USA > Indiana > Monroe County > Bloomington > Historic treasures: true tales of deeds with interesting data in the life of Bloomington, Indiana University and Monroe County--written in simple language and about real people, with other important things and illustrations > Part 32
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38
At the request of our inspiring friend, Mr. "Pop" Hall, and realizing this rare opportunity of expressing my great satisfaction for the Uni- versity of which I feel it a great hon- or to be a student member, I wish to write herein a few odds and ends for which my fondness for "Indiana" has increased by leaps and bounds since I came here. To say that I now understand fully the student life in the University and the institution itself, would not sound very truth- ful, but having stayed here for four or five months together with some knowledge I had before, about the institution, however, I want to try my best to make a prompt response to Mr. Hall's kind request.
In our American literature class, Mr. Hall once asked me, "How did you choose to come to Indiana Uni- versity? Is Indiana very well known in China ?" This question, though a sudden one, did not embarrass me very much to answer it, as it had been asked and answered many a time before, for some professors, students, and town people. The one simple answer which I have never for- gotten to make as it is an undeniable truth is, "Indiana University has been and is advertised in the Far East by the Chinese sudents who graduated from this University." Like Harvard and Yale and the other educational institutions in the United States, In- diana has given to the students from China various privileges of learning, for which they, when they go back home and far separated from the University, never forget their grati- tude. One of these students whom I can bring back to your knowledge or present to you is Mr. Jegan T. Hsi, a graduate of the Economics depart- ment of 1917 or 1918. Mr. Hsi has pursuaded many others and me to come to this University, as I can still remember his pursuasive tone in say- ing, "If you desire to go to the United States to study, I would sincerely ad- vise you to go to Indiana directly; ou'll find the professors there in- spiring, students loving and even the town people friendly; and you'll have a chance to acquire much more in In- diana University than you would else- where when you first go to the United States; because the professors and all the people there with all gen- erosity are ready to help any one who desires help." Though uttered half a year ago, this advice still rings loudly in my ears. Ever and anon I have proved through my experience
here that his words have been proven.
To prove the truthfulness of his words, it behooves me to mention here some of the experiences I have had . during these four months. I like to start relating these experiences of mine from the classrooms to the ex- tent of the campus and the city. In the classrooms, I can prove every sense of Hsi's words that the profes- sors are very inspiring and helpful. True, there are some professors who have been so sympathetic with for- eign students, their handicaps in the handling of a language totally dif- ferent from their own that they al- most immune them from class discus-
sions. This might be a wrong policy; but the sympathetic hearts are cer- tainly appreciable. Moreover, profes- sors have now and then offered extra hours to us, for private consultations -this is certainly extraordinarily kind of them. The fellow students are no less helpful. Now and then they cheer us up-"Hello" to us and treat us with all friendliness and po- liteness they could show-what more do we expect! To be really grateful let me say for the satisfaction of our early expectations, our happiness goes beyond possible expression.
I have expressed my satisfaction in the Univerity; do I have any com- plaint against the city? On the con- trary, Bloomington is the most de- sirable place we could wish for-the organizations, social, religious, or business, the people and what not offer us constant support in every
INDIANA, OUR INDIANA
By Russell P. Harker, '12, and K. L. King.
Song copyrighted, 1913, by the Indiana Union, Bloomington, Ind., and used by permission. Melody of chorus copyrighted by C. L. Barnhouse. Copies of entire song, with accompainment, may be obtained from the Indiana University Bookstore.
$ p-mf
In-di
- an
-
a
Our
In - di
an
.
0
Crim - son,
For the
glo - ry
of old I
U.
Nev-er
daunt - ed,
we can-not
fal
. ter;
In the
bat
tle
we're tried and
true
In-di - an - a)
our In - di
- an - a)
In-di-
1
Yells
Fine
an- a,
we're
all
for
you
Zic-ket - y
f
Boom! Rah! Rah! Zic - ket - y
Boom! Rahl Rahl Hoo - rah! Hoo- raht In - di
. @n . a. Rah! Rah! Zic-ket-y
Boom! Rah! Rahl Zic-ket . y
Boom! Rah! Rah! Hoo - rahl Hoo - rah! In . di
A
>
.
an - a. Rah! Rah!
