These century-old historical excerpts were selected from the Looking Backward feature of The Vidette-Messenger newspaper, which are part of the PoCo Muse Collection. Originally, these bits of information appeared as larger stories in the Valparaiso Daily Vidette and The Evening Messenger newspapers.
November 1, 1925
The Indiana Public Service Commission in Indianapolis today denied the petition of the Jahns Bus Company to establish a bus line between Valparaiso and Hammond. This ends the attempt of the company to extend its service through Deep River and Merrillville from Valparaiso to Hammond. At a hearing held here some weeks ago before Judge Samuel Artman, of the public service commission, the bus company indicated it was willing to operate four buses a day each way over the route. A number of persons living along the route testified the line was needed. At present, there is no line between the two cities.
Valparaiso University lost to Columbia College at Dubuque, Ia., 7 to 6, Saturday, when Evans failed to convert a goal after touchdown. Evans was responsible for the Valparaiso score by shooting a nice forward pass which was received by Jimmy Doran. Coach Anderson was much encouraged over the team’s showing and predicted a hard fight against DePaul next Saturday.
November 2, 1925
Attorney Oliver M. Loomis, of Valparaiso, will become secretary to Arthur R. Robinson, new United States Senator from Indiana. First indication that he was considered for the post came to Loomis Saturday while he was employed in a local lawsuit. Senator Robinson became acquainted with Attorney Loomis during the trial of Alex McCabe, of Chicago, charged with the slaying of Attorney Thad Fancher, of Crown Point, in a holdup near Cedar Lake. A large number of applicants were out for the post.
The fame of Valparaiso’s new quarter-million-dollar Elks Temple is now nationwide. A photograph of the local building occupies page one of the Elks magazine. An extensive writeup of the building, dedication ceremonies, and recent state convention accompany the photograph.
November 3, 1925
William F. Spooner, Democrat, was elected mayor of Valparaiso over incumbent Edgerton W. Agar by forty-nine votes. Spooner polled 1,165 to Agar’s 1,116. This was Spooner’s sixth race for mayorship, and his fourth victory. Flora Kenny, Republican, defeated Bertha Drawans Ewing, Democrat, for the city clerkship by a vote of 1,170 to 1,066. E. S. Miller, Republican, in the first ward; C. A. Stanton, Republican, in the second ward, and Louis F. Leetz and Charles Hicks, running for councilman at large, were unopposed. In the third ward, Louis Gast, Republican, defeated Frank Reibly, Democrat, 426 to 214, and John R. Palmer, Republican, defeated Ray Adams, Democrat, in the fourth ward, 328 to 116.
November 4, 1925
Gretchen Smith, of the law office of Kelly and Loomis, has been selected by United States Senator Arthur R. Robinson, of Indianapolis, as his social secretary. Smith will leave Saturday for Washington. Oliver M. Loomis, of the law firm, will serve Senator Robinson as his secretary. Loretta Metker will succeed Smith in the Kelly office.
November 5, 1925
The Schmidt interests, known as the Columbia China Corporation, has acquired an extension of their option on the properties of the Fraunfelter China Company of Chesterton for the purpose of obtaining an appraisal of the plant. After the appraisement has been completed, the purchasing deal will be consummated at a consideration of $300,000. The Columbia Chicago Corporation is supported by powerful Chicago financial interests.
Officials of the Porter County Farm Bureau are confident that the drive to enroll 1,000 members in the county is going over the top. With three townships yet to work on, and five others not fully covered, a total of 760 members have been signed up. Center Township will hold a big meeting this evening at Lembke Hall, and this is expected to swell the membership.
November 6, 1925
Sheriff W. B. Forney has returned from Chicago Heights, Ill., where he recovered a Buick car stolen from John F. Griffin. Two youths, ages 13 and 11, took the car here on election night. They started out from Bloomington, Ind., by stealing a Ford. They drove to Spencer, Ind., where they stole a Dodge. They then came to Valparaiso where they stole the Griffin car. Then they drove to Chicago Heights, Ill., and sold it for $10. Then they stole a Chrysler and drove to Phoenix, Ill., and back to Chicago Heights, where they sold it and took a train to Momence, Ill. While attempting to steal a Ford there, they were pursued and captured after a thirty-five-mile chase.
