USA > Indiana > Porter County > Valparaiso > History of Valparaiso, [Indiana] from the earliest times to the present > Part 2
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1677773
THE CORPORATE TOWN.
catastrophe. A large block, which was owned by Messrs. Hughart and Salyer, gave way suddenly and fell. Singularly enough, none of the in- mates were killed, though a few were hurt. The same block, rebuilt much the same as before, now stands on the same site.
The records of the council during the four Olymplads of the organ- ization are almost wholly devoid of interest, as only matters of minor importance claimed the attention of the councilmen, who were little dis- posed to be meddlesome or arbitrary in their measures.
A number of district schools were established in various parts of the town, and as early as '54, a school of a higher grade, known as the Old Seminary, was built upon the brow of the Calkins Hill. It stood only three years, however. One evening in the fall of '57, the Old Seminary was seen wrapped in flames, which lit up the village in a splendid illum- ination, and it was speedily reduced to ashes. No attempt at a high school was ever again made by the town council.
In '58, the Pittsburg railway was completed to the town, opening up a highway to the world without. During the same year, the North- Western Indiana Conference met in the town, Bishop E. R. Ames presiding. This was a very marked event in our local history. The history of Valparaiso during this period is not the record found in the council book, but is told in relating the customs and manners of the community. The Valparaiso people made sociability prominent among their characteristics, and many and large entertainments were given at the residences of citizens. In religious observances and general piety, the people of Valparaiso were genuine descendants of the Pilgrims. Bells were tolled for church service, (as they are still); danc- ing, theatre and circus-going were placed under an absolute taboo ; promenading, newspaper-reading and general singing on the Sabbath were discountenanced. Among the invariable "institutions" of the com- munity were the court-yard picnics and the other celebrations of Indepen- dence Day. In the town square was a gathering each year of the young and old on the Fourth of July. The united Sunday schools headed the immense procession which marched through the streets and into the Square through the broad south gate. An old cannon, which was purchased by subscription for the purpose, boomed through all the hours of the day from sunrise until late at night. The General, who was us- ually marshal of the day, rode about on his white horse, his manly form being constantly seen and distinguished amid the crowd. Refresh- ments were served in the grove, and nothing was lacking to the enjoyment of the Fourth. Everything relating to the old celebrations is still pleasantly remembered by the citizens of our city. Even the old can- non was regarded as a sacred relic of the General and the Doctor and their celebrations, as long as it remained intact.
As a frontispiece of this book is a view of Main street as it was in in '58. The view is from the northeast corner of the square. To the
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THE CORPORATE TOWN.
left is the court house, with its ancient looking steeple, and surrounded by the old white fence. Beyond it stands the old "Washington Saloon," near which are a mover's wagon and a horseman. Much further down arc other wagons, and the old sign post of the Gould House. The right side presents first the corner saloon of Jimmie Mc Laughlin, and next to this is the drug store of Hiram Loomis. A few steps further, several men are seen standing near the meat market of Capt, Ellithan Marshall and Mr Orson Starr. Next to this is the old grocery of Na- hum Cross, where farmers used to gather on market days and talk of crops, while sitting upon mackerel kegs and barrels. Above is a small portico with a large sign board, and in front, a team. Extending to the alley stands the old Empire Block, its stores being occupied by Lo- renzo Freeman on the east, and Hiram Bickford on the west. Beyond the alley should appear the justice office of "Old Square Porter," which
is indicated only by a few coarse marks. The two story frame struct- ure is the "Chicago Store" of the Calkins Brothers. Beyond this should appear the low bookstore of "Uncle Abe Isham," well known to every school boy of the old times. The large Union Block on the next street In the first of these is the large estab- corner contains three stores.
. lisment of J. N. Skinner. In the second is the store of William Powell and Stephen Bartholomew. On the corner stood, as it still stands, the Bryant drug store, and near it the sign of the bakery beneath. Another old land mark is the opposite building on Salyer's corner, where Mr. Gilbert A. Sayles held forth as hardware merchant. The two stores of the brick block beyond were held by G. Block on the east, and a Mr. D. Dillenbeck on the west.
