Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 20, 1956.
Railroad Telegrapher Taps Out Goodbye
HOWARD DAVIS, of Wheeler, who retired Monday after 45 years as a telegrapher with the Grand Trunk railroad, taps out a final goodbye on the old ticker to his friends on the line. Davis began his work with the railroad when he was 20 years old.
Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 19, 1981.
Hebron K-9 team heeds Atlanta’s call
by Randy Shirey
HEBRON ー Atlanta’s call for help has been heard in Hebron.
Hebron police Lt. Charles Scott and his German shepherd Christie left today for the terror-stricken city which has experienced 20 known murders of black children in recent months.
Scott will be part of a volunteer Indiana team equipped with specially-trained evidence dogs. The dogs are taught to pick up foreign scents in natural settings.
The idea to send a state team originated with Pat Little, an Indianapolis dog trainer who heard Atlanta’s pitch for assistance three weeks ago on a television newscast. Christie and the 15 other dogs making the trip were originally trained by Little.
Little was unavailable for comment this morning, but her husband, Don, who helps her run the Edelheim Canine Academy, said the dogs’ unique abilities make them a valuable asset in investigations of murder.
“We’ll be involved with tracking and possibly search for evidence,” Scott said this morning. “Other details will have to be worked out when we get there.”
Scott will spend more than a week in Atlanta, all on his vacation time. Like the other 15 men making the trop. Scott will be paying his own way.
“It’s strictly a volunteer effort,” said Little. “At least one of the officers took out a loan.”
The group met this morning for the ride to Georgia.
Other northwest Indiana officers going to Atlanta are Ken O’Dean, Merrillville; Rick Lamere and Keith Hesner, Crown Point; and James Hall, Cedar Lake.
Hebron police Lt. Charles Scott and his dog Christie left today for Atlanta in an attempt to help solve the 20 known murders of black children there.
Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 19, 1976
Tops In County’s Science Fair
By RUTH ANN McWHORTER
MALDEN ー Students from five of the six townships in the county school system won first place awards at the County Elementary Science Fair held at Morgan Township School Thursday.
First place winners included, from kindergarten to sixth grade; Matthew Thomas, Morgan Township, whose exhibit proved that plants need light (the ones in the dark died); Timmy Albrecht, Kouts, whose exhibit by Dawn Radice and Christi Sowder, Boone Grove, whose exhibit also investigated the properties of air; Bruce Snow, Kouts, who investigated oldtime and modern cleansing agents; Barbara Nadolski, Washington Township, who found that a plant would grow better under a white light bulb than under a colored bulb; joint exhibit by Amy Ehrhardt and Kim Lyon, Union Center, who found that water is not the only substance that can be used to extinguish fires; and a joint exhibit by Julie Herma and Michelle Wallace, Kouts, with an exhibit on how genetics affects one’s ability to roll one’s tongue.
In the class projects, winner in the primary division was project of Union Center second grade class of Kathleen Glenn (blue room) which investigated “what is hibernating under the snow?” Winner is the intermediate division was Kouts sixth grade class taught by Lia Ann McCormick, whose class investigated whether there are differences in brands of gasoline.
The Kouts class, which includes 23 students, did a lot of research on oil and gas products prior to beginning their exhibit, reported science teacher Gerald Gearhart. The students learned that the more refined oil products are, the more they evaporate (as an example, asphalt, which is at the bottom of the refinement process, evaporates very little). As a consequence, the students believed that the beter gas, which is more refined, would evaporate faster.
For their experiment, the class divided regular grade gas into categories of expensive (more than 55.9 cents a gallon), medium (53.9 to 55.9 cents) and cheap (less than 53.9 cents a gallon).
They found that, on the average, the expensive gas evaporated faster, and was thus better refined and more combustible, and also gave better mileage in their lawnmower. Gearhard said the class worked on the project for more than a month.
Award for the outstanding class project went to the Union Center sixth grade class of Robert J. Bobos, which found that charcoal produced the most ash, of about 33 substances burned by the class.
Outstanding individual exhibits were by Boone Grove students Karin Herrick and Vincent Regan. First grader Karin investigated how the spinning of a top is influenced by different factors (attachment of paper clips, pastings protruding slips of paper to the top, and by spinning it on a rough surface ー sandpaper). Vincent explained in an elaborate exhibit why fuses are important.
Second place ribbons at the fair were awarded to Mark Sinar, Boone Grove, first grade; Matt Maxwell, Boone Grove, second grade; Arthur Womack, Union Center, third grade; and Brad Wandrey and Greg Yergler, Kouts, sixth grade.