Rah! Rah! Rahi Rahl
In-di ยท an - af In - di - an - a1
Raht Rah! Rahl Rahl
In - di . an - al In - di - un - al
S
Rah! Rah! Rah! Raht
In- di - an . &!
In-di - Gm-M!
Sis! Boom! In - di . aD - al
Wheel
In - di -
D S Cho al .
for
the Cream and
an
a
we're all for
you
We will fight
In - di -
5
2
136
Historic Treasures, Compiled by Forest M. "Pop" Hall
expected direction. The zenith of good will between our two peo- ples here in this city can not be more improved; but, as one of the profes- sors said: "If China is better under- stood as to her situation, principles and ideals now, the friendship be- tween the two peoples would be even on a firmer basis." This, however, we both expect to realize, when we understand each other more through our personal associations.
The last, but not the least, which I want to say is this Memorial event which is gloriously started now on
the campus. I certainly have come here at an opportune moment when I can have a share in honoring the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the dear civilization and humanity. The East and the West, Orient or Oc- cident alike, are the lovers of civili- zation and Humanity. From this movement of honoring the heroes who saved the civilization and humanity, shall we allow ourselves to remain behind! We singers of "Indiana, we're for you" must rally to the sup- port for the success of this "Great Memorial Event."
BANKING HOUSES OF CITY OF HIGHER LEARNING REFLECT CONDITIONS IN BUSINESS LIFE OF COMMUNITY
The first banking business in Bloomington was done by Tarkington & Atkinson, who issued "shinplasters," as did J. M. Howe, along in the early fifties (mentioned in another article in "Historic Treasures.")
Although Bloomington, Indiana, may never reach as great a size as Chicago -- that is, in population-the town is far in advance of Chicago in the percentage of prosperous bank- ing houses within its business dis- trict.
Bloomington, Indiana, in 1922 is represented as 100 per cent sound fi- nancially by the prosperous showing of its banking houses in reports which are published in fulfillment of the State and National banking laws. The growth of Bloomington's wealth is reflected in the following figures, which show the total deposits in Bloomington's banks by years:
In 1911, $1,105,000; in 1915, $1,459,- 000; in 1918, $2,036,000; in 1920, $2,903,000; in 1921, $3,334,000.
The Bloomington Bank was organ- ized by local men about 1857, with a capital stock of $20,000, and soon af- ter this organization was formed bank notes were issued by this institution, which had deposited Missouri and oth- er State bonds with the auditor of State as security for these notes. These bonds so depreciated in 1860 that the bank was suspended, as the paper of the concern was rated at probably 30 cents on the dollar.
First National Bank
Soon after the suspension of the Bloomington Bank, a private banking house was organized and opened in Bloomington by Buskirk and Hunter. This concern continued in business until about 1871, when it was merged with other interests which resulted in the organization we know as the Bloomington First National Bank, with a capital stock of $100,000, which was later raised. The bank was opened in the old building which stood where the present modern stone banking building of the financial con- cern presents a pleasing appearance to our citizenship of 1922. The first president of this banking institution was George A. Buskirk.
Monroe County State Bank
The Monroe County State Bank, as the name implies, is a state institu- tion, and was chartered under the laws of Indiana in 1892, by a number of Bloomington financiers and busi- ness men, who felt the growing need of another bank in the thriving com- munity. To flatter one's self in say- ing that these men showed sound judgement seems a trite expression, when we see the volume of business which flows through Bloomington's financial channels daily. The name of W. A. Fullwider, as president; Senator Edwin Coor (a trustee in In- diana University and attorney), as vice-president; S. C. Dodds and Ar- thur Cravens played a great part in building up the prosperity of the institution in its early years.
Citizens Loan and Trust Co.
The Citizens Loan and Trust Com- pany of Bloomington was organized with a capital stock of $25,000 in 1899, which was increased later to $50,000. The business of this insti- tution, while coming in the class of banking houses, is really more gen- eral than a straight banking concern. Originally, the concern did a loan and trust business exclusively, but in 1903
broadened its scope. The original officers of this financial concern were: P. K. Buskirk, president; John T. Woodward, secretary; Directors: J. D. Showers, Fred Matthews, W. N. Showers, H. C. Duncan, Ira Batman, N. U. Hill, W. T. Hicks, W. S. Brad- fute.
Bloomington National Bank.
