March 5, 1931: OPERATORS OF LARGEST STILL EVER UNCOVERED IN PORTER COUNTY TO FACE TRIAL FRIDAY

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

OPERATORS OF LARGEST STILL EVER UNCOVERED IN PORTER COUNTY TO FACE TRIAL FRIDAY

A Porter county farmer and two Chicago men who were arrested by Sheriff Burney Maxwell and federal officers in a raid last October which revealed the existence of the largest still ever confiscated in the county since the prohibition law was enacted, will face trial before Judge Thomas W. Slick in United States district court at Hammond Friday morning.

Ernest Wheeler is the owner of the farm, seven miles northwest of Valparaiso, and a mile south of State Road Six, where the raiding party found in a cow barn a 300-gallon still, and 15,000 gallons of mash.

Wheeler and Charles O’Caverna and Atillo Boffa, of Chicago, were placed under arrest and later taken to Hammond for arraignment before United States Commissioner S.C. Dwyer. All three-men were released under bonds.

The still found by the officers was the largest found in the Calumet region as far as is known. It stood seven feet high and was capable of producing 300 gallons of alcohol every twenty-four hours, officers said. In the barn were found nine vats. Three of the vats were filled with sugar mash while the others were empty. Each vat had a 5,000-gallon capacity, the raiders said.

Wheeler will be represented in federal court by Attorney James J. McGarvey, of Valparaiso.

March 4, 1936: Chesterton High Senior Is Meningitis Victim; Town To Shift Clocks On Thursday

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 4, 1936.

Chesterton High Senior Is Meningitis Victim; Town To Shift Clocks On Thursday

(BY ROBERT ALLETT)

CHESTERTON, Mar. 4ーLast Friday Bernard Wiseman, senior in the Chesterton high school, developed a tooth infection. Last night he was at the point of death in Mercy hospital, Gary, with the dreaded disease, spinal meningitis. “Bernie” was taken to Gary Saturday on the advice of Dr. W.M. Parkinson, of the Parkinson hospital, when he developed a high fever, which, according to a report yesterday, reached a temperature of 107 degrees. Saturday he was believed to be suffering a streptococcus infection. The complications all arose from a sinus ailment. “Bernie” is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wiseman.

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Whether they like it or not, local residents will make an hour time jump Thursday by order of the town board which Monday held a special meeting to decide the Eastern Standard time issue. The step was held necessary because of the great here. The Gary steel industry is on fast time now.

It may be a slight exaggeration but housewives insist they are getting up at 3:30 these mornings to see their husbands off on the early train to Gary. And according to statistician Frank Gavagan, who has it all figured out, workmen will not see daylight when they get up in the morning until sometime near the middle of June.

It is reported that a straw vote taken among citizens by the Tribune to be released Thursday, will reveal that about a 10 to 1 percentage were against going on fast time.

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August Wiseman, roller in the Gary steel mills, has been taking it on the chin this winter. Just before Thanksgiving he broke his left leg while working in the mills. He was not able to return to work until around Christmas time. A few days later while returning home one night in an auto with four neighbor employees, he was thrown through the car roof when the machine skidded on an icy pavement and his collar bone was broken. None of the other passengers were hurt. After another long period of convalescence, Wisemann once more reported for duty at the mills. One week ago yesterday three fingers on his right hand were severed by the machine on which he works. He is now in the mill hospital receiving treatment.

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Oscar “Scotty” Rosetti, Chesterton high school ‘32, is renewing old friendships this week after having been absent from the old home town for two years. He returned last Monday for a week’s visit from Gulfport, Mississippi, where he is employed as a mortician’s assistant. Scotty was brought home via auto by Clayton Nelson and Delmar Borg who visited in Mississippi. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Rosetti. Father John is famous for the very good wine he makes and the very big tomatoes he raises.

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Another visitor is Frank Williams, Chesterton H.S. ‘33, who came up from Bloomington for a short stay, Frank is a junior at Indiana university.

