10 YEARS AGO
Deaths this week: Everett Banta, Anna Bridgewater, Kurt Rhodehamel, Janet Dittmer, Lance Berry.
The Switzerland County School Corporation voted at its meeting on Monday night to accept a settlement agreement in the lawsuit that had been brought against the corporation and former superintendent Tracy Caddell by Susan Jill Cord. Jill Cord has sued the school and superintended in U.S. District Court last August, stating that her first amendment rights of free speech had been violated.
Former Switzerland County School Corporation treasurer Ann Geyman is now in federal custody and has begun serving her prison term after pleading guilty to embezzling more than $1 million from the school corporation.
Sorren Elliot LeeRoy Russell was born on November 11th, 2007, at Clark County Memorial Hospital. He is the son of Alan Russell and Rhashell Romans of East Enterprise.
Brody Splain, age 9, got his first turkey on opening day of the youth turkey season. Brody bagged the turkey weighing in at 24-pounds with a nine-inch beard.
The Historic Hoosier Theater will host the play “You Can’t Get There From Here” this weekend. The comedy revolves around a bed and breakfast that has a cast of bizarre characters.
20 YEARS AGO
Switzerland County High School junior David Hart was elected Governor of Indiana at last weekends state Key Club convention in Indianapolis. It is the top individual honor a Key Club member can attain.
The Switzerland County High School Key Club continued its tradition of excellence this past weekend when it was judged Indiana’s third best chapter for the past year. Club sponsor Gayla Bullock said that the third place finish is the fifth time in the chapter’s 10-year history that the club has finished in the top three among Indiana’s 93 clubs. Twice the Switzerland County club has been judged as the best in the state.
Vevay optometrist Chris Sieglitz and the Sieglitz family have been honored by the State of Indiana for the long and successful life of their family’s optometry practice. Dr. Sieglitz was awarded the state’s Century Business Award last week by lieutenant governor Joe Kernan. The award is presented annually to selected Indiana businesses that are more than 100 years old and have a history of community service. In 1877 Charles E. Sieglitz established the Sieglitz Jewelry and Opticians shop on Ferry Street in Vevay. The family remained in the jewelry business for a century, and the optometry practice continues, now in its 121st year. “Opp” Sieglitz, son of Charles E. Sieglitz, practiced optometry in Vevay from 1921 until his death in 1961. He was succeeded in that year by Dr. Chris Sieglitz, shortly after his graduation from the Indiana University School of Optometry.
25 YEARS AGO
Switzerland County High School senior Vincent Valenzuela has been named to the Indiana Academic All-Stars for 1993. The son of Drs. Diego and Fidelia Valenzuela of Vevay, Vincent is among 40 students selected as Indiana Academic All Stars from a field of over 230 outstanding nominees from schools throughout the state.
Marine Private David L. Wagner, son of Robert R. and Laverne Wagner of Vevay, recently completed the motor vehicle operator course at the Marine Corps Base at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
What may be one of the oldest existing homes in Switzerland County has been discovered. It is a potentially significant find, in terms of both local history and American architecture. Tom Weaver discovered the home, and “discovered” is the appropriate term. The home — a two-room cabin — was “disguised,” Mr. Weaver says, inside the ruined shell of a run-down house about to be destroyed. It is located atop a high bank of Indian Creek, along state road 129 — west of the Indian Creek bridge.
30 YEARS AGO
Bonnie Fancher, a science teacher at Switzerland County High School, has been selected to participate in the Lilly Endowment Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program this year. Teachers are awarded a $4,000 fellowship to help them pursue an eight-week study session during the summer. Out of the over 500 applicants this year, only 75 were selected.
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Thornton of near Pleasant will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary on Sunday, April 24th. A reception will be held for the couple at the Brushy Fork Baptist Church near Pleasant that day.
Lantz McElroy, son of Diane K. McElroy and Norman S. McElroy, and grandson of Park and Pearl Byram of route 3, Vevay will receive academic honors at the Parents’ Day Celebration on Saturday, April 30th, at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute. Lantz, a senior at Rose, will be graduating in May with a degree in Civil Engineering.
50 YEARS AGO
John W. Spencer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Spencer of Vevay, is the chief pilot in testing the X22A vertical takeoff and landing plane for the Air Force with Textron’s Bell Aerosystems Company. He was also recently sent to Houston, Texas, to be fitted for a space suit for use in simulated operations and maneuverings of a new apparatus for man’s motivation on the moon’s surface.
Three Switzerland County young men have been assigned to Company D. 18th Battalion, 5th Brigade at the U.S. Army Training Center, Armor, in Fort Knox, Kentucky. They included Ronald F. May, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. May, Jr., of route 3, Vevay; James F. Beach, son of Mr. and Mrs. James T. Beach of route 1, Vevay; and Kenneth W. Turner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Damon Turner of Vevay.
