Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 34, Number 177, Decatur, Adams County, 27 July 1936 — Page 52

PAGE FIFTY-TWO

The Democrat Hasn’t Missed

County’s Only Daily Has Exceptional Service Record By CLEM J. STEIGMEYER Judged by the beet profeeeional standard*, the Decatur Daily Democrat must be proud of its record and in that pride must look forward to greater achievements. I beg leave to extend to you. Mr. Heller, my warmest congratulations. not only for your splendid accomplishment as a journalist, but for the privilege of living in so fine a community.

HOSEPH W. PIERCY, formerly of the Indianapolis News and head of the Department of Journalism of Indiana University for many years past, wrote the foregoing paragraph a few days ago when i had occasion to mention to him the Decatur Centennial and the part the Decatur Daily Democrat was playing in its_ promotion I rot Piercy has long been familiar with the DEMOCRAT for it is one of the newspapers which regularly goes to his department for the practical guidance of his students and the tribute he pavs this newspaper and Mr. Heller, the editor, is the result of manv years of careful study of the newspaper and its policies. Prof. Piercy’s letter is printed in full later m

this article. The first newspaper work 1 ever did was on the Democrat while attending Decatur High School in 1911. Mr. Heller employed me to work occasionally on Saturdays and holidays and I know he was more impelled by his desire to gite me some experience and encouragement. as I nad a penchant for the work, rather than by any real need for my help. I cite this incident because it is characteristic of the Democrat’s policy to be helpful always, both with reference to individuals and to worthy movements; to encourage and to inspire; to lend a helping hand whenever and wherever possible; to build rather than to destroy. Long before modern departments of journalism were established in colleges, it fulfilled well that definition of a good newspaper which Prof. Piercy in his letter gives as follows: "The newspaper reflects the character of the community; but a good newspaper does more: it goes a little ahead of the community—leads it.” Its work is unselfishly for the general public good. When cities reckon up the assets they possess, they count their railroads, factories, stores, banks, homes, clubs, park s, theatres, churches, utilities, but usually overlook the newspaper, which if properly measured, would come near the top of the list. The newspaper is continuously publishing gratuitous appeals for this and that movement; this and that relief; is constantly urging civic betterment. However, the newspaper refuses to accept certain classes of questionable advertisements and otherwise governs its actions in accord with the best interests of the community rather than its own coffers. The newspaper gives more of its services free than almost any other institution that is not an endowed charity, while at the same time it voluntarily, for what it deems the public good, refuses to accept profitable advertising. Plays Vital Part No occasion commemorating the

. (Continued On Succeeding Page) - i. — 11 - 11 ■ I AM THE NEWSPAPER Joseph H. Finn, one-time newspaper reporter and now an advertising agency executive of Chicago, delivered an address before the Associated Advertising Clubs of the World in convention in Chicago June 22. 1915. In that address he paid a tribute to the newspaper which has since been published around the globe and which continues to live because it contains something so true that those who read will not let it die. Like Senator Vest's tribute to the dog, and Elbert Hubbard's "Message to Garcia ", its words are so vital that they will never be forgotten. Here they are: "Born of the deep, daily need of a nation — I am the Voice of Now — the incarnate spirit of the rimes — Monarch of things that are. "My ‘cold type’ burns with the tire-blood of human action. I am led by arteries of wire that girdle the earth. 1 drink from the cup of every living joy and sorrow. 1 sleep not — rest not. I know not night, nor day. nor season. I know no death, yet I am born again with every, morn — with every noon — with every twilight. I leap into fresh being with every new world's event. “Those who created me cease to be — the brains and heart’s blood that nourish me go the way of human dissolution. Yet I live on — and on. “I am Majestic in my Strength Sublime in my Power — Terrible in my Potentialities yet as democratic as the ragged boy who sells me for a penny. “I am the consort of Kings — the partner of capital — the brother of toil. The inspiration of the hopeless the right arm of the needy ■ the champion of the oppressed — the conscience of the criminal. lam the epitome of the world s Comedy and Tragedy. My responsibility is Infinite. I speak and the woild stops to listen. 1 say the word, and the battle (lames the horizon. I counsel peace, and the war Jords obey. I am greater than any individual — more powerful than any group. 1 am the dynamic force of Public Opinion, llightly directed, I am a Creator of Confidence. A builder of happiness in living. I am the Backbone of Commerce. The trail Blazer of Prosperity. lam the teacher of Patriotism. "I am the hands of the clock of Time — the clarion voice of Civilisation “I am the Newspaper."

