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Post by David Sechrest on Jul 23, 2013 9:25:27 GMT -5
Two notices regarding swine...
From the Columbus Daily Evening Republican, September 17, 1874:
The old sow alluded to in the Republican some time ago is no more. She committed suicide about three weeks ago after lifting a gate out of its moorings and walking into a nice front yard on the corner of Harrison (Fifth) and Mechanics (Lafayette) Streets, where she received a ball through the heart and died without a squeal. In remembrance of her past deeds, she was taken to the glue factory and converted into glue to make amends for her many breakages. All honor is due the shootist.
From the Evening Republican, January 26, 1880:
City Marshal Cleve Rodgers gives notice that from and after this date, he will take up and impound all hogs found running at large in the city limits without being ringed as provided for by an ordinance of the city council. There are altogether too many hogs running at large in the city to say nothing of those that are not ringed, the latter of which do considerable damage to the streets and sidewalks by rooting. Owners of hogs running at large will do well to heed this notice and either ring their swine or keep them up, for beside the city ordinance, public opinion will uphold the marshal in the discharge of his duty and people whose hogs are impounded should not complain if they have to pay the legal costs.
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Post by David Sechrest on Jul 23, 2013 9:55:28 GMT -5
From the Columbus Daily Evening Republican, October 15, 1874:
A Terrible Tragedy On last Tuesday afternoon during recess at our public school, Will Stansifer, son of Mr. S. Stansifer, and Milton Mothershead son of Dr. F. M. Mothershead, got into a fight and young Stansifer threw a brickbat at young Mothershead, striking him on the back of the head, which knocked him down. After Milton had fallen, it is said he quivered like a leaf for a moment, but finally recovered and went into the schoolhouse, and took his seat as usual. Young Stansifer became frightened at what he had done, left the playgrounds, and did not return to the schoolhouse. Young Mothershead remained in the schoolroom perhaps a half an hour when he took sick at the stomach and asked permission to go home, which was granted. He had not more than reached home until he became very sick, and soon sank into a stupor and was speechless. The family became alarmed and Drs. Grove and Arwine were sent for, but on their arrival, the boy was found to be beyond restoration, and he died at a quarter before 8 o’clock. This is one of the saddest affairs that has ever taken place in our city, and has cast a gloom over every household. Milton was a bright and promising boy, about 15 years old, and was the pride of his parents, there being but four children in the family—two sisters and a younger brother. This is a terrible blow to the parents, who alone can fully appreciate so sudden and so unexpected a death of a favorite child. Truly, “in the midst of life we are in death.” The grief in the family of Mr. Stansifer is as great, if such be possible, as in the family of Mr. Mothershead, as there is no relief or consolation to either, and we can only hope that our city may never have a repetition of such a terrible tragedy in all time to come. The funeral will take place from their residence just north of the city this afternoon at 2 o’clock.
Both the Stansifer and Mothershead families were well known (and liked) by Columbus residents. Col. Simeon Stansifer was an attorney. He began practicing law upon arriving in Columbus in 1851. He was one of the most prominent lawyers in Bartholomew County, if not the State of Indiana. MacCormack & Sweeney hired Stansifer to represent their interests after their Pallas Theater was destroyed by fire in February, 1879. Their losses amounted to $35,000. The building was insured for $10,375 through 6 different insurance companies. The insurance companies stated they would rather see the Pallas rebuilt instead of having to pay on the policies. Negotiation between the parties involved broke down with Col. Stansifer filing suit against the Royal Fire Association and the British American Insurance Company. Nine months after the fire, the case was settled out of court. The two insurance companies agreed to pay the amount, plus all costs associated with the case.
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Post by David Sechrest on Jul 26, 2013 15:04:32 GMT -5
Here is a pretty remarkable story. This was printed in the Evening Republican newspaper, November 14, 1887:
"While attending the general soldiers' reunion at Columbus, Indiana, we had quite a conversation with William D. Lee, a mulatto, 89 years old, and a half brother to the rebel General, Robert E. Lee. This man is a perfect picture of General Lee. He was born in Woodstock, Shenandoah County, Virginia, and the initial letter "D" of his name is in honor of his father. The Lees lived in Leesburg and Daniel Lee came to Woodstock regularly to attend court. William Lee's mother did washing for Daniel Lee. For a colored man born 89 years ago, Mr. Lee is quite intelligent. His mother was a free woman. Speaking of his father he said, "Mother said he was my father ever since I could remember. I never called him father, he was too big a man for that. I wouldn't be allowed to do that either. I used to play with Robert--not much though. A black man got licked for telling him I was his brother. They would not let me go there any more. It was quite a way over to Lee's place anyhow--but father used to always give me money if he saw me and so I went over pretty often." Mr. Lee lives in North Vernon, Indiana, and is well known."