Class projects receiving second place were second grade Kouts class of Janet Robertson and fourth grade Union Center class of Marilyn Dodrill.
Third place awards went to Jennifer Herma, Kouts, first grade; Jan Herma; Kouts, second grade; Mary Jo Knoblock, Boone Grove, third grade; Kathleen Fitzgerald, Boone Grove, fourth grade; and Vincent Lazar, Boone Grove, sixth grade.
Third place class exhibits were both from Kouts ー second grade taught by Sue Ann Pickard and fifth grade taught by Gloria Nightingale.
Project of Union Center sixth grade class taught by Robert J. Bobos was judged outstanding class project at Porter County Schools Elementary Science Fair held at Morgan Township School Thursday. Luann Jipping (left) and Allan Jones (right) accepted plaque for their class. Trash can incinerator in foreground of photo is part of class exhibit, in which various materials were burned to determine which created the greatest amount of ash. Purple ribbons for outstanding individual student projects at fair were awarded to (sitting) Karin Herrick, first grade, and Vincent Regan, fifth grade, both of Boone Grove School.
Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 18, 1981.
Chesterton house owned by Youngs for many years
Photos by Kathy Steinbach
Text by Mary Henrichs
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Osberg have been told their red brick house at 324 S. Second St., Chesterton, was built in 1871. Although they have no proof of the construction date, the Osbergs do know that the home was erected by Martin Young and that it remained in his family until Eleanor Young willed it to Sadie Atkinson shortly before the Osbergs purchased it in 1959. The original two-story residence contained six rooms. The Osbergs believe the two rooms behind the curved porch (at right in photo) were probably added in the early 1900s.
This plaster mold in the entrance hall ceiling supports a glass chandelier. None of the light fixtures is original. The home has 11-foot, 9-inch ceilings which make it costly to hear in winter but which keep it cool in summer, Osberg said.
This handsome archway sets off the bay window in the Osbergs’ living room. The interior woodwork, all of which is painted, is of clear white pine without knots. When the Osbergs bought the house, the plaster was in excellent condition and they have never had to renew it.
Traditional Victorian carvings line the eaves of the original part of the house. Exterior walls are composed of 4½ inches of brick, 4½ inches of air space, and 4½ inches of brick lined inside by ⅜-inch of plaster, Osberg said.
The stair rail in the entrance hall makes this curve as it reaches the second floor. The residence has six chimneys and was originally heated by stoves. It contained no fireplaces because “It was a very up-to-date house for its time,” Mrs. Osberg said.
This close-up one of the two plaster molds flanking the arch at the bay window.
Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 6, 1976.
Mechanical Revolution Alters Country Way Of Life
More Machinery, Increased Yields Cut Farm Numbers
By JACK AYLESWORTH
THE LAST CENTURY has seen far greater change in American agriculture than all of the previous centuries combined. We have seen the transformation from muscle powerーboth animal and humanーto motor power. As a direct result of this shift, U.S. farmers have increased their productivity to a point never before reached.
In Colonial times almost everyone was a farmer by necessity, since a farmer produced little more than enough to feed himself and his family. By 1950, one farmer produced enough food and fiber for himself and 15 other people. By 1976, his productivity had increased to a point where he produced enough for 51 people.
As farm worker productivity increased, the number of farmers decreased. In 1920 Porter County had 1,791 farms. In 1973, there were only 661 farms.
THE REFINEMENT of the internal combustion engine made its application for farm power more useful. Whereas the first common gasoline (or kerosene) tractor pulled two 14-inch plows at about three miles an hour, the large 1976 models can pull 10 16-inch plows at six miles an hour. This is a tenfold increase in the amount of production from the operator.
Even greater increase has been made in harvesting. When corn was harvested by hand, it took a man with better than average ability to harvest 100 bushels of corn per day. With today’s large combine, one man can harvest 9,000 to 10,000 bushels in one day. This is a hundredfold increase.
The changes in farming from muscle power have altered life on the farm in many ways. No longer is it necessary for neighbors to join with each other to go from farm to farm threshing wheat and oats, shredding corn, filling silos, sawing wood for winter fuel, butchering hogs and cattle for meat, and raising barns. Each farm is more nearly self-sufficient with regard to labor.
IN THE EARLY 1900s, livestock, dairy products, and grain were the major items of farm output in Porter County. In 1976, farmers in this area raise mostly corn and soybeans.
