USA > Indiana > Lake County > A standard history of Lake County, Indiana, and the Calumet region, Volume I > Part 42
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The Kulage Brick Works also represents a large industry which is more than twenty years old. It employs 100 men and its proprietor is Otto Kulage.
Toward the end of the Civil War Hon. W. H. Rifenburg established a lumber yard, planing mill and contractors' supply house at Hobart, which since 1893 has been in the hands of William Scharbach, father and son.
Hobart has thus become somewhat of an industrial center, as well as a leading financial and shipping center outside of the Calumet region. The Hobart Commercial Club, of which E. G. Sayger is president, is doing much to promote the industrial and commercial interests of the town.
LIGHT AND WATER SUPPLY
Hobart has good light and water and has been thus blessed for nearly twenty years. For the main facts connected with the establishment of its electric lighting plant and water works we are indebted to the Hobart Gazette.
In the summer of 1897 John P. Dales, of Chicago, secured from the town trustees a franchise for an electric lighting plant. Water works were an equal necessity, and after much hard and intelligent work on the part of Mr. Dales and progressive citizens, a contract was made by him with the town trustees for the construction of a combined light and water plant, upon the plans and specifications furnished by George C. Morgan, a leading water works engineer, the plant to become the prop- erty of the town upon its completion and acceptance. In due time,
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both systems were completed, thoroughly tested and accepted by the town authorities.
As originally completed, the electric plant was operated by a 100- h. p. Ball high-speed engine. The incandescent dynamo is of 371% kw. capacity, the arc machine is a 40 lighter ; both machines and all electric apparatus being the product of the Fort Wayne Electric Corporation, and of the most modern type. The power house is a model one, well arranged, complete and attractive, the switchboard and connections being worthy of more than this passing notice. The are circuits extend to all parts of the town, furnishing street illumination. The incandes- cent system was introduced to nearly all of the stores, offices and public buildings, and many residences.
The construction of the water works was placed in the hands of C. M. Seckner, formerly of the Seckner Contracting Company and then of the Western Engineering and Construction Company of Chicago. As completed, the plant consisted of a 750,000-gallon Worthington pump, three miles of eight, six and four-inch mains, thirty fire hydrants, and a combined brick and metal standpipe 125 feet in height with a 60,000- gallon tankage capacity. The mains, laterals and hydrants were thor- oughly tested to 160 pounds pressure.
The water works and lighting plant occupy the same power-house, using in common the two 60 h. p. Harvey boilers, and the water supply is obtained in adequate amount and perfect purity from wells driven to the water-bearing strata which underlie this entire locality at a moderate depth.
HOBART TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM
The first section of the Hobart public school was erected in 1878 and the high school was established in 1884. An addition was made to the building in 1892 and an improved heating system incorporated. The consolidated high school was completed in 1910.
G. H. Thompson, the superintendent of schools, describes the town- ship system, of which Hobart is the center, as follows: "A unique feature of the Hobart Township school system is that there is not a country school remaining. Consolidation was begun here more than fifteen years ago and the results of that movement were so satisfactory that now wagons bring all the school children within a territory of seventeen square miles to the central township school in Hobart. In this centralized school there are sixteen teachers, besides the superin- tendent, having charge of some four hundred and fifty children. Eleven teachers are required in the grade work and the others are in the high
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school department. At the beginning of this movement five teachers were employed in the grades and two in the high school, but the country schools then maintained required five other grade teachers and no special work could be done in any of the schools.
"Fifteen years ago the high school was commissioned. Since then the school has not only kept pace with the changing standard but has gone far beyond the requirements of the State Board of Education. Some of the elective studies maintained are : a year and a half of phonography ; a year of typewriting ; four years of German; two years each of manual training, free-hand drawing, and mechanical drawing; and four years of vocal music. In addition there are classes in bookkeeping, civics, physical geography, commercial arithmetic, American history, and physiology. The required subjects are: Three years of mathematics; four years of English ; three years of science; two years of history ; and four years of Latin or German. The science department is especially" strong. The equipment for botany, chemistry, and physics is scarcely equalled by any other school having twice the number of pupils. Nothing is lacking in apparatus, convenience, or supplies. One feature is a powerful projectoscope which is used both in the auditorium and in the laboratory. The facilities for work in the laboratory are of prime con- sideration and a great majority of the boys, and the girls, too, rather than avoid any of the science work, elect the course complete.
