Copyrighted LIFE Photos from 1950

[nancs]

In the second photo, I believe the 'employee/salesman' showing wares to the young family, to be Clarence Westermeir, one of the owners. (Not sure IF he was the only owner.) Recently, I heard that his wife, Florence, was still living, and well over 100 years old. Clarence went by the nickname of Westy, and was active in Saddle Club/horse activities. Additionally Westy was skilled at making leather 'horse tack' as a hobby. Later on, Westy had several ponies that he drove as a team in parades and the like. He made all the harnesses for the team, some of you may remember seeing this team with Westy as the driver.

To further make some history connects to Westermeirs. Check out this site: columbusin.proboards34.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=famouspeople&thread=163&page=1 for expanded information about Westy and Florence's daughter, Barbara Stewart.

We would really like to identify the young family pictured, as it seems that they are included in other of the LIFE photos. HELP, please.

Second thought about Westermeir's Hardware store, about in the time frame these LIFE photos were taken, Westermeir's also had a record department, for you youngsters, records were what we had, not CDs, for recorded music, 'back in day.' Joan Spies was in charge of this department prior to her untimely passing. To expand on Joan Spies check out this site link: columbusin.proboards34.com/index.cgi?board=entertainment&action=display&thread=307&page=7, replies # 66-67.

Nanc

Mar 21, 2009 12:09:04 GMT -5 RER said:

Westermeier Hardware Store & Schaefer Mill
1015 3rd Street & 1014 3rd Street ( Mill was corner of California & 3rd)
Columbus, Indiana

Comment: Westermeier store sold a vast amount of products. This included toy shown in the windows, old wringer type clothes washers, stoves, water heaters, kitchen appliances, tools, nuts/bolts, screws and refrigerators. In the background through the window is Schaefer Mill across 3rd Street. I remember the store in the 1940s, 1950s and sometime in 1960s. The store is long gone but memories still float in our minds.

The Schaefer Flour Mill received farmer's grain for processing, storage and shipment by trucks and rail. The railroad track ran across 3rd Street to the downtown connections and back behind Cummins Engine Company. I remember this mill from the 1948 time period until the 1960s.


Time Inc. Photo
images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=columbus+indiana&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcolumbus%2Bindiana%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D525&imgurl=27fe3d951c396f71

Time Inc. Photo
images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=columbus+indiana&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcolumbus%2Bindiana%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D525&imgurl=1efcb4757212238c


The below photo is not a Time Inc/LIFE photo. this photo was taken from the 1959 CHS Log:

Log Photo



Source of picture(s):
Date taken: January 01, 1950
Photographer: Francis Miller © Time Inc.

This black and white photo was take from the Google hosted Time Inc/LIFE Photos Archive. Permission was granted March 16, 2009 to post selected pictures and our discussions relative to the pictures.. Time Inc. approval was given to the Columbus Historical Message board.. The photos are for personal use and not for commercial use per Time Inc.

Pictures URL Link Address (Time Inc Standard): The first picture Linke is: and the 2nd photo Link is:
Temporary Comment: Because the posting procedures must be written (when using Time Inc./LIFE pictures) there are presently only 4 people with the knowledge and compliance requirements on how to post these pictures by Time Inc. standards and approval. If they are not posted properly they must be changed or deleted, until they comply with the procedures. Copyrights are involved and the procedures must be followed. This temporary comment will be deleted after the procedures are written and posted.

[nancs]

Hats off to Ricky, as he has been able to ID the family in the Westermeir Hardware photo------------Vyron Galbraith and family (my 1953 phone book says this family resided at 2003 Central Avenue) which references another LIFE photo, but does make the identification.

Thanks, Ricky, for catching that info, and more importantly, sharing it.

Nanc

[Ricky_Berkey]

Here is one of the very few 1950 pictures in the Life archive with a caption:

"Vyron Galbraith and family standing beside their new car, in front of their home."

