These historical excerpts from one century ago were selected from the Looking Back feature of The Vidette-Messenger, which are part of the PoCo Muse Collection.
February 1, 1920
The Valparaiso Hotel Company today closed its option for the purchase of the Roscoe Rogers property on Jefferson Street for the new hotel site. The consideration was $7,000 (approximately $89,480 in 2020 dollars). Mr. Rogers in turn purchased the R. D. Ross property across the alley for $7,000.
February 2, 1920
Before adjournment the Porter County Commissioners looked over and accepted the plans for remodeling the basement of the court house.
February 3, 1920
Bids were asked today by G. G. Shauer & Sons for the building of the new Premier Theatre to be erected at the corner of Lincolnway and Lafayette streets. The bids will be opened at the law office of Daly & Freund in the State Bank of Valparaiso building (14 Indiana Avenue) on Feb. 13, 1920.
February 4, 1920
Father and son were buried in one grave opening at Spencer Cemetery, near Kouts. A few days ago the body of Daniel Metherd, formerly of Kouts, was brought back there from Colorado. The ground was so hard it was necessary to dynamite it to dig a grave. While digging was in progress word came that Mr. Metherd’s son, Warrie, died and his body would be brought back to Kouts. After the grave has been dug the required depth a shelf was made under the frozen ground and the father laid on it. When the son’s body arrived it was placed in the opening dug for the father.
February 5, 1920
Wabash College basketball team defeated Valparaiso University at University Gym last night, 20 to 18. Valparaiso led at half time 11 to 8. In the last half Wabash spurted and with only half a minute left tied the score. In the last fifteen seconds of play a Wabash player arched one from far out in the court and the ball went into the basket for the deciding marker.
February 6, 1920
The Porter County Commissioners will consider the renting of the fair grounds at its March meeting according to an advertisement published today. No fair was held last year and until a cattle show and sales barn is erected, the fair board has announced no effort will be made to hold fairs. The commissioners have received an offer from a race horse man who wants to lease the grounds for the purpose of training his horses.
February 7, 1920
Chesterton may lose its interurban line. Recently service was suspended because of snow drifts blocking the tracks. Now it is announced that the schedule may not be resumed. The road has been a money loser for some time. The matter has been discussed several times by the directors of the road and will be further considered at the February meeting. Providing the public service commission permits the abandonment of the line the car barns at Goodrum will be torn down and new ones erected in Valparaiso.
February 8, 1920
A county meeting of Odd Fellow lodges was held here at Odd Fellow Hall on West Lincolnway. Chesterton, Wheeler, and Kouts were represented by delegations. The first degree was exemplified on a class of candidates. A cafeteria luncheon was served.
February 9, 1920
Farmers of East Washington Township, Porter County, are taking stock in the Farmers’ Elevator Company at Coburg, being organized by farmers of LaPorte County.
February 10, 1920
A deed was placed on record here today whereby James McGill conveyed to the McGill Metal Company a strip of land on North Napoleon Street, adjacent to the new plant of the McGill Metal Company.
February 11, 1920
Mike Savas who was owner of the Farmers’ Restaurant several years ago has sold the Victory Restaurant on College Hill and has purchased the interest of Peter Barboul in the Farmers’ Restaurant.
February 12, 1920
Ownership of two business blocks in Valparaiso changed hands today. The Gast building, occupied by Smith’s Barber Shop, and the Mrs. Sodney Kern building, occupied by the Royal Restaurant, were the places sold. Chicago parties are said to be the buyers.
February 13, 1920
W. F. Collins, of Chicago, has succeeded G. R. Koontz as manager of Tittle Brothers Cash Market, and began his duties today. Mr. Koontz will leave Valparaiso.
February 14, 1920
Valparaiso University basketeers defeated St. Louis University here last night at University Gym 25 to 18. St. Louis was unable to penetrate the Valparaiso defense for consistent shooting.
