H[gT0R[04r00 - Henry County Historical Society

Vot. 20 Number
Fall, 1992
THü HONRY OOUNT'Y
H[gT0R[04r00
FOUNDED I8E7
HENRY COUNTY I]ISTORICAL SOCTETY MUsEUM
"Bringing history to life
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. . .ond life to history."
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THE HENRY COUNTY HISTORICALOG
is the
biannual publication
of the
HENRY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC.
606 So. 14th St.
New
Castle, Indiana
Richard P. Ratcliff, Editor
47362
(Spiceland)
April, 1887
Founded
Telephone:
3L71529-4028
-
Officers
Richa¡d E. McKnight, President
(New Castle)
Mrs. Dorotha (Hoover) White, Vice-Pres.
(Ashtand)
Mrs. Eleanor (Jessup) Painter, Secretary
(New Castle)
Miss JoAnn Edwards
Membership Secretary
(New Castle)
Douglas W. Wilson, Treasurer
Trusteee
Dr. Donald Hamilton, Chai¡man
"v
(New Castle)
Mrs. Betty (Todd) Cashner
(New Castle)
Stephen R. Smith
(ShirleY)
Jack Gebhart
(Springport)
Richard Scott Bouslog
(New Castle)
(Knightstown)
Cu¡ator
-
Mrs. Joan Paul
"Unless you cherish the
memory of your a.ncestors,
you deserue to be forgotten by your Posterity."
-
"I
høue ever had ø pleøsure
in obtaining øny little
ønecdotes of my e,ncestors."
- Benjømin Frønklín
Edmund.Burke
PøtrickHenry
nfi
HOW TO o.PEN A BOOK.
ate?tu B oohb|nil,4'ng.t
-
FX
NOTICE.
Í ron,, üo
"I know of no wøy of judgíng
the future but by the pøst."
t
lts baek on ¿ smooth oP
table; let the front þoard down' then
tho oth€& holtllng the leaves ln one hand whtle
Hold the book with
ooveped
you open a few leaves..at the back, then a few at
thefront, anal so on, alt€rnately openlng Þack
and fpont, gently presslng open the sectlons tlll
you peach th€ centep of the volume. Do this two
or three tlmes and you wlll obtaln the best re-
Editor's note: Recently I found this notice pasted inside my
copy of The Illustrated Life of Willinm McKinley, published in
1901.
ELECT
sulto.
Open the volume violently oP ca,relessly
ln any one placo anal you wlll lltsely break the
"STRONG
baok and cause a start ln the loavos. Never
forae the baak of the þook.
"A connoisseup many yeaPs ago, an exoellent
customer of mhe, who thought he knew perfectly how to handle Þooks, came lnto my ofnce
whenl had an expensive blndlngJust brought
SHER¡FF"
GUY C. STRONG
HENRY COUNTY
DEMOCRATIC CANDIOATE
1994 ELEOTTON NOV. 6
fron the blndcry ready to be sent home¡ he'
before my €yes, took hold of the volume and
tlghtly holding the leaves ln eaeh hand, lnstead
of allowlng them free play, vlolently opened lt
lnthe center and exclalmed: 'Eow beautlfully
your blndlngs open I' I almost falnted. He
had broken tbe back oftho volumeand lt bad to
be rebound."
For
YOUR SUPPORT APPREOIATED
1992 election just around the corner, here is a reminder of a past election and an unsuccessful candidate. Guy Strong
was a well-known county auctioneer. Card property of the edi-
With the
tor.
HENnT C0UltlT'S
(Editor's note: During July and August, 1992,
David Lundquist, staff writer for the New Castle
¡.tEuon¡lt PIBß
"Courier-Times," wrote a series of articles describ-
ing Henry County Memorial Park, perhaps our
county's No. 1 asset. I have been given permission
by the "Courier" to reproduce the series which included pictures and sketches by Larry Gosser, Aric
Stoots and John Guglielmi, staff artist and photog-
i ìL l'\RY COUNTY
¡
þ4EMORìAL PARIl
We LCO¡'lE
"t
É
t
raphers for the newspaper. Mike McKown of
McKown Quality Photography, New Castle, was
called upon to snap pictures of park areas and facilities not featured in the series.)
At Memorial Park, variety is bhe very spice of life.
Just how varied are the park's offerings was evident last Saturday.
Thousands milled around the New Castle Lions Fair, visiting
the 70 a¡ts-and-crafts booths, scoping out the 70 ca¡s at the
cruise-in, searching for bargains among the 67 merchant dis-
plays, marveling at the helicopter landings, enjoying the 17
rides, and munching on food from cotton candy to fried fish.
The park drew more than just fair-goers last Saturday. The
Henry County Saddle Club and 4-H grounds attracted a couple
thousand visitors to the annual Hoosier Palomino Association
show. Over a hundred duffers teed off at the American Legion
Golf Course. All 13 of the open-air picnic shelters were booked.
Weekend athletes clanged away at the horseshoe rings or
played pickup volleyball games or competed in spirited and
laugh-filled T-ball contests.
For all the swirling noise and activity, however, some people
still found quiet nooks to escape the hubbub.
A bride-to-be and her maid of honor checked out the hilly Amphitheater and its gazebo as a possible site for a wedding. A father and his two small children took a nature waìk that wound
ührough the woods and past the Doughboy statue and Japanese
garden. Small clusters of people stopped by the park's latest
memorial
- the monument by Goodwin Lake honoring those
who served in the Gulf War.
And today there a¡e more activities on tap: a parade, sailboat
race, street drama and band music all leading up to the explosive finale with the Citizens State Bank-sponsored fireworks
display. Pa¡k officials figure 20,000 to 30,000 people will enjoy
the festivities.
Memorial Pa¡k is one impressive place.
"I know I'm prejudiced, but there's not a finer or better maintained park in the state," said "Whitey" Shively, park board
president.
Prejudice or no, one would be hard put to find a better park in
the state. For one thing, Memorial Pa¡k is the largest memorial
park in Indiana, encompassing 322 acres.
Within that acreage are 20 memorials, a golf course, two softball diamonds, two lakes, 22 numbered picnic sites, three cabins, 13 open-air shelters, the Henry County 4-H building, three
playgrounds, a two-story shelter house, trails galore, and courts
for basketball, volleyball and tennis.
The focal point of the park is the Smith Building, used for
weddings, reunions, exhibits, auctions and banquets, Last year
alone, the upstairs portion was rented 224 times; the downstairs, 185 times.
As if the park needed anything else to prove its greatness, the
horse and pony facilities are known and admired by thousands
of equine aficionados. The Henry County Saddle Club has funneled $500,000
a penny of it coming from taxes
- nota¡ea.
