Sixty Years Ago This Week – 1955
Tom Redmond of St. Roch Church was elected president of Sacred Heart High School’s Alumni and Boosters Club.
* * *
Fountain Square and Oriental theatres were holding Christmas cartoon revues for children. 
* * *
With its contribution of $75,000 to Indiana Central College’s capital campaign for a new academic hall, Eli Lilly and Co. had donated $125,000 to the cause. About half of the needed $975,000 had been raised.
* * *
Rosemary Kriner was elected president of the Secrets of Science Club at Sacred Heart High. Other officers were Carl Beck, vice president; Nancy Lou Snider, secretary; Tom Kerne, treasurer; Bob Annee and Charlene Richardson, reporters. 
* * *
In the action-packed St. Catherine Bowling League, Cecil R. Hurt Mortuary (33-12) held a half-game lead over Thoman Shoe Store (32-13). Garfield Barber Shop (10-35) was in last place. Charles Gill and Frank Wuensch rolled the week’s high series with 581s. Jim Collins posted a 234 for the high game.   

Fifty Years Ago This Week – 1965
G.C. Murphy in Fountain Square was going to remain open until 8:50 p.m. Christmas Eve.   
* * *
The seventh annual two-day Indianapolis Basketball Classic featured Indiana Central, Wabash, Franklin and William Jewell colleges.
* * *
Sister Mary Alexandra, biology teacher at Sacred Heart High School, and senior Leanne Nelson, received a $100 science grant from the Marion County Heart Association.
* * *
St. Francis Hospital hosted a Christmas party for its more than 700 employees. The 5 1/2-hour celebration featured a lavish buffet and all kinds of entertainment.
* * *
Of the 867 electrical engineering students attending Purdue, only two were women.

Forty Years Ago This Week – 1975
Dr. Joseph Daly was named the Indiana Department of Welfare’s director of services for crippled children.  
* * *
St. Patrick’s Division No. 1 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians installed Jack Cronin as president. The other officers were Harry Benton, vice president; Virgil Rohrman, financial secretary; Francis Hanley, recording secretary; Ed Friel, treasurer; Matthew Dillan, marshal; Owen Farren, sentinel; and Vince Rogers, grievance commission chairman.
* * *
L&N Body Shop, 1930 W. Banta Road, painted most cars for $99.95; body work was extra.
* * *
Tune-Up Masters, 5023 Madison Ave., provided tune-ups on all foreign and domestic cars for $14.95 plus parts. The company boasted that it offered the lowest prices in town.
 
Thirty Years Ago This Week – 1985
University Heights Christian Church, 4050 Shelby St., was celebrating Christmas Eve with a candlelight communion service.  
* * *
St. John’s United Church of Christ, 7031 S. East St., was observing the birth of Jesus with family and traditional worships. 
* * *
Buck’s Supermarket, 3001 S. Meridian St. and 3145 E. Thompson Road, resolved to have lower prices in the new year. Specials of the week included rib steak and beef tenderloins for $2.99 a pound, cabbage for 15 cents pound and two bottles of Tosti Asti Spumante for $10.
* * *
Black’s Mirror & Glass, 3150 Madison Ave., was holding a going-out-of-business sale.
* * *
Harold M. Thompson won a portable TV at the Perry Township Republican Club’s Christmas party.
  
Twenty Years Ago This Week – 1995
Mike Delaney’s photograph of the Nativity scene at Christ Church Cathedral on Monument Circle graced the front page. The caption read: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
* * *
Methodist Hospital hosted a retirement party for Hank Mohr, a facilities engineer who was a victim of corporate downsizing. However, his retirement was short-lived as the hospital called him back to work after three days of rest and relaxation. Among those attending the reception were his wife, Margie, children Rob, yours truly, Dianna and Brian, and grandchildren Whitney and Vanessa Scott.   
* * *
St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 2601 E. Thompson Road, was holding three worship services on Christmas Eve.
* * *
Steve and Melanie Sutherlin, who lived at 1131 Southwood Drive, invited the public to enjoy their Christmas lights while listening to a brass choir performing carols from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 21 and 24.
* * *
The 82nd edition of the Indianapolis Auto Show at the Indiana Convention Center was expected to attract more than 800 vehicles, which were valued at nearly $16 million.

Ten Years Ago This Week – 2005
The archives from 2005 are missing.

