67. Old News-Winchester McDonalds, Lynn Library.

Sept. 1978, 40 Years Ago.

  Ron Bristow, owner of a McDonald's restaurant in Portland, says that he will be opening up a franchise in the near future, although no date for the opening has yet been set.
  "Definetly, I am going to open a McDonald's," says Bristow, who has owned the Portland franchise since 1974. He will be the owner of the local restaurant.
  Although a projected ground-breaking date of the first of October has been set, Bristow says that he is still waiting on word from the McDonald's office for the go-ahead on construction. Details remaining to be cleared up include sewer clearance, according to the restauranteur. He hopes to have the final word sometime early next week.
  Rodney Webb, of Winchester, whose father, Russel Webb, owns a piece of land in which the McDonald's Corporation is interested, says that the deal is not yet completely firm, although everyone is "Working in that direction." Webb declined to mention just what remains to be resolved, but did say that although the deal was very close to being completed, "No deal is 100 percent until you can see the building."
  A real estate department, working out of the district office for McDonald's, in Indianapolis, will actually obtain the property for the site of the new restaurant, located near the intersection of State Roads 27 and 32 in Winchester. A franchise department located with the corporation's headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, then matches up prospective licensees with available sites. The franchise for the new store is then purchased from McDonald's.
  Although the real estate department in Indianapolis declined to comment on the new site, sources in Atlanta did confirm that the Winchester location was being considered.
  Bristow says that he knew that a site in Winchester would become available in the future, but did not think it would be before 1979. The opening came about sooner than expected. Since he is the owner of the nearest existing McDonald's restaurant, and the opening of a new store in Winchester may have an effect on his sales, Bristow was given the right of first refusal on the new location.

December 1939, 79 Years Ago.

  Lynn has procured a new library through the aid of the federal government and the generosity of Mrs. James P. Goodrich, of Winchester, it was revealed yesterday by Merl Chenoweth, clerk-treasurer of Lynn.
  Lynn's town board recently received word from Senator Frederick VanNuys to the effect that an appropriation of $9,483 for the construction of a new library building had been officially approved by the federal government.
  The town prior to that time, had purchased a lot upon which the proposed building was to have been located, but between $7,000 and $8,000 had to be raised in some manner to receive the aid.
  This matter was discussed with Mr. and Mrs. James P. Goodrich and at a conference in the Goodrich home with Mr. Chenoweth the matter was arranged as shown by the following correspondence:
                                      Winchester, Ind,.
                                 December 19, 1939
Mr. Merl Chenoweth,
Clerk-Treasurer, Elect,
Lynn, Ind.

Dear Mr. Chenoweth:
  Confirming our many conversations with respect to building a library in the town of Lynn. I understand the town itself is unable to raise the money sufficient for that purpose.
  I am advised, however, that the town is able to and will furnish a mutually satisfactory site and the federal government will furnish something in excess of $9,000. That it will require between $7,000 and $8,000 to finish the erection of the building.
  This is to advise you that I will be happy to furnish the additional money: the library to be known as the FRIST MEMORIAL LIBRARY.
  I am enclosing to you a certified check for $4,000 and will furnish the additional sum, not to exceed $8,000 in all, as needed to complete the building.
  If for any reason the project does not go through, you will return the check to me.
                                                                                       Very truly yours,
                                                                                             Cora Frist Goodrich.

Chenoweth replied as follows:
                                                                                        Lynn, Ind.,
                                                                                             December 20, 1939.
Mrs. Cora Frist Goodrich,
Winchester, Indiana

Dear Mrs. Goodrich:
  It is with pleasure that I acknowledge receipt of your certified check, dated December 19, calling for four thousand dollars, to be used in the construction of a library building in Lynn, to be known as the FRIST MEMORIAL LIBRARY.
  I note that you will furnish an additional amount, not exceeding $8,000, as needed to complete the building.
  No finer tribute could be paid departed loved ones than your whole-hearted, unselfish purpose in providing for this memorial. We shall endeavor to locate and supervise the construction of this building to the end that you will be pleased with it all. On behalf of the town of Lynn, represented by Trustees-elect Leland Thomas, Herbert Anderson and George Bascom, the schools represented by Will Moore, superintendent and Washington township represented by Donald Hinshaw, trustee, we thank you.
                                                        Yours very truly
                                                              Merl Chenoweth,
                                                                  Clerk-Treas. Elect.

