The Press-Dispatch
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The Press-Dispatch Wednesday, December 19, 2012 From out of the past Sixty years ago The Petersburg Press Tuesday, Nov. 18, 1952 Friday, Nov. 21, 1952 Pike County mines at Boonville, 35 miles from Petersburg, are scheduled to supply a million tons of coal annually for the government atomic energy plant at Madison, according to confirmation given The Petersburg Press yesterday by R. K. Beacham, an executive of the Ayrshire Collieries, Corp., from his Indianapolis office. Friday night is turkey night for the correspondents of The Petersburg Press, for the first annual dinner of the group as guests of Leonard L. Fenwick, the paper's new publisher. The complimentary dinner, at which Publisher Fenwick will address the group on methods of gathering news for a weekly paper, will start promptly at 6:30 this Friday evening, at Pete's Drive Inn at the edge of Petersburg. Christmas got off to a decorative start this week with the planting of a live 14-foot spruce tree at the Main and Eighth street corner of the Court House by the Petersburg Junior Chamber of Commerce. An accident at the White River bridge, seven miles north of Petersburg, killed Mrs. Rowena Charles and critically wounded her husband Oliver and Bettye Jo Hovey. The accident occurred when a car abruptly stopped in the southbound lane to allow an Ashland Oil Company truck loaded with 4,000 gallons of gasoline to pass over the bridge. Thereupon, according to state police, the car driven by Mr. Charles, swerved to miss the stopped car and hit the truck head-on. The truck lunged over the embankment at the opposite side of the road on which it was traveling. Marriages: Mrs. Nannie Corn of Petersburg to W.A. Battles former county recorder now of Henryetta, Okla. No date given. Claretta Geraldine Stephens to Tony Eugene Shoultz, Nov. 14; Patricia Sue Kifer to Dickie D. Hayes, Nov. 21; Rosa Laverne Selby, to Wendell Harbin, Nov. 15; Deaths: Mrs. Lucy Miller, 74, a life long resident of Glezen, Nov. 16; Oatman Kirk, 88, former veterinarian, justice of the peace and G.B. minister died Nov. 13; Webster Lamb, 86, formerly of Petersburg and a 1907 homesteader in New Mexico, died Nov. 9 at the home of his daughter in Amarillo, TX; Nancy Ellen Bottoms, 73, Nov. 7 at her home in Bowman; Dexter Shoultz, 48, a lifelong resident and farmer from Glezen, Nov. 19; Mrs. Abbe Weathers, 75, wife of former sheriff, William T. Weathers, died Nov. 19. Fifty-nine years ago The Pike County Dispatch Friday, Nov. 20, 1953 The Vanderburgh Mobil X-Ray unit will be in Winslow, Wednesday, Nov. 25. It will be at the school building during the morning to xray seniors, freshmen and athletes. In the afternoon, the unit will be in front of the John Russ Insurance office on Main street from 1-4 p.m. The price of the X-ray is $1.50 to those who can pay. To those who cannot pay and feel the need of a chest X-ray, the Pike County Tuberculosis Association will pay for the X-ray. This work is made possible through the sale of Christmas Seals. The body of Pfc. John White, Jr., 21, was returned home for burial. Pfc. White was reported missing in action on the battlefields of Korea, Nov. 3, 1952. His family learned in Oct. of this year that he was killed in action on that date. Births: To Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Mulkey of Poseyville, a baby girl, Candice Gene, Nov. 9; to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur C. Culver of Indianapolis, a daughter, Cathy Ann, Nov. 8. Her mother is the former Vada Quick; to Mr. and Mrs. Ray Klamplain of Terre Haute, a daughter, Donna Fay. Her mother is the former Rosetta Uppencamp; to Mr. and Mrs. Vernice Kruse, a son, Stephen Keith. His mother is the former Norma Craig; to Mr. and Mrs. Ernest May, a daughter, Brenda Kay, Nov. 4. Her mother is the former Ruth Royalty; to Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Powell, a daughter, Cynthia Lou, Nov. 7. Her mother is the former Roberta Hays of Otwell. Marriage Licenses: Kenneth C. Gentry, Petersburg barber, to Cleta A. Sherman; Freddie Dale McCrary to Patsy Zane Coates; Gerald Steven Todd to Dorothy Martin; Howard M. Kellams to Clara E. Spradlin. Marriages: Bobby Joe Fleener to Ruth Evelyn Breckwinkle; Sgt. James H. Hay of Winslow to Louise