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.
September 1, 1925
The Foster Lumber and Coal Company is tearing up the old limestone sidewalk along the east side of the Meagher Drug Store in Valparaiso to make way for a new cement one. County Highway Superintendent Joseph Crowe and a force of men are taking out the old blocks of stone and moving them to the Grand Trunk yard to be used in construction of abutments for bridges.
September 2, 1925
Four of the nine delinquents in the matter of dog taxes who failed to pay up this year and whose names were certified to the prosecutor for prosecution, have paid up their taxes at the county auditor’s office. Two delinquents mailed checks to the county clerk who turned them over to the auditor. Unless the five others make their payment, cases will be filed against them in the circuit court.
September 3, 1925
The rear end of the building occupied by the Szold Department Store, under which a force of workmen has been excavating a basement, collapsed this morning at 8 o’clock while workmen were engaged in digging near the foundation walls. Lives of a number of workers were saved by the presence of mind of James Urbahns, who noticed a cave in around the walls and warned diggers of their danger. All got out in safety. Workmen tried to reinforce the wall but were unable to save the wall. About thirty feet of wall collapsed.
September 4, 1925
Work on construction of 1,000 feet of new fence at the entrance to the Porter County Fairgrounds was completed yesterday afternoon. The fence is woven with steel posts and is six feet in height. An appropriation of $1,300 was made recently by the Porter County Commissioners to defray the cost of the present construction.
William Schultz, age 54 years, a prominent farmer residing one mile west of Deep River, was killed at 1 o’clock on Thursday afternoon when he was struck by an automobile while crossing the Lincoln Highway. He was driving cows at the time. Schultz died twenty minutes after being removed to his home.
September 5, 1925
The blue and gold flag of the State of Indiana today floats over the first unit of the new Hoosier state park in the Dunes. The flag of Indiana has been placed atop the newly christened Mount Tom, formerly known as Mount Green, and one of the group of three sand mountains that eventually will be within the park area. The mount is on the 120-acre tract for which the state already has received a deed. It was purchased from John O. Bowers, of Gary, for $32,000.
September 6, 1925
Hebron’s American Legion Post, which sponsored the homecoming celebration of last Friday and Saturday, had a break of luck. The heavy rain last Friday and Saturday added $500 to the bank account because of a rain insurance policy. The weather cleared in time, however, for the big program of Saturday evening and about 1,000 attended. The post officers will meet Thursday evening to count up the profit.
Wray Short, of Chicago, was drowned Sunday at Long Lake. Short was diving from a boat and is believed to have suffered cramps. The drowning occurred near the Fernekes’ Hotel, and companions of Short did not discover his disappearance for some time. A search failed to find the body until several hours afterward when it was discovered entangled in the weeds. Short is also said to have suffered from heart trouble.
September 7, 1925
Edward Ferenc, manager of the White Front Garage, will attempt to swim from Waverly Beach to Michigan City next Sunday morning. This is a stretch of eleven miles. Ferenc has many times covered a similar distance in inland lakes. A big crowd will be on hand to watch his progress. He will be accompanied by Michigan City lifeguards.
John G. Marks, local fireman, left this morning for Evansville, Ind., to attend the state convention of Indiana firemen. Over 1,000 delegates are expected to attend the meeting. The convention will last three days.
September 8, 1925
John Dinse, of Morgan Township, is building a new chicken house that will be one of the finest in this section. He has visited a number of model houses within a radius of 250 miles and will embody all the various features found by him in his travels in his new house. The structure will be 100’ x 20’ with ten compartments and a complete water system. The house will have a capacity of 1,000 birds.
September 9, 1925
Dogs in Porter County continued their nefarious operations of killing sheep and poultry of the farmer throughout the county during the month of August, according to claims filed with the Porter County Commissioners. Six claims amounting to $170.50 were allowed by the board. During July, about $200 in claims were filed with the board and allowed at the August meeting. The money paid comes from the surplus dog fund which comes through the payment of dog taxes.
September 10, 1925
The Valparaiso-Chesterton Highway is included in the tentative mileage to be taken over and included in the state highway system for 1926. Members of the state highway commission informed W.C. Sutter, secretary of the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, while in the city during court litigation in connection with the improvement of Indianapolis Boulevard. Nothing, however, can be done until 1926, Sutter was told.