- into
the horse and pony
With its two show rings, exercise
areas, grooming stations, bleachers, concession stand and 200
permanent and 150 portable stalls, the local facility is host to
19 shows this year. Over 100,000 people are d¡awn to those
group
Park opened in 1920. On January 9, 19
of locals posed at the original park entrance. From the Museum
files.
some weekend this summer," Shively challenged. "I doubt
you'll find any."
Even without all the special shows and events, Memorial
Park is still a busy place. Walkers get their daily exercise going
a¡ound the one-mile loop at the park's southern edge. Families
and groups from the state hospital, YMCA and day-care centers frolic at the playgrounds. Anglers fish for crappie, bluegill,
bass a¡d catfish from Goodwin and Shively Lakes. In the winter, sledders and skaters slip, slide and glide.
Perhaps the best part of the park is the board policy of keeping things low-cost or no-cost. Admission to the park, fishing
and use of open shelters are free. Costs for paddle or rowboating, cabins, the Shelterhouse and the Smith Building are nominal.
"Because this is a Henry County park paid for with tax dolIars, we've made it a place for people to visit and enjoy without
spending a lot of money," said Rex Alspaugh, park superintendent.
"Since my wife and I came here in 1987, we have loved bhis
park," Alspaugh continued. "The Saddle Club, 4-H, Lions Club,
American Legion and all the other groups that use and contri
bute to our park have been super to work with,
"And, I'm very fortunate to have the workers I have. All of
them take pride in this park as if it's their own, and in a way it
is. This park is for all of us."
In 1919, a group of Henry County men had a vision. Encouraged by a state law authorizing construction of memorials to
the Great Wa¡, these men conceived the idea of a "living memorial.' '
They didn't want mere statues to honor the local men and
women who served in what we now call World War I. Monuments were nice, they figured, but couldn't be used for any ac-
shows.
tivities.
The picnic shelters a¡e coveted. November 1 is the first day
people can reserve shelters for the upcoming year. Fifty or more
people spend their Halloween waiting in line to nab their favorite shelter.
"Go to the park office now and try to reserve a shelter for
Salem Shively, one of that original group of visionaries, said
at the time, "Let us not spend money on the erection of stone
monuments to the memory of our soldiers, (monuments) which
would neither quench the thirst nor rest their bodies from the
toil of the day." Instead, Shively argued, they should take this
"remarkable adapted piece of ground" and "dedicate and set
apart (it) to their memory."
The "piece of ground" to:vhich Shively referred was the original 37 acres of Memorial Pa¡k, an aÌea encompassing what is
now Shively Lake, the Shelter House and the playground on the
park's east side.
In 1919, however, only true visionaries could recognize the
park's potential. Back then, the a¡ea was a swampy, brier-infested cow pasture,
That cattle-grazing ground was transformed into a recre-
ational oasis largely through the efforts of the first park board,
which included Maurice Goodwin, Dr. Walter VanNuys, Frank
Wiseha¡t, Luther Symons and Shively. Shively, who served for
39 years as the park boa¡d's president, is considered the "father" of Memorial Park.
The startup money for the park came from the Henry County
Wa¡ Chest, a fund set up during WWI to entertain servicemen
and to help mothers and wives whose sons and husbands were
killed in combat. After persuading the county commissioners to
let 3? acres of county-owned property be used for a memorial
park, the first park boa¡d used $18,000 from the Wa¡ Chest to
begin turning the dream into a reality.
Though many county residents were initially skeptical of the
park idea, that skepticism vanished as the park grew and improved. Throughout the 1920s and '30s, more and more parcels
of land were added. The last major land acquisition came when
90 acres from the Henry County Home Farm were added in
1961, bringing the total acreage of the park to 322 acres
- a
half-mile square with something for everyone.
Over the years, countless organizations and individuals contributed to the park's development.
The New Castle Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs pushed for community support. The VFW and American Legion got the golf
course rolling. The New Castle Lions have held their home show
at the park continuously since 1962, and in 19?0 the club donated and installed air conditioning in the Smith Building.
During the Depression, workers hired by the WPA built
The Neal Reeves Shelter. McKown photo.
trails, stone bridges, shelters, roads a¡d the Amphitheater. Local 4-H groups began
the park in 1929. The
half a million dollars i
since 1961.
The American Wa¡ Mothers donated the Doughboy statue,
and Phi Delta Kappa fraternity pushed for the Wilbur Wright
memorial. As recently as last year, Mothers Against Saddam
Hussein raised money for two memorials, one for veterans of
the Persian Gulf Wa¡ and the other for those who served in Panama and Grenada,
Families have picked up the costs for many of the open-air
shelters. The list goes on.
The support of all those organizations and individuals has
made Memorial Park the focal point of the county and the largest memorial park in the state. Local historian Herb Heller once
called the park "Eastern Indiana's Beauty Spot."
The best argument for the greatness of Memorial Park will always be the personal memories of park visitors.
\{hat participant in the 1964 Easter Egg Hunt could forget
the blizzard that not only disrupted the festivities but also resulted in parents being temporarily separated from thei¡ children?
Former park superintendent John McGrady remembers when
a tractor plowing snou¡ off Shively Lake fell through the ice.
"We like to never got that tractor out of there
- took us three
days," McGrady recalls.
Current park board president Whitey Shively grew up with
the park. "I used to love the dances they held in the '40Jin the
Shelter House," Shively remembers. "The dances cost a nickel,
and since I had 11 brothers and sisters, I hardly ever had anickel. Fortunately, I was a good da¡cer and girls would pay my
way."
When a torrential downpour opened up the 1g29 fireworks
display, park worker George Brown crawled into an empty barrel for shelter. In the resulting stampede of visitors, the barrel
got knocked over. George and the ba¡rel rolled a hundred yards
over boulders, down the hill and across Ind. 3. He emerged
shaken but unscathed.
World War I vet Howard Bowers is now g6 years old, but he
still hasn't forgotten the summer in the 1920s when he and Ben
Bailey hauled 28 loads of gravel off a horse-pulled wagon to fill
in the bottom of what is now Shively Lake. "Ben hauled 14
loads and I hauled 14 loads, all of it done by elbow grease,"
Wanda Alspaugh, Memorial Park's "Flower Lady." CourierTimes photo.
Bowers recalls.
The park and its activities have changed over the years.
The old archery range is now the site for the monument honoring the county's war dead. Pony rides used to take place
where the tennis courts are now. The interurban electric train
that brought visitors from Muncie and northern parts of Henry
County ra¡ for the last time in 1941. The New Castle Cardinals,
a semi-pro baseball team, flourished in the '50s and '60s but ul-
timately disbanded.