February 15, 1920
A severe cold wave struck Valparaiso today and the thermometer at Flint Lake pumping station registered 8 degrees below. High northwest winds added to discomforture of the citizenry.
February 16, 1920
The Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce decided to sell the Valparaiso-Kouts-Hebron bus line. A committee was named to appraise the bus so it can be sold.
February 17, 1920
The work of taking the 1920 census of Valparaiso and Porter County is rapidly being brought to an end. In some places the work has been completed. Figures will not be obtained until official announcement is made from Washington.
February 18, 1920
Recent fires in Valparaiso have caused local citizens to agitate the need of additional fire fighting apparatus. City authorities will be asked to take steps to add to the present equipment.
February 19, 1920
N. S. Amstutz will leave tomorrow for New York and Washington to confer with a group of capitalists who desire information about a line of U. S. patents before purchasing them. Mr. Amstutz is an associate member of the Patent Office Society at Washington, composed of officials and examiners of the office. This honor comes to Mr. Amstutz in recognition of his personal services for patent office expansion and betterment before the patent committees of the House and Senate and the finance committee of the Senate.
February 20, 1920
The Kalamazoo College basketball team defeated Valparaiso University at University Gym by a count of 15 to 12. The contest was close throughout. A large crowd attended.
February 21, 1920
The Maxwell Implement Company announced the purchase of the Gast and Kern buildings on Lincolnway for location of the firm’s business. The two buildings will be remodeled by the concern which will use all three floors. Previous reports were that Chicago parties had bought the two buildings.
February 22, 1920
Memorial services for men who died in the World War were held at Memorial Opera House yesterday under the auspices of Charles Pratt Post, American Legion. Commander T. P. Galvin made the opening talk, and Dean M. J. Bowman, of Valparaiso University, the main address. Member certificates were awarded by Commander Galvin to Mrs. Loring Gillespie, Mrs. Frank Klein, Mrs. May Robinsky, and Charles Gable.
February 23, 1920
The Phoenix Club celebrated Washington’s birthday last night with a dinner-dance. The dinner was served at Albe’s Hall, with John P. Crumpacker as toastmaster. President Fred Marsden spoke on George Washington. The scene shifted to Armory Hall at 9p, where dancing was enjoyed to Cope Harvey’s orchestra of Chicago. Treasurer Albert Cloud and Ruth Blachly led the grand march. Mr. and Mrs. Klages chaperoned the party.
February 24, 1920
The membership campaign of the Valparaiso Chamber is progressing nicely. A total of $1,430 (approximately $18,280 in 2020 dollars) was turned in from membership dues at last night’s meeting. A committee was appointed to confer with individuals relative to joining the organization.
February 25, 1920
The doors of the lobby of the Valparaiso postoffice will be closed at nine o’clock every night, beginning tonight, according to an announcement made today. To accord dispatching of mail a combination mail box will be located on the outside of the building. Night clerks will collect this mail and sort it for transfer to the various depots.
February 26, 1920
Talcott’s laundry on College Hill was completely destroyed by fire early today with a loss estimated at $7,000 (approximately $89,480 in 2020 dollars). The blaze started in the boiler room. The structure was a mass of flames when firemen arrived. Mr. Talcott stated today he was not certain whether he would rebuild.
February 27, 1920
Land values in Porter County are showing a rapid increase in value. Recently the James Wilson farm, east of Valparaiso, was sold by Leander Frakes to J. Turner for $240 (≈ $3,068) an acre. Mr. Turner has just resold the same farm to William Everett, of Watseka, Ill., for $250 (≈ $3,196) an acre.
February 28, 1920
The Valparaiso brood sow sale held yesterday on West Lincolnway in the building across from the federal postoffice building was a success. Thirty head were sold for $2,600 (approximately $33,235 in 2020 dollars). One sow and two pigs consigned to H. F. Helmberg and son, of Kouts, brought $207 (≈ $2,646) and $200 (≈ $2,556) respectively, topping the list of animals sold.