Sixty Years Ago This Week – 1955
Region No. 3 of the Civil Defense Police and the Police Pals Club was holding its annual Christmas party for children at Garfield Park. The entertainment would feature a movie – “The Land of the Kangaroos” – dancers, carolers and Santa passing out gifts.  
* * *
Eric Bauer received the St. John Bosco Award at the third annual Catholic Youth Organization banquet at Monsignor Downey Knights of Columbus Council 3660, 511 E. Thompson Road, where more than 650 people were in attendance. 
* * *
Verdie Harrel & Son, 4130 Madison Ave., a dealer of General Electric appliances, announced that it would stay open evenings until Christmas for the convenience of folks who couldn’t shop during the daytime. 

Fifty Years Ago This Week – 1965
Southport High School awarded academic letter sweaters to 19 seniors. The honorees were Kathy Anderson, Debbie Bain, Nancy Bryan, Judy Carter, Susan Congleton, Sandy Conover, Regina Fox, Gail Delaney, Dan Due, Steve Dyer, Sheri Freeman, Carmen Geiger, Pam Gunnoe, Peggy Hunter, Alice Mendle, Phil Sidebottom, Gary Simon, Karyn Stafford and Joel Tomamichel. 
* * *
Frank Johnson and his son opened a Shell station at 8010 Madison Ave. “Come on down and let’s talk about the old times,” Frank said.   
* * *
Timothy L. West, William C. Reed, Jerry R. Lewis and William W. Strode were serving as privates in the Marines.
* * *
Gee Drugs, 2841 Shelby St., had bracelets, earrings, necklaces, birthstone charms and pendant watches priced from $1 to $25.
* * *
Boyd’s, 1300 S. East St., and Allanson’s, 340 W. Thompson Road, were selling 2- to 8-foot Christmas trees for $1.96 to $6.86.

Forty Years Ago This Week – 1975
The Southside Mothersingers were performing a number of Christmas concerts at various venues, including University Heights United Methodist Church and Lake Shore Country Club. The members were Ethel Gilliatt, Carolyn Ohisen, Marjorie Norcross, Virginia Stock, Margie Kemp, Betty Hafer, Ann Shrake, Barbara Prindle, Dorothy Shirley, Jean Eden, Jerry Peper, Jois Jennings, Jean Stacy, Ester Mann, Judy Stadtfeld, Dorothy Maschmeyer, Juanita Rodman, Alice Short, Barbara DeMunbrun, Sandy Christopher, Doris Ebbler, Jackie Teepe and Mary Field.
* * *
Center United Methodist Church, 5445 Bluff Road was hosting a live Nativity scene, complete with Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, wise men, shepherds, angels, donkeys and sheep. The cast included Frances, Bob and Greg Ford, Dorothy Hoss and Karen Wissing.
* * *
The South Side Exchange Club hosted its Christmas party at the Casa De Prado clubhouse, where S.M. “Trudie” and Mal La Rosa and Don and Lois Ketterman were pictured in front of a table that was festively decorated with poinsettias.   
* * *
A 4-pound box of Brach’s chocolates cost $4.47 at Murphy’s. Other specials included electric blankets for $14.77, 10 ounces of foil-wrapped chocolate bells for 77 cents and a pound of mixed nuts in the shell for 79 cents.

Thirty Years Ago This Week – 1985
Formerly the Sacred Heart Convent, the Holy Family Shelter, 30 E. Palmer St., was celebrating its first anniversary of service to the homeless. 
* * *
Roncalli’s girls basketball team continued to struggle to find some consistency. After looking impressive in thumping Southport 63-34, the Rebels were tripped up by Franklin Central. Coach Bob Kirkhoff was led by Indiana all-star candidate Diane Hoereth, Colleen Jordan and Karen Elias.
* * *
All activities at the Garfield Park Community Center were canceled through the first week of January because four new heating units were being installed.   
* * *
St. Jude’s seventh- and eighth-grade girls basketball team won its division title and the city tournament hosted by the Catholic Youth Organization. Team members were Stacey Patrick, Charie Fields, Anna Raimondi, Diann Janke, Nancy Butler, Kristina Weber, Arin Duncin, Patty Koebel and coaches Diane Davis and Becky Risley.
* * *
Officials from Perry Township Schools broke ground for Mary Bryan Elementary. Seen with shovels in their hands were Superintendent Raymond L. Fatheree, board of education members John Hammond, Emeson Brown and Barbara Paget and Keith Brown, assistant superintendent for elementary education.

Twenty Years Ago This Week – 1995
The Men’s Club of St. Barnabas Church was selling tickets to its New Year’s Eve party, which featured The Blindside Band. The cost was $25 and included a buffet dinner of roast beef, fried chicken, baked mostaccioli, green beans, potatoes, salad and rolls beer. Wine coolers, soft drinks and pretzels were also available.
* * *
Lutheran High School’s concert choir and band and several instrumental ensembles were going to present “Christmas in the Commons.”   

Ten Years Ago This Week – 2005
The archives from 2005 are missing.

