April 15, 1961: Four Decades of Teaching Recalled By Ralph Schenck

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on April 15, 1961.

Four Decades of Teaching Recalled By Ralph Schenck

(EDITOR’s NOTEーApril is Teacher Career Month. In observance The Vidette-Messenger presents third in series of weekly articles on that subject by teachersー past, present and to-be.)

By RALPH SCHENCK

(Retired VHS Teacher)

As a public school teacher for over four decades (just retired), and now draping myself bulkily into an upholstered capsule, the thoughts of writing a short article about school teaching as a career is rather baffling.

Incidentally, there have been a lot of changes in this teaching business since the giddy and exotic Twenties when Fatty Arbuckle and Mabel Normand were the inspiration of the then juvenile delinquents.

Too, then, the dazzling Valentino was the pinnacle of female infatuation and the flaming Clara Bow was the “IT” of all the male juveniles.

Now, of course, I could camouflage this teaching career with a splatter of educational jargon, spiced with some quibbling semantics. It might be a better and more conventional therapy for you youngsters that should accept teaching as a career.

Obviously, by this time, you should be saturated with the vice, violence, and vulgarity that you get on your TVs. You’d better wander back into the monotony of virtue, veneration and the verities and you don’t need bulging horn-rimmed glasses to see through this.

Maybe in the early Twenties we did have too many Mrs. Grundys and too few Mr. Micawbers on the educational firing line, but changes are inevitable.

If you contemporaries are seeking glamor and glory instead of grammar and grace, you’d better dodge the pedagogical arena.

Many of you moderns have been maturing in the shallow, but glittering filigree of neon-lighted “joints” and all of you know more about the facts of life than you teachers. So I should apologize instead of advise you about a teaching career.

Old Casey (me) has finally struck out, but I wish I could go back to bat again. Paradoxically, I suspect there is a lot of joy in Mudville, however, for Old Casey could easily remind this present generation of “delinquents” about their parental “delinquents” of the ‘20s and ‘30s.

Just to list a VERY FEW there were Mayor Will; Sheriff Buchanan; Chief Gott; Councilman Miller, Beach, and Billings; Drs. Makovsky, White, and the DeGrazias; Attys. Chester, Douglas, and Nixon; Bankers Hildreth, Stephens, and Durand; Insurance Agents Sievers, Bartholomew, and Nuppnau; Federal Servicemen Linholm, Lembke, and Doud; Car Agents Marimon, Lightcap and Stanton; “Feeder” Wellman, Take and Merrill; academic Luminaries Miss Joanne Phillips, Swarner, Buffington; Merchants Lowenstine, Linkimer, and Salberg; and Pedagogues Phillips, Crisman, and Ellis

Then there were Col Dy, Maj. Williamson, and Chaplain Justice. And too, there was that courtesy winner, policeman (pardon me, captain), Black, who handcuffed me as a driving delinquent and scuttled me up before His Honor, Judge Ruge, the shyest student in all that decade of classes. Here I copiously apologized to both for goose-stepping them into those omniscient final exams of their school days.

Then there was that “delinquent” Bartholomew, who “ambulanced” me to the hospital where a covey of those “angels of mercy: gleefully exclaimed, “just what we’ve been waiting for”. Here I had to explain to them why I was late, but they graciously pardoned me as a pedagogical “delinquent.”

If the editor weren’t throttling me, I’d list another column of names. That list was just a sampling of the successful “delinquents” that are now holding positions of trust and responsibility and this is all so typical over these United States.

Yes, these “boys” and “girls” are skilled in the democratic procedures, and in creating and guiding this age of technological plenty.

A long time ago, I recall that lasting impression of my uncle as he stood on the spacious porch of his huge country home, late one summer evening looking over the undulating waves of golden wheat, the verdant crop of corn beginning to tassel, and the fat and healthy stock grazing on the luscious pasture lands. His was an etching of pride and joy in successful attainment that had come about as a result of planning, experimentation, effort and thought.

So, my prospective teaching neophytes, we, (“us” retirees), who have had just a small part in this abundant harvest of youth in our community, experience the intangible contentment which comes over us as we see the constant emergence of these successful “delinquents”. Now, you go forth, sow the deed, cultivate the crop, nourish the wavering, and your harvest will be beyond verbal description.

These fine folks and the many others like them, are the trademarks of our profession and “us” retired teachers are more than pleased because we had just a little to do with guiding them. We recommend to you present day “delinquents” to give some thought to school teaching as a career. It is the cause for precious rejoicing.

April 14, 1931: “KICK-IN” HAS PLENTY OF KICK; DRAMATIC CLUB SCORES SUCCESS

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on April 14, 1931.