None of the editorial staff at the time ever questioned William D. Lee's claim. As popular and prominent a figure as Gen. Robert E. Lee was, you would think that someone would have recognized this story as a complete fabrication. Then again, I guess it is possible that this was nothing more than an "inside joke" at the time it was printed, leaving us to wonder and scratch our heads over it some 145 years later.
Robert E. Lee's father was Henry Lee III, aka Light-Horse Harry Lee.
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Post by David Sechrest on Aug 20, 2013 18:10:06 GMT -5
Remember the discussions (and pictures) a while back about that group of temperance ladies in front of the saloon on Third Street? As I did my research for the Crump book, I carried with me a notebook, and noted dates and events that I want to go back and explore. Here is one of those notes.
March 26, 1874: Mr. Friedgen was out with his camera taking a view of the ladies while assembled in front of Maynard's Saloon yesterday.
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Post by David Sechrest on Sept 21, 2013 10:35:53 GMT -5
From The Evening Republican, February 21, 1891:
Sheriff William C. Smith at the east court house door today, sold all the real estate of Samuel Hege in this city and county to satisfy judgment in favor of Joseph I. Irwin and P. H. McCormack. The property thus sold will amount to at least $60,000. This is the largest sale of this kind that has been made here for years. The real estate was first offered in parcels and then as a whole. Messrs. Irwin and McCormack were the purchasers.
Samuel Hege owned a contracting business in Columbus (Hege and Company). Hege, Mathis, and Company did the interior work on Francis J. Crump's Opera House (1872). Also, the company was awarded the Crump Theatre's first major renovation (1920). These two jobs are a drop in the bucket of the work Hege & Co. undertook in the city of Columbus. At this time, I do not know why such a judgment was levied against Hege, but I intend on finding out in the coming months.
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Post by David Sechrest on Sept 21, 2013 12:11:44 GMT -5
From The Evening Republican, February 17, 1891:
It is known as Maple Grove and has been platted and the lots in it placed in the market. George W. Caldwell and B. M. Hutchins have purchased in this addition thirty-two lots, and each contracted with the firm of Hege & Co. for a fine two-story dwelling to be erected in this addition. In this addition, there is but little choice in lots if any. The streets and sidewalks will all be graded and graveled and shade trees planted. An effort will be made to have water extended to this new addition. There has been a number of lots sold to other parties who will erect residences there this season.
*Maple Grove (roughly) included the area of 6th to 10th Streets and everything east of Wilson Street to the Haw Creek. Maple Grove school (later known as Garfield) would be built in 1896. Maple Grove was incorporated into the city limits a few months after this announcement, as was the newly platted Orinoco subdivision.
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Post by David Sechrest on Sept 21, 2013 12:13:55 GMT -5
From The Evening Republican, January 1, 1891:
Forty-one years ago, today, Joseph I. Irwin began his mercantile career in Columbus. He, with W. A. Hamilton, bought a small stock of goods of John B. Abbott & Son, at the corner of Washington and Fourth Streets, where Snyder's store is. Two years before that, Gen. Bussey, now assistant Secretary of the Interior, was selling goods with his father at the same place. Since then Mr. Irwin has made four removals. His longest stay was at 327 Washington Street. He bought that ground from Francis J. Crump, November 1, 1859 for six hundred dollars. He bought stone, brick and lumber the same day and commenced the building, completing it March 1, 1860. He remained in that room until 1882 when he removed to his present quarters, corner Washington and Third streets. The same methods that brought success to Mr. Irwin will bring success to others. His motto has been: "Spend less than you make." This will enable a man or woman to have something laid by for a rainy day. It may also, as in Mr. Irwin's case, give them means with which to assist others in business ventures.
