News compiled by Ginny Leap from past issues of Switzerland County newspapers
10 YEARS AGO
When the sky turns dark and the wind blows hard at this time of year, Switzerland County people are reminded of April, 1974 and the destructive tornado that struck the county and surrounding area. Warning systems are in place, in case tornadoes strike again.
Eric Neece, Air National Guard airman 1st class, has graduated from Air Force basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. He is the son of Judy E. Furnish of Vevay.
The Switzerland County Band Boosters would like to let everyone know that through the help of several individuals, corporations, and businesses, the high school marching band is on its way to Washington, D.C.
20 YEARS AGO
The Posey Township Volunteer Fire Department announces that it has purchased a new 4-wheel drive mini-pumper truck in an effort to keep up the quality of their service to their area.
The Republican Party of Switzerland County held its annual Lincoln Day Dinner last Friday evening, and a large crowd turned out to hear Clerk of the State Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Marge O’Laughlin speak on the past, present, and future of the Republican party.
It has been announced that County Conservation Officer Steve Gerber has been granted a transfer by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. He will be replaced here by Officer David Mock who used to be the Conservation Officer in Ohio County.
Bruce Hutcherson, one of the most popular drivers on the pulling circuit, captured a first and a second place award during the National Finals of the TNT Championship Pulling Circuit. The finals were held in Charlotte, North Carolina March 29th-31st. He was named the 1984-85 TNT Points Champion in the 5800 pound Dragster tractor class and placed second in the 7200 pound Dragster tractor class. He was the reigning champion in both classes for the 1983-84 season, and remained a top contender for both titles again this year.
30 YEARS AGO
“A Girl Named Sooner”, born and raised in Switzerland County last summer, is coming back home to make her first appearance. “Sooner”, the star studded motion picture filmed here by a Hollywood crew and scheduled for national television June 18th, will have it’s “world premiere” showing in Vevay June 7th, a week and a half before the rest of America gets to see her. To be hosted by Vevay Newspapers, Inc., the “Sooner” preview screening planned as an informal Saturday night get-together in the Switzerland County High School Gym — and everybody in Switzerland County is invited to come and see themselves and their friends and their beautiful place shining up there on the Silver Screen.
40 YEARS AGO
Orville Phillips, joint state representative of Switzerland, Ohio, and Jefferson counties and well-known area businessman and farmer, died suddenly at his home near Rising Sun April 16th of an apparent heart attack. The 49-year-old Democrat was serving his second term as a state representative of the local district. He had served an earlier term in 1963-64.
Marine Lance Corporal Gordon G. Scudder, son of Mrs. Agnes K. Scudder of rural Route 1, Patriot, participated in a field exercise March 17th-27th, in Northern training area of Okinawa with his company.
Kay Hanna of rural route 1, Florence, has been initiated into Alpha Lambda Delta scholastic honorary sorority for freshman women at Indiana University. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Hanna of Markland and is a 1964 Vevay High School graduate.
Seaman Recruit Marion G. Smith, United States Navy, son of Mrs. Parker Smith of Patriot, has begun nine weeks of Navy basic training at the U.S. Naval Training Center.
Private Edgar J. Oatman graduated from military police school at Ft. Gordon, Georgia, April 16th and will leave for Korea for one year. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Oatman of rural route 1, Patriot.
50 YEARS AGO
A baby daughter was born Tuesday in Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, to Mr. and Mrs. Loren Roberts of Vevay. The little girl has been named Vickie Sue. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are parents of three other daughters.
John William Ayler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Claude Ayler of near Vevay, is expected to arrive home Friday from Ft. Sheridan, Illinois, where he was discharged from military service.
Gayle Lowe, seaman, United States Navy, formerly of Vevay, arrived in New York April 15th aboard the battleship USS Iowa after a three month cruise in the Mediterranean.
Fred L. Weber, widely known merchant of Lamb and a member of the Switzerland County Welfare Board, died early Monday in the Madison Hospital where he had been a patient for some time.
Harry Craig Bond, 14, of Patriot, has been chosen winner of the Conservation Essay Contest, held in the Vocational Agriculture Department of Patriot High School during the month of March. The contest is sponsored by the American Plant Food Council and the National Grange.
60 YEARS AGO
Marvin E. Pavy of Vevay and Luella M. Bodey of Patriot have been granted state scholarships to Indiana University, it was announced today by the I.U. scholarship committee.
World War II news: Mr. and Mrs. Tom Patterson of near Florence received a War Department Telegram Sunday informing them that their son, Pfc. Louis Nathan Patterson, 26, had been killed in action on March 16th, 1945 on Luzon Island in the South Pacific.
