1800-1899 Life In Columbus/Bartholomew County

[David Sechrest]

Here's an enlarged section, lightened somewhat:

[RER]

Picture of Carrie Nation From The Library of Congress Year 1904

Comment: David, I don't know if this helps but here is a close 1904 view of her. Also, below the first picture is a cropped view of her face and the picture you posted. Don't know if this helps but the year is close to what you are trying to figure out.






Source: Library of Congress Washington DC.

[David Sechrest]

Bob, thanks so much for posting that picture.

I went to your LOC website link and found a 2mb tiff image. It's a much better look at CN for comparison.

Although there are differences between the picture you posted and the one I posted, I'm still uncertain about positive proof. Many things could come into play here, including lighting and not being prepped for the ladies picture. I'm sure there are some out there that possibly see a significant difference and wonder why I continue this. Well, to be honest, I still see similarities between the two and am not ruling it out entirely. At least, not yet.

The info says that the picture you posted was copyright 1904, the same year that she visited Columbus.

Well...back to the drawing board...at least we were able to find out that Carrie Nation did visit Columbus, but the picture of the ladies still remains a mystery...

[docwendy]

I'm still convinced that a fashion historian (yes, I found out in my research last night that this is a real academic area!) would be able to date this. Based on what I read at various fashion history sites, they can date things very accurately by looking at details such as bodices, seam placement, and all sorts of things. Women's fashion changes year to year and so to my surprise makes a very good way to date things. I'm trying to find out if Ohio State has a department with a fashion historian.

One other feature of the photo that makes me also think this is not Carrie Nation is that with her signature black dress, she wore a white bow which was the symbol of the WCTU. This lady is not wearing the white bow. I learned that last night, too. This is a great education!

[David Sechrest]

Wendy, I think that's a great way to pursue this matter. I do hope you might find someone that can help with our search.

I feel like all the air has been let out of me. The comparison photos I posted last night sure do show similarities between the two, but I have no idea of the date that internet provided picture was taken. I felt if it were taken when she was younger, that could account for some of the facial features (weight gain, and just generally growing older), but with the picture Bob Records found (©1904, the year she came to Columbus), you can make out the differences so much better.

It is so exciting to get so close to something like this. The excitement builds and builds, then comes the one-two punch square to the kisser.

This is another reason I removed my earlier post. I just didn't have enough info. Quite a few coincidences, but you can see where that led.

[David Sechrest]

I sent the picture off to someone (hopefully) who has more in-depth knowledge of this subject than I.

I still see similarities, but that could be simply because I want to. It's time once again to step away from all this for awhile and regain my common-sense approach to things.

I can share this much: The picture that Bob posted above. If you enlarge that photo, you get a very good look at the shawl that Carrie Nation is wearing. Same can be done to a similar extent with the lady in our ladies picture. The shawls are, in fact, very similar. Each have those strands of material hanging down. I know you can't make this out in the pictures I posted last night, or in RER's picture today, but they are there. It seems quite probable that that style was very popular in its day. But it is another coincidence between the two.

Plus, I wonder if Carrie Nation wore that white thing around her neck all the time. This is just my own supposition, but I wonder if she only wore it at rallies or such. While riding a train, I wonder if she would have worn it. Very well might have. But, the lady in our ladies picture looks like she's been riding a train for most of the day and is absolutely worn out. Since she wasn't planning on giving a speech (the July 12, 1904 Evening Republican reported that she got off the train and bought some apples at a shop on Washington Street), would she have simply dressed more comfortably for the trip? She was on her way to Madison Indiana, and then, returned to Columbus on July 21 and gave a speech from the back of the train (where imitation hatchets were sold). I could see her dressing as a symbol of the WTCU then, but maybe she didn't during her first visit to Columbus.

The other thing that keeps nagging at me is, the LOC picture Bob posted and the internet picture I posted last night were taken by professional photographers. I'm sure they "dolled" her up, had the lighting as good as they could possibly get at that time and got a much better looking picture. Mr. Schaub's picture looks like one that was totally unplanned. No time for make-up...lighting depending on outdoor only...this can very drastically affect how the same person may look in two different photos.

