217. Art by Radar Shepherd at RCHS

RCHS Blog Post Number 217. 

Art by Randolph County citizens is curated at RCHS. 

Plan a visit to see what is on exhibit. 

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Artist: Robert Alton "Radar" Shepherd

Born on June 27, 1939 in Randolph County, Indiana. 

Died on July 28, 2008 at 69 years old in Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana.

Buried in Antioch Cemetery in Pike Township, Jay County, Indiana. 

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Subject: Tommy Camillio, 97 years old.

Painted: 1983. 

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To learn more about Tommy Camilio read: 

RCHS Blog Post Number 65. 

Tommy Camillio - Winchester's Most Dedicated Basketball Fan

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Would you like a book to learn more about local history? 

Randolph County, Indiana 1818-1990
Commonly referred to as "The Red History Book"
Compiled by the Randolph County Historical Society, 1991, Second reprint 2003.

To obtain your own copy of "The Red History Book" stop in at The RCHS Museum Shop or send an email to arrange placing a mail order.

__________________

Want to learn more?
Visit The Museum.
     Hours vary with volunteer availability. Check the website or Facebook for current open to the public hours or call/message/email to arrange an appointment.
Facebook group: Randolph County Indiana Historical and Genealogical Society

Visit the website.
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216. The New Lynn Clinic/Dr. Deckard.

RCHS Blog Post Number 216.  

The New Lynn Clinic / Dr. Deckard

 Winchester News-Gazette, March 29, 1969.

  An open-house is planned Sunday, March 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. for Lynn's new medical center, a $50,000 structure located on U.S. 27 just south of Lynn. The doctor "on duty" will be Cecil Paul Deckard, D.O. who has been practicing from a private residence in Lynn since he opened practice there July 15, 1968. He moved into the completed clinic March 17.

  Since his arrival, Dr. Deckard has helped work out the requirements for design, equipment and furnishings of the building. He consulted on these plans with the architect, George William COX, a Lynn graduate now of Muncie.

  The plan to build a clinic to attract a much needed doctor to Lynn (which had only one practicing physician, Dr. L. E. JORDAN, prior to Dr. Deckard's arrival) was sparked by the Lynn Lions club, which raised funds by subscription, with some pledges yet to be contributed. Total cost, including equipment, is $58,000.

  Since his arrival, the new doctor has conferred with other doctors in the hope of attracting two more to Lynn. The clinic plan provides for expansion in the near future for up to three physicians, and the Deckards have entertained three doctors only this past week, who might consider settling in Lynn. A good part of the attraction, Doctor Deckard is sure, is the handsome new clinic.

  Larry Max MERCER, of Lynn, who is a laboratory technician at the Randolph County hospital, will also serve the Lynn clinic in that capacity on a part-time basis. Other employees are Mrs. David THORN and Mrs. Danny SULLIVAN, both of Lynn.

  The structure is early American in design, red brick, with the colonial motif carried out in interior decoration. Patients may sit in captains' chairs in the waiting room, which will hold approximately 20 adults, or on a deacon bench when it is installed later. There are also arrangements for children, with table, chairs and reading material provided.

  There are four examining rooms, each decorated in a different kind and shade of wood paneling. The building is carpeted in shades matching the decor, throughout.

  Recorded music will be played through a stereo-intercom system. Such details have been carefully thought out even to the magazine racks, designed by Jim Keesling of Hinshaw Building Services, the building contractors.

  Another design detail is the width of halls and doorways, large enough to admit stretchers and stretcher-bearers comfortably. A partial basement provides storage space.

  The laboratory is equipped for all types of blood test and other needed tests and includes electro-cardiogram equipment and other ultra-modern devices.

  The building is equipped with three telephones and has four examining rooms, one of which is intended especially for emergency treatment. Oxygen is available here.

  The patients' records are protected with a security screen, and drug areas and laboratory are double locked.

  The clinic is 15 minutes from Reid Memorial Hospital and 10 minutes from the Randolph County Hospital, in Winchester.

  Dr. Deckard is 35, is married to the former Betty PETERS, daughter of the late Hugh Peters and Alvina Peters of this county. The couple have two daughters. The doctor is a Ball State graduate and completed interning July 1, 1968 at Carson City Michigan.

  The new doctor reports that he likes Lynn, the people and the county, and intends to continue general practice, he explains, since"people are my specialty."

  Dr. Deckard had ample opportunity to practice that specialty this winter, during the flu epidemic, when in one day alone he saw 73 patients.

________________

Would you like a book to learn more about local history? 

Randolph County, Indiana 1818-1990
Commonly referred to as "The Red History Book"
Compiled by the Randolph County Historical Society, 1991, Second reprint 2003.

To obtain your own copy of "The Red History Book" stop in at The RCHS Museum Shop or send an email to arrange placing a mail order.
__________________

Want to learn more?
Visit The Museum.
     Hours vary with volunteer availability. Check the website or Facebook for current open to the public hours or call/message/email to arrange an appointment.
Facebook group: Randolph County Indiana Historical and Genealogical Society

Visit the website.
     Here is a link to the website:  https://rchsmuseum.org

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215. Henry Willis Is 97.

RCHS Blog Post Number 215.  

Henry Willis Is 97

Winchester News-Gazette, March 19, 1969.

Henry Willis Observes 97th Birthday.   A man who has lived through the swift expansion of the country from the post civil war period to the space age is celebrating his 97th birthday today. He is Henry L. Willis, a Union township native and lifelong county resident, born March 19, 1872, north of Buena Vista. Willis, who now lives with his daughter, Mrs. James WYSONG, south of Winchester, had no special plans for the day, but was enjoying the fine Spring weather and the cards and letters he received from well wishers. Sunday, a family dinner in honor of the occasion is planned.

  Willis is recovering from a bout of winter illness, but he hopes to be out for a little gardening this spring as he has in years past. As a farmer, he particularly enjoyed ditching, and worked at that hard, physical labor up to the age of 80.

