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RER
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Post by RER on Mar 25, 2008 13:50:02 GMT -5
Placing A Face On The Man That Built The Present Columbus Reception Center During 1864 (Formerly Known As The Boy Club)Originally built as his home (One of the oldest homes in Columbus) Built In 1864. Refreshment Brief: John V. Storey owned several businesses during the middle 1800s. He owned a Medicine and Drugs store on Washington Street before the year of 1867 and continued that business to an unknown date. He also owned the two grist mills on the corner of 5th and Franklin before the railroad arrived in 1844. He later sold these two mills to Gaff, Gent and Thomas that started Cerealine. His most famous thing he built I suppose was the brick, marble, Indiana limestone and wood house on the corner of 5th and Franklin. Today, the Columbus Area Visitors Center is housed in the old Storey home. This building was built during the Civil War era in 1864 and was John V. Storey's home. The Civil War began in 1861 and ended in 1865. After Mr. Storey vacated the house it became several things; such as the Columbus Boys Club, a dentist office, a lodge hall of some type, local newspaper accounting office and finally the Columbus Visitors Center in 1973. The building was renovated in 1973 and expanded in 1995. Source of partial home picture: Provided by Richard. Picture of Mr. Storey was published in Directory, Bartholomew County Indiana, 1903-1904. Mr. Storey arrived in Columbus before year 1844.
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RER
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Post by RER on Mar 25, 2008 16:56:56 GMT -5
Historical Buildings In Destruction For The Common Mall That Is Now Being Torn Down For Another Generation of Buildings (During Year 2008)From 3rd and Washington Street to 4th Street 1800s Memories Gone For Progress (History of the 1800s Days Gone) Interesting Comment: The two oldest money banks that stood tall during Columbus history development still stand today. All the way to the left is the First National Bank and all the way to the right is Irwin Bank of the old days (between 3rd & 4th Streets). Brief: From walking, to flat boats, to horses, to horse and wagon, to stage coach, to trolley, to trains, to automobiles; so what is next? The First Demolition began in 1971Refreshment Historical Time-Line: Demolition began in 1971. Courthouse Center officially opened Oct. 24, 1973, with 8 tenants — Bressler’s 33 Flavors Ice Cream, Hillman Jewelers, Kinney Shoes, Osco Drug, Paul Harris Women’s Stores, Sears, The Viewpoint bookstore and Thoroflares Men’s Wear. There were 66 business establishments, mostly small independents, removed from downtown Columbus through the Columbus Redevelopment decisions. Today this year of 2008 demolition returned and the future is to be told. Partial Source: From the wonderful Republic paper files many years ago. Thank you Republic paper for you continued outstanding reporting and pictures. I read your paper daily.
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RER
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Post by RER on Mar 25, 2008 19:15:01 GMT -5
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Mar 30, 2008 8:21:33 GMT -5
Placing A Face To William Brockman One of The Men Behind Establishing Garland Brook Cemetery Development During the 1800s. Facing North Inside Garland Brook Cemetery Additional Information: Also, related to the Brockman Construction of many buildings in Columbus. The Brockman family built several buildings in Columbus and donated some to the city of Columbus in later years.Sources: Engraved stone and entrance inside grave yard provided by Richard. Picture of Mr. Brockman provided in the Directory of Bartholomew County book 1903-1904. To expand just a bit on Bob/RERs post on the Brockman family. I have explored, along with Richard, some of the early history of Garland Brook, as my great grandfather, S. Webber Smith, sold a portion of his farm, 6 acres, I believe, when the cemetery was first started. Somewhere else on the boards, I have posted some of those findings. As near as I can figure out, the first sections of Garland Brook, are at the NE corner of 10th and Lover's Lane/McClure Rd. Inserting, and I did a search and found another post that I did that details some