Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 5, Number 175, Decatur, Adams County, 20 July 1907 — Page 1

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT.

Volume V. Number 175

HISTORY CHAPTER Story of Adams County’s Public Buildings FIRST JAIL WAS BUILT IN 1836 Court House in 1839—Present Hall of Justice in 1873—School Houses and Churches. By Ladies' Historical Club. Public Buildings. (Continued from Friday.) the village for nine years as a school house. In 1888 the incorporated town of Berne built its own first school house, a two-room brick structure, now comprising the northwest quarter of the present building. In the summer of 1892 the building was enlarged to its present proportions, six rooms being used for class rooms and the upstairs east half for a hall, which has been converted into two class rooms, making eight in all, and now all occupied. The entire basement is occupied with steam heating furnace room and sanitary closets. The first school house at Geneva was built at the northeast corner of section 20, near Ceylon. In 1872 a frame building was erected, but soon became too small to accommodate the growing population. In 1878 a twostory brick building was erected at a cost of $3,500, which was destroyed by fire in 1904. A magnificent $20,000 brick structure has replaced the burned building. Churches. As a previous paper described the church buildings of Decatur, and as it has not been found possible to sesure a description of those outside of this city, just the number of the church buildings of each denomination in the county will be recorded. Baptist. 2; Catholic, 3; Christian (Disciples), 5; Christian (New Light), 1; Evangelical, 5; Lutheran (English), 1; Lutheran (German), 6; Mennonite, 1; Mennonite (Defenseless), 1; Methodist Episcopal, 12; Presbyterian, 1; Reformed, 5; United Brethren, 8. It is hoped that at some time in the near future a history of the public buildings of the towns of Adams county that have been omitted in these papers may find a place in an addendum.

The Decatur Public Library.

The latest and most beautiful and attractive public building is that of the Decatur public library. The history of its inception and gradual growth and completion ought to be preserved. For years the ladies Shakespeare club and the Historial Reading club of Decatur had discussed ways and means by which the general public might be able to have the benefit of a public library and reading room or at least, some centrally located. quiet, decent, meeting place, for reading and for the free discussion of the topics of the day and of the things that would interest and benefit, at least the young people of our city. Before they had been able to reach the materialization of their hopes, the Carnegie libraries began to spring into ■existence. In the year 1893 certain Club members and the board of education of which Mr. George Woodward was president, began discussing the prospects of securing a Carnegie library for our city. Mr. Woodward became very enthusiastic and until his death was the moving spirit in the matter which was fairly well matured In their minds at his decease. In July, 1904, a public library board was formed, consisting of Rev. E. A. Allen, Pres., Sara Y. Kenyon, Vice-Pres.. Atty. C. J Lutz, Secy., E- X. Ehinger, Treas., with Mesdames Morrison and Ellingham and Mr. T. C. Corbett, members. On October 24, 1904, a onation of SIO,OOO was secured from Mr. Andrew Carnegie for a library building, which was increased to $12,000 on June 8, 1905. A lot on Third street was purchased and deeded to the city of Decatur, and active operations began. Plans and specifications submitted and those of the young architect, Oscar Huffman, were accepted. Mann and Christen were awarded the building contract, P. JHyland that of steam heating; W. G. Spencer the electrical work; A. B. 'Smith and Brother, the plumbing; Kover and Son, frescoing, and P. Gaffer, painting. Under the judicious oversight of the library board, which held weekb meetings for consultation, everything was kept moving and all unnecesoarj expenditures were eliminated. Noth ing but the most approved material was used in any department, and the result is a most beautiful, economical.

up to date building graces the lot on Third street that supplies a need long recognized by the intelligent members of the community and is an ornament to our city of which every citizens should be justly proud. The building was dedicated and presented to the city with appropriate ceremonies on July 19. 1906. Under the careful and efficient management of the librarian, Miss Annette Moses, the reading public is faithfully served. The daily readers and the number of books borrowed show a genuine appreciation of the privileges furnished. All of the leading magazines and many of the best dailies are on the tables. Through the courtesy of contractor C. N. Christen and Treasurer E. X. Ehinger, a full description of the building and an itemized account of the expenses are here appended. The Library Building. By C. N. Christen, Contractor. The library building is constructed about as follows: Concrete foundation upon to water table. Exterior face, gray hydraulic pressed brick, trimmed with Bedford oollthic lime stone; galvanized iron cornice; asphaltum gravel roof; blue Bedford stone steps and coping; gypsum wall plaster. First floor finished in southern pine, stained (Continue don page 4.) SOMENEWORDERS Postmasters May Cash Carriers’ Checks AREARRANGING FOR THE MONEY Government Getting Ready for Clerk’s Vacation—Cause of Explosion on Battleship Georgia.

