137. Randolph County Misc.

1866. Kidnapping At Spartanburg.

  Gus Peters, residing most of his time near Spartanburg, Ind,. created some excitement in our village on Friday evening last, by kidnapping and attempting to carry off a small child belonging to Mrs. Peters. Mrs. Peters recently obtained a divorce from the said Gus Peters on the plea of drunkenness and brutal treatment of herself and family. The court appointed her guardian for the children.
  This Peters did not like and on Friday evening he rode to the house of Mrs. Peters, watched his opportunity, and picked up one of the small children and mounted his horse and rode off on the Spartanburg road.
  Mrs. Peters ran out and gave the alarm. The bare mention of the outrageous theft raised excitement and a number of persons ran to the rescue. The race was quite spirited-men on horse-back and on foot joining in it freely. It lasted twenty minutes or more, when the gentleman was caught and made to bring back his stolen property and deliver it up to its legal owner.
  The crowd admonished Gus to leave the place immediately and not be caught here on a similar mission, under no less penalty than a good thrashing. The orders were promptly obeyed, and he has not been seen in our city since.   The Randolph Journal, October, 1866.



1865. A Little Tight.

  The man who wished his neck was as long as a 'broom-handle" was in Winchester the other day, and was a tad drunk, as usual. He seemed to think if he had a long neck it would enable him to drink more liquor, and besides, he could better appreciate its qualities, and it would require a longer time to get drunk.   Winchester Journal, June, 1865.



1924. Disrespect For The Past. 95 Years Ago.

  Young people have always looked at the views of their elders with some disapproval or contempt. This tendency is more marked than ever before. The young people of this day, are as a rule better educated than the former generation. Many of the ideas to which the older crowd cling are regarded by the young folks as completely obsolete and out of date.
  When you get into a crowd of the more thoughtful of these young folks you will be impressed with the sweeping condemnations that they utter upon established institutions. Many of the more radical want a kind of general break-down, so that the human race can start anew and build better institutions and customs.
  That is about what happened in Russia. The misery to which that country has been reduced through such destructive attack is a warning that evolution is better than revolution.
  Where institutions have lived for many years, it is a sign that in spite of their faults, they have in the main fitted the facts of human nature. Yet it will be a great mistake if the older generation fail to show a reasonable response to the demand of the younger element for great changes in the methods of society.
  The churches talk too much about creeds, too little about human brotherhood. The government is run too much for the politicians and too little for the people. There is too much grasping for money in the business world, too little of honest service, both on the part of capital and the part of labor. So one could go through all forms of human effort.
  That does not mean that those institutions should be swept out of sight, but the modern world must realize that great changes are coming. People must not become so comfortable in their sheltered nooks, that they resist the vision of youth for a nobler and more generous future.   Union City Times, July, 1924.



1978. From the News-Gazette. 41 years ago.

1-3  Grimm Pontiac-Buick-GMC will celebrate it's 3rd year in business. Salesmen pictured are Gene Davis, Joe Durbin, Chet Wolfe and Barry Almonrode.
1-3  Bob's Men's Wear, North Side Square, Semi-Annual Clearance Sale.
1-4  Helm's Meat Market, East Side Square, Ground Beef, .59 Lb.
1-4  C&M Auction Barn, 120 N. Main, Jon Morgan & Ralph Cook owners.
1-5  Overmyer Furniture, 132 N. Main, storewide sale adv.
1-5  "The Cove" restaurant, 600 N. Union, is under new management. Tom & Peggy Thornburg.
1-5  Geyer Chevrolet-Oldsmobile Inc. salesmen are Glenn Minnich, Wayne Smith, Louie Grow and Fred Gamber..
1-6  "Hair Junction" St. Rd. 32 East adv. Brenda Armstrong, Pam Howell, Kim Symmes and Conyers.
1-6   Val Discount Center, St. Rd 32 East has "Door Buster Specials" adv.
1-7   Roy Barnes starts painting the mural at the courthouse.
1-11  Walters Tire Center, 630 East Washington. Tire Sale adv.
1-11  Faye S. Fisher Real Estate Office, 105 S. Main, adv.
1-11  G.C. Murphy Co., "The Friendly Store," 117 S. Main, adv.
1-13  Sherman Armstrong enters car in the "500 Race."
1-13  Homestead Real Estate, owned by Gary Drill, adv.
1-13  Boxell's Catalog Sales Agency, 112 E. Washington, adv. Bob Boxell, owner. This was located in the former Rainbow Restaurant bldg.
1-13  Hawkins Appliances adv.
1-14  Shaffer Funeral Home, 327 E Franklin, Gene Shaffer, adv.
1-17  H&R Block, 214 W. Franklin, adv.
1-17  Blizzard of '78.
1-17  Fred Armstrong & Associates adv. Errol Klem and Danny Retz pictured.
1-19  Tom Bigelow and Mel Kenyon will drive Armstrong cars in the 500.
1-24  The 3rd story of the K of P building will be taken off. The China House restaurant is there today, 2019.
1-24  Scott Jones is Falcon wrestler of the week.
1-25  American Realty, Mike Curtner, owner. Jack Longnecker, Jim Nance and Wayne Fisher salesmen.



1971. Ridgeville Library.

  The idea for establishing a public library in Ridgeville was advocated by Rev. Robert C. Falconer of the Congregational Church, who 60 years ago suggested to members of the Senior Christian Endeavor class that each of the ten young ladies in the class give three books to start a library.
  The town librarian today, Mrs. David N. Poucher, was a member of the class of 60 years ago.
  "I never had a thought of being a librarian when I was helping gather up books to start this one," she says. Mrs. Poucher, the former Mamie Hollowell, and Mrs. Crete (Newton) Heston of Winchester are the only two members of the class now residing in the area.
  The church class collected around 50 books for the library when some Ridgeville business men took notice of their efforts. On New Year's Day, 1912, these men met and officially established the Ridgeville Public Library for the townspeople and residents of the surrounding community.
  The library was first located in the Masonic Building, which then stood on the corner north of the present Ridgeville Post Office. The library has been in two other locations before it was moved to its present site on the second floor of the City Building around 1924.
  First librarian was Mrs. Carrie Frederick, who received 75 cents per day for her work. Russell Addington served as president of the first library board, and Gail L. Bailey, still residing in the town, was named chairman of the book committee. Longest period served by any one person as librarian was by Mrs. Clara Ferguson from 1925 to 1953.
  Mrs. Poucher was appointed librarian on Jan. 31, 1963, following the death of Mrs. Fern Wilkinson,
who had been librarian for the previous eight years.
  The Ridgeville library has about 10,000 books and 400 borrowers. The library has a small reading room. The background for this room is unique - formed by three spinning wheels that were possessions of some of the town's earlier settlers. There are also several other museum items reminiscent of pioneer residents.
  Prior to 1970 any resident outside the town limits paid $1 per year for a library card. In 1970, money for the library was provided by Franklin Township and no charge now is made to township residents.
  Mrs. Merrill Painter is assistant librarian.   Muncie Star, March, 1971.



1975. Saratoga And Campbell's Soup.

   What became the Warren Harshman Canning Company, Saratoga, in February, 1912 began to produce V-8 Vegetable Juice in 1937 and continues to do so today. Campbell's actually bought the plant on April 5, 1948.
  The Campbell's plant is now getting ready to begin its heavy season when the "Pack", actual processing and canning, transpires. That period starts in early August and runs until either October 1 or the first killing frost, whichever comes first, according to Lowell Fields, plant manager.
  The company contracts with local farmers for tomatoes, most of which grow within a 25 mile radius. Operations that occur at the Campbell's plant in Saratoga include selecting the raw produce, receiving and preparing ingredients, filling and sealing cans, processing or cooking to sterilize the contents, labeling the cans and putting them in cases.
  The actual are not produced in Saratoga, but come from the nearest Campbell plant in Napoleon, Ohio, 120 miles away. This Ohio plant carries a complete soup line, bean products, juices, spaghetti, baked goods, poultry and meat products, restaurants, pet foods, garden centers and chocolates which Campbells has become affiliated with since its 1869 beginning in Camden, New Jersey.
  The majority of the canned vegetable juice is shipped by rail to Texas, but some also goes to the Chicago sales district.
  Fields, who has been a plant manager since 1953 said the majority of his 300 workers came from the county and work in two 150 man shifts. He said some migrants also participate in the season's operation. Although the majority of the work at the Campbell's company is done in two months, Fields said "We have a couple of months to do as much production as other companies have a year to complete."
  Shortly after the "Pack" is over, a skeleton crew of 16 including Fields and fieldmen begin an overhaul of equipment in preparation for the next year's work.
  Fields said within his 19 years as plant manager there has been an upgrading of equipment which became more automated and more sanitary. Included in this area was the development of a retort which is a production size pressure cooker. Another innovative piece of equipment was the continuous cooker where ingredients are blended and put in a continuous flow of cans. After cans are sealed they move through the cooker continuously in assembly-line fashion where they are cooled, labeled and cased. There have been no major increases in personnel or the scope of operations since he has been at the plant, Fields said.
  The whole progression of the area from barren ground to its present day Campbells company began in July of 1894 when Della Hinkle purchased this land along the railroad from William Brill, according to a history by the late Flossie Coggeshall, a lifelong resident of Saratoga who passed away in 1969.
  The Goodrich Brothers bought the land from Della Hinkle in September of 1899 where they built and operated the Goodrich Hay and Grain Company. Between 1907 and 1911 this territory was brought from the township of Ward into the corporation of Saratoga.
  Fletcher Warren and Tobias Harshman bought the land and buildings from the Goodrichs in 1912 to form the Warren Harshman Canning Company for canning corn and tomatoes. It was thought that tomatoes were scalded then and brought in buckets to women who peeled them by hand. Cobs from the sweet corn were hauled away by farmers and fed to hogs.
  Morrison Teegarden Company bought the factory on April 7, 1917, later forming the Morrison Teegarden Corporation in 1919. The Paul Delaney Company bought the corporation on April 15, 1925 to make canned tomato juice and canned pumpkin. One story that Mrs. Coggeshall included in her history was an incident in which mountains of pumpkins were brought and stacked along the railroad. When an early freeze came before all the pumpkins could be processed, quite a cleanup job was required.  The factory building became a community center during the 1920's where basketball games and other activities took place. After the tomato season was over, revival meetings were held there. The building was used for dances on Saturday nights.
  Edward Prichart purchased the factory from Delaney on July 14, 1925 forming the E. Prichart of Indiana Corporation to process whole tomatoes and tomato juice.
  On March 9, 1936, the Loudon Packing Company bought the plant from Prichart. During that time T.C. Hayes managed this plant as well as another Loudon plant at Terre Haute. His wife suggested that the Saratoga plant make tomato juice flavored with other vegetable juices.
  The experimentation came during the packing season of 1937. when seven other vegetable juices were mixed with tomato juice, marking the beginning of the V-8 Cocktail Vegetable Juice. One of the first purchasers of the V-8 was by the railroad to be served in dining cars.
  Standard Brands, Inc. purchased the plant and the V-8 Cocktail Juice formula from the Loudon Packing Company on May 18, 1943.
  During WW II years, coffee and sugar were packed during winter months at the plant. The coffee was received as whole beans in large bags, then ground and packed in two pound cartons. The sugar was processed was processed in the form of compressed cubes which were packed and sent to the Armed Forces overseas.
  The Campbell's Company purchased the plant from Standard Brands, Inc. in April of 1948 and continued its production of V-8 Cocktail Vegetable Juice.   Winchester News-Gazette, July, 1975. By Sue Hagen.