Smith of Hope Mills, North Carolina. Deaths: William V. Steele, 63, died suddenly of a heart attack on Nov. 18; Emma L. Hatfield, 92, one of Pike county's oldest and most beloved ladies died in her Petersburg home, Nov. 20. Fifty years ago The Pike County Dispatch Thursday, Nov. 19, 1962 In a surprise move Monday morning, the trial of Jimmy Ray Wilson was canceled and the 100 jurors called were dismissed. Wilson was charged with the slayings of his wife, her father and another man. Wilson is a sergeant in the Air Force and the other persons were residents of Evansville. Wilson pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter on all three counts instead of going to trial. The matter has been taken under advisement by Judge Nixon who ordered a pre-sentencing investigation by the court. Action on the case will resume Thursday afternoon at 1:30 when Wilson will be sentenced. The voluntary manslaughter charge carries a penalty of two to 21 years. There was some question as to whether Wilson would have to serve each of the three sentences separately. Judge Nixon cleared the matter by citing two different cases where a person was convicted of more than one crime. He stated that a person so convicted must serve the length of the longest sentence, and that the other sentences expire automatically during this time. The Alford Church float was judged the best in the Petersburg Christmas Parade. The parade was one of the best ever assembled in Petersburg. It took approx- imately 30 minutes to pass. Births: To Rev. and Mrs. Donald Gamblin of Petersburg, a son, Mark Jeffery, Oct. 24; to Mr. and Mrs. Howard Anderson of Otwell, a daughter, Nov. 26; to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Mallotte of Petersburg, a daughter, Michelle Renae, Nov. 21; to Mr. and Mrs. Howard "Bud" Parker of Oakland City, a daughter, Sally Jo, Nov. 22; to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Roeder, Jr., of Otwell, a son, Bret Keith, Nov. 23; to Dr. and Mrs. John E. Manning of Winslow, a son, James Eugene, Nov. 21; to Mr. and Mrs. Roger Craig of Otwell a son, Nov. 27; to Mr. and Mrs. James Sorgius of Otwell, a son, James Anthony, Nov. 17; to Mr. and Mrs. Edward D. Stephens of Evansville, a son, Jeffery Lynn, Nov. 11. Engagements: Donna Rae Nordhorn to Stanley Cook. The wedding is to be Dec. 23; Beverly Jonell Ashby to Pfc. James Milton Omstead. A wedding is planned for the spring. Deaths: John Northerner, 73, died of a heart attack Nov. 21; Mrs. Ella Erwin, 89, one of the oldest residents of Winslow, died Nov. 26; Claude Rinehart, 67, formerly of Oakland City, died suddenly of a heart attack, Nov. 26; Alfred McCoy, 79, died Nov. 22; Mrs. Mamie Grimes, formerly of Monroe City, died Nov. 19; Dave Abel, 85, died Nov. 23; Dona Elmore, of Petersburg, died Nov. 27. Twenty-five years ago The Press-Dispatch Thursday, Nov. 19, 1987 The first day of gun deer season brought tragedy to the area as an Oakland City man was killed what police have ruled an accidental shooting near Winslow. Daryl K. Hughes, 19, of Oakland City, died of a single gunshot wound Saturday morning about 9:30 a.m. Hughes had a recently killed deer in the back of the 1972 Chevrolet pickup he was driving. Apparently, Hughes reached for his gun to steady it and it went off striking him in the chest. After he was shot, the truck then wrecked into a ditch. Several deer hunters in the area heard the noise of the truck wrecking but did not witness the actual wreck. Extreme dry weather combined with moisture robbing winds have turned ordinary trash, leaf and fence row burning activities into dangerous situations throughout the county. Numerous field fires have been reported with some that got out of control and damaged personal property. Winslow town marshal Steve English reports that an investigation into the theft of Winslow deputy marshal Ron Wilson's service revolver, hand cuffs, ammunition and belt is continuing. English stated that the theft of town and personal equipment took place at Wilson's grandmother's home sometime between Nov. 8 and Nov. 10. Taken was a Colt Trooper 357 magnum fourinch revolver in blue finish, a pair of hand cuffs and a black leather service belt with ammunition. Births: To Mr. and Mrs. Keith Simpson of Oakland City, a son, Clinton Keith, Nov. 3; to Sharon Grissom