  Although hampered over the past several years with increasing deafness, Willis likes to keep up with national events. A dedicated Republican, he first voted for Benjamin Harrison for president and has not missed a chance to cast his ballot since.

  Willis is the grandson of a Randolph county pioneer who came here from North Carolina. He is the youngest and only survivor of a family of six. His two sisters were Alwilda and Diadema and his brothers were Noah, Benjamin and Rufus. None of the five lived to nearly as advanced an age as their youngest brother.

  Noted for his dry humor, Willis, informed that a longtime friend was now 88, commented "My, she's getting some years on her."

  A fond grandfather, and great-grandfather, Willis has enjoyed rocking all the family babies, and, since the death of his wife Elnora, in 1943, has paid a number of visits to his grandson Charles Willis Wysong and his family, traveling to several states in the process.

  Willis has two children, a son, Loren, and his daughter, Eva, with whom he lives. He has two grandchildren, Charles of California, and Mrs. Ronald K. NASH, formerly Shirley Wysong, now of Muncie and five great-grandchildren. He is a lifelong member of the Martindale Friends church where he at one time served as Sunday School teacher and for 18 years as janitor.

  Willis comments that over the years he has seen the gradual reduction of woodlands in the county and also the elimination of many small, dirt county roads which used to cut across country between farms.

  When Henry Willis was working the family farm in Union township, he farmed with horses and well remembers when all but train travel was by horse drawn vehicle. But only four years ago he flew by jet to California to visit his grandson, and much enjoyed the experience. "It's a quick trip," he commented on jet travel. Acceptance of all the changes of a near century of living and enjoyment of what those changes offered are undoubtedly part of the secret of Mr. Willis's long life.

________________

Would you like a book to learn more about local history? 

Randolph County, Indiana 1818-1990
Commonly referred to as "The Red History Book"
Compiled by the Randolph County Historical Society, 1991, Second reprint 2003.

To obtain your own copy of "The Red History Book" stop in at The RCHS Museum Shop or send an email to arrange placing a mail order.

__________________

Want to learn more?
Visit The Museum.
     Hours vary with volunteer availability. Check the website or Facebook for current open to the public hours or call/message/email to arrange an appointment.
Facebook group: Randolph County Indiana Historical and Genealogical Society

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214. Do You Remember When These Businesses Opened?

RCHS Blog Post Number 214.  

Do You Remember When These Businesses Opened?

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April 14, 1973. 48 years ago.

  A new ice cream parlor is now open at Winchester, at the site of the former Phillips 66 service station on West Washington street at the Clem street intersection.

  Proprietor is Marvin FURGASON, of Union City, who also operates an ice cream parlor at Union City.

  The new shop, "House of Flavors," not only offers a wide assortment of flavors in ice cream, but sells soft drinks and milk by the carton.

  Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  Furgason reports that despite the cold weather business has been "real good." He anticipates a really booming trade when summer comes.

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Feb. 20, 1969, 52 years ago.

  The Gaslight Inn, Winchester's first cocktail lounge, will open officially at 4 p.m. The tentative hours announced by its owners Randolph-Franklin corporation are from 4 p.m. until midnight Monday through Thursday and on Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m. These hours will apply while the kitchen is being completed and final touches added.

  Pending completion of the kitchen, sandwiches and snacks will be available.

  When the kitchen is completed, which will be around three weeks, noon "businessmen's" lunches and evening dinners will be served and the inn will be open from 11 a.m. and will serve until 11 p.m.

  A special dining area is provided and a small raised platform adjacent to the bar has been built for live entertainment which will include combos and speciality groups.

  Marty FREEMAN, former of Parker and now of Winchester will serve as manager and bartender.

  The lounge, equipped with wall-to-wall red carpeting, red walls, chandeliers and custom built wooden railings and archways, was decorated by Mike MILLIKIN of Indianapolis. Its motif is a combination of Old World Spanish and Victorian.

  Lawrence and Gerald FRANKE, two members of the board of directors said this week that reservations can be made for parties and meetings of civic or private clubs and tables may be reserved.

  A grand opening is planned when all facilities are complete.

  The Gaslight Inn is located on the south side of West Franklin street just west of the Hotel Randolph.

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May 2, 1973, 48 years ago.

  The Village Pantry, convenience store division of Marsh Supermarkets, Inc., is now open for business at 640 East Washington street, Winchester.

  The new store, according to Marsh officials, follows traditional Pantry operations with approximately 2,500 square feet of floor space and over 3,000 items to choose from. Features of the store are a delicatessen, health and beauty aids section, and ice cream and penny candy sections.

  Manager of the local VP is Bob BANTER. The store will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. until midnight.

________________

Would you like a book to learn more about local history? 

Randolph County, Indiana 1818-1990
Commonly referred to as "The Red History Book"
Compiled by the Randolph County Historical Society, 1991, Second reprint 2003.

To obtain your own copy of "The Red History Book" stop in at The RCHS Museum Shop or send an email to arrange placing a mail order.

__________________

Want to learn more?
Visit The Museum.
     Hours vary with volunteer availability. Check the website or Facebook for current open to the public hours or call/message/email to arrange an appointment.
Facebook group: Randolph County Indiana Historical and Genealogical Society

Visit the website.
     Here is a link to the website:  https://rchsmuseum.org

Follow the blog.
     Scroll to the right or below the article to click "FOLLOW" to get email updates as soon as a blog is uploaded.  This is a great feature to share with family and friends who are not active on social media.

213. New Bunsold's Supermarket In Winchester, Skating Rink Opens, The High School Building Comes Down

RCHS Blog Post Number 213.  

New Bunsold's Supermarket In Winchester, Skating Rink Opens, 

The High School Building Comes Down

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New Bunsold's Supermarket In Winchester

The News_Gazette, April 13, 1973

by A. M. Gibbons.

