RER
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Post by RER on Jan 9, 2007 16:15:48 GMT -5
David, I suspect you are right on the Ice Rink. We were in an antique store the other day and my wife and I were looking at a pair of old clip on the shoe type ice skates. I wouldn't think they had wooden wheeled roller skates in the 1870s, but who knows ?
I did notice that it is located next to the water so I guess you could drain water into the area, maybe.
I really like the map. Is it any bigger than shown ?
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Jan 11, 2007 12:34:31 GMT -5
" Early Roller/Ice Skating Update From The 1870s Through Today's Rinks, Etc. "__ Well, leave it to my brother that read the comments about David's 1879 Map of Columbus. The map of course shows a Skating Rink with the name W.T. Payne. Well, it is interesting that the map rink drawing wasn't very far from the Columbus indoor rink of the 1940s and 1950s. My brother thinks that it was probably an outdoor roller skating rink, covered by tent. He said that he remembers one at Seymour in his earlier days. Further, he said that our two uncles and aunts would travel at times from town to town to roller skate in the tent type outdoor rinks of the 1930s and 1940s. The rinks supposedly moved from town to town and were erected for some period of time. Interestingly, he said that some floors would be pieced together inside of a large barn or building and it would become a rink for all to come. Seymour had one like this at one time in the 1950s. Now to step out further in the conversation, he suggested that maybe (only maybe) the old 4th Street Roller Rink of the 1950s may have been built with a portable floor, in a shabby building. As we know it was shabby. I researched some and found that portable roller rinks were around in the older days, but I couldn't find an abundance of information, to present here. To put closure to this subject lets also think that the map rink was next to the mill creek. It appears to have a brim (ridge or edge) maybe to flood the rink area in the freezing winter months for ice skating. Happy Rollin or Icing in thought only............yah'all !! Bob
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jan 22, 2007 18:32:00 GMT -5
Today the mailman brought an 'interesting document,' sent to me from my Columbus cousin. I had questioned her about a 'time capsule' at the First Christian Church. Unfortunately, that still remains to be verified. HOWEVER----------this document offers a time line for the First Christian Church from 1823 to 1855 to 2000 AD. The Archives Ministry Team put together an awesome series of facts for the Church, and adding what was going on in Columbus/Bartholomew County, the USA, and the World within the same time period. Just a little look at some of these facts: 1821 - Columbus/Bartholomew Co. - Bartholomew County is formed. 1823 - Columbus/Bartholomew Co. - First court house---in Luke Bonesteel's cabin, 2nd and Lindsay Streets. USA - Clement Moore writes The Night Before Christmas.1831 - Columbus/Bartholomew Co. - Second court house erected. 1833 - Columbus/Bartholomew Co. - First execution for murder, 2 men hanged. USA - Benjamin Harrison is born, later is our 23rd President, first from Indiana.1859 - Columbus/Bartholomew Co. - First public school opens in Columbus on the site of present Central School. 1861 - Columbus/Bartholomew Co. - Mooney Tannery moved from Nineveh to Columbus. USA - Congress levies the first income tax in US.1871 - Columbus/Bartholomew Co. - The present Court House is built. 1872 - Columbus/Bartholomew Co. - P. T. Barnum's 'Great Traveling World's Fair" visits Columbus on Sat., July 27. USA - Susan B. Anthony votes illegally.1881 - Columbus/Bartholomew Co. - First telephone switchboard in Columbus. 1886 - Columbus/Bartholomew Co. - Old City Hall was built 1898 - Columbus/Bartholomew Co. - Asphalt paving on streets begins. This is sort of history at a glance. Nanc
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RER
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Post by RER on Feb 9, 2007 16:04:10 GMT -5
From A Mill To A City Hall To A Bed & Breakfast
In 1868 the corner of Franklin & 5th Street was a Mill co-owned by three names and in 1895 it became City Hall
During the year of 1868 the corner land where old City Hall sits was a Mill owned by Gent, Thomas and Lowell, then the Mill in 1893 was owned by Gent, Thomas and Gaff. The Mill burned down in 1893 and the lot was vacant until 1895. Then in 1895 the City Hall building was constructed. In 1981 City Hall moved and in 1985 the old structure became the Columbus Inn a Bed & Breakfast, and still is today in 2007.