and Brian wedding of Winslow, a son, Brian David, C-7 Sophomore Class Winslow 1919 The sophomore class of 1919 at Winslow High School consisted of 14 members. In the front row was Ruth Comer, Leona Jones, Ruth Powell, Gladys Skinner, Alice Kuhn, Gladys Hurst, and Anna Persinger. In the second row was Virda Wright, Lee Ambrose, Poedker Nelson, Alfred Thompson Clifton Robling, Johnie Skinner, and Aileen Ashby. Pike County Historical Society Gleanings from the Civil War By Sandy McBeth An example of Christmas past in Indiana can be found in the book, A History of Indiana from its Exploration to 1850, by Logan Esary. "Christmas was the supreme holiday of the children . . . apples, sweet-cake, home-made candy, such simple toys as could easily be contrived, together with warm gloves or stockings, knit by the mother, were common gifts. The poor were remembered with substantial gifts of things to eat and wear. The young folks often arranged for a sleigh ride if there was snow. Except among the Quakers, Santa Claus was a universal visitor on Christmas Eve. The Christmas dinner was the principal attraction for the married folks." Christmas trees were in almost every home by the end of the 1800's, though they were still mostly decorated with edibles such as fruits, nuts and candies and home-made ornaments, but by 1860 glass ornaments made in Germany were slowly becoming available. Purchased ornaments were treasured possessions passed down through the family. Trees with lights and fancy ornaments were a luxury Nov. 14; to Mr. and Mrs. Eric Gilham of Iva community, a daughter, Madeline Kay, Nov. 11; Engagements: Gary Wayne Woodall of Petersburg to Jana Leigh Stewart of Winslow; Andrew S. Gray of Velpen to Barbara Jo Jones of Velpen; Jerry Wayne Guth of Petersburg to Susan Hope Cook; Nicholas Ray McQueen of Petersburg to Karen Sue Andres; Deaths: James Ward, 66, of White Oak community, died Nov. 16; Waldo Abbott, 66, of Petersburg, died Nov. 14; Beryl Sampson, 69, of Monroe City, died Nov. 10; Aaron Russell, 2-day old son of Jerry and Nina Russell of Princeton, died Nov. 11; Leo Russell, 83, of Washington, formerly of Pike County, died Nov. 14; Hilda Blackburn, 67, of Oakland City, died Nov. 14; Mary Scharfenberger, 71, of Oakland City, died Nov. 16; Thomas Rothrock, 4 month old son of Michael and Brenda Rothrock, died Nov. 15; Rushia McCord, 82, of Winslow died Nov. 12. Otwell High School class of 1924 The Otwell High School class of 1924 was under the direction of U. S. Abbott. Members of the class were, front row, Edwin Ruckreigle, Fates Chester Teague, Hanley Norton, William Doades, Lee Challe and Randall Kelso. In the second row were Mildred Rose, Opal Hillon, Helen Crowe, Marie Alexander, and Hanley Anderson. The third row consisted of Edith Traylor, Glayen Dillion, Mildred Barnett, Joe McGregor, Cayatal Ross, and Virgil Shelton. The fourth row was the professor, U. S. Abbott. The photo and information was furnished by Don Parke of Newburgh. reserved for the wealthy, or for the community as seen in this news article in the Democrat on December 18, 1884: "There will be a Christmas tree at the Gray Church, Pike county, Ind., Thursday night, December 25th 1884. The proceeds will go for the benefit of the church. Admittance fee 10 cts. For all persons over 12 years of age, children under 12 years free. Everybody is invited to place presents on the tree and to be present." Music was a source of joy and happiness for the early pioneers. Singing and dancing was found at every gathering. Christmas was no exception. The songs "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," "See Amid the Winter's Snow," "There Came A Little Child to Earth" and "We Three Kings of Orient Are" were all composed before the Civil War. During those early days Christmas was a time for families to gather, an interlude to the long winter season. Churches were far and few between with the circuit riders coming through every few weeks. Families and neighbors held their own bible and prayer meetings in individual homes gathered around the fireplace. Community wide holiday activities such as "oyster suppers" and dances were common during this time period. Individuals held gatherings for their friends during the holidays also, many had themes such as the masquerade party held at the "residence