​Sixty Years Ago This Week – 1956
Editor George Cafouros and his wife, Virginia, were soaking up the sun in New Orleans.    

Fifty Years Ago This Week – 1966
The Cafouroses were back in The Big Easy. 

Forty Years Ago This Week – 1976
Alan Stang, well known to many Americans for his explosive articles on political and business events, was going to speak at Greenwood High School. 
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Vivian Heacox, Parviz Labib, Dixie Y. Beer, Kris Funcan, Diana McAfee, Susan C. Meadows, Charlotte L. Ray, Gisela J. Toller and Gregory J. Walker graduated from Butler at the end of the fall semester.  
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Dinner Bell Supermarket, 2824 Shelby St., was celebrating its first anniversary with numerous giveaways, including 50 baskets of groceries and a $1,000 shopping spree.
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Luncheon specials at the Key West Shrimp House, 2861 Madison Ave., ranged from seafood creole for $2.25 to fried lobster for $3.75.
 
Thirty Years Ago This Week – 1986
Seven astronauts died in the space shuttle Challenger explosion.  
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The temperature sign at the Southern Plaza branch of Merchants Bank showed a reading of minus 10. 
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“Nutcracker” columnist George Cafouros wrote a piece on George Burns turning 90. “Folks in their 70s, if they are still in good health, have a hard time finding contemporaries with the joy of living. That’s we adore George Burns. He still enjoys a few martinis and casts a roving eye at a shapely chorus girl.” 
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Erin Cosby was named manager of Gallenkamp Shoes in Southern Plaza. She was the daughter Jerry and Carol Cosby and had been employed by the company for two years.
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Southport High School’s Brain Game team opened its season by defeating Greenfield Central 72-70 in sudden death. The Cardinals were led by Kyle Myers, Ashis Das, Seth Paxton and Jennifer Boone.
  
Twenty Years Ago This Week – 1996
Although the temperature was only in the teens, that didn’t stop Tyler and Jacob Thompson from donning short pants and T-shirts to play a friendly game of one-on-one basketball. The youngsters were the sons of Michelle and David Thompson.
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The U.S. Postal Service was offering a $1,000 reward leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for placing pipe bombs in the mailboxes at 8467, 8461 and 8467 Union Chapel Road. One bomb exploded and did minimal damage; the other two failed. 
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Haldron “Hal” Cole was retiring after 41 years of service to Perry Township Schools. He filled such roles as math teacher, department head, curriculum coordinator and director, assistant principal and principal.
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Cecil and Elise Hoovler were awarded a plaque from St. Mark’s Young at Hearts Club for their many years of service to the organization, which collected food and clothing for Holy Cross Parish and Holy Family Shelter.

Ten Years Ago This Week – 2006
The archives from 2006 are missing.

Sixty Years Ago This Week – 1956
Simpson & Co. Realtors, 1053 E. Raymond St., completed an extensive expansion and modernization program. The company was prominent in the development of south suburban property, notably Marcus Manor at Meridian Street and Sumner Avenue and Rosedale Hills, west of Keystone Avenue and north of Thompson Road 
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Beech Grove resident G.T. Arbogast was elected assistant cashier for Merchants National Bank & Trust Co. 
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Fireside South Restaurant owner Ernie Hohlt was being ribbed about the color TV he bought. The first program that he got on it was “Amos and Andy.” “You can get that program better on a regular black-and-white set at a lot less money,” his friends said.
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Cecil Hurt Mortuary held a one-game lead over Thoman Shoe Store in the St. Catherine Bowling League. Their records were 39-18 and 38-19, respectively. 

Fifty Years Ago This Week – 1966
Harry Sharp Ford relocated its dealership to 3931 S. U.S. 31 after having been located at 443 Virginia Ave. for more than 40 years. Joining the business as a sales rep was Lowell Haverstick,    
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The Greenwood Center office of National Bank of Greenwood was celebrating its grand opening. One lucky person would win the amount of money equivalent to one day’s interest on $1 million – approximately $110.
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Daniel F. O’Riley, a director and partner in Abdon & O’Riley Funeral Home, was elected president of the Exchange Club of Southside Indianapolis.
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Car tires that still had 80 to 90 percent of their tread cost $5.88.
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A 10-roll pack of toilet tissue was advertised for 88 cents at G.C Murphy in Fountain Square, where six cans of motor oil cost $1.77.