of the Garland Brook Cemetery history. Check out 'Postcards, reply # 110, p. 8.' And a tad more on that page 8 posted by me. Clarifying: Check out under 'Obituaries' (within Our Family Heritage thread,) for GARLAND BROOK CEMETERY, to find a great map of the cemetery. Noting that sections 16, 17, and 18 being the first sections. Sections 1, 2, 19, being where one would find headstones with pre-Garland Brook dates, most likely ones moved from the 10th and Wilson cemetery. My mother's family plot, started by S. Webber Smith, is in that area, and where both of my parents now rest. Anyone interested in pursuing some current photos of this area, and searching a name could check here. www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Brockman&GScid=85104&GRid=7454988&In this case, I have 'brought up' the Brockman family plot. A very interesting link if you have never searched it. And welcome, also, to all the newcomers to the boards. Nanc
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RER
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Post by RER on Apr 7, 2008 19:43:01 GMT -5
An Enlarged Partial Picture 4th & 5th Street Terrain Late 1893This picture project includes Nanc, Richard, George and RER inputsItems Identified: A. In center of picture is the Tabernacle Christian Church (per Richard) that no longer is there. Nanc said this was the church before they built the First Christian Church on 5th Street. She says the same congregation moved to the new church in 1942. B. The white house middle left is the old John V.Storey house which now houses the Columbus reception center and was once the Boys Club. This is on the corner of Franklin and 5th Streets. C. Notice on the corner of 5th and Lafayette Streets that the Old Library had not been built yet. D. The Irwin house is shown on the Corner of 5th and Lafayette Streets. This is presently the Irwin house and Irwin Gardens of Columbus. E. The building on the corner of 5th and Franklin Streets (red two story brick) is near the position of the Old City Hall, but this building is one of the Hawpatch Hominy Grits Mills. The building that housed the White Star Meat Market is on the corner of 4th and Franklin Street with decorative poles in front. G. The center where the present 1st Christian Church stands today is a collage of old businesses and Railroad Mill Square. The buildings included Shea Brothers Grist Mill, and lumber yard and a trackage to park train cars. H. The upper left sort of yellowish building may be one of the first Columbus High School (CHS) buildings. I. The upper right church steeple doesn't look like the Old German Lutheran Church top, but could be or was modified later. J. The lower sort of green building on 4th Street was a Marble Works business. k. Notice the city growth did not extend in depth during this picture. L. Church steeple upper far right is St. Bartholomew Catholic Church at 8th and Sycamore Streets. (input Richard) M. The long building across from the Storey house (or present Columbus reception center) is the Cooper Shop. Cooper in those days meant wooden barrel makers. (found on 1879 map) N. On the right next to the Cooper Shop was the Engine House. This was a hand drawn fire equipment house. Richard sent a 1886 map and it was called Hose Reel Headquarters with belfry (bell). Per George hand drawn fire equipment was in 1852 and in 1872 horse pulled the fire equipment. Horses were kept in a livery stable behind the St. Denis Hotel on Washington Street. That stable burned down in 1894. O. See larger comment below the picture for a historical refreshment. Comment: Keep in mind buildings get modified as the years progress so some take on a different shape and view.Historical Refreshment: John V. Storey owned the land of the first mill on the corner of 5th and Franklin. This is the land the former City Hall Building is and now a Bed and Breakfast. Mr. Storey lived in the house that is now the Columbus Visitor Center and formerly a Boy's Club after the Storey family vacated the house. Mr. Storey built a mill on the corner (same as old City Hall) and later sold the mill and land to T. & J.W Gaff, Thomas Rush and Joseph Gent. They are the Cerealine founders that later moved near Jackson Street. Picture Partial Source: George's recent postcard enlarged and partialed. Picture dated 1893. George researched the picture date and said around 1893.
