Jasper County Democrat, Volume 23, Number 72, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 December 1920 — RENSSELAER IN 1860 [ARTICLE]

RENSSELAER IN 1860

In looking over some old papers a few days ago Miss Gertrude Hopkins found an envelope containing the following poem which she received September 22, 1899, from John L. Pierce of Lebanon, Ind. Miss Hopkins does not recall why the poem was sent her or whether Mr. Pierce was the author, but it will be quite interesting to the older citizens of Rensselaer, as it mentions all of the business men here at that time, it is said. The poem follows: Where, is the town, both z far and near, With this one can compare? I mean the town of Rensselaer, And simply ask you where? > Borne back from Pisga s mountain peak, Upon the balmy air, Comes a voice low, soft and weak Whispering, “Alas, nowhere.” John Austin, on the corner, Is a very clever man, He meets you with a smiling face, And takes you by the hand. There’s not a bit of cheat in John, He’s square in every dicker. He sells you coffee, sugar, tea, , But never sells you “likker. The Wilson boys are clever. The sadllers just next door. Riding saddles of their leather Will never make you sore. Ike Stackhouse and his brother Now keep the hardware store And if their ware ain’t hard enough, They’ll order on some more. Next comes a little “No place, Keeping “nothing of all sizes. Nobody knows who tends it. For he never advertises. Laßue and Wishard, merchants here, Keep fancy goods displayed And for the cash not very dear A pleasant place to trade. Next comes the Bank of Rensselaer, An institution sound. Deposit there, you need not fear, It stands on solid ground. Up in the “Big store building Tom Clark you’ll always find. He’s every whit a gentleihan, One of the modern kind. He keeps the best of goods on hand And some to please the eye; A Store of command

To sell to those who buy. | The Seminary hoves In view, A school for education. The teachers there teach precepts true To the rising generation. Long may it flourish and its fame Be spread both far and near As the male and female seminary Of the town of Rensselaer. Friend Pressly keeps the Dunlap House, That’s Just across the street, And Alex keeps the Rowan House, With "victuals’ good to eat. Now as we've gone up far enough, Before we leave our seat We’ll take a turn and travel down The other side of the street. John Thompson keeps a dry goods store In the very latest style. He treats you like a gentleman And meets you with a smile. Jim Ballard* selling drugs next door To cure you. of the "Shake," And Cy Barnes keeps tobacco That isn’t bad to take. Friend Purk and Deacon Downing Keep the "Shanghai" merchant hall. And should you want a wedding suit, Why, there’s the place to call. Brooms are made by Charley Rhoades And harness number one, While “Windy” fixes watches And warrants them to run., McSheeby Knight, of “awl and last,” A mighty man is he. Just you drop in while going past His leather' ware to see. “Irwin and Hopkins" come in turn; The Hoosier store they keep. And from what little I can learn They sell their goods quite cheap. And now we’ve come down to the last, ’Tls “Honest John,” the Dutchman. Maybe I’m talking rather fast; I would we had more, such men. . He makes a boot that can’t be beat For rub and wear and tear. He makes It fit so very neat, And charges naught but fair. We’ve reached the end of our only street, But turn around the corner, A son of Vulcan you will find; They call him Norman Warner. Jedutham keeps the old grist mill, Where the angry waters roll; He’ll give you your bran If you bring a sack, But he always keeps his toll. The summer suns and winter storms Will ever leave their traces But your Uncle Henry can paint your house When he gets on -a “proper basis.” Doc Martin drives a splendid team; He lives across the river. He’ll give you quinine by the ounce When the "ager” makes you shiver. Doc Bickford gives you little pills; Doc Moss will give you bigger. Doc Loughridge votes with the Democrats And cusses the “lowly nigger.” And when with “earthly ills” you’re done And your soul hath taken Its flight, You wiU be buried on the river bank By your Uncle Willis Wright It is now time to order your automobile licenses for 1921. Come In and let me fill out your application for you.—MABEL NOWELS, at The Democrat olhee.