Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 21, Number 86, Decatur, Adams County, 10 April 1923 — Page 9

Volume XXI. Number Sli.

DECATUR’S STEADY MARCH OF PROGRESS

STORY OF INTEREST AND HISTORIC DATA THE COMMUNITY OF TOD AY IS COMPARED TO THE YESTERYEAR OF A QUARTER CENTURY AGO BY A FORMER DAILY DEMOCRAT W-DECATUR A CITY OF BEAUTIFUL HOMES ANS EXCELLENT BUSINESS. By Chhrles N. Allogar

(Editor's Koto:—Charles N. Allogar, former “cub” on the Democrat, who has served for a number of; years as staff correspondent and space writer for St. Louis and other big city papers has written this story of Decatur and her business men. comparing the city with what it was as he remembers it twenty-five years ago.) “Writing up” the home town—the town of boyhood days with all its never-to-be-forgotten experiences, is a difficult job for any writer, if his instructions are to confine his work to the advancement a£id attainments o( the town, and not allow his semimem to override the commercial side of the question. But, in the parlance of the street, “it simply ain't done.” It is impossible for anyone to leave his boyhood home for twenty-five years and then not become more or! less sentimental, upon roaming back: to view the scenes of former play j days—where fifteen or twenty years, of the barefoot days; the school days, and the carefree days were spent. The beauty, however, of the present delightful task is that the city lias grown better and better. Decatur has made good. Taken from any angle desired—socially, economically, commercially, wonderful advancement has marked the passage of time, and the Decatur of today is but the grown up Decatur of twenty-five years ago. It hasn't; lost one iota of the companionable, j agreeable disposition that always ; characterized the city. There never, was an overabundance of self-pride in Decatur. Residents have what they have because they were foresighted enough to choose that which was good, and, satisfied they were right have gone ahead. Slowly, steadily yet surely, growth has been attained in all circles. This can be realized, perhaps, more fully when the comparison of city streets is made. Decatur always prided herself upon good sidewalks, j and with the passing of time streets. So, ahout twenty-five years ago,!

inruij-UYC / cal tt a*«r,| Ilia |MOua wuouumiimv City of Decatur Founded In 1836 by Samuel Rugg

The city of Decatur was founded j by Samuel L. Rugg, June 23, 1836. Thomas Johnson donated sites for court house, water works, churches und schools. N’amed for Commodore Stephen Decatur, hero in the war of 1812, at : the battle of Tripoli. Original plat contained 176 lots and 4 east and west streets, Monroe, Madison, Jefferson and Adams, five nmth and south streets, Front (now h'irst), Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth, •‘resent size is over 1 mile wide a nd 2% miles long. •u 1850 Decatur had 43 families “‘“I a total population of 231.- Alough the 1920 census credits the] C ty with only 4,762 population, it Is j over 5,000 at present. ] Surveyed and platted by! John Hofer who built first log house resi- . Ile<> at corner of First and Jackson “treat*. 1 hat store building, a log structure

DECATUR DAIL Y DEMOCRAT

, when the first paved streets were completed, it marked an epoch that; was destined to stick in tile determination of practically every city administration, who iu turn had the full co-operation of residents. The result lias been wonderful. Decatur is practically covered by a system of j the finest kind of paved streets, form-1 ing inlets and outlets for street traffic of an unexcelled nature. These j I streets were paved for future use,' and it is a very unusual thing for a ! street to be torn up for repairs, or to undergo changes. These beautiful streets wend their* way over the city iu harmonious,. economcal manner, every street won-; derfully shaded by thousands ofj beautiful trees, planted with an eye, on the future. It does not require an old resident to verify the statement that Decatur is one of the most | beautiful cities in the country, for; | strangers passing through find in , our shady streets and beauty spots a . | source of wonder and delight, espe-1 1 eially in the spring and summer time, when they are at the height of their natural glory and beauty. Naturally, a city with such inclinations never forgets or neglects ttie care of the children, and the magnif j icent new high school building, but recently completed, it s but an exam- • pie of what has been achieved along ; educational lines. Whereas other cities { are forced to plan for emergency ! schools to care tor the overflow, De--1 catur has adequate facilities, and i from the lowest grade to the high l i school and manual training depart- 1 ; meets, the facilities are far above j the average, as also is the corps of; instructors, who are selected for. their fitness to instruct the growing; boys and girls and equip the advaue- j ed students for educational duties. Added to the advantages of the; public and parochial schools comes the natural advancement in. fraternal and social circles, and a striking example of the advancement along I these lines is shown in the erection of the magnificent library ! the plans consummated lor the eree-

