Image taken in the immediate aftermath of the Old College Building fire at Valparaiso University on February 15, 1923.
These century-old historical excerpts were selected from the Looking Backward feature of The Vidette-Messenger newspaper, which are part of the PoCo Muse Collection. Originally, these bits of information appeared as larger stories in the pages of Valparaiso’s Evening Messenger and Valparaiso Daily Vidette newspaper publications.
February 1, 1923
College Hill residents want a fire station on College Hill, and a petition will soon be presented to Valparaiso City Council. Years ago, in the days of the old hose cart, a small station was maintained on the Hill. The cost of maintaining a station on College Hill would cost quite a sum, and it is doubtful whether the council would agree to such a move.
Rev. John Torrell, of Chesterton, who died last week, left an estate valued at $30,000 ($522,300 in 2023) according to letters of administration issued to his son, Dr. Emil E. Torrell, of Chicago, in Porter Circuit Court today. A widow and two children are the only heirs.
February 2, 1923
Residents of the First Ward of Valparaiso are interested in a new school building. Petitions are being circulated and will be presented to the city Board of Education. The city owns a site purchased a number of years ago. The First Ward residents declare the ward is the largest in terms of school children in the city. The recent movement to build a new high school building in the northwest part of the city has stirred up agitation for a new building in the First Ward.
Senator Will Brown of Porter County has introduced a bill in the state senate to reimburse W. E. Pinney, of Valparaiso, for taxes paid on meandering lands deeded by Mr. Pinney to the state, following a court decree holding the state was the owner of meandered lands along the Kankakee River. The Grassmere Land Company, owner of lands along the Kankakee River, litigated the proposition, and the matter was decided adverse to the land company.
February 3, 1923
Representatives of the Seagrave, American-LaFrance, Ahrens-Fox, and Stutz fire equipment companies attended an informal meeting of Valparaiso City Council last night and gave talks on the merits of fire engine equipment manufactured by their respective companies. The purpose of the meeting was to hear statements from the representatives of the companies regarding their equipment. Demonstrations by Ahrens-Fox and Seagrave companies are also to be made.
Valparaiso High School lost to La Porte High School at La Porte last night for the second time this season. The score was 38 to 13. Hedstrom, Wells, Pease, and Leliter led the attack for La Porte. Larson with five points and Shurr with four points were the best for Valpo.
February 4, 1923
A new residence property at Long Lake, east of Long Beach Hotel, just constructed by George Loomis, burned to the ground at 5:30 this morning. Mr. Loomis was preparing to move into the property this week.
Valparaiso residents awoke this morning to one of the coldest days of the winter. The thermometer at the Flint Lake pumping station showed eight degrees below zero. Furnace fires were kindled as never before. Few ventured out of doors to religious services.
February 5, 1923
The old College Building at Valparaiso University had a fire scare today. When a stove set up and attached to a closed flue in Room 8 on the second floor was kindled, the place filled up with smoke. The blaze was extinguished before any damage was done.
February 6, 1923
The Valparaiso Moose Lodge has gone on record opposing the traffic of narcotics. A resolution will be sent to President Harding to set aside a week to be known as “National Narcotic Week” to acquaint the public with the dangers involved in their use.
February 7, 1923
St. Viator College defeated the Valparaiso University basketball team last night at the university gym by a score of 36 to 22. St. Viator led at half time, 18 to 14. Valparaiso played without the services of Cadwallader and Riddle, star forwards. Harris and Anderson led the local attack. Winterhalter, Lyons, and Donnelly were best for St. Viator.
Miss Della Stokes was guest of honor at a dancing party given by her co-workers of the Lowenstine Department Store at North American Union Hall last night. Miss Stokes, who has been associated with the Lowenstines for a number of years, will accept a position with the McGill Manufacturing Company.
February 8, 1923
Mrs. Mary Sager, age 87 years, died today at her home at Sager’s Lake, south of Valparaiso. She was born in New York and was married to William H. Sager in 1858 inside the old Tremont House. Mr. Sager, who died in 1884, came to Valparaiso in 1854, and a few years later acquired Cheney’s Mill, now Sager’s Lake.
Chief J. A. Wise, of the Fire Committee of the Valparaiso City Council, and a local automobile man will visit Indianapolis in a few days to witness fire equipment demonstrations by the Stutz Company. Mayor E. W. Agar and members of the city council were also extended invitations but were unable to attend.
February 9, 1923
Punch boards are scarce in Chesterton. A few days ago they could be found in most any place. Constable Charles Adams, of Valparaiso, went to Chesterton this week with search warrants from Justice T. B. Louderback. He was sent by Prosecutor F. R. Marine. Adams confiscated a number of boards and also $71 ($1,236.11 in 2023) along with them. One proprietor was fined.
A horse owned by Ben Fleming, a local drayman, itched its nose so strenuously against an ornamental lighting post on Washington Street yesterday afternoon that the post was toppled over and badly damaged in its fall.