Vevay and Switzerland County without a doctor? As recently as two decades ago Vevay needed more than one hand on which to count its physicians, but a major decline in the number of the medical profession’s local members has set in and the shortage now promises to become critical. The county now has only one resident physician and clinic and his pending departure leaves the county in the serious situation of being without a practicing physician and a clinic. Dr. Noel S. Graves, a physician in Vevay for the past 18 years and presently the county’s only remaining resident physician, has announced his acceptance of a contract for a resident staff position with Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis.
60 YEARS AGO
James B. Jones, whose parents live near Florence, was recently promoted to the grade of specialist second class. He is a member of the 82nd Airborne Division stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
John Collier, former Vevay High School coach and present coach of the Brookville High Greyhounds, was awarded the Joe Conover trophy for the outstanding coach of the year by the Southeastern Indiana Coaches, Officials and Principals association, Monday night at Versailles. This is Collier’s second time to win the Conover trophy, as he was similarly honored in 1956, while at Vevay. His Brookville team was undefeated in regular season play. Also in consideration for the trophy were Vevay coach Dan Kile and Madison coach Bud Ritter.
Coney Island, Cincinnati, has launched its greatest development program since the devastating flood of 1937. A number of new rides and improvements will greet the eyes of visitors when the resort opens for its 72nd season on Saturday, April 26th. Reveille-Democrat day at Coney is Sunday, May 4th.
Charles Fred Newton, son of Mrs. Anita Hall of route 1, Florence, has received a scholarship to Indiana Central College, according to Vevay High School Principal Don Small. Newton, a student at Vevay High, is a former pupil at Patriot-Posey.
What is reported as the last concert to be presented by the Valley Choral Festival Association will be given in the Vevay High School gymnasium on Tuesday, April 22nd. The massed chorus will be under the direction of Professor George F. Krueger, associate professor of choral music at Indiana University.
70 YEARS AGO
Flood waters and detours did not prevent relatives from arriving by car and boat on Sunday, April 18th, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lamson below Vevay to help them celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary. A nephew, Loren Lamson, ran a motorboat taxi to ferry guests to Lamson’s Landing, as the roads in either direction were covered with water. When the motorboat failed, the guests were evacuated for the trip home by means of a trailer pulled by a tractor driven by great-nephew Loren Edwin Lamson. Guests were greatly thrilled by both methods of transportation.
Mrs. Flora McClintock, wife of Harvey McClintock, of Vevay, quietly celebrated her 93rd birthday Tuesday at her home on Market Street. She is the oldest living alumnus of the Vevay High School.
Carroll Dodd, who for the past 34 years has had charge of the clock on the courthouse, has resigned. Mr. Dodd is an expert clock repair workman and the delicately balanced mechanism of the huge clock has maintained practically perfect time under his care.
George Gaudin, Vevay’s oldest active businessman, passed away at his apartment in the Gaudin Building here about 11 o’clock Saturday night following a long period of ill health.
Miss Julie L. Knox of Vevay has been notified that she is a first prize winner in a recent state poet’s contest which was conducted by “Poet’s Corner, Inc.” Contributors from 38 states competed in the contest.
County and town patrons of the Vevay Post Office should know that the main person responsible for their deliveries was Lucian “Shorty” Lampton, local garage owner who donated his motorboat and his own time to see that the “mail came through,” with no compensation.
Mrs. Edna Mead of Vevay, veteran night operator at the local office of the Ohio River Telephone Company, has resigned from that position, effective last Saturday night. She has been with the telephone company for 29 years. She has been succeeded by Mrs. Darwin Seaver of Vevay.
80 YEARS AGO
Dr. L. H. Rabold was elected president of the Southeastern Dental Society at its meeting held last Thursday in Osgood.
The car of Lawrence Turner, Trustee of York Township, was stolen from upper Main Street while the owner was attending the Hoosier Theatre Wednesday night.
Frank Lamson and William Jones have rented the old Thiebaud drug store stand and have opened a restaurant and ice cream and soda water parlor.
Kiesel Cole has resigned his position in the furniture factory and is learning to be a printer in the Democrat office.
Dr. Albert G. Craig, who was very ill last week, was taken to Cincinnati on Friday night where an operation was performed by specialists in Christ Hospital.
Born to J. W. Ferrell and wife of Moorefield on April 4th, a daughter.
William Louis Buchanan resigned his position as attendant at the Vevay Light Plant on Wednesday and was succeeded by Worth Sieglitz.
Musicians in Switzerland County will meet in Fairview Friday evening to organize a County Band. The organization will be taught by Professor H. A. Brown of the Bennington neighborhood.
90 YEARS AGO
Heroic action of David Heath, young farmer, saved the life of his year old son, James David, Wednesday evening. The youngster toppled into a 14 foot cistern when the top was dislodged by horses drinking nearby. The father jumped in and held his son’s head above water until Mrs. Heath heard their cries and placed a ladder in the cistern.
Captain John K. Peyton, aged 64, veteran riverman, died last week in Cincinnati, and was buried in Rising Sun.
