Bureau of Printing and Engraving. On Friday night, despite all the excitement of the day, they toured the Lincoln Memorial, National Archives and the Capitol grounds at night.

They checked out of the Annapolis hotel Saturday morning for the final part of their tour, and went to Mount Vernon and Arilington. At Arlington they witnessed the changing of the guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and visited the Iwo Jima memorial, the Smithsonian Institute, and the National Gallery of Art.

At 6 p.m., they boarded the train for their return trip, tired but happy, excited and exuberant over all the things they had managed to accomplish in three days. They returned to Valparaiso Sunday morning.

Jan. 23, 1946: Will You Help?

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on January 23, 1946.

Will You Help?

In an effort to ease the pressing problem of housing faced by returning World War II veterans, The Vidette-Messenger is urging landlords who have accommodations of any kind to list their properties with the Veterans’ Affairs office in the Porter county court house.

This newspaper believes that a community obligation exists on behalf of the men who served in the armed forces and are now returning to discover that living space for themselves, their wives and families is almost impossible to find.

By listing property, whether it be rooms, apartments or homes for rent, with the Veterans’ Affairs office, a channel will be provided whereby former G.I.’s can get a “break” in following up such leads.

To make this plan effective The Vidette-Messenger will ask customers who wish to advertise their properties in the classified columns of this newspaper to first list them at the Veterans’ Affairs office as a patriotic gesture to ex-servicemen.

The telephone number of the Veterans’ Affairs office is 809R. Frank Burris, Veterans’ Affairs officer, and his staff will be glad to receive any information which can be of service in the problem of finding quarters for servicemen and their wives, many of whom are desperately in need of such help.

Jan. 22, 1976: Street Sign For Hallie

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on January 22, 1976.

Street Sign For Hallie

“Hallie St.” and “Edge Ave.” were name plates on a street sign presented Wednesday to retired Clerk-Treasurer Hallie B. Edge, who was honored at a recognition dinner attended by 136 persons in the university union.

The street sign, mounted on a short pole, was a gift from the street department, which couldn’t be represented at the program because its employees were busy with snow removal operations.

Mrs. Edge also received a vacation gift certificate, and Mrs. Laura Hoyt, retired deputy clerk who also was honored, received a wall clock. The two women served together in the clerk’s office 19½ years.

Among the persons paying tribute to Mrs. Edge were Atty. Quentin Blachly, emcee and a nephew of the honoree; president Phil Coote of the Chamber of Commerce; Mayor Elden Kuehl and County Court Judge Bryce Billings, former mayor.

Mrs. Edge and Mrs. Hoyt were made honorary police officers and deputy sheriffs and Hallie was presented with a firefighter’s hat.

Program arrangements were by Walt Campbell, Fred Kruger, Norma Banschback, and Bette Smith.

Entertaining were a group from the Valparaiso High School Carolers.

Jan. 23, 1931: 500 FARMERS TOLD ‘COMBINE’ IS ONLY HOPE

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on January 23, 1931.

500 FARMERS TOLD ‘COMBINE’ IS ONLY HOPE

Manager of Association Says Over-Production and Depression Have Brought Price Tumble.

DEFENDS POLICIES OF DISTRIBUTORS

BY STEWART LEAMING (Agricultural Agent)

A vivid Pickett picture of the struggle of organized dairymen do you maintain a fair price for fluid milk against overwhelming odds in the form of rapidly mounting production and greatly restricted conception depicted by Don E. Geyer, secretary-manager of the Pure Milk Association, held some 500 Porter and LaPorte county farmers spell bound for an hour and a half Thursday afternoon at the annual meeting of pure Milk District 16, held in Valparaiso.

Tracing the history of the present milk association from its inception, Geyer pointed out that in a few years that organization had been able to bring order out of chaos by bringing some 720 independent distributors in 18,000 producers into an effective machine for supplying the consumer with milk .