Forty Years Ago This Week – 1976
Disco nights were gaining in popularity as numerous nightclubs and pubs were advertising the best of disco music and light shows.  
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Spotlight carrier Bert Wentland, a freshman at Perry Meridian, reeled in an 8-foot sailfish while angling in Florida. 
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Harrell’s Car Wash, 4128 Madison Ave., was offering a free hot wash with the purchase of any car wash.
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Girl Scout troops in Fountain Square were selling bicentennial calendars for $1.
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St. Roch Catholic School was hosting its inaugural Roch Revue, which would feature music, dancing and comedy routines. Tickets were 50 cents per child, $1 per adult.
 
Thirty Years Ago This Week – 1986
Renovation on Manual High School’s gymnasium was nearing completion. With two full-court basketball floors and volleyball facilities, the school would boast first-class amenities, said Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent James A. Adams.
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Dr. Martin T. Feeney was elected president of the St. Francis Hospital medical staff. He was pictured with his wife, Diane, and Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Bender. Mr. Bender was immediate past president of the medical  staff.
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The Better Business Bureau was celebrating 70 years of service to Indianapolis.
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St. Barnabas’ fifth- and sixth-grade A basketball team finished second in the Catholic Youth Organization’s holiday tournament. Squad members were Matt Casse, Doug Wycislalla, Matt Schroeder, Rob Sauer, Paul Rossman, Mike Cooney, Erin Dimmick, Todd Kribs, K.J. Bunch, Shane Minor, head coach Mike Wycislalla and assistant coach Joe Walsh.
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A four-bedroom, ranch-style home in the Southport area was listed for $59,500.
​
Twenty Years Ago This Week – 1996
More than 6 inches of snow blanketed the ground, and the temperature struggled to get out of the 20s. 
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Second-graders in Diana Wilson Hall’s class at Glenns Valley Elementary were taking an active role in President Clinton’s Challenge, which emphasized the importance of physical fitness. The participants were Zach LaBrecque, Michael Dodd, Eric Splichal, Josh Cox, Nick Warpole, John Douthitt, Blake Brenneman, Chenita Hays, Catherine Warner, Anna Cox, Monica Owen, Juston Shive, Jordan Garrison, Nathan Floring, Jason Tutterow, Brevin Baker and Amilie Ray.
* * *
In recognition of his business standards and commitment to customer service, Paul “Bud” Cleary, owner of Cleary Vacuum Cleaner Co., 3004 S. Meridian St., was inducted into the National Vacuum Industry Hall of Fame.  
* * *
Manual High School wrestlers Jason Harris, a 130-pounder, Kevin Stover, 152 pounds, and 171-pounder Corey Riegel had a combined record of 68-5. Harris was 28-2 and had won five tournaments; Stover was 13-1, and Riegel was 27-2, with his losses coming in overtime. 
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Pam Keown, Ashley and Scharmaine Simpson and Courtney Krebs, all students at Rebecca’s School of Dance, were finalists for Prelude Awards, which recognized excellence in the arts.

Ten Years Ago This Week – 2006
The archives from 2006 are missing.

Sixty Years Ago This Week – 1956
Popular Southside mailman Dave Royston was relocated to the Downtown area. He had been delivering mail in the South Meridian Street area for 28 years.
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Bernard Mappes and Lois Smith were married at St. Roch Catholic Church. Rose Smith was the maid of honor, and Joe Mappes was the best man. 
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Comedian Bob Hope was injured during a GI show in Iceland when he fell from the shoulders of British strongwoman Joan Rhodes.
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Miller’s Regal Market at the corner of Madison and Terrace avenues advertised a dozen oranges for 59 cents, 3 pounds of sweet potatoes or apples for 29 cents and a pound of Chase & Sanborn coffee for 79 cents. 