1888. Autograph Book Of Ida Wright. Modoc?

February 3rd, 1888.  Think of me when you are happy
                                  Keep for me one little spot
                                  In that depth of recollection
                                  I ask of you forget me not.
                                             
                                                 Truly your friend,
                                                             Etta Seagrave,  Teacher
                                                                      Modoc, Ind.

Each page has a short note or poem, name of the writer, date and location. Most are from Modoc, some from Winchester, Ridgeville and Farmland. There isn't space for each message but I'll list the names and location of the writers.

Hannah Segrave, Modoc
Annie Day,   xxx
Inda Petro     xxx
Kittie Wright, sister,    xxx
Eunice Charles, Economy
Louie Edwards, Modoc
Sula Day,    xxx
Johnnie Lee, Modoc
Ollie Conley, Modoc
Inez Conley,   xxx
Martha Howell,   xxx
Clara Gaines, Modoc
Ola Keever,    xxx
Ida? Davis   xxx
Willie Conley,   xxx
Smith Lee, Modoc
William Catey,   xxx   May your virtue ever shine like bull frogs in the sun, May your sorrow ever flee like bed bugs on the run.

Ollia Williams,   xxx     When you are at home. Drinking tea. Burn your nose. And think of me.

Belle Hunt, Modoc
Orson Wine,   xxx
J.A. Summwalt, Farmland
Lou McGuire, Farmland
Frank Retts,   xxx
Charlie Stine, Winchester
John Carter, Modoc
Ira Swain, Modoc
John T. Swindell,   xxx
Oscar Clevenger, Winchester Normal
Corwin Swain,   xxx
Jesse Oxley,   xxx
Francis C. Oxley,   xxx  To Cousin Ida
Oscar Wine, Modoc
Della Shetterly, Winchester
Glenna Shoemaker, Modoc
Anna Ford, Winchester Normal
Vic Gaines, Modoc
Lizzie Engle, Harrisville
J.H. Wilmore, Ridgeville
Jesse Retts,   xxx
Bertha Mills, Winchester
Ira Retts, Modoc
Flora Davis, Lynn
Agnes Lee, Economy   Your cousin
Lucy Millspaugh, Modoc
Blanche Burroughs, Economy
Ina Mills, Winchester
"Tod" Monks, Winchester
M.C. Coble,   xxx   "Normalite"
C.H. Wood, Winchester
L.B. McGuire, Farmland    "Winchester Normal"
Emma Engle, Winchester
L.Y. Bosworth, Winchester
Imilia Brockmann,   xxx
Cora Cheesman, Winchester
Dora E. Hiatt, Winchester
Mary Lindsey, Neff























w

136. Randolph County Misc.

1955. Early Saratoga Schools.

   In 1949, March 2, James Hyde, James Lollar and James Evans, trustees of school district No. 9, leased one fourth of an acre of land from James Lollar. This was to be the site of a school building. The contract stated it was to be possessed by them or their successors as long as it was used for school purposes.
  The first schoolhouse, in Saratoga, was erected on this lot. It is across the street, west from the postoffice. It was made of hewn logs with one door and four windows. The benches were split logs placed along the walls and a wall shelf of the same served as a writing desk. The older boys cut and carried in the wood for fuel for the iron stove. Goose quills were made into pens. The school term lasted about 30 days.
  This schoolhouse was replaced by a frame building in 1863, furnished and equipped according to the standards of the time. The log building was moved across the street and forms a part of the home of Tom Harshman. In 18? a two story brick building was erected by William Smith, trustee.
  An addition of one-half acre was leased for a playground. Some of the games played here were Black Man and a ball game called Tippy-Up, for the girls and the smaller children. The older ones played crack the whip and wrestling and more serious feats of strength were enjoyed by the boys.
  Mrs. Nora McFarland Lollar, Billy Correll and Blanche Hedgepath were some of the primary teachers. The grades were divided between the two rooms.
  In 1898, J.W. Owens, trustee, erected a two story building with four class rooms, halls and coat rooms and moved the school. The school at the original site had become overcrowded and a room was rented in the I.O.O.F. building, and a the year high school class was housed there. For several years the high school was of three years duration. Thomas Johnson was the first high school teacher and he taught the same for twelve years. The pupils were seated and recited in one room, thereby only one teacher was needed. School hours were from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with one hour off for lunch and a half hour recess periods in mid forenoon and afternoon.
  During the fifty years of school life at this place, many able teachers served as instructors. Some of these were William Moulton, Jacob Lucas, Admiral Wall, Lorenzo Sipe, Erastus Lollar, Enos Lollar, J.E. Orr and Victor Hedgepath. Mr. Hedgepath introduced Latin and Algebra by giving an extra course to some who finished the regular term and who wished to acquire more knowledge.
  At the old playgrounds, clean fresh sawdust from the mill nearby was spread in a deep layer over muddy surfaces. This was an occasion for increased activity as the children rolled and frolicked in the dry fragrant sawdust.
  In 1912, Albert T. DeLong, trustee, added a domestic science and manual training room to the latest structure, and two additional teachers were employed. This building served until it became inadequate for the growing needs of the school and was replaced by a modern building with one floor.
  The gymnasium occupies the center, with a large stage across one side and comfortable folding seats for public affairs. This room is surrounded by class rooms on two sides, with extra rooms in the back for cooking classes, cafeteria, where the students are served a complete meal for a nominal fee.
  The building and its facilities also serve a community need for a place to accommodate large gatherings, banquets, etc., sponsored by various organizations of the town and vicinity.
  Ara Huber is principal of the school at the present time, having filled this position for several years. Miss Alice Taylor was primary teacher for many years, beginning about 1906.
  The grounds which are spacious were landscaped by a former trustee, Harry Arthur. A large and lively Parent-Teachers association added much to the beauty and comfort of the rooms by purchasing extras not furnished by the school officials.  Winchester News, Feb., 1955. By Mrs. W.E. Coggeshall.



1924. Bobbed Hair.

  While bobbed hair is not unanimously approved and is strongly condemned by some, it is steadily growing in popularity and by the same token the coffers of the local barbers are being filled as never before, for bobbed hair has brought them a lot of additional business, with the result that the male of the species must wait longer for his barbering and incidentally must be more careful of his utterances in barber shops since bobbed hair became a fad or whatever it is.
  No matter when one enters a local barber shop he is almost sure to find one or more girls or women waiting to be bobbed or are being bobbed, but of course the hair bobbing business is slackest in the forenoons. Nor do the barber shops get all of the bobbing business, for it is said that bobbing is also done by beauty doctors and hair dressers in the city. All of which goes to prove as before stated that hair bobbing has grown mighty popular and has come to stay for a considerable time at least.
  But "it's an ill wind that blows nobody good," and if bobbed hair can be classed as an ill wind it has its good points. For instance, it has improved the barber shop morals a lot with the result that no longer are the off color stories or the occasional profanity heard in the barber shops, when women or girls are present, which were so noticeable, not to say disgusting and ill bred before the days of the bobbed heads.  Union City Times, July, 1924.



1961. 1909 Locomotive at Lynn.