Location: Columbus, IN, US
Date taken: 1950
Photographer: Francis Miller
Size: 1268 x 1280 pixels (17.6 x 17.8 inches)

This house is at 2003 Central and is shown in a number of other pictures as well. Vyron Galbraith is listed in the 1947 and the 1950 directory at this address and he is listed as a toolmaker at Noblitt-Sparks. He was not at that address in the 1953 listings. He is shown in several of the factory images and his family is shown in numerous pictures living and shopping.



Picture URL Link Address (Time Inc Standard):
images.google.com/hosted/life/l?imgurl=c963903d3550dcd4&q=galbraith%20%20source

Date taken: January 01, 1950
Photographer: Francis Miller © Time Inc.

This black and white photo was taken from the Google hosted Time Inc/LIFE Photos Archive. Permission was granted March 16, 2009 to post selected pictures and our discussions relative to the pictures.. Time Inc. approval was given to the Columbus Historical Message board.. The photos are for personal use and not for commercial use per Time Inc.

Mar 21, 2009 16:06:05 GMT -5 nancs said:

We would really like to identify the young family pictured, as it seems that they are included in other of the LIFE photos. HELP, please.

[RER]

Ricky that was a great research effort you made on the Mr. Vyron Galbraith and family. All of us had no clue who the man and family were in all those pictures.

Now, we know at least his name and what he did. Also, you did good on the posting too.

Thanks again.

[RER]

Joseph Irwin Miller Irwin's Bank
Very Young Age Irwin's Bank 1940s & Early 1950s
Columbus, Indiana

Life Details: Born May 26, 1909 & deceased August 19, 2004

Note: Sign of wall says Irwin's Bank. He may have been around 40 years old or younger in this picture.



Pictures URL Link Address (Time Inc Standard): images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=columbus+indiana&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcolumbus%2Bindiana%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D525&imgurl=4016bf93c758e98c

Source of picture(s):
Date taken: January 01, 1950
Photographer: Francis Miller © Time Inc.

This black and white photo was take from the Google hosted Time Inc/LIFE Photos Archive. Permission was granted March 16, 2009 to post selected pictures and our discussions relative to the pictures.. Time Inc. approval was given to the Columbus Historical Message board.. The photos are for personal use and not for commercial use per Time Inc.

[RER]

Reliance Manufacturing Company
North Washington Street (near Coke Cola plant)
Columbus, Indiana

Comment: I have asked George and Richard and they seem to agree with these pictures being the company above. They made clothing and shirts of the past. This company operated in the 1940s and 1950s and closed at an unknown date. To our knowledge this was the only shirt factory in Columbus during those years. If we are incorrect on this picture we will change it.

Question: Can anyone identify anyone in the pictures? Also, does anyone have more details about the company?



Pictures URL Link Address (Time Inc Standard): images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=columbus+indiana&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcolumbus%2Bindiana%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D525&imgurl=95057508fd2adf21



Pictures URL Link Address (Time Inc Standard): images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=columbus+indiana&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcolumbus%2Bindiana%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D525&imgurl=7e3077873c55df4b

Source of picture(s):
Date taken: January 01, 1950
Photographer: Francis Miller © Time Inc.

This black and white photo was take from the Google hosted Time Inc/LIFE Photos Archive. Permission was granted March 16, 2009 to post selected pictures and our discussions relative to the pictures.. Time Inc. approval was given to the Columbus Historical Message board.. The photos are for personal use and not for commercial use per Time Inc.

[RER]

Columbus Police Department 1950
City Hall Area Corner of 5th & Franklin Streets
Columbus, Indiana

Comment: My uncle worked on the police force and Operation Life during his years with the force. He told me once they used to move business money around town at times. Apparently, in this photo they are moving bags of money in a 1949 Ford. Nanc has mention that the police force had a yellow police car during that period and this might just be it.

If anyone knows the two policemen in the picture please post it. The First Christian Church is pictured in the far right. Left over roof of vehicle you can see the tip top of the Boys Club, that is now the Columbus Visitor Center.

