April 1, 1921
Funeral services for Martin J. Gabel, who lost his life in fighting in the Argonne during the World War will be held in the court house yard Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock. The American Legion will be in charge. Rev. Guy O. Carpenter who served in the navy during the war, will officiate. A military funeral will be held. The body of the dead soldier arrived here last night and was met at the depot by a guard of honor of the Rehabilitation Club of the university, and representatives of the American Legion, and escorted to the home of Gabel’s sister, Mrs. Jerome Spencer. A guard will be maintained until the body is removed to the court house tomorrow where it will lie in state until the funeral.
W. B. Forney, who recently completed two terms as sheriff of Porter County, has formed a partnership with C. S. Peirce in the insurance, real estate, and investment business. Mr. Peirce established the business in 1915. The new firm will be located at 6 Michigan Avenue.
April 2, 1921
County Treasurer J. G. Graessle today sold four issues of gravel road bonds. The $140,000 ($2,057,092.74 in 2021) issue in the Arthur Hanrahan Road was sold to Straus Brothers of Ligonier. The Valparaiso State Bank bought two issues in the B. F. Williams Road in Washington and Morgan Townships for $78,200 ($1,149,033.23 in 2021), and also the $34,800 ($511,334.48 in 2021) issue in the Galbreath Road in Morgan Township.
Joseph F. Crowe, county highway superintendent, has been appointed by Governor McCray as one of the delegates to the ninth annual convention of the U. S. Good Roads Association convention to be held at Greensboro, N. C., on April 18 to 20, to represent the State of Indiana.
April 3, 1921
Valparaiso paid tribute Sunday to Martin Gabel, one of its sons who gave his life in France during the World War. Funeral services were held at the court house lawn at 2 o’clock. Three thousand persons attended. Lincolnway was full and many buildings held persons. A quartet composed of Arthur and Carroll Schneider, Mrs. W. T. Conklin and Mrs. Emma Dorsey sang. Rev. J. A. Lord, pastor of the Hebron M. E. church, gassed in France, gave the text; Rev. John W. Newsome, army chaplain, the prayer: O.F. Helvie, commander Charles Pratt Post, American Legion, the post commander ritual for the dead, and Rev. Guy Carpenter, pastor of M.E. church, and navy chaplain, preached the sermon. The pallbearers were Gust Long, Don Herrick, Justin Shauer, Claude Beach, Edward Abel and Peter Young. Following the services the city band led the procession to Maplewood Cemetery. A firing squad three volleys over the grave. Fully 1,500 persons accompanied the body to the cemetery.
At the conclusion of the morning service Sunday at the Baptist church a permanent call was extended by the congregation to Rev. Clarence Mitchell, acting pastor of the church for several months. It is not known whether he will accept the call.
April 4, 1921
E. W. Agar and E. D. Hodges Saturday filed their declaration of candidacies for the office of mayor, making three now in the republican race for the office. John R. Burch, who filed for mayor, but withdrew, filed for councilman at large. A.L. Lebrercque also filed for councilman and large, and Fred Comstock filed for councilman in the Third ward.
Father John Quinlan, rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at Fort Wayne, and a native of Valparaiso, died Sunday morning at 7:25 o’clock. He was born in Valparaiso on April 19, 1858. He was a relative of Mr. and Mrs. P. W. Clifford and Mrs. Mary Stokes, of Valparaiso.
April 5, 1921
The old frame building on Lincolnway next to the Horn Brothers’ meat market was sold by its owners, Horn Brothers, to Edward Jones, who will tear it down and use the materials to build summer homes at Flint Lake. James M. Sheldon, owner of the flower shop, is negotiating for the purchase of the William Pennington flower shop on Indiana Avenue, owned by Lauren Maudlin.
April 6, 1921
“Five Hundred” night was observed last night at Masonic hall by Porter Lodge, No. 137, Free and Accepted Masons. The Master Mason degree was conferred on one candidate, bringing membership up to the 500 mark. More than 400 members attended the meeting. Westville, Chesterton and Hebron had large delegations. The Apollo Quartet furnished music. The dispensation of Porter Lodge was granted on June 25, 1850, and the charter was dated May 27, 1852.
April 7, 1921
Joseph L. Doyle, who served as secretary of the Porter County Registration Board during the draft, is assisting ex-service men in obtaining information regarding their order and serial numbers. Before sending the list to Washington he made a copy of the data.
J.M. Sheldon, who has been conducting a flower shop on Lincolnway, has bought the Lauren Maudlin flower ship on Indiana Avenue. Mr. Maudlin will enter Valparaiso University under the Federal Vocational Board Training Act.
April 8, 1921
A meeting of K. of P. lodges was held at Hebron last night with 228 members from Hebron, Valparaiso and Chesterton attending. The third rank was conferred upon five candidates. The next meeting will be held in Valparaiso in May.
A.R. Hardesty was elected president of the Valparaiso University Alumni held at Million Dollar headquarters last night. Other officers named were: R. D. Raymond and Mrs. Mary Stiles, vice-presidents; Paul Marks, secretary, and Earl V. Smith, treasurer.