"Two principles which the teachers keep constantly in mind are- (1) that each child must be led to express himself, and (2) that he must be taught to interpret the expression of others. Certain applications of these principles are recognized in the amount of supplementary read- ing required and the dramatic work done in the daily reading lessons; also, in the amount of time devoted to the study of the phonetic value of letters. This phonetic work begins when the child enters school and is continued with increasing independence on the part of the pupil. However, to accomplish the greatest good, the teachers believe that the study of the child is of prime importance and the subject the child studies is secondary. Teachers endeavor to see the subject from the standpoint of the child and they place the work on the child's mental horizon.
"In the upper grades and in the high school the work is arranged on the departmental plan. The chief advantages derived from this plan are that the child comes in daily contact with teachers differing in tem- perament and personality and each subject is given its due attention. The plan also insures uniform interest and efficiency in the presenta- tion of such subjects as penmanship, drawing, and music. Likewise other subjects are developed in a more systematic manner and time and
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energy are saved that would be needlessly wasted if an entire change of teachers accompanied each promotion.
"One of the most interesting features of the new high school building and one which is most highly prized by the community is the auditorium. This room has excellent provision for light either night or day. The heating and ventilation are perfect. An audience of nearly five hundred can be safely seated. No school seats have been placed in this room, but instead are comfortable opera chairs. The stage and its artistic equipment of scenes and property awaken expressions of admiration and surprise on the part of every visitor. Aside from the school work the auditorium is used for many social and municipal functions, and our citizens are coming to recognize that a school building may become an educational and economic and cultural factor beyond the daily lessons and exercises of the school children. The auditorium serves the school in many ways. Besides the study of music and public speaking, the pupils frequently assemble here for talks and debates. Educators and friends of education visiting our school have here delivered a message from without under circumstances inspiring alike to pupils and speaker. A lyceum course is maintained and every year two plays are given by the pupils of the high school; also, many entertainments by the grades. Here is the best possible accommodation for the annual high school oratorical contest, the class day exercises, and the commencement.
"For a number of years the school has been interested in dramatic work. Besides popular plays by the pupils in general, the class plays given by the seniors have attracted wide attention. The high standard of these plays approaches collegiate work, and thus they are believed to have an uplifting effect in the development of power and character. Among the plays given in recent years are 'The Princess,' 'As You Like It,' 'Queen Esther,' 'The Captain of Plymouth,' and 'The Miser of Raveloe.' These have been given with appropriate stage settings and complete costumes. Dramatic work awakens anticipations of delight in the undergraduates and nourishes pleasant memories in the alumni.
"Besides the oratorical, dramatic, and other literary work already mentioned, each senior class for the past six years has had charge of the preparation and publication of the 'Aurora,' the high school annual. The literary and artistic qualities of this publication are praised by all friends of education in the community. In this book is tangible evi- dence of potential energy and an earnest of greater unseen development.
"Since the erection of the new building the boys and girls of the high school especially, but of the grades also, have had the advantages of the gymnasium. This room is 38x63 feet and has a gallery with comfortable seats for nearly two hundred spectators. The gymnasium
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is used by the high school pupils and often by other young people of the town during the winter evenings chiefly for basketball, but during the day the children of the grades have various drills and games that furnish recreation and training when no outside play is possible. Con- nected with the gymnasium are two dressing rooms, one for girls and one for boys. In each of these rooms are both hot and cold water and perfect facilities for shower bathing. Physical development and good health are set above mere amusement.
"A year ago, in compliance with the provisions of the state law, the trustee employed a physician to examine the children and give advice to both teachers and parents when help is needed. In this examination there is an effort made to solve the problem of the relation of each child's intellectual development and his physical condition. Besides the annual inspection the physician is also in attendance in special cases on the call of the superintendent. A complete record of each examination is kept in the superintendent's office.
"Within the past twenty years this high school has sent out two hundred graduates. One hundred and forty-three of these belong to the last ten years. The banner class was that of 1912, which numbered twenty-one. A glance at the list reveals the fact that one-fourth of the alumni hold responsible positions which their high school training placed within their reach; twenty-five are teachers; eleven are in business; seven are practicing law or medicine ; six are farmers; four hold govern- ment positions; and another one-fourth of them preside in homes. Thirty graduates of Hobart High School have entered higher institu- tions of learning, ten of these are now in college, and fifteen of the number hold degrees from universities. It is, perhaps, too early to say what place the graduates of more recent years deserve, but those who have reached mature years give evidence of noble ideals and sound character. They have proved themselves efficient citizens."
