Feb. 9, 1956: Comic Book Group, Named By Mayor, Will Meet Friday

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on February 9, 1956.

Comic Book Group, Named By Mayor, Will Meet Friday

A committee of three women, appointed by Mayor John E. Wiggins, will meet Friday with City Judge William Conover to discuss the city’s comic book ordinance.

The measure banning lewd and indecent comic books from local newsstands was passed last April 26 by the City council.

Members of the committee are Mrs. George Nightingale, 300 Chester; Mrs. Leonard Wetmore, 102 Brown, and Mrs. Lester Mankin, 405 Randle, Mayor Wiggins announced.

Judge Conover and the women will meet to determine the function of the committee of three in the executive of the ordinance’s provisions.

In part, the ordinance sets out that it is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to exhibit, sell or circulate any indecent or lewd book, pamphlet, article, picture or other thing of an immoral or scandalous nature, which glorifies or makes crime or any law violation appear attractive or desirable.

When the ordinance was passed last year, it was reported that the committee of three was to act as an advisory group to screen all complaints that may be made concerning violations of the ordinance.

The committee is to report all violations to the chief of police or any other law enforcement agency for prosecution.

Fines of $50 to $200 are set out for persons found in violation of the ordinance.

Feb. 9, 1931: MATT BROWN RECALLS OLD DAYS OF VALPARAISO MAROON NINE; THE LATE GUS WITTMACK PLAYED

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on February 9, 1931.

MATT BROWN RECALLS OLD DAYS OF VALPARAISO MAROON NINE; THE LATE GUS WITTMACK PLAYED

The death of Gus Wittmack at his home in Wanatah last week recalled to the minds of scores of old time baseball fans the diamond feats of the peerless Wittmack and the old Valparaiso Red Stockings, later the Maroons, back in the eighties.

Of this famous team which competed with the best professional nines in the middle west between 1884 and 1896, only five players are alive. They are Charles Holt who resides in New Hampshire, Ernest Gregg of California, Gus Meeker of Hammond and Matt Brown and Clate Thompson of Valparaiso.

Matt Brown, veteran of the Valparaiso city police force and first baseman of the team, takes a keen delight in recounting some of the more interesting events which occurred during the life of the Maron club.

“Back in the early nineties,” said Mr. Brown, “the Springfield, Ohio, team was regarded as one of the best in this section of the country. They came here highly touted to win but we defeated them in a game played on the fairgrounds diamond. Jack Zimmerman and myself hit home runs that day and the Springfield nine moved on to Winamac with the short end of the score.

“Winemac was a great betting town in those days and when Springfield beat their team they took about all the money out of the town.

“We were never shut-out,” boasted Matt, “although we came mighty close to it at Columbia City. They were staging a big celebration there, the occasion being the laying of the courthouse cornerstone, and we went there to play the home team. Columbia City imported a Texas league pitcher who held us scoreless until late in the game and things looked pretty dark for our record. But our catcher finally caught one on the nose and lifted it over the fence for a home run and our only score of the game.”

Feb. 8, 1946: ENROLLMENT AT VU NEARING 900

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on February 8, 1946.

ENROLLMENT AT VU NEARING 900

867 Students Assemble For First Meeting

More Signing Daily; Set Registration Deadline Feb. 16

Indications today were that enrollment at Valparaiso university will top the 900 mark, for the first time since the local institution was taken over by the Lutheran University Association in 1925.

Registration figures as revealed in a news account from the press relations office today gave a total of 867 students already signed for the new semester. More are reporting daily, with the close of registration set for Feb. 16.

First convocation of the new university auditorium. Of those present approximately two thirds of the 376 men enrolled were veterans of World War II.

Dr. O.P. Kretzmann, in his address opening the new semester, reported to the student body on his experience and observations as a specially invited guest at a recent meeting sponsored by the Atomic Scientists of Chicago.