  Mrs. Goodrich yesterday insisted she is not making this donation, but that it is being made in behalf of her father, Jonas L.P. Frist, and her mother, Amy Powell Frist, long deceased, together with a deceased sister and nephew, T. Juanita Frist Hecker and Jonas Sheldon Hecker, her son, Pierre, and her granddaughter, Nancy.
  Mrs. Goodrich's father and mother moved to Lynn more than 70 years ago and the building located near their old home will be a tribute to their memory.

 

64. Randolph County Trivia. 12/19

1948.

  The first ranch style home built in Winchester.  Mr. and Mrs. Roger Green and 5-year-old Betsy are all moved in and practically settled in their new home at 540 West South street. Minor details are still to be taken care of, but for the most part the house is completely finished.
  The ranch style house is the only one of its kind in Winchester and has caused considerable comment and attracted a number of visitors, including several from out of town.
  The house has five rooms, including the living room, two bed rooms, kitchen and bath. Roger's store, "Green's Sporting Goods," is in a room adjoining the house on the west. The store is entered from a private entrance on West South street.
  A long walk leads to the house entrance from a sandstone and red cement terrace on the east side. The living room has a large picture window which looks out upon the terrace. All floors are southern red oak which have been sanded and bruce finished. The woodwork is oak with a darker finish.
  The kitchen has the convenient built in features with the cabinet tops laid with Formica in the mother of pearl finish. Walls are in rough plaster, one bedroom being done in pale rose and the other rooms being in natural color.
  A partial basement houses the forced air furnace with a cooling system and storage cupboards. The house has an abundance of closet space and attractive built-in book shelves.
  Lighting fixtures are all the ranch type of colonial brass. Predominating colors in the furnishings are chartruese and grey.
  The house is a true ranch style and was built as originally designed except for a few very minor changes.

1874.

Fairview, Green Twp. from A Friend Of Good Order. As it has been some time since you heard from this place, I wish to inform the ladies of Winchester through the pages of the Journal that they do not know how to crusade against drunkenness effectually, so they had better come to this village and learn. One week ago today, one Jesse Bebo, a jail bird, brought some beer and "shot gun" whiskey to sell, and some of his associates got drunk that night and stoned a widow woman's house. The next day one George Vickroy, of this village, got drunk and Mrs. Vickroy heard of it so she went out and found her drunken husband. With a club in hand she led him off to the "doggery", went in and commenced to break bottles, glasses and turned over the beer kegs and split the barrels. While so doing the said Jesse Bebo run up to prevent her but she lamned him hard across the head with her club so that he beat a retreat and then returned to the attack again, but she stood her ground, fought,  and bit and kicked until she cleared the place out and then walked her drunken husband home.
  Jesse Bebo left the next morning for parts unknown and I think this is the right way to crusade, quicker than prayer and more effectual in this case.

1947.

New business.   "Sullivans Drive-In", located at the west end of Washington street in Winchester will be opened for business Saturday at 5 p.m., it was announced today by Edythe and Horace L. (Pop) Sullivan, who also will continue to operate the B & B café at 128 North Main street.
  The Sullivans, who have owned and operated the B & B for eleven years are members of the National Restaurant association and will continue their fine reputation in their new establishment, serving delicious quality food featuring Sullivan's special french fried chicken at all hours, pork tenderloin lunch, sandwiches, malts, ice creams and soft drinks.
  The drive-in is being advertised as located on "West Washington street, route 32, watch for the sign." A big neon sign in front will show the way.
  It will be one of the newest and most modern drive-ins in this section of Indiana, with plenty of parking space, full dining room and car service.

1953.