In '59 began the career of Valparaiso as an educational centre. On the summit which overlooks the town from the southeast, was built the Valparaiso Male and Female College, an institution of the Methodists. The first president was Rev. Dr. C. N. Sims, more recently of Baltimore and Brooklyn, now one of the most renowned on both continents, of all American pulpit orators. Ilis residence was the house on Diagonal Avenue now occupied by Mr. J. E. Ciss. For fourteen years the college continued, numbering among its faculty m my of the most noted educa- tors of the State, and keeping up the social interests of the city by its large number of students from abroad. In the heart of the town was established another college, known as the Valparaiso Collegiate Insti- tute, under the control of the Presbyterians. The building was a beautiful airy structure. The faculty was composed of several distin- guished persons, among whom were A. Y. Moore, the author, Miss So- phic Loring, the missionary, Miss Tyler, and Prof. Benj. Wilcox-all widely known and everywhere esteemed. Commencement seasons were red letter days to the people of the town, which was, on these occasions, thronged with visitors from abroad, and bright with its continued festivities.
r
BAKER-C
A SCENE OF THE CRUSADE.
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THE CITY.
Of the long, sad season of war, the story can never be told. Patriotic to the last degree, Valparaiso was prompt to answer the call for aid that came from the nation's supporters. Brave men, young and old, thronged to the battle fields, and equally brave women bade their loved ones farewell, and worked heroically at home to aid in saving the nation. There were scenes of sorrow and want and despair in our borders, which can never fade from the memory of those who beheld them. During the rebellion, the honor roll of Valparaiso was long and bright, and numbered scores of noble men and noble women whose hero- ic endeavor can never be adequately estimated.
In '64 was begun the grand structure of the Academy of Music, which was completed the next year, and opened with a fair by the ladies of the Presbyterian church. Within this memorable year, at the time of the fall of Lincoln, a mob nearly succeeded in plunging the town into a carnival of bloodshed and riot. In the intense excitement of the time, a man named Palmer, a clerk in the store of F. W. Hunt, was wrongly accused of having used language disrespectful to the memory of the martyred President, and scarcely escaped being hanged. The old corporation passed into history with this memorable year, and Val- paraiso received a city charter.
CHAPTER VI .- The City.
MAYOR MERRIFIELD'S FIRST ADMINISTRATION.
ALPARAISO became incorporated as a city under the general act of '65, and late in the year. The first meeting of the council was held on Dec. 2nd, in the northwest room of the Excelsior block, in the second story. Mayor Thomas J. Merrifield took the chair. The councilmen present were Messrs. T. A. Hogan, George Porter, J. C. Peirce, O, Dunham, A. II. Somers and A. W. Kellogg. Committees were appointed to design a corporate seal, prepare ordi- nances, procure books, etc. Mayor Merrifield made an address, recom- mending various measures. The council met five times during the first
month of their organization. The work of the first council, which con- tinued only until the following May, was mainly confined to perfectiug the city organization and improving the streets. Stringent saloon and gambling laws were passed, and the early career of the young city was marked by general good order and improvement.
MAYOR MERRIFIELD'S SECOND ADMINISTRATION.
The record of the second council, which first met in May, marks an era of great importance in our city's history. In connection with the county, the city began the construction of extensive water works. Reservoirs of large capacity were built in the corners of the public
20
THE CITY.
Square, and a large hydrant was established in front of the court-house. The water was supplied through pipes running under ground from the Washington street spring, near the south railway. The engine house was a two story frame structure at the spring. The expense of the en- terprise was large, the cost being several thousand dollars ; but the in- vestment well repaid the enterprising city. On the 13th day of March, '58, the council ordered the issuing of bonds, to the amount of fifty thou- sand dollars, as a subscription to the Peninsular Railway, in order to secure the passage of the road through the city. The railway is now known as the Chicago and Lake Huron road. The large woolen mills and the paper factory, of which the citizens feel justly proud, were built during '66 and '67, and manufacturing enterprises received general at- tention in the city.
The year '66, marking the Centenary period of American Methodism, was celebrated by the Methodist congregation in a public manner. In the following year, the large tower and wing to the east of the old col- lege were erected. In the same year the boundaries of the city were enlarged by the incorporation of Institute Addition and Southwest Val- paraiso.