Sixty Years Ago This Week – 1955
Fred Hicks was celebrating the grand opening of his gas station at 2739 Madison Ave. Anyone purchasing eight gallons of gas received a set of glasses. In addition, Santa Claus was distributing candy and balloons to children.
* * *
David Barton, David Bertram, Richard Nyers, Paul Velez and Robert Wood lettered for Indiana Central College’s football team, which won the Hoosier College Conference title. 
* * *
A few businesses were beginning to use answering machines, as reported by “Nutcracker” columnist George Cafouros. “They kind of startle callers at first,” he wrote, “but once you hear them a few times, you become used to them.”
* * *
Postal substations could not accept mail for overseas delivery. This mail had to be postmarked at the Downtown office on Ohio Street. 

Fifty Years Ago This Week – 1965
Manual High School ROTC Cadet Col. Karlis S. Steinmanis received the American Legion Valor Brown Cross for Achievement. The 17-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Fricis Steinmanis won the award while competing against other cadets from Indiana and Michigan.    
* * *
The following quip was published: “In pointing out how schools – like the times – had changed, the principal told the PTA about the first-grader who skinned his knee. “Remember, big boys don’t cry,’ the teacher consoled as she examined the wound. “I’m not gonna cry,’ replied the child. ‘I’m gonna sue.’ ”
* * *
Lake Shore swim team members Lisa McDaniel, Sandy Pollard, Ted D. Pollard and Larry Lammert were honored during the squad’s recognition banquet.

Forty Years Ago This Week – 1975
Dr. W. John Holobek opened Chipperfield Veterinary Clinic. He had been caring for small animals for 12 years.  
* * *
Miller Ann O’Haver, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar O’Haver, was engaged to Kevin N. Kurtz, son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Keith Kurtz. A June 25 wedding was planned at Emmaus Lutheran Church.
 * * *
Earl Possman was installed as worshipful master of the Southport Masonic Temple. Other officers were Ronald Speedy, senior warden; Herbert Clark, junior warden, Martin Hill, treasurer; Lloyd Sierp, secretary; and Danny Self, senior deacon.
* * *
Five- to 8-foot-tall live Christmas trees cost between $15 and $25 at Maschmeyer’s Nursery, 1402 W. Hanna Ave.
 
Thirty Years Ago This Week – 1985
Perry Meridan student Randy Head was appointed by Sens. Richard Lugar and Dan Quayle to serve as an Indiana delegate at the 1986 Senate Youth Program in Washington, D.C.  
* * *
The Indianapolis Business Boosters named its officers for the first half of 1986: Art Timpe, president; Dave Conner, vice president; Patty Smaltz, secretary; and Mike Feyen, treasurer.  
* * *
Brothers Tom and Ken Finneran, sons of John and Jane Finneran, were named Eagle Scouts, the highest attainable honor in Scouts.
* * *
The 12-foot-tall Christmas tree at Southport United Methodist Church was crafted out of more than 120 red poinsettias.
  
Twenty Years Ago This Week – 1995
Bynum’s Steakhouse chef Joe Beal saved Esther Faust’s life by performing the Heimlich maneuver on her while she was choking.
* * *
Mary Jean Merkel, a registered nurse, joined the THC Indianapolis staff as clinical director of the hospital’s new wound management program.
* * *
The Wishing Well Fund raised more than $20,000 during a benefit at Monsignor Downey Knights of Columbus.
* * *
Sport Bowl, 3900 S. U.S. 31, offered parents the opportunity to drop off their children for two hours of bowling (1-3 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays) while they did their Christmas shopping. The cost was $5 and included shoe rental.
* * *
Franklin Central’s boys basketball team upped its record to 6-0 by defeating Southport (2-3) 52-41. Carl Sykes paced the Flashes with 22 points; the Cards were led by Charles Wilcox’s 13 points and Brian Storz’s 10.

Ten Years Ago This Week – 2005
The archives from 2005 are missing.

Sixty Years Ago This Week – 1955
Pedigo Jewelry Store, 1048 Virginia Ave, completed its extensive remodeling and expansion project.
* * * 
The Altar Society of Sacred Heart Catholic Church was holding its annual embroidered pillow case card party.
* * * 
A.D. “Mac” McCarrel and his wife, Frances, moved their jewelry shop to 2610 Madison Ave. It had previously been located at Madison and Raymond Street for 22 years.
* * *
James Worland called square dances at the Concord Center, 17 W. Morris, which also offered a variety of arts and crafts programs.
* * *
Letta Schwartz was treated at General Hospital after her stove blew up and burned her face and neck. 
* * *
Scherrer Hardware, 1247 Madison Ave., was closing after 48 years of service to the community. More than 8,000 items were on sale, owner Leo Scherrer said.