achievements of Decatur and Adams County during the past 100 1 years could be considered com- ' plete without mention of the news- ’ paper which has played such a vit--1 al part in this progress. Therefore, 1 it is my pleasant, though self-im- ' posed, task of recording briefly, something of the DECATUR ’ DAILY DEMOCRAT, which newspaper has stood by the community in good times and in bad; ' through the hours of black despair as well as through the periods of sunshine and prosperity. The ' files of the DEMOCRAT record the activities of the community in ’ every way. but in none of them do ’ I find a chronicle of the history or 1 the activities of the newspaper It--1 self. Therefore I have had to go to original sources for my informa1 tion and to draw upon the know-1 ’ ledge I myself gained from living | in the community for many years. ! The DECATUR DAILY DEMO- | CRAT. the only daily newspaper ! in Adams County began its exist- . ence as a weekly on Feb. 13. 185". I called the DECATUR EAGLE, and iin that period of nearly 80 years has the unique distinction of nev.l er missing a publication date. It was on Friday the 13th of Febru- ! ary. 79 years months ago that Vol. 1. No. 1 of the EAGLE made f its bow to Decatur, a city at that . time with a population of about ; 300 with a slogan under its front , 1 page masthead “Our Country's r Good Shall Ever Be Our Aim — I Willing to Praise and Not Afraid , to Blame.” The EAGLE, according ’ to Snow's History, was published from a single story building of two rooms, a log cabin with a j plank addition, low ceilings and t small windows, located on the . East side of Second street about where the First State Bank now , stands. H. L. Phillips, who soon , sold a part of his interest to William G. Spencer, an inspiring young attorney at law in Decatur, was its original promoter and publish- . er. “Expect 500 Subscribers.” This significant editorial, ob- , viously written by H. L. Phillips.

I EDITOR FOR 3S YEARS John H. Heller SOHN H. HELLER, manager of the Decatur Daily Democrat since its first issue, January 12, 1903, joined Lew Ellingham on the Democrat, Jan. 28, 1898 while it was still published as a weekly. He has completed more than 38 years of continuous service on the Democrat, establishing an enviable record in Hoosier journalism as a successful publisher and aggressive editor. In 1916, Mr. Heller purchased the Daily Democrat from Mr. Eilingham. who became publisher of the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, and since that date has continued as president of the Decatur Democrat Company and as editor of the Decatur Daily Democrat. Mr. Heller, born and reared in Decatur, was educated in the Decatur public schools and. following the completion of his school work here, attended the Indianapolis Law School from which he was graduated in 1897. Finding newspaper work to his liking, he immediately launched upon his career in that field, working on various newspapers in Indiana and coming to the Democrat in 1898 from the Elwood Record. Throughout his career as an editor and citizen of Decatur, he has given active support and leadership to every worthy civic movement for the upbuilding of his community, personally and with his newspaper. He has never said “No” to any constructive community assignment and Decatur has long enjoyed his able and willing cooperation in upbuilding civic projects especially the industrial expansion of recent years which has resulted so profitably for Decatur and community. He is widely known throughout the state, not only as an able newspaper man hut for his executive ability and for his sound business judgment. For the past two years he has served as president of the Board of Trustees which governs the Indiana State Teachers College at Terre Haute and the Ball State Teachers College at Muncie. He has been a member of this board for six years. Outside recognition also came to him on January 5. 1934 when he was appointed by the Comptroller of the 'United States Currency as national bank receiver to liquidate the national banks at Hartford City, Montpelier, Warren and Farmland. Mr. Heller has always taken an active interest in politics, and the Democratic party has had no more staunch and able worker than he. His policy has always been to place party above self and his community. state and nation above party. He has served as a delegate to four national conventions and as alternate for two. During the memorable convention of 1924, which nominated Davis and Bryan after a never-to-be forgotten three weeks session which had been deadlocked by McAdoo and Smith, he served as secretary of the platform committee.

