This Weekend in Shelby County History: June 16-18
1917
Local man Cal Lightfoot was perplexed when one egg bought as part of a dozen at the grocery store wouldn’t fry, boil, scramble, poach, or fricassee. “It was shaped like an egg, looked like an egg, but it refused to be cooked and served,” the Republican reported. Finally, Cal put on his glasses and “found that this particular egg was made of china.”
William Dicks, of First Street, said that if prizes were given to adults, instead of just kids, for “war gardens,” he would likely win. Dicks had a string of peas in the alley along the wire fence serving as a trellis and an acre of potatoes in the Cheney addition, as well as regular gardens.
Chief of Police George Haehl and Assistant Chief John Marsh rushed to Smithland after hearing reports of a baby’s bones found in weeds along the pike. After turning the bones over a few times, Marsh declared that they were from the legs and feet of several frogs. “The mysterious case was cleared and everyone returned to their work, with visions of what might have been,” the Republican reported.
Winners of the summer fly killing contest, sponsored by the Anti-Tuberculosis Society, were Carroll Spencer, Elizabeth Innis, and John Lawrence Reece.
1942
Over 100 members of the Flat Rock and Geneva Methodist churches gathered at the former church for a pitch-in dinner and program in honor of Rev. and Mrs. Henry Gordon White, who were leaving the community. Earl Vance offered devotions and a cash gift of $100 was presented. Features of the program, including readings and singing, were performed by Edith Crosby, Glenn Seward, D.A. Whitmer, Patty Vance, John Eberhart, Rex and Patsy Mitchell, Jean Cockerham, Martha and Rosella Hatton, Velma Barnett, Miriam Eberhart, Mrs. Robert Shaw, and Ralph Wade.
Ralph Kimble was appointed as county Civilian Defense Director, succeeding Col. D. Wray DePrez and Peter Strong.
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Bansbach celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. They were parents of four sons, Albert, John, Ott, and Gus.
Chester Sandman offered “special bargains” to celebrate Sandman Bro’s 24th anniversary. The store had expanded and was remodeled the prior year to accommodate a full line of automobile accessories and household appliances. They had four phone lines: 847, 160, 466, and 556-W.
1967
Shelby Bank announced five appointments, which included Buddy Clements (vice president and loan officer), Harold Fancher (assistant vice president), Herbert Wisker (manager of the Manilla branch), Mrs. Helen Hilgemeier (head teller) and Mrs. Velta Harrell (auditor).
Junior 4-H delegates went to the state leadership conference in Lafayette. Shelbyville’s delegates included Tom Barker, Mike Carr, Gary Miller, Kevin Toll, Judith Hoban, Janet Coulston, Cathy Restall, and Karen Sandefur.
Joe Harker, Waldron rising senior, received a State Farmer Degree at a convention at Purdue University.
After Eastern District Schools announced a summer reading program, cartoonist George Stubbs, Sr. depicted a student with a Playboy magazine telling his father, “One picture is worth a thousand words.”
Sandman Brothers celebrated their 49th anniversary. In addition to Chester Sandman and Larry Sandman, salesmen included Gene Davis, Frank Wright, Bill Burgess, Mick Richard, and Dale Monroe. In 1918, William and Chester Sandman had opened the tire and bicycle store on E. Washington Street and later progressed into the automobile business. Larry Sandman joined the company in 1962.
An open house was held at McCain Insurance Agency’s new building at 224 E. Broadway.
A picture in The Shelbyville News showed a group of boys at Porter Pool staring outside the fence at a shirtless Tom Beagle, who was polishing his motorcycle.
1977
County Judge Charles O’Connor was the guest speaker at the Shelby County Youth Commission meeting at the Chicken & Steak Inn. Commission officers elected were Anne Reel, Kris Kelleman, and Jo Eck.
Chet and Larry Sandman announced deals for the dealership’s 59th anniversary sale, which included the 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix, the Buick Regal Coupe, and the GM ¾ ton truck.
Waldron English teacher Kenneth Sever retired after 40 years of service. He noted his many happy memories, but also expressed frustration. His resignation letter included, “Obviously, we need ‘economical’ teachers to monitor the classes while the important activities such as field trips, track meetings, ball games, photographs, judging trips, council and class meetings, testing, pep rallies, rehearsals, performances, entertainment, jack-asses and red heads occupy the pupils’ time (in reference to donkey basketball games and performances by the Red Heads girls team) which, of course, all add up to lowered classroom prestige and consequently inevitable discipline problems."
A local woman was arrested for stealing two pieces of wicker lawn furniture from the front porch of the Max Kipfer residence, 309 W. Washington.
An antique car show was held in the Belaire parking lot. No cars newer than 1940 were allowed to participate.
Waldron’s Future Farmers of America won state honors. Individual award winners were Sam Kuhn, Arthur Anderson, Kevin Olson, Alan Leap, and Carl Jones.
Marine Private Daniel Moore was promoted.
1992
New officers for the Zeta Lambda Chapter of Delta Theta Tau Sorority were Betty DeWitt, Beth Corley, Veanna Kessler, Gloria Haycock, Jenny Procell, Doris Stickford, Helen Helley, Elaina Tindall, and Sue Corley.
James and Linda (Bonner) Brown celebrated their 30th anniversary. They were married in the First United Methodist Church in 1962.
Local artists Wayne and Pam Campbell displayed works in Friendship, Ind. SAGA (Shelbyville Art Gallery Association) members Wayne Campbell and Martha Scudder had both recently received commissions for paintings. Joyce Lupresto had two paintings accepted into the Hoosier Salon Show. Angelia Riddle also had a painting there. Elwood Thomas had two of his wood and stained-glass sculptures in the local gallery.
Shelby Eastern School Board named Morristown High School Principal John Jameson to be acting superintendent.
Jim and Bonnie Stone celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. They were married in the West Street United Methodist Church in 1967 and had two children, Kim and Kevin Stone.
The Shelbyville Police Department continued work on a department history book. It included tidbits such as the first Shelbyville Police Department member who was also a Golden Gloves boxer (Gene Junken), the location of Shelbyville’s first bank robbery (Shelby National Bank), and the father and son who served as police chiefs (the Robert Nolley’s).
Mary Benning celebrated her 99th birthday (which was June 5) with a dinner at Golden Corral.
The SHS class of 1937 held their 55th class reunion at the Holiday Inn, with 51 members present. The planning committee consisted of James Grinstead, Charles Sindlinger, Kathleen Coulston, and Helen McKenney.
Lt. Rod Moore was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal while serving in the Indian Ocean. He was to transfer soon to Oak Harbor, Wash., where he would be Officer in Charge.