You'll have to excuse me. This is almost like me thinking out loud, but it helps to put things in perspective for me

I know, I'm grasping at straws here in a way. But, these things still stick with me.

Hey, if I'm going to make a complete idiot of myself, why not go all the way

[Rhonda]

The new director of the Historical Society, Julie Hughes, is pretty good at dating photos by the historical clothing. She's probably pretty snowed under right now, though, with the mess they will soon have to deal with when they are finally allowed to enter their storage facility for salvage efforts.

[David Sechrest]

For those of you who have been following my "escapades" regarding the ladies picture, the recent posts I've made should prove to be a good exercise in observation of historical data. I hope that those interested learn from my mistakes.

There is one very glaring omission I've looked over since I've gotten on this Carrie Nation kick, and that's the EUREKA sign in the background.

I'm still going through the 1903-04 City Directory to see what businesses were located in the area where the picture was taken, but at this point, I can share that there was no EUREKA Grocery listed at that address. There is a Eureka Cafe, but the address listed is 524 Washington Street.

Going through the Directory name by name is a real chore (I'm in the "L's" at the moment, and I've not come up with any listings for any saloons where the two are shown in the picture.

Also, there is no listing for a Schwartzkopf's Saloon in the 1903-04 directory, which is definitely shown in the ladies picture.

For those of us who are familiar with the way that 3rd Street corridor looked before the Commons, by all indications, it appears the ladies picture was taken very close to the north-south alley that ran between Washington and Jackson Sts. In judging where the ladies are standing, it appears they are in front of 326 3rd St. They would be standing three businesses east of the north-south alley that separated Jackson and Washington Sts.

The 1886 Sanborn Insurance Map does show two saloons next to each other, then a grocery, which coincides with the picture. This is the earliest Sanborn map available to us.

A 1903 or 04 Sanborn Map isn't available.

Although it would have been something to prove that the lady was in fact Carrie Nation, the proof just doesn't hold up. A lot of coincidences, but that's all they are: just coincidences.

It was great that we were able to find out that Carrie Nation did visit Columbus, however.

The last few posts I've made on this board have been a great learning process for me, and I can't believe that I let myself forget all about the EUREKA sign. But that's the problem with getting all caught up in just one aspect, whether it's this picture or anything else. But I guess that's what happens when you get all engrossed in just one aspect of something. I made such a point regarding that EUREKA sign when the picture was first discovered by Bob Records and I can't believe I let myself get so involved in this that I totally disregarded it.

That, right now, seems to be the piece that can tie all this together. If we can find out when the EUREKA Grocery was at that location, it will help to narrow down when this picture was taken.

By the way, Julius T. Schaub was still alive and living in Hope Indiana in 1903-04. His wife was Clara. He was listed as a jeweler and photographer and lived on the SE corner of the Public Square in Hope Indiana.

[RER]

My Final Belief On Dates Of Two Pictures (1874 or early 1875)

The dating of the picture with the grouped ladies in protest has to be dated in the 1870s. I suggest it was 1874 or 1875 because the clock in the Bartholomew County Courthouse was not installed. The clock was installed and started ticking April 3, 1875. Further, the same business signs are in place in both pictures below.

It is highly unlikely that the same undisturbed wooden signs (that deteriorate) would be in place for 10, 20, or even 30 years when Carry Nation arrived by train (July 1904) to buy apples; talk to Will Marsh and then depart by rail to Madison Indiana. Historically, there were several liquor saloons in that area during the 1860s through the late 1890s by my readings. The names changed off and on during those days. For example the Schwatzkopf Saloon was listed as a saloon business in 1868, but not during the 1890s. The Eureka Bakery and Grocery wasn’t in the 1868 list of businesses, or in the 1890s. The McGravel Liquor Store business was not listed in any of those dates painted on the top of the arcade; which was the future Crump building.

The Tipton Street (or 3rd Street) in the 1868 Business Directory listed 5 saloons and here are the owners names/location: George Dahn (end of Tipton), Adolp Hofman (opposite courthouse), John Lacy (opposite square), Lowe & Maynard (Tipton), and F. Schwartkopf (Tipton). NOTE: Some directories spell the name Schwartzkopf with the Z and some without like Schwartkopf.