Staff Os The DEMOCRAT About 1894 A' ■ < s > ; A ' A ' •I s -'; .S' X Left to right:— Frank "Schucks" Schumacher, John Mayer, deceased. John Nix. deceased. Nellie Blackburn, Norval Blackburn, Editor and “Senator” Edmonson. The photograph was taken tn front of the Democrat offioe, which building is owned and occupied by the Daily Democrat today. Mr. Blackburn, the editor, was also postmaster at the time, so the post office was also located in the building as well as a newstand,

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT MONDAY, JULY 27, 1936.

A Publication Date In 79 Year* —— ' — * ■'iW''"

FIRST ISSUE OF WEEKLA —_ Til 1111 C A TIH EAG I I - nRCATt'R, ADAMS COUNTY, 151 LANA, FEB. 13,1867. _ J VOl - ’■ ... - —•—— —t ’ J ili; DHOTI It EAGLE. ' “ 4 " ...rx isx’* 4 in.' At.ll U..J.A »«’■ ’ m 1 ' k ' •' 4- « irate*,. .-.a.en«i *“ - - -■-* : ; ■■" •• -’I .rtra I . \ ... - ;n . . .n’v ...... h . . t- ■ L,. -m ■ t. ' ‘ Ir. I aUk.r.thr.' nK r j _, r •'Hmt.bt 1 t>■ T n.mrv c> 19(1’1 The cut above is reduced one-third and shows the top of the lid The Daily Democrat made its bow to the public January 1-. 1903. ? page. . . i i —— in J FIRST ISSUE OF DAILY j The Daily Democrat. ' v E “ 1 DECATUR, 1 ND! AN A. MONDAY EVEN iNG. JANUARY 12. 1903. ■ ~~ ■ m |CE MAN . DAME RIW AGM A REAL LIVE JOKE. VISIT held. ELECTION REFORM, an •ru.uni r *'*' CONGRESSMAN CROMER <«„«> Legislative Bills IntroThe J. W. Place (umpa.. .-ur» n- AT Ttlt Tmi m B , du(C( | (^ vern i n g Reaping a Bountiful DEMOCRAT Primgrits U outrider..™ UCIfIWKAL .nJ . barkbold- i» •>» Ctem Primaries. I Harvest. m,rriedat<>n«lF«ll*. Mmlw».o* i LmJoil P™ »n Uw WiTtafc arblm»<fa,to Mr. Sidwr Wtlllj. wundlWjk***J**' luJ .ilk tell. r crl< aroints buMorte mao o< tbat nt’ Warm and baa mirrwced io war baaor rowM aboubu Mira trad bare until about » EHJOrtD Bl Tift EKHTH wmatioj a numbte at Chi. aro rn-tet bonaa will ajwd «.?. to lbT m rear ago. sod waa empktted atVao- v orß in pmpMty. "db cbanc*- j.,.,, prariTKi tDMltttSTEttfl HU a aula and a bag to tte Scbww ili n«’S StWLY AGSKUTtS A CW. s.i b.k aa. t otter ay» Qnntin COTCttSMKk. , h ., b. ..II >ll w item teta- AMm tey u« turns ttecitv She »a« popular and b„ [ n> 6 d«al «aa clu-d the’ at roume, fontKHH.TMIAU.BT. meal and tepp, bourn. Bria.™, COOL. LVFJi COLD 300,000 TONS. so armr <1 good Inrods who "“>b toete «bsl ttej aj" llu , shui » , ri „ AKW uwuu. .. u— bar jor.bappuwas tad tbo test tbroe propossd s nsit to tte oil teM. > Scbunmr. »bo laama iaTI. , w tero is in the ««». or anvabsro rlFp t? 1 Tom wae squal to tbe rotsrgrocr ami Alabama, .ter ba arw.** V aub Tte J. w. Plate ™ J? teratemot M»'a bapporoa- ’ nc MtmtS U IfbMtnf 1 Fint MwUJ|< , t jooa rbartarad a Pullmaa coat-b tea fubm terns Mrealy hve or ««hty men workiDgiu not come di met from aP d broucht the party tbe Erie . aud if SU An the PKtofflce Department *«£ th. Cbm <ttmaoaf.il through its.tr-thta tte "uip, wiroo.-ternte rotertmaji T neitteuday* tb* _ Our National Wv- * with th. bo-- He amrlorteaa ' M -ml »xnMtuoF -M’’ mem will be The above illustration, reduced one half, is an exact reproduction of a portion of the front page of the first issue of the Demoeral then known as the Decatur Eagle.