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RER
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Post by RER on Apr 7, 2008 21:21:38 GMT -5
An Enlarged Picture of Washington Street 1893 This picture project includes Nanc, Richard, George and RER inputs
A. On Washington Street lower right building on corner of 4th Street is the First National Bank (the second largest bank in Columbus in the beginning). B. As a reference point for 5th Street the Storey House center right (white house). C. The church steeple in the background is either The Presbyterian Church or The First Baptist Church which was built in 1855, on the east side of Franklin Street between Sixth and Seventh Streets. Both churches were near each other. D. Angle building on corner of 5th and Washington Street has no railroad tracks coming from 4th and Franklin. (reason unknown) E. The angle building' at 5th and Washington, basically, with the future Smith Jewelry Store, and the popcorn stand later on. (at that corner per Nanc) F. Track in center of Washington Street: Mule Pulling Trolley 1880s By John S. Crump's Company. (notice no electrical for the later Interurban Line but other pictures of George's collection during 1907 show brick in middle of tracks)
Comment: The church steeple in this picture is probably the Presbyterian Church during that period. Picture Partial Source: George's recent postcard enlarged and partialed. Picture dated 1893.
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RER
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Post by RER on Apr 8, 2008 9:54:13 GMT -5
New Discovery On 5th Street Year 1879-1893 Time Periods This historic story involves the buildings across the street from the John V. Storey house (white house on left)Credit: This picture project includes Nanc, Richard, George and RER inputsOne: The John V. Storey house was built by him in 1864. John V. Storey owned several businesses during the middle 1800s. He owned a Medicine and Drugs store on Washington Street before the year of 1867 and continued that business to an unknown date. He also owned the two grist mills on the corner of 5th and Franklin before the railroad arrived in 1844. He later sold these two mills to Gaff, Gent and Thomas that started Cerealine. Two: The long building across from the white house was a Cooper Shop. The name Cooper in the 1800s meant wooden barrel makers. It is assumed that the grist mills that Mr. Storey owned on that corner made the barrels for him to package and sell ground corn, grits and the like for shipment and selling to the general public. Three: The buiding to the right of the Cooper Shop with a high tower was called the Engine House (also called Hose House). George said this probably was the first hand drawn fire station with a watch/bell tower for fires. Later, the fire station may have been moved to the left of the Old City Hall building. Per George hand drawn fire equipment was in 1852 and in 1872 horse pulled the fire equipment. Horses were kept in a livery stable behind the St. Denis Hotel on Washington Street. That stable burned down in 1894. In 1895 the Old City Hall was built. Four: The two white buidings behind (or south) the Cooper Shop were the "Shea Brothers Grist Mill" area along Franklin Street.Research indicated the longer white building is next to the railroad tracks, which could lead to thoughts that this was his wooden barrel storage of grits and gains for shipment and sales. Five: Further to the bottom right (not pictured) would have later been the Brockman lumber yards next to the train rails. Six: Then in 1941 the Cooper business and Hose House area was developed into what is know today as the First Christian Chuch grounds. As we know after the fire in 1893, Cerealine was well established near Jackson Street and the railroad had been extended through town from Franklin Street in this picture past the old Rio Theater crossing Washington Street to Brown and Jackson Streets. Seven: In this picture it appears the railroad ended at the lower white grain storage warehouse. It can be assumed that at some point before the new Cerealine building was complete that the rails continued on to the Jackson plant. Eight: The Old City Hall (still standing) was built in 1895. Corner of 5th and Franklin TalkSources: George's recent postcard enlarged in partial. Picture dated 1893, Also, Sanborn map of 1879 used to identify building names. My research over the past 3 years.
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RER
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Post by RER on Apr 8, 2008 12:28:56 GMT -5
Gumshoe Award Goes To George TodayColumbus Indiana year 1893 Gumshoe ToolGeorge just emailed me and said he researched the age of the last card he posted and found the picture was taken around 1893. It apparently was printed on many postcards for a lot of years. It makes sense knowing the history of the fire at the grist mills on 5th and Franklin before the City Hall Building was added on or remodeled. A little bird told me that George was born in a two story house behind the John V. Storey house. He further attended the Baptist Church in the picture at 6 & 7th Street as a young boy. Now, folks George isn't that old because he wasn't born in the 1800s. (smile) Thank you George! You young Gumshoe.
