RER
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Post by RER on Nov 14, 2007 17:10:46 GMT -5
George, that is just super, outstanding research you presented about the Edinburg Starch Plant and it's purchase by Joseph I. Irwin, and other family members. The presentation merges and clarifies further what we have been discussing. It was like a missing link, until you researched it, and presented it very clear herein. It also, provides various dates of events.
Thanks George that truly puts the "frames" around the Union Starch and Interurban Railway pictures, and the relationships between Columbus and Edinburg.
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RER
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Post by RER on Nov 14, 2007 22:18:34 GMT -5
I want to thank Ricky Berkey also for his time and efforts visiting the graveyard to obtain names and dates that related to the discussion of the Irwin and Miller families. You helped through your emails to Nanc and I was fortunate to receive that comprehensive summary. Thanks Ricky.........!!!
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RER
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Post by RER on Nov 16, 2007 11:40:28 GMT -5
Columbus Youth Camp "Reeves Center" (renamed from "Hart House" recently) This is to set the record straight on the history of that 1867 house built and lived in by Isaac Hart's family and Joseph Hart's and family. The house was sold to Mr. Q.G. Noblitt in 1932, before Youth Camp was donated in 1935. The Bartholomew County Historical Society (BCHS) has on record what is stated herein about the property, and recognized it as the former Hart family home for historical purposes during a tour in 1975. There are many historical homes in Bartholomew county and their source names have been retained; so this "Hart Home" should in-turn receive the same treatment in county history. My questions are: Why can't the the Columbus community recognize this family house of it's origin and history? Why does Bartholomew County keep ignoring the actual thread of this house's history? Reeves (Reeves Pulley) brothers had nothing to do with that property, and Noblitt/Sparks (Arvins) wasn't even business developed in actuality in 1867, but the Hart family built the property and lived there starting in 1867 for 70 years.Q.G. Noblitt Connection: Annabel Barkes Hart was the sister to Q.G. Noblitt's wife (family relationship). Further Opinion: This Bartholomew County Hart Home should be nominated for the State of Indiana and the Bartholomew County Historical Properties.If you read the early pages of the 1800s posts at this web site you will see approximately 10 posts relative to the Youth Camp grounds and this beautiful white house built and lived in by the "Hart" families. The house should (in my view) retain the "Hart House" name to assure the history of the house. Mr. Noblitt married a Hart family member as shown below at the posts. Today's Republic Paper: An article in the paper today asks the community for historical memories, pictures and the like, related to Youth Camp. Well, much history has been written, and pictures are available. The request is only from 1935 forward; not between 1867 and 1935, which is a gap of 68 years. Republic paper Harry McCawley's, article was "Youth Camp, Train Memories Sought." Harry's article referenced the Youth Camp history of only 70 years, but the property and Hart House has over 140 years of history. Recent Web Site Update of Youth Camp Hart's Big House Changing The Name to Reeves Center: Go Here: www.columbusyouthcamp.com/Reeves.htm Family Picture Late 1800sReferences:
(A) Bartholomew County Historical Society Tour During Oct 12, 1975. History handouts were given to all tour attendees. The handout is posted at the 1800's Life In Columbus & Bartholomew County, « Reply #91 on Mar 13, 2007, 3:51pm » herein.
Change of History To Now "Reeves Center"
(B) (C) Republic paper Harry McCawley's Novermber 16 2007 article.