Crowds no longer gather for horseshoe pitching contests on
.
nice shade, clean grounds, freshly mowed grass." She then
pointed to the camp sites and continued, "When you look
bhrough there, you see campers sitting under brees and having
cookouts. What a great place you have here. This whole park is
beautiful."
A great place indeed, and the horse show facility is just one of
the many facbors that make Memorial Park the best park of its
kind in the state.
llTllRY
Like the beginning of the park itself, the 4-H Horse and Pony
Grounds had humble origins.
When the county 4-H clubbers held their first horse show in
1961, the arena was a roped-off ring northwest of the 4-H buildings. Parents of 4-H members wanted more for thei¡ kids who
showed horses, and with 4-H clubs limited in thei¡ abilities to
raise funds, the parents formed the Henry County Saddle Club
in the early '60s.
That newly formed club immediately set to work, building a
show ring, concession stand and regisbration building on the
current grounds in 1964.
Expansion has continued. An 86-stall barn was built in the
mid-'60s; an inside a¡ena with showers and 40 stalls was added
in 1983. Wash racks, practice areas, electrical hookups for
campers, a speaker setup and sprinkling systems have been
added over the years. Last year, the club erected a 76-stall barn
and this year pub in a second show ring.
CO|JTTY
SADDTE CI|JB
With the facilities continually expanding, more and more
horse clubs have chosen the Memorial Park grounds as the best
I
site for their shows. Last weekend's Indiana Celebration
ma¡ked the 24th straight year bhat the Indiana Walking Horse
Committee has had its main show here. The snaffle bit show
that sta¡ts today will bring in some of the top riders in the na-
J-
tion.
Memorial Park is a showcase for show horses. Courier-Times
photo.
Sunday afternoons. Few park officia-ls remember the exact loca-
tion of the old croquet court. Rock and roll dances for teens died
out in the late'60s. Travelogs, lectures, outdoor d¡amas and talent shows have also faded.
But the number of park activities has not decreased, only
changed.
McGrady realizes some people mourn the passing of certain
park activities over the years, but he
tive reflections of societal interests.
sees the changes as
posi
"Over a period of time people change their attitudes and lifestyles," McGrady said. "Things such as croquet and archery
that were big years ago are not big now. By the same token,
things such as horse shows and golfing were not as popular
The 4-H Horse and Pony Grounds a¡e host to 19 shows this
year, with nearly every weekend booked and other clubs waiting in line for open dates. Throughout the surnmer, visitors can
enjoy watching just about every breed of horse imaginable,
from quarter horses to appaloosas, walking horses to palominos, paint horses to pintos.
According to club president and cha¡ter member John Jordan
of Mooreland, the local facility really began attracting topnotch horse shows sta¡ting in 1983. "Things took off for us
when we built the inside arena with extra stalls," Jordan said.
"Having enough stalls is what really makes the money both for
our club and for the groups sponsoring the shows."
Saddle club members constantly hear praise for the Memorial
Park grounds.
"People from around ühe country say it's the best ring anyplace," Jordan said. "I couldn't begin to tell you the compliments we've received on our facilities and on the park itself."
years ago as they are now. One of the many great things about
Memorial Pa¡k is that it has adapted with the times.
"Memorial Park still has the largest attenda¡ce of any nonstate park in Indiana," McGrady added. "It really is a 'living
memorial.'"
What started as a boost to
loca-l 4-H clubs has turned inùo a
premier showcase for horse shows. That, in brief, is the history
of the 4-H Horse and Pony Grounds on the south side of Memorial Park.
Though many area residents know little of the success of the
park's horse show grounds, horse fans from all over Indiana indeed, from a-lì over the nation
- know and appreciate what
the Henry County Saddle Club has done for horse shows.
At last weekend's Indiana Celebration, first-time visitor Pam
Hollenbeck of Lawton, Mich., was just one of several thousa¡d
visitors impressed by the local facilities. Mrs. Hollenbeck,
whose daughter Melissa was entered in the show, compared the
Memorial Park grounds to others she has visited in 10 years of
showing walking horses.
"This place is beautiful," Mrs. Hollenbeck said. "At other
shows we've been to, there's no grass, no shade and poor parking. Those other grounds don't have many places where a person can sit and relax.
"But look where we are now close access to the show ring,
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Everything about the horse show area in Memorial Park is rema¡kable
- wonderful facilities, scenic surroundings, top-notch
horse competition, mostly free entertainment for spectators.
McKown photo.
Jodee Cross, a 1991 Chrysler High School graduate in her last
year of 4-H, added, "For overall looks, this is one of the best facilities around. The rings are really nice, the grounds kept up
and the people courteous."
Club treasurer Stan Meek said, "We hear comments all the
time thab it's the nicest show ground of its type aaywhere."
The local grounds are unique, mainly because of the commitment of saddle club members and the club's working relationship with the park boa¡d and workers.
Every bit of money made in renting the facilities goes right
back into the grounds, and no club member draws a salary. Joe
Dietz of Dietz Electric has put in all sorts of electrical hookups
for the cost of materials alone. When the club has had to borrow
money, club members sigrred for the loans personally. Last year
alone, the 120 or so club members put in over 7,000 man-hours
of labor.
With all the volunteer work, the Henry County Saddle Club is
able to lease the grounds at a cheaper cost tha¡ can most commercial or taxpayer-funded facilities. And, since different horse
clubs can make good money here with registration and other
fees, most of the shows throughout the year are free to spectators.
The snaffle bit show this weekend costs nothing to watch.
Last week, spectators paid $3 a session, but the gate proceeds
went to support the Bennett House here in New Castle.
The saddle club has a wonderful working relationship with
the park boa¡d and workers. "You can't say enough about how
great (park superintendent) Rex Alspaugh, the park board and
the park workers have been to us," Jordan said. "And we've reciprocated by helping them out at times with finances a¡d other
volunteer work."
Though county taxes help support the entire park, the horse
and pony grounds receive no direct tax dolla¡s. Yet what a boon
the grounds are to the local economy. Many local restaurants
order extra food for horse show weekends. Motor homes and
trailer-pulling trucks line up at the gas pumps. Area motels fill
to capacity.
Everything about the horse show
area in Memorial Pa¡k is rewonderful facilities, scenic surroundings, top-notch
horse competition, mostly free entertainment for spectators.
And while tourist dollars pour in, no direct taxdolla¡ support
comes from Henry County residents.
As Jorda¡ said, "People ought to know how much this park
and these horse show grounds mean to Henry County."
Sunday morning a group of World War II veterans will gather a¡ound a monument at Memorial Park for a solemn ceremony.