Worked On Project

The conference on problems of the atomic age, held at the University of Chicago February 5-7, was between scientists and leaders of religious thought, including Dr. Kretzmann. The Atomic Scientists of Chicago is a section of the organization of men who have worked on the Manhattan Project. They have pledged themselves to formulate their own opinions and to educate the public to a full understanding of the problems stemming from the release of nuclear energy.

Among the speakers was Dr. H. C. Urey, Nobel Prize winner and Distinguished Service Professor of Chemistry in the Institute of Nuclear Studies at the University of Chicago.

Dr. Kretzmann’s address at the university’s opening convocation yesterday began with a tribute to those former students who would never be returning to the campus. Then, after a few preliminary facts about the conference from which he had just returned, he turned the attention of the student body to an earnest consideration of the meaning of university life in the year one of the atomic age.

Urges High Standards

“There is no room for the Joe College and his sister who invaded the campuses of America after the last war. High academic standards must be maintained for adequate preparation to face the problems of our times.

“Scientists admit that there is no defense, strictly speaking, against the atomic bomb, nor does the size of military forces count. The first to attack wins; secrecy, dread, and suspicion will surround all existence. The sole hope, therefore, for future civilization lies not in material defense but in moral control exerted by the peoples of the world.

“There is no answer except world organization,” Dr. Kretzmann emphasized. “And, as never before, the responsibility should rest with the civilian population, not with the military.” In this connection he urged those present to register support of the McMahon bill now before Congress.

Dr. Kretzmann closed his address with a reference to the general conclusion reached by the conference of scientists and religious leaders.

“There have been three atomic explosions:” he said, “in New Mexico, Nagasaki, and Hiroshima. One more is necessaryーan atomic explosion in the hearts and souls of men. The tremendous strength of religious conviction alone is the ultimate solution of the problems of the atomic age.

“On the campus of Valparaiso university we do not have the ingredients for the atomic bomb” he concluded, “but we do have the ingredients for the fourth explosion. Let us busy ourselves with that.”

Incomplete registration figures indicate that 376 men and 491 women enrolled at Valparaiso university by Wednesday evening. The number of veterans and the final totals will not be accurately determined until the close of the registration period on February 16. Thursday’s activity points to a total somewhat over nine hundred.

Feb. 8, 1941: North Porter County Site Of New Recreation Camp For Steel Workers’ Use

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on February 8, 1941.

North Porter County Site Of New Recreation Camp For Steel Workers’ Use

CHESTERTON, Feb. 6ーA ‘dream’ playground is being shaped among 65 acres of beautifully wooded grounds in north Porter county, and when completed this summer will provide a recreation spot for hundreds of children in Porter and Lake counties, whose fathers are employed at the Carnegie-Illinois steel works in Gary.

The “dream” which is now becoming an actuality was that of E. Earl Moore, who as general superintendent of the Gary Works of the Carnegie-Illinois corporation visualized a country refuge for the children of the mill workers.

About six months ago Moore, who was the owner of eight acres of land a few miles south of Porter, across from the historical Bailly estate (the Baillys were the first white settlers in this county), donated this property to the corporation, with the understanding that it be used for recreation purposes.

The proposition was presented to the Gary Works Good Fellowship club, an organization with the company, and steps were soon taken to make the dream a reality.

Buy More Land

Agreeing to make the project sufficiently large to accommodate hundreds of young people, the Good Fellows, purchased 57 additional acres of land, surrounding the plot donated by Moore.

The ironic chapter of the story is that just recently, after seeing the beginning of this vast piece of work taking shape, the sponsor, Mr. Moore, was transferred to Pittsburg, as vice-president of the industrial department of that corporation.

This 65-acre tract lies on the west side of what is known as the Howe road, a short distance northwest of U.S. road 20, and was formerly owned by P.G. Larson, well known farmer. The Baileytown road lies directly north.

