Information provided

The Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte recently awarded Visiting Nurse Association of Northwest Indiana a grant to assist in opening an office in LaPorte in answer to the increasing demand for hospice and aging services. The new location at 803 Washington St., in the historic train depot, is the not-for-profit’s first satellite office. VNA of NWI is headquartered in Valparaiso.

VNA of NWI has served LaPorte County for nearly 50 years and currently provides hospice care, grief support and Lifeline services. The new location strengthens and confirms the organization’s commitment to the community. The LaPorte office will allow families and the medical community easier referral for care, as well as provide clinical staff quicker access to necessary supplies for patients receiving services in LaPorte. VNA of NWI will also host educational seminars on a variety of topics involving end of life care, and recruitment for employment and volunteer opportunities for LaPorte area residents at the new location.

“The VNA of Northwest Indiana has always been committed to LaPorte and all of LaPorte County. We have wonderful relationships with the hospitals and many of the providers in the area, so it makes sense for us to build on those relationships by establishing even more of a physical presence in the community. It will be a great asset to us in recruiting staff and volunteers, engaging with families and providers, and becoming more involved in the civic and charitable groups that do so much for the community,” said Bob Franko, president/CEO of VNA of NWI.

VNA of NWI worked with the LaPorte Economic Advancement Partnership in selecting the new location. The new office is in the recently renovated train depot two blocks east of LaPorte Hospital. This location is well suited as it is in the heart of LaPorte’s medical community, making it highly accessible to meet with families and physicians.

VNA of NWI is the most patient-focused provider of aging, palliative, hospice, and grief support services in Northwest Indiana, providing comfort, peace of mind, and superior care to families working through some of life’s greatest challenges. VNA of NWI provides hospice and palliative care services as well as grief support, Lifeline and Meals on Wheels. The VNA is an accredited, not for profit, United Way agency serving Porter, LaPorte, Lake, Jasper and Starke counties for nearly 50 years. For more information, contact the VNA of NWI at 219.462.5195 or visit www.VNANWI.org.

Michael “Mike” Cook, 56, of Walkerton, IN, joined his family in heaven on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019, in his home with his daughters at his side.

He was born Feb. 24, 1963, in Greenfield, TN, to Wendell and Vanda (Roark) Cook.

Mike worked as a Mechanic Equipment Operator and other various positions for over 14 years with his NIPSCO “brothers.” He was baptized at Salem Chapel United Methodist Church. Mike enjoyed working with horses, camping, good food, and spending quality time with his family and friends. A tough cowboy with a dog at his side and a heart of gold, Michael was a man who enjoyed the simple things in life and shared them with unbridled joy. He cared about people, always had good advice, and became a father figure to more than his own.

On Aug. 29, 1992, he married the light of his life, Carol (Schrader) Cook, who preceded him in death.

Surviving are his daughters, Dakota and Bailee Cook; mother, Vanda (Roark) Cook; siblings, Wendell Cook (Nina Hargis) and Kari Keller; nieces, Kelsey Hulecki and Chazney Keller; nephews, Jason Cook and Justin Cook; and many in-law relatives.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wendell Cook, and son, Lattigo Michael Cook.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. CST on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at Salem Chapel United Methodist Church, LaPorte. Visitation will be held at the church from 3 to 7 p.m. CST Monday, Aug. 19, and from 10 a.m. CST until the service Tuesday. Burial will follow the service at Salem Cemetery, LaPorte. Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions in honor of Michael A. Cook may be made to the donor’s choice.

Messages of condolences may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.cutlercares.com.

The LIDAR unit.

Press release and photos provided 

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute recently distributed 1,000 new RADAR and LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) speed measurement devices to police agencies across Indiana. The institute has graciously provided the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office with five RADAR units and one LIDAR unit. The devices were purchased by the institute using federal dollars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The certified, dash-mounted moving/stationary RADAR units, equipped with front and rear antennas, will measure the speed of the motoring public in the same and opposite directions. The certified hand-held LIDAR device will detect speeding vehicles at extended distances through several lanes of traffic and/or obstructions along a roadway, such as trees.

“We are very thankful to have received this new equipment from the institute,” said Captain Derek J. Allen. “The new equipment will assist deputies in the ongoing effort to improve traffic safety and awareness of the motoring public in LaPorte County.”

One of the RADAR units.