“KICK-IN” HAS PLENTY OF KICK; DRAMATIC CLUB SCORES SUCCESS

An audience at the well-filled Memorial Opera House last evening, learned that “Kick In,” a four-act drama by Willard Mack, lives up to its title. It is packed full with ‘kick.’

An audience even larger than the one that greeted the cast on the opening night is expected to attend the presentation this evening, for all those who have witnessed it are enthusiastic in praise of the excellence of the staging, directed by Miss Edna Agar. 

An orchestra under the direction of Miss Ruth Hershman adds to the enjoyment of the program.

The presentation of “Kick In” is made by the newly organized Valparaiso Dramatic club under the sponsorship of the Drum and Bugle Corps of Charles Pratt Post, American Legion. Proceeds are to be used to defray the expense of sending the drum and bugle corps to the national convention of the American Legion, to be held at Detroit.

“Kick In” is a drama. It deals with the lives of the underworld, and of the handicaps faced by men and women who have gone wrong, in attempting to go straight. It tells of the pitfalls placed in the way of their restoration by crafty and hypocritical police methodsーof the sacrifice, by those in authority, of heroic effort on the part of those seeking to make good, to gain promotions.

The production has been on the legitimate stage for yearsーand it demands real dramatic ability on the part of every member of the cast. That the Valparaiso Dramatic club fully measures to the demands made upon it, by the difficult production is the highest commendation that can be given it. There were no weak spots. Characters were well chosen for their parts.

Harvey Varner as the hard-boiled police commissioner who is seemingly merciless, but finally shows that he is human, by giving the ex-convict, Chick Hewes (Herbert Deer) and Molly, his wife (Martha Hughes) another chance for freedom, even though he could have ‘framed’ them, demonstrated real dramatic ability. Henry Eschell was most convincing in his portrayal of Charley, Molly’s dope-fiend brother. From sudden silence to hysterical frenzy, he realistically enacted the gamut of human emotion. Lorraine Kinne, as the ‘ould Irish leddy’ with Lillian Sayers, her daughter, furnished the comedy relief in a play that otherwise was shot full of tense moments. These young ladies have talents so well known that little need be said to picture them in the minds of local home-talent ‘fans.’

Another of the outstanding characters was ‘Myrtle,’ the gangster’s Moll. Irmadell Johnson plays the part as it should be played.

“Memphis Bessie (Mrs. Frank Morton) is one of the toughest Southern Belles that ever reformed. Talking back to the commissioner was one of the best things she ‘didn’t do nothing else but.’ Jack Diggs (Arthur Erickson), one of the best hearted detectives, was nearer right in the solution of the crime than his double-crossing partner, ‘Whip’ Fogarty (Bruce Bornholt). This character was one of the most deceitful, downright ‘ornery’ persons imaginable. Through his offices it was that Chick and Molly nearly went to prison for a crime of which they were innocent.  Stanley Alms was excellent in his part of ‘Old Tom,’ Garvey’s ‘office boy’ policeman (he really should have a pension). The part of Gus, another plain-clothes man was ably handled by Jack Kozlenko.

The talent in the Dramatic club is unusual and could not have made the vivid performance of last evening under a more capable director than Edna Agar. it is almost axiomatic in Valparaiso that ‘if Edna Agar directs, it’s good.” Miss Agar was assisted, last evening, by Miss Babe Sazon.

April 13, 1951: School Children Given TB Patch Test

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on April 13, 1951.

School Children Given TB Patch Test

MRS. H.S. BARNES, executive secretary of the Porter County Tuberculosis association, and Miss Dorothy Smith, Valparaiso school health nurse, are shown completing a tuberculosis patch test examination on a group of youngsters at the Immanuel Lutheran school this morning. As is customary in the patch test process, these children were applied with the patch a week ago and then were examined today for a negative or positive report. Mrs. Barnes stated that in the past six weeks 1,245 children in the Valparaiso and Porter county schools were given the patch test, which returned positive reports on a very small percentage. This service, designated to protect school children and acquaint parents with the dangers and measures to be taken in combating this dreaded disease, is offered by the Porter County TB.

April 12,1956: Porter County River Is Safety Test Scene

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on April 12, 1956.

Porter County River Is Safety Test Scene

By ARTHUR E. ANDERSON

A line of cars carrying canoes turned off US 20 in north Porter county and headed down Greenhouse road.

At the Little Calumet river, the autos stopped. The occupants got out, unloaded the canoes from the car tops.

The “white water” canoe cruise is held under the auspices of the Chicago chapter of the American Red Cross with James H. Carnaham, director of water safety, in charge. Douglas Boyd, field representatives, assists him.

The mixed group of canoe enthusiasts was comprised of Red Cross swimming instructors from the Chicago-Calumet area.