While many strangers, especially among incoming students of Indiana University, at first confuse the names of Bloomington's two National Banks, they soon learn that the city of higher learning proudly possesses, maintains and supports two National banks.
The Bloomington National Bank, while the youngest of the city's finan- cial concerns doing banking business, is far from being weak as the last published bank statement shows.
This concern is located in the Allen Block, and was organized and char- tered just before the memorial fin- ancial turmoil of 1907, with W. H. Adams as its first president. The bank soon became recognized as a strong financial institution having been chosen as a United States De- positary.
Reflect Soundness of Business.
Bloomington may well be congratu- lated for the prosperous showing of her banking concerns in the first month of 1922, as the growth of these institutions only reflects the progress and growth of the community's busi- ness life.
Did Ruskin anticipate the founding of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts ? It would seem so from the following note to "Sesame and Lilies," which was published in 1865: "I wish there were a true order of chivalry institut- ed for our English youth of certain ranks in which both boy and girl should receive, at a given age, their knighthood and ladyhood by true title; attainable only by certain probation and trial both of character and ac- complishment; and to be forfeited, on conviction by their peers of any dis- honorable act."-New York Evening Post.
-
Cozy Ward in Bloomington Hospital
137
Historic Treasures, Compiled by Forest M. "Pop" Hall
COUNTERITERS AND CROOKS RUN OUT OF POLK TOWNSHIP BY "REGULATORS"-LATER BE- CAME ABUSED BY "WHITE-CAPPERS"
Old Todd Settlement as Near as Residents Ever Came to Having a Town in Boundaries-Chapel Hill Project a Failure-Account of Early Life in Community.
In the late forties and early fif- ties, counterfeiters and horse thieves, burglars and crooks of every kind seemed to over run Indiana when they found poor shelter for their depreda- tion in other parts of the country, and Monroe county received her share of these unwholesome guests.
Within the county where the rough country was sparcely inhabited, the ravines, morasses and almost impen- etratable thickets furnished excellent retreats for these outlaws and the light-fingered gentry plied their depre- dations upon the more reliable neigh- bors.
Counterfeit Money Too Plentiful.
In some localities of the state neigh- bor could place no dependence in neighbor, for the inducements to pass counterfeit money were indeed strong, owing to the poverty of the masses and the great advantage a few hun- dred dollars would give to a man in that early period.
Many men of otherwise good char- acter, who had previously bore good reputations were sometimes induced to connect themselves with manufac- turers of counterfeit bills or bogus coin, in order to reap a harvest for the time-being, intending to later resume their old places of respectability among their fellow-men.
The southeastern portion of Mon- roe county showed early evidence of illegal transactions of this character, and several residents of Polk township were at times suspected of complicity, but nothing definite was learned until late in the fifties.
Before this, counterfeit bills on dif- ferent state banks and bad coin of fair appearance, color and weight had made its apperance in the county at stores, and steps had been taken to find just who it was that had been guilty of the deeds, but the rascals had a well organized system and complete- ly baffled the authorities.
It is probable that more of this doubtful money was actually manufac- tured within the county, but passers of counterfeit money were, neverthe- less, quite numberous.
"Regulators" Organize.
This condition of affairs finally led to the organization of what was known as regulators-men of honesty in Monroe county and vicinity-who re- solved to end by their own efforts the careers of lawbreakers, if careful vig- ilance and persistent effort could pos- sibly bring such things to pass. We may state now, that these men did succeed, and the plan soon became quite popular as a means of settling with criminals .
One man was shot in the jail at Bloomington by a mysterious crowd of
men, who overpowered the guards.
While the plan had been a success for the purpose it was originally meant, it led, however, to grave abuses in a short time.
In more than one section of the county, a number of men who enter- tained a grudge against a neighbor, would assemble at night, thoroughly disguised, and then give the man a terrible whipping.
Bingham Case Recalled.
One man, named Bingham, was treated thus, and so severe was the punishment he received that his body was a mass of bruised and blackened flesh from the whipping he received. The man died from his wounds in a few days. It was stated by persons who lived at that time, that the man was undoubtedly an honest citizen.
Another man named Vansickle, who lived in the southern part of Monroe county, was so severely whipped by masked men who took him out one night, that he died from the effects in a few months, at what has become known as "Vansickle's Mill," in the
southern part of Morgan county.
Town Would Not Grow.
