Colonel "loses privy" while training Wabash Cadets

Colonel Henry B. (BeeBee) Carrington worked at Wabash College as the Professor of Military Science from 1869-1878 and took this position very seriously.  Since there weren't horses available to the student cadets, Carrington required the young men to be the "horses" by pulling the artillery field-piece.  Wabash cadets didn't appreciate the endless hours of training (most were opposed to war), and the conditions of the privy (which was nicknamed "Little Egypt").  Thus, measures were taken and a new target was encountered.  It is said, "Little Egypt was spread in fragments scattered half-way to Yountsville and the field-piece was destroyed."  Immediately, President Joseph F. Tuttle abandoned military training on the campus.  Carrington remained to teach mathematics, but, his heart enjoyed instructing America's youth in military tactics and left at the end of the academic year.

Crawfordsville's City Hall, designed by Carrington in 1872 cost $9,000.  This building housed the court rooms, fire department hall, engine rooms and the city prison.  Carrington also re-designed South Hall in 1876 on the Wabash College campus.

Magical Music Moments in Montgomery County via Flora Leontine Rogers

Flora Leontine Rogers was the music director at Crawfordsville city schools for 7 years during the 1920's.  This woman was able to increase the number of band students from 5 to 62 in just one year.  In 1925 the Girls Glee Club took first place in the state contest and the boys earned second.  The 1929 CHS yearbook stated, "Miss Flora Rogers drives the chariot, and drives it well.  As the years have rolled by she has added fine prancing steeds, such as the Band and Orchestra to her already prize-winning team.  Three cheers for Miss Rogers!"
Now, you have to be talented and well-liked to receive a write up this praiseworthy!  It is quite impressive the awards and number of pupils involved with Ms. Rogers musical endeavors.  Flora called Oklahoma home after she left Indiana and passed away there in 1965 at 86 years of age.

Wilkinson family ... fascinating fence invention

An interesting picture "showed" itself recently.  On the back of a photo (from 1897 or 1898) it states, "Decature - Daddy invented the machine to weave wire fence kabled hex curve wire."  He is shown here with Ina Wilkinson, Sylvia M. Wilkinson, Uncle Joe and Asher Wert.  Mr. Wilkinson celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary with Emma P. Thompson Wilkinson in 1926 and was also a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Alamo and the Christian Church.  The Wilkinson family lived at the junction of SR 25/32 (home below) or at the time known as Perrysville Road & Alamo-Waynetown Road.  This area was also called Myers Corner and the Ridge Farm School would have been located near their home.

Decatur - Daddy Wilkinson passed in May of 1927.

Pictured here; Fred A. Wilkinson, Emma P. (Thompson) Wilkinson,
Sylvia M. Wilkinson, Ina Wilkinson and Decatur Wilkinson 

Shady Nook School Reunion ... 1923

Shady Nook School was located at Tinkersville.  For those of you who have never heard of Tinkersville, it is where the neighborhood "tinker-er" lived.  It is said there was a Tinkersville in almost all areas.  But this particular one is in Section 21 of South Union Township at the intersection of 300 S/Ladoga Road and had several businesses including a blacksmith, grocery, sawmill, tile factory and wood shop.  Issac N. Martin donated the land for the school on 6 March 1857.  On the 1891 plat map, Ladoga Road was named Danville Road and shows the school in the northeast corner of Martin's property closer to Road 200 East.  Other nearby property owners, and probably families of the children attending the school, are surnamed Baker, Byrd, Chesterson, McCormick, Hutchinson, and Wilkinson.

9 September 1923 Shady Nook Reunion

Musket ball blows off middle finger of county resident

J. Frank Linn was born in the family homestead north of Mace in April of 1846.  During his time as a Civil War soldier Linn served in the Eleventh Indiana Cavalry but met misfortune at the battle of Nashville and lost his middle finger after being hit with a musket ball.  This staunch Republican became a wealthy farmer with land in several Indiana counties.

Frank and Nancy Linn, married April 1866
Frank died in June of 1907 and Nancy in February 1932

J. Franklin descended from James Linn, a revolutionary solder, who became a member of Union church (Walnut Township) on 17 February 1844.  