  When Ed Bunsold opens a grocery in Winchester around April 25, he will be carrying on a tradition which has spanned three generations in his family, and fulfilling a long-time ambition to return to Winchester to carry out that tradition.

  Ed's grandfather, Samuel B. Bunsold, operated a small neighborhood grocery in Muncie from 1905 to 1924. Ed's father Ted Bunsold , recalls that he spent his childhood, from cradle age, in that grocery, as both his parents worked there. Ted himself went into the grocery business in Muncie in 1925, opened a Winchester IGA grocery (later Thrifty Markets) on the south side of the square in 1934 and later moved to the present location of Western Auto on East Franklin street where he continued in the grocery business until he retired in 1969. His brother Paul was a partner until his death in 1963.

  Ed himself had worked in his father's grocery and later had jobs which were related to the grocery business, but always had in mind, he says, to return to Winchester and go into business for himself.

  A Winchester high school graduate with the class of 1957, Ed attended Indiana Business college for two years, then worked for Fisher Body at Marion, spent three years in the army, and returned in 1964 to work in his father's grocery store.

  After Ted Bunsold retired, Ed took a job with Investors Diversified Services, a mutual fund firm. Later he moved to Washington, Ind., and worked for the Locker Corporation as assistant manager of a supermarket. He then moved to Lawrence, Ind. in April of 1972, where he was a sales representative of a wholesale bakery firm.

  When the word got around that the Winchester A&P was going out of business, Ed felt the opportunity to fulfill his basic ambition had come.

  He has leased the building from its owner, Bruce WRIGHT, of Shelbyville, and is now busy with cleaning and redecorating.

  The new Bunsold's Supermarket will employ around twelve people, and will be open seven days a week. Max StMYERS from Union City will be assistant manager and other full-time employees will be Allen WOOTERS, (who has worked in Illinois for IGA) as manager of the meat department; Peggy SMITH, Charlene ROBINSON, Ruby TAYLOR and Tom BOXELL.

  Ed Bunsold notes that his father's store was always known for its high quality meat, that his own store will carry only USDA choice, and although the meat counter will be "self service," special cuts will be prepared if the customer asks for them.

  He also emphasizes that all stock will be absolutely new, as the A&P management removed any stock left over after its closing sale. Further, Bunsold says, he will make sure that all meat and produce is fresh and in top condition.

  "I hope to have a market where the public will find shopping a pleasure," he adds.

  At present, Ed Bunsold is staying with his parents during the week while he supervises the cleanup and redecorating at the grocery. His wife, the former Margaret HOUSEMAN of Berne, Ind., and the couple's two year old daughter, will move from Lawrence to Winchester within the next three weeks. (Mrs. Bunsold is no stranger to Winchester as she taught fifth grade at Baker Elementary school in 1966-67-68.)

  The Bunsolds will live at 709 Englewood Drive, having bought the home owned by the former A&P manager, John LINTER.

  Ed explains that he will be the sole owner and manager of the business, but he says, with a smile, that it will be a great help to have his father around with a word of advice now and then, offering the accumulation of two generations of know-how to the third generation in a Bunsold grocery.

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Skating Rink Opens

The News-Gazette, April 5, 1973.

  The Starlite Roller Rink, located northeast of Winchester on county road 100-E, will open Friday night (April 6), according to owners Mr. and Mrs. Evan HORN.

  The rink, which features a 100 x 70 foot floor, will be open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday nights have been designated as "family nights." The rink will also be open on Sunday afternoons from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The Horns have also announced that the rink will be available for parties on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

  The Starlite has a plastic coated floor and skate rental is available. The rink also has a snack bar area.

  Horn says that he apologizes to the public for the present condition of the parking area but weather has not permitted the parking lot to be completed. When there is a break in the weather, horn plans to have parking in front and on the south side of the rink with an "in" and an "out" drive.

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The High School Building Comes Down

The News-Gazette, April 3, 1973.

by A. M. Gibbons.

  Demolition is the order of the day in Winchester currently. Now that the old Goodrich grain elevator has been leveled, the old Winchester high school is next in line.

  This school was built after the earlier high school burned in 1898, and apparently some of the older school was salvaged for use in the newer one, including ornamental stone arches over the north and west doorways. But the newer school boasted a round tower in which was hung a school bell. This bell has been removed and taken to the new high school where it is to be preserved as a memento of older school days.

  One person, at least, has suggested that the north arch of the old building (which is ornamented with leafy carvings) be preserved. If it is, it will have to be salvaged soon , as demolition is underway.

  In the past week or so workmen supervised by Gene LAWSON and John BAUER who have the demolition contract, have gutted the building, removing all interior timbers including floors, in the school proper and the "old" gym annex.

  A crane has been moved in and with a wrecking ball will be used to demolish most of the brick structure. Before long, the only remaining building on the lot will be the fieldhouse.

  W. A. SHEETS & Son, Fort Wayne builders, have the contract for remodeling the fieldhouse and building a surge area for crowds. Later, plans call for a paved parking lot more or less where the old school stands.

________________

Would you like a book to learn more about local history? 

Randolph County, Indiana 1818-1990
Commonly referred to as "The Red History Book"
Compiled by the Randolph County Historical Society, 1991, Second reprint 2003.

To obtain your own copy of "The Red History Book" stop in at The RCHS Museum Shop or send an email to arrange placing a mail order.

__________________

Want to learn more?
Visit The Museum.
     Hours vary with volunteer availability. Check the website or Facebook for current open to the public hours or call/message/email to arrange an appointment.
Facebook group: Randolph County Indiana Historical and Genealogical Society

Visit the website.
     Here is a link to the website:  https://rchsmuseum.org

Follow the blog.
     Scroll to the right or below the article to click "FOLLOW" to get email updates as soon as a blog is uploaded.  This is a great feature to share with family and friends who are not active on social media.