Thirty-two persons made the trop Sunday on the Little Calumet river in 13 canoes.

At the point they embarked, the river was wide and the current slow.

Pass Historic Home

After a few minutes of paddling, they passed the historic home of Joseph Bailly, a Frenchman who settled there with his family 134 years ago. They were the first white people to settle in this area.

Bailly bartered with the Indians who came down this stream with furs in their canoes.

The “white water” canoers soon called for a short lunch stop.

The turning, twisting and doubling back of the river added to the mileage covered. The canoers sometimes were detained by obstructions which they encountered ー in the water or overhead.

Then came the thrill of going through the rapids, a special treat for those who had never before paddled down a “white water” stretch.

Several had near spills as they tipped and water came into their “sitting rooms.”

While the stage of the water was moderate for this time of year, there were a number of places where logs, brush across the water made it difficult and hazardous to pass, especially in a strong current.

At one spot, two canoes came upon a tree which blocked the way. While one crew attempted to squeeze their boat under the tree, the stern paddler of the second boat had his crew step onto the tree as he slid the boat over the wet limb.

Paddler Is Dunked

A sudden slip, a splash and the paddler was in the c-o-l-d Little Calumet.

He held tightly to the limb as the current tried to drag him under.

Minutes later, on a bank downstream, a thoroughly chilled canoeist could be seen doing an Indian war dance around a big bonfire.

Everyone agreed that the “Lil Ole Cal” in north Porter county gave them a good workout with plenty of pleasure and thrills.

Water Safety Training Exercise Is Held

LITTLE CALUMET river gives good “white water” cruise experience to Chicago chapter of American Red Cross, which underwent water safety training there. In top photo boats are being unloaded; middle rapids are negotiated; lower, trainee is dunked in cold water.

(Arthur E. Anderson Photos)

April 12, 1951: Local Fibre Firm Uses Airport Facilities

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on April 12, 1951.

Local Fibre Firm Uses Airport Facilities

FACILITIES AT the county municipal airport are being used by the Continental-Diamond Fibre company to receive and transport rush orders and supplies to and from Indianapolis. The firm Wednesday afternoon received a shipment of synthetic rubber from there and dispatched delete parts for condensers and transformers used in high altitude bombers. In the photo above workmen for Ferguson Transfer, Inc., are shown loading the outgoing shipment. It is the opinion of local C. of C. officials that if more firms would use the airport facilities for feeder service the Civil Aeronautics board would certify the airport for direct feeder service by plane for mail, passenger and cargo between Chicago and Indianapolis. A recent petition made by the local group to that effect was turned down by the CAA because of lack of existing use of the facilities.

April 11, 1941: Art Association Meets At V. M. Hannell Home; Inspect Members’ Work

Art Association Meets At V. M. Hannell Home; Inspect Members’ Work

The regular April meeting of the Porter County Art Association was held at the interesting studio home of Mr. and Mrs. V. M. S. Hannell at Furnessville. Owing to the inclement weather the attendance was not as large as usual, but the enthusiasm left nothing to be desired.

A general pamphlet put out by the Associated Art clubs, relative to the forming of a Business Men’s Sketch club, was passed around for inspection. A general discussion followed and the matter of forming a similar organization in Valparaiso was left with Mr. Euston and Mrs. Amstutz to work out.

As announced, the members present made charcoal and other sketches of Mrs. Ponader, who posed for the group. The results were varied as the different angles of observation brought into being a number of sketches other than profiles.

The sylvan retreat of the Hannell’s has become quite a mecca for art lovers. They exhibited many specimens of pottery production, carvings and paintings which show a wide versatility.

The pottery itself, at a distance down a sharp incline back of the studio-proper, was open for inspection. Here the Hannells have a large kiln now supplied with an automatic oil burner.

A replica of an historic potter’s wheel has been made by Hannell. It comprises a vertical shaft passing through an operator’s scat. A very heavy stone table is on the upper end of the shaft and near its lower end a similar diameter and heavy stone is on the shaft. This stove is rotated by the feet of the operator. The great weight of the stone maintains steadiness of rotation.

Euston showed three points of drypoint etchings he has made since the last meeting of the club. These are exquisite specimens of his charming style.

Miss Agar displayed a most interesting watercolor sketch of an old lady.

At the close of the evening’s work Mrs. Hannell served delicious tea and cookies, made doubly interesting because they were served from tea pots and cups made by the hostess herself, which gave added charm to the occasion.

The May meeting will be with Miss Edna Agar.

April 9, 1946: VALPARAISO’S BOY SCOUTS

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on April 9, 1946.

