July 4, 1989

Our Local History archives contain many photos and documents, some of which date to the early years of the county. But don't think that our "history" is always long, long ago. We collect current and recent items because, some day, they will be "historical"!

This photograph was taken at the Summer Youth theater's presentation of "A Pocketful of Dreams" on July 4, 1989 (the Fourth of July) in Milligan Park. Maybe you were there...and in this photo? If so, you are archived at the Crawfordsville District Public Library for future generations.

If you are interested in contributing to our efforts at preserving the heritage of Montgomery County, contact the Reference & Local History Department (ref@cdpl.lib.in.us, 765-362-2242 ext 117).

The Lane Place...100 years ago

We have an extensive postcard collection of our area, many of which date from the turn of the 19th century. It is also interesting to read some of the used postcards to catch a quick glimpse of life long ago.

Here is a postcard of the The Henry S. Lane Place, Crawfordsville, Ind.  It was sent to Hilda Scheel, Earlville, Iowa, with this message: "We are staying just across the way from this house. They have a beautiful flower garden. Bertha." It was postmarked June 26, 1915 from Crawfordsville -- just about 100 years ago to this day! The next time you go past the Lane Place, take a look and imagine it in1915.

You can browse these postcards in our image database and see for yourself how things have changed...and how some things have remained the same.

1920 Montgomery County Livestock Sale

This glimpse of Montgomery County agricultural history was recently donated by the family of local businessman, Walter Remley. Although obscured by tree branches, the top sign likely reads, “Spring Brook Swine Farm, Moon & Berryman.”  The sign announces an upcoming sale of hogs to be held southwest of Yountsville on September 17, 1920.  Walter Remley graduated from the University of Illinois Agriculture College in 1919, and had a long and successful local career, serving four terms on the Crawfordsville City Council. He was an active member of the local Byron Cox Post of the American Legion for nearly 50 years, and in his honor, the drive north of the Legion Post was named Walter Remley Drive.

Whitlock Avenue in June...1899!

Often we receive groups of family photos, and we can re-construct family life in Montgomery County from years past. Such is the case with the family of Thomas Clark, a tailor who worked in Crawfordsville at the end of the 19th century. In the Clark family photos appears a wood-slat house with a wooden picket fence on the side yard. The home appears to be in construction, with several kegs sitting near the fence and boards stacked nearby. The photograph is dated June 1899, the month that Thomas Clark and Mary (Shoemaker) Clark married. This home may possibly be 512 Whitlock Avenue, Crawfordsville. Does it still exist?