April 9, 1921
George Huitema, official tester of Porter County Testing Association, has gone to his home at New Paris, Ind., to recover from an attack of the mumps. County Agent A.Z. Arehart is attempting to obtain a substitute tester.
Constitution and bylaws of the Porter County Realtors’ Association were adopted at a meeting last night. Ten members signed up and others signified their intention of doing so.
April 10, 1921
The Charfield Grain Company, of Chatfield, O., may establish a flour mill here. The company has made a bid on the old Valparaiso Grain and Elevator building on South Washington Street and if acquired will remodel it and install machinery for the making of flour. The Chatfield Company owns a number of mills and granaries in Ohio and Indiana.
The Bogarte Book Store on College Hill was burglarized last evening and loot valued at between $500 ($7,346.76 in 2021) and $1,000 ($14,693.52 in 2021) taken. The principal part of the loot consisted of special drawing instruments, valued as high as $30 ($440.81 in 2021) per set.
April 11, 1921
John D. Frechete, of this city, has been granted a patent on an easy walking shoe by the Canadian patent office. The shoe absorbs shocks and prevents moisture from penetrating from the bottom while permitting absorption from the inside.
The Valparaiso Kiwanis Club at its meeting today effected a permanent organization by electing V.R. Despard president; L. H. Trott, secretary, and T. L. Applegate, treasurer.
April 12, 1921
A struggle for supremacy between two factions of university students has resulted in the principals getting into court. Frank W. Thomas has filed an affidavit in Justice T. B. Louderback’s court against Baldwin McLennon, Arthur Engstrom and Thomas Dandalet, charging assault. Many students and faculty members have been subpoenaed for the trial set for Saturday.
April 13, 1921
A suit brought by William Muster against J. O. Ellis, county fair promoter last year, is still pending in the courts. Muster sued for $175 for services in connection with the fair. A writ of attachment was obtained against Ellis’ trunks. A cash bond was put up and the trunks released. Yesterday a change of venue was taken from Justice Louderback’s court on the ground that he is a material witness in the case.
April 14, 1921
The Chatfield Grain Elevator Company of Chatfield, O., has purchased the old Valparaiso grain elevator on South Washington Street, for $1,710 ($25,125.92 in 2021). The structure will be torn down and a new one erected.
Arbor Day will be observed at the Pinney-Purdue Farm, near Wanatah, tomorrow by the planting of 500 trees. Maples, Birch and Ash found along the Kankakee will be planted. They will replace a grove that has died.
April 15, 1921
Fares on Gary and Interurban from Valparaiso to points north of Sheridan Beach, Flint Lake, were reduced by directors of the road yesterday. The rates were cut from 21 cents to 15 and 19 cents. The directors also decided to operate cars on the Chesterton division. A one-man car will be operated between Woodville and Chesterton.
The Farmers State Bank today received 200 safety deposit boxes. The boxes on hand have all been rented.
April 16, 1921
The first of the claims growing out of the wreck at Porter in which 37 died was settled at Michigan City yesterday when Lynn Kramer, administrator of the estate of Mrs. Barney Kramer of Michigan City, settled with the Michigan Central railroad for $7,000 ($102,854.64 in 2021).
Cases against three students of Valparaiso University, charged with assault and battery on another student, were continued in Justice T.B. Louderback’s court today. It is believed the case will be settled.
April 17, 1921
The Knights of Columbus degree team went to Mishawaka yesterday where it conferred upon a class of candidates for the Notre Dame Council. T. P. Galvin, district deputy, was in charge. Thirty members of the local lodge attended a banquet at the Oliver hotel after the work.
The McMahan-Wood Company, on East Lincolnway, is enlarging its building with the addition of two stories and a basement. The company now has 25 jobbers in five states on its cereal products.
April 18, 1921
Freezing weather over the weekend did damage to the fruit crop in Porter County. Saturday the temperature registered 25 degrees above. Snow fell and ice froze in many places. Cherries were practically killed and peaches suffered. Grapes are gone, but plums, pears, and apples were not injured.
The Bloch Hotel on Lincolnway is being improved. The pool room in the rear is being removed and the restaurant will be extended to the full length of the building.
April 19, 1921
Broncho John Sullivan, of this city, was given a feature writeup in the April 4 issue of the Florida Times-Union, published at Jacksonville. He recently visited Jacksonville after an absence of 23 years. Mr. Sullivan was chief trainmaster at Camp Cuba Libre, Jacksonville, during the Spanish-American War.
April 20, 1921
Valparaiso University enjoys the unusual distinction this quarter of occupying the front page of the American Magazine, published by the American Historical Society. The article is written by President Daniel Russell Hogdon, and comprises 13 pages, with profuse illustrations of the school buildings.
April 21, 1921
Henry Pahl, who was appointed third commissioner to act with county ditch commissioner Andrew Bickel in the Smith Ditch, qualified yesterday and the work of getting the ditch ready for construction will proceed. The petition to establish the Smith Ditch was filed three years ago by residents living around Wolff’s Corners who have complained of lack of drainage.