In the late 1930s and early 1940s, electric power lines spread along almost every county road in Porter County, bringing modern conveniences to both the farmer and his wife. More replacement for muscle power.
The Federal Rural Electrification Administration permitted groups of farmers to farm cooperatives to build lines and bring electricity to isolated areas where public utilities did not find it economically feasible to provide service. The REA provided low interest loans for construction and cooperatives purchased their electricity from public utilities. Electricity was a major factor in enabling farmers to shell, dry, and store corn in large quantities.
NO STORY OF AGRICULTURAL progress is complete without credit being given to the role played by the land grant colleges such as Purdue University. In 1862, under Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, grants of public land were made to finance construction of agricultural and engineering collegesーone in every state. Most of the grants were for western land and the property was sold to gain funds for colleges in other states. These schools not only educated engineers, farmers, and farm leaders, but they also performed research on all phases of agriculture.
The County Agricultural Agent serves as a vital link connecting the research being done at Purdue with the practical application on the commercial farm. He advises farmers to test their soil and use proper amounts of plant food, to use improved tillage practices, to use new varieties of crops and livestock, and to form their own organizations such as the Farm Bureau and cooperatives.
One of the most important products of education and research at the land grant colleges was the development of hybrid corn. This probably doubled the corn production in the U.S. and it is proving to be a valuable export. One of the pioneers in the production of hybrid seed corn was Porter County's own George Chester who applied Purdue research at the commercial level and who produced and sold hybrid corn for many years under the name of Chester Hybrids.
Emil Kuehl was photographed before 1920 using horse-drawn corn planter on his Morgan Township farm. Photo loaned by Vernon Dinse.
Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 17, 1961.
Burned Building Verdict Awaited
By CHUCK ZULICH
As a safety measure, workmen Thursday afternoon removed the upper front wall of the masonic Temple, 113 Lincolnway, which was destroyed by fire Wednesday night.
Fire Chief Stanley Conner said today that he had been informed that a decision will be made in the next few days as to whether all of the lower section of the building will have to be removed.
This involved stores, Meyer’s Ready to Wear, Ehrhardt’s Auto Shop, and Anderson’s GIft and Tot shop, which were put out of business from water and smoke during the fire.
Johnston’s Closed
Also closed today is Johnston’s Sports store, 119 Lincolnway. Merchandise in this store was badly damaged by water. Owners of the store are reportedly awaiting an agreement with insurance estimators.
Dr. Thomas Sheffield, who operates a dental office above Johnston’s Sports, is “doing business as usual” today.
Chief Conner said a decision was made to remove the front wall after a meeting was held between himself, Mayor Don Will, William Morthland, city engineer, Charles Kauffman, chairman of the board of trustees of the Masonic lodge, and insurance adjustors.
Gape With Awe
A large crane owned by Tri-State Steel and Welding Company, Inc., Valparaiso, was called to the scene and the removal of the wall was begun under the direction of Charles Trump, of the Smith-Nuppnau company.
While many spectators “gaped with awe”, the operator of the large crane lifted the wall down to the street “bite by bite”.
The bricks and other debris were hauled away in trucks.
Final cleanup work was completed by members of the Valparaiso street department.
Area was blocked off during the operations, but barriers were removed at 10:30 a.m. today.
City Cleans Up
Steet Commissioner Harry Gustafson said today that men from his department also cleaned up the block in front of the Masonic temple early Thursday morning.
It had been previously reported that workers from the State Highway department had helped in this cleanup.
Members of the Valparaiso police department and special police were on duty to help handle the traffic problem resulting from the closing of the one block on Lincolnway.
BEGIN CLEAN-UPーCrane and claw shovel, top, was used by Tri-State Steel company, Valparaiso, to remove unsteady beams and debris damage estimated at $800,000 to Masonic lodge building and adjoining downtown business establishments Wednesday evening. Bottom, Fire Chief Stanley Conner inspects area in lodge kitchen where he believes blaze started
Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 17, 1956.
92-Year-Old Hebron Man’s Hands Strong
By ROLLIE BERNHART
I have just met Corando (that’s right) John. I am most thankful for the privilege.
Corando John at the age of 92 has more vitality and the will to live than most people have at much younger milestones.
Some say he is the oldest living resident in south Porter county. He was born in Posen, German, Nov. 17, 1863. He came to the United States 70 years ago, and has lived and worked in various parts of Porter county for the past 50 years.
Although Corando’s box-like home in the Praireview section of Hebron is rotting away and badly in need of repair, the man residing within its walls needs little “repairs” of any kind.
