Looking Back • July 1920

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.

July 1, 1920

Business houses of the city and all public buildings are beginning to loom up in fine shape for the big July 5th celebration which takes place next Monday. F.W. Lawson, decorator of Toledo, Ohio, is busy decorating the store fronts. A number of business men are contending for the silver cup for the best decorated front.

The Co-operative society of America with headquarters in Chicago will open a store in Valparaiso. H.C. Riordan, who has been here, has sold stock in the company to a number of local people. Members participate in the profits resulting from sales.

July 2, 1920

S.B. Sink yesterday served his connection as county agent and took up his work with the Schleman-Morton company. He will look after farms owned by the company and also select farms suitable to the wants of the firm’s clients.

The Salvation Army drive which has been in progress in Porter county for a number of weeks, will probably net close to $1,000 when all reports are in. Charles H. Stinchfield, county chairman, stated that little interest was shown and it was difficult to secure canvassers. The county’s quota was $3,000.

July 3, 1920

T. P. Galvin, head of the Valparaiso Knights of Columbus lodge, has received word the state secretary of the Indiana Knights of Columbus to the effect that Valparaiso lodge led all lodges of the state in membership gain during the fiscal year just ended. The local lodge showed a gain in membership of 391 per cent.

Business men of Valparaiso will go on daylight saving time schedule beginning next Tuesday. On Monday night clocks will be turned one hour ahead, and the plan will continue through the months of July, August and September. The plan was submitted to the chamber of commerce by local people some tome ago and more than 100 business men favored it. Sentiment was developed in favor of the new time by the fact that more than 400 men of this city are employed in the Calumet region. Local factories some time ago went on the time and railroads adopted it for their suburban trains.

July 4, 1920

Valparaiso’s 4th of July celebration was one of this most successful the city has ever held. From early in the day until late at night the festivities continued. The parade in the down town districts was the big feature off the celebration. Free vaudeville acts were given at the court house lawn, and in the afternoon the Valparaiso Elks’ baseball teams defeated the Gary All Stars at the fair grounds 6 to 2. Wrestling bouts at Armory hall, concerts by the band, an address by Peter Collins, of Boston, Mass., and a mardi gras on Main street with fireworks as a climax were other features of the big day’s program.

July 5, 1920

The bus line between Valparaiso and Kouts and Wheatfield is doing fine business. This morning eight passengers were brought to this city from the south end, and every day the bus is filled both coming and going.

July 6, 1920

About 200 Elks left this morning on a special train for Chicago to attend a national meeting of Elks. Headed by the A. F. of M. band the “Bills” parted the downtown district before embarking for the depot. In the afternoon the local band was scheduled to give a concert in Grant Park.

July 7, 1920

At a meeting of the township trustees yesterday, a resolution was passed favoring old time in the different townships. The trustees also passed a resolution to pay beginning teachers $70 to $75 a month, and teachers from 2 to 3 years’ experience in grade schools $80 to $90 a month, depending on the size of the schools.

July 8, 1920

Census figures for Valparaiso announced today from Washington give the city a population of 6,518, a decrease of 469 in ten years. The 1910 census showing a total of 6,987. According to local citizens faulty enumeration was responsible for the failure to count many families. The pay for enumerators was only four cents per name.

July 9, 1920

Dr. C. O. Wiltfong of Chesterton, Mrs. Wiltfong, Mrs. Charles Jeffrey, wife of Charles Jeffrey, of the Farmer’s bank of Valparaiso, and daughter Elouise Jeffrey, narrowly escaped death last evening near Aylesworth school, north of Hebron. Dr. Wiltfong failed to discern an S turn in the road during a heavy fog and drove straight ahead into a creek. Mrs. Wiltfong was rendered unconscious, Dr. Wiltfong was cut on the right arm, but Mrs. Jeffrey and daughter escaped with slight hurts.

July 10, 1920

Valpoites developed a case of sore neck today when they watched the maneuvers of Henry F. Fawcet, an army aviator, pilot the flying fish, an airplane designed like a fish. Fawcett had a landing field on the Walter bond farm east of the city and took up passengers.

Because an appeal made by merchants to the citizens to set their clocks ahead one hour for adoption of fast time did not meet with support, local merchants have gone back to old time. Local factories however, will still remain on fast time.

June 11, 1920

A special election on the R.M. Phillips gravel road in Porter township held Saturday carried by a large majority. Only one vote was cast against it. The vote was very light because the farmers were busy with farm work. 

Promoters of the Valpo Home Ice company are today looking over available sites and will soon decide upon a site to build a new ice plant. Incorporation of the company is expected shortly and stock will be offered for sale.

July 12, 1920

Boone Grove, which has the best baseball team in Porter township people, lost its first game to the Gary All-Stars. The score was 11 to 10. The Gary team hit Maloney hard and the Boone Grove players’ efforts to keep pace failed. Raymond, of Gary, and Clinedinst, of Boone Grove, hit home runs. Twice the game was stopped because Gary players objected to decisions of the umpire and refused to play on until they were reversed in their favor.

The Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce and the Porter County Farm association at a meeting last night voted their opposition to the proposed bill calling for the creation of a park in the sand dunes of north Porter county to be presented to the state legislature at a special session soon to meet. Resolutions were passed against the bill and a committee was named to go to Indianapolis to protest against its passage.

June 13, 1920

Oil drilling at Suman in Jackson township has suddenly and mysteriously stopped and numerous reasons have been assigned for the move. One is that oil men know there is a large amount of oil in that section and desire to lease more ground. Officers of the oil company declare the delay is due to the failure of machinery to arrive.

Articles of incorporation have been filed with the secretary of state by the Lewis E. Myers and Company of this city. The capital stock is $500,000. The directors are Lewis E. Myers, John A. Hauff and M.A. Gregory.

July 14, 1920

Oil drilling at Suman in Jackson township has suddenly and mysteriously stopped and numerous reasons have been assigned for the move. One is that the oil men know there is a large amount of oil in that section and desire to lease more ground. Officers of the oil company declare the delay is due to failure of machinery to arrive.

July 15, 1920

The Daly school in Liberty township which was struck by lightning and destroyed in a storm Tuesday night, will probably be rebuilt. Trustee Ira M. Biggs and others, of Liberty township, discussed the matter yesterday and the opinion seems to prevail that the school should be constructed.

July 16, 1920

Residents of Liberty, Jackson and Portage townships are said to be against the proposed state park in Porter county sand dunes. A number have expressed themselves in bitter opposition to taking land from Porter county for pleasure purposes. Attorney D.E. Kelly, who is fighting the park proposition has received word from Indianapolis that nothing yet has been done by the park promoters.

July 17, 1920

Indiana avenue residents were peeved yesterday when workmen for the city street department swooped down on the vicinity of Indiana avenue, just east of Michigan avenue, and began cutting weeds. The weeds proved to be bushes and shrubbery. Owners remonstrated and told the men to shift their forces a block away where weeds were growing to a height of several feet on the side of the Hiser hitch barn property.

Hearkening to the demand of employes, the McGill Manufacturing company will go back to the old time beginning Monday. Employes of the Chicago Mica company voted to go back to the old time but the factory heads have made no announcement of whether it will grant the request.