212. Ridgeville's Roe McConocha Retires.

RCHS Blog Post Number 212.  

Ridgeville's Roe McConocha Retires

Winchester News-Gazette, April 24, 1971.

By A. M. Gibbons.

  Roe McCONOCHA retired April 1 and sold his Gulf station on Ridgeville's main street to Marvin BAILEY. But "retired" is only a manner of speaking since McConocha is still at the station helping Bailey and may be there for some months. It isn't easy to quit a job you've worked at for a total of 43 and a half years, or a location you've spent the best part of each day in for 35 years, so Roe is moving out gradually. This week, when he was interviewed by a News-Gazette reporter, he was found working with Bailey under a car on a hoist. Both men were covered with grease, laboring hard, and apparently very happy.

  With typical good humor, McConocha took time from his work to talk a little about his life. Probably one of the best known men in Ridgeville, he is famous in the area for his kindness, good temper and unassumingly helpful attitude.

  McConocha recalls that he was born 72 years ago, two and a half miles from Ridgeville in Jay County, but that his family later lived at the edge of town and moved into Ridgeville in 1916. His father, Willard McConocha, was of pure Irish extraction, and his mother was of German descent. The outgoing friendliness and practicality of the two national backgrounds seemed to have arrived at a most pleasant combination in Roe. His friendly manner and helpful attitude have no doubt greatly aided him in his business, and his practical nature has enabled him to put these qualities to good use.

  Roe says that he graduated from Gray High School at Mt. Pleasant in Jay County in 1907. At the beginning of World War I, he went into the army as a volunteer serving with the 105th Field Artillery, Battery C, 77th Division. He spent 11 months in France but saw little combat, he says, although his outfit got to the Rhine river. The same informant who told of his volunteering added that Roe was seasick all the way over to Europe, and all the way back. This may account for the fact that he is no fisherman, although he himself explains that fishing is "too slow" for him. It may also account for the fact that when he won a trip to Lake Geneva last December as third prize in a gasoline sales contest, he chose the $500 alternative prize instead. It was a long way to France on a troop ship 50 some years, and a long way back, and the experience undoubtedly left some powerful memories.

  Prior to taking over the Gulf station on November 7, 1936, Roe had worked for nine and a half years for Merl SMITHSON, "learning by doing" in the garage-mechanic trade. He insists, however, that he is not a real mechanic, his most extensive work in that line being an occasional "tune up" for a car.

  Roe was married in 1930 to Beulah BAKER of Redkey. Since her death four years ago, he has lived alone in the house he has owned for 20 years at 201 East First St., Ridgeville. The brick house, a 90 year old landmark, originally belonged to the McVEY family.

  The McConochas had no children of their own, but raised a niece, Lucy WENTZ (now Mrs. Jim MACY of Winchester) from the age of eight. Mrs. Macy says that "Uncle Roe" was the most patient, kindly and indulgent of "parents." "I never heard him say a cross word," she comments. "I know, too, that he never refused to fix a child's bicycle or tricycle, and never refused to loan a tool if someone needed to borrow one." Mrs. Macy remembers one Thanksgiving when her uncle found a down-and-outer with no Thanksgiving dinner, and Roe refused to sit down at the table until his wife had loaded a basket with food which he took to the man.

  His patient devotion to his wife, who was an almost helpless invalid for the last 12 years of her life, was pointed out by his niece. "He always puts himself last," she commented. "He's always doing something for somebody, and usually without anyone else knowing it, she added. "He's done a lot of good for a lot of people."

  Certain elements of the public have not returned the favor, however. McConocha recalls that the Gulf station has been broken into several times. On one occasion, several years ago, thieves "peeled" the safe which contained $5,000 in series E bonds. Apparently knowing these were non-negotiable the thieves did not steal them and came away with nothing for their pains.

  On another occasion, on January 5, 1969, when McConocha was making his way before daylight, and during a heavy snow, downtown to work, he was attacked by two youths who stole his briefcase and fled. Roe relates that one came up behind him and threw an arm around his neck and a hand over his mouth while the other approached from the front and took the briefcase.

  This attack netted the thieves about $95 plus all the monthly statements McConocha had been working on at home, which were never recovered. The incident took place within a block of the station and the two young men ran off down an alley. They were never apprehended.

  The Gulf station is not a new experience for the new proprietor, Merl Bailey, who worked for McConocha for 13 years, with a year out at the end of that time to take a job with DeBolt Construction. He appears to be working hard to maintain the reputation for quick service and friendliness which McConocha so firmly established.

  As for Roe, he says he hasn't any positive plans for retirement. He reads a lot, he reports, and he plans to make weekend visits, as usual, with his niece and her family near Winchester. Mrs. Macy however, has some very positive plans for her uncle. "We're going to take him to Florida with us on a vacation," she announces firmly, "Even if we have to tie him to get him there. He probably won't like, not enough action."

  Then too, Florida is practically surrounded by ocean, and ocean is one of the very few things in this world that Roe McConocha doesn't feel very kindly toward.

________________

Would you like a book to learn more about local history? 

Randolph County, Indiana 1818-1990
Commonly referred to as "The Red History Book"
Compiled by the Randolph County Historical Society, 1991, Second reprint 2003.

To obtain your own copy of "The Red History Book" stop in at The RCHS Museum Shop or send an email to arrange placing a mail order.

__________________

Want to learn more?
Visit The Museum.
     Hours vary with volunteer availability. Check the website or Facebook for current open to the public hours or call/message/email to arrange an appointment.
Facebook group: Randolph County Indiana Historical and Genealogical Society

Visit the website.
     Here is a link to the website:  https://rchsmuseum.org

Follow the blog.
     Scroll to the right or below the article to click "FOLLOW" to get email updates as soon as a blog is uploaded.  This is a great feature to share with family and friends who are not active on social media.