During the course of writing my book on the Crump Theatre, I ran across an entry in a 1905 edition of the Evening Republican about the Gem Theatre, and its location "south of Zaharako's and inside the Irwin building." Zaharako's address is/was 329 Washington Street. For a brief moment, I wondered if that particular Irwin building might have been his bank building at the corner of Third and Washington Streets. Then I remembered this article and looked it up to verify the Gem Theatre's true location. The Gem opened for business, Saturday, November 11, 1905, and was, indeed, at 327 Washington Street. The Gem wasn't around very long. It relocated in early 1906 to another part of downtown, shortly disappearing altogether after the move. In 1907, H. C. Russell, an Indianapolis native, came to Columbus. On September 30, 1907, he opened his Theatorium [theater] at that same 327 Washington Street address.
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Post by David Sechrest on Sept 21, 2013 12:57:33 GMT -5
A brief history of 3 buildings at the southeast corner of Third & Washington. 1849. Francis J. Crump erects a business district in Columbus known as Commercial Row (east side of Washington Street, across from present day Courthouse). There is a humorous story about the construction of the original Commercial Row. Francis had contracted with James Hall to do the brickwork. The contract stated that Mr. Crump would furnish everything on the ground. When Hall began laying brick, Francis had a well dug so Hall would have water for mixing up the mortar. Hall became obstinate about the fact that the contract stated Francis would furnish everything on the ground and the water was at the bottom of the well. So Francis hired a man to pump water for Hall, as he positively refused to do it himself. March 10, 1881. Francis J. Crump announces his portion of "Commercial Row" is to be rebuilt. F. J. Crump hires architect L. L. Levering to draw up a sketch of the building. It is displayed in Storey's Book Store. F. J. Crump will die in April, and never see the final result. October 27, 1881. Mrs. J. B. Cobb announces her intent to erect a new building on her property (located south of [then] John Crump's building in photo). She will build it as F. J. Crump had wished, staying true to the design of architect L. L. Levering. January 16, 1882. L. L. Levering begins drawing up plans and specifications for a new Commercial Row. Estimated cost is $15,000 and plans will be ready for contractors in roughly 3 weeks. February 14, 1882. Work begins on the demolition of John Crump's part (inherited in his father's estate). "This will not be a remodeled house at least so far as my portion is concerned, for the walls will be torn down and a new building entire from the ground to the roof will be erected in its stead." * John Crump also utilizes the services of L. L. Levering. March 3, 1882. John Crump contracts with John Adams of Madison, Indiana to provide the galvanized iron work, which will grace the 2nd floor. April 18, 1882. Bids for Crump's new building are opened. The firm of Keller & Brockman are low bid at $8,098.00. April 20, 1882. L. L. Levering announces his contract for establishing the new Schwartzkopf/Keith building. (building at left in photo). Work will commence once work on Crump's building is finished. Both the Crump and Cobb buildings opened in late 1882. The Schwartzkopf building was completed in early 1883. These are the buildings we see today. *from the Daily Evening Republican, 2-14,1882 picture from The Republic archive
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Post by David Sechrest on Sept 27, 2013 16:15:56 GMT -5
The Mad Stone. While at the Library this afternoon, going through copies of the Evening Republican from 1891, I happened upon a story about a Mad Stone. Here's the news article: Mrs. Columbus Smith, of Seymour, arrived in the city this morning with her six-year old son, James, whom she took to the residence of William Phipps, near the poor farm, to have the mad stone applied to a bite he received from a dog yesterday morning. The dog had been acting strangely the past few days, and while it did not show every symptom of being afflicted with the rabies, it was continually snapping at every thing that came in its way, and yesterday morning bit the little fellow through the upper lip. The animal was killed and in order to make sure that no serious harm would result, the boy was brought to the mad stone. I had never heard of a mad stone. So, on further examination, I discovered that mad stones were taken from the stomachs of deer. Their purpose was to cure rabies. You can learn more about mad stones here: www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~okmurray/stories/mad_stone.htmHere is a picture of a mad stone. There is a story that Abraham Lincoln took his son, Robert, to a family in Terre Haute, Indiana, to have the mad stone applied to Robert's bite. The mad stone was also known as a bezoar stone. The most potent came from an albino deer.
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Post by David Sechrest on Sept 27, 2013 16:36:23 GMT -5
Mad stones and lynch mobs.