Polk township, in Monroe county, like Salt Creek township, also had hopes of building a thriving city at one time. When the township was created it was named for President James K. Polk, in 1849, and the near- est to a village was established at "Todd's Big Springs" where elections were held in the house of John Todd for several years. The old blacksmith shop was later used. Wilie Davis and Samuel Axam were the first fence viewers, Peter Norman was first inspector of elections and Wilie Davis was the first constable in the township.
David Miller and John Smith thought that the township should be represented by having a metropolis within its lines, and in October, 1856, these two men, as owners, employed the county surveyor to lay off twenty- seven lots on the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 31, Township 7 north, Range 1 east, in Polk township, and named the village thus started on paper "Chapel Hill."
Hopes End in Disapointment.
Their hopes of establishing a thriv- ing city were soon doomed to disap- pointment, for after the start was made the infant vilage was too weak to survive for any length of time. But, although the village died there still remains near the site one of the most picturesque hills with its steep road blasted and carved through and over the solid rock.
NEW $200,000 MASONIC TEMPLE WILL BE ADDED TO BEAUTIFUL CITY OF HIGHER LEARNING- BIG BANQUET HELD DEC. 29, 1921
Monroe Lodge, No. 22, F. and A. M., held its annual banquet in the City of Bloomington, December 29, 1921, with more than 400 men seated about the friendly board, the following account of which appeared in the Bloomington Evening World of December 30, 1921:
Plans for a new $200,000 Masonic Temple for Monroe Lodge, No. 22, were unfolded by the building com- mittee, at the annual banquet, last night. The Temple is to be erected on the Masonic lot, corner of College avenue and Seventh street, and will face on Seventh, opposite the post- office. (This lot is now occupied by the "old Seminary building," mentioned elsewhere in this book).
Ways and means for financing the project were explained in detail, the plan of the committee being to allow members to make twenty equal pay- ments semi-annually over a period of ten years after they have subscribed for stock. Total amount of resources already on hand counting cost of the lot are about $30,000.
Architect Explains.
Mr. Hunter, of the firm of Rubush & Hunter, Indianapolis architects, was present and by the aid of stere- optican slides, showed drawings of the inside of the Temple. The ground floor will contain an assembly room
for taking care of the social features, which may be used by Masons at any time of the day or night. It also will contain a library where Masonic liter- ature will be available, as well as a roomy office for the secretary's use.
The banquet room is to be 50 by 87 feet, and a ladies' lounge 18 by 19. There will be living quarters for a custodian and family. The main as- sembly room will be 50 by 67 feet, and the men's lounge 24 by 35 feet. The main lodge floor will be 69 feet long and 50 feet wide, with a balcony extending around the room. There will be a stage 22 by 50 feet -- half as large as the present Blue Lodge room.
The building is to be erected of native stone, with two massive col- umns at the entrance. A forced ventil- ation system is to be installed.
Professor U. S. Hanna explained in detail plans worked out by the. com- mittee for raising money to build this Temple. The original plans as worked out provided for an increase in dues, but this plan was abandoned. The committee decided to ask for contri- butions from the membership, based upon payments semi-annually, and booklets are to be mailed to the mem- bership in a short time, explaining the plan in full.
An open discussion was asked for
138
Historic Treasures, Compiled by Forest M. "Pop" Hall
by the building committee, after the details had been divulged, and a rising vote was taken, expressing unanimous thanks as approval and confidence in the committee and support of its work. Many present were in favor of start- ing work at once on the new building, and the committee announced that actual construction would start as soon as funds are received.
Interesting Information.
Interesting information concerning the Temple project was given by Fred Matthews, chairman of the building committee, and the other members of the committee, who are W. E. Show- ers, Professor Thomas E. Nicholson, M. L. Borden, T. J. Sare, Professor U. S. Hanna and Allen Buskirk.
Mr. Showers spoke of what citizens owe the community in which they live, declaring that they can not take out more than they put into a com- munity, and that it is necessary for us to each pay a debt we owe to our home town as much as an obligation at a bank. He expressed himself as being enthusiastic over the building of the Temple, and referred to the joy of self-sacrifice from sheer civic pride. "To put this Temple project over, it will require sacrifice," he said, "but it would not be worth a cent if it did not." He asserted the building will be a lasting monument to the city of Bloomington, and the only wonder is that the membership of the lodge has not demanded it long before this time. Mr. Showers's father was a member of the building committee, and the Temple project was a matter dear to his heart. W. E. Showers showed his great interest and love for the lodge and his home town by attending the meeting on crutches, where he made an eloquent plea for the build- ing project.