July 18, 1920

Aviator H. C. Heyn, of Detroit Mich., in an airplane carrying Harry Smith, Chesterton merchant and his son, narrowly escaped death Saturday evening when the craft crashed against a telegraph post on the Michigan Central railroad near Chesterton. The crash resulted when the engine went dead just after the takeoff. The three occupants were only slightly bruised.

July 19, 1920

The Valparaiso Home Ice company will offer for sale in a few days an issue of $25,000 of common stock of an authorized issue of $75,000. The shares will be sold at $10 each. The directors of the company are Carl F. Mason, William Schleman, E.W. Agar, John H. Ross ad W. B. Wasser. The capacity of the plant will be 4,503 tons per year.

Pleasant township, around Kouts, will soon be the scene of oil drilling. Oil men from Oklahoma and Texas are securing leases of land in the vicinity of Kouts and expect to drill soon. A.B. McNabb, of Chicago, is head of the promotion.

July 20, 1920

Twenty-five men of the West Side Non-Political club of Michigan City have purchased 160 acres of land of Richard Arden. Three fourths of the land is in Porter county. The land will be divided into smaller parcels for suburban home sites.

The Burlington Beach tennis club has been formed with a membership of 25. The committee in charge of the club’s affairs are Max Specht, Edwin Szold and John Van Ness. It is planned to stage a local tourney and participate in the northern Indiana tourney in Gary in August.

July 21, 1920

The Burlington Beach tennis club has been formed with a membership of 25. The committee in  charge of the club’s affairs are Max Specht, Edwin Szold and John VanNess. It is planned to stage a local tourney and participate in the northern Indiana tourney in Gary in August.

July 22, 1920

A three weeks’ old baby boy was left in a basket at the N. L. Bradfield home at Nickel Station, east of the city, last night. A man brought the baby, left it on the porch, knocked on the door and dashed away. The Bradfields will keep the little tot.

The Federal Land bank of Louisville, Ky., has notified Anna Mohnssen, secretary-treasurer of the local association that a six percent dividend as been declared. There are nine borrowers in the local association with loan of $30,600.

July 23, 1920

An American Legion post has been established at Kouts with Luther B. Wise as commander. It is called the William Radilyack Post, No. 300, the William Radilyack Post, No. 300, in memory of the Kouts by who saw distinguished service in France, and was killed several months ago in an auto accident near Malden.

July 24, 1920

The concrete road at Waverly Beach, on Lake Michigan, north of Chesterton, built at a cost of $10,000, will be finished by the end of the week. Only a small part of the concrete remains to be put in. The road is seventy-five wide and 800 feet long. There remains to be built an eighty-five foot water bound macadam stretch of road on the end up to the high water mark, but this will not be attempted until material can be obtained.

At a meeting of the board of trustees of Valparaiso university yesterday, Charles L. Jeffrey was elected chairman, M.R. Lowenstine, secretary, and George F. Beach, treasurer. Sometime ago the university was turned over to a board of trustees consisting of Messers. Jaffrey, Lowenstine and Beach, Frank Morton and Dr. H. E. Chislett, of Chicago, and three other prominent business and industrial men whose names were withheld. At yesterday’s meeting Henry Kinsey Brown, who has been president of the university since May 1, 1919, resigned, and was elected bursar. He was succeeded as president of Hahnemann Medical college.

July 25, 1920

Alex Watt, local contractor, is erecting a building on Linwood avenue, 40x100 feet, which he will lease for an automobile salesroom and garage. Mr. Watt obtained a large amount of material from the Eglin hitch barn and other structures recently razed.

The Gary Connecting Railway, controlling 16 miles of interurban railway between Goodrum Junction and Gary, has been incorporated with a capital stock of $10,000. The incorporators are Lester Woodard, secretary-treasurer of the Gary Street Railway; John A. Norman and Ralph W. Melin. The strip of arilroad was bought at receiver’s sale two years ago by Charles W. Alvord, of Philadelphia, Pa. It is leased by the Gary Valparaiso railway.

July 26, 1920

The city jail in the rear of the city hall is being razed to build a barn for the street department. Deputy Prosecutor William Johnston and John Fabing, husky center on last year’s high school basketball team, are doing the work of dismantling the jail which was built many years ago but of late has been used as a coal storage.

July 27, 1920

The Wheeler baseball team defeated the Gary Slovak Athletic club in a slugging match Sunday 13 to 12. Conrich pitched for Wheeler and struck out eight. The Slovaks showed some fine base running and nearly tied the score in the ninth.

July 28, 1920

Special Judge William H. Dowdell yesterday in a written opinion sustained a motion to quash an affidavit against Attorney N. J. Bozarth in a case brought against him for hunting on lands without the owner’s consent. The prosecuting attorney stated the affidavit was prepared by the attorney general at Indianapolis. Judge Dowdell, however, held it was defective.

Valparaiso firemen will participate in the 6th annual tourney of the Northern Indiana Firemen’s association to be held at Lowell on August 6. Whiting, Hobart, Chesterton and Lowell departments will also compete. A grand parade will take place with a band concert and dance in the evening.

July 29, 1920

Rev. W. H. Book of Columbus, Ind., pastor of the Tabernacle Christian church, will be the chief speaker at the 7th annual meeting of the Christian churches of Porter county here Sunday on the Chistian chirch lawn. In the evening, Rev. Book will deliver the sermon at the union meeting to be held in the Methodist church.

The state highway commission has at last explained the reason for its failure to keep the Lincoln highway, east of Valparaiso, in repair. According to word from the commission the Interstate Commerce Commission will not permit the railroads to haul stone at the present time because the hopper cars used for this purpose are now employed in hauling coal.

July 30, 1920

The Floyd W. Sleb meat market and grocery will open in the Sieb building on Franklin avenue next Monday. The interior of the store has been remodeled throughout. A cork and concrete composition floor is one of the features. The latest in refrigeration has also been installed.

July 31, 1920

Byron Loomis, son of Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Loomis, of this city, will leave this evening for Annapolis, Md., to enter the United States Military Academy. He attended the preparatory school of the academy a short time ago to fit himself for the examinations. He passed with flying colors.

Looking Back • June 1920

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.

June 1, 1920

At the annual meeting of the rural route carriers of Porter County, John W. Gilburn, of Valparaiso, was named president; Herbert Foseland, of Chesterton, vice-president; E. A. Mitzner, Valparaiso, secretary-treasurer; Elmer Gay, Valparaiso, delegate to the state convention; Charles Magnuson, Valparaiso, alternate.

June 2, 1920

The Chautauqua Manufacturing Company was purchased yesterday by Lewis E. Myers, following an action of the stockholders at a meeting held in Chicago at which time it was voted to dissolve the corporation and offer its assets for sale. The deed for the real estate involved a consideration of $18,125.11. While the amount paid for the personal property was not disclosed the amount for the realty and personalty is said to be $100,000. The Chautauqua Mfg. Co. will be dissolved and a new corporation called the Lewis E. Myers Company will be formed. Factory operations will be continued without interruption under the direction of John A. Hauff. 