Huntsville Community Building.   Dr. Edwin R. Garrison, administrative assistant to Bishop Richard C. Raines of the Indiana area, will dedicate the community building at Huntsville on March 15, 1953 at a 2:30 p.m. service.
  The building, formerly the school and then a blacksmith shop, has been extensively renovated by members of Huntsville Methodist church and the community in preparation for its use as a social center. Even before the dedication, a fish fry, guest night for the W.S.C.S. of the church, and a young peoples gathering will take place.
  Several years ago men of the community started a farm project on land owned by Walter Harper. A farm board, headed by Kenneth Pursley, planned the raising of crops, and this past year the moneys received from the sale of beans, wheat and corn were turned over to a building committee. The ground and old building already had been purchased.
  Since the fall of 1952, the former blacksmith shop has been completely remodeled. An addition to house the kitchen, furnace and cloak rooms and rest rooms was added.
  There is now a main room for community gatherings, and a smaller room at the back where children may play or small groups may meet.
  Ralph Moore, chairman of the building committee, was assisted by Cecil Cox, Max Gordon, Howard Townsend and George Robert Hinshaw in the planning. Clarence Sheppard has supervised the wiring and many men of the church and community have helped with the work.
  A women's group now is finishing the pine paneling in the building, and the following committee will plan for furnishings: Mrs. Otho Gordon, Mrs. James Dean Lane, Mrs. Gerald Sharp, Mrs. Robert Addington, Mrs. Ralph Moore and Mrs. Kenneth Pursley.
  On Friday, March 6, members of the Modoc-Huntsville youth Fellowship will assist in the building also.
  In addition to meetings of the women's groups, youth fellowship, and classes of the church, community groups will use the building for their meetings and special events.

1973.

  The Randolph county liquor board approved the transfer of the wine and beer permit for the City Cigar Store, Winchester, from Raymond Hobson, former proprietor, to three brothers, Charles D. Hyre, Richard Hyre and David Hyre, the latter of Rochester, Mich.
  Charles and David Hyre will operate the City Cigar Store, where they have been working to familiarize themselves with the business for the past several months.
  On hand for the liquor board meeting were Chairman Bill Bertram, members Verlie Love and Ralph Chalfant, and State Police Excise Officer Duane Loos. (The position of State Alcoholic Beverage Board hearing officers have been eliminated by new law and the state police excise officers have taken over their functions.)
  Raymond (Slick) Hobson, previous owner of the business, said that he purchased the tavern in 1948 from Walter Myers and has owned it for the past 23 years.
  Hobson sold the business to Roger Capron in 1954 but bought it back in 1956.
  The operation, which includes cards, pool, reportedly excellent food and the bar, is the last "stronghold of masculinity" in Winchester. Hobson noted that about every three months a woman comes into the tavern and is duly served, as required by recent "equal rights" legislation but women patrons are not encouraged. Charles Hyre added that the new corporation will follow the same general plan.
  An interesting aspect of the interior of the Cigar Store is the west end of the bar, which is many years old. Hobson recalls that it was salvaged from the effects of the late Bud Irvin, who was a saloon-keeper at both Winchester and Union City at the turn of the century.
  Undoubtedly the men who leaned on that part of the bar seventy or eighty years ago would be totally astonished to see a woman in the traditional men-only saloon.
(Employees that I remember when Slick owned the bar during the 60's were Jess Lykins, John Riley, Pete Retz,  Jim Wysong and Bill Stonerock.)



1947.

  "Number please?" a pleasant voice asks when you pick up the receiver of your telephone at any time during the day or night.
  Few people look upon the telephone company as a merchant, yet it probably has more patrons daily than any other business organization. Without telephone service a community soon would be on the verge of collapse.
  Winchester was offered its first company-owned telephone service in 1897 when a group of men bought out an exchange operated by the Fockler brothers. Stock in the organization, known as the Winchester Telephone Company, was $25 a share and it was necessary for a person to be a stockholder before he could be a subscriber. At that time there were about 25 telephones in service.
  Around 1900 the company moved to its present location at 114 East Franklin street and in 1905 merged with the Eastern Telephone Company. The building served not only as a telephone exchange but also as a residence for the manager and operator.
  First manager of the company was Albert Diggs. The late Alonzo L. Nichols, father of Merrill W. Nichols, Winchester attorney, was the first president of the board.
  The company has grown by leaps and bounds and now with Winchester as the main office, operates exchanges in Saratoga, Ridgeville, Redkey, Dunkirk, Parker, Farmland, Lynn, Fountain City, Centerville, Cambridge City, Hagerstown, Greensfork, Modoc, Williamsburg, Losantville and Economy. Seven of these exchanges are automatic dial systems. Plans are now underway to convert Winchester to the dial system sometime after January of next year, and in the not too distant future convert all remaining manual exchanges into dial. Sunday
  In the entire system 150 persons are employed, including 30 operators in the local exchange. Approximately 10,000 calls are handled through the Winchester board each day, in addition to from 600 to 800 long distance calls.
  In 1944 the company built new offices directly adjoining the present building. The office is air conditioned and one of the most modern in Winchester today.
  Vern Robinson, present plant superintendent, has been with the telephone company 35 years, joining the organization in 1913 after service with the Advance and Farmers Telephone Company.
  Mary Anna Butts is office manager and Grace Berrard is assistant chief operator. Nellie Zumbrum Dienst, who died Sunday, was with the company for 27 tears and was chief operator when illness forced her retirement.