Also, while going through copies of the Evening Republican from August 1, 1891 to September 17, 1891, I ran across the accounting of a lynching that took place in Shelbyville, Indiana. I have not (yet) run across any lynchings that took place in Columbus or Bartholomew County. A few months back, however, I did run across this one:
From The Evening Republican, May, 1893:
The readers of the Republican will remember that on Sunday, May 17, "Neel La Bolt," alias Lou Trenck of Indianapolis, and a young man maned William Byrnes were drinking and, about noon, went into the restaurant owned by Henry Feadler at Seymour and ordered dinner. Trenck went into the kitchen and began to abuse and insult Annie Simkins. She resented his insults and was slapped in the face by Trenck. Going into the restaurant, she informed Mrs. Feadler of what had occurred. Mrs. Feadler told the man to let the girl alone. The girl again went into the kitchen and Trenck again followed her. This time he dealt the girl a blow on the left side of the face. Mr. Feadler was called in and ordered Trenck out of the kitchen. Trenck faced Feadler and shot him dead on the spot. Trenck then ran out, followed by Byrnes and both ran for their lives. Trenck ran about four blocks and entered Nan Davis' house, where he was captured by Frank Groff, a railroad bridge carpenter, after a hard struggle, in which Trenck's head was terribly pounded. The murderer, after being caught, was taken back to the place of his crime. The sheriff was telegraphed for and arrived at 3:15. In the meantime, the officers had gotten a spring wagon ready and the moment the sheriff arrived, it was driven up in front of the jail, and men with drawn revolvers, headed by the sheriff, took out the prisoners and placed them in the wagon and drove to the county jail at Brownstown. Since that time, talk has been indulged in of lynching, but it was the general belief that in this case, the law would be allowed to take its own course. Following this came the uncalled for and unprovoked murder of Conductor Price of the O. & M. road at River Vale. Price was a highly esteemed citizen of Seymour, and was shot down for no cause whatever. This so enraged the citizens of Seymour that a mob formed and hanged John Turley. Having once tasted blood, the mob hastened at an early hour this morning to the Brownstown jail, where it took Lou Trenck from the jail and hanged him. The mob went by a special train and reached Ewing, the Brownstown station, shortly after midnight. It then went to the Brownstown jail, a mile away, and demanded of the sheriff the keys to the jail. The attack was expected and extra precautions had been taken, but the sheriff soon saw that resistance was useless and gave up the keys. The jail was then entered and Lewis Trenck taken to a locust tree in front of the jail and hanged until he was dead. Trenck made a stubborn fight and died defiantly. His body was taken down a short time after the mob left for Seymour, at which place excitement is still high, though somewhat subdued.
It was interesting in that, just a couple of days ago, I heard from a descendant of Henry Feadler, inquiring if I, by chance, had ever run across any information about the death of Henry. Small world, isn't it?
Once I get the news article about the Shelbyville lynching typed up, I will post it here.
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Post by David Sechrest on Sept 28, 2013 11:43:11 GMT -5
From The Evening Republican, August, 1891:
At Georgetown, Brown County, twenty-two years ago, Flora Staple was born. Since that time, she has been more helpless than a babe, having no power of motion, except the perpendicular movement of her jaws. During all these years she has taken nourishment only in fluid form. Strange as it may seem, it is a fact that she has grown to be very beautiful and of perfect form, except a slight curvature of the spine. Her power of speech has been developed and she reads and speaks the English language fluently and correctly. Two years ago she was brought to this city and witnessed the parade of a large circus. Seeing a large elephant, she informed her mother, on returning home, that the sight of it had made an impression upon her mind that she would never forget, and that she believed if she had some pliable substance she could form with her mouth an image of the beast. She was first given an apple peeling, and her parents were greatly surprised on seeing that a perfect image of the elephant was formed with her teeth. Since that time she has learned to form with great rapidity letters, words and sentences as perfectly as print, and in this she takes great delight. This is the most peculiar case of its kind ever heard of by the medical fraternity in this locality. A small box containing the name of Dr. A. J. Banker and the sentence, "God is love," cut in capital letters from apple peeling, can now be seen at the office of the Republican.
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Post by David Sechrest on Oct 26, 2013 16:43:38 GMT -5
I spent a very brief time at the Library late yesterday afternoon. I completely forgot it closes at 6pm on Fridays, so my visit was a short one. I thought I would try to finish out the year of 1915. I had stopped perusing through newspapers at November 2, 1915 the day before, and yesterday, I made it as far as November 4 before the headline "Donner Stands To Reap Profit" caught my eye.
