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.