C. W. Bartholomew, veteran undertaker, suffered a stroke this afternoon at his home on Chicago Street in Valparaiso, and his condition is reported critical. He was at the undertaking establishment on North Washington Street this morning visiting with old-time friends, and, while there, became faint and was taken to his home.
November 7, 1925
A resident of Valparaiso since 1871, Ina McIntyre died yesterday afternoon at her home at 901 LaPorte Avenue. Survivors include the husband, three daughters, one sister, and one brother. Ina was the daughter of Rev. John Wallace, Presbyterian minister.
Sheriff W. B. Forney sold the Fred Tresemer farm in Valparaiso at Wolf’s Corners, for $40,000 this morning. A Chicago doctor held a mortgage of $28,000 against the property.
November 8, 1925
It was revealed today that the losers in Chesterton’s town election Tuesday are not yet through. Defeated candidates plan to demand a recount, which may end in an appeal to the Porter Circuit Court. It is said the Peoples’ candidates who were defeated are not satisfied that they were given a just tabulation of the vote, and a recount will show a reversal of the figures. Charles S. Kline, present trustee, was credited with 512 votes against 506 for William Lundberg, and Arthur J. Rader, present incumbent, defeated Hayes Fisher by 17 votes. More than 1,000 ballots were cast.
William Sievers, Grand Trunk businessman, died of a heart attack at his home Sunday night. He was born in Valparaiso in 1872 and had been engaged in business at the Grand Trunk for more than thirty years. A widow, two sons, and one sister survive.
November 9, 1925
Through Attorney George R. Williams, the two defeated candidates in the town election at Chesterton last Tuesday, today filed a petition with Judge H. H. Loring asking for an official canvas. A demand for a recount was also filed with Porter County Auditor B. H. Kinne.
Members of the Valparaiso Kiwanis Club were given an insight today into the new movement to give Indiana better police protection through the passage of a state police bill by the legislature. The speakers were Bliss W. Boering, of Indianapolis, member of the state police auxiliary committee, and Captain H. C. Dayton, veteran of the Colorado Rangers. Boering told the Kiwanians, who had assembled at the Philley cafeteria for the weekly dinner, that the employment of a state police personnel of 195 men would not cost more than $500,000 annually. Captain Dayton told the requirements of a good police officer and cited some of the results being obtained by other states which have a state police system.
November 10, 1925
Lelah Robeson, of Indianapolis, president of the Rebekah Assembly, was honored at Odd Fellow Hall Tuesday night when she attended a meeting of Charity Rebekah Lodge, No. 64. Members of the local degree staff exemplified the degree and executed some fancy drills. Visitors were present from East Chicago, Gary, and Crown Point. Robeson gave a fine and instructive talk, in which she complimented the lodge on its splendid work. Members of Canton Valparaiso, No. 27, were guests of the lodge. Refreshments were served at the close of the meeting.
November 11, 1925
Rushed to Christian Hospital late last night, L.T. Fredericks, head of the Chicago Mica and Fibroc Insulation companies, submitted to an operation for removal of a ruptured appendix to prevent a spread of poisoning. Fredericks was stricken last Sunday night when aboard a train headed for New York City. Turning back at Fort Wayne, he returned here. At first, it was believed he was suffering from a digestive order, but later his condition was traced to his appendix. Reports from his bed today are encouraging.
November 12, 1925
With Commissioner F. J. Singleton of the State Public Service Commission presiding, petitioners for the new road from Waverly Beach direct through to the Dunes Highway met at Tremont Hotel this morning to press their claims against the opposition of the South Shore Electric Line, which has appealed the case to the commission. The Porter County Commissioners approved the proposed road project, and the railroad took an appeal from this ruling. The new road would give direct contact with Waverly Beach. Attorney E. J. Freund appeared for the commissioners. The railroad claims it would be put to great expense in bringing the crossing up to grade.
Chesterton’s election troubles, in which backers of the Peoples’ ticket are contesting the election of candidates of the Citizens’ ticket, is due to the Ku Klux Klan, according to Editor John G. Graessle, of the Chesterton Tribune. According to Graessle, the Klan forces two years ago took charge of the caucuses of both parties, carried the election, and elected their men. No protest was made by the other faction, and they accepted defeat gracefully. This year the same stunt was tried. However, the antis had perfected their organization and went into Citizens’ caucus and defeated the Klansmen candidates at their own game. At once, a howl went up, and everybody who was not for them was everything but a gentleman or lady.