June 3, 1920

The 29th anniversary of the dedication of Immanuel Lutheran (now Heritage Lutheran) Church of this city will be celebrated with special services Sunday. The building on North Washington Street was dedicated by Rev. W. J. B. Lange in 1891.

June 4, 1920

Albert W. Snyder, of Madison, Ind., is here and began work as official tester for the Porter County Cow Testing Association. Work in testing has been at a standstill for some time owing to the lack of a tester.

June 5, 1920

Professor Daniel Russell Hodgdon has assumed the position of Dean of the Faculty of Valparaiso University. His work is to be connected with the advancement of educational activities of the school, thus relieving Henry K. Brown and permitting him to devote his time to the business of the institution.

If plans of Frank Randolph Chandler, Chicago real estate man, are successful, “Dunes City,” a gigantic Atlantic City will arise on the sand wastes north of Chesterton. The Indiana Dunes Land Company has already been formed and will purchase land and develop it. A million-dollar bond issue will be floated.

June 6, 1920

Boone Grove baseball team strengthened its hold on the Northern Indiana Semi-Pro Championship by defeating the Valparaiso Penslars at the fair grounds 5 to 4. It was a pitcher’s battle between Maloney, of Boone Grove, and Martin, of Valparaiso. Valparaiso took the lead of 4 to 2 in the first two innings but Boone Grove kept hammering away, picked up one run in the sixth and two in the eighth to win. Maloney held Penslars runless after the second.

June 7, 1920

Charles Ohlfest and Francis Bushore have returned from St. Paul, Minn., where they attended the National Holstein Cattle Sale. They purchased for the Porter County Holstein Association, of which they are members, a Holstein bull for $7,200. The animal is 17 months of age and was one of the best shown at the sale.

A mad dog recently bit several animals in the herd of Harry Vergin, in Porter Township, and one of the cows went mad and was killed.

June 8, 1920 

John T. Scott, Valparaiso Postmaster, was reappointed postmaster for another four years. Saturday his nomination by President Wilson was confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Postmaster Scott was gift named on February 3, 1916, succeeding M. J. Stinchfield.

June 9, 1920

Rev. J. M. Gelston tendered his resignation to the trustees and elders of the Presbyterian Church, effective October 1. Illness of his wife was given as the reason for his resignation. Dr. Gelston has been pastor of the local church for ten years.

June 10, 1920

The Jahns Bus Line Company of LaPorte will inaugurate a bus line between Valparaiso and Kouts and Wheatfield within two weeks. This was the announcement by the chamber of commerce officials today. In addition to carrying passengers the Jahns line will handle packages and express.

June 11, 1920

The first real touch of summer came yesterday and is continuing today. The high point reached by the mercury yesterday was 91 above at the government station at Flint Lake.

June 12, 1920

E. Leslie Loomis, whose school board term expires in August, was re-elected to the board for another term at a meeting of the city council last evening.

June 13, 1920 

Elba Firebaugh, of near Kouts, rescued his two-year-old son yesterday from drowning in a well. The child fell into the well and was not noticed until Mrs. Firebaugh made a search and discovered it in the well. Mr. Firebaugh jumped into the well containing two feet of water and pulled the lad out.

Hebron was visited by a miniature cyclone Sunday. A heavy storm, accompanied by lightning, struck the town about 5 o’clock.

June 14, 1920

Officials of the City of Valparaiso will enforce the ordinance against fireworks. No discharge of fireworks will be permitted within the corporation limits, nor will merchants be permitted to sell fireworks.

June 15, 1920

At a meeting of the directors of the chamber of commerce it was decided to revive the Porter County Fair. J. O, Ellis, E. H. Hartwick and Rodney Ellis, fair promoters, were present. They, with the assistance of H. M. Lackey, chamber secretary, will be in charge of the fair promotion. Offices will be opened in the chamber of commerce rooms.

June 16, 1920

C. W. Beam, who has been operating the West End store, opposite the post office, has sold his merchandise and will quit business. With his wife he will leave for California to reside. He formerly conducted a store on College Hill.

June 17, 1920

The thorough bred calves obtained by County Agent S. B. Sink in New York state were distributed to members of the Boys’ Calf Club here this afternoon.

June 18, 1920

Porter County is opposed to the move by Gary and Michigan City interests to establish a state park in the sand dunes of north Porter County. Local people see it as a move to crowd out steel competition of the Gary mills. Under the proposed plans of the park advocates, it is proposed to take eight miles of lake front for the new park.

June 19, 1920

The work of placing fixtures in the new Citizens’ Savings & Trust Bank on Lincolnway is progressing rapidly. It is expected the new bank will be ready for opening within a short time.

June 20, 1920

Robert B. Ewing, former Valparaiso City Clerk and connected with Valparaiso University offices, dropped dead Saturday afternoon while working at his garden on Lincoln Avenue (now Brown Street). Apoplexy was the cause of death.

June 21, 1920

Members of the Service Club of Specht-Finney Company Store were entertained last evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Herrick, the occasion being their 20th wedding anniversary. Miss Ida Bloom read an original poem.

Jack, the peeper and grabber, has created considerable consternation among young ladies of the city during last week. Jack has been molesting girls returning to their homes from the theatres. Police are on the lookout for the fellow.

June 22, 1920

Several hundred Valparaiso and Porter County women will receive Red Cross certificates in recognition of services faithfully performed in behalf of the nation during the World War.

June 23, 1920

The Valparaiso City Band will give concerts and dances Sunday at Burlington Beach at Flint Lake. Charles Specht, proprietor of Burlington Beach, has offered the band use of his place free of charge.

June 24, 1920

The Porter Circuit Court Grand Jury was ordered to report at the court house yesterday. The session is expected to be short. A report will probably be made tomorrow.

June 25, 1920

The dreaded army worm has invaded Porter County, according to reports. Farmers living near Westville state that traces of the worm have been observed in the fields.

June 26, 1920

Valparaiso will remain on Central Standard Time as at present. The Valparaiso City Council last night did not take any action on the ordinance presented asking that daylight savings time be adopted.

June 27, 1920

The Jahns Bus Line from Valparaiso to Wheatfield began its operation this morning. The bus leaves Wheatfield every morning at 7:30 p.m., and makes two trips daily between the two places.

June 28, 1920

At a meeting of the Fourth of July committee yesterday plans were made for a monster celebration to be staged in this city on July 5. A pageant parade in the morning will be a feature. More than 100 floats are already entered.

June 29, 1920 

Reports come to Valparaiso that the new Clearly Hotel proposition wherein a four-story modern hotel is to be erected on the Hotel Spindler (Central Park Plaza) site is progressing rapidly as possible. Illness of the principal members of the concern is responsible for the delay.

June 30, 1920 

At a meeting of the chamber of commerce today an agreement signed by 65 business men to operate on daylight savings time beginning at midnight on next Monday was presented. The signers claimed they are going on the new time to obtain uniformity with surrounding cities. 

Looking Back • May 1920

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.

May 1, 1920 

Fire threatened to destroy the College Pharmacy on College Hill early today, causing considerable damage. The fire started in the studding in the second floor and ran up the joists to the roof. One university student occupying a room upstairs was awakened when plaster fell on him. The fire department did good work in saving the building.

