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Post by David Sechrest on May 29, 2006 16:25:39 GMT -5
An Exercise In Futility? "In writing this history, many obstacles have been presented. Especially is this true of record history. In many cases, the records are not paged, and if indexed, it has been done in such an imperfect manner as to mislead rather than assist the person making researches."For those of you who followed along last year when George and I discussed the true location of F. J. Crump's Opera Hall, then you are aware of the trials and tribulations in such matters. It would be nice if an old map of Columbus could be found with a HUGE arrow pointing out the EXACT location of Crump's Opera Hall. If one exists, I've yet to run across it. The matter of recording history is easy. Anyone can write about any historical topic at all. Villians can be made out to be heros. Derogatory information about a person's life can be left out at the whim of the writer to enhance a person's overall life. Historical events can be changed with the mere typing of words on a computer. I am most certain that if I wanted to write an account of the Holocaust, I could come up with all kinds of information saying it never happened. Books have been written explaining that men didn't walk on the moon in 1969. It was all done in a movie studio. And while I wouldn't throw The DaVinci Code into the world of accurate historical data, Dan Brown and Ron Howard sure have raised quite a debate regarding the life of Jesus Christ. So, where is all this leading? Well, as I stated earlier, it is easy to write about historical events. The difficulty lies in research. Accurate research. I remember while writing the article about John Crump's life that a Testimonial was held to honor him on May 29, 1903. This was mentioned in an article that Laura Long wrote about John Crump in the 1950's. I wanted to see what our local paper of the time had to say about the event, so I hurried off to the Library to check out that edition. After searching through a week or three from the time period, nothing was mentioned. It wasn't until researching another subject that I ran across another account of the testimonial, and that it occured on May 29, 1893. It was, indeed, mentioned in that edition. Once, I mentioned an inaccurate entry in the book, The History Of Bartholomew County, Volume II. Someone said that there is bound to be inaccurate information in such a large undertaking. My question is why? I know part of the answer to that: In most cases, it is very time consuming. We haven't quite reached the level of technology that is truly needed for researching. I spoke to The Republic last year about a system whereby any edition of their newspaper could be searched word by word. Coming from a background in data management, a program such as this would require great resources. Newspapers would have to be scanned and "ocr'ed." But even in OCR'ing a page from a newspaper, many of the words wouldn't be recognizable by the computer, and a clarification by a human would be needed. If the paper being scanned is "a dirty copy," the program has even that much more difficulty in trying to recognize what a particular word might be. It takes a lot of time and eye strain to go through microfiche copies of the newspaper on file at our local library. Some of the earlier editions of the Republican are in very bad shape and very difficult to read. Part of the problem in providing accurate information is because of the above-mentioned problems. Writers have a deadline, and just don't have the time to invest in a thorough undertaking. In some cases, things are made more difficult by a general knowledge of where places were in our early days. Street addresses were very rarely used in the advertisements in our early newspaper. Places of business were described as being "down the block from" or "up the street from" or inside McEwan's Block, or the Irwin Block, and so forth. Our library does not have city directories prior to 1879, no phone books, or very little of anything else that tells what residents and places of business were once a part of Columbus. While our earliest newspaper provides the best way of research, that "history" begins in April, 1872. Other newspapers came and went before the Republican, the earliest dating back to 1831, with none of these editions on file. Another part of the problem is taking for granted that the first reference you find is in itself accurate. As in the case of the Laura Long article regarding Crump's Testimonial, it wasn't. Further research was required to validate the info. When I first created the Historic Columbus Indiana Website, I had no idea what it would be, or where I was going with it. Originally, it was to be nothing more than a nostalgic look at life in Columbus in the 1950's and 1960's. But somewhere along the line, the jist of the website changed. And because of those changes, I have pledged to provide an accurate record of events on the website. When people visit, I want them to be comfortable knowing that the information is true and accurate, for what good is our history if it isn't? Some of you might think I'm picky about this. Well, you're right: I am. And I will do my utmost to ensure that all historical accounts on the Historic Columbus Indiana website are true and accurate. But, then again, I run into problems like the person I quoted at the very beginning of this post. The words were originally written by Colonel John A. Keith in 1879...