Washington, July 19. —Under a recent order of Postmaster-General Meyer, postmasters are authorized to cash with postal funds the pay checks of rural delivery carriers. It is expected that this order will afford relief to many carriers in the more remote localities who have been experiencing considerable difficulty In cashing the pay checks, often being compelled to accept payment at a discount. Assistant Postmaster-General DeGraw has sent out a circular letter to postmaster calling attention to the order of the Postmaster-General, and requesting them to cash rural carriers’ pay checks upon presentation and proper indorsement and Identification, when sufficient funds are on hand. The order referred to also permits postmasters to cash other government paper, including pension checks, postoffice department warrants, etc. First Assistant Postmaster-General Hitchcock and his force of clerks are busy now figuring out money matters so as to provide for paying the substitutes for the postoffice clerks and all over the country who go on their vacations. Every postoffice clerk and carrier is allowed by law a vacation of fifteen days each year with pay. The government also pays the substitutes. Mr. Hitchcock will ask congress to extend these vacation periods from fifteen days to thirty days, so as to give the postal employes the same amount of annual leave each year as is given to the government clerks in Washington.

The conclusions of the board of examination which investigated the cause of the accident on the battleship Georgia, earlier in the week, by which ten men lost their lives, are that the charge of powder was ignited by a delay flare-back, which was apparently caused by the shutting of the air blast too soon ■with a light wind blowing into the muzzle of the gun. The first section of the charge in the second loader’s arms was first ignited. o Frank Runyan went to Indianapolis ibis afternoon to attend the meeting tonight for the purpose of furthering plans for a league. It is reported that Dunkirk will not. enter the league, as they will play the White Sox and other good teams at Muncie, and Hartford City will likely be the sixth team in the league.—Bluffton News. o — Prover Brothers, the new proprietors of the city bakery and restaurant, are sporting a new sign, which is suspended from an electric light pole. The sign is a neat one, there being nothing in th eclty like it and shows progressiveness upon the part of these men.

Decatur, Indiana, Saturday Evening, July 20, 1907.

SEVERAL CURIOS Al Burdge lias Harry Tracey’s Pipe SENT HIM BY LEE PORTER Former Decatur Lad Sends a Collection Taken From Hut of the Famous Desperado. Lee Porter, a former Decatur boy, son of H. S. Porter, has sent his old friend, Al Burdg, several articles taken from Harry Tracey’s hut at Loon Lake. Wisconsin, and Mr. Burdg now has them in his collection at his Monroe street barber shop. Lee has been working at various places in the west including Loon Lake. While there he accompanied a party to Tracey’s home after his tragic death and secured the articles. The collection includes a briar pipe, studded with imitation pearls, showing several years use and on the stem are engraved the initials, “H. T.” a match safe made out of cork; a piece of the cook stove and a drawing of the old log hut. Tracey it will be remembered was the outlaw and desperado who shot a number of officers and after being chased for days took his own life rather than allow himself to be taken prisoner, knowing the inevitable result. Mr. Burdg values these new additions to his already valuable collection of curios very highly. o Lon Ball, Jack Ross and Mr. Ross and daughter, from Corning, lowa, arrived in the city this morning from that place, where Mr. Ball and Mr. Ross, of this city have been visiting for several weeks.

MASONIC TEMPLE Is to be Erected at Fort Wayne » _ — BY THE SCOTTISH RITE MASONS i Meeting to Be Held Tuesday to Discuss the Plans—Decatur People Are Interested. A special meeting of Fort Wayne Lodge of Perfection, -Scottish Rite Masons, will be held at the Masonic Temple next Tuesday evening to take up the discussion of the proposition to build a new Masonic Temple in Fort Wayne. The old Temple will be devoted exclusively to the use of the blu e lodges and the Knights Templar. The new building, it is proposed, is to be used by the Scottish Rite Masons and the Ancient and Accepted Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. The proposition to build a new Ma sonic Temple has been under discussion for some time and the idea is to build a pretentious structure in every detail. It has been planned to purchase the lot at the northwest comer of west Main and Webster streets. There are two small houses on this lot at present. It is sufficiently centrally located to be particularly well adapted for a Masonic Temple for the Scottish Rite Masons of northern Indiana. The jurisdiction for Fort Wayne Lodge of Perfection, Darius Council, Princes of Jerusalem, and Emanuel Chapter, Rose Croix, extends over the entire twelfth congressional district and the counties immediately surrounding the six counties of this district. The general understanding is that if Fort Wayne erects this Scottish Rite Temple, the consistory degrees, the grades from the nineteenth to the thirty-second, will be conferred in this city, and likewise a Temple of the Mystic Shrine will be located in this city, and the territory over which Fort Wayne will have Masonic jurisdiction will be materially extended over the entire northern and north central portions of Indiana. The meeting of the Scottish Rite Masons next Tuesday night will be one of the most important sessions that Fort Wayne Lodge of Perfection has ever held. The finances of the Scottish Rite bodies are now in such shape as to warrant the discussion of such an undertaking without burden to the members of the three bodies in this city.—-Fort Wayne News.