Additionally, the business names turn-over rate was extremely high in those days. I have asked many folks their opinion of the dating of the ladies clothing and they seem to think the dressing is during the 1860s and 1870s. I have reviewed many websites to review the clothing wear in those days and it seems to fall in line during those same years.

Today, in the Columbus newspaper the Republic Harry McCawley wrote a nice article about the ladies protest picture and the Carrie Nation visit.

I believe after what I have said above that Carrie Nation visited Columbus long after these two pictures below. They all are dated in my mind 1874 or 1875. These are the oldest pictures of Columbus that I have seen in my history of researching Bartholomew County/Columbus history.

The red color ovals are the signs mentioned above:



The top teal oval is the clock not installed & the other oval is the same signs if enlarged:




Source: Pictures New York Public Library (no copyrights)

[David Sechrest]

Bob, while I made a valiant effort to try and prove a different time frame in which the ladies picture was taken, the common pieces of the picture (the signs pointed out), do indeed support your time frame (IMO)...

[RER]

Jan 14, 2010 16:40:32 GMT -5 David Sechrest said:

Bob, while I made a valiant effort to try and prove a different time frame in which the ladies picture was taken, the common pieces of the picture (the signs pointed out), do indeed support your time frame (IMO)...

David you made a grand effort. At first I thought you may have hit the nail on the head, with Carrie Nation. It was a interesting and challenging exercise for all of us. The biggest difference I found in the 1904 picture and a few others was the nose base wasn't the same, and Carrie Nation seemed to always wear wire framed glasses. The 1875 picture of the ladies didn't have on glasses.

[RER]

More Businesses During The 1890s
Columbus, Indiana




Source: DAR Booklet (no copyrights)

[RER]

What Spelling Books & Other Books Where Used Starting 1830 In Bartholomew County/Columbus Log Cabin Schools?

Answer: What ever they could find in print that included the Bible and McGuffey Spelling Books and McGuffey Book series.

1830 Copy McGuffey Book



Brief Overview About McGuffey:

William Holmes McGuffey (1800-1873) was a "born" educator. Beginning by teaching his younger brothers and sisters, William McGuffey accepted his first teaching position at 13 in a one-room school with 48 students.

After graduating from Washington College and being ordained as a Presbyterian minister, he taught moral philosophy at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio for almost ten years. It was during this period that McGuffey wrote and compiled the Readers that made him famous. Later McGuffey rose to the rank of university president, serving Cincinnati College and Ohio University.

McGuffey, William Holmes, 1800-1873 Reader List:

McGuffey's Eclectic Primer, Revised Edition (English) (as Author)
McGuffey's Eclectic Spelling Book (English) (as Author)
McGuffey's Fifth Eclectic Reader (English) (as Author)
McGuffey's First Eclectic Reader, Revised Edition (English) (as Author)
McGuffey's Fourth Eclectic Reader (English) (as Author)
McGuffey's Second Eclectic Reader (English) (as Author)
McGuffey's Sixth Eclectic Reader (English) (as Author)
McGuffey's Third Eclectic Reader (English) (as Author)
The New McGuffey First Reader (English) (as Author)
The New McGuffey Fourth Reader (English) (as Compiler)


Sources: Indiana Education History, Book "Hoosier Courtships In Early Days", Indiana University Library, and Sanford University Library. There are no copyrights for the pictures and statement above.

[RER]

Columbus Permits An 1870s Historical Home To Be Razed In 2009
3rd Street (near entrance of Pearl St.)
Columbus, Indiana

Brief Opinion: The William Brockman home was built around 1870 on present 3rd Street, across from the entrance of Pearl Street. It was such a beautiful home when built in the Queen Ann style decor, by Mr. Brockman. Mr. Brockman was a famous construction professional and he and his company designed and built many structures in Columbus. One of his most famous structures was the old City Hall, still standing at the corner of 5th & Franklin and the building Zaharokos is housed in, and several others.