MAYOR LYTLE'S FIRST ADMINISTRATION
Was marked by continued enterprise. One of the first acts of the Council was to secure to the city the control of the Old Cemetery, and to establish a new one. To this end, the beautiful tract known as Maple Cemetery was purchased, and laid off in the most artistic and elegant manner. A Hook and Ladder company was organized, as the begin- ning of a fire department, and an engine house was built, east of the court-house square. The most marked event of
MAYOR LYTLE'S SECOND ADMINISTRATION
Was the purchase of the Valparaiso Collegiate Institute building for city school purposes, and the erection of a public school edifice which in size and elegance is unsurpassed in the State. The school here es- tablished was composed of various grades, embracing in its departments a course unsurpassed, perhaps unequaled, by that of any other graded school in Indiana. The First Addition to North Valparaiso was incorporated in '70. It was proposed to build a bridewell. This, how- ever, was never done, and the city still uses for this purpose the base- ment of the Merchant's Hotel. During the greater portion of the time, Mayor Lytle's office and the city council chamber were kept in the block of the Academy of Music. Within this year was commenced the pub- lication of the Valparaiso Messenger, a Democratic paper.
MAYOR SKINNER'S FIRST ADMINISTRATION,
Like his succeeding ones, was not marked by any enterprise which involved a large outlay of money. An enormous debt had been incur- red, and an era of strict economy now began. Public improvement of the streets, however, went steadily on. One of the most exciting events of '72 was the discovery of a probable case of murder, perpetrated near our city. No clue to the mystery was ever found, and opinions
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THE CITY.
widely diverse are held upon the subject to-day. In '73 was established at Valparaiso the only Pin Factory west of New York, and one of but four at that time in the United States. A number of fine business houses were erected ; notably, those of Washington street. The North- ern Indiana Normal School was established in the buildings of the old V. M. & F. College, then discontinued, and has rapidly risen to the first rank in size among American educational institutions. The winter which followed was signalized by the Crusade, in which all the leading ladies of the city united. By this singular movement Valparaiso be- came one of the most noted of all the cities in the Union, receiving more attention from the press of the great cities east and west than any other locality, Lincoln city, Neb., perhaps alone excepted. In the midst of the intense excitement, Mayor Skinner and Mayor Silver, of these two cities, issued proclamations declaring that the city ordinances must be enforced. These had the effect to repress disorder, though the temper- ance cause was long actively advocated, and much good was effected.
MAYOR SKINNER'S SECOND ADMINISTRATION
Was marked by the completion of the north railway, in '74. The finances of the city were at the beginning in a deplorable condition, which arose from the deficit of the former Treasurer, Wm. Fox; but under the skillful management of Treasurer Harrold, and the judicious course of the Council, they were soon re-established upon a firm basis. During this year, the High School held its first commencement. Early in '75, the Council Chamber, which had hitherto been kept in the Excel- sior Block, was transferred to the brown stone block on Washington street, north of the First National bank. During this year was a de- gree of building enterprise hitherto unknown; the Opera House of L. HI. Fiske, immense school buildings, and a dozen business houses being erected in one season. Early in '76, the Fire Department was estab- lished by the city, consisting of four companies, with two engines, a ladder car, and hose cart. At the present time, in
MAYOR SKINNER'S THIRD ADMINISTRATION,
Which has recently begun, Valparaiso numbers about five thousand inhabitants ; including students, perhaps much more. The city limits, which do not nearly include the city geographically, last year contained more than 3500, by the census ; the suburbs, several hundreds more. The number of students from abroad, and of transient residents is very large. The city is widely noted for its schools. Of these, the Normal is the largest in the United States, having an annual enrollment of nearly 3000 students, and a term roll of 1320. The High School contains over 700 students and pupils, and is perhaps the best in the State. St. Paul's Academy has an attendance of about 300, and the Lutheran School, about 100. The city contains sixty substantial business houses of brick, many of these in large, elegant blocks, and more than half that number of frame. As a resort, Valparaiso is becoming more and more popular, and contains at the favorite seasons, large numbers of guests who come to enjoy the school commencements, and the festivities ever to be found at her neighboring beautiful lakes.
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STATISTICS.
CHAPTER VII .- Statistics.