They are the men of Company I, 152nd Infantry, 38th Divi
sion, a local National Gua¡d unit federalized in 1941. Since
1946, these veterans have met for an a¡nual reunion to honor
their falìen comrades and to recall their combat experiences on
the Bataan Peninsula, fighting which ea¡ned for the 38th Divi
sion the nickname "Avengers of Bataan."
Slowed by age but unbowed in spirit, the men of Company I
markable
Some of the 4-H facilities. McKown photo.
will muster at their company marker at the bottom of the hill
leading to the Shelterhouse. They'll listen to the history of bhei¡
unit, hear the names of the 34 men from the company killed in
combat. They'll stand somberly as the playing of "Last Call"
concludes the reunion weekend.
"Every year the reunion becomes a little more sentimental, a
little more sacred. It means more to me now than when we first
sta¡ted getting together," said Joe Delon of Rushville, who was
with the unit throughout the war.
with each passing yeæ."
"I
miss those people more
Henry County Memorial Park is a top-notch park, the best of
its kind in the state, a center for a vast va¡iety of activities. But
from its inception in 1920 to its current standing and on into
the future, the park is a site for memorials.
Just as Memorial Day has grown from a day solely to honor
combat casualties to a day to honor other contributors to our
great country, Memorial Pa¡k has developed from a veterans
memorial to a tribute to other noted people from Henry County.
The park has more than 30 memorials now, memorials in the
form of plaques, nameplates, mementos and monuments. Each
marker carries a story.
The two lakes are named in honor of original park boa¡d members Salem Shively and Maurice Goodwin. For his tireless efforts in initiating and promoting the park, Shively is considered
the "father" of Memorial Park. Goodwin loved going over the
grounds each night to "put the park to bed."
When the Phi Delta Kappa fraternity dedicated the memorial
to Wilbur Wright in 1923, a squadron of planes from WrightPatterson Air Force Base flew overhead, a¡d Orville Wright
was on hand for the ceremony.
A plaque on a stone by Shively Lake ma¡ks the memory of
Thomas Kenton Pa¡kison, a member of the Henry County
Rural Youth Club. The marker carries the tribute: "What he
dared to dream
- he dared to do. May his memory forever in-
spire others to serve as well."
Nine of the 13 open-air shelters bear the names of past park
boa¡d members. Current park employee Joe Jewell financed and
helped build a picnic shelter this year in honor of his mother
Ruth and late father Joseph, a Navy vetera¡ of World War II.
The Henry County Saddle Club has planted a small garden on
the 4-H Horse a¡d Pony Grounds and will soon have amemorial
ma¡ker there noting the names of club contributors.
Locals who started Mothers Against Saddam Hussein put up
two markers, one to area servicemen who served in the conflicts
in Panama and Grenada, the other to veterans of the Persian
Gulf Crisis. By the Desert Shield/Desert Storm monument, local soldiers pitched in for a stone ma¡ker which says, "In grate-
ful appreciation to the Henry County M.A.S.H. for all your
thoughts, prayers and support."
The amphitheater is popular for weddings. The gazebo was donated by William and Ruth Hayworth of New Castle. McKown
photo.
Kids love to clamber over the two ca¡nons in the park, one by
Goodwin Lake, the other atop Legion HilI. Both cannons were
made by the Krupps, a family which has for centuries supplied
weapons to Germaly.
worth on a stroll to the Amphitheater. When the convàrsation
turned to the number of weddings performed there, the Al-
Every youngster who visits the park has to play in the sma-ll
stream that meanders through the older section of playground
equipment. McKown photo.
Why German cannons in an American park? Therein lies a
tale. Both guns were captured by U.S. soldiers of the Second
Division of the pivotal World War I battle at Chateau-Thierry.
The commander of that division was none other than New Castle's native son, General Omar Bundy, "the man who saved
Pa¡is.
"
Many of the thousands of visitors to the park know the importance of living memorials to Henry County citizens who
have made our country what it is. None knew the importance of
preserving legacies better tha¡ those who have personal ties to
people listed on the park's showpiece monument
the Henry
-
County War Memorial.
That memorial, dedicated in 1972, marks the names of the
175 men and two women from Henry County who lost their
lives this century in the service of their nation.
The name of James Kennedy is on that memorial. His sister
Betty Kennedy was 10 years old when her family received word
that James, a Ma¡ine Raider, was kilìed on New Georgia Island
during WWII.
"My parents (James and Octavia) donated to the Wa¡ Memorial," Betty said. "They thought it was a very appropriate way
to honor the war dead. I think James w-ould have been proud to
be remembered this way, and the memorial is in such a pretty
setting. "
One local lady, born the year the park began, often took her
children and now takes her grandchildren to the park. Her son's
name is on that wall, a victim of the Vietnam War.
"What more fitting memorial could there be for our sons and
husbands than the Wa¡ Memorial a¡d the park itself?" the
mother rhetorically asked. "My son was a Boy Scout who loved
the outdoors. I think he would be thrilled to see the park to-
day."
John Trout has two close ties to Memorial Park. A picnic
shelter bea¡s the narnes of his father and grandfather. His
brother Bradford was killed in Vietnam.
"So many veterans have been long forgotten," John said.
"With this memorial, I feel people will see Brad's and others'
it's all about, what they sacrificed for our country. The park is beautiful, and it's a lasting
memorial."
Gene Ma¡ks' brother David was killed at Chosin Reservoir in
Korea. Gene summed up Memorial Pa¡k's significance.
"I think it's a wonderful place," he said. "I don't believe we
could have any nicer memorial."
Nestled at the bottom of the rolling Amphitheater, the Anni
versary Gazebo represents the many types of people who continue to make Memorial Park the best park of its kind in Indinames and maybe remember what
ana.
Shortly after Rex Alspaugh became park superintendent in
1987, Rex and his wife, Wanda, took friends Ruth and Bill Hay-
spaughs mentioned how nice it would be if there were a platform there for the bride and groom to stand on.
The Hayworths know a hint when they hear one and, as a
38th wedding anniversary to each other, donated the cost of
materials to construct the gazebo. Park workers erected the
structure.
Debbie Shively, daughter of park board president Whitey
Shively, said her wedding vows to Richard Pa¡ks in that gazebo. Every year the Anniversary Gazebo is the site for dozens of
weddings, three last weekend alone.
Recently, when a bride-to-be and her maid of honor checked
out the area for a wedding, the future bride gushed, "This place
is just gorgeous." Park worker Gary Whittle, on a walk with his
son Michael, overheard the words of praise, pointed proudly to
the gazebo and said, "I helped build that."
From park board members to park workers, from park contributors to park visitors, Memorial Park is a people park.
At the top of the people pyramid are the park board members,
who serve without pay because, simply, they all love the park.
Besides Shively, other boa¡d members a¡e Dick Leitch, vice
president; Marilyn White, secretary; John Bullock, treasurer;
and Ray Wright, member.