211. Mrs. Wilson Cox, Foster Mother To 40.

RCHS Blog Post Number 211.  

Mrs. Wilson Cox, Foster Mother To 40

Winchester News-Gazette, April 8, 1971.

By Roger Mitchell.

  With respect to practical knowledge in rearing foster children, there may be no better authority than Mrs. Wilson COX. Mrs. Cox, now 80 years of age, has since 1911 been a foster mother of nearly 40 children. The octogenarian's farm, located three miles north of Winchester, is quieter now than when there were as many as 13 children simultaneously romping about vying for attention.

  Now her labors are directed toward a single 16 year-old boy, who will probably be her last parental experience, and a young married couple with two infants who are now living in a nearby house also located on the Cox farm. The mother of the infants is one of the dozens who have been welcomed into the Cox home as foster children.

  "I'm coming to the end of my work," said Mrs. Cox, "but I've lived a life from which I may reap benefits in the hereafter and am surely reaping now." Her last "son" will probably leave within two years and when he does, it will bring to a close a 60-year endeavor filled with a unique mixture of human emotions.

  The years were not all joy. Much sacrifice, dedication and patience were demanded. Her strength to continue was greatly tested in 1969 with the passing away of her husband, her marriage companion for 51 years. Each child posed for her a new awareness of a need for affection, comfort and love.

  All the children came from a tragic background; some were diseased, some undernourished, and some neglected. The first days of each experience were spent by Mrs. Cox and her husband restoring health and assuring security.

  The Coxes would patiently await the day that a child would begin to laugh and speak and drop the defenses which denied love and trust. Then began the task of guiding each toward independence.

  Eventually the day of mixed emotions arrived, the day of separation between foster child and foster parents. The foster mother described the day of departure as one of sorrow for the leaving and of joy for a task completed.

  In the words of one of her cherished children, "Living here has meant a home which I would have never have had and when in school, I had clothes that were as nice as anyone's. It has helped me to appreciate my own children and to try very hard to make them happy."

  The young lady who is quoted above first came to Mrs. Cox with lice in her hair and coal embedded in her skin. She was lean and sickly to the point of nearly dying. A picture of the girl taken a few months after she arrived at the Cox farm reveals a plump, smiling, bright eyed child. She is now a housewife and the mother of two.

  Mrs. Cox would be the first to say that not every fostering experience since 1911 was successful. She said that the situations of the children she has raised have often created lasting problems which no environment could eradicate.

  Many of her foster children were perpetually harassed with unpleasant memories of the past. Some of the children's parents, after several months or years of absence, visited the Cox farm for the purpose of coaxing the children to return home. In some instances, Mrs. Cox found it to disallow certain parents' visits because of their affect on the child.

  Persisting problems springing out of the past, plus certain hereditary factors are, according to Mrs. Cox, "problems which can not be solved by environment alone."

  Mrs. Cox said that many of her foster children have left school at an early age. Perhaps one of the reasons for this is reflected in the thoughts of a former foster child who said she did not think she could make friends with someone who knew that she was a foster child. She felt that they would not accept her as they would a "normal" child.

  The children who did not finish school often married at an early age. Mrs. Cox said that all but three of her foster children were girls. Of the girls who quit school, almost all are now married and are functioning as housewives and mothers.

  Many of the Cox foster children still keep in touch with their foster mother now that they are independent. They often write letters and return to their former home. At least five return each year for an annual Mother's Day reunion.

  Mrs. Cox herself was a child from an unfortunate background. She and her two younger sisters lost their father when she was only six. This, she says, probably influenced her to dedicate 75 percent of her life to the lives of other unfortunate children.

  Since 1911, Mrs. Cox has found her own fortune in the fruits of her compassion. She displays a religion which has been the routine of her life and the key to her strength. A more fitting summation of her life could not be made than her own conviction, that her lifetime of love and dedication may be rewarded in the hereafter--but has certainly been rewarded in this world.

________________

Would you like a book to learn more about local history? 

Randolph County, Indiana 1818-1990
Commonly referred to as "The Red History Book"
Compiled by the Randolph County Historical Society, 1991, Second reprint 2003.

To obtain your own copy of "The Red History Book" stop in at The RCHS Museum Shop or send an email to arrange placing a mail order.

__________________

Want to learn more?
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210. Donates Books To RCHS, Past Genealogical Queries, Sheriff Dies.

 

RCHS Blog Post Number 210.  

Donates Books To RCHS, Past Genealogical Queries, Sheriff Dies

July 31, 1982, Winchester News-Gazette.

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Genealogy Collection Donation

  Imogene Hannon BROWN, descendant of the Hunt family, early Randolph County settlers, gave the remainder of her personal collection of research books recently to the Randolph County Genealogy Society. Mrs. Brown, a resident of Alexandria (Indiana), is retiring to Arizona after a lifetime of genealogical research for the Indiana State Library. Her extensive works on the Hunt family are housed in the Indiana State Library and the Fort Wayne Library. She has previously presented the local Society with a large index of these works.

  Early in her career she was instrumental in going into the first 12 counties of the state, which included Randolph County, and copying the early land records and other pertinent records for the State Library. In addition, she spent many years researching the Quaker records for Willard HEISS, state chairman, Genealogical Department, and Randolph County native. Heiss published an inclusive six-volume set of Indiana Quaker records.

  Mrs. Brown's gift collection includes: yearbooks for the Society of Indiana Pioneers, 1970 through 1981 and 1969 and 1961; the six volume set of Quaker Records in Indiana, by Heiss; 1820 and 1840 Census of Indiana; Handy book for Genealogists by Genealogical Helper, files and notes in volumes collected on personal research into the families of TIPTON, HUNT, DENTON and SMITH, etc,; Indiana Historical Society publications.

  Mrs. Brown made her presentation to June POTTER, Randolph County Recorder, and Monisa WISENER, County Historian, at the Recorder's office at the courthouse, where research volumes are housed. 