A smallish bearded man, Corando weighs a trim 140 pounds, has remarkably good eyesight, excellent hearing, and a head of hair that is still black despite his years.
It’s the hands which are the attraction.
They are big and strong appearing; a strength which, at the age of 92, permits him to do jobs that are amazing.
Loads heavy Iron
While others at retirement age like to sit back and let the world go by, Corando digs sewer trenches and mows lawns in the summer; shoels snow, cuts firewood, and helps an area junk man load heavy machinery iron during the winter.
All of this for a man who calls himself “92-years young”!
Corando has a philosophy of life all his own, a philosophy which has made it possible for him to retain his strength and vitality through the years.
He simply refuses to become interested in the trials and tribulations of the world about him, and he places an unwavering and implicit faith in his best and constant “friend” ー the Bible.
“I see nobody in my home,” Corando said. “Maybe once in 10 years somebody, like yourself, comes in. But my friend, the Bible, is always with me.”
Then he proceeded to prove his point by quoting Scriptures from the Old and New Testaments, with a clarity of memory that was truly a revelation. And, make no mistake, he has an implicit faith and belief in everything quoted in the Bible.
He refuses to be balked by rising economies in the outside world.
For many years he has lived on an average of “six dollars per month” for food, by grinding his own wheat and purchasing a dollar’s worth of meat weekly.
“After all,” he said, “why should I pay the present price buy a bushel of wheat for two dollars and grind it myself?”
There are two hand grinders attached to a chair in the house. One has long since been worn out by constant usage. The smaller one he still uses to grind the wheat, which he cats as mush.
Falls On Teeth
He does not attribute his longevity to lack of smoking or chewing. Humorously, on the question of imbibing intoxicating beverages. Corando said, “Drink, well yes, if you would get it for me as a gift… otherwise, no.”
He has never been organically ill.
The only time in his lifetime that he was hospitalized occurred when he fell from a hay mow on a farm where he was a hired hand. “I landed on my false teeth which were in my back pocket. The imbedded “teeth” had to be removed at the hospital,” Corando said smilingly.
With this humorous retort, I closed my notebook and started to leave. Here was a man, 92 years old, left alone since his wife’s death 20 years ago, existing on only the most meager of sustenance; living in a shack with no running water or sanitary facilities; reading by lamplight at night; and having to chop his own wood (a huge pile outside about seven feet high) to provide warmth and for cooking… yet he could still smile… and mean it.
Then, as if in answer to the puzzlement in my mind, Corando summed it all up by saying, “I seek to live the way God wants me to… that’s who I read the Bible.”
A rare privilege to have met this remarkable man.
Active Despite His Advanced Years
CORANDO JOHN, 92, Hebron, shovels snow from doorstep in top photoーhe also cut and piled wood at rightーand in lower picture he grinds wheat for mush diet.
(Chet Dyniewski Photo)
Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on March 16, 1946.
Coat-of-Arms Plaque Creates Historical Flurry
The mystery of an ornate family Coat-of-Arms plaque uncovered in a local second-hand furniture store recently was no longer a mystery today.
The unusual appearing plaque, a likeness of which is reproduced here, was at first believed to have considerable county historical significance, but the “bubble” apparently burst this week under a thorough investigation of its origin.
To start at the beginning, Henry Sauter, Jr., came upon the plaque at Skinkle’s Second-Hand Furniture store. Believing it to have been a family crest of the Joseph Bailey (or Bailly) pioneer family, who settled in Porter county as early as 1820, Sauter turned it over to Miss Mabel Benney, well-known locally as an authority and writer of Porter county history, Miss Benney brought the plaque and the facts to The Vidette-Messenger for further investigation.
Following extensive probing in the case, it was learned that the plaque was the property of the late P.J. Bailey, former Valparaiso lawyer. The plaque was found hanging in the late attorney’s office by Paul Randle, when the Randle Supply company occupied that building. It finally ended up at the second hand store where Sauter found it.
As far as The Vidette-Messenger could learn the two Bailey families were not related and the late Atty. Bailey had had the plaque made about nine years ago from his family’s historical files.
The crest of the highly ornate plaque is etched on an ivory background, embossed in gold, black, blue and crimson. Above the banner, a hand extends, holding a key surmounted by a six-pointed star. Below are the words “Deo Duce.” on the reverse side is an inscribed explanation of the Bailey Armorial Bearings.
Meanwhile, The Vidette-Messenger was holding the case open with the view that some new light may be thrown on the Bailey Coat of Arms mystery.
