Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on February 14, 1951.
Sends Valentine Greetings To All
KATHY WAGNER, age two, and John C. Saidla, Chesterton photographer, got together to bring 1951 Valentine greetings to Porter county residents. The card attached to the flowers held by Kathy reads: “A Valentine Bouquet for You.” Kathy is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Wagner, Waverly road, Chesterton.
Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on February 14, 1946.
WILLIAM FORNEY TAKES OWN LIFE
Bullet Wound Proves Fatal To Recorder
Long Period of Ill Health Blamed By Friends For Wednesday Night Act
Despondent over ill health, William B. Forney, 62, Porter county recorder, and for many years identified with public life in Valparaiso and Porter county, took his life at 10:15 o’clock Wednesday night by shooting himself in the heart with a .38 caliber revolver in his home, 3 Brown avenue.
Alphea Williamson, who had been staying at the Forney home during the latter’s illness, discovered the body. Williamson told Coroner H. A. Flynn, of Chesterton, he had been sent to the basement by the ill man to attend the furnace. While in the basement, Williamson said he heard a heavy thud on the floor, but no sound of a gun. When he returned upstairs he found the body of Forney crumpled on the floor.
Williamson notified Dr. E.H. Miller, Forney’s doctor. Following an examination the physician pronounced him dead.
Mr. Forney had been in ill health for several years, and for the last week had been confined to his home by an attack.
Born in White County
The descendant was born on a farm in White county, Ind., on Nov. 1, 1883, a son of John W. and Anna (Buchan) Forney. He came to Valparaiso with his parents when a small boy.
After attending the Valparaiso schools he entered the Northern Indiana School, now Valparaiso university, where he completed the commercial course.
For several years he followed farming and later was employed at the Lowenstine store.
Keenly interested in sports, he became a professional baseball player, and saw service as a catcher with teams in the Three-Eye and Texas leagues. He was also accorded tryouts by several major league clubs. He was well known in football circles, being a member of the Valparaiso Tigers which some 40 years ago were acclaimed northern Indiana semi-professional football champions.
His first entry in Porter county public life was in 1913 when he was appointed deputy sheriff by W.S. Lindall. After serving in this capacity for four years, he was elected sheriff in 1916, and re-elected in 1918.
Entered Real Estate
After leaving the sheriff’s office he became associated with the late Charles S. Peirce in the real estate and insurance business.
After selling his interests to Peirce, Forney became deputy under William Pennington, who had been elected sheriff. At the close of Pennington’s term, Forney became a candidate in 1924 and was elected to the post. He was reelected in 1926.
In 1938 he again became a candidate for office and was elected by a big majority to the office of county recorder. He was re-elected in 1942. His present term would have expired on Dec. 31, 1947.
He was amember of old Company L. Indiana National Guard, of this city, and accompanied the unit to the Mexican border in 1916 when President Wilson sent troops there to protect this country against Mexican uprisings.
Elks Official
Forney was prominent in Elks’ lodge circles, and served as exalted ruler of the Valparaiso lodge. He was also a member of the Sons of Union Veterans.
He was united in marriage to Mina Frohmader, of South Bend, She preceded him in death 10 years ago.
Surviving is one brother, John L. Forney, of Valparaiso, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Memorial services have been set for 2 p.m. Sunday at the Stinchfield funeral home, 55 Jefferson street, and will be private. Rev. C.C. Starn, of the First Presbyterian church, of which the decedent was a member, will officiate. Burial will be in Maplewood cemetery.
Friends may call at the Stinchfield funeral home Friday evening and up until Sunday noon.
Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on February 14, 1941.
Music Shop Hit By Fire, Plans Event
Offering a complete new line of goods in an attractively redecorated shop on West Lincolnway the Bucci Music House, “The Home of Wurlitzer,” will hold its grand opening Saturday, Feb. 15, starting at 8 p.m.
A basement fire on Jan. 3 forced Harry Bucci, proprietor, to close his doors until repairs could be made. Since that time workmen have been busy laying new maple floors, both on the first floor and in the studios on the second floor. Also the walls have been painted in modernistic colors, venetian blinds have been added and new drapes adorn the plate glass window downstairs. Carpets are being laid, and a new heating plant has been installed.
More Stock
The ballroom floor, studio furnishings and the recording facilities on the second floor are modernistic in design. In addition, proprietor Bucci says that all his pianos, instruments, sheet music, supplies and accessories are new and his record department more complete than ever.
A “man-on-the-street” program will be conducted in front of the store and recordings will be made on the new large unit.
Joe Burkhard and Earl Howe of New York will be on hand to operate the recording machine; Walt Vincent, Joe Dauer and Morris Price, Wurlitzer representatives of DeKalb, Ill., will be present, as will Henry Kay and Gerald Peterson of the Gamble-Hinged company, Chicago, and Henry Rubhle of the RCA, South Bend.