Sometime between 1893 & 1921 the second floor of the City Hall was used for Columbus High School (CHS) Basketball games. It was also utilized for a banquet hall, dance hall among other things. Keep in mind that basketball wasn't invented until 1891 and iron hoops (rims) and a hammock-style baskets were introduced in 1893. So, I suspect basketball played upstairs in the old City Hall didn't start until after that date.
The beautiful building today is 114 years old this year of 2007.
Bob
References: Book H. C. Chandler, Columbus Inn information, and partial confirmation of information from the book Images of Columbus by Patricia M. Mote. Invention of basketball James Naismith (1861-1939). Conversations with various folks they had information.
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RER
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Post by RER on Feb 18, 2007 17:56:47 GMT -5
Bartholomew County Land Surveys Conducted Around The Time General Tipton Happened To Stop By In 1819 & 1820The below land survey map was finally posted in 1882 and updates in Congressional Books and Indiana publications. On this map below are four names and dates of land surveyors around the Bartholomew County land area. In the year 1800 Congress price fixed land for $2.00 per acre and $6.00 per section. The surveyor's names and dates are:. B. Bentley/ May 30, 1820 . W.B. Laughlin/ July 23, 1819 . John Hendricks/ 1820 . J. Hedges/ November 11, 1819 and . Abraham Lee/ May 31, 1819Note:In 1821 Columbus received the first store. The village had 3 or 4 log cabins. In the same year Bartholomew County was organized and so named after the Indian fighter General Joseph Bartholomew. John Tipton sold out and left. Comment: Go to page 1, post number 3 in this section (1800's Life In Columbus & Bartholomew County) to see settlers names for the period shown or click here: columbusin.proboards34.com/index.cgi?board=1800slife&action=display&thread=1156568640&page=1 Sources: Thomas Donaldson, The Public Domain Index, American State Papers Finance, III, Logan Esarey PHD former Professor Indiana University and W.P. Records Quote In The Edinburgh Paper.THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1887. The Shelbyville Republican Newspaper. Monday, October 1, 1934 Monday, Page 6, column 3 Edinburg Courier Newspapr Thrusday, November 3, 1887. My Gr, Gr. Grandfather Said:
Quote From My Documents & The Edinburg Newspaper:
"While living here my father was married to Elizabeth Elrod, of Virginia. Ten years afterward he moved into what is now Pike county, Ohio. Here I was born in 1801. He built the first mill ever built in that part of the country. He moved twenty-five miles west into an entirely new country, now known as Brown county, Ohio. Here he built another mill. When the settlement had grown he had his mill enlarged and did what was considered a big milling business. He remained here until 1821, when he moved to Bartholomew county, Indiana. He resided here until his death in 1850." End Quote From My Documents & The Shelbyville Republican Newspaper [/color][/b] Additional Conformation of Data:The Shelbyville Republican Newspaper Monday, October 1, 1934 Page 6, column 3--------------------[/b][/i] 100 YEARS OLD TOMORROW Mrs. Jane Records Clarke --------------- Mrs. Jane Records Clarke, living one and one-half miles west of Mt. Auburn, in Jackson township, and her daughter, Miss Nora Clarke, will hold open house at their home tomorrow, for all friends and neighbors who wish to call on them any time during the day, the occasion being Mrs. Clarke's one hundredth birthday anniversary. Mrs. Clarke's parents, Mr. and Mrs. William P. Records, were among the early settlers in Shelby and Bartholomew counties. Elcey Harvey, having come with her parents to Shelby county, and William P. Records, who came to Bartholomew county in 1821, were married, and they established their home on land six miles north of Columbus, in 1826. Here on October 2, 1834, Jane Records was born. Because of the prevalence of malaria in that part of the county, the Records family moved in Jackson township of Shelby county, when Jane was one year old and for the last 99 years Shelby county