All of them have long-standing ties to community service and
the park itself. Ever since Whitey Shively's great-uncle Salem
served as the park board's first president in 1920, there has
been a Shively on the boa¡d. "And as long as there is a Shively
in Henry County, there will continue to be a Shively on the
board," Whitey added.
White, Bullock and Wright trace their Memoria-l Pa¡k roots
to their days as 4-H'ers. White showed muffins and an apron at
the county 4-H fair in 1935. She has since seen her four child¡en
and four of her grandchildren compete at the local 4-H grounds.
The Wright family boasts a 60-year history of 4-H involvement.
The park staff of 11 full-time, three part-time and numerous
seasonal workers is a versatile crew capable of everything from
building shelters to trimming trees, füng waterlines to repairing equipment.
"Rex (Alspaugh) has a great crew," Shively said. "They're
committed to the park, and there's nothing they can't do. They
have the park so much in mind that even when they're not
clocked in, you'll still see them picking up trash."
Fortunately for the many park visitors, secretary Laurie Davis enjoys "working with people." In one recent lO-minute
stretch, the ever-friendly secretary called around to find traffic
cones for the 4-H tractor contest, directed a lady to the right
place for an upcoming event, tracked down several fair workers
and took a picnic site reservation over the phone.
Buildings foreman Irene Shermer has worked at the park
since 1975 and fiuds the job rewarding. "We get a lot of compliments about the park," she said, "and the more compliments
we get, the ha¡der we work to keep the park nice."
Worker J.D. Sanders used to fa¡m a¡d loves working outdoors, particularly at the park. "I've got a lot of pride in this
park," he said.
Other full-time workers include grounds foreman Ken Johnson, park ranger Bill Palmer, mechanic Larry Latham and
workers Rick Phillips, Joe Jewell and Tim Jones. Pa¡t-time employees are secretary Lori Mathes and rangers Ron Hale and
Pam Denney. The rangers have full arres0 porilers but, fortunately, seldom have to use them.
"People for the most part are very cooperative," Alspaugh
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W.G. Smith Auditorium. McKown photo.
said. "When we do have a bit of trouble, the rangers are usually
able to talk through the problem without arresting anyone."
Many park visitors appreciate so much the efforts of the
workers and the beauty of the park that they have made contri-
butions to the park.
The Henry County Shrine Club has donated numerous playground equipment. The 4-H association continues to pour
money into improvements for fair-related facilities. Last year
the New Castle Lions Club paid for $5,200-worth of electrical
work in the Smith Building.
Grateful for the park's assistance, the Henry County Saddle
Club has reciprocated often, most recently by helping to pay for
the increased cost of trash removal.
A couple of years ago, Albert and Anita Poer had a gazebo
put up in memory of Albert's parents, Russell and Margaret
Poer. That gazebo,located on the island in the lower lake, is another popular wedding site and makes for an eye-catching backdrop for the Christmas manger scene.
Because of the tremendous cooperation alnong the park's
board, staff and contributors, Memorial Park continues to be
the most popular spot in the county.
Mary Ann Franklin just started taking her morning walks in
the mile-long loop in the southern part of the park. "I really enjoy my walks here," she said. "No traffic, beautiful scenery I
wish I'd thought about this place earlier."
Carolyn Auten often brings her home day cale kids to the
park. "I love bringing the kids out here," she said. "Today we
came to watch my daughter Lindsay show her cat at the 4-H
fair, and while we're at it, we'll have a picnic and play at the
playground. There a¡en't many better places anywhere to have
a
picnic."
People enjoy visiting Memorial Park for a number of reasons.
But the number-one park attraction has been, still is and will
continue to be . . . feeding the ducks.
For 72 years, Memorial Park has been exactly what its found-
ing fathers envisioned it to be a living memorial.
The park encompasses 322 acres, enough room to host over
20,000 patriots for an exubera¡t Fourth of July celebration.
The park a-lso has enough secluded areas that individuals can
find the privacy to read or hike or stand by war memorials to
meditate on the sacrifices of wa¡ veterans.
Visitors find the park's offerings varied, its setting idyllic, its
facilities clean.
The five-member park board and park superintendent Rex Alspaugh have every intention of keeping Memorial Park as the
preeminent park of its kind in the state, but no one thinks the
way will be easy.
On July 31, park officials were told that facilities in the Smith
Building will have to be upgraded to comply with federal reguIations regarding accessibility for the haadicapped. Estimated
cost: at least $10,000.
Unanticipated expenses such as the above will surely put a
The park's newest memorial, dedicated to the veterans of the in-
vasions of Grenada and Panama. McKown photo.
The John P. Hernly Cabin is often a subject for local artists,
McKown photo.
strain on the park's budget, which this year is just under
$400,000.
Boa¡d members know what they would like to do to raise the
quality of the park and extend the variety of its offerings, but
costs for basic maintenance are so high that many of those
ideas are now just wishful thinking.
"Maintaining everything is a tremendous job," said board
president Whitey Shively. "We mow over 200 acres every week.
Our power lines and Ìvater lines are getting old and will have to
be replaced. The cost of taking trash to the dump keeps going
up."
Also, some no-brainers make things more difficult for park
workers by abusing the park.
"It seems every weekend we have to deal with some act of
vandalism, " Shively said. "A couple of weeks ago, someone tore
up one of the restrooms. And some people are too lazy to walk a
few steps and put their trash in the barrels. It cosüs us money
to do things we shouldn't have to do. Fortunately, Rex and his
crew work so hard to make this park look like your back yatd."
The future of Henry County's tax base is another factor that
will have an impact on park developments.
"One of the concerns I have is where we will be a few years
down the road with the economy," said park board treasurer
John Bullock. "With increased costs to maintain the park,
there are the possibilities of either increased taxes or a reduced
budget. And with a reduced budget, we'd have to cut back on either equipment or manpower."
For all the budgetary concerns, there are at least three pieces
of good news that will ensure the park's future greatness: satisfied customers, interested clients and generous contributors.
Groups which have used the park's facilities return year after
year. The 4-H Horse and Pony Grounds are booked nearly every
weekend in the summer with other groups waiting in line for
choice dates. Next year the New Castle Lions Club will hold its
annual fair for the 32nd straight year.
The Smith Building continues to be a popular place for auctions, banquets, reunions, woodca.rving shows and Indian a¡tifact displays.
As news of the park's adaptability has spread, more and more
organizations look to Memorial Pa¡k as the best place around to
put on a show. Last week's circus sponsored by the three Optimist Clubs in New Castle is one example. A Civil Wa¡ reenactment group might use the park next summer for a weekend encampment like the two put on in the early 1980s.