Gave History of Lodge.
Allen Buskirk said Monroe lodge deserves and should have a home of its own. He explained all the good points of the new Temple, and said that one important feature is that the wives and daughters of Masons are to be well taken care of in the new building. He said the banquet room is to be able to care for the entire membership with ease and with the lounge room at the side, will house an overflow of 200 or more. In clos- ing, he said it was his father's most sacred wish and desire that Monroe lodge have a new home.
Mr. U. H. Smith, toastmaster of the banquet, introduced M. L. Borden as the old "wheel horse." Mr. Borden spoke on the necessity of unity, and in his interesting manner, gave a history of the early Masonic struggles in the community. Monroe lodge was instituted at Bloomington, in 1840 and with the lodge divided several years later, over the question of building a hall, seven or eight men financed the project alone. These men were the late Morton C. Hunter, George A. Buskirk, J. G. McPheeters, William R. Tarkington, I. A, Holtzman, James B. Clark and Wallace Hight, pioneers in Masonry of Monroe county and Bloomington, whose memory is now
honored and revered by later Masons. Legal Advisor Talks.
Thomas J. Sare, legal advisor of the building committee, said money must be made available before the Temple is started. Those who take stock will, in reality, be making an outright donation, as their stock will carry no voting power. Members will sign notes for their stock and as soon as a sufficient number of notes have been taken up, the committee will bor- row money on the remainder and thus push the Temple to completion.
U. H. Smith, bursar of Indiana Uni- versity, presided as toastmaster, fol- lowing the turkey banquet, which was served by the ladies of the Eastern Star. After invocation by Dr. C. H. Taylor, pastor of the First Methodist church of Bloomington, a vote of thanks was extended to the Eastern Star for the splendid menu, which in- cluded escalloped oysters, mashed po- tatoes, peas, baked beans, fruit salad celery, hot rolls, pickles, brick ice cream, cake, coffee, and cigars.
Mr. Smith presented retiring Mas- ter, Professor Thomas E. Nicholson, who reported that sixty petitioners had been raised to Master Masons
during 1921. He praised his excel- lent corps of officers and the mem- bers for their loyal attendance and assistance. He referred to the fact that there are over 2,000,000 Masons in the country, and spoke of the good they have accomplished in their re- spective communities.
George Washington a Mason.
George Washington, first President of the United States, was a Mason, as were fifty of the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence. "Masonry, down through the ages, has formed the bulwark of good citi- zenship," he said.
Professor Logan Esarey, newly- elected Master, made a short, witty talk, and gave way to John R. Stemm, division superintendent of the Monon railroad, who emphasized the effect Masonry has had among employes of the railroad. He said Masonry has produced better employes, who give better service, "and I am thankful that it is growing on the Monon rail- road," he declared. He complimented Bloomington as being one of the most progressive and rapid-growing cities along the whole Monon system.
"LONDON PAPER, 1834" TELLS OF REMARKABLE INVENTION -- SOLAR STOVE HEATS WITHOUT FUEL
In a number of old newspaper clip- pings we have been able to look through recently, we find one which appeals to our sense of news value as interesting reading and contain- ing information of importance for the reading public today and for fu- ture generations.
The old clipping was only marked with "London Paper, 1834" in lead pencil, written on the margin, there- fore, we can not state what the name of the publication was in which the article was first printed. The sub- ject of the article is the feature that seems of importance:
"Extraordinary." "When the properties of steam and
its powers were ascertained, it was supposed human genius ,would extend no further; still, since then we have had our streets and houses lighted by gas, and now we are to have our res- idence warmed and our provisions dressed without the use of 'fire, flame, smoke, steam, gas, oil, spirit, chemical preparation, or any danger- our substance whatever."
"Incredible as this may appear, it is no less true, an ingenious German having invented a machine by which it may be accomplished.
"It is about (blurred) inches high, 12 inches wide and 9 inches deep. It has the appearance of a minature chest of drawers, and is surmounted
SCENE ON UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
139
Historic Treasures, Compiled by Forest M. "Pop" Hall
by an inverted crescent, which is hol- low for the purpose of containing water.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.