By the time 1915 rolled around, William Henry Donner had moved away from Columbus, and lived in Philadelphia. He had also sold his National Tin Plate Company, and turned his capitalistic efforts to the steel industry. The headline that caught my eye explained how Donner had just purchased close to 100,000 shares of stock in the Pennsylvania Steel Company and the Cambria Steel Company (at the time, Donner was President of the Cambria Steel Company), which he planned on merging. With the purchase of stock from the Pennsylvania Steel Company, he gained control of both. It was rumored at the time that Charles M. Schwab was trying to gain control over Donner's steel interests.
In the 1880s, William Henry Donner lived in Columbus. He was good friends with William G. Irwin, and the two would often take bike rides, sometimes as far as Edinburg.
One of William Donner's first attempts at making a barrel-full of money occurred in Columbus in the early 1880s. William decided to speculate in eggs. After some study, he bought up all the eggs in and around Columbus with the idea that he would corner the market, sit on the eggs (no pun intended), wait for the price to go up, then sell them all. A friend of his had told him that eggs could be safely stored for a period of time by putting them in open crates filled with brine. And that's exactly what he did. He bought up all the eggs in Columbus and stored them in the basement of his home. He then sat back and waited for the price to go up.
A few days after storing the eggs, family members in the Donner house began hearing strange popping noises coming from the basement. Upon closer inspection, they soon found not only the eggs popping open, but a most disagreeable odor accompanying the noise.
So much for his speculation in eggs.
It's funny: During his bike rides with William G. Irwin, the two often discussed business opportunities. William was insistent that the time to make a fortune was gone. As far as he was concerned, the opportunity to amass a great deal of money had passed the two by. It had occurred in their fathers' time (i.e., speculating in real estate). He once expressed to Irwin that they would be lucky if they could make $100,000 in their lifetime.
Oh, little did William Donner realize in that day and time!
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Post by David Sechrest on Nov 9, 2013 10:31:26 GMT -5
I wonder what became of James Roberts?
From The Evening Republican, July 17, 1890:
Late yesterday evening, James Roberts, a 14 year old boy, who with his widowed mother and brother left this county for Emporia, Kansas, walked into this city. The boy was tired and worn out and slept a part of the night in the Seventh Street passenger station. He was interviewed while sitting upon a curbstone early this morning eating green apples for his breakfast. The boy said that with his mother and brother he lived on a farm near Emporia during his stay in Kansas, where matters went smoothly until his mother married a man by the name of Carey. That from this time on his life became a burden, and nothing but clouds appeared in the future for him. He said that though but 10 years of age when he left this county, he had always had a desire to return and live here and when he saw he could not agree with his step-father, he determined to return and make his future home in this city or county. When he made up his mind to do this he had no money and but one suit of clothes. He informed his mother and young brother of his intention to return here, and secured the consent of his mother to do so, and on the morning of June 16 started on his long journey of 1,000 miles to this city. He encountered many difficulties on his return, and met many men who treated him in many different ways. He said that he was satisfied from what he had seen, that some persons in this country had no hearts at all, while others appeared to be all heart, and that while he was hungry at times he generally succeeded in getting something to eat. He walked a large part of the distance but enjoyed several good rides on freight trains, but at no time taking any risk. His rides were principally on night trains where he received fair treatment. When he left this county, he had an uncle by the name of Aaron Baker, who has since moved away from this city. He is a bright looking boy, rather small for his age, but appears to have sufficient nerve to succeed in life under half way favorable circumstances.