Items From Early Issues Os Decatur Eagle In 1857

| Feb. 13—The wan*, of exchanges/ i will for a weak or so. prevent our i giving as much new and interesting i news as we wish, but as the paper j ' will be this deficiency we hopei ! will not deteriorate the cnaracter of i I our first efforts. The Adams Circuit Court adjourned on yesterday, his honor Judge Worden presided. Almost the enI tire docket was cleared, except the I divorce cases, and his honor was inclined not to grant divorces upon trivial imaginary causes, as it had become a growing evil and should be discountenanced. Feb. 20—Mr. Samuel L. Bugg, on .Monday last, concluded a sale of the i "Fornax Mills” at this place, to Mr. John Sedwicu, of Fort Wayne, who, we are infformed is an efficient miller. March 13—Hon. S. L. Rugg and Hon. D. Studabaker, our Senator and Repreeentative, arrived at home a few days ago, both are in fine spirits and excellent health. Notice is hereby given that there is money in the treasury to redeen all county ordens which were presented prior to the 10th day of June, 1855, John Crawford, treasurer. June 12 —We publish this week the auditor’s report of the receipts and expenditures of the county, during the financial yeans. It will be observed upon examina-

tion that there are orders outstanding to the amount of $1,695.16; while there is in the treasury money to redeem the amount of $1.14095; leaving the true indebtedness of the county only $564-24. June 26 — The largest, ripest, 1 sweetest and spiciest strawberries, we have ever seen, were shown usl this week by our fellow townsman, Mr. J. D. N’uttman. which he cultivated and raised in his garden. August 14 — The election news comets to hand very tslowly, but so far as heard from indicates a complete Democratic triumph in lowa, Missouri, Kentucky and Alabama. Sept. 11 —The tax payers of Adams County Indiana are hereby notified that the following levies for taxes have been made for the yeyar 1857, to-wit; For county purposes. 35 cents on the SIOO valuation and five cents on each pole; for school purposes, 10 cents on SIOO valuation and 50 cents on each pole. ’ For sinking fund two cents on SIOO valuation. Oct. 2—The whole country is in commotion on account of the many Bank failures of late. Panic has seized the peoiple, we publish a list of nearly ninety Banks which have lately broken and discredited, refuse all money on Banks in the list. Later advises say refuse all of the Virginia, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh money. Stand from under. Oct. 9—By reference to our columns it will be seen that J. D. Nuttman haw started a Banking and Exchange Office in Decatur. Oct. 23 — There has been established ih Kirk'and township in this county a new post office, by the name of "Kirkland” on mail route No. 14,793 from this place to Warren. Huntington County, Indiana. Robert Niblick. This office will afford great advantages to a large eccipe of country lying between this place and Bluffton. —o- —— Personal Items In First Daily Holt house, Callow amt Co. are showing their progressive spirit by putting in a new steel ceiling. The game of pox ball which was to have been played at the Temperance billiard hail Saturday evening was postponed on account off several of the members not being able to be present. The teams are composed of the following persons:

This page and the page foll- | owing have been written and edited by Clem J. Steigmeyer. Marty. Colchin, Oliges and Spahr and Phillips, Lankenau. Shoemaker ■ and Bremerkamp. Much Interest is i being manifsdted in these games. Dave Gerber went to Portland i thits morning, where he will attend to business. Miss Ida Kohu entertained a few of her girl friends last night at her home on Adame street. Progressive Pedro was the amusement of the evening and Miss Emma Terveer succeeded in capturing the first prize. Miss Edna Ehinger had to content herself with the booby. Plans For Erection Os First Court House An interesting session of the county commissioners is recorded in the meeting of May 18, '39, when plans were laid for tne erection of the first court house, which was built on the lot now occupied by Dr. Henry Frohnapfel, ou the southeast corner of Third and Jefferson streets. The report shows that the build-

A TRIBUTE TO HOOSIER JOURN ALISM Indiana newspaper men, in every corner of the state, should a predate the eloquent tribute to Hoosier journalism appearing in tl current issue of the Indiana Farmers Guide. In his article entitled, "Newspapers Help in Community Building Elmer A. Nordholm. manager of the Western Newspaper I nion. < scribes the scene in the office of a metropolitan newspaper: "Typewriters chatter — telephones ring madly — there is a seel ingly impossible confusipn as news from all corners of the earth P°' B through the editors' hands; the crash of typesetting machines — 'I myriad mechanical details that must be completed — then the slo rumble of mammoth presses rising to a deafening roar as they si* forth the latest edition. It s a thrilling process to watch, this spectacular production of metropolitan newspaper — there's romance and glamour; a mane! swiftness and sureness; wonderful in the scope and breadth of 1 material the paper contains." But for all the color and romance of the press of the cities. ■' Noidhoim does not neglect big papers' little brothers. 1 he usual weekly newspaper publisher is no better or worse th the average man, he is probably afflicted with most of the failing* ll; the average person has, but in the main he is an earnest citizen, at tons for the upbuilding of his town and county, eager to be of sei'' Ito his fellow man. He is no plaster saint, but for the most part feels keenly the responsibility he carries, and part he must play 1,1 1 I community life. His erudition may not Ire great, but his heart is the right place and his readers know him and recognize the spirit tl actuates him." In conclusion —a conclusion encouraging to active journalists a inspiring to the public, Mr. Nordholm states: The local editor and his newspaper are usually the spearhead community progress, of community enterprise and community spit j They build, as thousands of Indiana communities can testify ~ FI Wayne Journal-Gazette.

ing was to be 30 x 40 feet "square. The record is: I “Ordered that John Reynolds aJ Samuel L. Rugg be authorized I bbui’d a court house on lot ntuntw 94 in the town of Det atur I thall be a frame house, built I good material and 30 feet by I feet square and two stories In J I the lower story or room to ae M 1 whole without any partitions al the upper stories or rooms di'idi into rooms to accommodate t. grand and petit juries and that thl convey said lot to the county ■ its proper agent for which lot th. shall be allowed the sum of $1 the cost of which together with 11 cost of building the said haul shall be paid out of the douatil 'soon to become due from the sal i John Reynolds and Samuel L. Rua The expenses of buildihg the sal shall be adjusted and ag ed on '■ the county agent with the sal i contractors and the said eounl i agent shall exercise a kind of sup! . intendance over the completion I , the said building and adjust tl i cost of the said building with tl ' said builders in a fair eqii;tah| manner and that the said buildil ' shall be completed by tae Octobl ter mos the Adams circuit courtj I possible and the eatherboardij | of the two sides next to the strel shall be planed.”