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Post by David Sechrest on Apr 8, 2008 22:18:30 GMT -5
New Discovery On 5th Street Year 1879-1893 Time Periods This historic story involves the buildings across the street from the John V. Storey house (white house on left)Credit: This picture project includes Nanc, Richard, George and RER inputsOne: The John V. Storey house was built by him in 1864. John V. Storey owned several businesses during the middle 1800s. He owned a Medicine and Drugs store on Washington Street before the year of 1867 and continued that business to an unknown date. He also owned the two grist mills on the corner of 5th and Franklin before the railroad arrived in 1844. He later sold these two mills to Gaff, Gent and Thomas that started Cerealine. Two: The long building across from the white house was a Cooper Shop. The name Cooper in the 1800s meant wooden barrel makers. It is assumed that the grist mills that Mr. Storey owned on that corner made the barrels for him to package and sell ground corn, grits and the like for shipment and selling to the general public. Three: The buiding to the right of the Cooper Shop with a high tower was called the Engine House (also called Hose House). George said this probably was the first hand drawn fire station with a watch/bell tower for fires. Later, the fire station may have been moved to the left of the Old City Hall building. Per George hand drawn fire equipment was in 1852 and in 1872 horse pulled the fire equipment. Horses were kept in a livery stable behind the St. Denis Hotel on Washington Street. That stable burned down in 1894. In 1895 the Old City Hall was built. Four: The two white buidings behind (or south) the Cooper Shop had to be Mr. Storey's Grist Mill buidings in the 1870s and 1880s untill he sold them to the future owners of Cerealine. Research indicated the longer white building is next to the railroad tracks, which could lead to thoughts that this was his wooden barrel storage of grits and gains for shipment and sales. Five: Further to the bottom right (not pictured) would have later been the Brockman lumber yards next to the train rails. Six: This whole area of discussion was razed by fire in 1893, when the Gaff, Gent and Thomas folks bought the two mills from Mr. Storey. Then in 1941 the area was developed into what is know today as the First Christian Chuch grounds. As we know after the fire Cerealine was well established near Jackson Street and the railroad had been extended through town from Franklin Street in this picture past the old Rio Theater crossing Washington Street to Brown and Jackson Streets. Seven: In this picture it appears the railroad ended at the lower white grain storage warehouse. It can be assumed that at some point before the new Cerealine building was complete that the rails continued on to the Jackson plant. Eight: The Old City Hall (still standing) was built in 1895. Corner of 5th and Franklin TalkSources: George's recent postcard enlarged in partial. Picture dated 1893, Also, sanborn map of 1879 used to identify building names. My research over the past 3 years. Here is a pic of the 1886 Sanborn Map of the area in question. Note that north is at the top and west on your left. You are looking between 3rd and 5th Sts. RER wrote: "E. The building on the corner of 5th and Franklin Streets (red two story brick) is in the position of the Old City Hall, but it's design is somewhat different. Maybe the Old City Hall roof was modified as Nanc and I discussed." As you can tell from the map, this was the old Hawpatch Hominy Mills. The old City Hall wasn't built until 1895 (see the John Crump article. He presented the dedication of the building In March of that year). This postcard scene was definitely taken sometime before 1895. Something tells me 1893, as construction on the City Hall took some time.
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Post by David Sechrest on Apr 8, 2008 22:25:58 GMT -5
Here's another part of the map, this being on the east of the earlier one. Note the hose reel/belfry building at the top! 5th street is at the top with 3rd st at the very bottom.
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Post by David Sechrest on Apr 8, 2008 23:50:55 GMT -5
While I'm on this subject, here is another portion of the 1886 map, east of Franklin with 5th St. at the top.
