Praise the lord, and sing along

Idaville Observer, Fri. April 24, 1908

How Hoosiers Support Churches

A bulletin covering the church work of Indiana for 1907 has been compiled by the State Bureau of Statistics. Among the features show is that the average weekly wages of ministers in Indiana last year was $11.30. The average annual salary was $588.39.

The highest average salary paid annually was by the Swedenborgian church. The amount was $1,350. The average salary pay by the Greek Catholic church to its priests was $1,200; by the Roman Catholic church to its priests was $800; by Congregational churches, $850; by Hebrew churches, $1,200; by Methodist Episcopal, $935; by Presbyterian, $1,038. The total salary of the ministers of Indiana last year was $1,657,975. The total paid for support of the various denominations was $2,288,460.

The report shows that the total membership of the Indiana churches in 1907 increased 70,490 over the previous year. The total membership is 1,003,145. The statistician estimated that four out of every 10 people in Indiana belong to some church.

The Roman Catholic church has the largest membership, 210,438.

Democrat, March 19, 1896

The Brookville Academy of Music

The society was organized last May by Charles F. Goodwin for the purpose of awakening a greater interest in music in Brookville. It was decided to give 12 recitals, one each month.

How successful these recitals have been, everyone who has had the pleasure of attending, will testify. 

Since the death of Charles F. Goodwin, nothing had been done by the society until Saturday evening, March 7, when the society was called together and John C. Shirk elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Goodwin. It was decided at this meeting to give a public concert in the M.E. Church on the evening of March 27, 1896.

1928, almost a good year

Democrat, 1928

KIWANIS NOTES

The meeting of the Kiwanis club this week was a business meeting. Quite an interesting session was held, as a number of item of business were discussed. (So, tell us more.)

The celebration of the completion of the paving of U.S. 52 from Brookville to Harrison brought out a bit of interest since Harrison, Ohio, club has arranged to celebrate this event on Saturday, November 10, 1928.

After due deliberation the local club decided to cooperate with Harrison in this event. Incidental to this celebration we had brought to our attention a criticism by the public of the Kiwanis club that "they talk about doing but never do much."

If there is any organization locally that put forth more energetic endeavors to get this road paved, we do not know what it is.

Auto Races at Rushville

Sunday, June 29, a series of auto races will be run at the Rushville Motor Speedway, featuring such known drivers as Howdy Wilcox, Dutch Bouman, Louis Schneider, Wilbur Shaw and others. These famous pilots will battle for track records on the fastest oiled dirt track in Indiana. Two large grandstands provide ample seating capacity and there is plenty of free parking space.

Airplane Wrecked

An airplane, enroute from Cincinnati to Chicago, was badly wrecked Sunday when the pilot was forced to make a landing on the farm of Ollie Miles, near Whitcomb. The plane had developed motor trouble and in landing, a gust of wind swerved the machine into a fence, demolishing one wing and badly damaging the landing gear.

The pilot was uninjured and a wrecking crew came from Cincinnati Monday and removed the wrecked plane.

"Ben Hur" and "The Little Clodhopper"

On Tuesday night, Jan. 1 (1929) the motion picture, "Ben Hur," will be shown at the Whitewater school auditorium and on the following Friday night, Jan. 4, "A (The) Little Clodhopper," which was postponed on account of the flu epidemic, will be presented. Everyone invited. (That was a stage play.)

 

Guns and germs

Democrat, April 1, 1926

BULLET

Fired Through Glass Door Narrowly Misses Kroger Store Manager

Bernard Rolfes, who recently became manager of the downtown Kroger grocery, located on the west side of Main Street between Fifth and Sixth streets, narrowly escaped death Monday night by a bullet from a revolver fired by some person through the glass of the door opening into the passageway on the south side of the building.

The bullet missed Mr. Rolfes only a few inches, splintered the upper edge of a shelf and struck the brick wall back of the shelving. The shot was fired about 8:30 o'clock, while he was alone in the store.

Whether the dastardly act was committed by an enemy of the new manager or for robbery or some other purpose of course is unknown, for although the officers were immediately summoned, the miscreant had made a safe getaway.

Tuesday, an officer of the company and a detective were here investigating but found no clue to the identity of the person who fired the shot.

Anti-Spitting Campaign

During the first week in May, the Franklin County Tuberculosis Association will conduct the annual Anti-Spitting campaign. The object of this work is to show how much disease is spread by this unsanitary and very offensive habit.

1880s-era ads around Indiana

 

1921 fun, had by all

Democrat April 1921

Fairfield Class Party

The door bell being out of commission, a spoon and pan gave the alarm that the S.S. class taught by Alma Himelick had arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Snider, near Fairfield, on the evening of April 1.

A peanut hunt, which proved to be an April Fool joke, was participated in by a few. This started the fun to going.

Thirty-five members and visitors took part in the simple game "Gossip" which caused much merriment.

Stunts were performed, proving they were active young people. The boys and girls sang several songs, the boys proving themselves to be the singers of the evening.

At a late hour, lunch was served consisting of fruit salad and cake, at which Virgil Bowne and Chas. Linegar showed the girls that they were capable to serve the eats.

This class of young people extend an invitation to anyone who wishes to join it and assist in making it one of the best classes in the Sunday School.

Note: Yodeling, not included.

D. of I. Entertain K of C

It was an inexpressible joy and pleasant surprise to the Knights of Columbus to see the Daughters of Isabella render a prepared program at their joint meeting Thursday evening, March 31. It was beyond all expectation. With every number their enthusiasm increased. 

Much praise is due to Miss Lauterbach, who handled with exceptional ability, the work connected with this entertainment. The work was exemplified most beautifully by every character participating, each one displaying an intimate knowledge of her part, which reflected much credit to their teacher.

The program consisted of vocal solos by misses Helen Fries and Clara Smith, accompanied by Miss Hilda Geis, a reading "Robert of Sicily," by Miss Dorothy Reifel, a piano solo by Miss Agnes Humig, two comedies, "Not a Man in the House" and "How a Woman Keeps a Secret," in which 15 girls took part.

1908 -- cars you couldn't afford

 

Or motorcycles either

Patent medicine -- you are cured!

 Ads from the late 1800s and early 1900s dotted all newspapers with ridiculous claims that are still being sold in the 2020s. Purge the poop, get cleaner blood. Castor oil.

"Tell your doctor if you are flatulent."