  "You can't hardly find them kind no more." We refer, of course, to the old #98 steam locomotive which made a brief stop at the West Church and U.S. 36 crossing in Lynn, Saturday. With the train was H.A. Grimes, a retired engineer with the Reading Railroad who came out of retirement recently to become a conductor for the Strausburg line. With him was M.W. Shanks, a conductor with the Pennsylvania Railroad local out of Richmond.
  The short stay of the out-moded 1909 locomotive in Lynn caused quite a stir. Halted motorists left their cars to get a closer look at the monstrous piece of railroad metal and almost before you could shake a stick the place was swarming with youngsters. Most of the children, of course, have seen only diesel locomotives and looked at us in disbelief when we said "yes" locomotives of that description actually did pull trains not so many years ago. Made us feel antiquated. As a youngster we lived not far from a railroad track and never tired of the huffing and puffing engines, despite the constant billows of black smoke which caused a lot of extra work. Saturday the engine looked much the same as it must have looked when it was built by the American Locomotive Works in Schenectady, N.Y. 51 years ago. It showed signs of being freshly painted and the solid bronze bell on top gleamed in the rays of the setting sun.
  The engine, "being dead in tow" according to railroad lingo, was on its way to Strausburg, Pa., where it will be put to use hauling tourists over a four and one-half mile scenic route through Pennsylvania Dutch country to Lehman Place. Mr. Grimes told us the train would operate on Saturdays only, with passengers paying $1 each for the ride.
  He also said he had retired from the Reading line four years ago after 47 years of service and had come out of retirement simply as a favor to the Strausburg line. It was evident he was more than pleased with his new job. With oil can in hand, he was climbing over the engine and giving it a most minute inspection.
  The engine was purchased from the Mississippi Central Railroad by H.K. Long, president of the Strausburg line and picked up in Baton Rouge, La. The locomotive last saw service in 1945, when it was used to transport troops after WW II. Since that time it has been in storage.
  Phil Nouse, assistant trainmaster at the Pennsylvania freight yard in Richmond, informed us the engine was transported on the "Shoo Fly" to Fort Wayne and then east to Strausburg.   The Lynn Herald, July, 1961. By Eileen Thorne.



1943. Lowell L. Simmons, WW II.

  Somewhere in the South Pacific, May 5, - A candy box from home, a small piece of a coconut tree and fish guts borrowed from natives were all Private First Class Lowell L. Simmons, U.S.M.C., of Winchester needed to bring music to Marines here. Simmons is the son of Rollie Simmons of 454 Carl street, Winchester.
  The former Anchor-Hocking Glass Corporation worker, now a jeep driver here, made his banjo, called over a couple of buddies and organized a string band.
  The "Rocky Simmons Band" which followed has become an entertainment feature for Marines who previously spent odd moments trying to master the native language or throwing knives at trees.
  The candy box was reinforced with coconut wood to make the instrument's box, the strings were of fish gut and the neck was shaped from coconut wood. Simmons also assisted his buddies in making a mandolin and another banjo shaped from one-gallon alcohol and powdered milk cans, respectively.
  Also in the island string band are Charles J. Voagele, U.S.N. pharmacist mate, third class a guitar player and singer: Corporal Floyd R. Edmonson, U.S.M.C. squad leader, a banjo and guitar player and Corporal Franklin G. Dale, U.S.M.C.
  Besides playing for entertainments, Pvt. Simmons and Pharmacist Mate Voegele have collaborated to compose two tunes-"Ode To The South Seas" and "Hospital Corps Blues," both of satirical nature.
  Private Simmons who formerly played in small Indiana orchestras with his father, enlisted in the Marine Corps in April, 1942, while working at Anchor-Hocking. Prior to that he was a student at Winchester High School.   Winchester Journal-Herald, May, 1943.



1899. Moorman-Diggs-Way Reunion.

  The fifth annual reunion of the Moorman, Diggs and Way Association was held in the Henry A. Moorman grove, Sept. 5, with 105 members present. A bountiful dinner was served in splendid style at the noon hour and the afternoon was spent in a most enjoyable manner.
  For three hours, the gathering indulged in songs and short talks. The elder members devoted their time to interesting reminiscences of the pioneer days.
  A notable feature of the former reunions was the presence of the five sons of Tarlton Moorman. This year but three were present. Rev. John A. Moorman died January 2, 1899, and Thomas Moorman was confined to his room because of illness. He is now eighty-four years old, though very feeble, his mind is clear and his memory good. Richmond Moorman, aged eighty-two, though feeble, was present. Stephen Moorman, aged seventy-six, William Moorman, aged sixty-three, were present. Thomas W. Kizer, aged seventy-five years, whose first wife was Susannah Way, daughter of Jesse and Fanniel (Diggs) way, was present. He is quite feeble, but still looks after his own business affairs. Anthony Diggs and daughter, Anna J., of Lena, Illinois were present. They have attended all the reunions except the first two.
  Anthony Diggs left this county in 1856, and moved to Illinois where he has prospered. His father was Uncle "Billy" Diggs. William M. Way, of Champaign, Illinois, brother of Mrs. Nathan Reed, mother of W.W. Reed and son of Paul W. Way, who laid out the original town of Winchester.
  From 1810 to 1825 the Moorman, Way and Diggs families came from North Carolina to Eastern Indiana. The Moormans are said to have emigrated to America with William Penn and settled in Pennsylvania, from there emigrating to Virginia, then to Carolina and from thence to Indiana in the early part of the century.
  John Moorman, Susannah Moorman and her four sons, Tarlton, (father of Thomas, above mentioned), Thomas, James (Uncle Jimmie), and Jesse, with others of the family, moved from North Carolina to Indiana.
  They have occupied a conspicuous place in the business interests of Eastern Indiana. They are modest and unassuming, yet progressive. They are examples of frugality and thrift, and have accumulated a great deal of wealth.   Winchester Journal, Sept. 13, 1899.



1943. Ridgeville Boy Drowns.

  Flood waters claimed their first victim in Randolph county Wednesday afternoon as John Adams, 15, drowned in the turbulent Mississinewa river at Ridgeville.
  Sheriff Kora Davis and Winchester police called to the scene directed the search but after more than four hours the body had not been recovered. Because of the lack of electric power for lights and because of the possibility of searchers falling into the swollen river, the hunt was postponed around 8 p.m. but will be resumed this morning.
  The Adams youth, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herb Adams of Ridgeville, was one of a party of seven boys who were swimming near the Pennsylvania railroad bridge at the south edge of Ridgeville when the drowning occurred.
  The strong current pulled the victim under water near an abutment of the bridge and he was seen again about 60 feet below the bridge before disappearing from view.
  Jack Bailey, one of the swimmers, was sent to Ridgeville for aid, and others in the party sought to rescue the victim but the swift waters already had carried him out of sight.
  A canoe belonging to Cloy Lewis, Ridgeville, was used in the search for the body until a boat could be brought from Winchester. Because of the strong current the boat was tied to the railroad bridge while Deputy Sheriff Lester Puterbaugh and Winchester Police Chief Charles Bullock used grapp
ling hooks in the water which was approximately 12 feet deep. William (Bill) Poe, Winchester, and Forrest Holdeman of the Winchester police also aided in the search.
  Eugene Barnes 15, of near Ridgeville, one of the youths in the swimming party said that the group was wading and swimming in the river and that the Adams youth had waded near the bridge when the current swept him off his feet and into deep water. He shouted for help, Barnes said, and several boys in the group raced to the bank of the river but failed to reach him before he disappeared.
  Others in the group were Douglas VanSkyock, Carl Smithson, Jim Bailey, and Leroy Mosier. All lived in or near Ridgeville and except for Jack Bailey all were between 13 and 15 years of age. Jack Bailey, brother of Jim Bailey, is about 11 years old.
  The victim's father is employed at the Durham Manufacturing Company in Muncie and the mother is employed in a Dunkirk factory. Both were returning from work just before the tragedy occurred and were notified at their home. Two sisters also survive.
     Body Found:  The youth's body was discovered shortly after 8 a.m. Sunday by Lester Hummel. Ridgeville barber, who was a member of a searching party of Ridgeville citizens.
  The body was submerged along the south bank of the river and was lodged in a clump of willows about 250 feet from the point where the boy was last seen to appear above te surface.   Winchester Journal-Herald, May 20, 1943.