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RER
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Post by RER on Dec 1, 2007 20:19:37 GMT -5
A Brief Walk Back In Time On Washington StreetThe Patrick H. McCormack Building 432 Washington Street Top of St. Denis Hotel (Dome constructed after 1894 Fire) Sometime after 1870 (maybe 1875) at the corner of 432 Washington Street the landscape changed. A man named Mr. Patrick H. McCormack would change the corner's history through this year of 2007. The actual location of his construction and contractor skills was at 5th and Washington Street corner.Mr. McCormack during the late 1800s was a well known contractor and builder. He built his home at 724 Washington Street. But, his claim to fame is the building of the Bartholomew County Court House (1871-1874) and many of the brick buildings from 5th and Washington Street back toward 4th Street. His other accomplishments included building bridges, constructing buildings in other towns, and at one point he was a member of the Indiana General Assembly. A man of great skills, knowledge and talents that rewarded his family and the community for many years.During those days of construction he built the St. Denis Hotel on the corner of 5th and Washington Street. Prior to that effort there were a few other hotels such as the Columbus Hotel, The Elm House and the Jones House. The first two being located back along Jackson Street, close to the Railroad Depot areas. Mr. McCormack did not build or own those hotels at that time. Keep in mind that horse and wagons were the mostly used transportation mode during those days. In fact there was a livery stable built behind the St. Denis Hotel called the "Shea & Fahy" barn and livery stable. The hotel building was used primarily as a hotel even into the early 1950s. However, during the 1900s the Union Trust Company Bank bought most of the building, but the St. Denis Hotel still resided in the building many years. Special note is that a cigar store and a theater was housed inside the hotel reception first floor area. Built After 1870Note: The Crump Trolley cars were pulled by mules the 1890s in front of the St. Denis Hotel. The Trolley rail tracks are shown in the above picture. George reported that the St. Denis Hotel had one of the largest fires in Columbus history during 1894. Now, during that period they didn't have fire trucks. They used horse drawn wagons and passing of the buckets. The livery stable behind the hotel was destroyed according to George's writings as was horses and equipment. Picture 1930The last picture shows the St. Denis Hotel sign in smaller scale after the Union Trust Company with the famous clock. During the beginning of 1950s the Irwin Union Trust Bank was established North West corner of 5th and 500 Washington Street. This historical clock's disappearance is unknown, but was a center piece of beauty for many years growing up in Columbus. The top portion of the St. Denis Hotel was removed when the Union Trust Company bought into the building. Further, the top part of the building wasn't built on the original building construction. The top dome was constructed afte the first floor fire in the theater during 1894.Sources: Columbus history, partial views of George's and David's postcards, major fire history as told by George within this web site, and brief knowledge and research about Mr. Patrick Henry McCormack. Knowledge of the Crump Trolley system, wheeled automobiles, cigar store, theater on 1st floor of hotel, livery stables and non arrival of the interurban train system until 1899. Business directories 1868 and 1953. Information data from 1890s, 1909 and 1917.
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RER
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Post by RER on Dec 1, 2007 22:49:38 GMT -5
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Babs
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Post by Babs on Dec 2, 2007 15:49:14 GMT -5
Hello Bob and all, I'm slightly confused by the picture of the Irwin Union Bank and Trust in this post. Yes, I did work at this bank while a senior in high school, but the building I worked in was on the South West corner of 5th and Washington Street. It was the "old bank" before the new one, across 5th Street was built. I worked there during the afternoons, after lunch during the second half of my senior year and all day on Saturday and continued to work there for another year after I graduated. During my time at the bank, the President, CEO, etc. were in the process of talking with the architect to have the new bank built. To my eye....and I could be all wet here...this picture looks like the "new bank", the one we still have on this corner. Help!! Exactly where was the St. Denis Hotel located? I remember the name but can't recall just where this building sat.
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RER
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Post by RER on Dec 2, 2007 16:56:49 GMT -5
Hi Babs & All Readers:
Well, I didn't mean to confuse anyone about the location of the old St. Denis Hotel, but it was on the corner of Washington Street' where 5th Street started. The address was and still is today 432 and 436/438 Washington Street. In other words the last building from 4th Street to 5th Street traveling on Washington. It was on the same side of the present Irwin Union Bank . The present Irwin Union Bank boarders 5th and Washington and the address is 500 Washington Street and the numbers continue in the 500s as you walk North. The St. Denis Hotel was on the corner of Washington Street at the end of the 400 address series. Or in other words "only 5th Street separated the old St. Denis Hotel and the present Irwin Union Bank.
This picture shows the corner of the former St. Denis Hotel which was the Carpenter Drug Store in this 1959 picture. If I was the person taking this picture I would be standing on the Irwin Union Banking property which is not pictured. The ReXall sign is connected to the old St. Denis Hotel walls The present Irwin Union Bank is in the background. Behind the drug store sign. The bank address in 500 Washington Street. This picture is during the last half of the 1950s.The bank was modernized many years later to the present state as you see it in this year 2007.
This year of 2007 the Countrywide Loan Company is housed at that address in Suite 1. Where it was the Carpenter Drug Store of the past, it is now part of Countrywide Home Loans Inc. at address 432 Washington Street. The picture in the background is the first building first newer Irwin Union Bank that started around 1955. Babs has corrected me and said she apparently worked in the Irwin Union Bank at 436/438Washington Street (which would have been the old hotel building) in the early 1950s, and not the present location of the bank which is the second update of that structure.