'erected at corner of First and Monroe I streets and occupied by Henry Heiclij ard and later purchased by J. D. Nuttman. In 1845 J. D. Nuttman built first two story frame building where Old Adams County Bank is located. First Tavern in town was started in 1838 by Janies Crabbs, where Bowers block now stands. First brick building erected by Joseph and Perry Crabbs, 1856, now the Winnes Shoe store. Dectftur has three railroads, Grand Rapids and Indiana, completed in 1871; the Toledo, St. Louis and Western, 1878; the Chicago and Erie, ISS2. The Ft. Wane-Decatur Traction line was completed in 1908. Second street was paved in 1893 from Monroe to Jefferson. On December 31, 1853, first town officers were elected. On September 5, 1882 Decatur was incorporated as a city, Janies T. Meirytnan being the first mayor.

___ • -if * \ ‘ *0 M. Mc&iUOPS

! tion of new churches for practically I every congregation in the city; the Knights of Pythias lodge home, I the splendid new hospital, just being completed and equipped, beingj by i the way, one of the finest public hospitals in the state "today. Decatur also outdid herself in making a favorable impression upon the Brotherhood of American Yeoman, and stands jan excellent chance of locating the : wonderful “City of Childhood" in I Decatur. Decatur will go far out of 1 her way to give this institution bet- ! ter than the average, for it is such work as this that lies next to the hearts of all Decatur residents—tender, loving and truni not so much | selfish for personal gain, hut, content | with advancement and attainment of j the finer things in life, gladly lend I a helping hand to deserving, and ambitious, as well as less fortunate hut equally noble undertakings — the friendship of Damon and Pythias, exemplified man to man. and the affection and care of maturity toward | tlie young. Remarkable advancement has been made in retail circles in Decatur. Without a single exception, the stores have maintained a high average of progress, and have built up stores, added new- retail institutions, and accorded service that, is augmented | by high quality goods of every kind. i Wholesale institutions that the ad- | vance demanded have been promptI ly and satisfactorily met, and its is a I source of consirerable pride and sat-; j isfaction to know that practically ail ; the wholesale houses have been estab- | lished, and are being promoted by J men who have grown up in Decatur I as residents and retail business men, therefore know\ what is required and needed- Numerous new lines of endeavor have also been opened up, covering the field in a most satisfactory manner, among the most important of- which are the three splendid local banks, representing millions of dollars in resources. It is well said of Decatur that! there is not a pauper in their midst, nor is there a millionaire. It is the sound, conservative class of people who have been attracted to the city, and once located here, at once become. an ardent booster and a pro-, gressivc, honest citizen. Twenty-five years ago the list of industries was -confined to two or three saw mills, grist mills, and one or two insignificant institutions. From this start, has grown the list of factories of today, which includes the splendid General Electric plant, the Indiana Board and Filler company, Decatur Supply Co., Decatur Foundry and Furnace Co., Holland-St. Louis Sugar Company, Decatur Castings Co., Smith & Bell lumber interests, Adams County Lumber company, two soft wood lumber yards, Cloverleaf Creameries, Burke Elevator Co., Decatur Produce Co., Mutschler Packing Co., Waring Glove Company, Fonner Stock Farm, Bellmont Stock Farm, P. Kirsch factory, Maler Hide and Fur Company, three large cigar manufacturers, Wemhoff Monument Works, two concrete block and vuult plants, Krick & Tyndall, tile and hollow j

Decatur, Indiana, Tuesday Evening, April 10, 192.}.

blocks, and numerous smaller but j important establishments. This is the class of industry that Decatur adapts readily to. Not over-iy-large, but substantial. operating every month in the year, practically and affording lucrative employment to men and women and girls-i Everyone of these plants has come to stay, and the Rotary Club and oth >r civic organization iq working every day to promote substantial institutions that mean business. Decatur lias one jjf the finest equipped water works in the state, all water being supplied from deep driven wells, and upwards of $75,000 improvements has been contracted for which will materially improve conditions at the plants and in the service. Telephone service is to he completely overhauled and improved immediately, and the city will not only have modern facilities, but will enjoy the most economically operated telephone service available. Three modern movie theaters afford excellent entertainment, augmented by numerous &>cial clubs, fraternal organizations and societies that look well to the social side of life. Community recreation is a popular form of amusement with Decatur people, and sports of all kinds are eagerly supported and advanced. Three trunk liue railroads—the Erie, with complete double track system, ihe Cloverleaf and the Grand Rapids and Indiana, together with ; the Fort Wayne and Decatur traction system give excellent freight and passenger service to all parts of the country. It is the center of one of the richest and most fertile agricultural districts in the United States. Hard roads have always been a feature in the community, and always in the lead. And with the wonderful increase in automotive transportation and travel, this system of roads is t x TOWNSHIPS ORGANIZED When Adams county was organized in 1836, it was composed of only two townships. Root and St. Marys. In August 1836, St. Marys was divided and Wabash township was organized. In July 1838 i Washington township was made > from part of Root and St. Marys townships, and Blue Creek was taken from St. Marys and Jefferson from Wabash township. In 1838 Preble township was organized from part of Root, and in May 1839, French township was made from a part of St. Marys. In IS4O Monroe township was taken from St. Marys and in September, 1840, I'uion township was made from part of Root township. Hartford and Kirkland were taken from Washington in 1841, this being the last township division to be organized. Root, Washington, Monroe and Wabash townships are 6x6 ; miles * square and the others, Preble, Kirkland, French, Hart ford, Union, St. Marys, Blue Creek and Jefferson are 4x6 miles in size, making the county 14x34 miles in size. | L '