1976. Negro Settlement.

  A unique community began developing near the Randolph & Darke County border during the early part of the 1800's which today shows little evidence of the bustling society which once flourished. Like the legendary city of Atlantis, the small isolated "island" sank to oblivion in the face of the Industrial Revolution.
  It all began in 1822 when Thornton Alexander, Sr., a black former slave, who had been freed at the age of 36, moved with his wife and nine children into the area northeast of Spartanburg and purchased 300 acres of good farm land.
  Shortly after that Mames Clemens, Sr., and Ezekial Lewis and other black settlers began moving into the area.  Most of the new citizens in the new area were freed slaves, coming up from the South where the rights of freed Negroes were not guaranteed by those states that would ultimately secede from the Union in 1860 and 1861.
  It was one of the few settlements in the United States which wanted to be clearly known as a "Negro Settlement"; however, strangely enough, few of the citizens in the community took an active part in working with the Underground Railroad system established at Newport (Fountain City) in Wayne County.
  The community eventually grew to large proportions with settlers concentrated in an area extending approximately five miles east of  S.R. 227 in Indiana, between the southern boundary of U.S . 36 and S.R. 502 in Ohio. Census records from 1875 indicate the area was settled by 404 blacks; however, the figure is not a clear representation of the total population as early census records did not take into account those below the age of 21.
  The settlement was chiefly a rural agrarian community with only a few shops established to necessarily sustain an autonomous existence.
  William Jones, who has lived for the most part in the community since the 1920's has become something of a local authority on the history of the settlement. Jones, now 61 years-old, has been interested in history since a small boy. He has talked with many of the older residents of the area, many who have since died, and carries much of the history and tales of the black community around in his head.
  According to Jones, up until the 1930 Depression years, the habits, customs and livelihoods of the people in the area had not changed much from the previous 100 years. The blacks of the area, many who were lighter-skinned through previous in-breeding with whites, were forced into the isolated life of the community.
  "You have to understand," Jones says, "that the people were doing as much as they could without outside help. Generally they felt, as my mother and her generation, superior to the darker skinned blacks. My mother and her generation were taught not to associate with darker skinned people than they were."
  "They also realized the general hatred the white people had for them, so they preferred to live on this little island among themselves," Jones continued. "I left the community, went into the army and worked for awhile in Washington, and it wasn't until then it struck me how narrow-minded and alone they were on the island."
  The residents of the "island" soon begat a village in the southern part of the community called Tampico. The town numbered a total of 67 persons according to the 1875 census-43 blacks and 24 whites. The town consisted of two saloons and two blacksmith shops among its chiefly residential plat. But trouble soon started. Tampico began getting the reputation as a "rough town" and people became apprehensive about settling in the vicinity.
  A Christmas Eve incident at a Tampico saloon sealed the town's fate. The afternoon before Christmas had been fairly quiet at the bar; however, as the day dwindled into the twilight hours, a drunken gunfight broke out and one man was killed. Another man was badly shot up and, although he eventually pulled through, his life hung by a slim thread for weeks. Another man was severely beaten in the saloon brawl.
  Shortly after that, Tampico turned into a ghost town. Nothing exists of the town today, except two small houses.
  After the demise of Tampico, the people in the community decided they wanted to establish a post office in a central location within the settlement. At first it was decided that the post office and surrounding houses, at the intersection of the Hollandsburg-Tampico road and Singley road, be called Bethel because of its proximity to the Bethel Wesleyan Church. However, the idea was scrapped as not everyone in the community was affiliated with the church. The community leaders got their heads together and decided to name the evolving town after a new settler who had gained all their respect-a blacksmith named Long.
  Long, a white man, had recently returned from Kansas, presumably searching for land. Not being able to lay any claim to land out west, Long turned around and started back east. Somewhere between Kansas and Darke county, long bought the blacksmith shop, which had already proved a financial disaster, from a fast talking dealer trying to unload the business.
  According to all accounts, Long, who had bought the shop sight unseen, was certainly surprised when he pulled up to the front of his store in the predominately black community. But Long stuck the business out and made a go of it. The people in the community respected Long for making the best of an awkward situation and asked him if they could name the town after him. Long consented and the village name was recorded.
  Around the early 1900's the town of Long had two or three blacksmith shops along Singely road, a Masonic Lodge Hall and two churches in addition to the post office. Jones remembers hearing about the large Memorial Day parades the town had during the turn of the century. Many of the local residents would show off their new buggies, wagons and spirited three-gaited horses. It was a day of good food, tall tales, jubilance and horse races.
  The churches also provided much interest in the community. One, the Bethel Wesleyan Church, is still established at the intersection, although it's a much newer building. The other, the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church, was originally built in Indiana, but moved across from the Bethel church sometime between 1880 and 1885. Competition between the two churches was stiff, each trying to upstage the other and competing for attendance figures.
  Competition between the two churches was one thing," Jones says, "but, personally I think that kept interest in the community. There were about 950 residents for Ohio and another 150 in Indiana around the years from 1880 to 1890 before the factories started draining the population, so there were enough people for the churches.
  The African Methodist Episcopal church moved to a new church about a mile east of the crossroads sometime between 1921 to 1923, and dropped out of the AME conference in the 1930's to develop a community church. However that failed to work as the population began to dwindle. "There just wasn't enough residents in the community to support more than one church," Jones stated. The new church never got off the ground and now stands in a dilapidated state of repair.
  It was really between 1890 and the years of World War I when the factories began destroying the closely knit community around Long (later called Longtown by area residents). Many of the skills that were necessary for self subsistence were lost as the older residents passed on and the younger ones moved to work in the city.
  "There were several carpenters, plasterers and other skilled people in the area," Jones said, "but up through the 20's and 30's a lot of these skills were lost. It seems like all the skills the people once had have passed on with them."
  About the only reminder that a village or isolated "island' existed at the crossroads are the two well-kept cemeteries in the area. But there are no longer any jubilant Memorial Day parade processions to commemorate the founders of this once bustling community.



1978. Dr. Shallenberger.

  A combination birthday party and open house is being community-planned for Sunday afternoon, May 7th, 1978 at the Union School Cafetorium, located one mile west of Modoc. The community is honoring the 75th birthday of a mutual friend, Dr. Henry R. Shallenberger.
  Since this is the 40th year that Doc and his ever-patient wife, Gertrude have served the Modoc-Losantville area and have shared many of the happy times, as well as some sad ones, a special honor salute is scheduled at 3 p.m. Included will be a special register for "Doc's Babies", so please notify all children so they can plan to attend.
  Doctor Shallenberger began his medical career following graduation from the University of Pittsburgh in 1933.  He began his general practice in a little town of Union Deposit, Pa. Later he practiced in Hershey, Pa., and Rabbit Hash, Ky. and Grayson, Ky. Many of his patients lived in log cabins in the hills that were reached by him driving up a creek bed in the car in the summer or on horseback in the winter. It was while in Grayson that the first Wonder Drug Sulfanilamide made it's appearance. Dr. Shallenberger was one of the first doctors in the community to use it.
  In 1938 they moved to Modoc. Doc recalls the first child with pneumonia on whom he used sulfathiazole with dramatic results. At the start of WW II he volunteered for duty but was not permitted to serve because he was declared essential to the community.
  It was toward the end of the war when penicillin became available. Osteomyelitis, a disease considerable to be incurable was completely eliminated in an 11-year-old girl who was the first to whom he gave penicillin.
  His long, weary hours of service to patients during the war years have become his way of life. He still makes house calls day and night, plus regular office hours day and night. He can regularly be seen each morning on his way to the Henry County Memorial Hospital of which he is an active staff member. He is also a member of the Randolph County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Assn. and the American Academy of General Practice.
  Doctor Shallanberger and Gertrude are the parents of three children, Hugh (Darsie) of Columbia, Missouri, Ruth Christine of Winter Haven, Florida and Eleanor Penelope of Fairland, Indiana. They have six grandchildren.   Winchester Journal, May, 1978.

135. Randolph County Misc.

1947. Goodrich Bros. Co.

  The Goodrich Bros. Co., Inc., is a successor or rather a continuation of the business of John Baldwin Goodrich, the founder of the Goodrich Bros. Co. sometime before 1860. The old records of the company were burned a good many years ago and they haven't anything authentic about this except P.E. Goodrich's memory. The business was established on the same ground now being operated on at Winchester. John Baldwin Goodrich died in 1872 and the Goodrich brother's grandfather, Edward E. Edger, succeeded to the business and operated it until sometime in the early 1880's when the elevator burned and he went out of business.
  In 1889 John B. Goodrich, next youngest brother to Gov. James P. Goodrich, started a hay business on the same lot and shortly after, he acquired an abandoned elevator on the adjoining lot. He did a very extensive hay business and also started in the seed business. Indiana was a great producer of clover seed at that time, growing more than any other state and half of that produced in the United States. Motive power of the seed cleaner was an old darky, Anderson White, who ran a hand cranked fanning mill to clean the seed.
  In 1895 the other four brothers formed a partnership company, the J.B. Goodrich & Co. At that time they began in the grain business, leased an elevator at Saratoga and two years later built their first elevator at Snow Hill.
  In 1897 P.E. Goodrich entered the firm and they organized the company into a stock company under the name of Goodrich Bros. Hay and Grain Co. P.E. Goodrich became secretary and John B. (Jay) Goodrich, president. They did a very large hay business in Randolph county and adjoining counties around it and gradually picked up some small elevators.
  In 1904 they bought the elevator at Westfield and some loading stations on the Central Indiana railroad and in succeeding years they continued to build or buy elevators until now they have twenty-four and a farm supply division.
  In 1909 they built a little transfer house and put in an air corn drier. This elevator burned in 1913 and they built the elevator they now own in Winchester. It is about 225,000 bushel capacity, does a transit business and has a large drier which since the hybrid corn has come into being runs all winter as a rule and it has run as far in the spring as the middle of May and this year is still drying corn. At the same time they built a brick fire proof seed house and became a force in the seed business in Indiana.
  They bought a four-story brick building 40 feet wide and 130 feet long in which they are doing a jobbing business of farm supplies and field seeds. (This was the red J.A. Long Produce Co. building which is still standing, 2019, just north of the railroad on N. West st.) Previous to WW I when goods were flowing freely they were the largest handlers of American Steel and Wire fence in Indiana. They are one of the largest jobbers of poultry supplies in Indiana. They have been in the feed business in a very small way now since 1930, gradually increasing until they find it necessary to build a modern up-to-date stock feed plant. They bought 30 acres of ground just west of Winchester and are there putting up a modern fire proof feed plant that will not only take care of their twenty-four branches they own at this time, but it is their purpose to buy and build more plants as the time seems right to do so.
  They are members of the Chicago Board of Trade, Indianapolis Board of Trade and various business organizations that it is necessary to belong to in the grain, feed and seed trade. Their business has gradually increased year after year. As far back as they have any record of the amount of grain handled through their own houses it has quadrupled since 1929, gradually each year.   Winchester Journal-Herald, July, 1947.



1912. County Asylum.

  There was a pathetic scene enacted in the Circuit Court at the courthouse Saturday afternoon when Miss Clara Hoke of Union City, signed the papers giving her little four month old baby daughter, Helen, to Mr. and Mrs. George M. Whetzel. Back of the birth of the child is a story of pathos. Ignorant of the ways of the world, young Miss Hoke was an easy victim to the father of her babe.
  Knowing she was to become a mother and having no one to whom to turn in her hour of distress, she was admitted to the county asylum and there on February 3 her babe was born.
  Reluctantly she signed the papers which took away from her all claims to her child. Tears filled her eyes as she did so and frequently she would have to stop and wipe them away before she could finish writing her name.   Union City Times, June, 1912.