May 2, 1920

The Indiana Public Service Commission has granted an increase of rates to the Hebron Telephone Company, effective May 1. A tentative valuation of $21,583 was placed on the property. The new rates will yield a return of 7 per cent on the valuation of the property. The new rates range from $1.50 to $2.00.

May 3, 1920

The Schleman-Morton Company opened for business today in the present William Schleman offices over the Farmers’ State Bank. The company will deal in city property and farm lands. It was recently incorporated by the secretary of state.

May 4, 1920

George W. Wyman was elected president of Immanuel Lutheran Men’s Club at a meeting held in the church assembly room. Other officers named were: John Wheeler, secretary; Chris Bliss, treasurer; Charles Ohlfest and John Sievers, directors; C. F. Specht, Louis Kull and H. E. Sievers, entertainment committee.

May 5, 1920

Hiram Johnson, of California, led the presidential candidates in Porter County’s primary election. The vote was: Johnson, 1,820; General Leonard Wood, 510; Frank Lowden, 232; Warren Harding, 190. The vote on the building of a livestock pavilion at the fair grounds was lost by a vote of 1,599 to 1,529. J. S. Bartholomew, for prosecutor, and William Pennington, for sheriff, were the successful county nominees in the only contests held.

May 6, 1920

Since the first of October the city jail has housed 1,368 wayfarers, according to statistics compiled at city hall police station.

May 7, 1920

Stone for maintenance of Lincoln Highway through Porter County will soon be received here, according to announcement made today. The state department will maintain the highway until the road is hard-surfaced.

May 8, 1920

Washington Township High School won the Porter County track meet held yesterday at the fair grounds with 34.5 points. Wheeler was second with 33, Kouts third with 20.5, Chesterton fourth with 7, and Jackson Center, fifth with 1. Valparaiso High did not compete.

May 9, 1920

The New York-New England and Eastern divisions of the Lewis E. Myers & Company are now in process of incorporation into a single unit with headquarters in New York City. Offices were opened in the Flatiron building May 1. Robert B. Wise and Christopher Ruess will become the executive heads of the business centered in New York.

May 10, 1920

A big truck carrying a load of seven tons of steel crashed through the bridge over Crooked Creek in Washington Township on Wanatah Road yesterday afternoon. The cost of replacing the bridge will be $7,500.

May 11, 1920

W. F. Spooner was elected treasurer of the tenth district democratic central committee at a meeting held in Rensselaer. Edward Simon, of Hammond, was elected chairman.

May 12, 1920

Captain Walter Hiltpold, Werner Hiltpold, Roy Stansell, John Fabing, and Carroll Sievers, of this year’s VHS basketball team, were awarded sweaters at the annual presentation at the high school. V letters were given to Earl Scott, captain-elect; Charles Coyer, Arthur Mains, and Lowell Dowdell, and monograms to Tom and Bartlett Marimon, Otis Sanford, and Kenneth Lawrence.

May 13, 1920

The several carloads of sugar that have been in the Grand Trunk yards for the past month, were sent to the Corn Products Company at Granite City, Ill. The sugar on the tracks here ranged from four to twenty cars. It had been sold and consigned to many persons, each time showing a profit. Valparaiso stores which tried to buy some of it were unable to make a deal. The sugar was bought at twelve cents and thirty cents was asked a pound.

May 14, 1920

The Phoenix Club of Valparaiso is endeavoring to bring Ted Lewis and his jazz band to this city to play for a dance to be given by the club in the near future. Lewis and his band are headliners in the Greenwich Village Follies now playing at the Studebaker in Chicago.

May 15, 1920

The Valparaiso City Council last night was deadlocked on the proposition of buying two new auto fire trucks. Aldermen George F. Beach, J. R. Pagin, and J. W. DeWitt voted to buy the trucks, but Alderman A. J. Worstell, Z. J. McMahan, and Louis Gast voted no. Mayor Sisson cast the deciding vote against the purchase on the grounds that be believed purchase of the equipment was up to the council. The council is desirous of buying the equipment but are unable to agree on the kind. Some want to buy one big truck, others one big and one small, and others two of the same size.

May 16, 1920

Last evening teachers of the Gardner School gave a farewell party to Miss Margaret Cameron Beer at the home of Miss Clara Crosby. Miss Beer has been principal at Gardner for the last ten years. A musical program was given by Miss Adeline Amstutz, accompanied by her sister, Mrs. H. R. Roberts. Mrs. C. W. Boucher presented Miss Beer with a beautiful pocketbook.

Boone Grove defeated the Valparaiso Penslars at Boone Grove yesterday 2 to 0. Maloney pitched for Boone Grove and Pettsner for Valparaiso. Both Boone Grove runs were result of errors.

May 17, 1920

A branch of the Friends of Irish Freedom may be organized in Valparaiso, as a result of an address here yesterday by David O’Connor, Irish Sinn Fein editor. The meeting was held in Community Hall on Indiana Avenue. Rev. E. J. Mungovan presided. P. T. O’Sullivan of South Chicago, spoke briefly and introduced Mr. O’Connor.

May 18, 1920

Bert Annis, former manager of the South Bend and Grand Rapids baseball teams, and Mrs. Katherine McFannon, both of South Bend were killed when their automobile truck was struck by a Pennsylvania train near Louck’s Crossing. A $2,000 bank draft and diamonds valued at $8,000 were found on Annis. South Bend advises were that Annis left South Bend with $13,000. Local authorities are investigating.

May 19, 1920

The Porter County Council at a meeting today appropriated the sum of $28,450 of which all was for new bridges in the county, with exception of $100 for repair of the fair grounds fence. Two bridges, one over the Reeves ditch, and one on the Wanatah Road, east of Valparaiso, were wrecked recently by automobile trucks going through them.

May 20, 1920

Charles Wark was elected chairman of the newly organized merchant section of the Chamber at a get-to-gether smoker and gathering held last night. The new section will meet again Friday to outline a program of work.

Edgar D. Crumpacker, former congressman from the Tenth District, and former judge of the Indiana Appellate Court, died last night at his home in this city. He had been in failing health for some time. He retired from congress on March 4, 1913, after serving nine terms.

May 21, 1920

At a meeting of the merchants’ branch of the chamber of commerce last night it was voted to close Thursday afternoons during the months of June, July, and August. Holding of a July Fourth celebration was also discussed.

May 22, 1920

Much of the corn that was killed in Porter County several weeks ago has been replanted and conditions for a bumper crop are said to be excellent, according to reports received here by County Agent S. B. Sink.

May 23, 1920

John M. Tennery will address the republican women at a meeting in the home of Mrs. C. A. Nixon. He will talk on “Workings of the State Convention.” Several other talks will be made on various topics.

May 24, 1920

A class of 13 was confirmed in a beautiful and impressive service held at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Rev. C. W. Baer preached the sermon. The church was well filled. The class comprised: Huldah Wiemuth, Margaret Erler, Luella Goodrich, Flora Baer, Bernice Ahlgrim, Laura Nehring, Geneva Lutz, Bertha Fritz, Helen Dinse, Dorothy Kindt, Ernest Barneko, Paul Domke, and Vernon Dinse.