For decades, the sheriff’s office has sought and received grants from the institute allowing additional deputies to be deployed to work projects such as Operation Pullover and DUI Task Force. The new equipment will immediately be installed in unmarked and marked sheriff’s patrol vehicles.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Aug. 16, 1919 — A new firm with a salesroom for the handling of the Maxwell car will open in LaPorte. It will also specialize in the sale of second-hand cars.

Aug. 16, 1969 — Soetje Motor Sales buys the grand champion beef at the county fair auction for $2.40 a pound—a total of $2,616.

Aug. 16, 1994 — The Lion King, Angels in the Outfield, The Client, and Speed are showing at the theater in LaPorte.

Aug. 16, 2009 — Rolling Prairie residents celebrate the 17th annual Olde Farmers Fest.

Lubeznik Arts Festival, one of Michigan City’s summer highlights, is fast approaching. The 2019 festival will take place Saturday, Aug. 17, and Sunday, Aug. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the grounds of Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W. 2nd St.

Here’s a sneak peak at some of this year’s festival highlights.

— Veterans receive free admission! Thanks to a generous grant by the Michigan City Public Art Committee, veterans will once again receive free admission to the festival in 2019. Qualifying individuals may either identify themselves at the festival gates or stop by the center ahead of time to pick up a special veterans ticket.

— Admission to the festival is $5 per person, per day. Center members, children ages 16 and under and active military personnel may enter free. Convenient off-site parking and shuttle service will be available at no charge. All proceeds from this event will be used to support center programs and exhibitions, helping ensure the center is able to remain free and open to all, seven days a week.

— Fine arts and crafts: This year’s festival includes more than 75 artists and artisans from the Midwest and beyond. Exhibitors have been selected through a juried application process to represent six different categories: 2-Dimensional Art, Fine Craft, Jewelry, Photography, Sculptural Objects and Wearable Art.

— Inside the center, NIPSCO Education Studios will host four talented contemporary artists. Shanoor Devarj, founder and owner of Devarj Design Agency, is an award-winning artist from LaPorte who believes that through unity we will find peace. Shanoor will be exhibiting his series “Celebrate Freedom 911” during the festival. Artist Ish Muhammad has lived in Indiana for three decades. He calls his style post-graffiti abstract expressionism. Muhammad’s works have been exhibited nationally and internationally in venues such as the Chicago Cultural Center and the Indiana State Museum. He recently completed commissions for Leeds Public House and Franciscan Health in Michigan City. Sharing an indoor space are husband and wife artists Rick Lange and Suzanne Cohan-Lange, owners of Blink Contemporary Gallery on Franklin Street. Rick is an artist and retired Adjunct Professor of Fine Arts and Art Education at Loyola University. His paintings have appeared in numerous shows in the U.S. and Europe. Suzanne is the Chair Emeritus of the Interdisciplinary Arts Department of Columbia College Chicago, which she founded in 1976. As a sculptor, Suzanne has worked in steel, resin, paper, wood, clay and glass.

— Unforgettable live entertainment: On Saturday, Aug. 17, from 1 to 2 p.m., the festival will welcome Surabhi Ensemble. This Chicago-based world music group has a mission of bringing together people to celebrate diverse global cultures, musical genres, race, religion, and color. The ensemble fuses flamenco music, mellifluous Middle Eastern Maqams, African rhythms with the rich sounds of Indian Classical ragas, embellished with blues and folk melodies. On Sunday, Aug. 18, from noon to 2 p.m., Kristina Isabelle of Michigan City Moves will bring some long-legged antics to LAF. During this time frame, stilters will be roaming around and dancing on the festival grounds. This performance will feature young stilters from the Works in Motion Dance Company.

— Family-friendly fun: The center believes art is for everyone, especially kids! Take a break from shopping to create with its education staff in its dedicated family art-making space. Kids can explore Ozobots, creating comics, building free-form sculptures and more. Family activities run from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily and are free with festival admission. Visitors of all ages are also welcome to cool off in the center’s indoor galleries while exploring “The Chicago Imagists: Before and After” summer blockbuster exhibition.

— Delicious eats: Festival goers can discover some of the region’s tastiest cuisine without leaving the grounds. Pachamama Street Food from New Buffalo serves a rotating menu of southeast Asian and south American classics. Also on hand will be one of Michigan City’s hometown favorites, Cabo’s Ice Cream & Mexican Food.