i f Chas. N. Ai.eger an.: con. being still more rapidly worked out and improved. Thus has Decatur advanced. Thus has time dealt easily with her, and been gracious iu giving out the lugger and better things of life. A broadminded citizenship—a populace of men and women who look upon life from a higher elevation, and i form a companionship that is unalterable in its goodness, unlimited in ! its encouragement of well meaning S effort, and always eager to assist the | worthy enterprise. Her sons and daughters have gone far and wide; they have taken up all forms of industry and have been successful. Born and bred in a worthy atmosphere, they simply cannot shake off, even if they so desired, the early environment, and it is a certainty that every one of them fervently breathes a prayer that they may be true to themselves, and. it naturally follows that they will never be unfaithful to any man, will live so that throughout all time they can feel proud to say that Decatur was their childhood home. In passing, old timers, without mentioning any names, just take a tip from Tommie, and coma back to the city of your childhood. Maybe some more pf you will feel, as does the writer, that after all, the debt you owe js greater than you realize, but the old ( folks at home were nev.er hard taskmasters or interest-com-pounding collectors, and the chances are more than even you’ll go your way rejoicing that you have made good lor Decatur. COUNTY DIRECTORY Circuit Court Judge—John C. Moran Pros. Attorney—E. Burt I.enhart Auditor —Martin Jaberg Clerk—John T. Kelly Treasurer —Hugh I). Hite Sheriff —John Baker Recorder —J. 1.. McConnell Surveyor -Dick Boch Assessor —Wm. Zimmerman Coroner —L. L. Muttax Supt. County Infirmary—Harvey P. LaFountaine. Supt. Schools—E. S. Christen Truant and Probation Officer—Geo. H. McManama County Agricultural Agent—L. M. Busche Co. Highway Supt.—C. E. Magley. County Commissioners First Dist. —Ernest Conrad Second Dist. —B. F. Breiner Third Dist. —Geo. Shoemaker County Attorney—Henry B. Heller. County Councilme.n First Dist. —Frank Mclntosh Second Dist. —Henry ICiting Third Dist. —Frank Wechter Fourth District —John O. Kraner Councilmanic Districts First District —Union, Root, Preble, Kirkland and St. Marys Second Dist. —Washington and Decatur. Third District —Jefferson, Blue Creek and Monroe. Fourth Dist. —French, Hartford and Wabash. Commissioners Districts First —Union, Root, Preble, St. Marys Kirkland, North half of French and north half of Blue Creek. Second —Washington, Decatur and north half of Monroe. Third —Hartford, Wabash, Jeffersou, south half of Blue Creek, south half of Monroe and south half of French. County councilmen-at-laig&— I William M. Kitsch. First Diet., Frank MeinBaumgartner, Ernst Doehrman and tosh, second Dist., Henry Eiting, third Dist., Frank C. Wechter; fourth Dist., Christian Eicbor.