May 25, 1920

Valparaiso’s Chamber drafted plans for an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration. The entire county will be asked to join. A big parade will be a feature. Fireworks and a band concert will be other attractions.

May 26, 1920

Three years ago today (1917) the fatal and destructive cyclone hit the south part of Porter County, wrecking buildings and doing much damage to property in Kouts and Hebron, and surrounding territory.

May 27, 1920

Governor W. L. Harding of Iowa was the speaker at the annual commencement exercises of Valparaiso University held in Elocution Hall this morning. Two degrees were conferred by President Henry Kinsey Brown on Daniel R. Hogsdon for services in the educational world and accomplishments in authorship, and to Frank B. Morten for services in engineering and science.

May 28, 1920

Sheridan Beach, at Flint Lake, will begin its season’s activities tomorrow with fine prospects. Cottages at the lake have been in great demand, according to S. Freund, proprietor at Sheridan Beach. The demand has been greater this year for cottages than ever before, resort owners state.

May 29, 1920

The Valparaiso City Council last night purchased a new Service fire truck, manufactured at Wabash, Ind., at a price of $6,372.25.

May 30, 1920

Mrs. A. M. McKenzie, age 66 years, mother of Mrs. H. M. Jessee, is in critical condition at Christian Hospital from a bullet wound in the head received while she was sitting in the rear yard at the Jessee home in McIntyre Court. The bullet is believed to have been fired by small boys shooting in the neighborhood at targets.

May 31, 1920

Charles Ohlfest, B. B. Morgan, and Francis Bushore have gone to St. Paul, Minn., to attend the national Holstein cattle sale. They have authority to purchase a Holstein bull for the local association at a price not to exceed $5,000.

Looking Back • April1920

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.

April 1, 1920

Kouts people have raised $349.50 for L. Decrow, Kouts man, whose wife was injured and property destroyed in a cyclone last Sunday. Elba Firebaugh and Henry Glissman were in charge of raising the money.

April 2, 1920

The annual Easter dance of the Phoenix Club which closes the formal social season of the club will be held Tuesday night at Stoner’s Palace. Extensive preparations are being made by Edwin Eiercks and his committee. Cope Harvey’s orchestra of Chicago will furnish the music.

April 3, 1920

Democrats made no effort to file for office in the coming May primary when the time limit expired Saturday. No filings were made by the party for precinct committeemen. 

April 4, 1920

W. F. Lederer, a pioneer music dealer of Valparaiso, is arranging to close out his business. He has accepted a position with the sales department of the Chevrolet automobile company at Flint, Michigan.

April 5, 1920

A forty-mile gale blew into Valparaiso early yesterday, accompanied by a heavy fall of snow which obstructed traffic. Thirteen inches of snow was recorded. Taxicabs and automobiles were stalled in the streets and street car service put out of commission. Despite the storm large crowds attended the Easter services at various churches.

April 6, 1920

Raw furs valued at $5,000 (≈$63,914 in 2020 dollars) were stolen from the Pennsylvania Depot in Hebron. Thieves broke in and escaped, leaving no clue. The furs were a shipment from some distant point to William Alyea, a fur buyer in the Kankakee district.

April 7, 1920

Since March 15, John Gunther, of Valparaiso, has been standing daily from 2 to 6 p. m. at the corner of Sixth and Spring Streets in Los Angeles, Calif., looking for two men who took $15,000 (≈$191,743 in 2020 dollars) of his money in a bunko deal through fake stock speculation. According to Gunther, he met the two men last February. They worked the old game of winning on the stock market and finally told him it would take $15,000 to take down the winnings. Gunther returned to Valparaiso, mortgaged his farm and borrowed $5,000 of his daughter. The money was turned over to the men who reported that the entire investment had been lost. They gave Gunther $100 (≈$1,278) and a ticket to New Orleans. Gunther said he surmised he was a victim of a “skin” game and returned to hunt the fleecers.

April 8, 1920

A special county election to decide the question of building a show and sales barn at the fair grounds will be held on May 4 in conjunction with the primary election. The county commissioners at a meeting yesterday resolved on this plan.

April 9, 1920

Chicago truck drivers were arrested here today upon orders of County Highway Superintendent Joseph Crowe, charged with carrying overloads on county highways. They were fined in Justice T. B. Louderback’s court.

April 10, 1920

The banquet in honor of the Valparaiso High School basketball team was held last night in the M. E. church. Sixty persons attended, including the high school faculty, school board, first and second teams, and friends. Ralph E. Schenck, coach, acted as toastmaster. Talks were made by Dr. J. M. Gelston, Miss Juva Higbee, Captain Walter Hiltpold, Professor H. M. Jessee, Professor G. W. Neet, Miss Olie Welty, John Fabing, Professor C. O. Pauley, Miss Madeline Ashton, Captain-elect Earl Scott, Otis Sanford, captain of the second team, Harry R. Ball, Dr. George Keogan, coach at Valparaiso University, and Superintendent C. W. Boucher.

April 11, 1920

The City of Valparaiso is now in control of Kirchoff Park, left in the will of Fred Kirchoff. In addition to two acres of ground, east of the city, a $10,000 (≈$127,829 in 2020 dollars) cash fund is available.

April 12, 1920

Rev. J. H. O. Smith, formerly pastor of the Christian Church here, reported killed in a rail and automobile accident at Wills Point, Texas, is alive and well. Mrs. H. B. Brown received a telegram last night which reported Rev. Mr. Smith as well and happy. The fatal accident was to another man named Smith.

April 13, 1920

Cases of the Tolleston bank bandits charged with slaying of Herman Uecker, cashier, have been venued here from Lake County criminal court. Four of the gang pled guilty and received death sentences from Judge Martin Smith but their sentences were reversed by the supreme court and new trials ordered. They will be tried before Judge Harry L. Crumpacker in the Porter Superior Court.

April 14, 1920

Porter County farm areas are soon to be inspected by Frank N. Wallace, state entomologist, for signs of the Australian “take-all” disease. Drastic measures were taken last year to curb the disease which attacks wheat, rye, oats, and grasses.

April 15, 1920

Owing to the inability to secure print paper, New York City newspapers are appearing in four page issues. The South Bend Tribune has published a four page paper and reports everywhere are that newspapers are radically reduced in size. Valparaiso newspapers are still printing four pages.

April 16, 1920

C. W. Bartholomew has purchased the Mrs. J. W. McLellan building on Washington Street now occupied by S. C. Billings, the baker. He will remodel it into a funeral home. Mr. Bartholomew will move into the new location as soon as the changes have been completed.

April 17, 1920

The Women’s Relief Corps (W. R. C.) observed Arbor Day today by planting two elm trees on the public library lawn. The event was in honor of the Grand Army of the Republic and the W. R. C. Miss Josephine Frazier, president of the W. R. C., acted as chairman. Mrs. Mary F. Stiles, past department patriotic instructor, made the address. W. E. Pinney, chairman of the library board, accepted the trees and said it was fitting they were planted on the lot once the homestead of Chaplain Brown, who paid the supreme sacrifice during the Civil War. Mrs. Anna Rose suggested the planting of the trees.