Fifty Years Ago This Week – 1965
David’s, a well-known ladies ready-to-wear clothing store, opened in the Ayr-Way South Center, 3644 S. East St. The shop’s manager was Helen Wild, who was assisted by Mildred Chandler, Judy Chandler, Jenny Meek and Mary Lou Romack.
* * *
Friedens United Church of Christ, 8300 S. Meridian St., celebrated its first anniversary at its new location.
* * *
The Southport Jaycees set up their annual Christmas tree lot at Souhthern Plaza, where they were selling choice trees at reasonable prices.
* * *
Southport varsity cheerleaders Susie Long and Lynn Browning were presented letter sweaters during an all-school convocation.    
* * *
Dee Cashe’s wallet, which contained more than $155, credit cards and other valuable items, was stolen while she was shopping Downtown.
* * *
Bobbie Carrico opened a record store at 2236 Shelby St. Although the shop was small, Carrico planned to expand and stock a variety of albums and singles.

Forty Years Ago This Week – 1975
Meridian Woods Park was preparing for its holiday boutique. The organizing committee consisted of Mesdames Thomas Tkatch, Jack Flint, William Causey, Richard Snyder and Robert Finley. 
* * *
The fifth annual Christmas Candlelight Tour featured the homes of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Derleth, 6718 Everglades Court; Mr. and Mrs. K. Wayne Van Fossen, 8308 Hi-Vu Drive; Mr. and Mrs. Edwin G. Fears II, 944 Clossey Drive; and Mr. and Mrs. Jack C. Massey, 7635 Landau Lane.  
 * * *
Lorn Kidwell, a former owner of a television sales company, joined the staff at F.C. Tucker as a real estate agent.

 * * *
Rosedale Hills United Methodist Church members Tom Sowden, Andy Sowden, Marilyn Shaul, Mrs. Norman Newport, Karolyn Sowden and Tony Sowden created Advent wreaths for use during Christmas.
* * *
The eighth annual Christmas at the Zoo featured 80,000 lights, the Liberty Line train and a Nativity scene. 

Thirty Years Ago This Week – 1985
Roncalli All-State running back Joe Gillum rushed for 201 yards and three touchdowns in the Rebels’ 37-3 rout over Wawawsee in the Class 3A state title game at the Hoosier Dome. Gillum finished the season with 2,149 yards and 33 touchdowns.  
* * *
St. Francis Hospital was hosting an open house to showcase its remodeled Family Center on the third floor of the Bonzel Towers.
* * *
Hunger Inc. issued a plea for donations as its shelves were nearly void of canned goods.
* * *
Christine McCombs, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Earl McCombs, David Huffman, son of Jennifer Huffman and David Huffman, and Sandra Barrick, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Barrick, were inducted into Indiana Central University’s chapter of Phi Alpha Epsilon, an honorary academic society.
* * *
Buck’s Supermarket was celebrating the grand opening of its store at 3145 E. Thompson Road. Specials included New York strips for $2.99 a pound, bacon for 99 cents a pound and four loaves of bread for $1.  
* * *
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Pflum celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They had three children, Joseph Pflum, Rose Mary Dapper and Clair Slick, 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. 

Twenty Years Ago This Week – 1995
St. Jude Grade School’s speech team took first-place honors in the Carmel Invitational meet. Nearly three-fifths of the 46 members placed in their respective categories.
* * *
Edgewood Preschool students, their parents and teachers spent a day at Whiteland Orchard. Those who enjoyed a sunny day in the country were Ian and Kim Ruder, Mark and Jim Wolfe, Angie and Ryan Krish, Alyssa Hoist, Heather Meeks-Johnson, Nathan Jefferies, Cindy and Zachary Frost, Jon Steger, Justin Beck, Lori, C.J. and Tyler Clave and Jon and Toby Metcalf-Kemp. 
* * *
St. Roch Grade School was holding a poinsettia sale.
* * *
Construction on Madison Avenue from Shelby Street to County Line Road was nearly finished.
* * *
Joan Shock was retiring from the Fountain Square Library after 16 years of service. She and her husband, Carl, had three children and two grandchildren.
* * *
The local division of the U.S. Marines was holding its annual Toys for Tots party at Marty’s Lounge, 4056 S. Keystone Ave. The bar was known for throwing one of the state’s largest Toys for Tots benefits, raising more than $68,000 in 1994.
* * *
Steve and Dixie Knott, owners of the Knott’s Food Market in Greenwood, were honored by the City Council as recipients of the American Small Business Community Service Award.

Ten Years Ago This Week – 2005
The archives from 2005 are missing.