CHURCHES OF HOBART
Hobart, as a residence town able to meet the wants of all kinds of people, is well supplied with churches for a place of its population. The list includes the following: St. Bridget's Catholic, Rev. William Hoff, pastor; First M. E. Church, Rev. G. S. Goodwin; German Evangelical Lutheran, Rev. E. R. Schuelke; Swedish Lutheran, Rev. G. Lundahl; German M. E. Church, in charge of Rev. Heileman, of Crown Point; Christian Church, Rev. W. A. Howard, and Swedish M. E. Church, Rev. John M. Pearson.
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ST. BRIDGET'S PARISH
Both the Catholics and the Lutherans obtained a foothold at and near Hobart many years ago. In 1855 Rev. Paul Gillen came from Michigan City and celebrated mass in the home of John Mellane near Hobart, and a few years afterward Rev. John Force, a priest from Val- paraiso, performed the same religious offices at Mr. Mellane's residence. Later John Ormond's house was thrown open for the same purpose, and in 1871 Rev. Michael O'Reilly, of Valparaiso, was placed in charge of the mission at Hobart. He was followed by Rev. F. X. Baumgartner and Rev. H. M. Rhote, who came from Turkey Creek, and Rev. Joseph Flach, who held services from 1885 to 1888; from the latter year until 1903, the local pastor was Rev. Charles V. Stetter. Rev. Thomas F. Jansen, now of Gary, located at Hobart as resident priest in July, 1903, and about that time Turkey Creek was made a mission, supplied from Hobart. Father William Hoff has been in charge since July, 1908.
On the three lots bought by Father O'Reilly in 1873 stood an old picture gallery founded by John G. Earle, which was converted into a church, is still standing as a landmark of St. Bridget's parish and is now used as a club house for young men. That old building was used as a church until May, 1912, when a new house of worship was dedi- cated. It is a substantial structure costing $15,000, and contains a residence for the sisters. A new school house has also been completed. The parish now covers about seventy families, or 350 souls.
SWEDISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERANS
The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church was founded in Feb- ruary, 1862, its first deacons and trustees being Carl Wilson, Guth. Isak- son, John Carlson, Gust. Danelson and Andrew Peterson. Its successive pastors have been Rev. A. Shallman, Rev. J. A. Berg and Rev. G. Lundahl, who has occupied the pulpit for eight years. The church has a membership of about seventy and its home was completed in 1870.
THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
The Disciples of Christ formed a church at Hobart in 1913. In October of that year the Calumet district organization of the Christian Church sent Rev. Claude E. Hill, of Valparaiso, to the place and he soon formed a society of sixty members. They now worship in rented quarters under the pastorate of Rev. O. O. Howard.
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THE LODGES
Hobart has a number of lodges well supported by both men and women. Both the Odd Fellows and Masons have auxiliaries sustained by their wives, sisters and other members of the sex who aspire in that direction. The I. O. O. F. instituted Earle Lodge No. 333 in July, 1869, and of its charter members Thomas T. Stearns and John G. Earle are still alive. The lodge owns a building valued at $10,000 and has a membership of about seventy. William Devonshire is the present noble grand; he was also its first secretary. Ed. Reissig, who at present holds that office, is one of the old and leading Odd Fellows of the place.
The Independent Order of Foresters of America, the Modern Wood- men of America, Royal Neighbors, Ladies of Maccabees and other bodies of a secret and benevolent nature are also established in Hobart.
Vol. I-30
CHAPTER XXX
TOWN OF LOWELL
REPRESENTS SOUTHERN LAKE COUNTY-FOUNDING OF THE TOWN- PIONEER LOCAL INSTITUTIONS-LARGEST BUILDINGS IN THE COUNTY- STRONGEST TEMPERANCE TOWN-EFFECTS OF 1898 FIRE-BETTER FIRE PROTECTION AND WATER SERVICE-THE LOWELL HIGH SCHOOL- OAKLAND PARK-CHURCHES AND SOCIETIES.
Lowell, in the southern part of the county, has about fourteen hun- dred people and is far enough away from the Calumet region to be called an agricultural town; and it is by far the leading center of that class in Lake County. All around it, and for miles to the north, stretches a fine country of prairie land and groves, thickly dotted with farms, dairies and truck gardens. It is the acknowledged trading center of the three southern townships, as it also is the nucleus for many of the social and religious activities of that section of Lake County.