William S. Fry: Student, Soldier, Store Owner and Councilman

William S. Fry, born in July 1839
1. Attended Wabash College (and Preparatory Department)
2. Fought in the Civil War as a Crawfordsville Zouave for nearly two years and then enlisted in the C Company of the 108th Regiment Minutemen of the Indiana Volunteers
3. Married local girl, Lucy A. Wallace
4. Took his father's place as David McClure's partner at the "Trade Palace"
5. Became a dry goods merchant after leaving the McClure partnership
6. Put forth the motion for Crawfordsville to become a city in May 1865 and became the 2nd ward
councilman
7. Achieved all this by age 36 1/2 and was buried at Masonic Cemetery (6 January 1876)

Here William S. Fry is listed as a manager for the Christmas Eve Ball in 1858

This is the G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) at the Crawfordsville Courthouse.  Fry was a member and is probably in the photo, but, unfortunately, all these men are unidentified.

Montgomery County Schools of Yesteryear

Sharing knowledge of the past and finding new information is one of the major goals of the Reference and Local History Department at the Crawfordsville District Public Library.  On the second floor of the library, the new display proudly showcases the rich and rewarding aspects of forefathers attempting to provide a place to learn, and yes, some were extravagant and some were mere shacks. If you have any photographs of schools that no longer exist, please let the local history staff scan these relics.Call us at 765-362-2242 ext. 117!

Enlightened Educators of Early Eras

Come visit the second floor of the library to learn about twelve of the educators of Montgomery County's past.  See teacher contracts, photographs of an early science classroom, and even the scores from  teacher examinations which were required for every school year in the 1800's and early 1900's.  Learn about some fascinating local history today!

"Women's Congress of '97" ... Crawfordsville men play dress-up

Bookshelves hide many mysteries, but this photograph was hidden behind the bookshelf at the Crawfordsville Masonic Temple.  Of course, this picture still contains mystery.  On the back of the artifact it reads "Women's Congress, Athens Chapter '97." These men were members of the Masonic Lodge and presumably were putting on a dramatic event.  Would have been an interesting theatrical presentation.

The names are as follows: Albert Miller, Charles Robinson, William White, Jere West (Judge), Charles E. Lacey, George W. Graham, Charles Snodgrass, Sol Tannenbaum, W.W. Goltra, M. Binford, Dr. W.C. Hessler (Dentist)

Photograph furnished by the Masonic Lodge, dated 13 March 1902

Veteran and Prisoner of War ... Carl W. Downen

Carl W. Downen began his military career in Ft. Custer (MI) in March of 1943.  Then, while at the Battle of the Bulge he was taken prisoner.  Stalag 4B became his home in December of 1944 and he remained there until April of 1945.  Luckily, he was able to return to the United States and be discharged in November 1945.

Carl W. Downen in Italy, 1944

The telegram Mrs. Downen received when Carl went missing.

Carl's daughter, Janet, allowed us to have a copy of his photographs to add to the Image Database.
Also, Downen's digitized interview is available.

Interurban Powerhouse & Coca Cola Bottling Company

The Interurban Powerhouse was west of Sugar Creek and South of Lafayette Pike (Avenue).  During the Flood of 1913 the powerhouse was unable to retain power due to the excessive amount of water and the Interurban was shut down for a few days (along with numerous railroads, bridges and roadways).  In later years the Interurban ceased operation and the Coca Cola Bottling Company utilized the building.  In February of 1993 this building was razed.

Interurban Powerhouse this link will allow you to see the building in 1992.
Notice the men sitting in the window - possibly on a break?

Crawfordsville's 1800's mercantile ... Burk family

In the mid 1800's the John Burk Family (sons: John, Oliver and Jeremiah) ran a dry goods business.  This photo is believed to be of this building. The business was in two different locations: originally the mercantile was located at the corner of Pike and Green, but, was later located at the corner of Walnut and Market.  Vital statistic records show that John Burk died in 1866 at the age of 73 years.  Photographs like this help determine locations of numerous buildings (notice the gentleman in the background at another business - which is possibly the Willis Grocery Store) in our county.

Pumpkin patch pleasure

It is that time of the year again ... pumpkins, mums, cool weather, football, and the smells of Thanksgiving!  Many families take photographs during the holidays and the Local History Department loves to receive these amazing artifacts.

Clayton Terry sits in the pumpkin patch, 1924

So, remember, consider sharing your family fun.  The image database displays these magnificent memories and so many more!

Eastlack: Civil War Soldier & Shoemaker

Allen E. Eastlack was born in Montgomery County in 1842 and at the age of 20 became part of General Lew Wallace's Company H, Indiana 11th Infantry Regiment.  While on a furlough he married Elizabeth Johnson on April 5, 1864.  This couple had Fountain E. (auditor of the Ben Hur Life Association) and Mrs. Harrison McMains.