Did that clear it up?
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RER
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Post by RER on Dec 3, 2007 20:36:48 GMT -5
POINT OF CONFUSION: Additional Review of the Patrick H. McCormack Building History (St. Denis Hotel building over 130 years of various occupants) This is my last effort (I think) in explaining the occupants of the St. Denis Hotel building that was constructed by Patrick Henry McCormack during the years around 1875.
The St. Denis building originally only had the hotel in the structure at 432 Washington. After selling part of the building years later it became multiple addresses by adding addresses such as 436 and 438 etc. The confusion by me is the additions and lack of living in Columbus after 1960.
Year 1875: Occupant was St. Denis Hotel at 432 Washington Street
Years early 1900: Occupant was joint with St. Denis Hotel and Union Trust Bank (note the wall sign didn't say Irwin Union Trust Bank) at 436-338 Washington Street. This is the same Patrick H. McCormack building, but corner area facing Washington St. and 5th Street.
Years 1930-1955: Occupants were St. Denis Hotel at 432 Washington and Irwin Union Bank and Trust at 436-438 Washington Street (in old hotel building)
Years 1956-into 1970s: Occupants were St. Denis Hotel at 432 (until 1964) and ReXall Drug Store at 436/438Washington Street (until 1972)
Year 2007: Countrywide Home Loans Inc at 432 Washington Street (partial occupant in building)
Moved Irwin Union Bank & Trust middle 1950s: Irwin Union Bank & Trust moved next door on corner of 5th Street and 500 Washington Street. Thus, departing the old St. Denis Hotel building at 436/438 Washington Street across 5th Street. At some point many years later the newer Irwin Union Bank built in the 1950s was upgraded to what you see today as you walk by that bank.
Comment: I have updated previous posts about this subject and doubt if I have anymore to add. Ricky added a more in-depth occupants on the post that follows.
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Dec 3, 2007 21:46:46 GMT -5
Just to confuse everyone further about that great old 1800's building at the corner of 5th and Washington. This is all recent information from the city directories:
432 Washington: 1964 - (St Denis Hotel was still listed until 1964) 1965 -1981 - (Cummins used for office space -untill the new HQ was built) 1981 -present (was used for a number of different business office's and is currently vacant)
436 Washington - the corner spot 1954 - (last year for Irwin-Union Bank (moved to new building at 500 Washington) 1955 - vacant 1956-1972 (Carpenters Rexall) 1973-1974 (Taylor Drug Store) 1975-1996 (Columbus Bank and Trust) 1997 - (Salin Bank) 1998-present (Hillyard-Lyons Investment Services)
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RER
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Post by RER on Dec 4, 2007 8:36:41 GMT -5
Thanks Ricky! The problem is my confusion of multiple addresses throughout the history of the building. It started as 432 Washington I suppose in 1875. Then when Irwin Bank and Trust bought part of the building; that division created 436 and 438 Washington Street addresses. The bottom-line is the whole building is the Patrick H. McCormack structure built by him in 1875. It was primarily built then as a hotel and now today it has various occupants according to your research. Thanks for clearing up the muddy waters I created. However, it is a interesting story for sure. St. Denis Hotel Built In 1875The 1953 Columbus Directory said this for the building:432 St Denis Hotel 436-38 Irwin-Union Trust Co. Question: Does anyone have current pictures of this building from different angles?
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Post by richard on Dec 4, 2007 19:12:09 GMT -5
Hello Bob and all, I'm slightly confused by the picture of the Irwin Union Bank and Trust in this post. Yes, I did work at this bank while a senior in high school, but the building I worked in was on the South West corner of 5th and Washington Street. It was the "old bank" before the new one, across 5th Street was built. I worked there during the afternoons, after lunch during the second half of my senior year and all day on Saturday and continued to work there for another year after I graduated. During my time at the bank, the President, CEO, etc. were in the process of talking with the architect to have the new bank built. To my eye....and I could be all wet here...this picture looks like the "new bank", the one we still have on this corner. Help!! Exactly where was the St. Denis Hotel located? I remember the name but can't recall just where this building sat. I picked my copy of Bartholomew County Steps Through Time this afternoon. The book has a picture of the Irwin-Union Trust Company building, with the clock on the building and fire escapes on the north side of the building. Those fire escapes were of the type that the bottom section was counter balanced so that bottom was up off of the sidewalk. That picture also shows a Hotel sign under the canopy at the first door south of the entrance. George, that picture also shows a fire call box on the corner. Another picture on another page shows the St. Denis Hotel while it was on fire and the information note with it lists the fire as occurring in 1890. Another picture shows the clock being dismantled in 1957. Having seen what I think are three mistakes I found during my first look at the book, I wouldn’t make any bets that the date is correct. However the picture clearly shows the clock laying flat on the ground and it is partly dismantled!