November 13, 1925
Valparaiso Country Club’s new $20,000 club house was dedicated last evening with a dinner-dance program. Rev. E. J. Mungovan, pastor of St. Paul’s Catholic Church was the speaker of the evening. The Melody Makers, of LaPorte, furnished the music. Following Rev. Mungovan’s address, Walter E. Brownell, chairman of the sports and pastime committee, awarded prizes to winners of the various tournaments held this summer. The new building was built by the Foster Lumber and Coal Company and is an attractive structure, with a spacious assembly hall, sun parlor, and ladies’ room on the first floor and locker rooms and living quarters for the professional attendant in the basement. Harold Ridgely, formerly of the Dixmoor Golf Club, of Homewood, Ill., is the golf pro at the club.
Seven Hebron youths are facing criminal charges in Porter Circuit Court as the result of an attack on the home of Dr. William Butman, Hebron practitioner, on last Hallowe’en night. According to Dr. Butman, the youths peppered his home with rocks and other missiles, breaking windows in his home and office, and wrecking doors. Porter County authorities did not know of the fracas until a few days ago when affidavits were asked by Dr. Butman for the arrest of the youths. It is said the trouble resulted when Dr. Butman fenced off part of a plot of ground used by the boys for a recreation field.
November 14, 1925
The E. W. Agar city administration, which retires from office on January 1, Friday evening put over two history-making moves in Valparaiso municipal annals when it made plans to terminate the old contract with the trustees of the Valparaiso Home Water Department of the plant. It also authorized the board of education of the School City of Valparaiso to issue $150,000 in bonds for a new high school building, referring the plans for the new building to Valparaiso’s planning commission for investigation and report at the next meeting.
Rival faction in Chesterton’s red-hot election feud took the friendly advice of Judge H. H. Loring in Porter Circuit Court and returned to their homes in Chesterton today after being informed that three official canvassers would be named to inspect the records of the election and the ballots cast for the various candidates. The court refused to impound the records in the election, holding that no notice had been served to the town clerk, Carl G. Nordstrom. According to the returns, Messrs. Kline and Rader, Citizens’ ticket candidates, defeated Messrs. Lundberg and Fisher by six and seventeen votes respectively.
November 15, 1925
The Chesterton election dispute grew a little hotter today when an affidavit was filed against George Groff, charging that he cast an illegal ballot. It is charged Groff is not an American citizen. Rudolph Slont is the complaining witness. Groff is said to have been a worker for the Citizen’s ticket, which was victorious over the Peoples’ ticket. Citizens’ ticket backers charge that members of the Peoples’ ticket are back of the prosecution.
Valparaiso University Gridders lost to Central State Normal at Mt. Pleasant, Mich., Saturday by a score of 41 to 0. Coach Millard Anderson’s squad was unable to stop the plunges of the Michigan team and were unable to penetrate the tight defense of the Normal Huskies.
November 16, 1925
Gaining entrance through the coal bin in the rear and working their way through the basement and upstairs, burglars for the second time within eight months robbed the Sievers Drug Store, on East Lincolnway in Valparaiso, of $500 of merchandise sometime during the night. The loot consisted principally of Ingersoll watches and choice fountain pens.
Chesterton and Hebron provided the excitement today in Porter Circuit Court. Seven Hebron youths charged with riotous conduct by Dr. William Butman, of Hebron, in the alleged wrecking of the doctor’s house and office on Halloween night, were given a preliminary hearing and released under $1,000 bond. Dr. Butman was also served with an affidavit charged with firing on one of the boys with a shotgun. He too was given a $1,000 bond. No date was set for arraignment. Chesterton’s town election dispute, in which Citizens’ and Peoples’ party candidates are engaged in a contest over the result of the recent town election, was continued one day because of the absence of Grant Crumpacker, who has been retained to assist Charles W. Jensen, Chesterton town attorney.
November 17, 1925
Word has been received here that Helen Schleman, daughter of William and Evelyn Schleman, of Valparaiso, and a student at Wellesley has made the famous Boston hockey team and will play in the games against the All-Chicago and Irish hockey teams. Last year, the Boston team won second place in the national tournament. Schleman is taking a course in physical training.