DIVISIONS.
Original Town, Hans' Addition,
Laid out
July 7th 1836
..
..
Pelrce's Addition,
..
West Valparaiso,
..
May 13th 1854.
Woodhull's Addition,
..
..
April 5th 1856.
North Valparaiso,
.. ..
May 9th 1859.
Smith's Addition,
..
..
July 18th 1859.
Powell's Addition,
July 28th 1860.
Institute Addition,
March 30th 1864.
Southwest Valparalso,
..
..
November 2nd 1864.
First Addition to North Valparaiso,
..
..
May 10th 1869.
Hazel Hill, Emmettsburg,
UNINCORPORATED SUBURBS. Hawkins's Hlil, Bellevue, CEMETERIES.
Campbell's Field. Irish Town.
Old Cemetery, St. Paul's,
Old Catholic, Maple.
FIRE DEPARTMENT. William Drago, Chief Engineer.
Alert Company, Hose Company,
No. 2 Company, Hook and Ladder Company.
-
-
The First Council, (Organizing), 1865-66. MAYOR. Hon. Thos. J. Merrifield. COUNCILMEN. J. C. Peirce, A. H. Somers.
T. A. Hogan.
Geo. Porter,
O. Dunham,
CLERK. Jno. B. Marshall.
The Second Council, 1866-67. MAYOR. Hon. Thos. J. Merrifield.
COUNCILMEN.
O. Dunham,
James Keeffe, Joseph Peirce.
CLERK. Jno. B. Marshall.
The Third Council, 1867-68. MAYOR.
Hon. Thos. J. Merrifield.
COUNCILMEN.
O. Dunham,
Jas. Keeffe, Thos. G. Lytle.
T. A. Hogan,
Jas. B. Hawkins,
CLERK. Jno. B. Marshall. ..
The Fourth Council, 1868-69. MAYOR. Hon. Thomas G. Lytle. COUNCILMEN. James B. Hawkins, A. L. Jones,
T. A. Hogan,
M: L. McClelland,
M. J. O'Brien,
Don A. Salyer.
CLERK. James McFetrich:
..
..
April 8th 1854. April 18th 1854.
A. W. Kellogg.
Thomas G. Lytle, T. A. Hogan,
J. C. Peirec.
A. L. Jones.
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STATISTICS.
The Fifth Council, 1869-70.
MAYOR. Hon. Thomas G. Lytle.
M. L. McClelland,
T. A. Hogan,
COUNCILMEN. M. J. O' Brien, § Simeon Pierce, A. L. Jones. CLERK. James McFetrich.
Don A. Salyer,
Clayton Weaver.
The Sixth Council, 1870-71. MAYOR. Hon. Thomas G. Lytle.
A. L. Jones,
COUNCILMEN. Clayton Weaver, ST. A. Hogan, S. S. Skinner. CLERK. Wm. Jewell.
M. L. McClelland,
Don A Salyer,
C. A. Dick over,
The Seventh Council, 1871-72.
MAYOR. Hon. Thomas G. Lytle. COUNCILMEN. Don A. Salyer, C. A. Dickover,
M. L. McClelland,
Clayton Weaver, S. S. Skinner,
J. H. McCormick. CLERK. Wm. Jewell.
The Eighth Council, 1872-73.
MAYOR. Hon. John N. Skinner. COUNCILMEN. S. S. Skinner, John H. McCormick
Ephraim Vastbinder,
Don A. Salyer,
Michael Barry.
CLERK. James Drapier. The Ninth Council, 1873-74.
MAYOR. Hon. John N. Skinner. COUNCILMEN. Don A. Salyer, Michael Barry
Ephraim Vastbinder,
Joseph Letherman,
A. H. Somers,
Clayton Weaver. CLERK James Drapier.
The Tenth Council, 1874-75.
MAYOR. Hon. John N. Skinner.
COUNCILMIN. A. II. Somers,
Clayton Weaver,
D. F. Skinner,
E. Vastbinder,
Michael Barry. CLERK Henry Sievers. The Eleventh Council, -1875-76. MAYOR. Hon. Jolın N. Skinner.
Simeon Pierce, Joseph Jones,
COUNCIL.MEN E. Vastbinder, L. A. Cass. CL RK. Henry Sievers.