1863. Lynn. Civil War Traitors Among Us.

  Mr. Editor:--Our little town is becoming a place of treasonable gabble, and strangers passing through our place, report it as a den of rebels. This has raised the patriotism of a few loyal citizens to almost a boiling point and in order to show that the odious name of traitor does not, deservedly, apply to Lynn; therefore I respectfully ask that you give this a place in your columns as expressing our indignant feelings and arraying ourselves on the side of the Government. We are sorry to say we have rebel sympathizers in our midst, and hope if they are not arrested by the proper authorities for speaking treason against their country. that God will arrest their guilty souls and punish them according to their just deserts; would it be to hang them?
  While we have men in our midst persuading deserters and absentees not to return to their regiments, would to God that they might be taken down South and made to mark time to Yankee Doodle until every word of rebellion was marched out of their traitorous carcasses and then returned home with "Hail Columbia" on every one of their guilty tongues.
  As we have men in our midst who swear they will resist the Conscription Act, and thus bring a revolution upon us at home, would it be right for "Uncle Sam" to kindle the torch of patriotism in the bosoms with the smell of gunpowder and make it burn until every taint of disloyalty was consumed and their hearts renovated with a love of Free Government?
  We have men all over the State who are traitors at heart and the crisis is upon us in which it behooves all who have within their bosoms patriotic hearts, to rally to the preservation of the Union and strike a blow at treason wherever found, either among friends and neighbors of Lynn, or open enemies.  signed, TRUTH.   Winchester Journal, March 23, 1863.



1947. Winchester Cycle Mart.

  The Cycle Mart at 829 Beeson Drive is a haven for sporting enthusiasts who can find the very latest models in bicycles, motorcycles, boats and guns. The business, owned and operated by Ray Augspurger, was established fourteen years ago and has always remained in its present location. Prior to opening his own shop Ray was employed at the Vern Simmons garage on South Meridian St. for nine years.
  According to Ray the bicycle business is booming and this year will probably double any previous record. Ordinarily about 125 bikes are sold each year. He believes the increase is due to the fact that bicycles have been scarce due to the war and there is now a great demand.
  Huffman and Schwinn are the two standard make bicycles sold at the Mart in addition to the new motor equipped Whizzer bike. Ray is also the authorized dealer for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In stock at all times are Evinrude outboard motors and fishing boats. Pleasure crafts are not kept in stock but can be ordered on demand. A complete supply of parts and accessories are also available at the shop. The shotgun and rifle trade is a new line inaugurated during the war when other merchandise could not be purchased. However, Ray says it has proved to be a valuable addition.
  Ray is a native of Wayne county but came to Winchester approximately 29 years ago. His wife, Bessie, is a native of the county. They are the parents of one son, Bill, 16, who will be a junior at Winchester high school this fall. They live in a new seven-room home at 831 Beeson Drive, directly adjoining the shop.    Winchester Journal-Herald, August, 1947.



1912. Saratoga Hotel Sold.

  Mr. J.E. Rife of Union City, has purchased the Bousman Hotel at Saratoga, Ind., and will open it up for business on July 1st.

  Mr. Rife, who was formerly employed with the Union City Body Co. has for the past few weeks made an earnest effort to start up in some business in this city, being desirous of remaining here, but failed to be able to find a business that was not already well established in the field. Mrs. Rife formerly lived in Saratoga, and is well acquainted with what the conditions are, and it is their intention to re-furnish the hotel throughout and open it especially for automobile parties.
  While Union City does not like to see Mr. and Mrs. Rife leave this city, yet they wish them all kinds of success in their chosen field.    Union City Times, June, 1912.



1931. Colored Drivers At Funk's Motor Speedway.

  Twenty-three entries are already in and more arriving daily as July 4th draws near when the colored boys line up to show the fans something new in auto racing.
  Some of the outstanding stars that have sent in their entries to date include Wm. Jefferies of Chicago, the world's largest colored driver weighing 227 lbs., driving his noted Frontenac, Bob Wallace, of Indianapolis, driving Mrs. Dutch Baumans famous Duce, Bob Wilcox, of Columbus, Ohio, driving Albert Burrels No. 11, Bill Corson, of Chicago, holder of the world's champion cup for colored drivers and many others.
  With one hundred dollars offered for a new track record, the colored boys are looking the 23 2/5 seconds over.
  Lots of interest is being shown in the battle royal put on in front of the grandstand which includes six colored boxers in an arena, all fighting at the same time. The last one standing draws the prize.
  Some of the latest entries, E.G. Cunningham of Chicago driving his Blue Streak Special and Taft Woodson of Richmond.   Union City Times, July 2, 1931.



1866. Drunken Irish Brawl In Winchester.

  A bloody and brutal fight took place on Saturday evening in the north part of Winchester between a party of drunken Irish, in which, as is usual on such occasions, men, women and children were indiscriminately mixed up, and during which several of the party were badly hurt. We were unable to learn from what cause the fight had its origin, but presume the prime mover in the difficulty was rot-gut whiskey.
  Clubs, rocks, bricks and other dangerous missiles were freely used, and many a son of Ireland received his quietus in the shape of a broken head or bruised countenance, or both. One fellow, who claims to have taken no part in the muss, further than in using his efforts to quell the row, was set  upon by some half dozen of the frantic brutes, knocked down, beaten and stomped in a horrible manner, and, it is thought, would have been killed outright had it not been for the timely interference of some of our citizens. His face and hands were horribly bruised and mangled, and presented more the appearance of a mass of bloody liver than anything human.
  Another Irishman, who says he was on way to the depot for the purpose of taking the train to Union City, to attend the marriage of a sister, was also attacked by the drunken mob and received a like treatment with the other, being inhumanly beaten and otherwise maltreated.
  The women, it is said, took an active part in the shindig, throwing rocks, bricks etc., at whoever or whatever came handiest; and one of the women is said to have been "slightly wounded in the fracus."
  Altogether, it was the most disgraceful affair that has occurred in our town for many a day.   Winchester Journal, October, 1866.



1863. Union Literary Institute Student Newsletter.

  "The Student's Repository," Vol. 1, No. 1.--This quarterly publication of the students, male and female, of the Union Literary Institute at Spartanburg, Randolph County, Ind., is interesting, not because of its merits are great when compared with those of other magazines, but because it is entirely the production of colored writers. , mem, women and children
  When the slender educational advantages of the authors are taken into account, some of the articles will be found deserving of praise. The enterprise should be encouraged.   Cincinnati Gazette.

  The Editors of the Union Literary "Students Repository," Messrs. Smothers and Buckner, were at our office a few days ago and informed us that they had met with very encouraging success in obtaining subscriptions to their magazine.
  We earnestly recommend all our friends to send for a specimen copy and subscribe for the work. On sale, and subscriptions received, at this office. 15 cents a single number; 50 cents per year.   Winchester Journal, October, 3 1863.



1912. Sampletown.

  Farmland, Ind., Oct.2-- A land deal was consummated here today which recalls the time when Sampletown almost became the capital of Randolph county instead of Winchester, a few votes sending the county seat to its present location.
  The little village was laid out by a Mr. Sample, but all that remains to show that the place really existed is an old cemetery. The daughter of Mr. Sample lives in Iowa and is now over ninety years of age. She is an aunt of Guy McIntyre of this place.
  The deal that was made was when Wes McAllister bought from Charles Johnson the latter's farm of 110 acres. This farm is locater four miles southwest of Farmland. Mr. Johnson bought the farm ten years ago and paid $90 per acre but today he received $125 per acre. This is the farm on which Sampletown was located.   Union City Times, October, 1912.



1867. Marble Playing Leads To Gallows?

  We are not opposed to boys enjoying themselves at any innocent and healthful amusement, when engaged in at the proper time places. but the game of marble playing, as conducted by many of the boys of Winchester, has become a grievous nuisance, and is ruinous in its effects upon the minds and characters of the youth generally. Our sidewalks are monopolized by these idlers who, instead of being at school or engaged in some profitable and useful employment which will fit them for respectable, honorable stations in after life, are allowed to spend their time, from day to day and from week to week, in this species of gambling, wrangling, quarreling, swearing and fighting and uttering language the most vile and profane.
  Nor is the case during the week-days only, but the Sabbath day is shamelessly desecrated in the same manner by these same neglected youths. Persons on their way to and from church, have their feelings wounded and their senses shocked by the most obscene and indecent utterances falling from the lips of these youthful aspirants to the penitentiary and the gallows.
  That this nuisance should be at once and effectually abated, no man, having the welfare of his own children and the good of society at heart, will deny. Parents, who know and properly appreciate their duty to their off-spring, also know precisely what course to adopt to put a stop to this state of things.
   Winchester Journal, April, 1867.



1912. Orphans' Home At Modoc.

  An orphans' home sprang up in a day in the vicinity of Modoc last week. Mr. and Mrs. Croker of Chattanooga, Tenn., business men of that city.arrived on the train from the east with twenty-seven colored orphan children, for the summer outing and they are now located in an old store building near the depot, entirely too small for convenience.
  Tents and provisions have been shipped here and they will soon be living in the open air on the outskirts of this little city. There are to be 80 children in their new Modoc home.   Union City Times, May, 1912.



1924. New Winchester Business.

  The Winchester Dehco Enameling Company is a new concern, which has opened up in Winchester, which is backed by several business men of that city.
  At the start the company expects to confine its attention to the refinishing of automobiles, trucks etc. They have the exclusive right in this territory on a new and patented process whereby an entire car, including wheels and all running gear may be enameled in less than three days time. A feature of the new process is the fact that enameling may be done in any desired color.
  The Dehco enamel bakes at a temperature of 165 degrees, which makes it possible for the entire car to be placed in the oven without removing the upholstery or cloth top without injury to either.
  The possibilities for a plant of this kind are almost limitless, as their attention need not be confined to the automobile business. The enamel can be used on wood as well as metal and articles which have heretofore been painted can not be given a more durable finish.
  The automobile owners here in Union City who have seen cars enameled by this concern are very enthusiastic over the work done.   Union City Times, April, 1924.  (This paint shop was located in the wood frame, three story building built by Charlie Favorite where he built buggies and carriages, 1890- 1915. The building was on the north side of Pearl street where a laundromat is 2019. They changed their name to the Winchester Enameling Company and were out of business in 1928.)



1963. "Lynn-Burg" High School.