November 18, 1925
After listening to arguments pro and con as to whether a recount should be made in the Chesterton election controversy, Judge H.H. Loring in Porter Circuit Court this afternoon ruled that a recount of the vote should be made. The court named three commissioners to canvass the vote as follows: Charles W. Jensen, town attorney, representing the Citizens’ party, winners of the election; Attorney George R. Williams, representing the People’s party, losers, and Charles L. Hazlett, former postmaster of Chesterton and former township trustee. The court also issued a duces tecum subpoena ordering Carl G. Nordstrom, town clerk, to deliver the records of the election over to the commissioners.
November 19, 1925
Valparaiso has been given a place on the U.S. Highway 30, which will extend from Atlantic City, N.J., to Salt Lake City, Utah, according to dispatches from Washington, D.C. The new route will be marked with standard and warning signs.
Jury costs in the last two trials of Alex McCabe, Chicago gangster for the slaying of Attorney Thad Fancher, of Crown Point, in Porter Superior Court, cost Lake County $3,000. All the money went to Porter County residents, but Lake County had to foot the bill.
November 20, 1925
Marked by atmospheric calm that almost belied all suggestion of difference and contest, the first move in the legal battle to contest Chesterton’s election results was made in Porter Circuit Court chambers this afternoon. Canvass of the vote was begun by the canvassers composed of Attorneys C. W. Jensen and George L. Haslett in the afternoon, after Sheriff W. B. Forney had delivered the ballots over to the board. It is expected the result will be made known tomorrow. Candidates William Lundberg, defeated by Charles S. Kline, and Arthur Rader, victor over Hayes Fisher, were present. They each selected two witnesses, namely J. G. Graessle and Agnes Morgan for the Citizen’s ticket and Attorney C. D. Wood and Charles Pearson, for the People’s ticket. Town Clerk Carl G. Nordstrom, a central figure in the contest proceedings, was also an interested witness. Sheriff W. B. Forney acted as guard.
Horn Brothers Quality Market today sold a carload of wool amounting to 22,000 pounds. The wool is being sacked and tomorrow will be shipped to Columbus, O. The wool was purchased in LaPorte and Porter Counties. A Fort Wayne man was broker in the deal. Such a shipment was made last year.
November 21, 1925
A recount of the vote in the Chesterton town election dispute completed Friday afternoon revealed no change as to the winning candidates, Arthur J. Rader and Charles Kline, but cut down the margins of the winners, William Lundberg, opponent of Kline, gained four votes, making the revised figures 506 for Kline and 504 for Lundberg. Fisher gained five votes on Rader, the count being 511 for Rader and 499 for Fisher. It is likely a court contest will be filed.
Announcement was made today that the Valparaiso Kiwanis Club will sponsor a show Tuesday, Dec. 8. Harry Albe will be in charge. On Tuesday night of next week, the Kiwanis Club joins with Rotary in a ladies’ night program before which Charles Brandon Booth, lecturer, will speak.
November 22, 1925
Judge Harry L. Crumpacker, in the Porter Superior Court this morning refused to reopen the issues and review the decision of Judge Virgil S. Reiter in the case involving the disbarment of Attorney Paul Glazier, of Lake County, trial of which came before him this term. Glazier’s attorneys, Conroy and Welsheimer, of Hammond, filed a demurrer and sought to have certain issues reviewed, asserting that on another occasion Judge Crumpacker had entertained a similar motion. “I grant that point, but I do not think it proper to follow a dangerous precedent. This is not a court of review,” stated the court.
Charles Brandon Booth, son of the founder of the Volunteers of America, and grandson of the founder of the Salvation Army, spoke to a congregation of men, women, and children at the Presbyterian church in Valparaiso Sunday night as an advocate of the Big Brother and Big Sister Federation movement. Tonight, he appears before a joint gathering of Valparaiso Rotary and Kiwanians at a Hotel Lembke banquet to sound his message which is, in brief, a direct challenge to the heart of America. “All there is to the Big Brother and Big Sister movement is the awakening of a social consciousness on the part of the individual man and woman by which they will take an interest in guiding and directing an individual boy or girl,” Booth said.
November 23, 1925
Principal Palmer, of Washington Township High School, Sunday proved the nemesis of one Jesse Grimes, and as result, Grimes was this afternoon sentenced to serve six months at the penal farm for breaking into Washington Township High School. Only the timely arrival of Principal Palmer prevented Grimes' getaway as he had completed his sacking and was just about ready to depart when confronted by Palmer, who had gone to the building to straighten up things following a social entertainment held there Saturday evening. Palmer held Grimes until the arrival of Sheriff W. B. Forney.