The Notre Dame University Glee Club made its second appearance here last night under the auspices of the Valparaiso Knights of Columbus Lodge. A large crowd greeted the entertainers. “The Soldiers’ Chorus,” from Faust was one of the best of the glee club members. Walter O’Keefe supplied the specialty numbers which were thoroughly enjoyed.
April 22, 1921
The elevator at the Aylesworth Switch in Boone Township has been sold by Charles Ray, of Kouts, and William Dahl, of LaCrosse, to the Farmers’ Equity Union of Hebron, made up of Boone and Porter Township farmers. The capacity of the elevator is 18,000 bushels. It is located along the Pan Handle Railroad.
Prof. Rolla A. Tallcott, Dean of the Department of Expression at Valparaiso University has tendered his resignation and will go to Indianapolis about June 1, to engage in chautauqua work this summer. In the fall he will give part of his time in instruction at Butler College and Indiana College of Music and Fine Arts.
April 23, 1921
The Farmers’ Equity Union of Hebron, composed of farmers of Boone and Porter Townships has purchased the Hebron elevator of D. A. Fisher & Son. This makes the second elevator purchased by the society, the one at Aylesworth having been purchased last week. The Farmers’ Equity Union will also build an elevator at Hurlburt, plans for the building having been drawn by the Alliance Company of Indianapolis.
The Porter County War Memorial Building Board met Saturday afternoon at the county commissioners room in the court house. Members of the board were present. The members in the north and south parts of the county were in favor of deferring action until a later date. The present high taxes was advanced by out of town members for postponement of the building.
April 24, 1921
Odd Fellows and Rebekahs yesterday observed the 102nd anniversary of the founding of Oddfellowship in United States. One hundred and fifty persons attended services at M. E. church and listened to a sermon by Rev. Guy O. Carpenter. Clarence Field acted as marshal of the day, assisted by G. G. Sherwood in charge of the Rebekahs. A dinner was served at Odd Fellows Hall after the services.
Valparaiso University defeated the House of Davis team of Benton Harbor at Brown Field yesterday 14 to 0. Adams and Higgins pitched for Valparaiso with Tree catching. The university scored seven runs in the seventh inning on five hits and three errors.
April 25, 1921
A new gas-making device is being installed at the Valparaiso Lighting Company on South Napoleon Street, John W. Wood, of Indianapolis, and W. D. McDonald, of Chicago, are the promoters of the experiment. The plant to be erected will cost $25,000 ($367,337.99 in 2021). If the plan proves successful, the local company will take it over. The new plant makes gas out of coal, leaving no by-products.
At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of Valparaiso University today at noon, Dr. Daniel Russell Hodgdon resigned as president of the school. John E. Roessler, for nearly thirty years an instructor in the school, was named as acting president. A. A. Williams, another instructor, was named acting vice-president.
April 26, 1921
The long line of living ex-sheriffs of Porter County was broken last night when Charles W. Dickover was claimed by death. Porter County has the distinction of having men living who served as sheriff for 45 years back. James Malone, oldest living ex-sheriff, served two terms from 1876 to 1880. He was followed by C. W. Dickover, Elias Thomas, Shedd Herrick, Joseph Sego, Heber Stoddard, Charles Green, Charles LaCount, Lewis Green, Clayton Wood, W. S. Lindall and W. B. Forney.
April 27, 1921
The Windle building, 122 East Lincolnway, occupied by the Valparaiso Auto and Carriage Trimming Company, will be remodeled by its owner, W.G. WIndle. The building will be occupied upon its completion by W.G. Windle & Son, grocers, now located in the Urbahns’ building. The Valparaiso Auto and Carriage Trimming Company will move to the Valparaiso Electrical Sales Company next door east.
April 28, 1921
Officers of the Rehabilitation Club, Valparaiso University, have issued a statement declaring that recent newspaper account picturing Valparaiso University as a hotbed of bolshevism and communism is pure bunk. The origin of the news articles is believed due to the recent breach between President D. R. Hodgdon and students, which resulted in the president’s resignation.
Porter County will have twelve entrants for the state five-acre corn contest. J. A. Warren captured the honor last year with 127.75 bushels.
April 29, 1921
Charles L. Jeffery, M. R. Lowenstine and George F. Beach, trustees of Valparaiso University, will leave today for Washington, D. C., to confer for representatives of the government board for vocational training. A contract is expected to be signed which will bring between 5,000 and 10,000 men here for training at the local school.
The annual Valparaiso High School play, “Boomerang,” was given last night at Memorial Opera House. Miss Beulah Bondy directed the play. Players taking part were Tom Morony, Bartlett Marimon, Stephen Corboy, Jr., Bernard Finnigan, Harold Wood, Phyllis Stinchfield, Bessie Long, Edith Small, and Dorothy Bartholomew.
April 30, 1921
Members of the American Legion were called to the university this morning to notify men in a rooming house that a red flag containing a skull and cross bones be taken down. When a second visit was made to the place the flag was missing.
An involuntary petition in bankruptcy was filed at Indianapolis Thursday against the Hess Mercury Carburetor Company of Valparaiso and Kokomo. Creditors who filed the claims allege the company owes them $2,482.93 ($36,482.98 in 2021).