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Dec 5, 2007 8:37:39 GMT -5
Preservation of The Patrick H. McCormack Building From 1870s to This Year of 2007Originally built around 1875 as the St. Denis Hotel at the corner of 5th Street. Today's face-lift is "spectacular" using one word. Below is the current building picture that Richard sent me and pictures through the steps of time in reverse. Thanks Richard for providing this fantastic photo to put the "final touch" of history on this building. The whole building was repainted last summer or the year before and really looks great! Even in the rear along the alley where the fire escape is now located looks nice. Nice to see a prominent old building so well maintained.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2007 20:10:03 GMT -5
The American Starch Company was incorporated in April, 1880, with a capital stock of $200,000. The first officers were: E M. Bonfill, President; John H. Rush, Secretary, and Henry Lang, Treasurer. Substantial buildings were erected during the year, covering several acres of ground, and supplied with the latest improved machinery, making, perhaps, the most complete plant of the kind in the country, with a capacity of 4,000 bushels of corn per day. In 1882, James E. Mooney was elected President, and E M. Bonfill, Secretary and Treasurer, by the Board of Directors. In 1885, to better accommodate the growing business, the capital stock was increased to $100,000, which was taken by various prominent business men and capitalists, and John L. Bradley became President, and Edmund Mooney, Secretary and Treasurer. The company gives employment to about 100 hands, and the starch has an established reputation for excellence and has a large sale all over the United States and Europe. The residual product makes an excellent food for cattle and hogs, a large number of which are fattened at the company's yards annually. while the farmers of all the surrounding country haul the feed away to use at home, and stock raising in the county is increasing in consequence. The large plant at northwest corner of Sixteenth and Washington. covering more than a block, burned in 1895.
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RER
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Post by RER on Dec 7, 2007 9:03:57 GMT -5
Reference George's Post: Great research and find George on "The American Starch Company." Remember the odor/smell may have gotten them to discontinue the business before the fire of 1895. That information is at this post #132 under the 1800s page 9: Your finding puts a better face on the overall history of the almost unknown plant on 16th and Washington Street of the past. Thanks for the continuation of that industry of the past.
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RER
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Post by RER on Dec 7, 2007 11:55:25 GMT -5
"My First Christmas Gift" (DuringYear 1823) By Virginia Stockhold, reporter, The Evening Republican Newspaper, Columbus Indiana, Dec 1842. Comment Here: I don't believe there was a paper named The Evening Republican in 1842, so with that said another paper may have printed this in Columbus during that time period. In 1871 there was the Republican paper and later named the Evening Republican, and now today it is called the Republic newspaper. Anyway it is an interesting Columbus Indiana Christmas story of long ago. Go here to read it: chriswager.wordpress.com/2007/11/26/my-first-christmas-gift/Source: Christopher Wager The writings of Christopher Wager of Cleveland, Ohio.
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RER
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Post by RER on Dec 9, 2007 15:29:10 GMT -5
The Last Pioneer Resident of the "Youth Camp Big House" Died At the Age of 99 In 1983 "The Big House"Many of my family members were born and raised in the "Big House" (at present day Youth Camp). During 1983 Eugenia Hart Collyer died. She was the last direct pioneer resident of the Hart Family House.
My mother was deceased before this article and was a niece of Eugenia. Eugenia died 2 weeks less than 100.
The historical house seems to be losing it actual identity since the family members are passing away, and the Youth Camp establishment. It is no longer identified by the Bartholomew County Historical Society (BCHS) as a touring of the Hart Family Home. It has taken on the title of Reeves Center.
The "Big House" is now referred to as the Reeves Center. An endowment by the Reeves Pulley family has enriched the property and grounds maintenance for many years to come. The harmony involvement of both names of the "Big House" is a positive step in the retention of historical values and information related to Youth Camp.