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Post by David Sechrest on Apr 8, 2008 23:56:25 GMT -5
Yes, more... From 1886 with Washington St. on your left and 5th St. at the top. The alley running north/south is on your right. GEORGE: IT SHOWS THE LOCATION OF J. WOOLEY'S LIVERY! Note the church in front of the livery... This part of the map is very interesting and denotes a lot of history about early downtown Columbus and what was located where. The Democrat Printing building at the bottom could possibly have been the house where John Crump grew up, but that is only speculation at this point. I find it amazing at how close the railroad tracks ran in relation to the buildings. I can imagine things shaking in stores as the train rolled in. Also, I don't know if it was mentioned somewhere else on the board or if I read it somewhere, but Railroad Square was a terribly dirty place. I imagine that rats had a field day in our downtown area, huh?
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Post by David Sechrest on Apr 9, 2008 10:25:57 GMT -5
The milling industry of the 1880's was one of the most important industrial and business concerns for Columbus Indiana residents.
With that said, it seems that it took an extreme amount of work or upkeep to run a mill. It seems there was a relatively quick turnover as to ownership, or joint ownerships formed every few years.
Anyway, with that said, this is from the History Of Bartholomew County, 1879:
In 1856, Crane Gent and Bass formed a partnership in the milling business with a new steam merchant mill at Columbus. The mill was well equipped and for eighteen years, did the largest shipping business in the county. It was known as the RAILROAD MILL, and was operated after the dissolution of the original firm., by Crane and Bass, Thomas Gent McEwen & Jones, T. Gent & Company, T. C. Sayres and Gaff and Thomas (whoa--sounds like one of today's law firms!).
In 1875, the flouring mill built by John V. Storey, in 1867-68, on the corner of Franklin St. was one of the greatest enterprises ever started in the county. Under the firm name of Gaff Rush and Thomas, it did a large business and used 300,000 to 450,000 bushels of corn yearly. The property belongs to the Gaff estate and is now operated by Gaff Gent and Thomas (1879).
I would offer that the RAILROAD MILL was the old Ceraline Mill?
So, as to what is where on the postcard and on the Sanborn map is definitely subject to what specific year one is discussing...
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Post by David Sechrest on Apr 9, 2008 10:46:19 GMT -5
RER, beginning on page 10, you did a great job of putting together a history of the Hotel St. Denis.
Ricky had some input as well.
I feel the subject needs to have a category of its own, so I created a new board called The History Of Columbus Indiana Hotels.
I don't think it's necessary to move your posts from this board to the new one, but if you could just find time to copy them over, that would be great.
Thanks!
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RER
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Post by RER on Apr 9, 2008 20:07:39 GMT -5
A Close History of Prints, Pictures & Postcard Partials of 5th Street and Franklin Street Business Activity (1876-1893)This post was through the help of Nanc, Richard, George, David Sechrest and lastly RERThis post will set its sights only on the corner area of streets mentioned above. Other posts relative to this area expand more into other buildings and businesses of the time period. This area was referred to as the "Railroad Mill" area during those early days; that provided the main industrial beginnings in Columbus. This 1886 Drawing scopes the area of concern. Here are the legends of colors: Yellow: Original the yellow area was a Grist Mill owned by John V. Storey (1867-1868). He lived in the present Columbus Reception Center (old Boys Club) shown in Teal Blue at the top of this picture. A few years later Mr. Storey sold the area and mill to Mr. Gaff and he took in Mr. Rush, Mr. Thomas and R. Gent. This business was the forerunner of the Cerealine business to come at Jackson Street. Teal Blue: Home of Mr. John Storey Orange: This was originally a Cooper business that made and stored wooden barrels for various products the mills used. Pink: The "Shea Brothers Grist Mill" area along Franklin Street. Black Round Ball on Corner: The area the Old City Hall was built in 1895. Today it is the Columbus Bed & Breakfast. Lines Running East and West: The Railroad Track from Madison Indiana extending further West to Jackson Street of the old Cerealine building. Drawing 1886The below picture furnished by George was taken in 1893. The 3 story brick building on the left is the remains of the the Hawpatch Hominy Mills business sold to Gaff to take on Rush, Thomas and Gent. The main office in front of this building and the area burned down in 1893. Later in 1895 the City Hall was to come. Mr. Storey's house is the white two story building in the center. The Cooper barrel making company is directly across the street from the Story house. Lastly, the "Shea Brothers Grist Mill" buildings are shown behind the Cooper/Storage building. Below the buildings are colored in. This is an enlarged partial of George's postcard. The lower left three story building was not the Old City Hall. Comments: For more detailed history of Cerealine Company visit the "Industries" at this web site. Also, visit the Columbus 1800s pages for more details. Again I want to thank all the folks listed at the very top of this page that helped make this an interesting post.