PHIL HUSER’SHOUSE SHATTERED Berne Family Had a Narrow Escape. A terrific electrical storm swept Berne Tuesday night and in almost every house drove some members of the family out of bed. Lightning fell in continuous streaks illuminating the heavens with zig-zag lines from the sky to the earth. A stroke fell into Philip Huser's house on west Water street, occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sprunger, and damaged the roof and knocked the plastering off the walls in the room in which they had slept. The storm came shortly before midnight and was so prolonged, getting fiercer all the time that Mr. and Mrs. Sprunger also became frightened and left their house and went over to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joel Liddy, on Main street. It was after they had left the bedroom and gone dow-n stairs that their house was struck, and when they returned in the morning and saw- what had happened they could not help but feel that their escape was providential, for, had they remained in their room, the two parents and their little son might have all been killed. —Berne Witness.

ARE ENJOYING IT Editors and Their Wives at French Lick THE EIGHTH DISTRICT HONORED Receive Silk Flag for Most New Members—Mr. Ellingham the Recipient for the District. French Lick, Ind., July 19. —The annual banquet of the Indiana Democratic Editorial Association, held in the great dining room of Tom Taggart’s hotel, tonight, was a political affair, as most of the Democratic leaders of the state were present. The editors are enjoying themselves. As they stroll along the broad verandas or through the beautiful grounds and see little bunches of politicians with their heads together, they just laugh. There will be no resolutions for or against any one at this meeting. The business session of the association began at a little after 9 o’clock this morning. The meeting did not last long. President Del Crampton stood in the center of the room and got away with business rapidly. After the minutes were read several new names were added to the membership rolls and then “Ben” McKey, of the Lebanon Pioneer, made a short talk on “Making a Newspaper Pay.” As Ben owns one of the most successful weekly papers in the state, as a business proposition, his explanation of how he put it on a paying basis was interesting. “Newspaper Competition’’ was discussed by O. W. Whitelock, of the Huntington News-Democrat. At the last meeting President Crampton announced that a silk flag would be given to the district furnishing the greatest number of new members. Today a committee composed of J. O. Behymer. Tipton Times; Dale J. Cittenberger, Anderson News, and Ben Louthain, Logansport Pharos, was appointed to decide who shall have the flag. Late this afternoon the committee decided that the Eighth district was entitled to the flag and it was given to that district. The speech presenting it was made by President Crampton, and Lew Ellingham, of the Decatur Democrat, accepted it for the district. After lunch Tom Taggart prevailed on the editors to play base ball and there never was such a funny game in the wide world. o It was learned today that Charles Bender, the young man who committed suicide Tuesday morning, carried an insurance policy for $5,000 in the Reliable Life Insurance company, of Indianapolis, made payable to his mother. Members of the family were in Bluffton today to see G. D. Snyder, the local agent, who. with Charles Coverdale, wrote the policy just thirteen • Vnonths agt>. Investigation shows that the policy is incontestable after twelve months, and as every premium had been paid to date, the company will have to pay the full amount to the young man's mother, I Mrs. John H. Bender.—Bluffton News.

LEAGUE FORMED The Indiana-Ohio Born Last Night IS COMPOSED OF SIX TEAMS Including Decatur, Richmond, Hartford City, Bluffton, Portland and Van Wert. Indianapolis, July 19.—A new base ball league, to be known as the In-diana-Ohio league, was formed here tonight of fast Indiana independent ball clubs and one Ohio team. Another meeting will be held at Muncie Ind., on next Monday night, at which time a schedule and playing rules will be adopted. The following cities are members of the new organization: Richmond, Bluffton, Decatur, Hartford City, Portland, all Indiana towns, and Van Wert, O. Arthur R. Kling, sporting editor of the Indianapolis Star, was temporarily elected president, secretary and treasurer. The Muncie meeting is expected to approve Kling’s election.