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Post by David Sechrest on Jun 23, 2006 0:21:03 GMT -5
One of the earliest accounts of downtown, Washington Street businesses comes via the Illustrated Historical Atlas Of Bartholomew County Indiana, 1879. It shows a much different Washington Street than what we're accustomed to. Today, a trip along the few downtown blocks of Washington Street might remind some of the diversity of businesses that were once a part of this corridor. Banks have replaced drug stores. Law offices and insurance companies have replaced department and clothing stores. Only a few businesses remind us what the downtown was once. The Columbus Bar, Neal's Paint, Zaharako's, Cummins Bookstore, and Dell Brothers are the only businesses that remain from our past. In an effort to trace the history of our downtown, I have uploaded a map from 1879. This is a large file, and too big to post the picture here. You'll have to follow this link to view it: img140.imageshack.us/img140/4930/1878mapie4.jpgOne of the most curious blocks on the map is Washington Street between 4th and 5th streets. If you can make out the names of the businesses, I would appreciate your input in this thread. One of the most interesting aspects of this map is pictured below: For those of you who followed the discussion regarding the location of F. J. Crump's Opera Hall, it is NOT identified on this map. It's very difficult to read the places of business due to the heavy line that was drawn, designating the Wards in the city. It appears that this line was added after the buildings were identified. Cobb's place of business, which you'll find on the left hand side of the map, is not the same Cobb mentioned in the post about Crump's Opera Hall (as far as I know). Also, notice the location of the Post Office. I would be very interested to see if you can make out the words from "P O" on down. I'm not going to say what I think the words are, as I don't want to influence anyone. Another point I find very curious is the location of the Republican newspaper office on 4th Street. By all indications, this was the location of F. J. Crump's home when he moved into town in the mid 1800's. In comparing pictures of the Republican building and the Crump home, they are definitely different structures. I find it interesting that the Crump home is not shown on the map. According to the picture I received from Jeff Crump, a livery stable was located on the corner of 4th, and the Crump home directly behind it. In other words, just east of the corner of Washington and 4th Streets. As you can tell from this map, the livery stable was gone by 1879 when this map was drawn. Also, if you look at the big map from which this small picture came, you'll notice houses were designated, but not identified. Maybe the Crump home sat between the drug store on the ne corner of Washington and 4th and the Republican office. From the John Crump article: "John Crump spent the first 12 years of his life growing up on the Crump homestead, located where Mead Village is today. Sometime shortly after 1854, his family moved from the Crump Homestead into the town of Columbus, taking up residence in a house on the northeast side of 4th and Washington. Two buildings occupied this corner-area back then, one behind the other. The two story brick home, which was the Crump residence, sat on 4th Street facing the First National Bank, and another frame building on the corner of 4th and Washington was used as a millinery. After the Crump family moved from the house, it was occupied by Dr. Frederick Falk (until 1906), and thereafter, for a short time, the house was a Gentleman's Club. In 1910, these buildings were demolished to make way for a new commercial building (where Max's Jewelry is today). " What A Curiosity...
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Post by David Sechrest on Jun 23, 2006 19:10:13 GMT -5
Just about the time that the Illustrated Atlas came out, the east-west streets changed to numbers. So far, I've narrowed it down to somewhere between July and October, 1879.
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RER
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Post by RER on Jun 24, 2006 22:29:42 GMT -5
"C.D. Walton Photography Year 1892"
I have a picture that was taken in 1892 at the C.D. Walton Photography business. The address was 513 1/2 Washington Street, Columbus Indiana. Then I researched the City Directory for 1953 and came up with Hoosier Meat Market at 513 and not used for 513 1/2 address. This of course was 61 years later from the photo. I have no idea what is at these addresses today, but it was interesting to say the least.
