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?