UPDATE: Assumptions Of Pictures: . Richard, Nanc, George, my brother and I agree the money bags could be money collected from downtown parking meters, because the police would collect the money in each meter. Several board members and guest have said the policeman on the right is Clinton O'Neal. I will update any picture posted with the assumptions and guesses the folks come forward with. I would really like folks to post their on guesses though.




Pictures URL Link Address (Time Inc Standard): images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=columbus+indiana&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcolumbus%2Bindiana%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D525&imgurl=fc8a66301475857c

Source of picture(s):
Date taken: January 01, 1950
Photographer: Francis Miller © Time Inc.

This black and white photo was take from the Google hosted Time Inc/LIFE Photos Archive. Permission was granted March 16, 2009 to post selected pictures and our discussions relative to the pictures.. Time Inc. approval was given to the Columbus Historical Message board.. The photos are for personal use and not for commercial use per Time Inc.

[RER]

Cummins Engine Company
Early Plant 1940s & Early 1950
Located end of Union Street
Columbus, Indiana

Comments: There are many pictures of Cummins on the inside & we will post a few examples of action type pictures and employees working their daily routines. More comments are below the pictures.




Pictures URL Link Address (Time Inc Standard): images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=columbus+indiana&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcolumbus%2Bindiana%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D525&imgurl=cb8dcfe1394e05b0]




Pictures URL Link Address (Time Inc Standard): images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=columbus+indiana&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcolumbus%2Bindiana%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D525&imgurl=28dea4b88d6abcf5


More Comments: My father worked at Cummins starting in 1940 and worked there 38 years and retired. The 2nd picture reminds me of the plant area at the end of Union Street where he worked. Another friend worked in the 2nd picture and operated the ceiling crane.

In a friends own words (Quote): "Note the overhead crane in this picture. I ran that crane from Friday, April 13, 1962 until sometime in 1965. I could look it up but what the heck! I then ran it after I went into the toolroom in 1968, when the operator was off. This occurred until they took them out."

"This view to looking west in Building #7 and if you look close you can see an operator in the 2 crane. The crane nearest the camera was a 30 ton and the one on the west end was a 15 ton crane."

They ran V-12 and the L blocks and parts in this department. Both blocks/engines went to Locomotives, Boats, pumping stations and other applications. Up there the temp was around 93 degrees all year." (End Quote)


Source of picture(s):
Date taken: January 01, 1950
Photographer: Francis Miller © Time Inc.

This black and white photo was take from the Google hosted Time Inc/LIFE Photos Archive. Permission was granted March 16, 2009 to post selected pictures and our discussions relative to the pictures.. Time Inc. approval was given to the Columbus Historical Message board.. The photos are for personal use and not for commercial use per Time Inc.

[RER]

Arvin Industry
Located on Central Street & 17th and Other Streets
Columbus, Indiana


Comment: Arvin Industry made and sold furniture of the 1950s and earlier. Here this picture shows the warehouse of furniture. The box being marked is dinette sets to be shipped to Puerto Rico, so it says on the box when enlarged. Arvins made radios, televisions, furniture, car parts and many more items.



Pictures URL Link Address (Time Inc Standard): images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=columbus+indiana&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcolumbus%2Bindiana%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D525&imgurl=9a6be71378770866



Pictures URL Link Address (Time Inc Standard): images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=columbus+indiana&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcolumbus%2Bindiana%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D525&imgurl=db1853906074b76c

Source of picture(s):
Date taken: January 01, 1950
Photographer: Francis Miller © Time Inc.

This black and white photo was take from the Google hosted Time Inc/LIFE Photos Archive. Permission was granted March 16, 2009 to post selected pictures and our discussions relative to the pictures.. Time Inc. approval was given to the Columbus Historical Message board.. The photos are for personal use and not for commercial use per Time Inc.

[RER]

Union Sales Corporation
Corporate location corner East 3rd & Washington Street (301 Washington Street)
Columbus, Indiana

Historical Comment: Joseph I. Irwin started Union Starch and Refining Company, Columbus Indiana in 1904. Son William Glanton Irwin joined his father in business in 1889. In a very short time he assumed management responsibilities for many companies and investments. Joining his father they entered into the Union Starch and Refining Company in 1904. They also started Union Sales Corporation related to the Columbus Pennant food products.