(2021: Items housed in library at Randolph County Historical Society, 416 South Meridian Street, Winchester, Indiana.)

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  Also, in this issue of the July 31, 1982 News-Gazette, was their regular column, Genealogy: People Want To Know...

Genealogy: People Want To Know...

Boyce Curtis JONES.  Query:  Is there anyone around Randolph County who remembers Boyce Curtis Jones, son of William Roey Jones? William died here at the age of 82 in 1950 and is buried at the Buena Vista Cemetery. Boyce Curtis was in the first World War and was released in California in 1918. He stayed there for about 12 years, then lost contact with his family there. It is believed Nora (Mrs. Milo) SHADE was a sister to Boyce Curtis. A family member from California was here seeking any relatives and would like to make contact with anyone who knew them.

Ida Catherine ALLDREDGE.  Query:  Information is wanted concerning Ida Catherine Alldredge or ALDRICH. She was a school teacher in Winchester about 1886 to 1896. Also she had a photography studio in Winchester at the same time. She was married in June 1896 to ? GAYMAN and moved to Delaware County.

Henrietta ENGLE.  Query:  I am looking for information on my grandmother, Henrietta Estella Blanche Engle (called Blanche or Nettie). She was born in Winchester or Union City on Feb. 23, 1876. Her parents were Sarah Ann BURKET and Samuel Clay Engle. I will correspond with anyone interested in Engle or Burket families. June Kisner SHAW, Kansas.

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RANDOLPH COUNTY JAIL

  Also, the News-Gazette has received a request for a photograph of the Randolph County Jail (outside and in). 

  The person requesting the photographs is particularly interested in the kitchen area.

  She says: "I'm especially interested in this (jail) because my grandfather was sheriff of Randolph County in approximately the year 1902. George BRIGHT and all of his family, including my mother, lived there and have heard some exciting stories when my grandfather used the horse and buggy to bring prisoners to the jail. I have a picture of the horse and buggy. Contact Mrs. Roy KINSEY.

Another Randolph County Sheriff story taken from a hand written letter in the FORD family file at RCHS:

  D. F. Ford, 1840 - 1871. "A ring of horse thieves was operating in these parts. One night "Doc" Ford was driving down a country road in a buggy when he met another buggy with a horse tied behind it. He said good evening to the driver who turned his head and didn't answer. This made Doc suspicious so he pulled off the road, unhooked his horse and followed the other buggy for several miles. The buggy pulled into a farm where a man came out with a lantern and they took the horse out to a patch of woods and tied it out of sight. Doc beat it back to Farmland and picked up fresh clothes and another horse and some money and then went back to stake out the farm where the horse was hidden. He followed the farmer to another farm with the stolen horse. He followed this course of action for several days until he got to a horse auction down in Kentucky. He obtained warrants on all of the people involved and brought them back to Indiana for trial. While they were waiting for the trial they were held in the county jail.

  One day Doc took food into one of the cells. There was a bed in the cell and one of the prisoners took an iron side rail out of the bed and stood behind the door. He hit Doc over the head. Doc kicked the door shut and then proceeded to almost kill the man with his bare hands. From the blow on the head, Doc developed a brain problem and died a short time later."

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Would you like a book to learn more about local history? 

Randolph County, Indiana 1818-1990
Commonly referred to as "The Red History Book"
Compiled by the Randolph County Historical Society, 1991, Second reprint 2003.

To obtain your own copy of "The Red History Book" stop in at The RCHS Museum Shop or send an email to arrange placing a mail order.

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209. Happy Century, Modoc! 1882-1982

RCHS Blog Post Number 209.  

Happy Century, Modoc!  (1882-1982)

Winchester News-Gazette, July 10, 1982.

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MODOC - BIRTH:  1882.

DEATH:  Not even in the foreseeable future.

EVIDENCE OF VITALITY:  Centennial celebration held in the town on Saturday, July 3, 1982.

     Six months in the planning stages, Modoc's own commemoration of its 100th birthday - a sort of grand-scale tooting of its horn, and deservedly so, began last weekend with a whopping multi-categoried parade at 1 p.m. that filled up and overflowed Modoc's Main Street.

     The exuberance displayed by participants and spectators alike had the town buoyed on a spirit that could last until about this time next year.

     The Modoc Volunteer Fire Department and its chief, Rick CULBERTSON, sponsored the successful day-long celebration, with help from the Modoc Ladies' Auxiliary.

     Area resident Sterlie BERTRAM manned the microphone on the reviewing stage as the parade passed by, and Culbertson, dressed to the hilt in garb that was truly 19th century Americana, handed out the trophies to the winning entrants.

     At the end of the day filled (post parade) with rides, concessions, flea markets, displays, little league games, a fireman's water ball, outdoor entertainment, chicken and pork chop barbecue and the crowning of the queen, a fireworks display lit Modoc's night sky on the eve of the country's 206th birthday and on the evening of Modoc's 100th.

     Fifteen-year-old Dee Dee EDWARDS of Modoc was crowned queen to reign over the celebration at about 8:30 p.m.

     Bertram Construction Company sponsored the coronation recipient.

     Dee Dee was selected from a field of eight candidates that also included Sherry COYNER, sponsored by Mun-Day Corporation; Linda HANEY, sponsored by Camp Modoc; Heather HIMELICK, sponsored by Modoc Food Market; Darla OAKERSON, sponsored by Herman Shore and Sons; Donna Oakerson, sponsored by Peoples Loan Trust; Judy WINN, sponsored by Modoc Dairy Bucket; and Stephanie SHARP, sponsored by Huntsville New Idea Club.

     Heather Himelick was the runner-up. Ten year-old Amy LEE was chosen princess. She was sponsored by Culbertson Funeral Home of Modoc.