has been the home of Mrs. Clarke. BIRTHPLACE OF MT. AUBURN CHURCH (Still Active Today Year 2007 Near Edinburg Indiana) She recalls many events which took place in those early days. Among these was the meeting held in her father's home which resulted in the organization of the Mt. Auburn Christian church in 1838. A trip to Columbus to attend a Clay rally and to see the train come into that community also is remembered by Mrs. Clarke. The train failed to arrive, and it was learned afterwords that it had been derailed. On November 2, 1854, she was married to Thomas Clarke, who was the son of Indiana pioneers. Mr. Clarke died June 6, 1889, but Mrs. Clarke continued to live at the home west of Mt. Auburn where they had lived for many years. She recalls at one time Mr. Clarke walked to Cincinnati to attend the organization meeting of the American Christian Missionary Society. Mrs. Clarke remembers when her parents bought their first cook stove; when all their clothes were made from flax which they grew or from wool they obtained from their sheep; when they drove hogs to Madison or took a load of wheat to get money for paying taxes. Leather was made on the farm from skins taken from the animals that were raised. Bark from oak trees was used in the tanning process. Known to her hundreds of friends as "Aunt Jane," Mrs. Clarke retains an active interest in happenings of the day and keeps herself well-informed on many present day topics. She is also remarkably active in various tasks around her home, helping her daughter in the kitchen and with other housework daily. Mrs. Clarke's hearing and eyesight are somewhat impaired by the years, but with the aid of strong glasses she can and does read newspapers, books and periodicals that come to her home. Contributed by Barb Huff
So What Is The Bottom Line In This Post ?
First, and foremost is the importance of the historical value of the "Surveyors" accomplishments, that walked the land among the Indians and developed the lines to sell land. Interesting to me is my Gr, Gr Grandfather was among the first settlers in Bartholomew County Indiana in 1821, after the "Surveyor's accomplishments, and then General Tipton sold his land and departed.
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Feb 19, 2007 20:31:23 GMT -5
Pioneer's Festivals/Amusements 1820s & 1830s
Many earlier Indiana settlements including Bartholomew counties folks had amusements and festivities that aren't seen much today. The pioneers in general were hard working farmers, and some were merchants of course.
The main fixed holidays of the pioneers were New Years, Fourth of July and Christmas. These specials days were set aside for the little ones. Very little work was done , but no great amount of celebrating was accomplished either. Christmas was the supreme holiday for kids. Religion within the families was paramount.
As we know, pioneers of all backgrounds came from the North, East and South to Bartholomew County. Most family heritage was from European descendants. So, that said games, festivities, dancing was an intermixing of cultures to some small extent. However, the American South's dancing and music took the forefront for many years.
Dancing was normally performed before religious revivals in the late 1820s and early 1830s. Many families would gather at someones house which had a nice wooden floor, that was smooth for dancing. "A sleepy old fiddler arm was made of iron and he would reel off 'The Arkansas Traveler', 'Old Dan Tucker', 'Cotton Eye Jo' for hours."
The dancing was square dancing, three figures to set (with a Virginia Reel), a 'Jig' or a 'hoe down'. Some ecstatic couples showing their talents would side step, back step shuffle. As we know many Indiana folks today still execute the music and dances in the old form or a modern step.
This was all harmless fun and provided relief from daily work and was a event all looked forward to throughout the years. Families and friends were a close community of religion, work, and amusements.
Interesting was one form of amusement that derived from the South, but was abandoned in Indiana because it was determined to be rude. It was called gander (a goose bird) pulling.