The above message sent out from Indianapolis, has created some interest here, though no one from the local association attended the meeting, and it has not been definitely decided that Decatur will join the league. However, it practically forces the local association to join if these other teams do, from the fact that it would be almost Impossible to secure any profitable dates, as these towns are the chief attractions here. o Mrs. William Nix, of Huntington, is the guest of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Miller, for a few days. thelecretlTout Mr. Meyers and Miss Patterson Wedded OCCURRED AT HILLSDALE, MICHPaper From That Place Under Date of Last Tuesday, Gives Record of the License. A copy of the Hillsdale, Mich., Standard, under date of Tuesday, July 16, has the following announcement under the head of marriage licenses: Miss Elizabeth Patterson and Charles Myers of Decatur, Indiana. The paper however, does not disclose who performed the ceremony, or when it was performed, but that the wedding has taken place is not denied by the most intimate friends of the contracting parties, although it was their intention to keep the wedding a secret for the present at least, and had not a copy of this paper reached this city their many friends would no doubt still be in ignorance of the fact. That the announcement will come as a surprise is an assured fact, although it has been well known that this popular couple have been engaged for some time, and their many friends have only been waiting to receive their invitations to confirm the rumor. But in this they will again be disappointed, as the deed has been committed. Miss Patterson left the later part of last week for Bluffton, presumably for a short visit with her sister, and she then undoubtedly left at once for Hillsdale, Mich., where she was met by Mr. Myers and the wedding ceremony was performed. Miss Patterson is the beautiful daughter of R. D. Patterson, who resides on north Second street and is accomplished in many ways and her friends are innumerable. The groom, Charles Myers, is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Myers, on north Third street and has always been classed as one of Decatur’s best citizens, being at present engaged in business at Angola, Ind., where it is said that he is meeting with great success. He is a hustling young business man, and has a host of friends who join with us in extending congratulations. o „Miss Helen Helm, of Williamsport, Indiana, will arrive in the city this evening to be the guest of Miss Bertha Heller, before going to Winona for an outing.

TAYLOR STRANGER THAN EVER The Upland College Expects to Profit from Recent Agitation. Taylor university of Upland, the institution of learning backed by the local association of the Methodist Episcopal church, will no doubt profit greatly by the recent agitation in which attempt tvas made by some parties to move it to Muncie without legal process. The only thing the Muncie institution purloined was the name, but those interested in boosting the Upland institution feel confident that the wide publicity of the affair will set matters right and that none need be led into wrong paths by getting the two schools confused. Already the Upland school has heard from many quarters and promises of hearty co-operation are extended. To avail itself of the situation and to make the most of its opportunities it is necessary that Taylor university now be backed as strongly as possible. It is said that the present turning point means the making of a great school if only the proper support is given. George C. Ulmer, of Upland, the financial agent of Taylor university, states that it is the desire to raise $25,000 for the institution in Grant county and after this the institution may see fit to go outside the county and obtain support. o IN SOCIAL CIRCLES Mrs. Lewton Proved a Charming Hostess AT PORCH PARTY LAST EVENING Program for the Y. P. C U. Sunday Evening—Mr. and Mrs. Eli Meyers to Entertain Guests from Warsaw. A company of twelve ladies were charmingly entertained at a porch party last evening, by Mrs. C. D. Lewton in compliment to Miss Elizabeth Melville, of Ft. Wayne, and Mrs. B. B. Uhl, of Mansfield, Ohio. The porch presented a very inviting appearance with pillows, chairs and stands, tastefully arranged. There were several delightful features among the amusements of the evening, and at ten o’clock two course luncheon was served the guests, who were: Mesdames Paul Hooper, Dora Erwin, J. T. Merryman, Don Quinn, Charles Bell, Ella Bell, Geo. Kinzle, Wid Dorwin, O. L. Vance, Dan Berry. The program of Y. P. C. U. Sunday evening, July 21, 6:30 at U. B. church will be as follows: Opening song, All Hail the Power of Jesus;prayer, Rev. D. B. Kessinger; scripture lesson, Exodus 20:12 17, subject, Last six commandments; solo, Miss Flossie York; paper. Miss Alta Dibble; reading, Miss Mary Mumma; solo, Miss Mabel Harb; paper, Mrs. A. C. Ball; piano solo, Miss Grace Harb; paper, Mrs. Hill reading, Miss Marie Ball; closing song, God is Love; Mizpah benediction. A special invitation given to all. Leader, Miss Effie York. A dinner party of unusual attractiveness for this evening will be the one given by Mr. and Mrs. Eli Meyers at their home on Market street in compliment to the following guests from Warsaw, Ind: Mr. and Mrs. E. Wood, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Wood, Mrs. Dan Loeb, Miss Hazel Breading, Mr. Frank Tucker, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Wilkinson and son Walter, and Miss Jennie Wood of Decatur. The dinner will be served at six o’clock in courses. o Dunkirk has lost Wolfe, considered the best catcher in the gas belt. He asked for his release Wednesday evening, saying he intended to return to his home at Muncie, but it’s a good bet that he will appear in a few days on the lineup of one of the nearby independent teams. Dunkirk has been steadily losing her best men recently and if this state of affairs continues she will soon have lost her prestige in balldom. —Bluffton Banner. Inquiry among the Erie freight officials gives evidence that there is a falling off in tonage in through business. Still the roads are so busy that it is not felt to the extent that it will be later on should the tonnage continue to fall off. Freight officials express the opinion that the lull in traffic will be of short duration, as the new wheat crop is near at hand to be moved, then other products in the vegetable line are moving In considerable quantities.—Huntington Herald.