A petition has been filed with the Porter County Commissioners for the extension and widening of Waverly Road, leading from the concrete to Dunes Highway in north Porter County. The plan is to make the highway eighty feet wide. G. E. Bornholt, F. W. Alpen, and C. S. Pierce, named by the commissioners as viewers, returned a favorable report on the road, so the commissioners will probably order its establishment, subject to the approval of the Indiana Public Service Commission, which will be called upon to act as the highway crosses several railroads.
September 11, 1925
A miniature cyclone passed through the southern part of Porter County this afternoon during a heavy electrical storm and caused a considerable amount of property damage, but no loss of life. The twister traversed a strip of territory in the vicinity of the Morgan Township Consolidated School. The greatest amount of damage was done at the William Bochtler farm, about a mile east of the school, where a heavy wind demolished several buildings, tore off a portion of the house, and uprooted shade and fruit trees. Eight years ago, a cyclone wrought havoc to life and property in the Hebron and Kouts districts.
A deposit of $79,000 was made with J. F. Wild and Company at Indianapolis by the Lutheran University Association to retire preferred stock of the Valparaiso Realty Company, owners of the property housing Valparaiso University, according to an announcement made today by Rev. J. C. Baur, of Fort Wayne, President of the Valparaiso University Association, operating company for the Lutheran University Association. This practically completes the deal whereby the Lutherans assume control of the local institution of learning, a deal which has been pending for three months. Contracts have already been let to local firms for rehabilitating the buildings in time for opening on September 28. Rev. Baur stated today that a campaign has been launched to raise $383,000 from Lutheran members for the school.
September 12, 1925
Lizzie Boucher will give an inspirational talk on the new university as a headliner on the program to be broadcast by Radio Station WRBC, of the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Valparaiso, on the evening of September 14. Other features of the program will consist of vocal music by Lillian Sayers and Marie Yost, and an organ number by Ruth Hershman.
The body washed up on the shore at Lake Michigan, off Dunes Park beach yesterday morning was identified by two Chicago men as Victor Bacon, age 22, Chicago dental student at Northwestern University. Bacon was a member of a party of eighteen young people from Chicago who went to Dunes Park beach to visit over Labor Day. Bacon mysteriously disappeared while swimming with a girl companion. The latter was rescued by Carl Passage, of Hammond, who saw her sinking. When revived, the girl told rescuers to save Victor. A reward of $100 was offered for the recovery of the body of Bacon, and Passage, on the lookout, came across the body after it had washed ashore. Coroner A. O. Dobbins held an inquest, and the body was sent to Chicago.
September 13, 1925
While Ray Knight, spitball artist, was pitching airtight ball, allowing only four hits, his teammates on the Valpo Moose baseball team were touching up Richey, of Wheatfield, for 22 hits, resulting in sixteen runs. The Moose team made seven runs in the first inning and then took things easy. Knight allowed four hits and three runs.
The sixteenth annual reunion of the Pennsylvania Western Veterans’ Association was held here Saturday at Elks Temple. One hundred-and-ninety-eight members of the association attended. Two special trains conveyed veterans and officials here. At 6 o’clock, a chicken dinner was served by the Vivian Society. This is the fourth time the association has met here. Byron Holmes, of Fort Wayne, was named president of the association.
September 14, 1925
The fact that he drove a span of mules eighteen miles through Monday’s rain and mud to bring the calf his grandson had raised to the fairgrounds for exhibit, caused officials of the Porter County Fair to award “Grandpa” James Carver, of Pine Township, the title of “The Most Loyal Fair Booster.” “Grandpa” Carver is 76 years of age.
September 15, 1925
Pointing out how the Grand Trunk water tank is located on the east side of the Calumet Avenue crossing in Valparaiso, eastbound trains are forced to stop in such manner as to completely block the right-of-way and delay north and south automobile traffic. Officials of the local chamber have called attention to this nuisance and offer the suggestion that, by moving the tank to the west side of the crossing, the annoyance would be overcome.
September 16, 1925
An enumeration of voters in Porter County recently taken shows a total of 6,295, according to announcement made today by B. H. Kinne, county auditor. Center Township leads with 2,485, followed by Westchester Township with 1,095. There are two people of color on the voter list, both in Union Township.