A gander was hung high on a tree limb about ten feet up. The bird's neck was coated with grease. The horse riding pioneers would gallop by the tree hung gander and try to pull its head off. I suspect that was sort of hard to do with the greased neck.
Simple, fun, dance and games that provided their quality of life; and passed on to many generations today in some respects.
Sources: Indiana Magazine of History (on various counties), Logan Esarey, PHD Former Professor Indiana University. Quotes in part from all sources reviewed.
Comment In Passing: The old saying is "Don't get your 'Dander Up' and also it's rude to hang the 'Gander Up'."
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Feb 20, 2007 21:55:08 GMT -5
Pioneer Christmas Was The Supreme Holiday For The Settlements From The Early 1800s Into The Great Depression Days Of The 1930s A sparkle and gleam in children's eyes then, and even today
In a much humbler way than in today's times, Christmas was the supreme holiday for the children, and we have to add parents, other family relatives, neighbors and friends.
"Apples, sweet-cakes, home-made candy, and simple hand made toys and warm knitted gloves (mother made) or stockings were common gifts."
The less fortunate children were remembered with substantial gifts, food and items to wear.
For the younger aged, they often arranged sleigh-rides with horses on the pull, if there was snow. With some exceptions Santa Claus was a universal visitor at Christmas Eve. The married family, friends and relatives were attracted mostly to the Christmas dinner.
The men greatest sport during the festivities was shooting matches at targeted areas with their bows/arrows and flint lock rifles. Targets were normally placed out 100 yards.
I remember my Dad talking about his sleigh-rides in the snow and the dinners and gifts between 1916 to the early 1930s. His father always dressed as Santa Claus and Dad didn't guess who it was for many years.
So, the tradition of Christmas has been around for a long time and the religious aspects, fun, games, gifts, sleigh-rides, and stories of the past that have enriched our American culture; with a big smile and our family's qualities of life.
Partial Sources: Indiana Magazine of History, Indiana Journals 1827, History of Indiana by Logan Esarey, PH.D. Indiana University1924, and family discussions.
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Feb 24, 2007 0:39:51 GMT -5
Ten Years After General Tipton Left Bartholomew County The Census Of 1831 Said
The actual report for 1830 was:
5,480 settlers
Source: Vevay Messenger September 27, 1831.
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Feb 25, 2007 17:45:20 GMT -5
Making a "Beeline" To The House 1830s Forward & Probably Earlier Your may have heard your parents or grandparents say making a Beeline, I do
Well, like most phrases in our language it comes from the pioneers and settlers. In Indiana in general including Bartholomew County the statement was commonly used for bee hunters and honey gathers.
The pioneers had a simple system by watching bees traveling to and from the hives. The swarms of wild bees in those days were abundant in the woods. The bees of course made their homes in trees and clefts of rocks. When the bee hunters located the tree they would mark the tree with flour, so there would be a "beeline for home." All the settlers respected the others marked trees and wouldn't disturb the hive or nest, because of the floured marks.
The bee hunter that marked the tree or location had two choices they say. Either, cut the tree down to save the swarming bees or wait until September to gather the honey. If cut before September the intent was to save the bees swarming.
So, a beeline is a straight direction or course the bees traveled and returned, but the settlers located them with flour markings and to claim ownership, so to speak.
Source: History of Indiana, Vol I
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Feb 25, 2007 18:43:19 GMT -5
Tough Terrain and Roads For Southern Indiana From the Ohio River To The Indianapolis Area 1825 to 1835 Most cargo or freight was hauled by ox teams
There was no railroad early, no canal and no pikes. All the rivers were obstructed with fallen trees, ripples and sand bars. There were two main roads from Madison area to Indianapolis, passing near Columbus of course.
Traveling by horse or coach was tough, bad and most of the time the road or path was impassable. If you went by stage coach they were always late. The state built roads using 3 percent of the land sale prices. The pioneers were paid from the fund to help clear the land and build the roads. Workers were paid $1.50 per day to help build the roadways. This in turn helped them pay their annual taxes.