February 10, 1923
Valparaiso University defeated the Arkansas Aggies in a thrilling game last night at university gym, 28 to 27. Cadwallader’s basket just before the gun barked brought victory. Anderson made 14 free throws out of 19 chances. The Aggies outscored Valparaiso from the field, 9 to 7.
Professor Amos Ebersole, voice instructor at the Valparaiso University Conservatory of Music, has resigned to accept a similar position at North Dakota University at Grand Forks. Professor H. R. Roberts, of Gary, a former instructor at the university, will fill the vacancy for the present.
February 11, 1923
The Valparaiso High School basketball team lost to Hobart High at Hobart on Saturday evening by a score of 34 to 21. Valparaiso was badly crippled, having only one regular in the lineup, Captain Seymour. Injuries and flu kept four of the regular team at home. The second string Valpo five played good ball but were unable to get going in the small Hobart gym.
Word was received here Saturday night of the death at Indianapolis of Rev. H. L. Kindig, former pastor of the Valparaiso Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Kindig was stationed here about 20 years ago.
February 12, 1923
Valparaiso University defeated Loyola University of Chicago here last night, 36 to 23. Captain Walter Hiltpold led the locals to victory with seven baskets. The Valpo reserves defeated Notre Dame freshmen, 27 to 26.
February 13, 1923
Because 11 teachers and over 300 children are absent from school because of illness, the Valparaiso Board of Education has ordered the schools closed until February 20.
February 14, 1923
Captain Norman A. Imrie, of Culver Military Academy, was the speaker last evening at a banquet of the Kiwanis Club in honor of the members, their wives, and those who participated in the recent Kiwanis Club minstrel. Field Ray Marine acted as chairman. Mr. Imrie was introduced by Professor Joel W. Eastman of Valparaiso University.
William Veasley, of Gary, was acquitted in the murder of Charles Green by a jury in Porter Circuit Court yesterday afternoon. Veasley was defended by Frank B. Parks and H. T. Miller. The slaying of Green took place during a card game near Gary, where a man named Carter was also killed. Veasley claimed self defense. He will now be tried for the murder of Carter in the Lake County Circuit Court.
February 15, 1923
The old College Building on College Hill was completely destroyed by fire early this morning. The building housed administration offices. Two men, Alvin Jones and a man named Bowen, who lived in the east tower, barely escaped with their lives. The loss will approximate $100,000 ($1,741,000 in 2023). The college library was saved. The building was built in 1859 with a few additions made later. It was the original home of the old Methodist college.
Ben H. Urbahns, formerly of Valparaiso and former Porter County Treasurer, has been appointed Chief Deputy Treasurer by State Treasurer Ora J. Davies. Mr. Davies’ term extends until 1925. Mr. Urbahns was formerly deputy under Uz McMurtrie, who preceded Mr. Davies as treasurer.
February 16, 1923
John McGillicuddy, well-known monument dealer and contractor, died this morning in the Mercy Hospital in Gary. He underwent an operation three weeks ago. He was born in Massachusetts 71 years ago and came to Valparaiso in 1859. He has been engaged in the monument business in Valparaiso for over 40 years. He was a member and trustee of the Elks Lodge.
Memorial services for Mrs. Sarah Porter Kinsey, wife of O. P. Kinsey, were held in St. Petersburg, Florida, Sunday, February 11. All Valparaiso people sojourning in St. Petersburg attended. Mrs. Kinsey died July 29, 1922. Twelve rose bushes were planted around the home of O. P. Kinsey by the sixty attendants, including one in full bloom given by friends and former students. The presentation of the roses was made by Mrs. Charles Carroll Brown, while Miss Center, a resident of St. Petersburg, who studied under Professor Kinsey, read a poem written by her husband and dedicated to his wife.
February 17, 1923
Lowell High defeated Valparaiso High last night at the university gym, 26 to 16. Kimmett, Love, and Kenny played well for Lowell, while Douglas and Larson showed best for Valparaiso. The Valpo Reserves defeated Hebron, 27 to 7.
Fourteen-inch ice is being put up at Flint Lake this week by the R. W. Lytle Ice Company. Mr. Lytle expects to fill his immense ice houses before the end of the week. A large force of men is employed. About 10,000 tons will be stored.
February 18, 1923
Sigurd Sorenson has been named by Mayor E. W. Agar to arrange for the installation of the local post of the United States Junior Naval Reserve. Mr. Sorenson is being assisted in the organizational work by R. H. Staude, Commander of the Robley D. Evans Post in Chesterton.
One hundred and forty-eight cars of livestock were shipped over the Nickel Plate Railroad from Valparaiso last year, according to a report made by Agent J. M. Fabing. Fourteen of the cars were double decked. The shipments were made to the Union stockyards in Chicago with the exception of nine cars to eastern markets. The shipments were composed of 1,196 cattle, 489 calves, 6,509 hogs, 578 sheep, and 18 goats.
February 19, 1923
Charles Pritz, age 40, a garageman from Knox, died in the Christian Hospital this morning from injuries received yesterday afternoon when his automobile was struck by a Nickel Plate train west of Knox. He suffered a fractured skull. The body will be taken to Ripon, WI, for burial.