  Trustees of Greensfork and Washington townships today adopted a joint resolution declaring their intention to consolidate the two school townships. The expected move had the blessing of the Randolph County School Reorganization Committee, it is understood.
  Reginald Chenoweth, Greensfork township and Robert Morris, Washington trustee, made the move after Union Township's proposed merger with Stoney Creek (Henry county) had been approved by the state. Two earlier votes had proposed a merger of Greensfork, Washington and Union township schools, but had been vetoed by Union voters.
   The proposed merger could be tested by vote, as was the Union-Stoney Creek merger. The vote could be called for by petition by 50 legal voters in either township, which would result in a vote in that township to see whether the majority of its voters favor the merger.
  The name of the proposed new school corporation, the trustees resolved, is to be the "Lynn-Burg School Corporation," becoming effective January 1, 1964.   Winchester News, August, 1963.



1913. Will Fight New Ridgeville Cemetery.

  Jerry and Mattie Mack, residing on a farm three miles east of Ridgeville, filed suit today in the Randolph circuit court against O.O. and Elizabeth Fraze of Ridgeville, asking a temporary restraining order and injunction to keep the defendants from proceeding in the improvement and platting of ten acres of the farm of the defendants, for the purpose of making a public burial ground within 250 feet of the plaintiff's residence.
  The plaintiffs also ask a perpetual injunction against the defendants from proceeding further or even platting ground or making a cemetery, averring that inasmuch as a bed of gravel and sand underlies the plaintiff's farm and the ground to be platted, and the making of a cemetery and the burial of the dead would render their water supply useless and would also cause them a great deal of annoyance and inconvenience because of its closeness to their home and would also affect the money value of their premises.



1966. Wright Covered Bridge Burns. Three Youths Arrested.

  The dwindling number of historic covered bridges in Indiana was less by one today, after the Wright covered bridge southwest of Farmland was destroyed by fire. This leaves only one covered bridge remaining in Randolph county.
  The structure, built in the last century, was repaired extensively on order of the Randolph county commissioners in the summer of 1964. It was reinforced with new inside planking, new heavy metal siding on the exterior, and a new paint-job for the roof.
  The fire which destroyed the bridge was reported to the Randolph county sheriff's department around 4:20 a.m. Thursday by a nearby resident. However, the message was relayed to the sheriff as a fire at the Emmettsville bridge near Ridgeville, a mistake which caused Sheriff Jack Cox to drive the nine miles north of Winchester to the wrong bridge, and summon Ridgeville firemen. When a radio message made a correction for the sheriff he returned to the Wright bridge to find Farmland firemen already there, but the structure was beyond saving.
  Both Farmland firemen and Sheriff Cox said that the fire was undoubtedly set by arsonists, possibly the same type of vandals who had earlier attempted to dynamite the covered bridge near Ridgeville. Sheriff Cox said that the fire would have to have burned for three or four hours before the alarm was turned in, unless it was started by kerosene or other fuel soaking the wooden bridge interior. He said when he arrived on the scene the bridge had fallen into White River and was merely smoking ruins.
  The bridge stood on the county road north of the Windsor road and southeast of Farmland.   Winchester Journal-Herald, October 13, 1966.

October 22, 1966. Three arrested for burning bridge.

   Friday morning, Oct. 21, Delaware county authorities and two Indiana state police detectives, Sgt. Don Hart and Sgt. Arthur Sanders, arrested three Delaware county men in connection with the Wright covered bridge fire which took place early on Oct. 13, according to Randolph county Sheriff Jack Cox.
  Cox added that two other subjects who were picked up with the three also were allegedly involved. Bruce Wright, 18: Donnie Rhum, 20, and his brother, Terry Rhum, 19, all implicated in the burning of the bridge and all of Muncie, are in the Randolph county jail at this time.

134. Randolph County Schools

WARD AND RIDGEVILLE, June, 1983.

  An Avilla, Ind., general contractor and land developer bought the land that formerly held the Ridgeville School and a Muncie real estate firm did likewise with the Ward School ground. The sales, if approved by the Randolph Central School Corporation, both brought well over the appraised value of the land.
  S.J. Pulver, Inc., Avilla, purchased the Ridgeville land for $7,000, and according to Steve Pulver, the firm plans to build an apartment complex for senior citizens. Harold Hindman, representing Advanced Real Estate of Muncie, purchased the Ward ground located in Saratoga for $6,500 but said he had no idea what the firm planned to do with the land at this time.
  Pulver, in describing his firm's plans, said the apartments would probably rent for between $175 and $250. He noted , However, that "we will be fortunate if we find time to do this within the next two years."
  When asked what plans Pulver, Inc., had for the land in the interim, he said he was open for suggestions. He said if the town wanted to use the property for something until his firm was ready to develop it, he would be glad to let it.
  There were about 30 bidders at both locations Friday and each town had its own interested citizens bidding for the property. However, the interest at Ridgeville seemed to be more overt.
  A Franklin Township-Ridgeville alumni group had been collecting money to bid for the property. The group wanted the property in order to turn it into a community park.
  Bidding on behalf of the Alumni was its president, William Sanders. Sanders went to $6,500.
  Over at Saratoga, Glen Oaks was bidding for the Ward property and apparently had intentions of turning the land over to the community of Saratoga. Oaks stopped bidding at $6,200.
  Just prior to the auction, one woman who had worked hard to raise money to buy the land for the city, stated the Alumni group had received donations from former graduates and friends of the community from throughout the United States. "We walked this town and the township collecting funds," she commented.
  As the auction was ready to get underway at Ridgeville, a cassette player was playing school fight songs-one of which was the old Ridgeville fight song. A couple of women in the crowd could be seen singing along with the tape.
  The 2.9 acres at Ridgeville had been appraised at $5,000 and the Saratoga land, a little less acreage, had been appraised at $3,500. According to the terms set forth for the auction by the school corporation, each property was to bring at least 90 percent of the appraised value or it would be re-advertised for sale.
  School Corporation Attorney Peter Haviza also advised those present at each site of the terms of the auction and that the land was not to be sold for the purpose of placing on it mobile homes.
  After the auctions, Haviza said the finalization of the sales will be undoubtedly be acted upon by the school board at its next meeting Tuesday night.
  Dana Cox, board member, served as auctioneer. Following the auctions, he said he felt there would be no problem in board approval for the sales since both pieces of land brought well over the appraised value.
  There has been quite a bit of concern over the Ridgeville land over the past few months. Many people in Ridgeville felt the land should revert back to the town. Many wanted it used as a park or little league park while others felt a park was not needed.
  Another bit of controversy arose because early on, the school corporation had donated a part of the Saratoga school ground to Saratoga since the community had been maintaining much of it for several years. Thus, many in Ridgeville felt the same thing should occur at Ridgeville.
  The school board, however, felt the Ridgeville interest in the land and the building, came to late and that the corporation could not afford to give the land away.
  It was decided, however, that if the land at Ridgeville did not bring $2,000, it would be given to the town.   Winchester News, June, 1983.


MONROE CENTRAL, October, 1971

  The 6th grade class at Parker Elementary elected class officers last week. The officers from Mrs. Davis' class are Jenny Cox, president; Joy Folkner, vice-president; Shirley Randall, treasurer; and Debbie Hobson, secretary.
  The officers from Mrs. Rarick's class are, Matt Shaffer, president; Mike Lewis and Lori Hensley tied for vice-president; Diana Darling, secretary; and Teresa Fouse, treasurer.

Miss Flame Candidates.  The annual Fire Prevention Day at Farmland took place on Saturday October 2. The day was started off by the crowning of Miss Flame which took place at 10:30. The new 1971 Miss Flame is Debbie Halstead.
  Debbie is a member of the freshman class and is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glen Halstead of Farmland route 2. First runner-up was Jody Stanley, Jody is a sophomore and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Max Stanley, Parker route 1.
  Second runner-up was Janet Bailey. Janet is a senior and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Bailey, 304 E. Henry, Farmland. Third runner-up was Debbie Silvers. Debbie is a junior and the daughter of mr. and Mrs. Raymond Silvers, Ridgeville.
  Following the crowning was a parade composed of 3 high school bands, drill team, fire equipment, baton twirling units, antique cars and pony riders. Awards were given to the best of each section.

French Club.  Bill Pursley was elected president of the French Club, Tursday, September 28, during a club meeting.
  Other officers were Denny Taylor, vice president, Susie Lamb, secretary and Rita Bullis, treasurer.
  The meeting was held specifically for the election of officers. Other members attending were; Linda Evans, Lisa Jester, Debbie Toney, Barb Watt, Donna Hiatt, Sherri Bales, Mike Hall, Dave Traub and Nancy Lewis. Mrs. smith is the sponsor of the French Club.

Elections.  Mike Thomas was elected president of the seventh grade class on September 19. Other officers elected were Mark Gard; secretary, Cindy Culy; treasurer, Kevin Cox; reporter, Cris Skinner.
  At the September 26 meeting, the seventh grade elected two student council members, Steve Starr and Dave Mosier. The class sponsers are Mrs. Parrott and Mr. Washler.


"SWAMP VALLEY"  Sept., 1970.