At this point he made it clear that the Pure Milk organization is most democratic; that all of its decisions have been made by an overwhelming majority of the directors who in turn are selected by the membership. "Policies of the organization are not left in the hands of the manager or any other paid employee," Geyer declared, “And the decisions represent the best thought of the membership.”

The speaker declared that if any error had been made it had been in setting the base price too high following the so-called milk strike of 1929.This stimulated production to an enormous extent and while the association has been successful in prevailing upon distributor is to absorb more milk than their actual requirements, the condition could not go on indefinitely. The increase in production, he explained, continued steadily in spite of the worst industrial conditions in the memory of present-day producers and this brought about a steadily decreasing consumption of the product. Cheap milk has been offered all over the United States. One by one the great consuming centers were forced to drop the retail priceAnd this back produced a psychological condition which made the cut on the Chicago Market inevitable.

In answering the charge that the whole force of the cut had fallen on the farmer, Geyer declared that the distributors had long been bearing part of the burden by observing more base than they could market. “Why were not the drivers forced to bear part of the cut?” Is frequently asked, the speaker stated, in pointing out the difference between the Milk association and a labor union. The task of the Pure Milk association is to find an outlet for every pound of milk produced by all its members every day. The labor union maintains the wage, but does not guarantee a job for its members. When business slackens, some of the members find themselves out of work, but the dairyman has a market every day. “If our membership wants us to operate on the principle of a labor union, we will maintain the price all right, but it can be brought about only by shutting members off the market."

In defending the recent decision of the price arbitrator, Dr. Clyde King, Geyer  stated that if the members are dissatisfied the whole matter can be reopened on 24 hours notice. “Where is the dairyman that dares to stay that the matter should be reopened,” thundered Geyer, and no voice took issue with him. By silence at least the membership approved the action of its directors under the stress of the circumstances.

The speaker scored members who spoke slightingly of their organization and started rumors not based on facts, and denounced them as traitors to the whole farming profession. One of the most common charges that has been made, he asserted, is that dealers are buying milk at Surplus prices and bottling it for the retail trade. “If any man has this idea, let him come to our offices and we can prove to him that dealers are taking more bass milk than they are selling as fluid,” Geyer declared. “We have complete records on every distributor and know that anyone who makes such a charge is not familiar with the facts.”

As to the financial operations of the association, he invited any member in good standing to inspect the records. “No Commercial concern throws its records open to outsiders,” he declared, but stated that any  authorized person could receive an accounting of every penny spent since the work started and that monthly statements of receipts and expenditures are sent to every local officer.

At the dairy school held in the morning, Prof. E.A. Gannon of Purdue gave a complete picture of the development of the dairy situation. “When a man goes into farming he must have a large enough income to maintain a certain standard of living. Many a man starts with very ordinary cows and as increased demands, upon him he simply adds to his cow herd. Too many unprofitable cows has brought about an overproduction as well as a low income. The solution, he declared, is fewer cows and more attention to their management. Plenty of legume roughage is the basis of an effective dairy ration, you stated and said that Northern Indiana was suffering from the lack of a greater acreage of clover, alfalfa and soybean hay. Homegrown feeds, supplemented with white linseed, cottonseed or soybean meal were stressed by the speaker.

“Present-day methods of cattle breeding are Obsolete and must be revised,” was the startling statement of Mr. Gannon. the use of proven bowls, those whose daughters have proved their ability to produce, is the only rational method of herd Improvement. “Too many bulls have been bought from breeders who have maintained show herds under show surroundings and where cows have been forced for record-making purposes and this has been the bane of the purebred business.As a result many breeds of dairy cattle have gone backwards in the past 10 years. The proven sire method, however, has improved all herds in which it has been used.

At the afternoon meeting Glen organ was unanimously nominated as District Director.

Jan. 21, 1966: Nine Teachers Instruct 400 Kindergarten Pupils In Valparaiso Program

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on January 21, 1966.