Private Eastlack had many professions ... one being soldier, a tinner (worked at C. Johnson and Sons in the 5 Commercial block of Green Street) and also a shoemaker (employed by Youngman and Co. at 105 S. Washington St.).  Mr. Eastlack survived until 1917 (age 74) and was an elder in the First Christian Church.

Eastlack is in the middle of the front (5th from left) row holding his hat.  Captain H. H. Talbot is the 2nd from the left with the long beard.  These are Civil War Veterans and the Women's Relief Corps at a GAR picnic in 1915.

Rev. James Harvey Johnston

In 1842 Reverend James Harvey Johnston came to Crawfordsville, Indiana to be the pastor of the New School Presbyterian Church (in 1876 it became Center Church). He served there over 30 years and he was the principal of the Crawfordsville Female Seminary; it was recorded in the Crawfordsville Weekly Review on 11 March 1876 that during his tutelage, "many ladies from the West and South received their educational training" and the school became very prosperous.  Also written, "Disease was not the immediate cause of Father Johnston's death.  He had worn his life out in the service of the Master: he had 'finished the fight.'" Serving as a Wabash College trustee for 36 years also allowed Johnston to be a courageous leader and shining light in the community.

Washington Street ... before 231 North

Ever wondered what the North end of Washington Street looked like before Kentucky Fried Chicken, CVS, and 231 North were built?  This photo is looking East from Washington Street and was taken before 1914.  In the background there are homes, but, unfortunately it is unclear where exactly these homes would have been located unless it is Monon Street or Kentucky Street.  In the 1914 Crawfordsville City Guide there are several houses (14 total) listed on Monon Street, all north of Market Street.

Washington Street prior to 1914.

Wide Awake in Crawfordsville

In the early 1900's there was a Wide Awake store located in Crawfordsville on Washington Street.  This postcard was recently acquired along with other Montgomery County information.  Unfortunately, the postmark is illegible, the date only shows the 19-- and the two signed names are not distinguishable.  Thus, it is unclear if this is the Wide Awake that was at 124-126 South Washington in 1912 or at 107 North Washington as late as 1924.  The sign seen above "Millinery and Ladies Furnishings" is also impossible to decipher.  The quandaries of a local history librarian!

If you have any photos of early store fronts, recognize this store, or the names on the postcard, please share your knowledge with us!  Call us at 765-362-2242 or e-mail us at ref@cdpl.lib.in.us.

Crawfordsville Cowboy?

There are days when researching history and specifically genealogy you hit a brick wall, fall in a trench, or want to cry because you know there HAS to be information "out there somewhere!" But, then there are times when you are giddy with excitement.  Even though this photograph isn't identified, it is one of those images you have to share and hope someone can enlighten you with an identification.

So, if you know who this rootin'-tootin' cowboy is ... please contact the Local History Department at
362-2242 extension 117 or e-mail ref@cdpl.lib.in.us. Thanks!

Local Poet ... Mary Campbell Crane

Mary Campbell Crane was born in May of 1867 in Crawfordsville to Professor John Lyle Campbell and Mary Ellen (Johnston) Campbell, and in 1896 married Ben Crane (who took over Lew Wallace's law practice with George D. Hurley when Wallace became governor of the New Mexico Territory, 1878-1881).  Mary Crane wrote a book of poems that we have shelved in the local author section (Reference, 2nd floor).   Mary was a true "Crawfordsvillian" and lived here until her passing in 1943.  Thus, her poem The Little Town, is presumably about Montgomery County's seat.

 The Little Town

The little town I live in

Has a hold upon my heart

Which I can't explain, and to understand

You must be of it a part.

O little town, O little town,

Though far away I go, 

I'll always come home again to you

Because I love you so.

Published posthumously in 1945

A Noble Life Ended: Professor John L. Campbell

Professor John L. Campbell spent many years at Wabash College as Professor of Mathematics, Natural Philosophy and Astronomy (among other positions).  In 1853 after studying under Henry S. Lane and Colonel S.C. Willson, Campbell also acquired a license to practice law.  In February of 1864 he delivered a speech at the Smithsonian regarding Galileo.  After this trip to the East Coast, Professor Campbell wrote Morton McMichael, mayor of Philadelphia, encouraging him to plan an international exposition celebrating America's anniversary year.  Mayor McMichael appreciated this suggestion so much that Campbell was invited to attend the first organized meeting on March 4, 1872 and became the Chairman of the Committee (Wabash College granted him a leave of absence, and for two years he assisted the gentleman of Philadelphia with the preparations.)