of Alex Moore" with 20 couples present on December 17, 1884. Visiting between relatives for the holidays became easier due to the extensive use of passenger trains. In 1884 the holiday rate on the Evansville and Terre Haute Railroad was two cents per mile if the ticket was purchased on December 24th or 25th with the return trip on December 26th. Advertisements from local businesses for the holidays included: A display of dainty dolls, the girls will like, at Sisson & Co.; Silk, moreen and mercerlized petticoats for Christmas, at P. C. Hammond's; See what is on the 10c counter at Kime's; A deep cut in the price of ladies' tailor made dress skirts at Max Blitzer's. Sarah Brown DeBra wrote of the holidays during the 1870's in her book, "Sweet memories of Old Indianie." Their tree was a little pine tree from the woods near the house, covered with bittersweet, cranberry and popcorn strings, little dolls, candles and pieces of colored string. Their stocking had a silver dime, a big red apple and a popcorn ball inside on Christmas morning from Santa. During the Civil War many men found themselves away from their families for the first time. Several were gone for the full three years of service without seeing home. The hardship to their families during the war was enormous due to lack of monetary income and primary farm management and labor. (The average pay for service during the war was $13 a month.) Then to be away from home during the holidays which was for many families the only time they gathered except for funerals. An excerpt from the diary of F. M. Griswold who served during the Civil War with the 93rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry tells first hand the views of many men during that time. "At 12½ o'clock a.m. of December 25, 1863, I was relieved from post and was next to being frozen. After night set in the air became very sharp and piercing, and the wind blew up the side of the mountain in anything but a comfortable manner. Our picket reserve was stationed nearly a 100 yards from my post near the trunk of a fallen tree, which had been set on fire by the boys to keep warm and cook by. The wind blew directly up the mountain and along the tree so we did not get much good from the fire (except the smoke). I was too cold to sleep, so I sat by the fire and wrote in my journal. All of the boys were fast asleep except myself and the sanctity of the day and hour made my thoughts run on those whom I loved at home, naturally bringing to mind the difference in our situations and the many changes that had taken place since I last spent Christmas with them. The year before, we were laying in Camp near Nashville, Tenn., having just drawn our shelter tents preparatory to moving on Murfreesboro. The year before that I was at home with all of my loved ones; what a change and then! Now hundreds of miles away, poorly clad and fed, cold on a picket! While at home, doubtless, the folks were seated around the fire talking of me and wondering as to my welfare. I would have given almost anything to have been at home that night, and had not sleep stolen me away despite the cold, I fear that I might have gone on fancying all night. At 6½ a.m. we were relieved by the 6th Indiana and reached Camp at 7 ½. I traded my stock of sugar for 3 quarts of flour meal things and made a breakfast of them. We had a miserable cold rain during the p.m. and our shanty leaked so that it was no protection for us." In a letter to his mother from Jesse Bryant, musician for Co. H, 80th Ind Inf from Pike County dated on December 24, 1862, "Tomorrow brings Christmas once more and glad would I be to be at home on that notable day . . . I do not know how long we will be here but we are ordered to have two days Rations in Haversacks ready to march. It may be that we will not have the pleasure of passing the day here." At that time his company was camped at Camp Gilbert, Columbia, Kentucky, getting ready to start their pursuit of Morgan's Raiders.Their second Christmas away from home was spent camped at Blaines Cross Road, Tennessee. Four days after Christmas they were involved in the Battle at Mossy Creek. The third Christmas was spent near Nashville, Tennessee in the aftermath of the two-day Battle of Nashville. Seeking history page photos Call 354-8500 for more information.