New Richmond Orchestra --- 104 years ago

1910 New Richmond High School Orchestra

This photograph was originally published in the 1910 Kole Kreke Camera Yearbook. 
Glen Mitchell is on the far side with no instrument.  Next, is H.A. Kessler (the teacher) with the violin.  Ernest Greenburg (violin) is seated on the piano with Mary Crowder.  The next two are identified as Lorlie Harriman and Everett Greenburg.
According to the 1910 Census Ernest Greenburg was 25 and a farm hand, thus had conceivably already graduated high school.

Crawfordsville's Sunshine Society over 100 years ago

In 1911 the Crawfordsville Sunshine Society was preparing to distribute food, dolls and clothing to those in need.  What a wonderful testament to our community - this is still being done 103 years later!

The Crawfordsville Library hopes you had a wonderful holiday season and that 2015 will bring you happiness.  If you have any pictures or artifacts you would be willing to share, please call 765-362-2242 x 117.

Christmas at Fiskville (Fiskeville) School

The above photo is taken at Fiskville School (arrow pointing to location on right which was located on North Whitlock Avenue) taken around Christmas and possibly as early as 1900.  Unfortunately, all of the children (and teacher) are unidentified.  If you have seen this picture or have any information about Fiskville (Fiskeville) please contact the Crawfordsville Public Library (765) 362-2242 x 117.

The map (1917) shows the original Fisk & Stroh plots, along with the original plat of Fiskeville.  Yes, the spelling varies.  Fiskeville school is located east of North Whitlock where the "basics" of the town is west of Whitlock.

Roscoe A. Patterson's dog tags return home

Recently, Michael Toussaint discovered this dog tag in France.  Once the dog tag was found Rita Drake contacted the Crawfordsville Library and then searched for surviving family.  She was able to contact a great great niece, Lynn Craig.  Craig and her brother decided the dog tag should be returned to Crawfordsville.  The dog tags of this brave soldier will now be kept in the archive and preserved for future generations to also remember the man who gave his life to help others.  Roscoe A. Patterson, a Crawfordsville resident, served on the front lines in WWI (beginning in the summer of 1917) in the First Division and suffered severe lung damage from poisonous gas.  Mr. Patterson returned to Montgomery County by 1919 and was a beloved member of the community.  Roscoe was well known for his magical singing voice, but the war took a huge toll on his body and he passed in November of 1923 (at the Government Hospital in Dayton, OH) at the age of 42.  Mr. Patterson was also a member of the Masons, Elks and Legion Post. 

Christmas Smartsburg School Style

This photograph was taken for Christmas in 1914 in the Smartsburg School's Domestic Science Class (can you imagine cooking on one of these stoves?) At that time A.D. Merrell was the principal and the instructor for grades 6-8.  By the 1914/1915 school year Dan W. Murphy became the teacher for the older students and taught until at least 1927/1928.  Sadly, all students (or teacher) are unidentified.  If you recognize any of these students please advise Crawfordsville's library local history (765) 362-2242 x 117.

Smartsburg received its name because of James Smart, a doctor who had an office on a little knoll (the little knoll became Smartsburg).

Waynetown resident picture taken by Willis (Crawfordsville photographer)

Roa (Maroa) Jane Martin Stockdale
Roa was born to William R. and Sarah (Williamson) Martin on February 6, 1888.  On August 15, 1905 she Roa married Truman "Nub" Stockdale.  The Stockdales operated a grocery store and gasoline station at Waynetown.
Mrs. Stockdale was also a member of the Waynetown Christian Church (1900) until the time of her death in 1973.
If anyone has a photograph of the grocery store/gas station (or other interesting Waynetown or Montgomery County information), please contact the local history department at the Crawfordsville District Public Library (765) 362-2242 x 117.

Horseshoe Henry

Notice the horse mural and ad about "track shoe-ing."

"Horseshoe Henry" Coolman was in business on Market Street in Crawfordsville as a blacksmith and horse-shoer for over thirty years.  This is his building in 1903.  Mr. Coolman was known for his "track shoe-ing" and was sought after by men from far away for his stellar work.  Five to eight men were always employed by "Horseshoe Henry."  Mr. Coolman lived to be 69 years old and built his shop with his own plans - the shop was said to be the "model of the country."  In 1891 there were 11 horse-shoers and blacksmiths in the Crawfordsville city directory.  Ten of those businesses were within three blocks of the court house.

10 Horse-shoers were in business in 1891 within 3 blocks of court house

1. Henry Coolman (E. Market)
2. A.H. Davis (W. Market)
3. Jerre Donahue (Lafayette Pike/Ave.)
4. H.C. Foeman (E. Main)
5. J.S. Francis (Lafayette Pike/Ave.)
6. Gerard & Bloss (E. Jefferson)
7. Hiatt & Peek (E. Wabash Ave.)
8. Ramsey & Pattison (S. Green)
9. L.H. Shular & Son (E. Pike)
10. Chas. E. Smith (W. Pike)
11. Jacob Sprow (E. Wabash Ave.)

Crawfordsville Ice & Cold Storage

August 1938

The men were wishing their boss, William K. Martin, a Happy Birthday by sending this greeting. The Ice and Cold Storage (in 1938) was located at 510 Sheridan Avenue at the corner of Franklin Street. Below, the business is shown in rubble after a fire. Other photographs from the fire and the business can be viewed at this link by clicking "fire." In a 1947 manufacturer listing, the Ice and Cold Storage is still listed at 510 Sheridan Avenue, so the fire was either after 1947 or was re-built. At this time; E.M. Reynolds was the president and Mr. Martin was the secretary and treasurer of the business. There was an "ice factory" as early as 1878 owned by William Martin on Green Street.

Fire possibly between 1938-1940

Ladoga East School?

Children are playing in the snow.  Unfortunately, there is no information with this photograph.  It appears to be Ladoga ... anyone agree?  Please contact 765-362-2242 x 117 with information or other photographs pertaining to the school.  Thanks for your assistance.

New Richmond basketball

These young men and their coach are unidentified. This is supposedly the 1950's and is an elementary New Richmond team. If you can identify any of these young men, please advise by calling (765) 362-2242 x 117. Thanks for your help. If you have other images you would consider allowing us to scan, please stop by the 2nd floor of the library.

John Remley tax receipt for 1834

John Remley's tax receipt from 1834

John Remley was born near Twenty Mile Stand, Ohio 21 May 1800.  When John was twelve, his father died and he then became an apprentice (to a tanner) for five years.  Remley married Sarah McCain in March of 1825 and came to Crawfordville the following year.  According to his obituary and Crawfordsville history book by Bowen (p. 912-914) John left a walking stick with the date carved in it that he purchased his Montgomery County land.  John Remley was known as a hard worker and honorable man who "threw the force of his strong individuality and sterling integrity into making the county what it is and his efforts did not fail of appreciation on the part of the local public."  Remley was also known as quiet, unassuming, always industrious, always honest, he grew in material prosperity and was universally respected - great traits.