Clayton Weaver, Michael Barry,
"oseph Letherman,
Clayton Weaver.
READ THIS!
STUDENTS OF THE NORMAL SCHOOL
WILL FIND AT THE
JEWELRY STORE OF W. H. VAIL
small Clocks suited for their rooms. Also, a fine stock of Pen and Pocket Knives, and all styles of Watches and Jewelry. Every article warranted to be as represented. Watches and Jewelry repaired promptly. Call and satisfy yourselves.
S .R. BRYANT & SON,
- DEALERS IN -
Drugs, Medicines, Chemicals, Hanry & Toilet Articles, Camps, SPONGES, BRUSHES, PERFUMERY, &C.
-- Physicians' Prescriptions carefully compounded, and orders answered with care and dis- 0-
patch. Students will find our stock of Medicines complete, warranted genuine, and of the best
quality.
J. STEINFELD,
IS CLOSING OUT AT AND BELOW COST THE ENTIRE STOCK OF
Clothing, H .. ts, Caps & Gent's Furnishing Goods.
Call before it is too late.
H. I. F. WOSIKA,
TAILOR & DRAPER, VALPARAISO HALL BLOCK,
Mr. Wosika is a student in the Normal and would be pleased to take orders for Clothing from samples which he is always prepared to show.
W. E. PINNEY, ATTORNEY AT LAW, REAL ESTATE & LOAN BROKER. -- 0- Proprietor of the only Abstract of 'Titles of Porter county.
LEPELL & BROTHER,
MANUFACTURERS OF AND DEALERS IN ALL KINDS --- OF -
FURNITURE, Parlor and Chamber Setts, Sofas, BUREAUS, CHAIRS, TABLES. EAST MAIN STREET, VALPARAISO.
LAFORCE BROS., BOOT AND SHOE MAKERS.
FANCY SHOES A SPECIALTY.
Invisible p: tches put on and warranted. Repair- ing neatly done. Over Bryant's Drug Store.
A LIBERAL DISCOUNT GIVEN TO STUDENTS.
Oxide Gas.
Teeth Extracted Without Pain by the use of Liquid Nitrous
SURGEON DENTIST, (Graduate of the Philadelphia Dental College.)
DR. J. H. EDMONDS,
PHOTOGRAPHS.
J. W. MCLELLAN, Photographic Artist on West Main Street. VALPARAISO, INDIANA, Has refitted his Gallery and is now making, if possible, better work than ever before. PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE NORMAL FACULTY FOR SALE HERE. I Remember the plar ..
NEW PUBLICATIONS
-- OF THE
Normal Publishing House.
HISTORY OF VALPARAISO,
From the Earliest Times to the Present.
BY A CITIZEN.
An illustrated book, which gives a full and complete history of the place. em- bracing the original Indian village, the first settlement, the corporate town and the city,
-0
HISTORY OF INDIANA, BY HUBERT M. SKINNER, A. M. , (Asb.)
designed for use of PUBLIC SCHOOLS of all grades in Indiana. The conciseness of the work is such that it can be used in any school and mastered in a short time without supplanting any other studies : moreover, the subjects treated are of NATIONAL rather than of sectional interest and importance. "This book is HEPLETE WITH INTEREST, and in every way adapted to the use of all the schools of the STATE. In order to place it within the reach of all, the price of the work (substantlaly bound) has been placed at TWENTY-FIVE cents. Copies ordered for examination with view of introduction are furnised at }; off the regular price.
"The Latin Sentence" == & normal Hethoit With the Latin Syntax. (In Prospect)
BY W. H. HOLCOMBE, B. A., : HARVARD.
THE NORMAL MIRROR FOR NEXT YEAR.
Bright and Glorious
are the prospects for next year. We are promised contributions from the best educa tors in the West. Our plan of selecting our matter from the actual work and allowing theorles to be experimented upon by the originators only, has given good success. The great call for back numbers is good evidence of the superiority of our magazine. Ar- rangements are now being made by which the editorialship will be divided into depart- inents, each of which will have a good editor at its head. All the work will be under the supervision of B. F. Perrine.
Pates $1.50 Per Year-
1
NOV
75
E
N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA
T
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