This Weekend in Shelby County History: June 23-25

1917

Clell Debaun “has been eating matches and drinking headache medicine for the past few days,” the Republican reported. Although Dr. Wells, of Fairland, told Debaun to rub the medicine on his head, the patient had been drinking it instead. “It is said that Debaun has been acting queerly for the past few days,” the paper said.

Alexander Brown, 116 Colescott St., was the oldest person registered to vote in the county. He was 85.

A meeting was held for “colored Republicans” at the Second M.E. Church on South Pike St.

1942

Several men left for possible army induction. They were Samuel Alley, Carl Zell, Carroll White, Robert Heistand, Forrest Cory, Raymond Hendricks, Raymond Hamblen, Charles Sindlinger, Charles Walker, Everett Walls, William Arnold, Russell Road, Herbert Smith, Charles Schmoe, Forest McDaniel, and Kenneth Heistand.

Drinking spouts from five of the seven downtown fountains were stolen. Each cost $4.50.

Max Huffman, county conservation officer, placed 10,000 fish in the Big Blue River, Little Blue River, Brandywine River, Conns Creek, Little Sugar and Big Sugar Creeks, and Flat Rock River.

Private Virgil Hinkle was reported missing by the War Department. His mother was informed that he had been on an island fortress when it fell to the Japanese.

1967

The Optimist Club beat PPG in a Knothole League game at the high school athletic field while Meloy’s Camera Shop outlasted Yarling Construction in a Little League tilt at Sunrise Park. John Breeding and Brad Lackey combined to limit PPG to five singles, while Breeding led the Optimists at the plate with three singles and Rod Meyerholtz and Dan Culkins smacked two singles each. Tony McColley doubled and Greg Montgomery belted a triple. Meloy’s pitcher Mark Risley went the distance and recorded seven strike-outs. Ricky Haas homered and Jim Coulston doubled for the winners while Steve Wasson clubbed two hits and Kris Conover and Randy Hobbs both doubled.

Mrs. Hotopp led 275 students in swimming classes. Those assisting her with teaching were Cheri Monroe, Mark Dickman, Darrell Mollenkoph, Wendy Johnson, Rick Walton, Ronda Williams, Rick Ferrell, Major Jester, Karl Wickizer, Jody Bryer, Melinda Thomas, Kim Williams, Debbie Wells, Connie Williams, Connie Reeves, Cindy Norvell, Cheryl King, Joyce Watkins, Jan Jenkins, Mary Helbing, Cindy McKenney, Lucia Jester, Lisa Sipes, Karen Walton, and Terry Frederick.

Work continued on the new First Methodist Church sanctuary. The basement walls had reached a level above the sidewalk.

Charles and Eathel (Coers) Hurst, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They had one son, Stanley Hurst. Eathel was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Coers.

1977

Baskin Robbins hosted their grand opening in the Junction Shopping Center on East SR 44.

H.E. Chris Christensen, manager of employee relations at the Shelbyville General Electric plant, prepared for the employee picnic by ordering 650 chickens, 2,000 hamburger patties, 2,000 hot dogs, 300 pounds of potato salad, 200 pounds of fruit salad, 200 pounds of tomatoes, and 200 pounds of coleslaw. The 1,500 expected attendees would also have the chance to dance to the “American Way” band and experience pony rides, softball games, and tug of war on the plant’s front lawn.

Rev. Ron Riggs was announced as the new pastor of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church.

Marine Pfc. William Huesman completed recruit training in Calif.

Shelbyville firemen, led by chief Wayne Williamson, tested their trucks at the Kennedy Park ford. The pumpers pumped 1,164 to 1,224 gallons per minute. No test was required on the department’s 1953 stand-by truck.

1992

Shelbyville’s Jerry Caplinger shot an 81 in the first round of the 92nd Indiana Amateur golf championship.

Shelbyville Central Schools issued a ban on students traveling to school in go-carts and mopeds, due to insurance considerations.

Theodore Shaver, north of Shelbyville, circulated a petition to put him on the ballot as an independent candidate for Congress.

Pete Neeb accepted the new building and plumbing inspector position with the City of Shelbyvile.

Michael Bledsoe became the first Eagle Scout from Troop 241, chartered with the Flat Rock Christian Church.

The new Shoney’s restaurant, on East State Road 44, opened for business and employed about 75 people.