Dozens of organizations a¡d individuals keep the park going
with donations for everything from memorials to shelters to
electrical wiring to rail fences. Donors have picked up the cost
of materials for the off-season construction of two more openair picnic shelters.
While grateful for all the wonderful contributions, people associated with the park never run out of ideas for more things
that can be done.
Some of the playground equipment on the park's west side.
McKown photo.
"We need more year-round facilities," Shively said, "and a
great place to start would be the Shelterhouse. For one thing,
we'd like to see dramatic productions out at the park again. Of
course, to fix the Shelterhouse up the way we'd like would take
about $100,000."
County assessor Tom Saunders knows of another eye-catch'
ing possible addition to the park if only the money were avail-
served
Seeking to honor with more
mere
their country, a group of Henry County men conceived of 'a living memorial' and, appropriately, called it "Memorial Pa¡k."
McKown photo.
able.
Saunders heard of a Rushville man who bought and dismantled a covered bridge. "We could bring that bridge to the park
and set it up for about $10,000," Saunders said. "That would
look really nice over Goodwin Lake."
With their long-standing 4-H ties, boa¡d members Marilyn
White, Ray Wright and Bullock have all sorts of ideas on how
to improve the 4-H facilities.
The size of the park will probably remain the same. Though
county-owned property lies adjacent to the park, there a¡e no
current plans to add to the park's acreage. "We have about all
the ground we can handle," Shively said.
The park must operate on a pay-as-you-go basis, and with
Each memorial tells a story of dedication.
maintenance costs eating up most of the budget, just about the
only way to add niceties to the park is through donations.
Those interested in contributing to the park can make tax-de
ductible donations to the Memorial Pa¡k Commemorative Fund
at the Henry Counby auditor's office.
Even though park officials realize they'll have to make some
tough decisions, they insist that Memorial Pa¡k will not merely
survive, but th¡ive.
"People know how much Memorial Park means to Henry
County, and people will keep that park alive," said Dick Leitch,
boa¡d vice president. "We know some things won't be easy they never a¡e
- but $re're sure that the next 72 years of the
park will be as great as the first 72 yeaxs."
Part of the horse show facility. McKown photo.
Boa¡d of Trustees, Henry County Memorial Park, 1940. Seated
(1. to r.): Roy D. Shipman and Maurice C. Goodwin. Standing (l'
to r.): Mrs. Ruth Goff, Secretary; Salem Shively, President;
James McGrady, Pa¡k Superintendent; and Mrs. H.W.
MacDonald. From the Museum files.
t¡ IEMOR'AL PAÊX. ¡ryC^3llÉ
llo
This postcard, circa 1940, shows one of the d¡ives in the park.
From the Museum files.
April Elliott of Knightstown, "Miss Henry County 4-IJ, tgg2"
and friend. Courier-Times photo.
In the 1920s and 1930s park visitors found this shelter awaiting
them when they stepped off the interurban, an electric traiñ
that was part of the state's transportation system. Miles Marshall recalls that, for 10 cents, a New Castle citizen could cat¿h
grounds of the Henry County Historical Society Museum in
1979, as a handy place to catch up on his reading. CourierTimes photo.
The corkscrew or crocked slide on the park's east side has been
a favored attraction for over 40 years. To guararltee a licketysplit ride, a piece of waxed paper always comes in handy.
McKown photo.
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Aviation pioneer Wilbur Wright was
This postcard, circa 1945, shows the Witbur Wright Memorial
in the park. From the Museum collection.
enry County,
born near Millville. This monument
aviator is le
cated on a knoll overlooking State Road 3. The plaque reads:
"In Memoriam \{i-lbur Wrigh
heavier tha¡ ai¡ -aviation. Born in
16th, 1867, died May 30th, 1912.
Fraternity, New Castle, 1923." The idea for the memorial was
conceived by George C. Myers, a World Wa¡ I aviator, and Clifford F. Payne, a New Castle clothier. Ray Edwards, a New Castle jeweler, was president of the fraternity at the time of the unveiling. McKown photo.
John McGrady
Superintendent of Memorial Park from January 1, 1948 to December 31, 19?3. Succeeding his father, he became the fourth
superintendent. Neal Peed was the first. Peed was followed by
Paul Hayes.
1892-1960
Described while he lived as Henry County's best known and
most loved citizen, Smith served from 1927 until 1957 as coun'
ty agricultural agent. The auditorium in the park was named in
his honor in 1958. Photo property of the editor.
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The memorial honoring those men and women who served in
the Persian Gulf War was erected by Henry Co" M.A'S.H. in
1991. McKown photo.
James T
1888-1947
Superintendent of Memorial Pa¡k, February 1937 to November
1947. Photo property of John McGrady.
I
iþ'itee¿'"
The state's largest memorial park boasts something for everyone. McKown photo.
Variety reigns at Memorial Pa¡k. McKown photo.
SIGNIFICANT DAÍES
I l9l9 - Slate leglslatlon paves wáy for memorlals honorlng
velerang from lhe Greal War; local vlslonarles led by Salem
Shlvely begln plannlng a "llvlng memorlal."
I lf¿O - Memorlal Park opened, June ll.
t l92l - Élrst playground equlpmenl lnslalled.
a lq22 - Flrst sheller house bullt.
I 1923 - Wllbur Wrlght memorlal dedlcaled.
a 19/26 - Flrsl flreworks show; Amerlcan Leglon War Memorlal
Cannon brought lo park.
t 1928 - VFW donales land for proposed golf course.
a l9?f, - 4-H beglns assoclatlon wlth park; "Doughboy" slalue
dedlcated; Shlvely Lake flnlshedi currenl Sheller House bullt.
I 1937 - Maln roads paved.
I 1939 - Hogue Farm purchased, addlng 60 acres lo wesl slde of
park.
I l9¡O - Nlne holes added to Amèrlçan Leglon Golf Course.
a 1912 - County hlghway garage and 4-H cenler (now called lhe
Smlth Bulldlng) dedlcated.
I l9{8 - Flrst softball dlamond easl of Rle.3 bulll.
I t95l - Park lnslalls own waler pumplng syslem.
I 1958 - Currenl 4-H facllltles bullt.
I 1960 - Memorlal bullt for Company I of t52nd lnfanlry, 38lh
Dlvlslon; ln t9ó5, Company G of same reglmenl added lts memorlal.
I t9ól 90 ôcres from County Home Farm added to park's soulh
41962
- Flrsl Llons Club Home Show.
I !9ó1 - 4-H Horse and Pony barns bullt; bllzzard dlsrupts
annual Easler Egg Hunl.
¡ l9ó5 - Work lo creale Goodwln Lake begun.
a 1972 - Memorlal lo Henry County veterans tledlcaled; Henry
County Sesqulcenlennlal fesllvltles held al park.