2019 festival sponsors include 1st Source Bank, NIPSCO, McDonald’s of LaPorte County and the Michigan City Public Art Committee. In-kind sponsors include Bulk Equipment Co., Current Electric, Haas & Associates and the City of Michigan City. Media sponsors include 95.1 FM/AM 1420 WIMS, 102.5 FM/AM 1060 WHFB, GreatNews.Life, The News Dispatch, South Shore CVA, The Times Media Company, and Visit Michigan City LaPorte.

Chris Lehner in his Baby Ace. (Facebook photo)

The LaPorte Aero Club’s annual pancake breakfast will take place Sunday, Aug. 18, from 7 a.m. to noon at the LaPorte Municipal Airport on South Ind. 39. This year’s breakfast will be a joint effort between the Aero Club and the Westville Lions Club. Come enjoy great food, great airplanes, and this year, great muscle cars as well.

Airplane and helicopter rides (weather permitting) will be available for purchase.

A special guest will be pilot and LaPorte parade flyover legend Chris Lehner, who will have his Baby Ace on display. He flew the Baby Ace at the opening day of Oshkosh July 22.

For more information, call the airport at 324-3393.

The Nick Moss Band

The 14th annual LaPorte County Blues Festival is set for Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheatre in Fox Park. Doors open at noon and music begins at 2 p.m., lasting well into the night!

The 2019 band lineup is:

2 p.m. — Head Honchos
4 p.m. — Michael Charles
6 p.m. — Howard and the White Boys
8 p.m. — Nick Moss Band

As usual there will be great fun, food and drinks as well as the great music.

No coolers, please.

Tickets for this fundraiser for local nonprofits are $10 per person. For tickets and more information, call 219-326-0595.

The top photo shows the 1919 convoy. The map below is its route via the Lincoln Highway. (Photo and image provided)

The Military Vehicle Preservation Association 2019 Transcontinental Motor Convoy will be in Indiana on Aug.18-19, 2019, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first U.S. Army Transcontinental Motor Convoy, including young Lt. Col. Dwight Eisenhower, in 1919.

More than 50 historic military vehicles of all eras will be traveling convoy-style at 35 mph through Indiana on the Historic Lincoln Highway. 

The vehicle roster currently includes cargo trucks, Harley-Davidson WLA motorcycles, staff cars and jeeps, and later model M913 5-ton cargo trucks. The convoy’s daily stopping points will be many of the same locations as the 1919 convoy.

According to a schedule, the westward convoy is estimated to reach LaPorte on Monday morning after traveling through New Carlisle and Rolling Prairie. A stop at the fairgrounds is planned. While the time of the convoy’s arrival is hard to pinpoint, the most recent best estimation is 6:30-6:50 a.m. You can click on this link for the Live Convoy Tracker: https://tinyurl.com/y48jctnq. (Click on the small red car to activate the route.).

For more information, visit MVPA Historic Convoys on Facebook.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Aug. 17, 1919 — The worst transit strike in the history of New York has the city paralyzed. Policemen and reserves are distributed throughout the city to prevent rioting. A rainstorm added to difficulties.

Aug. 17, 1969 — President Nixon nominates U.S. Appeals Judge Clement F. Haynsworth Jr. to the U.S. Supreme Court, succeeding Abe Fortas, who resigned under fire.

Aug. 17, 1994 — Low’s Clothing Store, a downtown fixture, will close in January as owner Sam Ringla retires.

Aug. 17, 2009 — Two men are arrested for trying to sell plywood made to look like flat screen TVs for $200-$300 at a business near Michigan City.

This vintage 1934 AP photo shows desperado John Dillinger (wearing vest) looking quite chummy with prosecutor Robert Estill at the Crown Point jailhouse.

By Fern Eddy Schultz, La Porte County Historian

Before it was Dick’s Bar (currently) and Governor’s Palace gift shop (shown here), this handsome building was the Peoples Savings and Trust Bank. (Photo provided)

Most will not know much if anything about the crime in La Porte County in 1926. However, with all of the recent publicity about the exhumation of the body of noted bank robber John Dillinger, it brings back memories of a crime in La Porte that was attributed by many to this noted individual.
This event occurred at the Peoples Savings and Trust Bank at 912 Lincoln Way (later housing the Governor’s Palace and since 1995, the home of Dick’s Bar). Some of the local people who were employed by that bank at the time of the event were Donald L. Collins, then a teller and later retired as president of First National Bank and Trust Co., cashier Harry Keller, teller George Petering and bookkeepers Winifred Hastings and Alice Fick.