Willow Grove School

In section 20 of South Union Township, there was a school called Willow Grove (school township 27).  If the school was still standing it would be on the East side of 231 S after 300 South and prior to Evergreen Nursery.  (This photo was property of Ben Miller, the last boy on the front row, who is holding the sign).  Mr. O.W. Oliphant is the teacher.

1894 or 1895, Willow Grove School

Back Row: Myrtle Snyder, Ola Snyder, Ida Stephens, Henry McMains, Effie (?) Snyder,
Nannie Miller, Josephine McMains
Second Row: Ollis (?) (O.W.) Oliphant, Floyd Vancleave, Vernie Grimes, Belle Demort (Demoret?),
Wilmer Pickle, Holden McMains, Bertha Miller, Nye Snyder, Weaver Snyder, (?) McMains
Front Row: Elsie McMains, Guy Demort (?), Pearl Demort (?), June Vancleave, Ben Miller

Thanks to John M. Merrell for allowing us to scan the picture. 

Four French Horns ...

In 1941 The Crawfordsville High School Band's horn players

Since football is now being played, the band is also making music.  These young ladies were in the 1941 Athenian yearbook.  Kathryn Johnson, Lois Brown, Norma (Sillery) Stout, and Martha (Lewellen) Fruits are pictured here.  The local history department loves to receive photographs of past events and this one is a gem.  Crawfordsville has an amazing history!  Be on the look out for fascinating photos and please consider sharing with us -- it is the goal of the Local History Department to preserve the past!

Robert T. Hopkins, Civil War Veteran and slave

June 1916, Indiana Centennial Celebration Pageant

Actors in the Centennial Celebration
Left to Right:
Fred Vance, W.A. Collings, H.E. Biddle, S.P. Templeton, Robert T. Hopkins, Harry Michael, George F. Leonard. 

Montgomery County has an amazing history and Robert T. Hopkins was an important part of this history.  An African American, he was a member of the G.A.R. (Grand Republic of Army), was a Sergeant in the C 118th U.S.C.T. and was discharged in 1866.  Hopkins paid his dues to the G.A.R. from March 1896 (.50 a year) to December 31, 1904.  In 1905 the fee raised to $2.00 per year and he continued to pay this until 1921.  The 1900 Census records show Hopkins as a day laborer.  His wife, Josephine, petitioned The War Department to ensure he had a gravestone upon his death.  Mr. Hopkins was laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in April of 1924.

Other images of the Centennial Celebration can be viewed at the Image Database.

Waveland Indenture Deed (1842)

The Crawfordsville District Public Library's local history department recently acquired a deed for the land of the Waveland Methodist Episcopal Church dated 31 January 1842.  John Milligan, and his wife Lucinda, donated the land on East Green Street that still houses the "second" church.  John Milligan (farmer in Waveland area worth $20,180 in 1860), Lucinda Milligan and Joseph Milligan (wealthy merchant in Waveland, his land was worth $68,240 in 1860) all signed this document.
The original structure that was erected in 1842, was replaced in 1869 by the building that still sits on this land - unfortunately, this building is no longer being utilized as a church.
This cemetery has over 130 stones (or at least 130 when indexed) with some inscriptions as old as 1844.

The church was changed to a Baptist church in later years.  Additions for a Sunday School and for a kitchen also became part of the building.  The cemetery can be seen in the background.

A portion of the 1842 deed

100 years ago, Wingate = 1 exciting School Year!

State Championships in any sport are difficult to achieve. Hard work and perseverance earned this "title" for the boys of Wingate.  Shown here is the barn where the team practiced on the way to the BIG win of the 1913-1914 season.

This photograph shows what the Wingate school looked like when the basketball team won the State title.  Hacks are parked outside the building prepared to take children home.

Worse than locusts: A roving gang of thieves.

In April 1901, "A swarm of human beings more to be dreaded than a swarm of locusts have made life a misery for the farmers along the road from Indianapolis to Crawfordsville during the week.  Some were Russians but the largest part were gypsies.  All the men were big brawny fellows, and the women, barefooted and dressed in soiled finery that was picturesque, were about as dangerous looking as the men."