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Word was received today of the death of Charles Siebert, former Chesterton resident, at the time of his death Tuesday afternoon, a New York Central dispatcher at Miller, Siebert died of a paralytic stroke. He is survived by his wife, Ellen, and a daughter, Dolores.

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Also dead is Mrs. Ellen Smith, 82, of Porter, who succumbed Monday night at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Herman Olson, Chicago Death was attributed to pneumonia. Another daughter, Mrs. Charles Olson, also of Chicago, and Roy and Allen, both of Porter, survive.

Memorial services were held today at Flynn’s chapel, at 1:30 o’clock, with the Rev. L. Vance, Chicago, assisted by Rev. Paul Young, Porter officiating. Burial took place in the Chesterton cemetery.

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At Parkinson hospital Monday two daughters were born to Chesterton mothers. One, named Mary Louis, was born in the morning to Mr. and Mrs. Vernon L. Tierney: the other, named Cecelia Maria, was born at night to Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Edman.

March 4, 1931: Visiting Reporters to Be Entertained by Journalistic Hopefuls

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 4, 1931.

Visiting Reporters to Be Entertained by Journalistic Hopefuls

Representatives of the metropolitan press, now sojourning in Valparaiso as official scribes of the lurid Kirkland murder trial are to be guests of honor of the journalism students of Valparaiso University this evening.

The affair, in the form of a reception, will be held at the Woman’s Club, at 8 o’clock this evening. The Beta chapter of the Iota Sigma, national journalistic fraternity of the University, will be hosts.

Old-time reporters will meet the up-and-coming generation of writers and get an insight into the newspaper make-up of the future, while student journalists will gaze with awe upon the men and women behind the pen whose places they aspire to fill a few years hence.

March 3, 1936: PREMIER’S NEW SIGN TURNS NIGHT INTO DAY; ADDS BEAUTY TO CITY BUSINESS DISTRICT

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 3, 1936.

PREMIER’S NEW SIGN TURNS NIGHT INTO DAY; ADDS BEAUTY TO CITY BUSINESS DISTRICT

Nightfall on Valparaiso’s main thoroughfare in the vicinity of Lafayette street is the signal each evening for a brilliant burst of color and dancing light as Premier Theatre’s magnificent new electric sign is turned on.

There’s reason enough too, for over 800 light bulbs and rows of red and blue lighted neon tubes, flashing on and off, form artistic patterns on the huge canopy-sign.

Work on erection of the attractive structure began last week after the old sign, which had been in use since the opening of Premier Theatre in 1921, was dismantled. It was turned on full blast for the first time Monday night, making the street nearby almost daylight.

Each end of the twenty-five and a half foot sign, which is ten feet high, is painted black and red with the word “Premier” in large, red letters, lighted with neon. Above the name is a sun-burst of light, while below are three sign-width rows for display of coming attractions. Letters in this section are of cast aluminum. Similar arrangement covers the front of the sign-canopy, while underneath are three red and blue neon tubes, lighting the entrance to the theatre.

The display is praised as a creditable addition to Valparaiso’s business district.

March 3, 1956: Relief Seen Necessary For Muddy South Sagers Road; Carrying Heavy Load Since State Highway 49 Is Closed

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 3, 1956.

Relief Seen Necessary For Muddy South Sagers Road; Carrying Heavy Load Since State Highway 49 Is Closed

By ROLLIE BERNHART

A slithering, splashing muddy ride over a two-mile span of South Sagers Road in Center and Morgan townships, Friday afternoon, convinced south Porter County Commissioner C. A. Carpenter that immediate corrective action should be taken before the roadbed is completely undermined.

Carpenter made the test ride with a complainant, Wilbur Finn, a resident along the road, and a V-M reporter-photographer.

Carpenter’s conclusions were summed up in his statement following the test run, “It is almost as bad as it was in the old horse and buggy days.”

Finn, a resident in the section for the past two years, complained to Carpenter that inadequate grading and lack of gravel had resulted in a gradual undermining of the roadbed.