Charles Pratt Post, American Legion, and the Valparaiso Kiwanis Club joined in a meeting last night at Hotel Lembke in honor of “Constitution Night.” Thomas McConnell, of Fowler, state commander of the American Legion, was the main speaker.
September 17, 1925
Don E. Turner, farmer, residing southwest of Hebron, is in a critical condition today after a twenty-four-hour fight to survive the effects of burns sustained late Tuesday night. Turner was attempting to fill the gas tank of his automobile while the engine was running, and an explosion resulted. Enveloped by flames, Turner flung himself on the ground and succeeded in extinguishing the flames. Physicians worked for two hours treating the burns. The truck and load were totally destroyed.
For a third time in as many years, Frank A. LePell, local undertaker, heads the Funeral Directors’ Association of the Fifth District. LePell was given the honor at the convention held at Rensselaer on Wednesday.
September 18, 1925
Lillian Newsom, nurse at the Christian Hospital in Valparaiso, was the victim of three youthful, masked men near the Traeger Crossing, near the Lake-Porter County line, between Hobart and Wheeler, early Thursday evening. The thieves were somewhat abashed when they discovered their victim was a woman and only made a hasty search of her pocketbook. They took some currency, but overlooked a salary check and her diamond rings in a small coin purse.
Joseph C. Griffin, son of Joseph and Jennie Griffin, of Valparaiso, died suddenly last night at his room in the Hotel Wilmot, in Chicago, according to word received here. He was a plasterer by trade. Surviving are the widow, parents, four brothers, and two sisters.
September 19, 1925
J. W. Morland, former registrar at Valparaiso University, has returned to Valparaiso to reside. Morland will move his family here from Tennessee, where he has been teaching at Memorial University. Leaving here, Morland went to Monmouth, Ill., where he was employed as registrar for two years. Then he went to Chicago, entering Chicago University, and received his Doctor of Law degree. He will come to Valparaiso as assistant to Dean M. J. Bowman, of the School of Law. Prof. VonHolst, the former assistant, will go to Chicago to practice law.
Charles Celeste, the “rube” tight wire walker whose act has been entertaining hundreds of spectators at the Porter County Fair during the week, was injured Friday afternoon when he tried to pull his stunt. With the eyes of the crowd upon him, Celeste missed his step and crashed to the ground, dislocating a shoulder.
September 20, 1925
Officer J. W. Riley, specifically appointed as a Valparaiso traffic cop, today resigned his position. He left his star and “equipment” on Chief Brown’s desk and took his leave. He was engaged for a period of three months. He expects to visit relatives in Hammond and then take his family to California.
Porter County Superintendent of Schools Fred H. Cole spoke before the closing session of the Newton County Union Church services held in Morocco on Sunday and had the pleasure of renewing acquaintances with Rev. J. A. Lord, pastor of the Methodist church there, and former pastor of the Hebron church.
September 21, 1925
At a meeting of the Valparaiso High School Athletic Association this afternoon in the high school auditorium, William Allerton was elected Freshman captain, and Gordon Durand, freshman manager; Harry Agnew, sophomore captain, and Howard Moltz, sophomore manager; Harry Lytle, junior captain, and Foster Fairchild, junior manager; Fred White, senior captain, and Charles Stinchfield, senior manager.
Adding to his lists of accomplishments, Porter County Agent A. Z. Arehart last night acted as announcer for Radio Station WRBC. In addition to a splendid musical program given by local artists, Dean M. J. Bowman, of the Valparaiso University law department, gave a survey of the courses of study for the coming term.
September 22, 1925
Beginning its thirty-first year of work, the Valparaiso Woman’s Club recently dedicated its new home – the former Dr. D. J. Loring property at the corner of Washington and Jefferson Streets in Valparaiso – in fitting exercises. The building will be known as the Sarah Porter Kinsey Memorial. A fine program was given, featuring a dedicatory address by Eva Bondy.
September 23, 1925
Valparaiso today mourned the death of E. Leslie Loomis, superintendent of the Valparaiso Home Water Company and secretary of the Valparaiso Building and Loan Association, who died Tuesday at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 o’clock at the Christian church, with Rev. Edwards officiating.