The day to remember is Nov. 26, 1926. It was a Friday. It was announced in the local newspaper that the 1920s were the “first of two postwar binges that brought money to the average worker as production increased and the banks had a store of cash.” This was also a time when John Dillinger had risen to be one of history’s “classic” hoodlums.

It was about 11 a.m. when the individual assumed to be Dillinger and four cohorts entered Peoples Savings and Trust Bank in the heart of downtown La Porte. They waved their guns and ordered employees to lie down on the floor and cashier Harry Keller to unlock the safe. One of the robbers blew out a glass window.

The information reported that it didn’t require the bandits more than five minutes to clean the cash off the counter, pick and choose out of the vault, and head for the getaway car parked on Lincoln Way. Everything happened so suddenly that no one tailed the escaping bandits. At the time, bank employees figured the loss was about $30,000 in cash and another $60,000 in negotiable bonds, old liberty bonds.

La Porte County Historian Fern Eddy Schultz

For years, the Peoples Bank robbery was ranked as a record cash “haul” for an Indiana bank robbery, “but the big money era erased that record.” Just a day before the anniversary date of La Porte’s bank robbery, in 1973, one of American Fletcher National’s branches in Indianapolis was hit by several well-armed gunmen and the loss exceeded $230,000.

For years after the La Porte robbery, rumor tried to tie the famed or infamous John Dillinger to the Peoples robbery. But the unsolved robbery was partially solved in 1975 when an 88-year old Joplin, Missouri, man, who claimed he figured in the La Porte robbery, gave an “interview confession” with WLS-TV in Chicago. Ted Hartzell, who was a Herald-Argus reporter at that time, followed up with an interview of John Harvey Bailey, who told about his days as a “professional” bank robber and the successful heist of cash in La Porte. Bailey served three decades in prison for his way of life. He was quoted as saying, “This wasn’t my bunch. It was Charley Fitzgerald’s bunch, but we got away with it.”

According to records, Dillinger was serving time in the Indiana Reformatory on Nov. 12, 1926, and authorities insisted he was in the Reformatory on the day of the La Porte robbery. He was sentenced to the Reformatory on Sept. 15, 1924, and remained there until transferred to the Michigan City Indiana State Prison on July 16, 1928. He was released from prison on parole May 23, 1933, and according to published information, went on a “rip-roaring crime spree” at that time.
It was reported that the La Porte bank closed as a result of the robbery and the Depression.

As for Dillinger, he was shot and killed by FBI agents on July 22, 1934, in front of the Biograph Theater in Chicago. The feds were reportedly tipped off by an informant, “the lady in red,” who was accompanying Dillinger.

FERN EDDY SCHULTZ is official Historian of La Porte County.

WNLP photos and information by Mike Kellems

Several hundred people turned out Wednesday evening, Aug. 14, 2019, to relax and listen to the LaPorte High School Marching Band perform at the Arts in the Park event at Fox Park. The concert coincided with the first day of school, however it was very evident that the students have been practicing a lot already. The second act of the evening was LaPorte’s very own Middle of the Road band, which has been performing at venues across the area since the 1970s. Based on the enthusiastic dancing by both young and old, the band will be going strong for years to come. The last shot shows Bob Sensow, a retired police officer, standing with his hand over his heart as the band played the National Anthem.

Marilyn “Jean” Fain, 78, of LaPorte, IN, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, Aug. 16, 2019.

She was born Aug. 8, 1941, in Leiters Ford, IN, to O.C. Harold and Mary Magdalene (Davis) Hartle.

Jean worked as an office manager at Wampler’s for many years.  She was a member of First Church of God and was a former member of the Pleasant Township Advisory Board. She enjoyed participating in a women’s bowling league for over 30 years.

On Jan. 15, 1972, in Door Village, IN, she married Wendell H. Fain, who survives.

Also surviving are her children, Debra (Brian) Sauers of LaPorte, Delynn (Tom) Ervin of Fox Lake, WI, and Curtis (Kimi) Fain of Rolling Prairie, IN; grandchildren, Brienne (Jeff) Robertson of Hudsonville, MI, Lauren Sauers of LaPorte, Alexis Fain of Golden, CO, Amelia Sauers of LaPorte, Mariah Fain of Rolling Prairie, Jack (Devlin) Ervin of Pensacola, FL, Kerigan Hundt of Rolling Prairie, and Zachary Fain of Rolling Prairie; great-grandchildren, Cole, Elena and Leah; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Mark Nalepka; sisters, Connie Dunlap and Beverly Osborn; and brother, Gerald “Bud” Hartle.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Pastor Jeff Zigler officiating.  Burial will follow at Salem Heights Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, and from 10 a.m. until the service Wednesday.