Several on Program
Members of the musical faculty who will participate in Saturday’s grand opening include Mary Ernestine Clark-Case, piano; Charles Stickney, popularly piano; Dorothy Jo Bellni, dancing; Harry Bucci, band and orchestra teacher, and Mrs. Bucci, piano-accordian.
An announcement of the special free flavors, piano sale, special recording offer, radios and other items appears in another part of today’s issue of the Vidette-Messenger.
Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on February 13, 1931.
JUDGE HARRY CRUMPACKER IS A VICTIM OF THE AUTO PLATE LAW
Judge Harry L. Crumpacker, of the Porter Superior Court, was late starting his court Thursday morning, but the reason for it did not become known until today.
It seems that his eminent judgeship had failed to get a 1931 automobile license, and when he was leisurely driving down Franklin street, Michigan City, on his way to this city, Patrolman Roy Thomas came along and spied the old license plates on the judge’s car.
The policeman did not recognize his “victim” and hustled the judge post haste to the station, following a rule of the department that all cars without proper license plates should be impounded at headquarters until the law had been complied with.
At the station, the judge walked into the inner office to talk with Chief Wesley R. Kirby, and the patrolman asked Desk Sergeant Richard Fritz: “Who is that guy?”
“Why don't you know who that is,” replied the amused officer. “That’s Judge Crumpacker.”
The judge explained that he had been getting up every morning before the license bureau was open and returning from Valparaiso too late.
Because of Lincoln’s birthday, the license branch was closed, so Chief Kirby overcame the difficulty by borrowing a set of plates from a local auto dealer, so that Judge Crumpacker could proceed on his trip.
Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on February 12, 1966.
CEMETERY VANDALISM
Reported vandalism at Gossett cemetery in Liberty township was confirmed in visit to old burial grounds Friday by Mrs. Jane Blachly, member Daughters of American Revolution, William Henry Harrison chapter. Top, Mrs. Blachly at John G. Hearring grave where vandals dug down about two feet before halting ghoulish project. Stone was removed from grave and leaned against fence at opposite side of cemetery. Bottom, V-M Reporter Rollie Bernhart points with stick toward spot at grave of Sgt. Henry Battan where bronze marker designating soldier of Revolutionary War was stolen.
Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on February 12, 1941.
Pay Homage To Lincoln Here Today
Valparaiso today paid homage to Abraham Lincoln on the 132nd anniversary of the birth of the Great Emancipator. Local banking institutions, the courthouse and city hall offices closed. American flags flew throughout the city.
Principal observance will take place this evening in American Legion Hall on East Lincolnway when Charles Pratt Post No. 94 will sponsor a patriotic program, beginning at 8 o’clock. The public is invited to attend.
Opening with the “Star Spangled Banner” and the flag salute, a quintet of Valparaiso high school musicians under the direction of Prof. Harold Rogers will play five other numbers. They are: “Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms,” quintet; cornet solo, “Emmett's Lullaby,” Charles Harmon; Quintette in B Minor, quintet; bass solo, “Judas Maccabeus,” Delmar LaCount, bass.
Burns to Speak
Following a welcome address by Commander G.L. Burns, Valparaiso Junior high school students will give a series of readings on Lincoln. Darlene Yazel will read a biography of Lincoln; Priscilla Palmer, “Mrs. Bixby’s Letter”; Tommy Huston, “A Little Nubbin,” and Phyllis Fraser, “Quizzing the Applicant for Doorkeeper.”
Lincoln’s Gettysburg address will be recited in unison by the following: Jack Ferguson, Rhea Hubbard, Marion Miller, Lucille Dean, Nancy Fabing, Nancy VanNess, Barbara Lembke, Herbert Mitchell and Lewis Casbon.
Several selections will be given by a trio choir of Valparaiso university consisting of Constance Bruegmann, Viola Wrede and Arlene Engle. “The Spirit of Uncle Sam’ will be depicted by Patricia Ross, Helen Miller and Betty Reid.
The program will be brought to a conclusion by the singing of the “Cavalcade of America,” by the Valparaiso high school chorus of 80 voices under direction of Mrs. Mary Stevens Myers, Burton L. Conkling of the Valparaiso high school faculty will act as soloist.
At G.A.R. rooms in Memorial opera, Sons of Union Veterans and Ladies’ auxiliary will observe the event with a program. Rev. Albert T. Swasko, pastor of Trinity Lutheran church of this city, will give the address. The public is cordially invited to attend.
Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on February 11, 1946.
ATTEMPTED JAIL BREAK-OUT FAILS
Digs Mortar Loose From Stone Block
Man Held In Theft of Lodge Money Caught Trying To Escape.
Bayard K. Lucas, 60, on trial in Porter circuit court on a charge of robbing the Valparaiso Lodge of Elks October 30 last, sought to break jail Sunday night.
Sheriff Harry Borg said Lucas used a sharp piece of steel taken from a bed cot to remove the mortar from a large block of stone in the south wall of the bull pen.