February 20, 1923
Miss Rosemary Lawrence, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Lawrence, of Valparaiso, and Valparaiso High School graduate of 1917, has been appointed to the publicity committee for the Junior Girls’ Play at the University of Michigan where she is a student.
February 21, 1923
Around 100 citizens of Valparaiso met with the Board of Education last night in the assembly room of Central School. Myron J. Drapier, President of the Board of Education, extended the invitation to the citizens to attend. Mrs. E. D. Crumpacker, chairman of the visiting delegation, stated the purpose of the visit and called upon Mrs. Effie Earle to read a protest petition against the erection of a new high school building. It was suggested that a new ward building be built in the First Ward and the Central School be remodeled. A. A. Hughart, member of the school board, said the new grade building would be built in the First Ward, but that a new high school building is a necessity. He contended that remodeling of the Central School was out of the question.
W. F. Collins, manager of the Cash Meat Market, has been apprised that he had been declared winner in a contest of managers conducted by Tittle Brothers, owners of stores in a number of Indiana cities. Mr. Collins showed the greatest percent increase in business for the year 1922, more than any store entered in the contest. He will be given a free trip to California.
February 22, 1923
Clarence Gulbransen, well-known Wheatfield farmer, suffered severe injuries yesterday afternoon when he was struck by a falling tree. He was brought to Christian Hospital here. The accident occurred when a tree which had been felled lodged against another tree and Gulbransen and others tried to dislodge it. A fractured leg and spinal injury were suffered.
Harry Diamond, of Gary, charged with the murder of his wife, Nettie Diamond, and shooting of his chauffeur on a lonely road between Gary and East Chicago, on February 15, 1923, is now confined in the Porter County Jail. The venue of the case was relocated here from Lake County. W. J. Mathews, of Gary, McMahan and Smith of Hammond, and Frank B. Parks, of Valparaiso, are the attorneys for Diamond.
February 23, 1923
Fourteen teams will play in the district basketball tournament to be played in Valparaiso on March 2 and 3. The teams entered are La Porte, Michigan City, Valparaiso, La Crosse, Chesterton, Hebron, Kouts, Boone Grove, Westville, Union Mills, and Wanatah.
The Valparaiso City Council may adopt a zoning ordinance. E. S. Miller, a member of the council, attended a meeting at Purdue University last week and brought back much information on zoning. The zoning ordinance was advocated by Mayor E. W. Agar in his list of recommendations to the council when he assumed office on January 1, 1922.
February 24, 1923
The South Bend High School basketball team defeated Valparaiso High School last night at the university gymnasium by a score of 39 to 13. At halftime, South Bend led 22 to 9. Johnny Nyikos, with 20 points, led South Bend’s attack. Mike Shurr tossed in nine free throws for Valparaiso.
At its meeting last night, Valparaiso City Council rejected all bids submitted by five fire equipment companies for furnishing fire trucks to the city. The decision was reached after an executive session lasting until 11 o’clock. Representatives of the companies will be required to submit new bids and the same will be considered at an adjourned meeting next Thursday night. The bids submitted last night were considered too high.
February 25, 1923
An echo of the railroad wreck in Porter on February 27, 1921, found its way into the Porter Circuit Court today through two cases filed by Kelly and Galvin for the First Trust Company, administrator of the estate of Frances Anna Schwier and Fred Schwier, both of Michigan City. The latter is suing for the death of his son, Richard Joseph Schwier, who was a passenger on a Michigan Central train which figured in the crash with the New York Central train at Porter, resulting in the deaths of forty-one persons.
Valparaiso University defeated Concordia College last night at university gym by a score of 27 to 19. Last year, Concordia defeated Valparaiso 42 to 19 with practically the same lineup.
February 26, 1923
The Grand Trunk Hotel, at the Grand Trunk Depot, has been sold by Earl Inman to Ivan L. Hutchings. Inman is retiring because of ill health. Hutchings was formerly employed as a locomotive engineer on the Grand Trunk.
February 27, 1923
A petition filed today with Auditor B. H. Kinne is to be forwarded to the state tax board protesting against the proposed bond issued for the erection of a new high school building in the northwest part of Valparaiso. The petitioners contend the new high school building is not needed at this time: the present high school building could be enlarged to accommodate pupils attending the high school; the proposed site of the new building is not centrally located; and the proposal to erect a building on the site selected is an attempt to subordinate the intellectual and moral development of the school children to their athletic development.
February 28, 1923
Miss Rachel McGill, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. McGill, of Valparaiso, took a prominent part in the American Legion spectacle, “The Follies,” given at St. Petersburg, Florida, Monday and Tuesday. The play was staged at the Waterfront Ballpark, and Miss McGill was cast in the role of “Miss Atlanta.”
Yesterday was the birthday of Fred H. Cole, Porter County Superintendent of Schools and secretary of the Kiwanis, which met yesterday noon at the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce rooms. Mrs. Cole baked a sumptuous layer cake and provided ice cream in honor of the occasion.