Memorial donations may be made to First Church of God, 2020 E. Lincolnway, LaPorte, IN 46350, or to the donor’s choice.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.cutlercares.com.

WNLP photos by Bob Wellinski

Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019, marked the start of a new era for students in grades 5-8 in LaPorte Community Schools. The new Kesling campus — which includes Kesling Intermediate School (grades 5 and 6) and LaPorte Middle School (grades 7 and 8) — officially opened. Although there are still a few things left to do, students, teachers and staff began the new year in a new building on the west side and a renovated building on the east, this all on the site of the former Kesling Middle School off 18th Street. Students from Boston Middle School, along with 5th graders, now attend the Kesling campus. The Boston building, originally a LaPorte High School site, now houses administrative offices.

The LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra (LCSO) and Interim Music Director Charles Steck announce auditions for the 2019-2020 season. Auditions will take place Aug. 27 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at LaPorte High School (Door 15), 602 F St.
The orchestra is seeking qualified musicians to fill vacancies in the following positions:
Principal Second Violin
Principal Viola
Principal Bass
2nd Bassoon
Percussion
Section Violin
Section Cello
Section Trumpet
Season Student Apprentices (2019-20 school year)
All instruments available to audition for subbing and/or future LCSO opportunities.
The LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra has a unique apprentice program that places highly skilled high school students alongside seasoned professionals. These paid positions offer advanced and motivated students a chance to learn first hand the discipline, motivation, character and musicianship necessary to perform at a professional level. A limited number of student apprentice positions are available. Please contact the LCSO personnel manager for more information and availability.
The 2019-2020 season will feature a children’s concert and three season subscriptions concerts. LCSO also contracts with the Healthcare Foundation of LaPorte for its Holiday at the Pops fundraiser and the New Buffalo Business Association for its annual community 4th of July fireworks celebration.
The LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra is a per-service orchestra offering contracts on an annual basis. All positions are paid and mileage is paid for non-LaPorte County residents. The 60-piece orchestra includes musicians from Michigan City, LaPorte, Chesterton, Valparaiso, Merrillville, South Bend, and Michigan.
More information, including specific audition requirements, may be found at www.LCSO.net or by contacting Morgan Sleeper, personnel manager, at lcsopersonnel@gmail.com.

Press release provided

Raise as much as $6,000 for the LaPorte Marching Band with Ford Lincoln of LaPorte and the community of LaPorte by Taking the Wheel with Ford.

This event will generate much-needed money for the band’s Walt Disney World performance trip this November.

Across the United States, vital arts, music and sports programs are being cut annually due to growing budgetary constraints. Today’s youth are missing out on valuable opportunities to expand their knowledge and diversify their interests, as well as the chance to have a little fun! Ford Lincoln of LaPorte wants to keep these opportunities available for LaPorte students.

Ford Lincoln of LaPorte is bringing Ford Motor Company’s Drive 4 UR School program to the LaPorte community in an effort to raise up to a maximum donation of $6,000 for the band. For every person who test drives a new Ford vehicle at LaPorte High School on Saturday, Aug. 24, Ford Motor Company will donate $20 to the band.

“We know funding for school programs is hard to come by, and we want to do our part to help make sure these programs remain available,” said Scott Cizewski, general sales manager at Ford Lincoln of LaPorte. “We’re excited to raise money for the LaPorte Marching Band.”

The event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. just outside the LPHS Performing Arts Center, will feature many vehicles from Ford’s lineup. “Whether you are looking to test out our vehicles, like the Focus, or want to try out technology features, like active park assist in the Escape, we will be able to put you behind the wheel of your favorite Ford vehicle,” said Cizewski. Dealership staff on-site will assist and provide additional information regarding any of the vehicles.

To date, Ford dealerships across the United States have helped raise more than $40 million for local schools and nonprofits, thanks to their hard work and working with the Drive 4 UR School and Drive 4 UR Community programs.

You must be at least 18 and have a valid driver’s license and valid auto insurance.

Here come the Slicers!

The Slicers continue the touching tradition of placing their hands on orange hash mark 26, created in memory of the late Slicer Jake West. Michael Kozlowski is pictured taking his turn.