Years later after graduating from Yale and completing a period in the Army Mr. J. Irwin Miller took over the leadership of the company, among other business as we are aware. This was around the late part of the 1940s.

Below J. Irwin Miller is holding and viewing a can of Pennant Maple Syrup made by the above named company.

Time Inc/LIFE picture

Pictures URL Link Address (Time Inc Standard): images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=columbus+indiana&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcolumbus%2Bindiana%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D525&imgurl=e2afb0ff0e3f3a16


I recall that my grandmother and mother used Reddi Starch on clothing and we used Pennant Syrup on pancakes and french toast. Marshmal-O-Creme was good out of the jar. Union Starch and Refining Company, Inc. made Reddi Starch and Union Sales Corporation (same ownership) made the food items mentioned.

Log picture 1945



Source of picture(s):
Date taken: January 01, 1950
Photographer: Francis Miller © Time Inc.

This black and white photo was take from the Google hosted Time Inc/LIFE Photos Archive. Permission was granted March 16, 2009 to post selected pictures and our discussions relative to the pictures.. Time Inc. approval was given to the Columbus Historical Message board.. The photos are for personal use and not for commercial use per Time Inc.

[RER]

Shall We Ride The Token Bus For A Tour?

The Leppert Bus Lines (1950s)
Columbus, Indiana

First, you have to have or buy the Leppert tokens. You had to pay at least one token or 5 cents. George said you could buy them 5 for a quarter.

The below picture jogged my mind about bus service in Columbus; however I was very young and don't know when the city had the earliest bus service. The bus service I used to go to town from 15th Street was in the very early 1950s. It turned around near Marr Road or 17th Street, and went back down toward the hospital on various streets. My brother and I used the bus to go to movies, roller rink or to go down on the main streets to shop or just look around. Most families had one car and very few kids had a car. WOW, we just passed a lot of 1930 and 1940 cars parked. Did you see that old Nash on the left parked? Look, now we are passing Vogue Furniture and Sap's Bakery on the left. Wish I had a dime for some donuts. We are approaching the popcorn and nut stand on the left side corner at 5th Street. You can get an Ice Cream for a dime or a popcorn there for a nickle. There is Neal Paint Store and I heard that is where kids buy paint tubes to paint those CHS cord pants with colored pictures.

Now, I suppose many CHS students and grade school kids rode the Leppert system. CHS students could ride I guess for the downtown roller rink, movies, CHS dances, events and sports in the Pearl Street Gym etc.

Bus Token

The Ride (between 5th & 6th Street):

Kings Taxi service on tail of bus.



Pictures URL Link Address (Time Inc Standard): images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=columbus+indiana&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcolumbus%2Bindiana%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D525&imgurl=6696ed53ddfa24ce

Time Inc. Picture

Pictures URL Link Address (Time Inc Standard): images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=columbus+indiana&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcolumbus%2Bindiana%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D525&imgurl=74978321329a398a

Source of picture(s):
Date taken: January 01, 1950
Photographer: Francis Miller © Time Inc.

This black and white photo was take from the Google hosted Time Inc/LIFE Photos Archive. Permission was granted March 16, 2009 to post selected pictures and our discussions relative to the pictures.. Time Inc. approval was given to the Columbus Historical Message board.. The photos are for personal use and not for commercial use per Time Inc.

[RER]

Family Walking From or To Work 1940s & 1950s
Location: On 5th Street Columbus, Indiana ( Passing Washington Street)

This family appears to have walked past Washington Street on 5th Street . In the background you can see City Hall and the First Christian Church tower. Notice: On the right is the fire escape stairs for the St. Denis Hotel that was installed after a Fire per George. The ole long gone Irwin Union Bank clock below the ladder is shown. George has further said they appear to have past by the Columbus Milling Company.

UPDATE: I had it wrong the first post until Nanc, my brother and George insisted I re-check the photo and they were right. I have changed the wording. Thanks to all my friends for emailing me with the correct information.