Fifty Years Ago This Week – 1966
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for Ernie Pyle Veterans of Foreign Post 1120, 1850 S. East St. Those on hand for the event included Charles Carroll, Mrs. John Walker Jr., Charles Shinkle, Alma Freeman, Charles Morgan and Alan Campbell.   
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Karen R. Kremer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leroy N. Kremer, was planning to enter the convent of the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg, Ind.
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A furnished five-room house rented for $16.50 a week.
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World Wrestling Alliance heavyweight Dick the Bruiser was scheduled to meet top-rated contender Johnny Valentine in the featured bout at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
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The Indianapolis Oldtimers Club was holding its annual dinner at Claypool Hotel. The speakers were Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Carl Erskine, Indiana University football coach John Pont and Indiana High School Athletic Association Commissioner Phil Eskew.

Forty Years Ago This Week – 1976
El Dorado Golf Club, 2080 S. State Road 135, Greenwood, announced plans for expanding its nine-hole course into an 18-hole championship one. Also on the blueprint was an Olympic-size pool, tennis courts and other recreational facilities. Plans also called for the construction of 136 homes around the new holes.
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 Mesdames Jon Morris, James Bucko, Scott Dittemore and Donald McClarney were pictured displaying a quilt to be auctioned during the South Group Women’s Committee’s annual card party.  
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A mechanical engineer with two years of experience could expect a starting salary between $15,000 and $20,000: a driver of a refrigerated truck earned about $5,200 annually. 
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Jeffrey D. Moran, a junior at Beech Grove, won the “Voice of Democracy” essay contest sponsored by Ernie Pyle Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1120. Other finalists were Perry Meridian’s Priscilla Stebemiller and Patti Bendinger, Southport’s Gary Fisher and Mari Caskey, Latin School’s Robert Gottshalt, Timothy Marshall and Daniel Brandon, Roncalli’s Donna Holloran and Christopher Steadham and Manual’s Dawn Fisher, Carol Van Blaricum and Rose Reed.
* * *
The Catholic Board of Education proposed to raise its tuition from $400 to $450 for a student attending Roncalli. The cost for two children from the same family would rise to $665 from $590. 
 
Thirty Years Ago This Week – 1986
The Marion County Health Department and Indianapolis Public Schools were continuing their battle to combat the frequency of head lice among students.  
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Editor Jerry Cosby reported in “Coz’ Corner ...” about the “grand dame” of the Meyer clan, Adele Meyer, as she celebrated her 101st birthday. 
* * *
Plans were announced for the construction of a $9 million multi-dealership auto complex in Greenwood. The facility would house Jack Smart Ford and three additional brands yet to be named.
* * *
The wedding announcements of Paul Schueth and Betsy Pickle and Darrel Way and Jennifer Lynn Huff and the engagement of Jerry Eder to Deborah Camp were published. 
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Florist designer John D. Watt, Bluff Road Upholstery Shop owner Rosetta Kindred, pianist Becky McKinney and Van’s Carburetor and Electric owner Wayne Van Vlymen were going to instruct classes at Manual Evening School.
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Used cars were priced as follows: a 1985 Monte Carlo, $12,495; a 1984 Z28, $9,995; a 1984 Toronado, 12,995; and a 1981 Dodge Omni, $2,988.

Twenty Years Ago This Week – 1996
Drs. William Loveall, James Dixon, Patrick Richard and Mary VanHoy, all optometrists, were offering free examinations to qualified low-income workers and their families. 
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State Rep. Mike Murphy proposed legislation that would increase the penalties for drunken drivers who leave the scene of an accident. The proposal, dubbed Michael’s Law, came to life when 8-year-old Michael Lavoy was killed by a hit-and-run driver in October 1994 after crossing Bluff Road to check the family mailbox.
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First-year Roncalli basketball coach Leo Klemm had his boys team off to a 5-4 start. The girls squad sported an impressive 12-2 record.
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Randy J. Hamilton, a captain in the Marion County Sheriff’s Department, was recognized for 20 years of distinguished service. He had moved up through the ranks in the jail, administration and investigative divisions.
​
Ten Years Ago This Week – 2006
The archives from 2006 are missing.

​Sixty Years Ago This Week – 1956
Mary and Don Ashman opened Maria’s Pizza House at 2947 Shelby St. The Ashmans boasted that everyone would love their Italian-style pizza ($1.10 to $2.35 per pie), hickory-smoked barbecued ribs and chicken ($1.25 to $1.75 and Mexican chili (45 cents).
* * *
Indiana Central Little League, which featured about 20 teams, elected its officers: J. Edward Sargent, president; Bruce Richards, vice president; Mrs. Orville Dorbecker, secretary; John Mullen, treasurer; Ernest Brunoehler, league contact; Robert Gutherie, player agent; and Robert Barnes, assistant player agent. 
* * *
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Watson welcomed 55 relatives into their home at 1634 S. State St. for a Christmas dinner over the holidays.
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WFBM-TV became the first station in Indianapolis to broadcast local programs in color. 