April 18, 1920

The Grand Trunk Railroad embargo on freight has been lifted from this city to Chicago and also to South Bend. Freight is accepted for these places in less than carload lots.

April 19, 1920

Flint Lake is rising due to recent rains. The lake today was within one and one-half feet of the highest point last season, and is steadily rising. Yesterday up until 6 p.m. a total of .81 of an inch of water fell. Friday the total was 1.26 inches, and on Friday and Saturday the total was .36 of an inch.

April 20, 1920

O. A. Jomers, department commander of the Indiana Grand Army of the Republic, announced the appointment of Nelson J. Bozarth, of Valparaiso, as additional aid to his staff.

April 21, 1920

Notices were received here today from Chicago that application would be filed this week in the U. S. District Court at Chicago by Rand-McNally & Company and other creditors for appointment of a receiver for the Home Herald Company of Chicago, formerly of Valparaiso. The company has a number of creditors in Valparaiso.

April 22, 1920

Valparaiso University baseball team swamped Armour Institute of Chicago at Brown Field yesterday. The score was 12 to 2. Several persons were injured when a temporary bleacher holding 150 collapsed. The spectators were thrown into a mud puddle.

Sheriff W. B. Forney submitted to an operation for appendicitis last evening at Christian hospital. Following the operation he rallied nicely and is well started on the road to recovery. Ex-Sheriff W. S. Lindall is assisting at the sheriff’s office during Forney’s illness.

April 23, 1920

The Holstein Breeders’ Association held a meeting yesterday afternoon and decided to obtain the cooperation of local bankers in expending $1,500 for calves for the boys’ calf club. A resolution was passed that all persons selling animals for breeding purposes have them t. b. tested. It was announced that the fall sale would be held October 15 and in case the state sale is brought here that Porter and Lake Counties will unite and hold a joint sale in Lake County.

April 24, 1920

R. Scott, age 66, for eight years in the British Army, several of which were spent in India, died early today at the county infirmary, of cancer. He came here from Chesterton. Scott had many medals to show for his service in the army.

April 25, 1920

The Schleman-Morton Company filed incorporation papers in the county recorder’s office here today with a capital stock of $50,000. William Schleman is president; F. W. Morton, secretary, and A. R. Hardesty, treasurer. The company will have offices in the Farmers’ State Bank building (SW corner of Lincolnway and Washington) until lease of the LaForce Shoe Store (East Lincolnway) expires.

April 26, 1920

Porter Circuit and Superior Court terms were begun today. The Tolleston bank murder cases against four bandits was set down for trial in Superior Court on May 13.

April 27, 1920

Porter County Council of Boy Scouts was organized here last night at a meeting attended by representatives from every part of the county. J. F. Horton, of Chicago, field representative, spoke. C. M. Lish, was named chairman; Jay T. Buchanan, of Hebron, vice-chairman; M. A. Gregory, secretary, and A. A. Hughart, treasurer.

April 28, 1920

Valparaiso is facing a gas shortage due to the railroad switchman’s strike. Local coal dealers are without coal. Water gas is now being made from coke. Manager R. J. Cory said the present supply of coke would last 10 days. Local citizens have been asked to conserve as much as possible the use of gas to tide over the situation.

April 29, 1920

General Leonard Wood, republican candidate for President of the United States, visited Valparaiso today and spoke before a crowd of several thousand at University Auditorium. In his talk, General Wood favored a big navy, a standing army of 250,000 or more men, deportation of all reds, naturalization of foreigners, and opposition against the League of Nations.

April 30, 1920

The field and track meet of the Porter County schools will be held at the fair grounds on May 7. The chamber has promised $60 toward financing the project. Local business men have agreed to donate awards. The various schools are training hard for the big event. Schools taking part are Chesterton, Kouts, Wheeler, Boone Grove, Liberty Center, Union Center, and Washington.

Looking Back • March 1920

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.

March 1, 1920

Two large copper stills, 9 barrels of brew and 15 quarts of pure “alky” were confiscated and two men, George Sablich and Joe Koekich, arrested following a raid by Sheriff W. B. Forney and Constable Charles Walsh in Liberty Township. Two prominent Lake County men were implicated by Sablich and Koekich as being the owners of the still.

March 2, 1920

Nelson Field, for some time linotype operator on the Messenger, has leased the room under the Lowenstine bakery in the S. C. Billings building on Lincolnway and will open up a job printing office. He will call it “The Lincolnway Press.”

March 3, 1920

The Gary and Interurban Company will ask the Indiana Public Service Company for authority to junk the Valparaiso-Chesterton line. During March the company will keep a strict account of business originating and carried by this feeder to present figures to the commission in support of its contention the line should be junked. During January and February the line was out of commission the greater part of the time due to the snow blockade and repairs.

March 4, 1920

The Valparaiso City Council last night made the first move toward buying new equipment for the fire department. The state tax board will be asked for authority to issue bonds to purchase the equipment. Pending decision of the tax board the council will decide on apparatus needed and get bids and be ready to make the buy when the bond issue ruling comes.

March 5, 1920

More than eighty farmers residing in north Porter County, from McCool to Flint Lake, have signed a contract with the Calumet Electric Company for installing an electric line. The decision was reached at a meeting held at Liberty Center School. About 11 miles of wire will be used, on poles already standing. The cost of the line will be in the neighborhood of $20,000 (≈$255,657 in 2020 dollars).

March 6, 1920

The Adams & Patton brokerage office over Meagher’s Drug Store (NW corner of Lincolnway and Washington Street in Valparaiso) quit operations today and closed up for spring and summer season. They will handle the business as usual from their Gary office.

March 7, 1920

In a raid made Sunday afternoon in Union Township by Sheriff W. B. Forney, a thirty gallon still and three gallons of mash were confiscated. Mike Relich, alleged owner, was arrested. Relich attempted to escape but was halted by the sheriff who fired three shots at Relich taking refuge behind a tree.

March 8, 1920

Mike Relich, residing near Deep River, arrested by Sheriff W. B. Forney, who raided his place and found a thirty gallon still in operation, was fined $200 (≈$2,557 in 2020 dollars) and costs by Judge H. H. Loring in Porter Circuit Court today. A sixty-day jail sentence was also imposed.

March 9, 1920

John Hofferth, of Kouts, was found dead on the Henry Sommers farm, near Kouts, last night by a posse who went in search of him after he failed to return home. He had been cutting brush when stricken with apoplexy.

March 10, 1920

A crowded house attended the show given last night by the Elks and Vivians at Memorial Opera House for disabled service men. “The Way Back” and “Spirit of Elkdom” were the films shown. A special orchestra of ten pieces provided music. Charles Chester was chairman of the committee in charge.

March 11, 1920

Valparaiso University will play the Harvard football team in the Harvard stadium on October 9, it was announced today. The local school takes the place of Notre Dame which was scheduled for that date.

March 12, 1920

Work on remodeling the Sieb building on Franklin Avenue for a meat market and grocery by Floyd Sieb is being pushed. A second story is being added to the rear of the building. The Jim Albe pool room which now occupies the first floor will move to the second floor.