Bob
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jun 25, 2006 9:16:10 GMT -5
Hi to all, and Bob, I could well be 'way off' here-------but my memory says that addresses, such as you mentioned, with the 1/2 following, meant that the business was upstairs over, like say 513. I tried to verify, but the only two 'upstairs offices' I could remember only stated that the office was in a 'building.' Example: The dentist, Dr. Turner, was listed as being in the Bassett Building.
Anyway, that would be my 'best' guess.
Inserting: Remembered another upstairs office: Dr. Richard Schmitt, at 437 1/2 Washington St. Think that can serve to confirm our memories.
Nanc ;-)
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RER
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Post by RER on Jun 25, 2006 9:25:45 GMT -5
Hi Nanc....... I think you are right. The half after a numerical address was upstairs of the main address. I recall going to a tailor to have my pants "pegged" that was a fad in the 1950s. The address was a 1/2 of another set of numbers. By the way to refresh minds "pegged" pants was narrowing the bottom of the legs to make them tighter to the ankle for boys. Bell bottoms came in style in the late 60s and part of the 70s. I had forgotten about "pegged" pants until this question came up.
Bob
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Post by richard on Jul 2, 2006 8:29:12 GMT -5
The following is in today's Columbus paper Looking Back Column.
From 1981, Officials of the G. C. Murphy store, a fixture on Washington Street for more than 50 years, announced that the business was forced to close because of high costs.
Today that 415-17 location is home to SIHO Insurance Service.
The accompanying file photo is dated as from the 1960's and shows angle parking on both sides of Washington Street with traffic being southbound.
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Jul 2, 2006 10:09:57 GMT -5
When did they plant the tree's on Washington Street? It certainly looks different through there today. The following is in today's Columbus paper Looking Back Column. From 1981, Officials of the G. C. Murphy store, a fixture on Washington Street for more than 50 years, announced that the business was forced to close because of high costs. Today that 415-17 location is home to SIHO Insurance Service. The accompanying file photo is dated as from the 1960's and shows angle parking on both sides of Washington Street with traffic being southbound.
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Post by David Sechrest on Jul 3, 2006 1:03:06 GMT -5
Ricky, I didn't live in Columbus when the trees were planted, but I really don't think it was all that long ago (relatively speaking).
Maybe the late 1980's? Anyone know for sure?
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Post by David Sechrest on Jul 3, 2006 16:02:06 GMT -5
Ricky, after I scanned the picture in Sunday's Republic, I noticed some of the trees had already been planted. It's very difficult to make this out without viewing an enlargement of the pic. By all indications, it appears the trees hadn't been planted very long when the picture was taken. The picture shows trees on the Washington Street block between 4th and 5th (east side: G. C. Murphy block), but if you study an enlarged view, trees had yet to be planted between 3rd and 4th (Zaharako's street side). At least, I can't make any out. I'm not very good at identifying cars, so I don't know any of the model years of the cars parked along Washington Street. I'm wondering if this picture was taken before 1981. The cars seem older... Also, what in the world is that building just beyond, and in back of, the old First National Bank building?