CONDITIONS CHANGED SINCE MAC WAS A BOY OUB OLD FOREMAN GIVES A CHAPTER FROM THE PAGES OF SIXTY-EIGHT-TELLS OF THOSE IN BUSINESS HEBE THEN-JACUB MARTIN IS ONLY CITIZEN UF THAT PIONEER DAY WHO IS STILL RESIDING HERE. By M. MeStoops

There are titties when a fellow who has drifted away thinks of his old ; home town, the place of his birth and : where he spent his ’teen ago with the 1 boys and girls at school and on the 1 play grounds. This was brought to my mind a few days ago in reading ' in the Daily Democrat that an edition would be issued notin the changes in ■ Decatur in the past twenty-five years. • This edition will no doubt prove of great interest to the people of Decatur and Adams county. ’ 1 have noted the changes in Doca- ! tur in my visits back to the old stamping grounds, with much pica- ' sure and the old "land marys” are t nearly all gone. There are but few * residences and practically no business rooms of my childhood days, remaining. On a recent visit I noticed 1 but few homes on First, Second, 1 Third and Fourth streets that had 1 not received some new touches from the carpenter and ol' the old business - houses there are but three or four 1 1 remember as a youth. The frame L one. two or three story buildings have given way to the modern buildings. ' On the east side of Second street the ’ business blocks were destroyed by fira at various times. At a time of which I am writing Decatur had no improved streets, no lighting system, no sewers, no water- i works, no fire protection, no parks, no radio, no library, no railroads, no 1 banks, no telephone system and as the boys would say "no nuthin’.” It was a village of perhaps a thousand souls, all happy and prosperous for those days. The town boasted a sash, door and blind factory, spoke and stave factory, two our mills, saw mill, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic and German Reformed churches, public and parochial schools and three lodges. Masonic, Odd Fellows and Good Ternpiers. The big rallies were held in the county land groves, one on north Third where the Water Works Park is now and the other on South Mercer which is now the home of the, county hospital. Well do I remember the bi gdeniocratlc rally held in

Adams County Organized By Legislature In 1836

Adams county was organized bj’ act of legislature in January 1836. First meeting of board of commissioners held May 9, 1836. The new county was divided into two townships, Root and St. Marys. The expense of operating the county the first year was $272.27, while the total receipts were $117.22. The net assessable valuation last i year was $41,000,000.00. The amount of taxes to be paid this year is $905,670.00, a great deal more than the total value of the entire county when organized. The first county jail was completed in July, 1837 and the first court ! house in 1839, The present court house was built i in 1873 at a cost of $90,000. The county farm was bought Lu 1875 and the present building erects I ed In 1901. Adams county was named for John Adams, third president of the Unit-

Price: 2 Cents

that grove in 1868 when Seymour and Illair were the democratic candidates for president and vice-president. The old Decatur Silver Cornet hand “boom” extending far hack, the profusely decorated wagons, containing boys and girls dressed in uniforms and the deleations from the various townships with banners and flags flying from hickory poles. Well these were great occasions for the youths of that day and will be well remembered by some of the boys and girls who are now but sixty years young. There were but few houses beyond Sixth street at that time and from the Gilson home on Mercer Avenue and from the old Charles Miller home on Winchester street which extended to the old Pittsburg property where the avenues merged into Second stree.t, north to the Albers property now replaced by the home of Judge J. T. Merryman was the extent of North and South. The principal residence streets at the time were First, Second, Third, with a few scattered beyond. The old court house stood on the corner of Madison and Third streets now owned by Mrs. Dr. Christy- and the county jail occupied the corner of the court house square, near the soldier’s monument. When not in use for court, the building was used for public gatherings, concerts and small shows until Kover’s hall was erected on Madison street and later Meiber's hall. The business of that day was conducted on Second and Monroe streets with the factories on First i street and along the river front. Those engaged in business on Monroe street were: John and David King, blacksmiths; Jacob Gloss, hoots and shoes; Adolph Hart, shoemaker; Henry and John McLain, clothing; : Urabbs & Smith, general merchandise; Burt House, Chester C. Burt, proprietor; Charles Miller, merchant | tailor; Bosse & Conter, saloon; C. Rademacher, saloon. On First streel: Jacob King, blacksmith; H. W. I Shackley, wagons and carriages; } Showers & Mickle, gour mills, near (Continued on page two)

:j ed States. The first free schools in Adams 1 county were established about 1850 In 1853 we had seven schools. The ' first brick school house —The Dent iu Root township, was erected in 1872. When Indiana became a state this i 1 territory was a part of Randolph ! county, 1816 to 1823, when It became ; a part of Allen county. Geneva, formerly called Alexander, | ] was founded August 4, 1838; Monroe »j December 11, 1847; Berne In 1852; >; Preble, 1S84; Pleasant Mills, Sep- ] tember 8, 1846; Linn Grove, March - 26, 1807; Monmouth, 1836; and Ceyt; lon, 1873. Other postoffiee addresses in tie county are Mugley and Bobo. 1 1 From a dismal swamp and thickly wooded forest, Adams county has r grown to be one of the finest ta thfc - i middlewest w ith nearly 800 miles of j macadam highway, wonderful farms, 1 splendid churches and schools, a real -I place in which to live.