Price Two Cents

IN GAY OLD PARIS Decatur Ladies Enjoying Foreign Trip MRS. STUDABAKER WRITES NEWS Mrs. Dorwin is a Good Sailor —The Ladies Visit Places of Interest, Including Napoleon’s Grave. Paris, France. Hotel D’lena. July 8. Editor Democrat —We left London on the afternoon of July 4th. You would not have known it was the grand and glorious Fourth, for not a firecracker did we hear. We were about one hour and a half in crossing the English channel. It was very rough, and a great number of our party were sick. Mrs. Dorwin slept through it all and proved herself a fine sailor. We landed at Bologna. France, where we boarded our train for “Gay Paree.” The cars here are divided into compartments, each compartment holding about eight persons. There are three different classes, Ist, 2nd and 3rd. Second class being about like our first. The doors are locked of your compartment, and you can't possibly get out until you get to the right stopping place. We are very pleasantly situated in the Hotel D’lena. We have our breakfast at 8 a. m., which consists of coffee, rolls, and butter, and breakfast is the only meal at which butter is served. The tram cars here are double decked, and are either run by gasoline engines or compressed air and some are pulled by horses, and by the w’ay, I think Paris ought to have a Humane Society, as so many of the drivers abuse their horses so. As you pass along the streets, you will notice so many places where there are tables and chairs on the sidewalk in front of restaurants, where they are serving something to eat and drink. I understand a lady cannot go to one of these ■without fa gentleman escort. From what I have seen of the French gentlemen I think I would prefer to have an American imported for my escort. The French madams are handsome, but I can’t say so much for the gentlemen. We have been in Paris four days and have seen so many strange and beautiful works of art. I hardly know what to begin to write about first, but believe I will tell you of the things we saw today. This morning we visited some of the large stores, and did a little shopping and got along very nicely, as in all these large stores there are some of the clerks that speak English. This afternoon we were taken to the tomb of Napoleon, on the banks of the Seine. It is something on the order of Grant's tomb in New York. At one side of the building is a large window with yellow colored glass, and the light passing through this, casts a mellow glow over the whole of the inside. We then went to the Triumphal Arch, which is situated at the union of twelve stately avenues, and from this radiates like the points of a star. The Place de la Concorde at one extremity, the Gate of Triumph at the other, and the Champs Elysees between them form a trio that defies comparison. It is the grandest triumphal arch ever constructed. Built in the style of the old Roman arches, it was erected in memory of Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz; was commenced by Napoleon and finished by Louis Philipi. The corner stone was laid upon the anniversary of the emperor’s birthday. There are 278 steps to the top, and we climbed to the top to get a birdseye view of Paris. No difference where you go, you will find persons selling souvenir postals, even on top of this arch. They all know Americans are “easy marks,” and can’t withstand the temptation. To finish up the afternoon we were taken a drive through the Bois de Bologne park, which covers twenty-two hundred acres, and is said to be the most beautiful park in the world. The long drives and walks are lined on each side with beautiful trees. The bodies of the trees are a light green, due to the lack of sunshine, but which only add to the beauty of the scenery. In the afternoons this is the place to see fashionably dressed ladies and gentlemen out for a drive. Our party can’t cut much of a swell when we are living in a suit case for three months. But we are enjoying the best of health, nevertheless, and taking in all the sights and hope to be able to tell you more about It when we get home, than I could possibly write. Hope to be able to write at least one more letter. Jennie Studabaker.