I l99l - Memorlals dedlcated lo velerans from Perslan Gulf War
end.
Salem Shively, a Prairie Township farmer,
is often called the "Father of the Park." He
served as park board president from its
opening in 1920 until his death in 1959, a
span of nearly 40 years. This 1923 newspaper photo is from the Museum collection.
and from Grenada and Panama actlons; lnslallallon of aulomatlc
lrrlgellon syslem begun at golf course.
IN DIANA'S LARGEST M EMORIAL
{HENRY gÕUMTV
MEM@RÍAT WARffi
A
1923 newspaper photo
view).
shelterhouse was dedicated June 25, 1923, by George M. Barnard, Mayor of New Castle. From the Museu¡n collection.
4
@
One of the newer shelters, erected in 1991, honors the late J.
Frank and Claricy Y. Shively, prominent Mt. Summit residents.
Mr. Shively was an attorney. Mrs. Shively was a teacher at Mt.
Sumrnit, then Blue River Valley High School. McKown photo.
The shelterhouse (east view), erected in 1922, is one of the best
known park landmarks. McKown photo.
A German cannon, a relic of World War I, is shown on this post'
card, circa 1975. The cannon is a favorite photographic object
of amateurs and pros alike, From the Museum collection.
development of Memorial Park with its lakes reflecting grassy,
wooded knolls, and a playground for ducks, geese and swaìts.
McKown photo.
nlN
The bronze statue of the American "doughboy" of World War I
was presented to the park by the Henry County Chapter of the
American War Mothers. The dedication ceremony was held August 25, 1929. From the Museum collection.
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Shown here discussing the future of the park are
Although the park originally was dedicated in 1920 to the men
and women of \{orld War I, in 1923 it was rededicated to include veterans of all wa¡s, Samuel M. Ralston, former Governor
of Indiana and then United States Senatoi, rededicated the facility. McKown photo.
(1.
to r.): Ralph
"Whitey" Shively, president of the park board; Rex Alspaugh,
park superintendent since 198?; and Richard "Dick" Leitch,
boa¡d vice president. Mr. Shively of Mt. Summit is a wellknown auctioneer. Dick Leitch is a retired New Castle elementary principal. Courier-Times photo.
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Closeups of the names of the wa¡ dead from World
War I, World Wa¡ II, Korea and Vietnam found on
the large memorial (opposite page) in park. McKown
photos.
ì
War II, Korea and Vietnam. The letterCounty's fallen heroes from World War I, W
ing on the central stone panel reads: "To honor the men and women of Henry County who
bravely fought in the great wars and to the heroes who gave their lives on land, on the sea
and in the sky that mankind might live in freedom, we humbly dedicate this memorial the
eleventh day of November, 1972."
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Monuments are a tribute to Henry County veterans and other notable residents. Drawings by Courier-Times a¡tist Larry Gosser.
'"Memorial Park has the largest attendance of any non-state park in Indiana." John McGrady, fo¡mer park superintendent
' "I
-
know I'm prejudicèd, but there's not a finer or better maintained park in the state."
dent of park board
-
Ralph
"\ilhitey"
Shively, presi.
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Henry County
M emorial Park
gl
23
PARK
o
SERVICE
A
AM PHITHEAfER
Legend
1 thru 28 Picnic Sites
o Restrooms
I
rÀ
LEGION
14
9 10
COURSE
7
A
Shelters
A Jimmy Steele Shelter
B Russell Forl Shelter
C John Trout Shelter
D Henry Cheesick
Shelter
E Dr. Van Nuys Shelter
F Neal Reeves Shelter
G Smiley Shelter
H Roberts Shelter
I McGradY Shelter
J Keesling Shelter
ANNIVERSARY
GAZEBO
12
11
GOLF
euitdings, Cabins, Etc.
D
13
AMERICAN
c
U
.5
S
PRO
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u
SHELTER
SHOP
4
H ERN
LY
CABI N
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28
J
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2
4- H
H
PARK
MEMORIAL
LAKE
SULPHUR SPRINGS ROAD
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COUNTY
HOME
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PH
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TLIPS
SHELTE R
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PLAY
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Although somewhat dated, this map from a park brochure shows the layout of Indiana's largest memorial'
In park circles,
day and wanted to know if we were interested
in .putting out a shelter. Since we're proud of
this park and because we love what Rex has
done, we immediately agreed."
Alspaugh
regarded as bonafide MVP
Consequently, since 1987, picnickers have
been able to enjoy the "Leland and Deanna
Roberts" open-air shelter.
Rex's wife Wanda also deserves much credit
for the success of her husband's superintenden-
ave an MVP award, this
winner would be park
Alspaugh.
interviewed for this series
echoed the same sentiment: "Give a lot of
cy.
credit to Rex."
"When you hire a superintendent for the
park, it's like hiring a preacher
- you get the
whole family," said former park superintendent
John McGrady. "Rex and his wife are very
dedicated people. They treat the park like it's
their own, and it shows."
Park board members and workers refer to
Wanda as "the flower lady." The flowers and
plants {round the Smith Building, the superin-
John Bullock joined the park board in 1982,
just in time to get in on the hiring of a new
superintendent. "We had õver 60 applications,"
Bullock recalled. "We certainly got the best.
man for the job."
In five years on the job, Alspaugh has been
so impressive that he is now mentioned in the
Davis said, "and he's almost always here when
we check out."
Alspaugh does not merely delegate responsibility; he takes it on himself. "You'll see Rex
out there working with his people, taking a
turn mowing, helping with electrical outlets
and so forth," board member Dick Leitch said.
Besides his great work ethic, Alspaugh is a
tireless promoter of the park. Shorty and
Deanna Roberts know first-hand how persuasive Alspaugh can be.
"My wife and I walk at the park just about
every day," Shorty said. "Rex talked to us one
tenden{'s office and the Japanese garden are the
result of her fertile mind and green thumb.
"Before Rex got this job, I always wanted
him to work in the garden after he got home
from work," Wanda said. "He'd always say he
would rather golf, and that he would get me a
beautiful garden when we got old. I didn't
know he was going to give me 300 acres to
work with."
For his part, Rex modestly disclaims credit
for the park's beauty.
. "The park board is easy to work with," he
said. "I've got great workers, and the people
who use the park are very cooperative. Memorial Park is a great park, but it's great because of
the many people involved."
Bv Davídtuig,Xfi:l
f, TEIIETENT SUßN[!.IE SUNYET
When walking through any county cemetery, you expect to find certain surnames in abundance. As an example: "Harvey" is the
most common family name found in the Hillsboro Cemetery, Prai¡ie Township, closely followed by Canaday, Frazier, Koons, Millikan and Ridgway. Listed below are several other cemeteries with the prominent surnames fouád in eacli of them.