In not less than six spots along the approximately two-mile span tested, the road was veritably a quagmire with little or no gravel to be seen.

Carpenter also observed that the original ditches had long been filled with loose gravel, dirt and weeds, providing little or no drainage during rain, snow and thaw. In one spot near the Gatewood farm, a slight downgrade was almost a washout.

Traffic Increases

Both Finn and Carpenter were of the opinion that additional heavy traffic, shunted on south county roads through the recent closing of Indiana 49, has contributed greatly to the condition of the road.

Carpenter said he also felt that with the eventual closing of Indiana 8 for widening purposes, south county roads will suffer still more as the spring thaws come.

In this respect, Carpenter said he would confer with the county commissioners and Mox Ruge, county attorney, Monday, concerning the possibility of procuring some aid from the State Highway commission in lieu of damage caused to county roads because of the current widening programs on the two highways.

Carpenter stated that he will present the issues involved on the road’s condition to the other members of the board at its regular monthly session Monday. A trip along the muddy strip for the board and road supervisor Anton Jensen is also to be proposed.

Just Like Horse and Buggy Days

“IT’S ALMOST AS BAD as in the horse and buggy days” is what C.A. Carpenter, right, south county commissioner, told Wilbure Finn, left, a resident along the old Valpo-Kouts (now Sagers) road, who points to one of the badly undermined spots near his home.

March 2, 1946: Homecoming Staged For Morgan GI’s

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 2, 1946.

Homecoming Staged For Morgan GI’s

By DORATHEA KUEL

MALDENーA gay night of musical entertainment and dancing was spent Tuesday night at the local school as the Morgan Township Farm Bureau welcomed home the servicemen of this community. Two hundred and seventy-five members and guests turned out for the organization’s biggest social evening of the season.

Prior to the dancing, vocal and instrumental selections were presented by talent from this community and from elsewhere in the community.

Mary Ann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gust Steinke, played as accordion solos, “Pennsylvania Polka” and “Notre Dame Victory March.” A fourth grade quartette composed of Edris Anderson, Beverly Owen, Linda Williamson and Donna Jean Hofferth, sang as a solo, “It Might As Well Be Spring.”

Fourth Graders Shine

Cuter than words can express was the presentation by the fourth grader’s tonnette trio of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” “There’s Music in the Air” and “Whispering Hope.”

From outside of Morgan township came Lois Ref, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn A. Reif, of Washington township, to play on her accordion and sing, “Some Sunday Morning,” “Cowboy Sweetheart,” “Five Feet Two, Eyes of Blue,: and she very graciously encored with “No Can Do.”

Eugene and Norma Newcomb, of Liberty township, appeared as a saxophone-guitar duo, and played such popular songs as “I Can’t Begin To Tell You,” “There’s a New Moon over My Shoulder,” “Waiting for the Tain to Come in” and “Temptation,” with Eugene singing the choruses.

Display Talent

Miss Mary Ann Heinold, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Heinold of Kouts, favored with piano and vocal solos, “Give Me the Simple Life” “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows” and “Dark Town Strutters Ball.” The Misses Betty Jane Weddle, and Elinor and Mary Homfeld of Boone Grove, displayed their talent by singing “Lullaby of the Bells” and “Who?” they were accompanied by Mrs. Gertrude Herren at the piano.

George Grundell’s orchestra provided the music for round and square dancing. Callers were Alford Bos and Ben Reder.

At a late hour ice cream and cake were served by a committee consisting of Mrs. William Finney and Mrs. Delberty Hofferth.

Short Business Meeting

President Vernon Dinse presided at the short business meeting which preceded the entertainment.

The March entertainment committee consists of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Park, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Blum, Mr. and Mrs. Everett Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Garriott, Mr. and Mrs. Alford Bos, Mr. and Mrs. Essel Whittledge, Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Birky, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sims and the McNeff brothers.

Lunch at the March session will be served by Mrs. Roy Purdy, Mrs. Gust Steinke and Mrs. Edward Wittner.