The spot is described as one of rare beauty, where can be found almost every variety of tree grown in Indiana, and through it winds the picturesque Little Calumet River. Here stands the famous “Marriage Tree”, planted ninety-nine-years ago by one of the Bailey daughters as a child, and under which she was married when she grew to womanhood. The tree is in reality two trees, planted together, which so entwine each other as to appear to be one.

Plans Ambitious

The plans for the “recreation center” include a large administration building 120 feet by 60 feet, 2½ stories high, eighteen cabins, a large oval shaped parade ground, 750 ft. by 350 ft; an inland lake for canoeing and boating, a large field for out-door games, including soft ball, baseball and tennis, and an amphitheater where band concerts may be held, and moving pictures shown. Later a swimming pool may be added.

A few short weeks ago, materials began arriving, and workmen started erecting steel girders for the administration building. Today the steel structure is complete, and is being closed in with sheeting. The outside logs will be of northern Michigan pine, while the inside will be finished in knotty cedar. After completion, the whole will be varnished for preservation and added beauty.

Workshop Included

The first floor of this immense building will include the mess hall, kitchen and lounge. On the second floor will be found the administration offices and observatory, and the basement will be turned into a work-shop, where boys may learn craftsmanship of various kinds. There will be two fore placers, a modern heating plant, showers, and every facility for the comfort of the guests.

There are to be two miles of roadway winding through the grounds, constructed of gravel and slag, about half of which is completed.

After completion of the large building, work will immediately start on the cabins, sixteen of which will be for the use of girls and boys, who will arrive at different times for periods of several weeks, one cabin for three groups councilor and the last for showers.

When completed, which those in charge hope will be by the middle of June when vacation-time begins, the Good Fellows will be able to take care of 250 or more young people at one time.

A nurse will be employed regularly, and there will be medical provisions and special care for undernourished children.

At the entrance will be employed regularly, and there will be medical provisions and special care for undernourished children.

At the entrance will be erected a massive stone gateway.

Moore is succeeded by L.F. Burress of Gary, who is the decision superintendent, and S.M. Jenks, general superintendent.

James F. Considene, of Gary is in charge of the erection and construction of the project.

Feb. 7, 1946: Lodge Theft Trial Opens - Policeman Testifies Tell-Tale Finger Prints Discovered

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on February 7, 1946.

Lodge Theft Trial Opens

Policeman Testifies Tell-Tale Finger Prints Discovered

Bayard Lucas, 60, former Valparaiso university engineering student of 1907, went on trial before Judge Walter M. Crisman in Porter circuit court Wednesday on a charge of breaking and entering the Elks lodge rooms in this city Oct. 31 last.

Lucas is accused of taking pennies from a glass jar used to receive donations for service men. The jar is said to have contained $50.

A print of Lucas’ little finger of the right hand found on the glass jar is the main evidence relied upon by the state to convict the defendant.

Yesterday afternoon most of the hearing was consumed in direct testimony given by Patrolman Archie Cain, finger print expert of the city police department.

Explains Technique

Under questioning by Prosecutor G.L. Burns, former finger print expert and investigator for the Los Angeles, Calif., police department, Cain testified to 20 similar characteristics found on the latent print taken from the glass jar and the actual print of Lucas’ little finger.

According to Cain twelve characteristics are sufficient to prove prints are similar. The witness said that a print taken from the jar and a print of Lucas’ finger showed three bifurcating ridge lines side by side all forked in the same direction. Another characteristic was a scar which smudged one bifurcation. The same scare was found in both prints. These similarities prove positively the two prints are from the same finger, Cain said

Case Continued

Cain was still on the stand when court was adjourned yesterday. Because of other business Judge Crisman continued the case until Friday morning.

Larry Graham, former bartender at the Elks’ lodge, was the first witness called. He identified the glass jar and said it was about two-thirds full of pennies just before the robbery. He estimated the jar contained about $50.