Nine Teachers Instruct 400 Kindergarten Pupils In Valparaiso Program

(EDITOR”S NOTE ー Final story in series on kindergarten program in Valparaiso.)

By ADA CADDELL

Valparaiso’s 400 kindergarten children are divided into 12 classes, two meeting in each of six school buildings. Nine teachers are employed in the kindergarten program.

More than 100 combined years of teaching experience, eight bachelor of science degrees and one lifetime teaching license are among the qualifications of Valparaiso’s kindergarten teachers.

All anticipate continuing to teach kindergarten in Valparaiso during the next school year.

Teaching the morning kindergarten session at Banta school is Mrs. Ordell (Marilyn) Gertsmeier. She holds a BS degree in elementary education from Valparaiso university and has taught for seven years. This is Mrs. Gertsmeier’s third year of kindergarten teaching.

Mrs. Gertsmeier and her husband, a civil engineer, reside at 702 Chicago street. They are the parents of three children.

Afternoon Class

Afternoon session at Banta is conducted by Mrs. Robert (Sue) Cain, who holds a BS degree received at Northwestern university. Her experience includes seven years of teaching, three of which were spent with second grade.

The mother of two children, she and her husband reside on RFD 6. Her husband is employed as a salesman of school equipment.

Mrs. Clyde (Laura) Baird teaches both sessions of kindergarten at Gardner school. With training at Indiana and Valparaiso universities, she also has 16 years of teaching experience, the last 12 in kindergarten after four years in the primary grades.

Also the mother of two children, Mrs. Baird resides on RFD 2 with her husband, who is a farmer and salesman.

At Memorial school the morning session is taught by Mrs. John (Mary Jane) Thomas and the afternoon class by Mrs. Harold (Betty M.) Bartholomew.

Return To Teaching

Mrs. Thomas has eight years of teaching experience in kindergarten and second grade. She returned to teaching this year after an absence of five years. She earned her BS degree at Indiana university.Her husband is an insurance adjuster. They reside at 1308 Parkway.

Mrs. Bartholomew also returned to teaching this year. It is the first year she has taught kindergarten children. Her experience includes teaching in nursery and Sunday schools.

Her husband, also in the insurance field, and she resides at 478 Park avenue. They are the parents of two children. Mrs. Martholomew’s BS degree was conferred by Indiana university.

Fifteen years of teaching in the Valparaiso kindergarten program are put to use daily by Mrs. Wallace (Auretta) Aylesworth in conducting both morning and afternoon classes at Northview.

Lifetime License

Mrs. Aylesworth also taught in the Porter County School system before taking a break to raise her two daughters, both of whom are now married. She attended Ball State Teachers college and holds a lifetime teaching license.Her husband is superintendent of Portage Township Schools. They reside on RFD 2.

Both sessions of kindergarten at Parkview are taught by Miss Mary Miller, a native of Valparaiso residing at 171 McIntyre court. With a BS degree from Ball state and 27 years of teaching experience, Miss Miller is in her first year of kindergarten teaching. She previously taught first grade for 20 years in Valparaiso and also taught second grade in Portage township.

Jefferson Teachers

Kindergarteners at Thomas Jefferson elementary school are taught by Mrs. Alfred (Dolores) Wilson, conducting the morning class, and Mrs. Gene (Ruth) BArtow, afternoon session.

Mrs. Wilson is in her third year of kindergarten teaching, having taught for two years in Pennsylvania. Her husband is assistant superintendent of the electrical division at Bethlehem Steel corporation. They have two children and reside at 2306 Vine street.Mrs. Wilson received her BS degree from Pennsylvania State university.

Mrs. Bartow is adding the seventh year to her teaching experience, working for the first time in kindergarten. She previously taught in the primary grades. She received her BS degree from Central Missouri State college, Warrensburg, Mo.She and her husband, basketball coach at Valparaiso university, are parents of two children and reside at 807 Linwood.