A daring thief entered the Texaco filling station at the corner of Indiana Avenue and Franklin Street in Valparaiso between Monday night and this morning and looted the place of $30 in money and a quantity of oil and alcohol. It was the second robbery of the week, as Sievers Drug Store was entered and sacked a few days ago.
November 24, 1925
Two sixteen-year-old youths, using a skeleton key, staged the robbery of the Texaco Oil Company station at Indiana Avenue and Franklin Street in Valparaiso Monday night, according to Sheriff W. B. Forney. The pair are under arrest at Chicago Heights for a similar robbery. Other places burglarized by the youths were in Gary and Merrillville. The youths gave the names of Mike Medred and George Zekuetki.
November 25, 1925
James Hamilton, age 71, who has lived in the sand hill section north of Chesterton, died this morning of a heart attack. His wife found him lying on the floor of the home. Years ago, the family occupied a log cabin that belonged to his father. Just a few years ago, with the big development being made in the dunes region, Hamilton built a fine new home. He had made the duneland country his lifelong residence.
November 26, 1925
William Nuppnau, manager of the J. Lowenstine and Sons grocery department, narrowly escaped injury Thursday evening when, blinded by another car, he lost control of his Dodge machine, and skidded off the road. Although the car was badly damaged, Nuppnau was uninjured. He was returning home from Chicago.
Otho F. Helvie was rushed to the Christian Hospital in Valparaiso yesterday morning suffering from an acute attack of appendicitis. An operation was performed at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Reports from the hospital this morning were to the effect that Helvie passed a good night.
November 27, 1925
The Kleins and the Bernhardts, of Valparaiso, had narrow escapes from death Thursday evening when a Studebaker car driven by Abe Klein crashed into a fence along a highway between Valparaiso and Kouts, and partly overturned. The fact that the machine hit the fence prevented it from going down an embankment. All the occupants of the car crawled out through the windshield. Minnie Bernhardt suffered a fractured collar bone. The party was enroute home from a visit at North Judson with Ben Donchin and family.
Mary Shephard Moe, age 63 years, died last evening at her home after an illness of two weeks. She was born at Oconomowoc, Wis., and was united in marriage to O. M. Moe in South Dakota. She lived here for fifteen years. Surviving are the husband, two sons, one daughter, five brothers, and three sisters.
November 28, 1925
West Lincolnway’s future as the center of Valparaiso’s business design was assured today with announcement of new building projects soon to get under way. The Bloch Hotel building will soon undergo extensive remodeling, including a new front. The former Ward building, occupied by the Modern Toggery, has been sold to Leigh and Arthur Keene, who are now located in the Belmont Hotel building. They will move to the new site and make improvements. Sam Salberg, present occupant, is dickering for a location on West Lincolnway. The Roy Ross building, damaged by fire recently, is expected to be rebuilt and occupied by the Valparaiso Auto Sales Company, owned by Milton J. Take and J. G. Grantham.
November 29, 1925
Valparaiso Kiwanis met at Philley’s today for its regular noon-day luncheon. Plans were discussed for the promotion of the show, “Cheer Up No. 2.” Chairman Harry Albe urged all the members to give their full cooperation in making the show a success. The two directors of the play, Belva Rice and Mildred Erb, were introduced by President Walter Brownell. The directors assured the club of an excellent show and highly commended the talent on their rapid progress.
November 30, 1925
Principal H. M. Jessee, of the Valparaiso High School, will be one of the speakers at LaPorte’s annual basketball clinic to be held at LaPorte Y.M.C.A. Wednesday evening. Jessee will speak on “What the School Expects of the Official.” The talk will be in reply to a talk by Keith Crown, of Gary, who will talk on “What the Official Expects of the School.” Valparaiso basketball fans will attend.
St. Paul’s Parochial School basketball team of Valparaiso yesterday defeated Hebron Independents, 30 to 22. Hebron started off with a rush and soon had the locals gasping for breath with a 6-to-0 lead. St. Paul’s came back and at half time was leading 17 to 15. Nolan, from St. Paul’s, was the high-point man with thirteen points. Morgan, with 11, led the visitors’ attack.