Crawfordsville's Graham Brothers, mid 1800s business

Graham Brothers store at the corner of Washington and Vernon

There were two Graham Brothers in business in Crawfordsville in the 19th century. Nathan and James Graham operated a dry goods and clothing business at the corner of Washington and Vernon (now Main Street).

According to the 1860 census, James owned $10,000 in real estate and $40,000 of personal estate, and by 1870 he owned $36,000 of real estate and $20,000 in personal estate.

Nathan Graham's son (Nathan L.) left this community at the age of 14 to travel with the Barnum and Bailey Circus. We don't know what became of him…

M.E. Clodfelter, an Alamo man

April 9, 1874 Clodfelter Marriage Certificate

M.E. (Marion Erasmus) Clodfelter was born in Putnam County on June 29, 1844 to Mathias and Mary Clodfelter. When he was a child, the family moved to a farm in Ripley Township. After attending the commons schools at Alamo, he attended the Waveland Acadamy and graduated in 1868.In 1874 he married Lucinda Myers (of Alamo).

Clodfelter  was the first county superintendent and was instrumental in establishing a new system of teaching and school work that formed the foundation for our early 20th-century school system. He was not only  a superintendent, however; he had also become an attorney by 1881 who was known for assisting the "common man." It was said that. Clodfelter was stern, yet full of mirthfulness; he never idled, yet to everyone he gave a smile.  Clodfelter was also known as having the highest of morals and ideals.

After he passed away in 1917, his wife lived with their daughter, Stella, until she suffered a fall in October 1940 and died at the age of 86.

Haines-Thompson Milling Company

Haines-Thompson was in business at least 1922-1934

 The Haines-Thompson Milling Company (which made flour) was located at the corner ("point") of Lafayette Avenue and Market Street.

Burt Haines was born in February 1893 near Wingate and graduated from CHS in 1911. He later married Lala Luster in May 1917 after he had served in WWI. Haines was an active member with Lodge No. 50 F.and A.M., American Legion, and First Christian Church.  He was the manager of the Haines-Thompson Milling Company for several years, but his health failed when he was still young, and he passed away at age 43.

Haines' partner, Leo L. Thompson, was born in 1887 near Ladoga. He married Pearl Reynolds in 1911. Thompson passed away in 1957.

Y.M.C.A. statistics from December 1890 in Crawfordsville

This Y.M.C.A. building held a tremendous amount of Crawfordsville and Indiana basketball history.  Recently, an article was found in the Crawfordsville Weekly Journal telling the statistics of visitors to the local Y.M.C.A. for the week ending December 27, 1890. There were 644 visitors with a daily average of 107. Almost 200 people visited the reading room (we would love to have a picture of that). The parlors and amusements room was slightly less with 139 attendees.  Only 45 people utilized the gymnasium, but there were three gymnasium classes offered. Eight-seven baths were taken, with a daily average of 14.  It is surprising to hear of all the amenities found in this building.

This building was erected in 1888 and was located where the current PNC building is located. There is a plaque at this site commemorating the location of the first indoor basketball game played in the state of Indiana. 

H.R. Tinsley, business man

121-123 South Washington Street, Crawfordsville

Eagle Pencil Company Advertisement, sold at Tinsley's store

H.R. Tinsley was born in Ireland in 1842, came to America in 1851, and served in the Civil War in the 75th division at Xenia, Ohio. In 1866 he called Crawfordsville his home and embarked on a new journey -- becoming a clerk in the general store of Campbell, Galey and Harter. After two years, H.R. and Paxton Campbell (Henry Campbell's* son) purchased the hardware department of the store and located it on Main Street. After five years in business, Paxton Campbell was accidentally killed by a train while on a business trip in Buffalo, N.Y. In a 1905 survey, Tinsley was listed as one of the wealthiest persons residing in Montgomery County. Those listed were valued at having at least $50,000. Because of his declining health, Tinsley turned his business over to his sons (Campbell, John, and Robert) in 1925; he passed away in September 1926.

* Henry Campbell is a local Civil War soldier; the library has a copy of his Civil War Diary.

"Buddy" Fire dog (? -- August 25, 1904)

In our collection is found an unusual photograph of a dog posed on a stool. On back of the photo is written:

"Buddy" Fire dog -- Always got on the truck in Crawfordsville. Taken in the late 1800's." 

Some research by CDPL staff member Rebecca McDole uncovered the reason why this little dog was so honored.

Of the dog, page 1 of the Sunday Star on August 27, 1904 said: "The little black dog, called 'Buddy' and owned by Harry Swan, and which was always on hand when the fire bell rang, is dead. It made no difference where the dog was, he would go when the bell rang. If he was shut up in the house, he would race around, barking and awaking the people, so he could go to the fire. On Thursday evening, when the bell sounded the dog was up near the school house, and started towards the engine house. He met the team at Pike street, and in trying to turn around got under one of the horses and received a kick which caused his death. He would jump upon every dog which happened to be on the street as he was going to a fire, and he was almost the same as an attachment to the fire wagon. The fire boys are very sad over the death, and gave him a burial worthy of his place in life."

You can read more about Buddy in Hidden History of Montgomery County (History Press) by Jodie Steelman Wilson, Emily Griffin Winfrey, and Rebecca McDole. Check this book our from the library...or buy a copy at the Circulation Desk!

Grimes men serve on police force

James P. Grimes

As the 1900s approached, James P. Grimes served as Marshall and Police Chief for the city of Crawfordsville. Later he also became a successful entrepreneur with his sons in the laundry business.

Fred P. Grimes

Fred P. Grimes (son of James) also served as Chief of Police and retired in 1954 after 32 years on the force. Fred P. was a founder of the Crawfordsville Community Sportsmen's Club and assisted in the operation of the club for 25 years.