119. Randolph County Misc.

Ridgeville, 1939.

  The Nazarene Church congregation has recently purchased the building on North Walnut street, known as the LeRoy Hotel. With the lumber from the building, which they purchased from D. E. Becker, they intend to build the upper part of their church which is located just back of the Walker Tin Shop. They intend to use as much of the lumber as possible for their completion. It was noted that perhaps one of the most unique features of the building was the fact that the corner posts are hand hewn
  The old building, which at one time was known as the "Old Eagle House" was built in 1875, started by a man whose name was not learned, finished by Dr. Bailey who also had a drug store in the building when it was first built. Dr. Bailey was the grandfather of Gale Bailey, of this city. The building formerly had three storys, the top story being torn off by Mr. Becker.
  The structure had a colorful history during its 64 years here. During that time it has been besides a hotel and drugstore, a cigar factory, a barber shop, a furniture store, pool room and in recent years had been used as living quarters for different families. The building contains 21 rooms.
  John Ryan, at one time owned the hotel, and also a Mr. Swatwood. Mr. Tom Madden, who owned the hotel for some time, gained fame when the bank, which is just across the alley, was robbed. Mr. Madden was the star witness and identified Eddie Kelly as the robber. Kelly was sent up for life on the bank holdup charge.
  When the Ridgeville High School burned in 1898, classes had to be held in various buildings and the Old Eagle House was used for this purpose.   Randolph County News, 9-8-1939.


Farmland, 1892.

  Farmland is surely one of the best little business cities in Eastern Indiana, and if the Winchester Journal will allow us space we will give you some of the business firms of the town which are as follows;  Jethro Macy, Tin Shop; Mrs. Good and Mrs. Fowler, Milliners; J. C. Ward, Barber; Mr. Addington Photographer; Eli Hiatt, Tin and Stove store; C. M. Hatfield, Druggist; C. O. Morris, Grocery; John A. Moorman & Marsh, At'ys.; C. M. Archey, Restaurant; Collins, Milliner; Boli Bros., Furniture; J. W. Ether, General Store, Dry Goods and Groceries; David Cropper, Boots & Shoes; J. B. Branson, Grocery; Weiler Bro's., Dry Goods & Clothing; W. W. Thornburg, John R. Lumpkin & Dennis Thornburg, Grain Dealers; S. S. Clark, Justice of the Peace; Joe Hunt, Blacksmith; J. L. Mills, Lumber Yard; G. E. Retter, Hotel; G. E Davison, Jeweler; Davison & Jones, Blacksmiths; Joseph A. Keever, Liveryman; Reed & Gamester, Meat Market; T. T. Dailey, Express Agent; Meeks & Wood Hardware; H. F Wood, Grocery, Bakery & Restaurant; J. R. Meeks, Druggist; Elza Foster, Shoe Shop; Isaac Thornburg, Meat Market; Fletcher Barber & Dolly Watson, Novelty Store; L. M. Thornburg, Postmaster; W. W. Wilson, Buggy and Carriage Dealer and Repairer; J. R. Galliher, Blacksmith; John H. Ritenhour, Buggy Trimmer; M. L. Ross, Liveryman; T. O. Ebey, Agriculture Store; Mrs. N. E. Gray, Milliner and Sewing Machine, Agent; Bly & Thornburg, Druggists; W. C. West, Editor, Enterprise; G. E. Retter, Manager of the Opera Hall; K. L. Mull, Boot and Shoe Store; Farmers & Citizens Bank; Emma Burres, Milliner; H. A. Moorman, Undertaker; Baker & Mills, Harness Shop; W. W. Foeler, Notary and Insurance Agent; Farmland Milling Co.; S. F. Wilson, Sawmill; G. Ash, Handle Factory; Keever & Morris, Tile Factory.   By Billy Barlow, Winchester Journal, 1-27-1892.



Winchester, 1943.

 The beer shortage struck Winchester full blast yesterday. At 5 p.m. as far as we were able to learn there were only three cases of beer for sale in the city. Art's Place and Ed Lenkensdoffer and partner John Lennon's City Cigar Store, the two adjoining pool rooms and eating establishments on North Main street, were closed yesterday for two weeks due to the lack of eats and drinks. Art posted a sign saying he was on vacation for two weeks. Spotted Ed going into his closed business and he said it was the "first time in 38 years." The City Café at 122 West Washington street ran out of all kinds of beer mid-afternoon, but expected a small shipment later on. Albert Overmyer's Restaurant, at 602  East North street by the glass factory had the three cases at 5 p.m.
  Further information indicates that whiskey sales are negligible too. The two liquor stores and the two drug stores which handle that commodity can't supply the demands. Brink Shires, to offset his loss of business, has established a concession stand at his residence near the swimming pool to dispense soft drinks and sandwiches. Martin Shires Liquor Store, at 219 West Washington st., his brother, reportedly has no whiskey for sale, a little gin and some champagne and wines. Drug stores have been taking applications for weeks and one must wait his turn, so 'tis said.   Win. Jrl-Hrld, August, 1943.