Lucas was arrested at Ottawa, Ill. recently by police of that city on suspicion of several robberies. On his person a membership application card of the Valparaiso Lodge of Elks was found. Ottawa authorities released him to Valparaiso police because it was deemed local authorities had a better case against him.

Feb. 6, 1956: Kiwanis Project To Aid Handicapped Children

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on February 6, 1956.

Event Is Thursday

Kiwanis Project To Aid Handicapped Children

Valparaio’s Kiwanians will don their aprons again this Thursday, Feb. 9, to provide recreation enjoyment this summer for some local handicapped children.

The occasion is the annual Pancake Day.

It will be held at the Moose hall on Indiana street with service being continually from 6 a.m., to 8 p.m.

Members of the club will do the preparing and serving.

The menu will include pancakes, sausage, orange juice, coffee and milk, with no limit placed on the number of portions served to those who attend.

“We hope that with the help of the people of this region, that this will be the greatest Pancake Day event we have ever managed,” Carl Nellans said today when queried concerning the annual Kiwanis money raising project.

Nellans is vice president of the local service club and is in charge of the Pancake Day arrangements.

“We know that we have done a lot of good for area youngsters in the past and we hope to do even more in the future, Nellans continued.

“Last year we sent six handicapped children to a special camp at Twin Lakes, near Plymouth, for four weeks. We paid $100 for each child but that is not too much when you consider the number of specially trained people who are required to be in attendance on these children.

“They received wonderful care and enjoyed themselves in surroundings far removed from their everyday life. It would be a shame if we could not continue this part of our program.”

Camp Provides Services

Nellans further explained that the children were transported to the camp in a special railroad car which left Chicago with other campers and picked up the local group here.

The camp provides medical services and therapy for children who need special attention. The camp’s activities include swimming, handicrafts and similar pastimes engaged in at other summer camps for children.

In addition to its program for handicapped children, the Kiwanis club in the last year also donated money to the Mooseheart home for boys and girls and gave help to other children who needed aid which was not available from public funds.

Assistance given by the club is without publicity and the names of those aided are known only to the committee which handles aid matters for the club, Nellans stated.

Kiwanians To stage Annual Fund Raising Drive

VALPARAISO KIWANIS members Ben Kemp, Lee Salberg and Carl Nellans fill syrup pitchers in preparation for annual fund-raising Pancake Day to be held all day Thursday at Moose hall. Money raised by the event is used for aid to handicapped children.

Feb. 6, 1941: ‘The Beacon’ New Name of VU Yearbook

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on February 6, 1941.

‘The Beacon’ New Name of VU Yearbook

“The Beacon” will henceforth be the name of the yearbook of Valparaiso university by action taken last night by the publications board.

After a thorough discussion on the subject of changing the name from “Uhlan” to something more appropriate, and after considering each of the 15 or 20 names submitted by students, the board decided unanimously in favor of “The Beacon.”

The reasons are several: First, the seal of the university carries the inscription, “In luce tua videmus lucem,” or “In Thy light we see light.” Second, the name of the university student newspaper, “The Torch,” carries out this symbolism. Third, a minor reason, that a beacon is placed on a hill and Valparaiso university is also on a hill.

President O.P. Kretzmann said that he felt the new name was expressive of the ideals and purpose of the university and in keeping with the spirit of the school.

Results from a poll of students on the subject of changing the name of the annual revealed that student sentiment was a 50-50 proposition. The vote was very light.

The publications board consists of the president of the university; Dr. W.G. Friedrich, dean of student; A.F. Scribner, business manager of the university; Harold Helbing, president of the student council; the Torch staff, and the editorial staff of the yearbook.

Feb. 5, 1966: Trails Said Port Threat

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

Trails Said Port Threat

‘DOUGLAS WALL’ーCartoonist offers conception of how non-contiguous areas crisscrossed with trails in southern fringe of proposed Lakeshore acreage will bottle development of harbor and industry. Harbor opponents see this as maneuver by Illinois Sen. Paul Douglas to whittle down economic development in Indiana, thereby aiding Illinois industry, hence name ‘Douglas Wall’.