March 13, 1920

The Valparaiso City Council last night ordered the vacation of the alley south of the Valparaiso National Bank (on S. Washington Street). The bank will soon begin construction of a new banking house, using the alley in the new construction.

March 14, 1920

The Appellate Court at Indianapolis has affirmed the decision of the Porter Circuit Court awarding the estate of Dr. Wilson, of Hebron, $5,000 in suit brought against the Pan Handle Railroad. Dr. Wilson was killed when his automobile was struck by a train when he attempted to drive across the tracks in Hebron after another train had passed.

March 15, 1920

Professor H. M. Jessee, of Valparaiso High School, was speaker at meeting of the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce last evening. His topic was educational week. He stressed the deplorable situation which is causing many teachers to leave the profession. The chamber named a committee to draft a resolution to be presented to the legislature at its next session on behalf of the teachers. A total of $2,221.36 was reported subscribed in the chamber’s membership campaign to date.

March 16, 1920

Porter County Holstein Breeders’ Association at a banquet at Albe’s Restaurant decided to go after the state Holstein sale for either Porter or Lake Counties. Ten breeders agreed to consign sixteen animals for the sale. A number of local breeders will exhibit at the International Show in Chicago.

March 17, 1920

By a deed placed on file in the county recorder’s office today, John McWilliams deeded 700 acres of land in Pleasant Township to William J. Dahl for a consideration of $43,810 (≈$560,017 in 2020 dollars).

March 18, 1920

The Knoll Confectionery on Franklin Avenue, south of the Lowenstine Store, will reopen tomorrow after extensive remodeling. New stocks and fixtures have been added.

The Federal Bakery on Washington Street will soon go out of business. The machinery in the place will be shipped to Davenport, Iowa.

March 19, 1920

Porter County schools are gaining fame all over the country for their efficiency and up-to-the minute methods. Yesterday a committee of eight men from Kendall County, Illinois, were here to get ideas on the county school system. They are planning consolidated school districts as has been done in Porter County.

March 20, 1920

The City of Valparaiso has decided to purchase two modern and up-to-date fire trucks. Bids for the apparatus will be received by the council Friday evening, March 26.

March 21, 1920

The silver anniversary of the Valparaiso Woman’s Club was celebrated at the Valparaiso High School building (Central School). Talks were given by Mrs. A. A. Williams, Mrs. A. R. Putnam, Mrs. P. J. Horn, and Mrs. E. D. Crumpacker. A sketch, “The Woman of It,” was presented by nine ladies. Refreshments were served at the close.

March 22, 1920

The State Bank of Valparaiso (14 Indiana Avenue), organized in 1889 by William E. Pinney, John Wark, and others, with a capital stock of $35,000, has increased its capital to $100,000. At the same time the Thrift Trust Company, affiliated with the bank, has a capital of $50,000, giving the two institutions a combined capital and surplus of $183,500 (≈ $2.35M).

March 23, 1920

Valparaiso is to have another laundry if present plans materialize. A company is being formed to operate an establishment in the John Peters second hand store, south of the Leetz Grocery (Indiana Avenue).

March 24, 1920

A home building corporation with a capitalization of $125,000 (≈ $1.6M) is being planned for Valparaiso. Action in the matter was taken at a meeting of the chamber of commerce last night. Under the plan adopted it is proposed to erect twenty-five homes within the next four months.

March 25, 1920

Mrs. Jennie Beckman Barnes, of Valparaiso, is quite a detective, according to Nashville, Tennessee, reports Mrs. Barnes is credited with catching redhanded a bunch of crooks who had been practicing fraud and robbery on widows and orphans and weak-minded people under a religious guise. Mrs. Barnes, according to the story from Nashville went there in receipt of a letter from officials of a home similar to one she had planned to establish in Valparaiso. During her investigation she discovered that the operators of the so-called home were in reality not what they claimed to be but pretenders who had robbed persons of their property entrusted to them. Mrs. Barnes was threatened with death unless she turned over her property but she managed to escape and notify authorities. The federal government is now investigating the operators of the home.

March 26, 1920

Because of the increased number of voters expected in Porter County, due to women voting, Porter County Commissioners have decided to redistrict the county, adding six new precincts. Three of the precincts will be in Center Township, and one each in Boone, Pleasant, and Westchester Townships.

March 27, 1920

The Valparaiso City Council last night accepted the gift of Fred Kirchoff of property on the northeast limits of the city and $9,000 (≈$115,046 in 2020 dollars) in cash and bonds to be used for park purposes. Kirchoff left the property to the city in his will.

March 28, 1920 

Plans for a new theatre to occupy the Hotel Spindler site recently purchased by G. G. Shauer & Sons, are going forward, according to announcement made today. It is expected bids for construction of the new playhouse will be asked within a few weeks.

While the Standard Oil Company is wrecking the old hitch barn and erecting its new service station at the corner of Lincolnway and Napoleon, opposite the postoffice (Valparaiso City Hall), the sale of oils will go on. A shanty has been erected between the sidewalk and street to be used as a pumping station. The new station is not expected to be completed until late summer.

March 29, 1920

Kouts vicinity suffered severe damage Sunday when a twister hit that section. The L. Decrow home near Kouts was demolished and Mrs. Decrow injured. Mr. Decrow was coming in from the barn at the time the storm broke and saved himself by lying flat on the ground. Very little damage was caused in Valparaiso, though the wind blew and rain and hail fell.

March 30, 1920

No story for this date.

March 31, 1920

Thieves visited Kouts. At the John Benkie drug store they carried away articles valued at $200. Fountain pens comprised the loot. Several sacks of flour were taken at the Anderson store and sacks of sugar at the Erie freight house.

Looking Back • February 1920

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.

Looking Back • January 1920

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.

January 1, 1920

At the court house, R. C. Jones succeeded G. E. Bornholt as county clerk, with W. L. Copeland and Mrs. Mae R. London as deputies. J. G. Graessle succeeded E. J. Gardner as treasurer. His deputy is Miss Kate Anderson. Sheriff W. B. Forney began a new term. E. J. Gardner, retiring treasurer, will become new cashier of the Citizens’ Savings & Trust Co. Bank.

January 2, 1920

Need to look up a story in the original newspaper because the Looking Back is about a woman who was killed by a train in Chesterton.

January 3, 1920

Announcement has been received from Indianapolis that the state highway commission will maintain Lincoln Highway through Porter County after April, 1920, taking it into the state highway system at that time. Improvement of the highway by the state will not be made during 1920, it was announced.

January 4, 1920

Articles of incorporation for the Hampton Oil Company with a capital stock of $150,000, were filed with County Recorder J. W. McNay today. A. N. Stephens, of Chicago, is president; J. B. Green, secretary; and Bruce A. Brown, of Valparaiso, treasurer. The company will drill for oil and market the same. It has a large acreage of oil bearing properties in the southern states.

January 5, 1920

At the January meeting of the county commissioners, Joseph Crowe, who recently resigned as city street commissioner, was appointed county highway commissioner, to succeed R. W. Lytle, whose term expired, and who was not an applicant for the position.