Additional Comment: Notice the father is holding his lunch pail. Most working folks took their food to work in either a pail like that one or a brown paper sack like the lady is holding. These folks are dressed like most working people dressed during those days. I can picture in my mind my brother and I dressed the same as the young boy in the picture. We wore boots like the two guys in those days. Ours were bought at A. Tross on Washington Street.



Pictures URL Link Address (Time Inc Standard): images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=columbus+indiana&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcolumbus%2Bindiana%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D525&imgurl=6decbd1270d6bdbe

Source of picture(s):
Date taken: January 01, 1950
Photographer: Francis Miller © Time Inc.

This black and white photo was take from the Google hosted Time Inc/LIFE Photos Archive. Permission was granted March 16, 2009 to post selected pictures and our discussions relative to the pictures.. Time Inc. approval was given to the Columbus Historical Message board.. The photos are for personal use and not for commercial use per Time Inc.

[RER]

Reeves Pulley Company
7th Street
Years 1940s & Early 1950s
Columbus, Indiana

Inside the plant and you can read the metal pulley system on the item being processed in this picture. Reeves is long gone and closed and was instrumental from the late 1800 through the better part of the 1900 for steady employment for Columbus residents. They helped Columbus Indiana's economy during the Great Depression as did other companies in the city. When I research the files of pattens it amazes me the vast amount they had obtained on various mechanical things.

The system below looks like the early Reeves Clutch & Belt Power Transmission System that was used in very early "Autocars; however it probably isn't." If you go to the Reeves Pulley other site within this Historical Message Board you will find a system and picture almost like this one.




Pictures URL Link Address (Time Inc Standard): images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=site:tbn0.google.com+columbus+indiana&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsite:tbn0.google.com%2Bcolumbus%2Bindiana%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D42&imgurl=28e01272c3a66aab


Source of picture(s):
Date taken: January 01, 1950
Photographer: Francis Miller © Time Inc.

This black and white photo was take from the Google hosted Time Inc/LIFE Photos Archive. Permission was granted March 16, 2009 to post selected pictures and our discussions relative to the pictures.. Time Inc. approval was given to the Columbus Historical Message board.. The photos are for personal use and not for commercial use per Time Inc.

[RER]

Interesting Brooks Brothers Sheetmetal & Furnaces Business
Located at 519 4th Street (East side of Franklin on 4th)
Columbus, Indiana

Reference of Search: The First Christian Church tower is in the background, so it had to be downtown. We lived at the end of Union until 1950 and I walked to the first Lincoln School at 2nd and Franklin. It would not have been on 5th or 6th Street, nor Lafayette nor Washington. I am going to guess it was on 4th Street area. I might step out and say almost the corner of 4th and Franklin East of Palms Cafe. In fact it looks like where my grandfather had a blacksmith shop at one time. What is your guess board members? Keep in mind this business was there before 1950 because the picture is identified January 1950.

UPDATE: Nanc found the address of the company and it was 519 4th Street.



Pictures URL Link Address (Time Inc Standard): images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=columbus+indiana&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcolumbus%2Bindiana%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D525&imgurl=f4519f7a388daeb4



Pictures URL Link Address (Time Inc Standard): images.google.com/hosted/life/l?imgurl=989dae910ed094db&q=site:tbn0.google.com%20columbus%20indiana&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsite:tbn0.google.com%2Bcolumbus%2Bindiana%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D105

Source of picture(s):
Date taken: January 01, 1950
Photographer: Francis Miller © Time Inc.

This black and white photo was take from the Google hosted Time Inc/LIFE Photos Archive. Permission was granted March 16, 2009 to post selected pictures and our discussions relative to the pictures.. Time Inc. approval was given to the Columbus Historical Message board.. The photos are for personal use and not for commercial use per Time Inc.

[RER]

Bartholomew County Courthouse Tower Modifications
Corner of 3rd & Washington Street
Columbus, Indiana

Tower History Brief: The Bartholomew County courthouse was built from 1870 to 1874 by McCormack and Sweeney of Columbus at a cost of $225,000. It was designed by architect Isaac Hodgson, who was born in Belfast, Ireland in 1826 and immigrated to the United States in 1848; he designed six Indiana courthouses.