One of the major bones of contention between proponents of the Indiana harbor, now under construction in North Porter county, and supporters of the proposed Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, soon to be the subject of a House hearing in Washington, is the so-called non-contiguous areas.

The average person, when referring to the lakeshore, often thinks about the land and the sand stretching immediately south of the shore of Lake Michigan, but gives little thought to those marshy areas on the southern fringe of the 11,000-acre parcel.

In S. 360 ー the bill which seeks to establish the lakeshore ー the non-contiguous areas are referred to as “hinterland”.

Supporters of the harbor see in these fringe properties a sharp lever by seaport foes to reduce Indiana’s harbor from a first rate to a third rate facility, because they feel it will strangle their economic development.

For this maneuver ー as well as the many other delaying tactics that have been hurled at the seaport ー they blame Illinois Sen. Paul Douglas. Hence they refer to this southern zone as the “Douglas Wall”.

S. 360 does not clearly define the intent of those “hinterlands” other than that they obviously are to be used to preserve the flora and fauna and for the establishment of trails.

Harbor enthusiasts see in this area only one of the cloudy phases of S. 360. However, some light is believed shed on the federal government’s intent for this area by a portion of this testimony at the Feb. 8, 1965 Senate Subcommittee hearing in Washington.

The report on that hearing includes pertinent testimony offered by George B. Hartzog, Jr., director of the National Park Service. His answer followed a question asked by Sen. Alan Bible, of Nevada, chairman of the subcommittee which held the hearing.

Asked Sen. Bible:

“The problems, I think, that have concerned the committee about these so-called non-contiguous areas: No. 1, the distance from the lake, and No. 2, the fact that you have to go over three railroad tracks and two highways to get there.

“Is this correct? How many highways and how many railroads are there between the lake and these noncontiguous areas?”

Hartzog never quite got around to answering Sen. Bible’s direct question, but this was his reply:

“Sir, our thinking has been that the roads and railroad tracks would either be overpassed or underpassed with trail systems in order to connect the areas of the natural lakeshore.

“We have somewhat the same situation, for example, at Chalmette National Historical Park in Louisiana, where an industrial use road separates the battlefield, for example, from the river.

“We are working on a plan now to provide access to visitors across this road. This is a problem, but we don’t believe it is insurmountable.”

Project Expensive

Sen. Bible: “Do you have any cost figures on this? I suppose if you have an overpass or underpass it gets a little expensive, doesn’t it?”

Hartzog: “Yes, sir. The development schedule is indicated in the book. The development cost is about $5,700,000, and thisー”

Bible: “I'm sorry. I did not hear you.”

Hartzog: “About $5,760,000. This includes roads and trails that would be necessary for access among these detached units.”

Bible: “Now, is that the total cost of developing the non-contiguous areas, the $5.7 million?”

5 Year Figure

Hartzog: “Yes. During the 5 years. This is the first 5-year cost figure that we supplied.”

Bible: “Just for these areas along?”

Hartzog: “No. This is all development.”

Bible: “This is what I was trying to develop. How much does it cost to develop these and how much does it cost to build the trails and overpasses and underpasses to them? Do you have that breakdown?”

Hartzog: “We don’t have it broken down here precisely as to what part relates to the detached areas and what part is inside the main body of the national seashore.

Roads, Trails

“However, in the breakdown we show $15,000 in the first year for roads, $550,000 for roads and trails in the second year, the same amount in the third year, and $250,000 in the fourth year.

“So this would be roughly $1,365,000 for roads and trails. All of this would not be, however, solely for the purpose of linking up the detached units. There would be some trail developments within the principal areas itself.”

Harbor supporters consider this linkup as a scheme by Sen. Douglas to contain economic development in Indiana in order to provide greater industrial advantages to Illinois. That is why they call it the “Douglas Wall”.