• Charles Warren, farmer, received curses when he refused his grain to be stolen.
• Hen roosts pillaged, businesses were ransacked including Philip Fink's butcher shop.
• Dinner was out at Charles Smith's home, the vagabond bunch walked in and began eating.  A fight broke out and soup bones were thrown across the room and the cloth yanked from the table.  The horse thief detectives arrested the ring leaders and some of the mischievous women.
• The women who were arrested then pretended to NOT know English.  So, Mr. Cohn, a Russian of this city was called as interpreter.  Fifteen days of jail were given to the women, who "howled in despair."  

This is a butcher shop in Crawfordsville.  The men are not identified. Notice the meat hanging at the side of the picture.

Hettie and May Talbot, family of Civil War Captain H.H. Talbot

Hettie (Hester) Evans lived in Southwest Montgomery County with her cousin, T.C. Steele (prominent Indiana artist) and attended the Waveland Academy.  Later, she married Henry (H.H.) Talbot, a Civil War Veteran who had been wounded twice during his service.  The Talbots owned the land west of what is now Barr Street and between Wayne Avenue and the Country Club Road.  Captain Talbot started the McPherson's Post No. 7 of the Grand Army of the Republic.  Hettie Talbot was the first president of Women's Relief Corps No. 74 (and was the last remaining charter member after 61 years at the age of 97).

May Talbot (teacher), daughter of Henry and Hettie, 3rd grade class in 1923 at the Old Mills School. May lived to be 93.

View these Talbot-related documents in the CDPL Local History collection:
Captain H.H. Talbot    Captain Talbot was less than a week away from his 90th birthday.
McPherson Post Anniversary Party
Grand Army of the Republic
T.C. Steele

Crawfordsville Culverts ... Ingenuity and Entrepreneurship

Crawfordsville was blessed with two men -- Stanley Simpson (town engineer) and James H. Watson (sheet metal worker) who invented and engineered corrugated metal culverts in 1896.  Previous culverts were bulky, expensive and dangerous.  Recently, the local history department acquired a postcard of men installing one of these culverts in front of Central School (later CHS).  Unfortunately, the year on the postmark is illegible but it is believed to be between 1906-1910.   No one in this photograph is identified.

Far right, notice the culvert ready to be installed.

First Corrugated Culvert Factory in Crawfordsville, 1898 

Central School has had changes through the years, here it is similar to the postcard.   Central High School in this photo shows different architecture and stairs (which could be due to fire).

Crawfordsville MCMXXVIII

Ever wondered what Crawfordsville was like in 1928 ...

Slogan:           "The Athens of America."

Population:      11,680
Financial:         3 banks and 1 trust company with total resources of $5,100,000
Churches:        15
Industry:          30 employing 900 men and 200 women

City Statistics: 17 miles of total street mileage - 15 of those are paved and 14 miles under construction.  Capacity of water works is 1,000,000 gallons.  The Fire department employs 13 men with 2 autos, 2 engines and 2 hook and ladder trucks in 2 station houses.  The Police department has 7 men with 1 station.

First Hook and Ladder Truck.  O.H. Hill is the driver (the only identified fireman)

This photo and many more can be located by searching the library Image Database.

Hot Weather Don'ts from 1913

Hot weather brings many issues, and  the July 1913 edition of the Crawfordsville Daily Journal offered advice on what to do with food during the summer months. Of course, Crawfordsville citizens were not without ice boxes (even then called "refrigerators") to keep food from spoiling quicker than usual (see our blog entry Crawfordsville Keeps It Cool), but housewives were still warned to "use their eyes and noses on everything they cook before feeding it to the family."

 

Ptomaine poisoning was once a serious concern in Montgomery County during the summertime.

Crawfordsville Keeps It Cool

When you sit around the next two hot Indiana months, remember those who lived in our  community 100 years ago.  The Crawfordsville Daily Journal in July 1913 had  advertisements  informing the public:

 "Nothing being equal to an ice box in your home this hot weather," and "They refrigerate perfectly, using but little ice, and are as dainty and hygienic as a china dish." 

Bohn Syphon was the refrigerator of choice in the McWilliams Furniture Co advertisement. McWilliams was located at 124-126 S. Washington Street.

The Alaska Refrigerator was the brand at Barnhill, Hornaday & Pickett. This store was located at 119 & 121 E. Main Street.