WNLP story and photos by Mike Kellems (more photos below)

Slicer fans were able to see a preview of the 2019 season Friday night, Aug. 16, 2019, including their first look at first-year Coach Jeremy Lowery, during a scrimmage at Kiwanis Field. The Slicers hosted Plymouth on what started as a great night for football but was dampened a bit by rain. Nonetheless, the Slicer football offense was able to score a few times on the Rockies and the defense showed a spark by keeping Plymouth out of the end zone a few times.

All area teams got in a scrimmage Friday night. The regular season opens Friday, Aug. 23 with these games:

Michigan City hosts Griffith at 7 p.m.
South Central will travel to Triton at 6:30 p.m.
LaPorte will host New Prairie at 7 p.m.

This Plymouth Rocky is pretty well covered and eventually stopped by the Slicer defense.

Jump ball!

Senior Matt Neff,, Slicer #44, closes in on the Plymouth QB as he looks for a receiver down field.

The offense in action.

Touchdown!

A good moment for the Rockies in the orange end zone.

The LaPorte County Historical Society Museum will be hosting “The Golden Age: Indiana Literature (1880-1920)” from Sept. 4 through Sept. 28, 2019. This is a traveling exhibit on loan from the Indiana Historical Society, which maintains the nation’s premier research library and archives on the history of Indiana and the Old Northwest.

Please visit the museum, 2405 Indiana Ave., for this look at the fascinating history of these Hoosier authors, their literary contributions, and their impact on the social conventions of the time.

The exhibition, drawn from collections at the Indiana Historical Society, the Indiana State Library and Indiana University’s Lilly Library, explores what came to be known as the “Golden Age of Indiana Literature.” This period corresponded to growth in other cultural areas including the creation of the Hoosier Group of landscape painters, and prominence of Indiana music composers such as Paul Dresser.

From 1880 to 1920, Hoosier authors achieved both national prominence and popular acclaim. A 1947 study found that Indiana authors ranked second to New York in the number of bestsellers produced in the previous 40 years. The exhibition examines some of the many writers who contributed to the state’s literary golden age, but concentrates on the lives and careers of four individuals who loomed large during this period – George Ade, Meredith Nicholson, Booth Tarkington and James Whitcomb Riley.

Other popular Indiana authors during this period were Lew Wallace (“Ben Hur”), Maurice Thompson (“Alice of Old Vincennes”), Theodore Dreiser (“Sister Carrie”), Edward Eggleston (“The Hoosier Schoolmaster”), Frank McKinney Hubbard (cartoon Abe Martin), George Barr McCutcheon (“Brewster’s Millions”), and Gene Stratton-Porter (“A Girl of the Limberlost”).

George Ade, writer, columnist and playwright, was born in Kentland, Indiana. He is best known for his fables and descriptions of urban life in his column, “Stories of the Streets and of the Town.” Ade’s fables earned him the nickname of the “Aesop of Indiana.” Several of Ade’s plays, including “The County Chairman” (1903) and “The College Widow” (1904), were produced for Broadway, and also adapted into motion pictures. 

Meredith Nicholson, Crawfordsville, was a writer, columnist and poet. Three of his books were best sellers including “The House of a Thousand Candles” (#4 in 1906), “The Port of Missing Men” (#3 in 1907), and “A Hoosier Chronicle” (#5 in 1912).

Booth Tarkington, Indianapolis, was best known for his novels “The Magnificent Ambersons” and “Alice Adams.” He is one of only three novelists to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction more than once, along with William Faulkner and John Updike. In the 1910s and 1920s, he was considered America’s greatest living author. Several of his stories were adapted to film including “The Magnificent Ambersons.”

James Whitcomb Riley, Greenfield, became the most prominent poet of the age and became known as “America’s best-loved poet.”

For more information, contact the LaPorte County Historical Society Museum at 219-324-6767 or info@laportecountyhistory.org. The museum is handicapped accessible.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

Aug. 19, 1919 — The Couturier company, a local band instrument works, received more orders during the current month than at any previous period in the history of the corporation.

Aug. 19, 1969 — Hurricane Camille’s death toll reaches at least 106 and is expected to go considerably higher as workers bulldoze through the rubble in towns and villages along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.

Aug. 19, 1994 — The three most heavily advertised cigarette brands capture 86 percent of the teenage market and only 35 percent of overall sales.

Aug. 19, 2009 — A pit bull bites a woman at a local convenience store. The owner gives his name and phone number and leaves. Police discover the name and number are false.