REPRESENTS SOUTHERN LAKE COUNTY
Lowell has two substantial banks, a number of prosperous business houses, two newspapers, municipal water works, thorough electric service (both for light and power), a good Union School for the accom- modation of Cedar Creek and West Creek townships, and churches and societies to meet the requirements of the various faiths and social in- clinations.
It is quite fitting, also, that Lowell should be the site of the soldiers' monument which was dedicated in June, 1905, to the memory and patriotic services of the soldiers of West Creek, Cedar Creek and Eagle Creek townships, who have fought in all the wars except the Revolu- tionary to which the United States has beeen a party. The monument records the names of those who have either gone forth alive to defend their country, or whose bodies have been buried within this territory, as well as the splendid services of Mrs. Abbie Cutler, the devoted nurse of the Union army and the first wife of Dr. A. S. Cutler.
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FOUNDING OF THE TOWN
The founding of Lowell dates from 1848, when Melvin A. Halsted and O. E. Haskins purchased a mill privilege of A. R. Nichols and built a dam and saw mill on Cedar Creek. Mr. Halsted, an energetic New Yorker who had been in the county three years, discovered the commercial value of the clay lands at Lowell and in 1849 the first brick was burned in that locality, the material being built into a residence for the Halsted family. That home was always the most prominent land- mark in Lowell, marking as it did the abiding place of the founder of the town and most worthy members of his family. In 1850 Mr. Halsted went to California, returned with added capital in 1852, bought Mr. Haskins' interest in the water-power, erected a flour mill and in 1853 platted the town of Lowell.
PIONEER LOCAL INSTITUTIONS
The year before Mr. Halsted laid out Lowell into town lots a small brick schoolhouse had been built, which was also used as a church, and soon after its platting J. Thorn built a small hotel and opened a store near the grist mill. Other places of business were opened, and in 1856 the Baptists built a church. In 1869 and 1870 appeared two new houses of worship, and educational facilities were progressing parallel with the religious institutions.
LARGEST BUILDINGS IN THE COUNTY
By the early '70s Lowell was as prosperous and prominent as any town in the county. Its two-story brick schoolhouse, costing $8,000, was considered the largest and most complete in Lake County, and the three- story brick building within the limits of the place, designed for a fac- tory, had no superior as a business structure. Mr. Halsted, then town- ship trustee, had superintended the construction of both. There were then in Lowell about one hundred families, a third as many as at present.
STRONGEST TEMPERANCE TOWN
At that time, also, there were a Good Templars' Lodge, with 160 members, and a Grange of Patrons of Husbandry, with eighty members. For some years Lowell was the strongest temperance town in the county.
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EFFECTS OF 1898 FIRE
But it was not until Lowell obtained railroad and telegraphic com- munication through the Monon Railroad in 1882 that the town showed anything like a broad expansion. Until 1898 it grew steadily, if slowly, but in that year had a temporary setback in a large fire which swept away a number of the older business houses. In many ways it was a blessing in disguise, for, although the loss was $60,000 and one side of its business street was swept clean, more durable and presentable buildings arose from the ruins.
BETTER FIRE PROTECTION AND WATER SERVICE
The fire also had the effect of forcing to the attention of citizens the necessity for better fire protection and water service. A volunteer fire department had been organized in 1896, but its inadequacy became so manifest during the fire that in October, 1898, the town commenced the building of a water system. The present supply is from two deep wells, from which the water is pumped into a standpipe, the plant being located on a hill in the western part of the city. Both the power and electric lighting are furnished through the Crown Point Electric Com- pany, and its operations are continuous; the company gives what is known as a "twenty-four hour service." The water is clear, having mineral properties, and the protection against fire is now considered sufficient.
THE LOWELL HIGH SCHOOL
Lowell has a handsome high school building erected in 1896, at a cost of $16,000, and in 1913 was completely remodeled as to its heating and ventilating systems, which now meet all modern requirements as to comfort and sanitation. The present structure was erected on the site of the old building constructed by Mr. Halsted, "who," says one who knows, "made the bricks, broke the ground and courageously stood by the enterprise until it was completed, largely at his own expense."
As stated, the school building at Lowell is arranged for the accom- modation of high school pupils from Cedar Creek and West Creek townships and the Town of Lowell, its upper floor being thus devoted. The other rooms are given over to the instruction of primary and gram- mar classes, drawn from the local community.