Fifty Years Ago This Week – 1966
Liberatus Richard Mayer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl X. Mayer was going to be ordained into the priesthood at St. Francis Church in Tuetopolis, Ill. His first Mass would be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Indianapolis.   
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Center United Methodist Church, 5445 Bluff Road, was holding its 12th night tree burning service.
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Big Ten basketball, TV’s longest-running sports feature, was opening its 12th season on WTTV. Nationally known sportscaster Bill Flemming would provide the play-by-play action for the seventh year.
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Fisher Bros. Home Furnishings, 1315 Shelby St. offered 20 percent off all purchases.
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David’s Ayr-Way South Center, 3664 S. East St., advertised its fur-trimmed coats for $66; the ad stated that they were valued at $66. Dresses, valued at $29.98, were priced at $15.

Forty Years Ago This Week – 1976
Conducted by Carl Dawson, the Indianapolis Philharmonic Orchestra was going to perform a pops concert at Perry Meridian High School.  
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Manual Evening School offered a driver’s education class for $75.
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The wedding announcements of Kathryne Irene McLendon and Charles Edward Scheib and Teresa Ann Hefner and Gregory Wayne Meyer were published. They were married Dec. 13 and 20, respectively.
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Baxter YMCA, 7900 Shelby St., was looking for qualified instructors to lead classes in arranging dried flowers, painting, macrame, auto mechanics, guitar, canning and fishing.
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Adrian Orchards, 500 W. Epler Ave., had been blessed with a bountiful crop of apples and was planning to keep its shop open through February. George Adrian said it was the largest crop he’s ever had and that all the fruit was of excellent quality; crisp, sweet and juicy.
* * *
Luke Billman’s Old Dutch Delicatessen, 2949 S. Meridian St., offered catfish specials from 5-8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The diner also served breakfast and T-bone steaks for dinner.
 
Thirty Years Ago This Week – 1986
Thieves stole a VCR and a small amount of money from Indianapolis Fire Station No. 26, 1080 E. Hanna Ave., while firemen were on a personal injury run.   
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A luau to benefit the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra was being planned for Jan. 25 at the Garfield Park Conservatory. Tickets, which included Hawaiian and Polynesian food and live music, cost $22.50. 
* * *
Teeters’ Southport Market, owned by Richard and Kathy Teeters, kicked off the new year with a huge sale on steaks. T-bones, porterhouses and New York strips were priced at $2.79, $2.89 and $3.59 a pound, respectively. 
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The 1986 Corvette was unveiled as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500.
* * *
Matthew Kauffman, director of music ministries at Mount Auburn United Methodist Church in Greenwood, accepted a similar position at First Baptist Church in Grants Pass, Ore.
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Harold Buck won Best of Show for his oil painting, “Dam on Sugar Creek,” in the Southside Art League’s juried show. 

Twenty Years Ago This Week – 1996
Cottage Corner Community Health Center, a new facility at 1434 Shelby St., was serving the medical needs of Fountain Square residents. The 18,000-square-foot center provided numerous services, including internal medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, adolescent programs and radiology. 
* * *
Ray Bros. Cleaners, which had been owned by a Ray brother since 1953, was going out of business as owners Jim and Katy Lamping were retiring. All of their children, Barbara, Diane, Mary Kay, Jim Jr. and the late Peggy, had worked there at some time. They all carried  The Spotlight too, earning the princely sum of a penny a paper.   
* * *
Tia Jah Wynne was named manager of Fountain Square Library.
* * *
A fire at the home of Daniel and Donna Holland in the 5600 block of South Walcott Street resulted in the death of their three dogs. An estimated $50,000 in damages was incurred.
* * *
The Historic Hannah House, once a stop on the Underground Railroad – a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to free states –  was heating the cold winter nights by hosting hot blues programs every Wednesday in January.

Ten Years Ago This Week – 2006
The archives from 2006 are missing.