The Town of Patriot suffered another grievous blow last week when the parents of Lieutenant Robert Lee Farrar received a telegram from the Navy stating that the submarine, “Escolar,” reported missing November 25th, 1944, was “presumed lost while engaged in action against the enemy.”
Mr. and Mrs. Elige Bowling of Bennington, Route 1, received a War Department telegram Wednesday morning informing them that their son, Pfc. William Bowling, was slightly wounded in action in Germany on April 3rd.
Fred Jennings, Jr., has been appointed night policeman and has already entered upon his duties. Jennings served for many months in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged several months ago from the military service.
Private Herschel Gullion, Vevay Route 2, has just been graduated from the Fort Knox, Kentucky, armored school after completing an intensive nine weeks course in the maintenance and repair of the peeps and jeeps, scout cars and trucks.
70 YEARS AGO
The County Commissioners decided to purchase a new Poor Farm to be located in Vevay and it is the old Aime Morerod home at the north end of Vineyard Street.
George McKay of Vevay underwent appendectomy in Indianapolis.
Died in Vevay Wilbur L. Fisk, 93, for many years a prominent merchant in Vevay.
Died in New Mexico, Lawrence Shaw, native of Pleasant Township.
Died on Tapps Ridge, Mrs. Ann Peters, well known lady.
The fruit crop in the county is heavily damaged by frost.
Died in his home near Lamb, Wayne Wakefield, well known citizen.
Died in Patriot, Mrs. Elizabeth McHuron, aged 69 years, a prominent lady.
Died in Patriot William Lukie, a long time resident of this county.
Died near Allensville, Mrs. Sarah Williams, aged 72 years.
80 YEARS AGO
Died in Shelbyville April 15th, Prior M. Pavy, 89, well known Civil War veteran and native of Cotton Township.
The Odd Fellows Lodge here will observe its 106th anniversary on April 26th.
William Wiley of near Florence was honored by a family dinner on his 70th birthday.
George Barnett, 14, of Youngstown, Ohio, whose parents came from Vevay, won second prize in a state American Legion Essay contest.
Died in Vevay, James L. Dodd, prominent citizen.
90 YEARS AGO
Miss Jane Searcy of Vevay High School won the District Discussion Contest at Brownstown.
A study of agriculture will be added to the Vevay High School here next year.
Miss Lulu Lock of near Vevay sustained a broken arm when thrown from a horse on her father’s farm.
Died in Patriot April 21st, Mrs. Laura McHuron, aged 70, well known lady.
E.H. Brandt, formerly of Markland, has purchased a store in Covington, Kentucky.
100 YEARS AGO
W.O. Protsman was reappointed postmaster at Vevay.
Mrs. C.L. French is the first lady to obtain a pilot’s license for the Ohio River. She is also a licensed mate.
Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Ogle of Mt. Sterling observed their 55th wedding anniversary.
Married in El Paso, Texas, C.M. Knox of Cananea, Texas and Miss Elizabeth House of Vevay.
Married my Reverend E.W. Hammon, April 17th, Mrs. Emma Richards of Vevay and Trustee Joseph Ramseyer of Jefferson Township.
Milton R. Cole made his last trip as a carrier of the Star Route between Vevay and Moorefield.
Died at Sugar Branch April 16th, Peter Hall, aged 79, Civil War veteran.
Cards are out announcing the marriage of Miss Nola Humphrey to George Moredock on April 26th.
Fred Detraz of Craig purchased an Edison phonograph.
120 YEARS AGO
The National Branch Bank of Madison was the highest bidder on the $16,000 bond issue for the new waterworks here.
Postmaster Oscar Williamson has rented the handsome residence of E.M. Stevens on Washington Street.
Mrs. Joe Jockell is carrying on her restaurant business here by offering anything from a 5 cent lunch to any elaborate meal you might want.
Died in Vevay March 22nd, Miss Alice R. Foutty, 25. Burial in Rising Sun.
130 YEARS AGO
Captain A.J. Schenck is building a two-story Tenant house on Market Street.
H.A. Downey and L.O. Schroeder have formed a partnership for the practice of law.
Henry Dugan of York Township injured last winter by the upsetting of a wagon is now able to be about on crutches.
A few fleeces of wool have been brought into Vevay. Anyone who will sheer sheep in weather like this is an inhuman fiend.
The thermometer here has been reached 12 degrees above zero.
William F. North opened a new coal yard at Patriot.
Died in Quercus Grove April 14th, Miss Mary McHatton.
Died in Craig Township April 20th, Miss Mary Wright, aged 82 years.
Married near Vevay April 21st, by Reverend R.F. Brewington, Mary A. Jain to John G. Taylor.