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RER
HCI Forum Board Member
"Democracy & Freedom"
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Post by RER on Jan 23, 2014 13:18:10 GMT -5
Caldwell & Drake Iron Works Company11th Street & Big Four Railroad Tracks (razed or demolished) Columbus Indiana Photo Enlarged For Better ViewingCOMMENT: This company which is no longer active in Columbus and is somewhat difficult to research and talk about. However, during February 2008 I posted in this 1800 to 1899 thread at page 9 some interesting information about this company. The picture above is a postcard that was found on EBAY and I tried to purchase it but was sold before I could get a bid in the pool. I have never seen the above picture before and I asked George and he had not seen it. Here is a repeat of page 9 I compiled during year 2008. I wish someone would research more information about this company. QUESTION: Where was the location of these Columbus Indiana buildings and what year did they start this business? (more at bottom of page) REPEAT: Caldwell & Drake Iron Works CompanyColumbus Indiana "Forgotten Company of Columbus Indiana that Most Have Never Heard Of During Our Lifetime"Personally, I had never imagined such a huge company in Columbus and branches nationwide during the late 1800s. They built many homes, hotels, courthouses, and several large building for the 1904 World Fair in Louisiana. They started businesses in Columbus Indiana in 1887 and forward into the 1900s. Researching this company was a little tough, but I will try to bring at least a small overview of this large company. I went to David Sechrest's other historical site and found no written words about this place. I have never seen anything on the company and the names connected to its successes in business in Columbus articles or books. It makes you wonder for what reason? The primary names behind this company and a few others are George W. Caldwell and Lester Drake of Columbus. The success of any company is a person with motivation, drive, education, ingenuity, creativity and self-satisfaction among other words we could add I suppose. Mr. Caldwell was born in August 16, 1860 on a farm near Sunbery, Ohio. His family apparently migrated from Pennsylvania. The story flow of the family is long so at the end of this post I will post the web site you can read. Mr. Caldwell came to Columbus in 1887 involved in insurance and real estate businesses. He supposedly had the largest insurance and real estate business around. The Columbus Maple Grove housing development was largely handled by him as the story goes. He formed a partnership with B.M. Hutchins in real estate, contracting and construction for about three years. During that period the company constructed 147 houses and made a profit of $85,000 (sizable amount in those days). Mr. Hutchins retired after the 3 year surge and Mr. Lester Drake joined with George Caldwell to continue in business adventures. At some point the two started Caldwell & Drake Iron Works of Columbus Indiana. They also opened the same named company in St. Louis, Missouri and Mr. Caldwell's brother was the primary director of that branch of the business. The Caldwell & Drake Iron Works Company built two very large buildings for the Louisiana Purchase World Fair. Here are the two buildings:First Picture Is: Palace of Horticulture (World Fair) Second Picture Is: Palace of Agriculture (World Fair) Builder Caldwell & Drake Co. Columbus In. Builder Caldwell & Drake Co. St. LouisRead more: columbusin.proboards.com/thread/71/1800-1899-columbus-bartholomew-county?page=9#ixzz2rFQfbwkAEND OF REPEATMORE ABOUT George Caldwell (GO HERE): I had forgotten I posted this one during 2010: columbusin.proboards.com/thread/439/george-caldwellGeorge's Family & Biofiles.usgwarchives.net/in/bartholomew/bios/caldwell389nbs.txtAttachments:
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Post by Jason Hatton on Jan 24, 2014 11:10:19 GMT -5
David is doing a lot of research on George Caldwell as he is such an important figure in Columbus/Bartholomew County history. That postcard in RER's post is amazing. I have never seen it before. I did do some research on Caldwell and Drake for an article for "Indiana Libraries" back in 2012. Here is a link to it with some more information regarding the 2 men and their company: journals.iupui.edu/index.php/IndianaLibraries/article/view/2053/3411. The main focus of the article was on their connection as the builders of the West Baden Springs Hotel near French Lick, IN. Interestingly as I was doing research I came across an article in the July 2, 1976 edition of The Republic. This issue is full of Columbus history to celebrate the bicentennial. THe article relevant to this discussion is entitled, "I'm a Foundry Man" about the life of Frank Phillips. From the article: "Foundry life for Phillips began in 1914 when he and three partners chipped in $300 each to resurrect the old Janey plant on East 17th street here after its foundry operation went bankrupt....Phillips said Walter Golden, for whom the Golden Foundry operation in Columbus was named, was not among the original partners. Phillips said Golden joined the infant foundry operation shortly after the partners named their plan the Columbus Foundry. Phillips said Golden eventually gained control of the Columbus foundry operation and in 1924 moved the Columbus foundry operation and its employees t o the old Caldwell and Drake buildings at 10th and Hutchins(emphasis mine) and began the Golden Foundry company..." If you read in my article, the original partner to George Caldwell in the construction business was B.M. Hutchins. Looking at the postcard, I do believe that the carpet store that currently sits next to the empty foundry lot bears a striking resemblance to the buildings pictured. If it wasn't so cold outside, I would go over there to take a picture to compare. This will be on my agenda as soon as it warms up.
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Post by David Sechrest on Jan 24, 2014 11:18:32 GMT -5
Hi Bob! Happy New Year!
I find George Caldwell a fascinating man. In 1903, Caldwell lived at 802 Hutchins. The Caldwell & Drake Iron Works was about 3 blocks from his house, about a half block west of 11th Street. The foundry building faced 11th Street, in fact. It was, more or less, where Golden Foundry was.
Somewhere, I have the date when Caldwell moved to Columbus. I need to find it.