Fourth of July Fascination

Independence Day is an important piece of history. Merriam Webster defines Independence Day as a civil holiday for the celebration of the anniversary of the beginnings of national independence. For more information about this day, see: Independence Day.  

Montgomery County has also celebrated the 4th of July with tremendous celebrations. In 1976 at least two of the towns, Crawfordsville and Waveland, conducted parades complete with floats, music, and costumes.

These young boys raised the flag during the 1976 celebration

A jewel of a store

In 1891 Herbert L. Trask rented a small corner in a laundry at 119-121 South Green Street where he began his trade in the jewelry business. By 1895, he opened his own store at 118 South Green Street and was listed in the Crawfordsville City Directory as a "silversmith" -- and by1900 he was also a "watchmaker."  In 1912 he is listed as a "jeweler" at a new location, 127 South Washington Street, using  repairing, engraving, and stone-setting skills that he acquired from Bradley University (Peoria, Illinois). From 1914-1924 his business was located 129 South Washington Street, but by 1930 he again moved, this time to 109 South Green Street.Unfortunately, this last change of location would eventually leave his livelihood in a pile of ash and rubble.

Trask's business at 109 South Green Street, which was destroyed January 10, 1933, by a massive fire

Crawfordsville experienced a devastating fire that destroyed much of a city block in January 1933. Trask did manage another jewelry store at 115 South Washington Street after the fire but later operated a plant in Indianapolis and then a jewelry business in Franklin (for 18 years) before retiring in 1953. The National Jewelers' Publication honored Mr. Trask in 1952  for 60 years of exemplary service. Herbert L. Trask passed away in 1965 at the age of 94.

This page from the 1930 Crawfordsville City Directory (there isn't a 1933 directory in the library collection), shows Trask Jewelry Store, The Western Union Telegraph Company, Symmes & Williams, and Crawfordsville Bldg Loan Fund (117). The catastrophe didn't destroy the Journal and Review at 119 South Green.

The Journal and Review building was spared from the fire; in 1933 it was further south  The current Journal building is at 119 North Green Street.

Soap Box Derby still going strong

Charles W. White, Linden resident, raced in Soap Box Derby events in Indianapolis as a young man.  Mr. White allowed the library to scan pictures from his racing days, which are visible on the Image Database.

Charles W. White wore this helmet in 1948 while racing at Indianapolis.

White's 1948 car

Boys and girls ages 8 through 17 years old are encouraged to participate in the youth gravity racing program to gain skills in the areas of Science and Technology, Teamwork, Community Service, Family Bonds, Leadership and Diversity (Goals of the program since 1934).  It was shocking to discover Indianapolis has the longest track in the country (1000 feet).  In 1953 the Indianapolis Soap Box Derby Hill replaced the original track which was at 71st Street and Meridian.  There are currently 3 divisions: Stock, Super Stock, and Masters (which is equivalent to the original home built car). 

Mr. White's two derby helmets on display at Crawfordsville Library.

Graduation ... Past and Present

May and June are that time of year when you get adorable pictures in the mail notifying you of seniors leaving high school.  According to Merriam Webster, graduation means (1) a mark on an instrument or vessel indicating degrees or quantity and (2) the award or acceptance of an academic degree or diploma.  The word graduation was first used in 1594.  It is entertaining to look back at the announcements of the early 1900s.  The hoopla surrounding graduation is definitely more pronounced than 100 years ago, and class sizes (and schools) have transformed due to consolidation and other circumstances.

1925 Darlington High School Class

Unfortunately, the students/school are not identified.  If you have this picture in your family album, please help us to decipher the mystery.

1923 Class, Alamo
Back: Vernet Carlisle, Loren Smith
Front: Ida Fruits, Nellie Kellar, Katherine Truax, Bessie Peacock

Obviously the class sizes are currently larger, the dresses are often shorter, the hairstyles are also quite different, but, in 80 years, those looking at the Class of 2013 will also think..Really?

2012 Graduating Class of North Montgomery

If you have older relatives, sit down with them and learn about their youth. Oral/written history is so important, and if you don't take the time out of your schedule you will miss a Golden Opportunity!  Happy Graduation to all!

To see more images from our databases about graduation, schools, sports, please visit:
http://history.cdpl.lib.in.us/imagedb.html

Also: Check our yearbook database: http://history.cdpl.lib.in.us/yearbooks.html  If you have a yearbook not listed in our database, we would love to scan it so future generations can enjoy.