MEET AFTER SCHOOLーOther four Valparaiso kindergarten teachers gather around one of small tables holding books and play house in Northview school at one of periodic meetings held after school day ends. From left are Mrs. Gene Bartow, Thomas Jefferson Elementary school kindergarten teacher; Mrs. Wallace Aylesworth, Northview; Mrs. Clyde Baird, Gardner; and Mrs. Alfred Wilson, Jefferson.

Jan. 20, 1941: DRUNKENNESS NO. 1 CAUSE FOR ARRESTS Eleven Caught Driving While Intoxicated by Local Police In 1940.

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on January 20, 1941.

DRUNKENNESS NO. 1 CAUSE FOR ARRESTS

Eleven Caught Driving While Intoxicated by Local Police In 1940.

Drunkenness caused Valparaiso police the greatest trouble during 1940, according to the annual report of Charles H. Gilliland, chief of the city police department.

A total of 232 arrests were made during the year of which 95, or 40 percent, were the result of imbibing too much liquor. Eighty-four arrests were for drunkenness, and eleven for drunk driving.

Recklessness Second

Reckless drivers occupied second place in the list with 54 arrests, while miscellaneous numbered 46. Nineteen persons were picked up for breaking and entering and on warrants; five for grand larceny, seven for stealing automobiles: three for contributing to the delinquency of minors and three for rape.

Tickets and warnings for violations of the two-hour parking and improper parking provisions of the new parking provisions of the new parking ordinance were given to 1,675 persons.

Find Lost Children

The report also shows the police answered 3,635 calls; reported 521 street lights out; gave lodging at city jail to 1,616 persons; found 203 doors of business houses open; answered 51 fire calls; acted as escorts at 61 funerals; provided escorts for money guards on 457 occasions; exterminated 118 dogs and cats; found 40 lost children; investigated or received reports on 469 motor accidents; recovered lost and stolen property in the amount of $6,419.50.

At the beginning of the school year in September a policeman was assigned to the Central school to see that automobiles observed stop signs at this point. Arrangements have been made for the holding of a police school beginning Jan. 24 to be held for 10 weeks with a representative of the Indiana State Safety committee in charge. Chief Gilliland has recommended the installation of a 100-watt transmitter to insure better service.

Jan. 20, 1931: HOW MANY BASEMENT BREWERS HAS INDIANA? IT’S A POINT THAT STIRS TAXING INTEREST

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on January 20, 1931.

HOW MANY BASEMENT BREWERS HAS INDIANA? IT’S A POINT THAT STIRS TAXING INTEREST

INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 20ー(UP)ー Extent of “basement breweries” in Indiana homes, where malt is used for making “cellar beer,” is one of the things the Ways and Means Committee of the House of Representatives is seeking to determine.

Such information is needed in their deliberations on a proposed tax on malt syrup and wort, commonly referred to as unfermented beer.

M.J. Donnelly, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, representing the malt manufacturers, appeared before the committee, but said he had no information on the quantity of beer being made annually in Hoosier homes. He did say, however, that in Detroit alone, more beer now is being made in private homes than was manufactured by breweries throughout Michigan in pre-prohibition days.

Donnelly said the malt manufacturers are ready to cooperate with the general assembly in declaring a tax on malt and other luxuries but warned against a tax that would be high enough to encourage bootlegging the product. He advocated a tax of two cents on each pound, which he said would yield the state about $150,000 per annum.

The committee was also warned by Donnelly against making their measure class legislation, thereby making it unconstitutional as malt is used extensively by bakers. This was the point on which Michigan’s law was held unconstitutional two weeks ago, he said.

Donnelly said the law proposed in a bill introduced by Fred S. Galloway, democrat, Indianapolis, and William J. Black, democrat, Anderson, was patterned after the Michigan law and was built on dangerous legal grounds, inasmuch as no provision was made for excluding bakers. He also said that the proposed tax of five cents per pound was too high, as it would encourage bootlegging.

Louisiana passed a high tax on malt, he said, but was forced to reduce it low enough to make the bootlegging of malt unprofitable.