In 1905, the Caldwell addition was platted. I believe it included lots for 300 homes. It included that area north of 16th Street to 20th, and Central to Hawcreek Blvd.
By 1915, I think he had moved away from Columbus, possibly moving back to Logansport. I need to check my notes on that. I wish that copy of the Columbus Herald was available (where he says Columbus is a dying town).
I'm going to see what I can dig up on him in the coming months.
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Post by David Sechrest on Jan 24, 2014 11:23:32 GMT -5
By the way, in that postcard, the foundry building is at the farthest left. 11th Street dead-ended smack dab in the middle of that building.
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RER
HCI Forum Board Member
"Democracy & Freedom"
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Post by RER on Jan 24, 2014 12:22:27 GMT -5
Caldwell & Drake Iron Works Company11th & Big Four Railroad Tracks (razed or demolished) Columbus, Indiana Hello David and Jason. Being you guys are researching this company; I thought this post could be helpful somewhat. Wikipedia Information About Company: (Go Here) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caldwell_%26_Drake (just click this address) Starke County Courthouse built by Caldwell & Drake, designed by Wing & Mahurin Caldwell & Drake was a construction firm based in Indiana. It included George W. Caldwell and Lester Drake.[1] A number of their works are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.[2] Works include:Hotel Sansone, 312 Park Central East Springfield, MO (Caldwell and Drake), NRHP-listed[2] Jefferson County Armory, 525 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. Louisville, KY (Caldwell & Drake), NRHP-listed[2] Monroe County Courthouse, Courthouse Sq. Bloomington, IN (Caldwell,George & Drake,Lester), NRHP-listed[2] Ottawa County Courthouse, W. 4th and Madison Sts. Port Clinton, OH (Caldwell & Drake), NRHP-listed[2] Somerset County Courthouse, E. Union St. and N. Center Ave. Somerset, PA (Caldwell & Drake), NRHP-listed[2] Starke County Courthouse, Courthouse Sq. Knox, IN (Caldwell & Drake), NRHP-listed[2] Stewart Hall, West Virginia University campus Morgantown, WV (Caldwell & Drake), NRHP-listed[2] Wood County Courthouse, Court Sq. at 3rd and Market St. Parkersburg, WV (Caldwell & Drake), NRHP-listed[2]
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RER
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"Democracy & Freedom"
Posts: 2,462
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Post by RER on Jan 24, 2014 14:56:37 GMT -5
David is doing a lot of research on George Caldwell as he is such an important figure in Columbus/Bartholomew County history. That postcard in RER's post is amazing. I have never seen it before. I did do some research on Caldwell and Drake for an article for "Indiana Libraries" back in 2012. Here is a link to it with some more information regarding the 2 men and their company: journals.iupui.edu/index.php/IndianaLibraries/article/view/2053/3411. The main focus of the article was on their connection as the builders of the West Baden Springs Hotel near French Lick, IN. Interestingly as I was doing research I came across an article in the July 2, 1976 edition of The Republic. This issue is full of Columbus history to celebrate the bicentennial. THe article relevant to this discussion is entitled, "I'm a Foundry Man" about the life of Frank Phillips. From the article: "Foundry life for Phillips began in 1914 when he and three partners chipped in $300 each to resurrect the old Janey plant on East 17th street here after its foundry operation went bankrupt....Phillips said Walter Golden, for whom the Golden Foundry operation in Columbus was named, was not among the original partners. Phillips said Golden joined the infant foundry operation shortly after the partners named their plan the Columbus Foundry. Phillips said Golden eventually gained control of the Columbus foundry operation and in 1924 moved the Columbus foundry operation and its employees t o the old Caldwell and Drake buildings at 10th and Hutchins(emphasis mine) and began the Golden Foundry company..." If you read in my article, the original partner to George Caldwell in the construction business was B.M. Hutchins. Looking at the postcard, I do believe that the carpet store that currently sits next to the empty foundry lot bears a striking resemblance to the buildings pictured. If it wasn't so cold outside, I would go over there to take a picture to compare. This will be on my agenda as soon as it warms up.
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RER
HCI Forum Board Member
"Democracy & Freedom"
Posts: 2,462
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Post by RER on Jan 24, 2014 15:00:37 GMT -5
Jason, your Caldwell & Drake article (during 2012) for the Indiana Libraries was well presented, and full of historical details. I enjoyed the read. I strongly encourage all to click on his reference and read the details.
RER (Bob)
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