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RER
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Post by RER on Dec 11, 2007 13:48:51 GMT -5
Pioneers of Kindness, Morality, Education and Religious Beliefs Old Bible The pioneers of 1819 moved mostly by oxen and horse to the Bartholomew County area. They had spirited beliefs and educational determination. During those days an organization of the churches had for its purpose the placing of a Bible in every home in the State. Additionally, almost every new town or township laid out in the wilderness, made provisions for a public library. A reading room was provided in which several newspapers from the East and even from Europe could be reviewed. The life of a preacher was little different from that of other pioneers, except on Sundays he preached and performed other related duties in the church. He received no salary worth mention, but depended on the produce of his farm or shop for a living. There was a certain kindness shown to the preacher, which was not expected of others. Hunters often sent a hind quarter of venison (deer meat) to the preacher, because he could not hunt on Sunday. Ferrymen (rafts & boats) of the rivers and Tavern (hotel type) owners never charged the preachers for their services. An example of kindness during the struggles of pioneers was displayed by Indiana Governor William H. Harrison during this period. A preacher named Samuel B. Robertson, whom was the first State residing Presbyterian pastor, lost his hat and one boot in White River. The Governor replaced his boots and hat at no cost to the preacher. These examples of church members and pioneer kindness and visits to the churches largely show what compensated the preacher for his salary. Sources: Corydon Indiana Gazette 1819, Indiana Republican paper, Centinel of Vincennes paper during the early 1800s, Indiana History of the University of Indiana
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RER
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Post by RER on Dec 12, 2007 18:20:46 GMT -5
Hart House "Big House" Title Recognized At Youth Camp Bartholomew County Columbus, Indiana At some point in time the Youth Camp web site was changed within the past year. The below pictures and the web page below indicates a recognition of the Hart Family "Big House" which satisfies my concern for over one year. The house was built by the Hart Family in 1867. I want to thank the Youth Camp officials (Mr. Chuck Kime) for recognizing the house's origin and a very brief description.
The "Big House" is now referred to as the Reeves Center. An endowment by the Reeves Pulley family has enriched the property and grounds maintenance for many years to come. The harmony involvement of both names of the "Big House" is a positive step in the retention of historical values and information related to Youth Camp. Information because of size: The left arch above the house states Hart House "Big House" Youth Camp web page to enlarge for reading: www.columbusyouthcamp.com/FOC.htm
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RER
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Post by RER on Dec 18, 2007 22:21:06 GMT -5
Building of Farms and Fields for Crops 1820s ForwardLog cutting and rolling was commonplace for over 50 yearsBartholomew County IndianaYou can’t grow crops and a garden in tree tops, and you can’t grow crops without sun in the shades of trees. So, they had to remove thousands and thousands of trees to make way for their farms and homesteads. The clearing of trees made young men and older folks appreciate what a hard day’s work was during those severe periods of hardness and lacking of basics in life. The norm was clearing the underbrush and then cutting the trees down with hand axes and hand spiking into piles, by rolling the logs. The log-rolling and gathering of settlers in groups normally took place in the spring of April each year. All the capable men in neighborhoods would gather and break into squads or groups of 10 to 20 men to cut and roll the logs into piles for burning. Neighborhoods ranged from 20 to 50 men to help each other in the clearings. There was team and individual rivalry among the groups and squads. Many trees were “deaden” in place and left to stand for two years and then burned in place or cut and rolled into piles. Logs were normally 12 to 20 feet long for the rolling. The prime wood was left and split in the winter months for fences and building materials. The women and older daughters during this time were normally busy at their houses quilting. The women also grouped together, and made quilts and others would do the cooking for the men swinging axes and rolling logs. Tableware from all the homes would be brought to the area home being cleared, so the families could eat together during this tough and rugged clearing job. Not much dancing or celebration was done after supper because of the tiring of men, and cleaning up and changing of clothing. Some days the younger men spent a social hour wrestling and teasing one another after the log piling and the start of the log burning. Here is a pioneer summary of most days in May each year: Quote: “Get up 3 a.m., chunk up ten acres of log-heaps before 6 a.m., breakfast, walk three to ten miles, roll logs till 6 p.m., walk home, chunk up 10 acres of log heaps before going to bed. Repeat it 30 days in succession, rain or shine.” End Quote Comment: Well, I guess I can fairly say this: The next time you think you had a hard day at the office or work, just think what these folks went through, so you can sit at your nice desk or work station of today. Sources: Wrtten discussions of pioneers of the past and Indiana History.
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