  "Swamp Valley" may not sound like a very romantic name for the institution in which students learned the three R's, but to the people who went there, it brings fond memories. Although the school was abandoned as an educational institution in the first decade of this century when rural consolidation began to out-date one room schools, it has held up well during its move from its "swamp valley location to its present site, and during its use as a storage shed on the Max Kolp farm west of Lynn.
  And surprisingly enough, a wall-map case which came with the building when it was moved, is in excellent condition today.
  The map case, dated 1880, 90 years ago, has an ornamental front leaf entitled "Bancroft's Pictorial Chart Of Geographical Definitions." The front map is, as its title implies, a picture of all the various types of formations- bays, valleys, mountains, islands, which will be found on a regular map, but here in true-to-life pictorial form.
  Next come maps of the various continents with natural boundaries as they were in 1880.
  Further on, the students were treated to vividly colored outlines of human structure- bones, muscles and internal organs. Not omitting a bit of propaganda, the mapmaker included three sketches of the human stomach, one entitled "normal stomach"; the next, the stomach of a "moderate drinker", showing slightly irritated lining; next the stomach of a "drunkard"- complete with a large ulcer.
  Most of the remaining one room schools in the county are built of brick, which have lasted better than the frame buildings. But Swamp Valley school is frame, and larger than most of the brick one room schools, with long windows and tall, peaked ceilings. As far as can be determined, there was no attic, although remains of the old cloakroom
 can be noticed.
  The school originally stood on the Paul Rogers farm, on county road 300. This was a rather swampy area, hence the name. Rose Willis Reed (formerly Rose Miller) who attended Swamp Valley school for eight years, recalls that there was a skating pond behind the school, which was much enjoyed during the winter. Mrs. Reed also remembers that there were never more than 20 pupils, but all drank from one tin cup at the water bucket.
  One interesting fact Mrs. Reed remembers is that the desks faced south, and as a result, the wall-map mentioned before was "upside down." As a result of that, Mrs. Reed adds, her map reading has been somewhat confused ever since. She tends to regard "south" as the top of the map instead of the bottom.
  After the school was discontinued due to the rural consolidation in the first decade of the century, the building was moved across the road to the Ted Harvey farm, where it now stands. The location is four and a half miles west of Lynn on Ind. 36. Harvey was the grandfather of Barbara Harvey Kolp, who, with her husband Max, now lives on the farm.
  The Kolps say they plan to donate the old map case with its maps and charts to one of the county's historical museums, either the one at the Lynn library or the Randolph County Historical Museum at Winchester.   Winchester News-Gazette, Sept., 1970. By A.M. Gibbons.


UNION CITY CLASS OFFICERS, Sept., 1959.

  Senior and Junior class officers have been elected at Union City-Wayne High School, it was announced today by Principal Robert Shank. Sophomores and freshmen will hold their elections Monday.
  The new officers are:

SENIORS - President, Bob Hiatt; vice president, Tom Miller; treasurer, Ted Leahey; secretary, Marjorie Ligon; student council, Patty Fitzmaurive and Ronnie Beisner.

JUNIORS - President, Susan Pyle; vice president, Ricky Weaver; treasurer, Judy Noonan; secretary, Sharon Simmons; student council, Randy Burkett and Julia Brooks.
  A new system of class elections has been introduced to promote citizenship and provide more knowledge of the democratic process, Shank said.
  Petitions must be signed by 10 per cent of the class and by three faculty members and candidates are permitted a week to circulate them. Candidates select campaign managers and are allowed to display three posters in the school.
  The campaign extends a week after which there is a rally and candidates and their managers are given four and two minutes respectively to speak.
  Ballots are printed for each class and the polls are open on election day before school, at noon and after school. Votes are counted before the class sponsor, the principal and two members of the class.
  Winchester Journal Herald, Sept., 1959.


RIDGEVILLE'S "STAN" COPE.

  Stanton Cope, who was a member of the 1938 graduating class of the Ridgeville high school and later a student at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, has had quite a bit of space devoted to him by Mr. Robert H. Reed in his article, "Farm Boy Champions" which appeared in the September issue of "The Country Gentleman."
  Stan, as most all Ridgeville folks will remember, was one of the shining lights on the local Cossack basketball team for three years.
  Several of the other schools will also remember him as the boy who usually, with the help of four other players, ended their dreams for championship teams in county tourneys.
  Stan was also a good student. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor C. Cope who lice about five miles west of Ridgeville.
  In order that you may read the article in part that refers to Stan, we wish to reprint it as Mr. Reed wrote it.  Mr. Reed says:

  "These winning teams were, of course, studded with farm boys. To pick the best of the farm boys who hail from Indiana would be an impossible task, but it is easy to pick one who is a great star - Stan Cope, who lives on a farm near Ridgeville, population 1000. As a sophomore last season, Stan sparked a fine Swarthmore College team through a highly successful schedule. He was one of the top men in the country, chalking up an average of 13.9 in fifteen games against major opponents.
  "Stan learned his basketball the hard way at Ridgeville High School. Basketball season overlaps with the cornhusking season in Indiana and there is considerable corn grown on the Cope farm. As is sometimes typical of country boys, Stan thought nothing of husking corn all day on a Saturday, walking five miles into town, donning his basketball suit and helping his team knock off another opponent, and walking home afterward to a well-earned rest.
  Although college seemed something of a remote thing for Cope, since the Indiana farm had known some bad years, the youngster kept whacking away at his studies. He graduated with thirty-two A's-a perfect scholastic record for four years. The reward for this diligence came in the form of scholarship offers from several colleges. Stan chose one to Swarthmore College, whose scholastic excellence overshadows even a fine athletic record.
  Stan has finished two years of college work with satisfactory grades, and Swarthmore has a reputation for being "plenty tough" in its requirements. Cope also played a creditable third base on the baseball team, and this past summer he carried home with him several technical books on football. He's going to take his 190 pounds out for Quaker football this fall. In spare time this good looking Hoosier boy waited tables and ran a laundry route to make himself self supporting at college.
  Stan Cope in many reckonings was the best college basketball player in Eastern circles last year. He is lightning fast on the maple boards, has a deadly aim for the basket and is a stone wall on defense. He hasn't a weakness. Bill Stetson, the able young coach of the Quaker five, is a little more conservative in his estimate of his star. "But Stan could make any college basketball team I have ever seen. He'd be a great star on most of them," he says.
  Athletics, incidentally, is a minor part of Cope's interests. He is headed for a degree in medicine.
  In the meantime it is encouraging to know of another Hoosier farm boy who isn't afraid to dig in against hard odds; who has demonstrated that abundantly he has within himself the stuff that success is made of.  Randolph County News, August, 1940.


WINCHESTER, Driver Marching Band. 1959.

  The Driver high school marching band began rehearsals Monday evening with 53 students present. Total enrollment for the band is 75 students, with 63 instrumentalists and 12 twirlers. The band will participate in the Indiana state fair marching contest on September, 3.
  Also beginning this week, band members will practice in groups of 10 students, learning the fundamentals of marching under the direction of six upperclass students. These student leaders are Ramona Arthur, Mary Paul, Judy Welbourne, Betsy Green, Pat Meek and Bob Keys.
  The 12 band majorettes have been rehearsing separately and include the following students; Judy Mills, Martha Roskosz, Barbara Walters, Jeanie Shively, Mary Ann Campbell, Jean Simmons, Carol Jennings, Beverly Barnhart, Evie VanLandingham, Joan Hendrickson, Pamela Lowe and Betty Ayres.
  The band will rehearse in the old gym. Students are urged to attend both the full band rehearsals and the group rehearsals so that they may qualify to participate in the state contest.   Winchester Journal-Herald, August, 1959.

133. Randolph County Misc.

LYNN.  Warren Hollingsworth, 1954.

  Warren Hollingsworth, owner of Hollingsworth Barber Shop in Lynn, was born December 6, 1916, north of Pinhook church on highway 227, on the farm owned by Bill Greene. His father, Ira, was a farmer.
  He attended school at Spartanburg and graduated in 1937. His next few years were spent farming before entering the International Barbers college at Indianapolis in 1940. After six months training he graduated and took a position in the Hiatt Barber Shop at Lafayette, Ind. He worked there three months but desired to come nearer home so he moved to Cambridge City and worked in the Moffett shop.
  In March of 1941 he moved to Richmond and took a chair at the Parker-Thomas shop which he held until entering the service in 1943.  On June 29, 1941, he married Alice Bragg of Spartanburg and they moved to Richmond to make their home.
  He enlisted in the Navy in October of 1942 but was not called until March of 1943. After training at Camp Perry, Va., he served in the Pacific Islands. He received his discharge in November of 1945 and returned to Richmond until 1947 when he bought his present shop.
  Warren has had several men work in the shop with him including, Bill Maines, Chuck Schlecty, John Chittick and Basil Hill. He is operating it by himself at the present time however.
  When asked of an outstanding experience that remains in his mind, Warren came up with two. The first concerns a shop on the west coast when he was in the Navy. It seems a sailor decided to dye his hair red, thinking the gals would like the idea, so he bought a bottle of dye and patted it into his hair. The result was horrible. After deliberation he came to the shop and ask the barber to cut off his hair. The barber, being a Navy man in charge of the chair next to Warren's grabbed the sailor around the shoulders and using electric clippers, took off all the red dyed hair. The operation was fine except for one thing, the skin on top of his head became coated with the dye in polka dot form and it made quite a picture.
  The other incident concerns Warren's first haircut of an officer. The officer, a 1st lieutenant looked like a general to Warren as he crawled into the chair. He had big bushy eyebrows, like John L. Lewis according to Holly, and as soon as he got into the chair he informed Holly he wanted them trimmed after he finished the haircut.
  The haircut job had just begun when the officer fell asleep and the shaking barber became more nervous as the minutes went by. Finally the haircut was finished and the eyebrow trimming time had come around. With the eyes closed, due to the sleeping officer, the brows were dipped down and when Holly made his first trim he took out a large chunk of skin.
  The officer landed about five feet out in the floor and Holly almost fainted. The incident ended all right however, as the officer seeing the scared look on the barbers face, laughed and crawled back into the chair.
  The Hollingsworths have two children, Diane and Joe. Mrs. Hollingsworth runs a beauty shop here in Lynn so the day is well filled for the entire family. Diane, the oldest, is in school but Joe is only 3 1/2 years old so Mrs. Hollingsworth has him to care for along with her other work.  Union City Times-Gazette, Jan, 1954. A Lynn Herald Reprint.



SARATOGA.  E. U. B. Church.