     Other princess candidates were Jennifer JOHNSON, sponsored by Tall Trees Campground; Lisha MOLAND, sponsored by Dick's Auto Repair; Amber BIVENS, sponsored by Country Guys and Gals; Marcey RADER, sponsored by Modoc Ladies Auxiliary; Brandy SHEETS, sponsored by Bennett Auto Sales; Heather SMITH, sponsored by Hunt Photography. Amber Bivens was runner-up.

     Earlier, a large crowd of Modoc residents and other Randolph Countians lined the parade route to show off their pride in the century-old community and get a good look at the host of parade entries.

     Peoples Loan & Trust's float entry took first prize in the floats category of the parade. Culbertson Funeral Home's old school room scene took second; Modoc Ladies' Auxiliary's Indian-inspired entry, third.

     In the walking units section, an unpretentious miniature metal box pedal car won first place trophy and prize money associated with it. Only problem is: the little tykes left without picking up their prize money, and the event organizers didn't get the kids' names. Rick Culbertson asks that the youngsters or anyone with information about the pedal car pedalers get in touch with him so that the prize money can be forwarded to the winners.

     Second place in that category was taken by Fred SWOVELAND, and third went to Fred SEARS.

     In the horse-drawn category, Culbertson Funeral Home took first with its horse-drawn old-style hearse. Second place went to Sue HARRIS and Mary Catherine BARRETT; third to Max WYMER.

     In the fireman's water ball competition, a team from Selma took top honors from a field of 10 competitors. Hagerstown and Union City, Indiana, registered second and third, respectively.

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208. Fountain Park Cemetery Is 100 Years Old.

Blog Post Number 208.  

Fountain Park Cemetery Is 100 Years Old. 

News-Gazette, May 24, 1980.

  In addition to the traditional Memorial Day service Monday at Fountain Park Cemetery in Winchester, there will also be an observance of the 100th anniversary of the cemetery.

  Fountain Park Cemetery, dedicated on July 3, 1880, with an impressive ceremony, was donated to the town of Winchester on March 1, 1880, by Ashael STONE and his wife.

  In making the presentation to the city trustees, Gen. Stone said: "For a number of years I have, in common with the most of our citizens, felt the importance of having a suitable and respectable cemetery located near our town, of sufficient size to accommodate the wants of this community for a great many years to come, laid out with taste and modern engineering skill and improvement, with all necessary arrangements to have the same always kept in good condition; to be in all respects a suitable place for burial of ourselves and others. And as others have done, we should set apart a spot of earth to hold the dust that once was love, and engage art and wealth in its adornment."

  The formal dedication ceremonies began at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 3, 1880, with a procession to the cemetery that included a band, The Odd Fellows, Masons and Knights of Honor, and people 
on foot, on horseback, in buggies, carriages, farm wagons, spring wagons and other vehicles." A book published in connection with the dedication describes the procession as a "vast, royal holiday pageant, worthy of the occasion." 

  The first board of control of Fountain Park Cemetery consisted of Gen. Stone, H. H. NEFF and T. W. KIZER. 

  Among those speaking during the dedication ceremonies were: the Rev. B. F. Foster of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Hon. Thomas M. BROWNE, the Rev. A. J. LUELLAN, and many other dignitaries.

  Also included in the book about the dedication of Fountain Park Cemetery was a brief history of the cemeteries in Winchester. The account states: "In the year of 1834, the first regular place of burial was established by one Chas. CONWAY, then a prominent citizen. The spot designed was situated immediately east of and adjoining the ground now occupied by the Christian church (the Church of the Nazarene is located there now but at that time it was the Disciples Christian Church) in Cheney and Watson's addition to the town of Winchester. It was the original intention to locate the cemetery east of Salt Creek, but for some cause the idea was abandoned. The remains buried in this cemetery were subsequently disinterred and removed to other places for burial. Ten years later, in the year of 1844, there was a demand, on the part of our citizens, for a new cemetery, and David HEASTON allowed them to use a small portion of his land laying southwest from town within a bend in Mud Creek (known for years as the "old cemetery" and located near what is now the armory.) This selection as a place for burial was a most unfortunate one, and has been attended with unhappy results. For thirty-five or six years this deplorable receptacle was used under protest. The soil was wet and drainage was almost impossible, consequently never attempted. During the last few years of its existence public sentiment was aroused to a high degree against it, and a general feeling of dissatisfaction prevailed. Indeed, so intense became the antagonism that many citizens refused to make further use of it, preferring to inhumate their dead at Maxville and other distant cemeteries within the county. The necessity of a better place of sepulture became apparent to all, but to obtain the desired object was a matter of great difficulty. There was an organized effort on the part of citizens, in the fall and winter of 1877, and an earnest endeavor made to induce the Board of Town Trustees to purchase a suitable place for a cemetery, and issue bonds for the payment of same. A petition was circulated, praying that the Board would take action in the matter and issue the necessary bonds. After due consideration by that body (town authorities), a committee was appointed to select ground for the cemetery.

  The committee never made a report, as a committee, and the Trustees, not caring to assume the responsibility, did not make the purchase. The failure of the project, occurring as it did when public sentiment was clamorous for a solution of the problem, completely disheartened the people, and their friends were dormant upon the subject for some time. The spirit of discontent was not eradicated until after the purchase of the Fountain Park Cemetery grounds by Ashael Stone, who seeing the extremity of the people, determined to relieve them; and offer, at the same time, a royal tribute to the memory of the dead.

  "The beautiful tract of ground comprising Fountain Park was purchased from the administrator of Christian Heaston, deceased, at a cost of $4,000, to which was immediately added $300 for a survey and plat".

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207. 7 Doctors and the Union City Clinic, 1920.

Blog Post Number 207.  

7 Doctors and the Union City Clinic, 1920.

News-Gazette, May 17, 1980.

  Before Union City Memorial Hospital was dedicated, May 24, 1950, hospital care in the town was provided at a 12-bed unit located at 702 West Division Street. The hospital was a frame house converted for medical purposes; and now it is owned by Fred Tibbetts, who lives next door. 