Traveling on these roads was not a pleasure. If the roads were dry, the passengers had to hold on tightly as the coach bounced because of rocks. When the roads were wet, there was more of a danger that the coach would overturn.
Comment: The first train reached Columbus in 1844.
Sources: Indiana History Book, Volume I
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Mar 3, 2007 14:15:31 GMT -5
A Compressed Summary Of Columbus Early 1820 DaysSource: Columbus High School Log 1933, page 77 Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Mar 13, 2007 15:51:20 GMT -5
Historical House Tour of Hart-Columbus Youth Camp Home 1867Bartholomew County Historical Society Tour During Oct 12, 1975Isaac Hart built the home know as the "Big House" at Columbus Youth Camp in 1867. Isaac & Margaret Taylor Hart lived in the home with their family including, Joseph and Sarah Reynolds Hart. My grandmother and several aunts were born and raised as younger "Hart" children at the "Big House."The "Big House" still is part of the Columbus Youth Camp history today. Grandmother's brother Joseph Irwin Hart married Annabel Barkes at Grandview in 1905. Annabel Barkes Hart was the sister to Q.G. Noblitt's wife. Joesph & Annabel had four children, Doctor Bruce Hart, Irwin, Ellen and Grace Hart all from Columbus. Robert C. Hart son of Isaac allowed the house and property to be sold to Q. G. Noblitt a family friend in 1932. Hence, the interest and family connection in transference of the "Big House" property kept the historical property preserved. Q.G. Noblitt gifted the house and property to the youth of the community in 1935.A brief summary of the house and property was provided in the below tour flier in 1975, conducted by the Bartholomew County Historical Society. Following the brief below is a view of the Hart family in the late 1880s on the porch and yard areas. The 2nd picture is a current picture of the reconditioned house today. . 2 3 4 Thanksgiving with family members are fond memories, for a few relatives in Columbus and others locations in the states. The house as of this writing is 140 years old. Columbus Youth Camp Today Go Here:www.columbusyouthcamp.com/Reeves.htmBob
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RER
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Post by RER on Mar 14, 2007 12:05:45 GMT -5
The Hart Family Sale To Family Friend Q. C. Noblitt 1932 That Became Columbus Youth Camp In 1935First picture below is seller Robert C. Hart (left) and brother Eugene (right). My grandmother on father's lap left. Next picture is Robert Hart's daughter Jean (Eugenia Hart) Collyer with uncle Dale Eddelman. This picture was taken around 1974 when she was visiting her childhood home the "Big House" at Youth Camp. The 2nd picture was published in the Columbus Evening Republican newspaper that year. The house still stands today and is 140 years old. The bottom picture is family friend buyer Q.G. Noblitt in 1946. He of course was the Co-founcer of Noblitt/Sparks, and the CEO/ founder of Arvin's Industries of Columbus; including many other adventures in the community. The top picture was taken around 1898. Q.G. Noblitt gifted land & "Big House" for Columbus Youth Camp of today. Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Mar 15, 2007 11:03:33 GMT -5
Bartholomew County Historical Society (BCHS) Columbus Youth Camp History Written at Post Numbers 91 & 92 Above
The history is known within my family because of the relatives that are traced to the original owner and builder Isaac Hart. The composite review of the history can be found by reading the two writings sited.
Today, I received a concurrence and approval of the two historical posts from the BCHS. They indicated that they appreciated the information and will add the summaries to the BCHS archives.
Now, that is good news for all historical readers and parties that were not clear on the subject. It further provides a recognition to David Sechrest's history boards, because it would never have surfaced without a place to "park it" initially.
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Mar 17, 2007 10:20:25 GMT -5
C. D. Walton Photography 115 Years Ago Photography Business Year 1892 Located Upstairs at 513 1/2 Washington Street
The reason I know C. D Walton photography was upstairs at 513 1/2 Washington Street is because I have grandmother's baby picture when she was 6 months old; framed by the photographer and the company name and address embossed on the outer edges.