September 24, 1925
Valparaiso taxpayers will be called upon to pay $4 for every $100 of taxable property in 1926, according to an estimate given today by B. H. Kinne, county auditor. This is a reduction of $.22 over the current rate. The reduction will mean little by way of saving to local property owners, as the state tax board increased local valuations by $1,500,000. The Valparaiso Civil City rate was cut from $1.14 to $.98. The Valparaiso School City rate was cut one cent from $1.85 to $1.84.
Valparaiso bespoke the love and esteem in which it held E. L. Loomis this afternoon when, with every major mercantile and business house in the city closed during the funeral hour, a crowd that packed the First Christian Church turned out to pay last respects to a man they held as a friend and leader. A wealth of flowers surrounded the pulpit platform from which Rev. E. Richard Edwards delivered a touching and impressive eulogy.
September 25, 1925
Alex McCabe, Chicago gangster, will face trial for the third time in Porter Superior Court on Monday, and jury commissioners Paul Nuppnau and E. J. Gardner will, on Saturday, draw a special venire of one-hundred talesman for the selection of a jury to try the Chicago man for the slaying of Attorney Thad Fancher, of Crown Point, in the Halfway House holdup near Crown Point in May 1924. In the first trial, the jury disagreed, and in the second, McCabe was found guilty and given a life term. He was granted a new trial by Special Judge W. H. Worden, of LaPorte.
Twenty candidates have turned out for positions on the Valparaiso University football team and Coach Millard Anderson is attempting to mold a team from a large amount of new material. A number of last year’s team have not shown up as of yet but are expected to be back in time for the opening game.
September 26, 1925
Herman Hagen’s fifty years of odd fellowship were fittingly observed by members of the Odd Fellow and Rebeka Lodges in a program Friday evening. “Colonel” Hagen was congratulated upon reaching his ninety-first year. On behalf of the local lodge, Charles Mackay presented Hagen with a bill book. Flowers were also presented.
Prospects for a big enrollment at Valparaiso today appeared very bright. Students are coming in fast, and many are expected all of next week. Catherine Corboy and the rest of the office force are being kept busy registering students and giving information. Altruria and Lembke Halls are prepared to receive girl students. All sororities will be abolished this year and all girls attending school will be expected to room at one of the two dormitories.
September 27, 1925
Bidding against five competitors, none of them local, the Fletcher-American Company, of Indianapolis, today was successful in buying the $24,400 bond issue on the Frame Road now being constructed of gravel by the McGillicuddy Contracting Company, of Valparaiso. The bonds brought a premium of $259.85 and will be marketed to yield 4.25%. Porter County Treasurer William O. McGinley was in charge of the sale.
The case of Edward Beverly, of Lake County, has been filed in Porter Circuit Court on a change of venue from Lake County. Beverly is alleged to have shot and killed Lige King on May 8, 1924.
September 28, 1925
Valparaiso was stunned early today by the sudden death of Mannie Albe, local hotel and restaurant proprietor. He died while conversing with his wife at the breakfast table. He had not complained of feeling bad prior to the attack. For nearly a quarter of a century, Albe was in the restaurant and hotel business in Valparaiso. The widow and two sons and two brothers survive.
Reports that Dr. H. M. Evans was to be succeeded as president of Valparaiso University by Dr. W. H. T. Dau, of St. Louis, Mo., and that Rev. John C. Baur, of Fort Wayne, is to become vice-president and business manager, is being rumored today throughout the city. Official confirmation at university offices could not be obtained, though Dr. Evans informed that eventually a man would be selected to succeed him.
September 29, 1925
Fourteen Porter County chicken fanciers attended the poultry tour to Purdue University. The day was an ideal one and the trip profitable, the only thing to mar it being a slight automobile mishap at DeMotte, while enroute home, when the car, driven by Porter County Agent A. Z. Arehart, skidded on loose gravel and turned over completely. The only injuries received by the occupants of the car were scratches on Lena Sievers. Other occupants of the car were Minta Pierce and Mildred Gallaher.
September 30, 1925
Examination of jurymen for the trial of Alex McCabe, Chicago gangster on trial in Porter Superior Court before Judge H. L. Crumpacker, is being conducted by Arthur Robinson, well-known attorney of Indianapolis, who has been added to the battery of attorneys representing McCabe. Robinson is a former state senator from Marion County.