The house was donated to the "Knights of Columbus" by a family Brockman's Aunt & Uncle when they built a different house. You will notice the porches had been removed, and all the decorative Queen Ann style details.

Now, folks many Columbus citizens rave about old homes that we have discussed, and other family names of the past. However, Columbus let this home slip through the cracks, and that history is now gone forever. The home should have been restored to the original configuration shown in the picture below to preserve an honorable family that contributed a lot to Columbus Indiana.

The house could have been a museum or just a show case if it had been restored in lieu of destruction. History, has been lost and we have to ask the big question of why?

I will present the original house again below. Then I will show the house during 2009 before it was razed. Over the years the front and sides were remodeled and the front and West side took on a less attractive view. This recent picture before destruction has been confirmed by a direct Brockman family member.

Picture One Taken 2009 Before Razing



Picture Two Built In 1870 (actual picture dated 1880)



1890s Advertisement


Source of Information/confirmation: A direct family lady Brockman, that no longer lives in Columbus for many years.

[RER]

More Businesses During The 1890s

[RER]

Long Gone Ways Of Life 1800s & Parts of 1900s
Columbus & Bartholomew County Indiana

Comment: The early days were tough, but we had tough minded people that worked all day to put the beans and cornbread on the table. They didn't know what modern toilets or city provided water sources were like. If they had the hand pump well water they were satisfied, because they didn't have to walk to the river or lake and then boil it. Natural well water in Columbus was and is healthy today.

When we moved to 15th Street it was not in the city zones, and we had the best well water using an electrical pump to supply the house. Later in the late 1950s the city annexed the area into the city and city water was flowing to all the houses. The outhouse I remember very well, at 5th and Union Street during the 1940s. However, once we moved to 15th Street, the "half moon" was replaced by indoor bathroom and bath tub facilities.

Today, living on the East Coast we have had filtered well water for the last dozen years. It is filtered big time here because most of the ground is sand. Living in the county and not th city, allows better well water, instead of the horrible tasting city water. Our water has no chemical added, like the city. We test it each year at a university laboratory for quality.

During my early years the outhouses or "commonly called half moon" were spotted throughout Columbus downtown and county areas.

Well Water Pump
Outhouse

Sources of Pictures: Indiana early days from the Library of Congress Washington DC. Picture represents Bartholomew County and Brown County.

[RER]

After The Bartholomew County Courthouse Construction Was Complete During 1874 & 1875
3rd Street
Columbus, Indiana

Comment: They finished putting up the iron fence and it seems that the folks tied their horses up to the fence during this 1880 picture.



Then 10 Years Later In 1890 At 3rd & Washington Street

Comment: The street cars are rolling and the building in the background was later razed to build the Commons many, many years later.




Source: Indiana University Library

[RER]

Columbus Historic Homes On Franklin Street Year 1884
Columbus, Indiana
Brief: There are many homes of the past throughout the city and especially down Franklin Street among other streets. The National Register of Historic Places has this home at 1316 Franklin Street on its list.

Below you will see that the home was built in 1884 and I will reveal the original ownership and boarding occupant during the late 1880s and early 1900s. I will explain and show the original design, and it changes up to the current view.

Owners 1884: Isaac S. & Almira E. Clark
Boarding Occupants: Ella L Duncan, Teacher Public Schools (during late 1800s & early 1900s)
Boarding Occupants: Mary A. Clark, Teacher North School (during late 1800s & early 1900s)

Style of Home Details (original): Queen Ann Cottage, with gingerbread trim and cut away corners.

Picture Before Remodel (unknown date)

Picture Within Last Few Years

There are many older structured homes in the downtown area as we know, but to reveal a little history makes it more interesting. This home apparently was used to board school teachers, maybe one was a daughter. Apparently, Mr. Clark passed away sometime before 1904, because my reading source stated Mrs. Clark was a widow in 1904.

Sources: Picture from Indiana University Library. The ownership and occupants were taken from the Bartholomew County Directory dated 1903-1904.

[RER]

Columbus Business Stores Year 1890s
Columbus, Indiana

[RER]

John S. Crump
Honored Year 1897
Columbus, Indiana






Source: GAR