  But before that stage in health care development in Union City, there was a Union City Clinic. Located on the corner of Plum and Oak Streets across from the Methodist Church, the clinic in its time, the 20's, was an advanced concept.

  This was the time of the "family doctor," the do-it-all physician; not necessarily because the medical men had comprehensive abilities. It was more of a financial necessity for the doctors to offer all kinds of treatments. If they didn't - if they had said to their patients, " Sorry, I can't do that test," they might have lost their clients to one of the other doctors in town. Even the medical profession was not immune to competition.

  The story of the remarkable formation of a "Clinic" in Union City in 1920 by seven doctors is written by Frank HILL in a 1922 issue of American magazine.

  Hill described the decision of the doctors to join together, rather than engage in competition. He wrote, "Each of them would have liked to specialize in one line; to study that one line extensively."

  As it was, whenever they couldn't handle a special case, the doctors would ship them to a distant city to a specialist. They preferred to send clients away instead of giving up to their local competitors.

  The Great War - World War I - was the catalyst for the new idea, Hill wrote. The doctors, all of whom served in the war, were forced by the government to specialize. The cooperative spirit prevailed when they returned to this country.

  The doctors and their specialties, were F. Arthur ZELLER, general surgeon; Robert W. REID, X-rays and cystoscopy; Fred McK. RUBY, eye, ear, nose and throat; Leland K. PHIPPS, diagnosis and internal diseases; George H. DAVIS, obstetrics and children's diseases; W. DETRICK, genito-urinary and anaesthetic; Fred A. BEATTY, dentist. Doctor Ruby was born in Union City.

  Because of the difficulties of working out mutual business practice - one might be giving up business, another might profit unduly at his colleague's expense - the doctors sought legal help. They finally joined in a business trust, the seven doctors being members along with Atlas State Bank. Each doctor kept his own fees, furnished his own furniture, rugs etc., and they all paid into a general bank account their expenses for rent of the building at Plum and Oak Streets.

  Doctor Zeller was the head organizer, and he told Hill in 1922, "our hospital" was working well. "When we began to get together in Union City, we found that there was enough for the specialists to do right here; and now we handle every kind of case."

  Zeller touted the value of a clinic in raising the quality of health care. "A doctor practicing alone lacks the constant clash of minds and comparison of experiences that we enjoy here ." Doctors would travel to medical conventions, and upon their return, would report to the others at the clinic what they had just found out.

  The "hospital" apparently was a huge success. In 1921, Zeller told Hill, 400 patients were treated, and the mortality was only 1 percent.

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206. Village For Elderly At Saratoga

Blog Post Number 206.  

Village For Elderly At Saratoga 

N-Gaz., May, 31, 1975.

  There is an idea conceived by a woman in Randolph county for creating a village for the elderly. For five years this registered nurse has worked with the elderly, especially in the Saratoga area, and thinks Saratoga would make the ideal location.

  Mrs. Robert Curtner said she is becoming disheartened in her work, however, because when she turns for help in creating the elderly community there is very little.

  Last year she took her proposal to the county commissioners and because "they can't take action on everything," her proposal was turned down. She has mentioned the project to the Randolph County Community Council on Aging, which is still in the process of organizing.

  She asked LaDon Mong, a Union City contractor, about the possibility of building apartments in the Saratoga area and he agreed to build six to begin with if people promised to rent them. But that, besides the plans she's made, is where everything remains today.

  As a nurse for the critically ill, Mrs. Curtner said the elderly are much like her patients; "They expect a person in charge to anticipate their needs and to control the situation...to do it instinctively."

  That's what the community she's designed would do, she says.

  The Retirement Community would be restricted to people past 55 years of age. She says apartment dwellings would be most suitable since as a person gets older he is less able to provide upkeep. The project would begin on a small level, she said, and develop to the place where it would contain bicycle paths for walking and riding because "exercise is a vitally important factor."

  Companionship on a daily basis would be an asset to the program, she said. And other elderly people would be within distance to care and watch over one another, whereas now in this rural county some people become isolated from society on a farm when they grow older and their spouse dies.

  Within time, Mrs. Curtner can see the community offering gardening, mending and repair work, hobby and craft shops and a general store. A restaurant as well as churches could be included. She has specified that a post office, bank and school also be in the area. The intent of including a school would be so younger people and the elderly were not totally out of touch and so that there would be some activities which the elderly could attend.

  Programs for the elderly in the community would include fishing, musical hobbies, such as choir, and taking trips. Diets would be controlled for the diabetic and adequate meals provided. Medical attention would also be provided. There would be some means of transportation. 

  She said diseases of the elderly taken care of by doctors would include arthritis and rheumatism, hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, cancer, loss of sight, hearing and smell, strokes, mental illness, dementia, loss of memory, under nourishment or poor nourishment and heart malfunctions.

  In the area of housing, Mrs. Curtner said small houses in Saratoga could be could be brought into  fixed up and larger homes made into apartments. Also house trailers could be brought into Saratoga for the elderly.

  Already a restaurant, church, post office and bank are established in the area.

  She once thought of applying for a grant for the project, but was at a loss as to where to apply. She said the project could be financed by low income housing federal funds, grants and civic groups.

  She said the basis of the community would be "fun and friendship."

  Mrs. Curtner has talked to residents who own property in Saratoga and said they offered no strong objections to her plan. She said many people are "stuck out on big farms away from everything" and would like the idea. In surveying attitudes she has found that about a fourth of the elderly would want to stay in their own homes and a fourth want to stay with their children, but the other half would want to participate in her Retirement Community.

  The elderly would also be free from worry about safety and security in this community, she maintains. The streets would be quiet and the air, clean.

  Friendship Village In Dayton, Ohio is one such apartment living situation for the elderly that exists.

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