VALPARAISO’S BOY SCOUTS

Valparaiso’s boy scouts were looking forward today to what they hope will be the biggest waste paper collection in the city’s history next Saturday, April 13. About fifty boys from local Troops 20 and Scouts are enthused over their prospects following receipt of many calls from householders who have promised to have their bundles ready on the big day. In the above photograph four Valparaiso Scouts offer a graphic portrayal of what they hope the citizens of the community will have ready for them next above are, left to right, Scouts Wilbur Fleenor, Troop 20, Don Curtis, Troop 27, William Wareham, Troop 27, and Charles Able, Troop 20.

April 9, 1941: LONG-DELAYED WORK ON SALT CREEK BEGINS

Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on April 9, 1941.

LONG-DELAYED WORK ON SALT CREEK BEGINS

City Officials, Farmers On Hand for Ceremony Late Tuesday Afternoon.

The epochal event in the annals of Valparaiso and Center township took place Tuesday afternoon about 5 o’clock when the first shovel full of dirt was hoisted out of the bottom of Salt Creek, marking the initial step in the cleanout of the ditch over an eight-mile course.

The colorful ceremony took place on Hagen Road, two and a half miles west of Valparaiso, and about half a mile north of the Lincoln Hills Country Club. Present were Dr. C. L. Bartholomew, mayor of Valparaiso; J. A. Fleishbein, city attorney; George Jungjohan, city councilman William Brown, Keith Brown and Albert Wagner, farmers living in the vicinity; E. Zimmerman, Sr., and Paul B. Pattee representative of The Vidette-Messenger; John R. Fabing, engineer at Valparaiso Camp 20, Soil Conservation Service, and Dale Pearson, of the San Pierre Cement Products company, which has the digging contract.

Start Today

This morning work started in earnest with Pearson in charge of the big link belt dragline, equipped with a 45-foot boom, digging huge chunks out of the creek bottom and along the jagged sides. The digging was begun east of the bridge on the Hagen Road, but plans call for a cleanout of the ditch to a point about 700 feet west of the bridge.

Some idea of the size of the proposed cleanout may be gained from a statement made by Engineer Fabing that the main ditch is 45,000 feet in length or over eight miles, while the laterals are 12,970 feet, or two and one-half miles long.

Land - Owners Bear Cost

A total of 130,451 cubic yards of dirt will be removed from the main channel of the ditch, and 15,490 cubic yards from the laterals. The bottom width of the ditch at the lower end, in the Hagen road vicinity, will be 20 feet. This width narrows down to around three feet at the upper end at State Road 49, near the Stoner farm, south-east of Valparaiso.

The cost of the project is being borne by land owners living along Salt Creek, which also includes the city of Valparaiso. They are paying $5,690.70 for the rental of the dragline. The city’s share of the undertaking is $2,725, which sum was appropriated last fall and approved by the state tax board.

On the other hand the federal go ornament is paying the wages of the dragline operator, furnishing all gasoline and supplies for the digger CCC labor and engineering.

Is Flood Project

Salt Creek ditch was originally built in 1905 and 1906 at a cost of $17,000 following its establishment in Porter circuit court in 1904. Previous to that it was a natural creek.

The ditch at the present time affords drainage for 22.7 square miles of farmland, in addition to the city of Valparaiso. The waters from the ditch empty into Burns Ditch, which in turn find their way into Lake Michigan.

The primary purpose of the cleanout, engineers said, is to prevent farm lands from being overflowed. At present the creek is low, but nevertheless a swift stream of water about 12 feet wide and at various depths flows in the lower part in the Hagen Road section. Springs at the upper end provide a considerable part of the water and Valparaiso drainage and additions from several streams, notably Sager’s Lake overflow, provide accretions.

The design of the ditch cleanout was worked out by engineers at Valparaiso Camp 20, Soil Conservation Service, the Porter county engineer and Valparaiso city engineer. The ditch as planned is expected to take care of floods of a 10-year frequency.

EVERYBODY'S HAPPY AS SALT CREEK JOB BEGINS

While onlookers grinned at the cameraman, His Honor, C. L. Bartholomew, mayor of Valparaiso, fiddled with gadgets operating the giant power shovel which will dredge Salt Creek. The mayor was scheduled to be on hand at 4 o’clock to turn the first shovel full of dirt but in the press of business affairs he forgot the appointment and it wasn’t until after 5 p.m. that the ceremony got underway. Shown above are Engineer John Fabing and the mayor at the controls of the shovel; Councilman George Jungjohan and City Attorney J.A. Fleishbein standing in the door of the cab; Eng Zimmerman, Dr., reporter; William Brown and Keith Brown, farmers whose land adjoins the creek. The lower photo gives some idea of the size of the equipment to be used on the job.