Cemetery and
Location
Hillsboro Cemetery, Prairie
Surname
Harvey
Most Common
Twp.
In Cemetery
Cemetery,
Franklin Township
Circle Grove Cemetery, Spiceland,
Spiceland Twp.
Johnson
Cemetery,
Henry Township
Sugar Grove Cemetery, Henry Twp.
Dolan
Rich Square Friends
Hodson
Other Common Surnnmee In Cemetery
Canaday, Frazier, Koons, Miltika¡r and
Ridgway
White, Parker, Wickersham, Buüler, Binford, Cosand, Jefferies and Stewa¡t
Hagerman, Wilson, Reece, Painter, Poer,
Cofiin, Applegate, Griffin, Bogue, Hiatt
and Symons
St' Anne Catholic
Twp.
Cemetery,
Elliott Cemetery, Henry
Hopewell Friends
Dudley
Twp.
New Lisbon Cemetery, Dudley
Blountsville Cemetery,
creek rwp.
Twp.
Stony
Bowers Cemetery, Jefferson Tw¡r.
Sulphur Springs Cemetery,
Jefferson Twp.
Sanders
Elliott
Gilbert
Goar
Bird
Kerlin
Rader
McGrady, Gallivan, Scott, Clinton and
Haskett
Cannon, Crandall, Lowery, Gold, Hewitt, Crim, Modlin and Rogers
Brenneman, Over, \{right and Riley
Butler, Cook, Hall, Henley, Macy, Rat-
liff and Stratton
Boyd, Brenner, Cartwright,
Naüion,
Thomas, Wa¡d and Gilbert
Bainter, Blount, Burch, Howell, Jordan,
Kilmer, Lacy, Murray, parks, peirce,
Templin, Lennington
Hoover, Rife and Bowers
Baker, Benbow, Yost and Warner
lil 0[D [DYEnilSErmilT
RD,GOODS SALE!
SOLID COLOR
Reg
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FoR. SLEEPwEAR
ASSORTED COLORS
Pinwale
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Gorduroy "
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a I lo l0 Y¡yd Lengtht
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REG. ó4c YARD
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REG. 2 YARDS fI.00
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Fall Gottons
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BEAUÎIFUL DARK TONES
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scvlno
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Fiesta Cottons
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SOLID COLORS
FULL BOLTS
37É
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O LARGE ASST. OF COLORS
-MANSFIELD"
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Sheet Blanket
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Made by cañnon
Wa¡h¡ble ReYon. Solid
Color¡.
REc.
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$ 57
$2.49
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J. NEWBERRY CO.
J. ST.
1326 BROAD
Pll. JA 9.3905
I
the New
Remember this PoPular New Castle 5 and 10? From
1
964,
4,
Castle "Courier-1imes" November
PErunÞ fnO¡'l lHE PIST
Knightstown street scene, circa 1890. Photo property of the editor.
PuBtrtlTtoils 0r ilE [Eilnï muilTr [¡sr0ilcf,t $0tE1r
(Note:Inadditiontothe NOT a CURRENT LlSf"t"ThanAGame:AHisroryof Boys,Basker1ït": :_:,u:':är'öT
for Boo KS or pRt c
"*",","ållli::1îi::iåï"ä;:
cattourorricerorinrormation HËkt-Î*itt3rilf"f"t"1"t"t"tåkå
Hfft}Uln.r,ip...
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......S 7.00
Henry&JeffersonTownships
.. z.te
Bow_en, B'F. Biographical Memoire of Henr¡r County, 1902.
Greensboro&HarrisonTownships .... 4.00
(Hardback)
SpicelandTownship(Revised) ..4.5O
- & McHaffie.-..The People'e Guide to Henry County,525.26
Cline
Blue River Townslùp
1874
. . . 8.00
.....$20.50
BlueRiverTownshiplndex.
...2.0O
Parkview Jr. High School History Club. Henry County Facts Rerick Brothers. Atlas, County of Henr¡r, 1893, hdbd . . $28.00
andFigures ......
..........g.f.OO Ratc[ff,RichardP.fsaacandMar¡r(Presnall)Ratcliff of Henr¡r
Cg¡nty' Indiana and Their Descendants . . . $ 4.00
Mayhill, R. Thomas. Land Entry Atlas of Henry County,
iSZf-fg¿S
...-...$ll.dd In addition back issues of "The Henry County Historicalog,"
Hamm, Thomas D. and Kern, Wilma L. Centennial Landma¡k: the biannual publication of the Society, a¡e available as long
A History of the New Castle Friends Meeting, 1881-1981. as the supply lasts. Yea¡s lg?3 through 1977, $3.00; Yea¡s
1978through1982,$2.00;Yea¡s 1983through1989, $1.00;
(Hardbound)
.........$f0.00
Years 1990 through the Spring of 1992, $1.00
Snyder, John A. A History of Liberty Township . . . . . . S ?.00
.
E !'-Ëlil"T'ï:l
:.:::
.
.
HETPTUT
(Editor's note: These little hints are reprinted from
a 1909 issue of a New Castle newspaper.)
I To destroy ants, drop some quicklime in the mouth of thei¡
nest, and wash it in with boiling water. Creosote is also good.
Camphor in a cupboard will prevent their coming.
* A certain cure for d¡unkenness: Sulphate ofi¡on, five grains;
Magnesia, ten grains; Peppermint water, eleven drachms;
Spirit of Nutmeg, one drachm, twice a day. This preparation
acts as a stimulant and tonic, and so partially supplies the
place of the accustomed liquor, and prevents that absolute
physical and mental prostration that follows a sudden break-
A¡ilîs
ing off from the use of stimulating drinks.
* Blind staggers in pigs: Give half an ounce of Rochelle Salts, in
a pint of thoroughwort tea. If the bowels ate not moved in the
course of twelve hours, repeat the dose. A light diet for a few
days will generally complete the cure.
* Hair Tonic, French Recipe: Take Castor Oil, three ounces; Alcohol, one and onehalf ounces; Aqua Ammonia, onehalf
drachm, well shaken and mixed together. Perfume to suit,
Bergamot or any other good perfume. This makes a splendid
hair dressing and will make it grow.
Non Profit Org.
HENRY COUNTY HISTORICALOG
Vol.20
Fall,1992
PAID
No.2
Published twice a year by the Henry
County Historical Society, Inc., 606
South 14th Street, New Castle, Indiana
47362.
Richard Pickering Ratcliff, Editor,
303 South Pearl Street,
Spiceland, Indiana 47385
U. S. POSTAGE
Permit No.67