63. Zichts' Fire, 1973; "Shakerag" -where is it?

  An explosion and fire ruined a two generation family business in Winchester Wednesday night. Zichts' Greenhouse, on the Huntsville road just west of the Penn Central railroad crossing was virtually demolished in the blaze, which was detected after 11 p.m.

  Telephone lines were so jammed with callers attempting to report the fire that Winchester firemen did not get the alarm until 11:20 p.m. when Howard McCormick an area farmer who had seen the flames, got word through, Fire Chief Jake Gullett said Thursday.

  Two Winchester volunteer firemen, the Rev. John Hess and Charlie Whitesel reported hearing a loud explosion and feeling the concussion as they were answering the fire alarm. Other reports were that there were either two or three explosions. Neighbors said the concussion shook their homes. Gullett said that a large two-inch gas main had been blown apart approximately a foot and a half from the large gas furnace at the rear of the greenhouse. The furnace, however, was apparently undamaged.

  As the Winchester firemen arrived at the scene, flames were shooting high in the air through the broken panes of the greenhouse, dangerously close to the house of Mrs. Ray Zicht Sr., just west.

  Gullett said White River volunteers who had also been called, arrived at the scene at the same time as the Winchester firemen and "were a big help."

  Firemen fought the blaze in ten-above-zero temperatures, with ice, strong, gusty winds and snow adding to their problems.

  Gullett said Winchester volunteers returned to the station around 1:30 a.m. Thursday but two firemen went back to the greenhouse at 3:20 when another small blaze broke out.

  Thursday morning as Ray Zicht, Jr., present proprietor of the greenhouse, inspected the ruins, he said the loss was partially insured. "We can continue with the front part of the business", he stated (referring to the undamaged front display area, and cut flowers ordered from other companies) "but we're out of business for the time being as far as greenhouse plants are concerned." All the hundreds of dollars worth of growing plants in the greenhouse were ruined either by fire or cold. The worst of the damage was at the southern (rear) end of the building where a wooden shed addition was completely charred and gutted, and all the glass panes in the adjoining part of the greenhouse were broken, wires charred and other damage evident.

  Fire Chief Gullett said he had not yet determined the actual cause of the blaze or explosion or which caused which.

  Zicht, who lives across Beeson Drive west of the greenhouse, said he had inspected the building at 9 p.m. as he does every evening "and everything was perfectly all right then."

1956.

  A small settlement sprung up two miles east of Deerfield, which boasted of a grocery, blacksmith shop, church and a school house. At that time, dinner bells were quite scarce and those not in possession of same on their farms resorted to a long pole, at which to one end was fastened a white rag. At the time when a meal was in the offering, one among the members of the home would raise and shake it as a token that a meal was ready for the workmen in the fields nearby. Hence this settlement came by the name of "Shakerag."

62. Deerfield Skating Rink

Deerfield Skating Rink advertisement
June 1947.

   Our neighbor to the north of us, Deerfield, will have a roller rink, in the near future. Orville Kiser will build the building on the vacant lots just south of the Collins garage. The building will be 55 feet wide and 120 feet long. This will also be the actual measurements of the skating floor. The base floor will be cement with hardwood used for the skating floor. The building will be a one story structure. Additions will be built to the main building for the use of cloak rooms, counters for soft drinks, and a place for the skaters to change skates and to check them or buy them, whichever the person desires.
  In the last few months, Deerfield has become a gathering place for young people and the addition of the roller rink will add more entertainment for the young folks. We wish the new venture success. Mr. Kiser is a former Ridgeville boy and a graduate from the local high school, class of 1937. For the past few years he has managed a farm seven miles east of Ridgeville located on the Harker Pike. Prior to that he was with his father, Irvin, in the dairy business.