When it was originally built the tower top areas were large pieces of river slate and decorative wood and other materials as shown in the first picture below. River slate (shale) can be found around Indiana and even in Columbus at Hawcreek in smaller amounts. Slate is a fine-grained layered rock used in the older times as roofing material. Please note that repairmen are working on the tower in late 1949 on into the first month of 1950.

Sometime during the late 1950s or early 1960s the slate roof was replaced with sheeted cooper. The second picture below shows the discolored cooper in green. Cooper oxidizes and turns light green from oxygen exposure. In the second picture you will notice the decorative fancy trim has been removed around the clock. Historically, the tower has had to have many repairs to retain it's beauty.

Question: If any board member knows the date of the cooper sheets being placed on the tower, please reveal you knowledge so we can insert it into this post. Thank you .

Courthouse History Brief: Bartholomew County was formed February 12, 1821 and was named for Lt. Col. Joseph Bartholomew, wounded at the Battle of Tippecanoe. The site of the county seat was chosen on February 15, 1821 by a team of Indiana commissioners.

Time Inc. Photo

Pictures URL Link Address (Time Inc Standard): images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=columbus+indiana&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcolumbus%2Bindiana%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D525&imgurl=9e9292b32c7b4f36



File Photo


Source of picture(s):
Date taken: January 01, 1950
Photographer: Francis Miller © Time Inc.
This black and white photo was take from the Google hosted Time Inc/LIFE Photos Archive. Permission was granted March 16, 2009 to post selected pictures and our discussions relative to the pictures.. Time Inc. approval was given to the Columbus Historical Message board.. The photos are for personal use and not for commercial use per Time Inc.

2nd Colored Picture: This is not a Time Inc/LIFE picture

[David Sechrest]

Bob, you are doing an excellent job in posting this wonderful piece of Columbus history. Keep it up!

Although these pictures are denoted as being "taken on January 1, 1950," I think that's most likely a generic date someone picked. I have a feeling these pictures were taken over a period of days or possibly years.

The two movies mentioned on the marquee of the Mode: The Inspector General (1949) and Farewell To Arms (Gary Cooper, 1932). The Inspector General, starring Danny Kaye, was released on December 31, 1949. Is is likely that a town the size of Columbus would get a first run "A" picture the day after it was released by the studios? Very possibly, and this fact will be very easy to find out.

Who knows how many times A Farewell To Arms might have played the Mode. Since the Gary Cooper version came out in 1932, I'm sure it made the rounds on more than one occasion.

Also, I swear I saw a '52 to '54 car in one of the pictures. I think it was in one of the pics taken around the old A&P.

The historical perspective of these pictures outweighs this moot point that I bring up. But I have the feeling that Francis Miller may have made several trips to Columbus over a period of time.

[nancs]

I know nothing about the roof, but do know about the clock----my dad, Charlie Stevens, was a watchmaker/clock repair person at J. W. O'Bryan's, working there for 28 years, until we moved to CA in 1952. My dad was responsible for keeping the courthouse clock in running order for many years. According to a notation my mom made in one of her 'Columbus history type' books-------on Halloween my dad would 'play tricks' with the courthouse clock so it chimed 'incorrectly.'

Nanc

Mar 23, 2009 10:22:45 GMT -5 RER said:

Bartholomew County Courthouse Tower Modifications
Corner of 3rd & Washington Street
Columbus, Indiana

Tower History Brief: The Bartholomew County courthouse was built from 1870 to 1874 by McCormack and Sweeney of Columbus at a cost of $225,000. It was designed by architect Isaac Hodgson, who was born in Belfast, Ireland in 1826 and immigrated to the United States in 1848; he designed six Indiana courthouses.

When it was originally built the tower top areas were large pieces of river slate and decorative wood and other materials as shown in the first picture below. River slate (shale) can be found around Indiana and even in Columbus at Hawcreek in smaller amounts. Slate is a fine-grained layered rock used in the older times as roofing material. Please note that repairmen are working on the tower in late 1949 on into the first month of 1950.