Scott’s Confectionery last week purchased a fine new Frigidaire fountain.
100 YEARS AGO
Vevay is leading this section of the state in the sale of Thrift and War Savings Stamps.
Little Marion Roberts, a pupil in the first grade, has set a shining example for his elders. After hearing his teacher, Miss Frances Shadday, explain the need to buy Thrift Stamps and hearing her read stories relating to them he brought her a penny to save. He continued to bring coins until he had enough to buy a stamp. Miss Shadday learned that the child had run errands, sold old bottles and iron and performed odd jobs to earn the money. He now is the proud owner of four 25c stamps.
Mrs. Kate Miller of East Enterprise received a telegram Tuesday night stating that her son, William Bliss, had been wounded in action in France. He was among the first Switzerland County boys to arrive in France.
110 YEARS AGO
At a meeting of the City Dads Monday night an anti-spit ordinance was adopted. The ordinance places a penalty on spitting on sidewalks, street crossings, landings, or anywhere in the Ohio River, within the city limits.
Sylvester R. Heath, merchant of Fairview, died at his home April 1st at the age of 69 years. His wife preceded him in death just one month ago.
Born to Jake Detraz and wife on Friday, April 3rd, a son.
The steamer Cincinnati was laid up a few days last week having her smoke stacks repaired.
120 YEARS AGO
Dr. Wilford Vanosdol has opened his dental office on Pike Street in the rooms formerly occupied by Dr. Johnston.
Professor R. L. Thiebaud has been reelected superintendent and Professor W. S. Rowe, principal, of the Rising Sun schools.
130 YEARS AGO
J. C. Long is assisting C. G. Adams in the Treasurer’s office.
Mrs. Lillie Spray who has been attending Cincinnati College of Music has returned home.
Clendenning Brothers have sold their grocery store to George Haskell and W. P. Hall.
John Dickason suggests that when a fire alarm is given every person take a bucket to the fire. He is right. The bucket brigade rendered good service last Sunday morning.
The one-story frame residence of Mrs. E. H. Adkinson was totally destroyed by fire early Sunday morning. Only heroic work by the firemen saved two adjoining residences.
Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Turner have a pretty blue eyed, very young lady at their home.
Frank Pink of Rising Sun is now employed in the cigar store of C. I. Turner.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Curry of Parks Ridge, a girl named Jeneua.
140 YEARS AGO
Captain Montgomery Patton and Jonathan Jackson have returned from a trip down the river. They ran their flatboat load of produce 12 miles below New Orleans.
Last Sunday night burglars attempted to enter the store room of Messrs. U. P. Schenck & Son. They bored several holes through the door on Pike Street but were evidently frightened away as they left their tools when they had about completed the work of preparing to enter the store.
Dr. F. S. Kohler and Dr. John F. Costello have formed a partnership for the purpose of practicing their profession in Vevay.
150 YEARS AGO
The barn of Thomas Smith in this county was consumed by fire last night.
W. H. Ruggles of this place has filed his petition in bankruptcy.
Our young friend E. G. Lindley of this place is a member of the firm of C. S. Weatherby and Company of Cincinnati.
160 YEARS AGO
After today the Reveille will be issued on Friday instead of Wednesday.
On last Thursday night a heavy storm passed along the Ohio River from Pittsburgh to Cairo. The packets were delayed several hours. A coke boat was sunk near Madison.
162 YEARS AGO
The Switzerland, bound down on March 23rd, while landing at Helena during a heavy wind, ran into a produce boat from Cincinnati, sinking it immediately. The cargo consisted of flour, whiskey, candles, etc. Captain Schenck, we learn, purchased the boat and its contents at cost. A portion of the produce was sold and the balance taken to New Orleans on the Switzerland.
At the county Temperance convention held at Mount Sterling on April 5th the county was organized by townships into a committee of the whole. The following men were appointed in each township: Craig, John Weaver, George Muet, Walter Scott, Perry Cotton, William R. Cotton; Jefferson, William Shaw, Enos Littlefield, R. N. Lamb, James M. Cotton, James Brown, George McCullouch; Pleasant, Hugh Adkinson, John Orem, P. Vannuys, Dr. Perdy, Luther Hotchkiss; York, Dr. Cheever, Ibzan Jackson, Benjamin Robinson; Posey, Peter L. Davis, J. A. Powell, Collin McNutt, Bela Herrick, A. Gazley; Cotton, L. Wiley, U. H. Stow, D. Lee, S. Washer, P. S. Sage.
The Switzerland Court of Common Pleas is now in session with Robert Drumond the presiding judge.
The steamer Buckeye Belle, Captain G. McCallum in charge, has been thoroughly overhauled and refitted and placed as a regular packet between Vevay and Louisville.
On Saturday a son of David Huckelbury of Craig Township was attacked by a vicious horse in a pasture and was bitten and stamped in unconsciousness. The boy’s mother witnessed the heartrending occurrence and collapsed, dying a few hours later.