January 6, 1920

Ground was broken yesterday for a big addition to the Indiana Steel Products Company at the Grand Trunk. The new addition is to be 40x60 feet.

January 7, 1920

Elmer Starr sold his store on College Hill to John R. Palmer and his brother-in-law, Edison Eicher. Mr. Palmer has been in charge of the College Pharmacy for a number of years. Mr. Starr has made no plans for the future.

January 8, 1920

George B. Finney, age 75, for many years identified with the business life of Valparaiso, died suddenly last night at his home, 306 Morgan Boulevard. He had been in the employ of Specht-Finney Company for the last twenty years.

January 9, 1920

Considerable difficulty is being had in securing census takers in Westchester Township. C. C. Churchill went to work Tuesday and was the first to record data for Uncle Sam. The appointment first tendered him was refused because of the low pay. He was reappointed and given a flat rate of pay. Two others, Harry Wood and William LaHayn, have not accepted their appointments. P. M. Kent, of Hammond, in charge of the census, is having difficulty securing enumerators.

January 10, 1920

Because contractors failed to submit bids no contracts were awarded for the paving with brick of the alleys around the federal building and the block to the south. It was claimed by several contractors that the engineer’s estimate was too low. This action kills the alley paving for the present, and it will be necessary to start the whole procedure over again.

January 11, 1920

Valparaiso High School basketeers defeated Whiting High School last night at university gym, 24 to 14, in one of the hottest games of the season. The half ended 14 to 5, Valparaiso. The Hiltpold Brothers, Fabing and Scott were the big point winners for the locals, caging twelve baskets. Coach George Keogan of Vaparaiso University, refereed.

January 12, 1920

At the annual meeting of the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, John F. Sievers was re-elected president; E. J. Freund, first vice-president; H. R. Ball, second vice-president; P. J. Bailey, secretary, and E. J. Salisbury, treasurer.

January 13, 1920

Valparaiso Lodge of Elks at its meeting passed a resolution going on record has being opposed to soviet rule and prevent its establishment in the United States.

January 14, 1920

Porter Township Farmers’ Association organized a shipping association last night with W. H. Dittman as chairman, and Roy Rigg as secretary-treasurer. Action on the elevator matter was deferred until it is seen whether the shipping association is a success.

January 15, 1920

Work was commenced today remodeling the interior of the Bornholt building formerly occupied by the Wark Hardware Store, for the new Citizens’ Trust and Savings Bank. Delay in receiving the fixtures will postpone the opening until sometime in March, it was announced. At the stockholders’ meeting the following directors were chosen: F. W. Alpen, Isaac Dillingham, George A. Shauer, H. L. Arnold, James B. Dilley, C. E. Fifield and W. J. Henry.

January 16, 1920 

The McGill Metal Company held its annual meeting and declared the semi-annual dividend of ten percent on the common stock. The company only recently completed a new factory building. Directors named were: J. H. McGill, H. W. Harrold, Charles Meier, W. E. Brownell and Charles S. McGill.

January 17, 1920

J. A. Warren, of Kouts, won first prize in a ten-ear corn contest held at the farmers’ short course at Purdue University. Mr. Warren also won fifth prize on single ear and fourth on wheat. Tom Keene, of Porter County, was named president of the Indiana Holstein Breeders’ Association, and B. B. Morgan, of Chesterton, vice-president. Merritt Ritter of Porter Township, was elected a member of the executive committee of the state Ayrshire Association.

January 18, 1920

Porter County Milk Producers meeting at the court house, organized with George Arnold as chairman; S. B. Sink, secretary; F. W. Alpen, treasurer; Tom Keene and James Lenburg, directors.

January 19, 1920

One hundred and twenty-five members attended the party given by the Valparaiso Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, to celebrate the silver anniversary of the chapter. Mrs. Goldie Benny opened the program with a piano number. Mrs. C. A. Nixon and Fred H. Cole sang. Talks were given by Mrs. C. W. Boucher, Mrs. Robert Sandy and Mrs. M. J. Stinchfield. The latter as a member of Spencer Baker chapter of Hebron helped institute Valparaiso chapter. Mrs. J. A. Hauff baked a birthday cake for the occasion. Dancing followed and refreshments were served.

January 20, 1920

A Plumb Plan League was organized in Valparaiso at Moose Hall by representatives of local labor organizations. Another meeting will be held next Sunday to perfect the organization. W. E. Graham, of Indiana Harbor, will make an address.

January 21, 1920

At a meeting of the American Legion Post last evening at the city library the name of the post was changed to Charles Pratt Post, No. 94, in honor of Charles Pratt, a Valparaiso man killed in action in France.

January 22, 1920

Hebron’s 1920 census shows the town to have a population of 832. This is an increase of fifteen over the 1910 count. Charles Mullinex was the enumerator. At this rate Hebron citizens expect the town to reach the 1,000 mark in about twenty-five years.

January 23, 1920

George Battieger, the Chesterton attorney, who lost his life last July while saving the life of Miss Lola Hemstock, of Valparaiso, from drowning at Waverly Beach, has been awarded a Carnegie medal. In addition, his family will receive $4,000 in cash.

January 24, 1920

The cost of dying will be more in Valparaiso from now on. The city council at its meeting last night ordered an increase in the price of digging graves during the winter months. The increases range from $2 to $5 per grave.

January 25, 1920

Because Valparaiso has inadequate hotel facilities, the management of “Oh Daddy” show, scheduled for tonight at Memorial Opera House, was forced to secure lodging for the company in private homes. The company appeared at South Bend last night.

January 26, 1920

Communications from the Gossard Corset Company and the Elgin Motor Company have been received by the chamber inquiring whether the chamber would be interested in locating branch factories here. The motor company wants a building with 200,000 square feet, while the corset company asks for a structure with only 25,000 square feet.

January 27, 1920

The Valparaiso National Bank today announced the purchase of the two Winslow lots south of its present bank building (on S. Washington Street) and will erect a new bank building the coming summer. The new structure will be two stores in height. Increased business of the bank made the expansion in the way of new and larger quarters necessary, President C. W. Benton announced.

January 28, 1920

The matter of building a livestock barn at the Porter County fair grounds was not taken up by the county council at its meeting today. Leaders of the project planned to attend today’s meeting, but several were unable because of illness. Last year the council refused to appropriate funds for a barn and no fair was held as a result.

January 29, 1920

Porter County will be the scene of the trial of a Lake County murder case on February 5, when Frank Pedont, of Hammond, faces Judge H. H. Loring, in circuit court. He is charged with slaying Frank Petrich.

January 30, 1920

Members of the Pleasant Township Farmers’ Institute at a meeting at Kouts decided on the brands of livestock which they will raise in the future. The members will concentrate on Shorthorns for beef cattle, Holsteins for dairy and Poland Chinas for hogs.

January 31, 1920

Farmers living in the stretch of country from Babcock to Flint Lake will soon have electricity. A deal has been closed with the Calumet Electric Supply Company by the Liberty Township Farmers’ Association for the building of a power line twenty miles long. The farmers will advance sufficient funds to defray the cost of the line and after five years will be reimbursed for the outlay. About eighty farmers will receive the service.