Sometime during the late 1950s or early 1960s the slate roof was replaced with sheeted cooper. The second picture below shows the discolored cooper in green. Cooper oxidizes and turns light green from oxygen exposure. In the second picture you will notice the decorative fancy trim has been removed around the clock. Historically, the tower has had to have many repairs to retain it's beauty.

Question: If any board member knows the date of the cooper sheets being placed on the tower, please reveal you knowledge so we can insert it into this post. Thank you .

Courthouse History Brief: Bartholomew County was formed February 12, 1821 and was named for Lt. Col. Joseph Bartholomew, wounded at the Battle of Tippecanoe. The site of the county seat was chosen on February 15, 1821 by a team of Indiana commissioners.

Time Inc. Photo
images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=columbus+indiana&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcolumbus%2Bindiana%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D525&imgurl=9e9292b32c7b4f36


File Photo


Source of picture(s):
Date taken: January 01, 1950
Photographer: Francis Miller © Time Inc.
This black and white photo was take from the Google hosted Time Inc/LIFE Photos Archive. Permission was granted March 16, 2009 to post selected pictures and our discussions relative to the pictures.. Time Inc. approval was given to the Columbus Historical Message board.. The photos are for personal use and not for commercial use per Time Inc.

Pictures URL Link Address (Time Inc Standard):
2nd Colored Picture: This is not a Time Inc/LIFE picture

Temporary Comment: Because the posting procedures must be written (when using Time Inc./LIFE pictures) there are presently only 4 people with the knowledge and compliance requirements on how to post these pictures by Time Inc. standards and approval. If they are not posted properly they must be changed or deleted, until they comply with the procedures. Copyrights are involved and the procedures must be followed. This temporary comment will be deleted after the procedures are written and posted.

[RER]

A Great View of Short 6th Street Across Washington Street
The picture is taken from a Furniture Store zooming across Washington Street
Columbus, Indiana


Furniture Store Name: Banner-Whitehill, Inc. at 631 Washington Street. Nanc (an active board member) found that store name. Now, George says it is Buchanan & Jones Furniture Store. Nanc thinks George is correct. Knowing George he probably hit the nail on the head. Ricky posted this: Banner-Whitehill was at 631 Washington and Buchanan &-Jones was at 611 Washington. They were both in that same block during that time frame.

Comment: From inside a furniture display store looking South West at angle (maybe near future Sears sometime in during 1953). Close to the East corner of 7th Street and looking at an angle toward short 6th Street is the DX Gas Station. At the end of that short street was Dr Seal my family dentist.

Comment: The DX Gas Station was beside the Super A&P Grocery Store

Time Inc. Picture

Picture URL Link Address (Time Inc Standard): images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=columbus+indiana&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcolumbus%2Bindiana%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D525&imgurl=8a1da9a09052bbbd


Source of picture(s):
Date taken: January 01, 1950
Photographer: Francis Miller © Time Inc.

This black and white photo was take from the Google hosted Time Inc/LIFE Photos Archive. Permission was granted March 16, 2009 to post selected pictures and our discussions relative to the pictures.. Time Inc. approval was given to the Columbus Historical Message board.. The photos are for personal use and not for commercial use per Time Inc.

[David Sechrest]

I love the pictures with the old A&P on the right. To me, this picture says so much about what downtown Columbus was once. And this A&P was not just your "run of the mill" grocery store when it first opened up. It was called a "Super Store."

The A&P opened its doors at this downtown address on Tuesday, December 16, 1941, for a special two hour open house. The half page ad in Monday's Evening Republican stated "We're having a preview of Columbus' new A&P "Food Department Store" Tuesday night. Nothing will be sold. Just come in, browse around, and see what we mean when we say "it's one of Indiana's finest food shops."