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RER
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Post by RER on Apr 9, 2008 21:32:39 GMT -5
This Is The Actual Whole Picture (not postcard) George Sent For direction the center white house is the present Columbus Reception Center (old Boys Club)Comment: It shows the full view for further viewing and your enlargement if you desire. This picture provides an easier identification of buildings, churches, houses, schools and many more. The picture was dated per George 1893. Source: George and we thank you!
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Post by David Sechrest on Apr 9, 2008 22:17:53 GMT -5
I made a glaring ERROR last night when I posted that the future City Hall was where Patterson Livery was...
OOPS! I was one block too far south!
I've corrected my mistake...I just gotta quit these late hours...
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RER
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Post by RER on Apr 10, 2008 20:43:43 GMT -5
Columbus Starts To Light Up With Electricity In The 1880sA controlled invention of Thomas Edison comes to life before the 1900sHistorical Insight: A. In the early days we all have studied that pioneers and the few generations past then, utilized coal oil lamps and candles and mostly daylight through large windows to see and read things. B. Street lights in Columbus didn't come of age until the latter parts of the 1880s. Why? John F. Crump in his creative mind may have learned (speculative on may have learned) of trolley cars in Lafayette Indiana running on electrical generation for transportation. So, ingenious John starting putting in what we call telephone poles to accommodate his future electrical trolley transportation system for the city. C. Well, the story goes on that Mr. Crump developed 4 miles of poles for future use, because he was building an electrical plant in the late 1880s. Poles started popping up all along the main downtown city areas, however the mule drawn trolley had to continue operations until all the poles and lines were constructed to the electrical pole system. D. Now, there had to be some assistance to see better in the streets at night so there were crude lights that hung down in the middle of intersections like the one below. E. Once, the power plant (Mr. Crump built) was on-line and the overhead street wires complete the mules (or I like to use donkey) were put back to the farms I suppose. F. The mule trolley started becoming obsolete in the late 1880s or so, but the the mule line to a degree keep on hoofing until early 1890s. In 1893 it was mostly electrical trolley cars in swing. By 1897 Mr. Crump had excessive generation that he sold to anyone that wanted electrical hook ups. He had they say 300-400 customers by 1897. The picture below has it's relative story I suppose:1. The light above the intersection of 5th and Washington Street was connected to Mr. Crump's system being developed for the trolley business. What better place to put them than on Washington Street, and some side streets. Now in another picture I noticed the same at the intersection of Lafayette and 3rd Streets by the old Ice Plant. 2. The picture is the South East side of Washington Street going toward the Bartholomew County Courthouse. Notice it looks like construction going on at the curb areas. One pole is not straight up in the air yet. It sort of appears that men are working in the curb ditch and near that bent pole. (just a guess here) 3. There are short poles to tie up horses and wagons along the walks also. The First National Bank is the larger dark building on the far left. The picture starts at 5th Street across from the St. Denis Hotel. Mule PullComment: Thomas Edison invented the carbon Filament Lamp in 1878. However, someone later came up with better carbon lights. Sources of information/Picture: Some history obtained from the book titled History of Public Services Indiana furnished by Bill Brown and Linda Brown. The picture is a partial of the full street that David Sechrest has in the other Columbus Historical web site. The picture has been enlarged and enhanced to bring out the finer details for this story. Portions of what I said are speculations on my part.
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