  The home of Joseph and Sarah Lollar, near Saratoga, was used as a preaching place for holding quarterly meetings from about the year 1857 and continuing about 10 years. Some of the early preachers were F.B. Rendrix, S.S. Holden, Elder William Miller and others.
  In the spring of 1871 the present class was organized at the nearby school house, under the pastoral labors of Rev. A. Douglas, pastor of the Union City Mission. The following were charter members: Sarah Lollar, Elisha D. Lollar, Mary A. Lollar, Joseph Lollar, Sereptha Lollar, John C. Albright, William Fraze, Nancy Fraze, Joseph Shierling and Susanna Shierling. The church became a part of the Rosehill, Ohio, circuit.
  A lot was secured in the southwest corner of Ward Township, Randolph County, Indiana. This was purchased from Sarah Lollar. On this lot a frame building, thirty-six by fifty, was erected. This frame church was built under the pastorate of S.T. Mahon with Joseph Shierling, Elisha D. Lollar and John C. Albright as trustees. The cost was about twenty-five hundred dollars, and was dedicated in July, 1873, by Rev. M. Wright, editor of the Religious Telescope, Dayton, Ohio.
  The following pastors served the church: D.J. Schenk, 1873-1875; J.W. Nickodemus, 1875-1877, and Jacob Cost, 1879-1881. Under the pastorate of Rev. Cost a frame parsonage composed of six rooms was erected on the adjoining lot at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars. Elisha D. Lollar, Joseph Lollar, Levi Coats, Henry Wickersham and William Whiteneck, trustees.
  J.C. Montgomery was pastor from 1881 to 1882; T.M. Harvey, 1882-1884, R. Moose 1884-1885; G. H. Bonnell, 1885 -1886; E.M. Counsellor, 1886-1888; W.H. Shepherd, 1888-1890; J.W. Lower, 1890-1891;R.W. Wilgus, 1891-1892; J.L. Kline, 1892-1894. In 1893, during Rev. Kline's pastorate, the church was re-built and enlarged with an additional room, vestibule and tower, veneered with brick and roofed with slate. The cost was four thousand dollars. Elisha D. Lollar, Joseph Lollar and William Fraze were trustees. The church was reopened November5, 1893, by Bishop J.W. Hott, who" did the church a grand day's work."
  In 1894 the Auglaize annual conference held its sessions here with Bishop E.B. Kephart presiding officer. Rev. W.L. Waldo served as pastor from 1894 to 1897; Elis Councell, from 1897-1898; A Kisel, 1898-1901. In 1901, by the action of the General Conference, this society was made a part of the White River Annual Conference, which that year held its session at Kokomo, Indiana.


DEERFIELD.  5 Cent Reward, July, 1862.

  RAN AWAY, from P. Stick farm, 4 1/2 miles east of Deerfield, Randolph County, Indiana, July 6, 1862, one John Murray, an apprentice to the farming business. Said boy is 16 years old, very dark complected, large mouth and flat nose. Any person returning said boy, shall receive the above 5 cent reward, but no thanks. This is also to warn all persons from trusting or harboring him on my account, as I will not be responsible for any debts he may contract.   PETER STICK



RIDGEVILLE.  Limestone Park, 1955.

  Limestone park , located one-half mile east of Ridgeville and supervised by the Randolph County Council of Conservation Clubs, will have three new shelter houses in the next few days.
  The houses, which were purchased from the Campbell Canning company of Saratoga , are 12 feet square with openings on the sides. A gabled roof covers the four wall frame. The houses come in sections and are bolted together. The floor is in two sections. Each house will be placed near the outdoor furnaces for convenience of picnickers, who wish to cook their meals out-of-doors for their outing or in some other convenient place. Two will be placed on the south side of the lake and the others in the small grove on the north side of the lake.
  The houses will make a much needed addition to the park facilities, as they have been needed badly as a shelter for those caught in the rain and for a general place of gathering. At the present, clubs have been using the park's concession stand as a gathering place, but this was not available to family gatherings and such. The shelter houses will be wired and tables placed in them as soon as funds become available. They will be erected on skids so that they can be moved to other locations, if necessary.
  Along with the shelter houses, the council has built new entrance posts at the park entrance. These will soon have new signs on them, telling the public of the park and the rules governing it. Later plans call for a block structure to cover the steel uprights to make a more attractive pillar.
  The council has contracted to have a new road built from the entrance to the well oval this summer. The new road will be built of asphalt and stone.
  The council has a caretaker at the park and with extra work being done this tear, it will require the selling of many park permits to cove  Many of the membersr the cost of materials, wages, etc. The permits are the only source of income for the council. Its funds are not only used for the park, but many of the county's conservation programs are financed by their funds. If you haven't gotten your park permit this year, do so.
  Many of the members of the county's conservation clubs have permit books, which they carry with them. Just inquire and you will be able to get one. Anyone 18 years or over must have a park privilege permit to use the facilities. This permit entitles you to use your own row boat at your own risk on the lake. No motors are allowed on the lake nor is any kind of intoxicating drinks allowed in the park. Holders of permits are required to abide by the park rules.
  Many of the county's conservation clubs have been using the park for their regular meetings, during the summer. Saratoga conservation club held a family night at the park Friday.



SARATOGA,WARD TOWNSHIP. 1963.

  Saratoga and Ward township form a community unit where everyone helps his neighbor. Ask anyone in the area, and he will say "That's not only true, that's putting it mildly!" The central source of this feeling is the Saratoga fire department and the Ward township volunteers.
  These organizations have joined in many projects to help their community, and in turn, the community has pitched in to help its firemen.
  After several years of planning, labor and fund raising by the entire community there is a new fire station and equipment.
  The new building has been under construction for a year as tax money was available. The past several weeks, the interior work and decorating have been done by the volunteer workers including the Lions club.
  The fire department and volunteers were organized eight years ago under direction of the town board. They have grown to a force of 22 members. Three years ago, Mrs. Jack Kessler organized the ladies auxiliary of the Ward township volunteers. Mrs. Merl Bousman is now president of that group, which has 14 members and meets socially each month.
  The firemen not only aid in disasters, but, with the auxiliary, follow up with any aid needed by the disaster victims.
  For instance, a few weeks ago, the William Stitt family home burned, destroying also the family possessions. The department was unable to save the home, but volunteers found a new home for the Stitts, and helped them move into it. The auxiliary and firemen picked up donations of bedding and furniture, and took them to the Stitts. They also cleaned and ironed the clothing that had been salvaged from the fire.
  The men's organizations have pumped out basements of homes during rainy seasons and stand by in any emergency such as a severe storm. In the current dry weather, with a water shortage, these men are delivering water to the farmers of the community for their livestock.
  Fire and emergency calls are taken by Merritt Manning at his service station.
  Not only does the new station-house hold the fire equipment, but is large enough to be used by the community for social affairs and fund raising projects.
  The ladies auxiliary recently served a fish supper to 234 guests, and with the proceeds bought a new automatic range for the kitchen. Their projects have included ham and bean suppers, dinners at farm sales and sponsorship of dances for the migrant Texan tomato pickers working in the county.
  All proceeds have been given for the building and equipment. Firemen and the Lions Club recently served a pancake and sausage supper. Later this month, the auxiliary will entertain the Youth Fellowship of the combined churches in the county.
  Each year, during Christmas, it is the custom for the fire department, volunteers an of the area will tell you, a very fine place to live.nd Manning's to raffle off four quarters of beef and sponsor an all-day Christmas party for the community. This party is complete with Santa Claus, door prizes, coffee and doughnuts and treats for everyone. The volunteers also decorate the town each Christmas season.
  The men's and women's organizations not only share in the work, but have fun, too. The women are especially proud of their waterball team. This past June, the team placed in the semi-finals in the Indiana Volunteer Firemen's Auxiliary convention at Angola.
  The cooperative spirit encouraged and developed by these public spirited groups, backed and aided by the community, have made Saratoga and Ward township, as any citizen of the area will tell you, a very fine place to live.   Winchester News, October, 1963. By M.C. Barrett.



WINCHESTER, Court House,1866.

  The much needed protection to the shade trees around the Public Square has finally been made. The posts have been set for some time, but the chain that was to encircle the Square only arrived a few days ago, and is now in its proper place. We are glad of it, for it has been an eye-sore to see the shade trees, after they gave evidence of thrift, and had yielded to the pedestrians the delights of a good shade. The chain cost $191, and weighs 1,528 pounds. Horses can be hitched to the chain on the outside, but parties will be subject to a fine for hitching them on the inside. Let all recollect this, as it may save a three or five dollar fine, with costs.

1945. Lightening strike.

  The Randolph county courthouse stands barren and desolate today, stripped of the little iron fence which surrounded the cupola atop its "dome." The attractive iron work added little to the construal value of the courthouse but contributed a great deal to the drab beauty of the building.
  Monday evening around 5 o'clock the God of lightening struck with all His fury, amid the crash of thunder and downpour of rain, and tore the fence from its very foundation. A part of the fence had been destroyed at a previous time. Now all that remains is a heap of mangled iron atop the courthouse dome.
  Offices in the courthouse were closed at the time but the janitor, Ora Brown, stated that the fuses were burned out.


1940. County Commissioners meeting.

  Still hoping, the Randolph county commissioners have asked $6,000 for installation of an elevator in the courthouse in Winchester. This item appears in the courthouse budget estimate for 1941. The county council has refused this appropriation on two previous occasions.
  Although most of the moneys sought by county officers are for routine business, several items stand out as special requests.
  In the county jail budget is an item seeking $1,200 for repair of the building. In passing it might be said that the salary of the seven county councilmen will be taken care of this time - the $420 yearly payment was omitted from the budget made in 1939 for this year and a special appropriation was necessary so they could draw their pay.
  One thousand dollars is asked for a county health nurse, part of whose salary the state will pay. Included in this request is $540 for traveling and $80 for operating expenses.
  At the county asylum, $1000 is sought for a sick ward, $400 for wiring of the building, $500 for repairs, $150 for a new manure spreader, $90 for one-fourth interest in a silage cutter, $500 for a large clothes dryer and refrigerator, $400 for a cook stove.