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jul 5, 2006 16:19:36 GMT -5
Photo from the Indianapolis STAR Magazine, Jan. 14, 1951 Nanc
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jul 5, 2006 16:26:18 GMT -5
This 1918 photo of Washington Street was on a 'newspaper' that I found 'stuck' in the Bartholomew County, Columbus, Indiana, Sesquicentennial 1821 - 1971 booklet. In reading this 'newspaper,' it appears that it 'was reporting' the people who worked on the Sesquicentennial Committee, along with the schedule of events for the celebration. And this was just a featured photo on the front page, of the 4 page 'edition.' Nanc
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Margo CHS Class of 55
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Post by Margo CHS Class of 55 on Jul 9, 2006 11:08:08 GMT -5
Hi to all, and Bob, I could well be 'way off' here-------but my memory says that addresses, such as you mentioned, with the 1/2 following, meant that the business was upstairs over, like say 513. I tried to verify, but the only two 'upstairs offices' I could remember only stated that the office was in a 'building.' Example: The dentist, Dr. Turner, was listed as being in the Bassett Building. Anyway, that would be my 'best' guess. Inserting: Remembered another upstairs office: Dr. Richard Schmitt, at 437 1/2 Washington St. Think that can serve to confirm our memories. Nanc ;-) I can remember very well the many times as a child I climbed the stairs for an appointment with Dr. Schmitt . What a wonderful compassionate man he was !! Later after I married in 1957.. he informed me I was pregnant with our first child ! I will never forget his kindness and the time he spent with Bill and I. You never felt like you were on a " conveyor belt" when you were in his office. Wish I could remember the lady who was his secretary ?? Anyone know?? She was always so kind also.
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Aug 27, 2006 9:26:22 GMT -5
The Cummins bookstore is closed and currently for sale. Take your turn at losing money and preserve this Columbus landmark for a few more years. With the next round of downtown redevelopment taking place it may become a moneymaker! Bob Schwartzkopf is even trying to sell it via Ebay (inventory and fixtures), with the hope that it will be continued at its same historical location. "Cummins Bookstore, a historic store in Columbus Indiana" Item number: 130019157287 cgi.ebay.com/Cummins-Bookstore-a-historic-store-in-Columbus-Indiana_W0QQitemZ130019157287QQcmdZViewItem
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Margo CHS Class of 55
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Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind; it doesn't matter.
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Post by Margo CHS Class of 55 on Aug 28, 2006 14:15:55 GMT -5
Thanks Ricky for this info. I followed it on ebay for a while and sent some messages to Bob hoping someone would purchase it and keep it open here in Columbus. However he did not receive a successful bid before the item ended.
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Post by richard on Sept 17, 2006 11:28:20 GMT -5
This was in the Looking Back column in the local paper today.
The year was 1956 and The Mode Theater building was converted to a shoe store being operated by Collier Shoes with headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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Babs
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Post by Babs on Nov 23, 2006 10:24:18 GMT -5
Good morning to all and a Happy Thanksgiving Day!
This morning's Republic had a nice article about our Cummins Book Store. For your information this 114 year old business is the oldest bookstore in Indiana. Geroge H. Cummins opened the store in 1892 and ran the store for 56 years until he died in 1948.
For those of us who grew up in Columbus, Cummins Book Store is an institution and an icon. Most of us, at one time or another, have been in and out of this store many many times during our lifetime and it has always had a"familiar and homey feeling".
The new ower, Stephanie Harman and her two cats, Oscar and Giovanni, is attempting to bring a few new elements to the store. She reopened on November 3rd and plans to keep the name and much of the decor. She has added softback books, records and VHS videos and she sells art and jewelry produced by local artists. There is now a couch and some chairs so you can go in, set down and relax.
Drop by and check out our "new/old" Cummins Book Store on Washington Street! Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.( Owners: Stephanie Harman and Anna and Randy Scudder.)
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Post by Jim Hinds on Mar 4, 2007 9:21:46 GMT -5
"Also, what in the world is that building just beyond, and in back of, the old First National Bank building?" I', pretty sure that would have been the back side of the old Belvidere Hotel, which was on the north side of 3rd Street (replaced by the Suhre Inn - now the county office building).
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RER
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Post by RER on Mar 4, 2007 10:03:46 GMT -5
Morning Jim & Ref your post:
I think you are right the hotel backside on 3rd Street across from old Jive Kennel and Crump at Post 9. Good find and I didn't notice that.
Jim Said:
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Apr 3, 2007 9:59:37 GMT -5
Columbus Montgomery Ward Store 1950sI believe all of the stores nationwide are closedAt one time they were large nationwide selling just about everything that Sears and JC Penney sold. Research on internet didn't reveal anything about them. Source: 1959 Log Bob
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