Superintendent A. T. Elliott thus speaks of the high school work and pupils :
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"In arranging the course of study for our high school, local condi- tions and needs have been kept constantly in mind. It is apparent that a course of study suitable to meet the conditions in our high school may not be suitable for other schools. It is true college entrance requirements have been kept in mind, so that those desiring to attend college will receive proper recognition .. Aside from the college entrance require-
By Courtesy of Frank F. Heighway, County Superintendent of Schools.
LOWELL SCHOOL
ments our course has been made very flexible by providing for elective subjects.
"Realizing the need of industrial education, courses in sewing, house- hold economics, and agriculture have been added. As a great number of our pupils come from the rural districts, special attention has been given to the arrangement of a three years' course in agriculture.
"The first year is devoted to the study of agricultural botany, which treats of the identification and classification of the common plants; the method of propagation and improvement ; the plant and animal enemies ; the rate of increase and growth of noxious weeds; the time and manner of destroying the same, etc.
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"The second year is devoted to the study of soils, field crops, fruit growing and vegetable gardening.
"The study of soils treats of the origin, formation, composition, and classification of the soils in the community; their physical properties and methods of treatment in relation to their behavior toward moisture, air and heat; and the improvement of soils and the maintenance of soil fertility.
"The study of farm crops treats of corn judging; simple germina- tion and purity tests of seeds; the study and identification of all kinds of seeds; and a study of the bulletins put out by the state experiment station and the U. S. Department of Agriculture.
"The study of vegetable gardening treats of the study of varieties and management of vegetables; the home garden; and the construction and management of hotbeds and cold frames.
"The study of fruit growing treats of the principles of plant propa- gation; laboratory work in grafting, layering, cutting, and pruning ; care and cultivation of fruits for home and market ; and means of destroy- ing insects and fungus diseases.
"The third year is devoted to the study of live stock, dairying, poul- try and the principles of feeding.
"The study of live stock treats of the breeds of horses, cattle, sheep and swine; the scoring and judging of individuals; and the methods of improving the live stock upon the farm.
"The principles of feeding is a study of the classes of animal feeds ; the function of each in the animal's body ; the study of bulletins put out by different stations; and the compounding of balanced rations.
"The study of poultry treats of the origin and history of the breeds; winter and summer care of poultry; feeding for growth and egg pro- duction ; and the treatment of diseases and methods of housing poultry.
"The study of dairying treats of the improvement of the dairy herd ; the judging of the dairy cow; the testing of milk for butter fat; and the care of milk on the farm.
"The purpose of this course as outlined above is to make agriculture comparable in extent and thoroughness with the courses in physics, botany, history, literature and other subjects. The subject is not one that can be memorized or even acquired in the ordinary methods of school study; it relates itself to the actual work and business of the community in such a way as will develop the students' judgment of affairs and conditions. We hope by the introduction of this course to bring the school in touch with the daily life of the community, and to lead more boys to choose agriculture as a profession.
"We now have forty-five pupils taking the work and hope to enlarge
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and strengthen the course for next year by the addition of more labo- ratory equipment."
OAKLAND PARK
Within the town limits is a thinly wooded tract of thirteen acres, known as Oakland Park, which is a favorite resort for picnics, camp meetings, athletic contests, religious gatherings and public occasions which may be conducted out-of-doors. It is an attractive piece of land naturally and has been improved so as to meet all local and neighbor- hood requirements.
CHURCHES AND SOCIETIES
At present Lowell has four churches, all of which are faithfully meeting special spiritual wants. The Methodist Church is under the pastorate of Rev. V. B. Servies; St. Edward's Catholic Parish, including a large parochial school, is in charge of Rev. Fr. Hoestman; the Chris- tian Church is under Rev. W. H. Van Deusen, and the Presbyterian is ministered to by Rev. John J. Simpson.
Both the Odd Fellows and Masons have old lodges in Lowell. Lowell Lodge No. 245, I. O. O. F., was instituted in January, 1866, and has a large membership. C. U. Ragon is its present noble grand. The Rebekahıs are also organized.
Colfax Lodge No. 378, F. & A. M., was chartered May 27, 1868, and has a membership of over one hundred. Present worshipful master, Earl C. Pulver.
Lowell Chapter No. 360, O. E. S., was instituted in March, 1909, and already has a membership of more than one hundred. Present worthy matron, Marietta Davis.
The Modern Woodmen of America, Cedar Camp No. 255, were organ- ized in November, 1897, with Dr. W. C. Quincy as consul. Present pre- siding officer, John Miller. Membership about thirty.
The Independent Order of Foresters has an organization of about one hundred members at Lowell, and the Knights of Pythias and Pythian Sisters are also in active work.
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