I researched the 1953 Columbus Directory and found that below that address (61 years later) was the Hoosier Meat Market, and the upstairs was vacant or not listed.
So, I suspect that C.D. Walton operated at that address before 1892 and after that date. If I recall properly here that same area was discussed a few weeks ago, when we were talking about the Popcorn and Nut shop in the triangle designed area.
Anyway, it seems like a brief discovery always leads to a better picture of the town and sometimes mushrooms into a larger discussion.
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Mar 17, 2007 10:46:04 GMT -5
Ferguson Photography Business Year 1898 (109 years ago) Ground Floor Assumed Washington Street
Picture has the name of company embossed on the framed cardboard picture. Ferguson was located on ground floor, but the actual street and address number is not shown. The date is determined by the actual age of people photographed.
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Mar 17, 2007 10:58:29 GMT -5
C.W. Mangrum Photography Gallery Year 1868 (139 years ago) Located at Corner of Present Day 4th and Washington Streets
The pictures were taken on Tins during 1868. Many tins are in family historical collections today. Tins were commonly placed on older grave stones and markers. Tins amazingly maintain a consistent quality and seem unaffected by sun exposure and foul weather.
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Mar 25, 2007 13:30:22 GMT -5
Blacksmith Late 1800s to Late 1920sJames C. Eddelman's Blacksmith Complex The first Blacksmith business started by James was located next door to the old Palms Restaurant around 425 4th Street. Later the business was moved to about 450 Jackson Street (around the present United States Postal Office). Here is James in his complex: Bob
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Margo CHS Class of 55
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Post by Margo CHS Class of 55 on Apr 2, 2007 9:55:12 GMT -5
I just stumbled across a small prescription booklet tucked into some old cookbooks and songbooks I had stuck in a box. It is entitled " Eighty Famous Prescriptions". It was compiled by Clarence Adams and makes for very interesting reading. Has recipes for treating Boils for Adults to Worms in Children.
Did some preliminary research and found this note in the Archives from our wonderful Webmaster ~ Dave Sechrest. [Clarence W. Adams and Co. have removed their drug and prescription store to No. 322 Washington street, next door to the Trade Palace, and invite all their old customers and all others who want anything in the drug line to call at their new quarters...
Daily Evening Republican, Monday, May 2, 1881]
Will share it with Dave this morning and see if he wishes to post any of the recipes on the site...We are going for an interview with QMIX/KORN Radio. Hope to hear from WCSI and The Republic today or tommorrow.. Gma Margo
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RER
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Post by RER on Apr 9, 2007 20:59:25 GMT -5
Saddle Harness Repair Stand 1820 Used In Bartholomew County 14 YearsMost prized family possession This harness repair stand has been in the family for 187 years. The direct family member lived from 1801 to 1889. He and wife and 12 children lived in Bartholomew County from 1821 to 1835. The family moved in 1835 because of the prevalence of malaria in the part of Bartholomew County in which they lived. They moved to higher ground at Mt. Auburn (part of Edinburg) an developed 160 acres of land and organized and built the first church in Mt. Auburn in 1838. The land was gifted from his ownership for the building and grave yard. The second (built 1854) and third generation of the Mt. Auburn Christian Church (built 1903) stands today as does the graves dating back to early 1800s. The first church was made of logs. The second generation church was converted to a home after the last church was finished and is actively used today by a family. The harness has been passed from generation to generation and now is secured to be continued in the family. The stand is made from solid oak wood. A blacksmith made an iron foot rest and gear for the stand, including leather straps. These type stands were used very much during the period of 1820-1830. You may have seen similar harness repair stands in antique stores before, but this one is history at its best. Our family graves at the location go back to earlier 1800s and forward. Bob
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