March 2, 1931: SHERIFF MAXWELL IS NOW THE OWNER OF FARM THAT HAS BEEN FAMILY ESTATE FOR 80 YEARS

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 2, 1931.

SHERIFF MAXWELL IS NOW THE OWNER OF FARM THAT HAS BEEN FAMILY ESTATE FOR 80 YEARS

A realty transaction that had many unique features surrounding it was consummated Saturday in this city when deed to fifty acres of land in Pleasant township, owned by James A. Hollandsworth, was acquired by Burney Maxwell, sheriff of Porter county.

The land in question had been in the Hollandsworth family for nearly eighty years, Mr. Hollandsworth’s mother buying it and entering the government patent when she obtained title.

During those four score years the land has never been encumbered with a mortgage, no judgements have been entered against it, and there have been no delinquent taxes or liens of any kind.

Sheriff Maxwell’s home is in Pleasant township. He has owned a small tract near the Hollandsworth property for a number of years. Whether the sheriff is looking ahead to the time he will retire from office, planning to take up farming, or merely purchased the old homestead as an investment, is not known. Right now the sheriff is so busy handly the Kirkland trial that he can’t be approached on incidental subjects.

Mother and Father At Kirkland’s Side

Rough as has been the going of his trial, which today entered its second week, with the state still placing witness after witness on the stand to condemn him and perhaps send him to the electric chair for his part in the murder of Arlene Drives, pretty Gary school girl, Virgil Kirkland, the first of the five Gary youngmen of the five Gary young men to face a jury as the result of the wild gin party of last November, has the consolation of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Kirkland, pictured here in the Porter county circuit court chambers here during a recess. To the Kirklands, Virgil is still “their boy,” the victim of prohibition liquor and the “loose times.” pictured below is Mrs. David Thompson, at whose home, in Glen Park, Gary, the fatal party was held. Her husband is one of the four other defendants, awaiting trial for their parts in the death of the Draves girl.

March 1, 1966: Need Four Lunch Periods

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 1, 1966.

Need Four Lunch Periods

By JOYCE CRIZER

PORTAGE ー Remodeling at Portage high school has changed the lunch program considerably for both students and teachers.

Presently all cooking is being done in the junior high building, as there are no kitchen facilities in the high school.

Four lunch periods are needed, starting at 10:25, to serve hot lunch to between 850 and 950 persons. There is seating capacity for only 200 in the existing all-purpose room.

In addition to the multi-purpose room, a new dining area, seating 550, is being constructed. The room, along with a teachers’ lounge with serving equipment, are expected to be completed before the end of this school year.

The new cafeteria will eserve 1,500. Plans call for four student serving lines as well as teacher’s serving lines.

School Dietitian Mary Ellen Ault and the school administration felt that a lunch program even with extremely crowded conditions and no kitchen facilities was worth the extra planning rather than having no hot lunches for high school students.

Five thousand paper plates and plastic forks are ordered each week, adding about 2½ cents to the cost of lunches, Miss Ault said.

About 500 half-pint cartons of milk are sold in the concession stand daily to those who do not buy hot lunches, and therefore eat on the gym balcony bleachers.

Menus are the same as all other township schools, Miss Ault explained, unless a main dish which cannot be served on a paper tray is to be offered; then sandwiches are usually on the high school menu.

“The cooks who are working under a handicap have been good spots,” stated Miss Ault. Mrs. Lucille Kraft works in the high school all day, while Mrs. Annabelle Thomae supervises high school cooking being done in the junior high.

Other cooks spending parts of their mornings at both schools are Mmes. Ruth Peek, Bonnie Ransay, Virginia Vail, Nora McMillan and Evelyn Skinner.

TRANSPORT STUDENT LUNCHESーHot lunches at Portage high school are transported from junior high cafeteria daily, since the high school cafeteria is being completely remodeled. ‘Uncle’ Roy Dahlin, member of janitorial staff, assists Mrs. Lucille Kraft, head cook, in bringing containers of tightly covered food for one of three lunch periods.

(PHS News Bureau Photo)