Here's what the Evening Republican had to say about it: "The Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company will present its new supermarket at 608 Washington St. for public inspection at 7 o'clock Tuesday night and will begin business in the new location on Wednesday morning it was announced today by J. A. Lindgren Jr., vice president of the Indianapolis area A&P stores. In the ceremony tomorrow night, Mayor Fred C. Owens will cut the ribbon opening the main entrance. Several of the A&P officials will be here for the affair. The company will continue to do business in the old location at Sixth and Washington Streets through tomorrow. Describing the new supermarket or self service food store, as the most modern, streamlined vehicle for food retailing. Mr. Lindgren pointed out several of the new features in the store. The room will occupy approximately 10,000 sq. ft. of floor space. The building is so constructed that there are no posts to obstruct the view or hinder the shopping. It will contain five complete stores with departments for dairy products, meats, produce, groceries and baked goods. The new market is designed and laid out with wide aisles for the convenience of the shoppings. It is furnished completely with new equipment of the latest designs. The meat department with new white refrigeration units extends completely across the rear of the store. The dairy products department with new refrigeration cases is on the south side of the room. Spotted on the ceiling every few feet are large fluorescent lighting units. The spacious room is heated with gas. A public address system is installed in the store for use in announcing specials sales items. Work on the construction of the new buildings was completed a few days ago and since then employees have been busy getting ready for the opening. There will be no selling of merchandise tomorrow night but a number of food demonstrations will be put on. Located along the north side of the building, free parking space is provided for the store's customers. Mr. Lindgren also announced that Harley Stotts, manager of the old store, would be in charge of the new market." (The Evening Republican, 12/15/1941)

The A&P was the first to bring a "supermarket" to Columbus. Kroger competition wasn't very far away, however. Kroger was located almost directly across the street, on the northeast corner of Sixth and Washington (wait a minute. Did Kroger ever move locations prior to moving to the 25th Street location? At one time, were they located somewhere around 2nd Street on Washington?). But Kroger lacked many of the new "shopping conveniences" of this new A&P. One was size. Parking was also an issue for the store. Just maybe Kroger shoppers now parked at the new A&P parking lot, huh?

There's another picture I ran across in the Miller collection that sort of ties in with this: It's nothing more than a picture of a sign in a window stating that Standard Grocery would soon be moving to town. There's no picture of the building, but by the looks of the window, it sure looks like the Standard Grocery that would be just a couple of blocks north of this new A&P. At this point, I still don't know when the "new" Standard Grocery opened its doors.

Back to the A&P...I frequented the place quite a bit in the 1960's. In the 1970's, an old boss of mine from Standard took over. I'd stop in and see him when I was in town. From there, he moved over to the old IGA on Central Ave.

Standard Grocery, IGA, Marsh, and Kroger were all in the process of playing catch-up to A&P's design. It wouldn't be too many years before Kroger took a bold step and moved out into the suburbs...all the way out to 25th Street. Both Marsh and Jay-C Foods had places in East Columbus. It's kind of funny: after all these years, the old Marsh store, after going through many different names, is back to being Marsh again. Jay-C Foods was located on the corner of Center and State Street (in the building Yellowbrick Road is today). Somewhere between 1963 and 1965, Jay-C Foods moved into a new shopping center about a block west of its Center and State location. Hooks Drugs, at one time one of the largest drug store chains in the state of Indiana followed suit and opened up next to them (Hooks Drugs was where the Dollar place is today).

I found photos of the interior of what is most likely this A&P in the Miller Collection as well. What timepieces these are! Men in white aprons. The old cash registers. Anyone notice the bottles of BARQ's colas? What great nostalgia![/size]

Now some pictures I've located:




This photo was taken around 1924. It shows Washington Street from 7th, looking south. The immediate right side would be where the new A&P would be built some 17 years later. It's hard to make out the buildings in this block and I think I can barely make out a building just northwest of the corner of Sixth and Washington. I wonder if this is the "old" A&P that was used before the new one opened. And, as par for the course, I'm uncertain as to when the Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company first moved to Columbus.


This was the Kroger location at 6th and Washington.

[Deleted]

Bob,

I think the store that you looking for in post 60 is Buchanan & Jones.