Julius Bornholt, living just across the alley from the jail, made the discovery. He heard a scraping noise and notified the sheriff.
Investigation revealed the mortar from a large block of stone had been almost entirely removed. Lucas had turned on a faucet in the bull pen to drown any noise of his operations.
Under questioning of Borg and Chief of Police Jerome Frakes Lucas at first denied he had tried to remove the stone. Later he admitted he planned a get-a-away tonight. When questioned Lucas’ hands and shoes were covered with limestone dust.
Broke Jail Twice
According to local officers Lucas’ FBI record shows successful jail breaks from Terre haute and Vincennes jails.
Lucas’ attempted delivery will probably result in speeding plans for remodeling the jail. The county council recently approved a $7,000 request by the county commissioners to make needed changes at the local institution. These plans are now before authorities at Indianapolis. Among changes contemplated are construction of a guard walk three feet wide, separating the bull pen from the outer walls, which will make escapes more difficult, and an extension of the mezzanine floor to allow for greater separation of prisoners.
Testimony relating to the purported jail break by Lucas was given on the witness stand this morning when Lucas’ trial was resumed after several days’ delay, Sheriff Borg and Police Chief Frakes were the witnesses Frakes also told of Lucas’ arrest at Ottawa and his connection with the local Elks’ robbery through a membership application of the Valparaiso lodge found on his person.
Finger Prints Found
Frakes said Lucas’ guilt was established when he obtained a set of finger prints from Ottawa, and one of the prints, that of the little finger on the right hand, corresponded with a print taken from a g;ass jar in the Elks lodge which had been rifled of $50 in pennies. Frankes said he talked with Lucas several times and the defendant admitted being in Valparaiso the night of the robbery, but denied knowing where the Elks’ lodge was located.
Larry Graham, bartender at the Elks, was recalled by Prosecutor G.L. Burns. Graham said he dusted off the glass jar before he left early on the morning of the robbery.
Ernest Karow, former employe of the Elks’ club, testified he saw a man answering Lucas’ description on the stairs in the Elks’ building the night of the robbery. Later he saw the same man the next morning on the street.
Lucas took the stand shortly before the noon hour, and under questioning by his attorney, George Bush, of Chesterton, admitted being in Valparaiso on Oct. 29 and 30. He said he stayed at the Valpo hotel. He said he walked around the city during the afternoon, then read a magazine and rested until evening. Later he played cards with two men and then read his magazine before retiring. The next day he said he visited the university district where he attended school in 1907. He remarked the Hill district did not look “natural.” Around 10 a.m. he boarded a bus for Hammond. He contended he did not know where the Elks’ building was located.
Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on February 10, 1951.
Miss Rockhill Gives Home Ec Club History
CHESTERTON, Feb. 9 ー Mabel Rockhill explained the home economic programs and how they are sponsored to the members present at the Chesterton Woman’s Club meeting Monday afternoon, Feb. 5.
Miss Rockhill, home demonstration agent and graduate of home economics, gave the members a brief history of the organization, giving 1785 as the beginning year when it was a study of agriculture, the society spreading through the states and developing into a research program of problems and continuing until the present day home economics extension clubs.
LaPorte county in 1912 was first in Indiana to have a county agent. In 1914 an act passed by the government to have a government fund provided through taxes sponsor the program. The federal government allocates funds to each state.
Porter county has 31 organized groups of women, about 630 members, besides the 4-H work. Certain trends are noticeable, such as the interest shown by more urban women than formerly. There are two of these organizations in Chesterton, the Duneland and Westchester Homemakers, one meeting in the afternoon and the other in the evening, each with a membership of 16 or 18. The trend is now towards public affairs instead of skills in food preservation.
Each group sends three leaders for program training. Special interest groups study such subjects as tailoring, brighter wash days and plastics. The county council, composed of the presidents of the 31 groups, is given training school to set up programs for the coming year. The council lists topics requested by members, which topics are fully discussed by the council. When the club decides to have training in tailoring all sewing is done at home by assignment. The time of meeting is used for demonstration of correct sizing with pattern fitting.
Each member pays 50 cents a year dues to the organization for expenses of the clubs and makes contributions. Miss Rockhill recalled there were 16 clubs when she first came to Porter county in 1942. Now she is able to visit each club only twice a year and is assisted by a junior or senior girl from Purdue university for six or eight weeks during the 4-H activities.
During the business meeting Mrs. Roy Neelands, president, called members’ attention to the March 19 meeting with Mrs. Charles Dolk speaker on floral arrangements, which had been omitted from the year book. She announced a girl scout tea to be given Sunday afternoon, Feb. 25, in the Lions building. The Woman’s club being sponsors of the girl scouts, members were asked for donations of homemade cookies.
Mrs. A.B. Guernsey, Mrs. Leland Scheets and Mrs. Harold Bartels, members of the nominating committee, took the members, by secret vote, slate of officers and will have the slate prepared for the next meeting.