The Henry County Historicalog
“Bringing history to life...and life to history”
Special Fall EXTRA
Upcoming special events will be a real treat For anyone interested in local history, the Henry
County Historical Society has some sweet treats in store over the next few weeks. HALLOWEEN Bring your favorite little ghosts and goblins to Church Street Gym in New Castle on Halloween Night, Monday, Oct. 31. Henry County Historical Society Co-Director Kaye Ford will be there handing out candy from 5 to 8 p.m. It will be spook-tacular!
THE MAXWELL YEARS If you couldn’t attend the Maxwell-Chrysler presentation earlier this month at the New Castle-Henry County Public Library, then mark GENE WednesINGRAM day, Nov. 9 on your calendar. Henry County Historical Society Board President Gene Ingram
will present a PowerPoint program on the history of the Maxwell-Briscoe Automobile Co. that forever changed the landscape of New Castle and Henry County. Learn about the individual genuis behind Jonathan Maxwell and Benjamin Briscoe. Hear the story about how their plans to build a plant in Muncie were changed, thanks largely to a chicken dinner held at the Nip and Tuck Country Club in New Castle. See vin-
tage photos of that country club, which was wellknown, not only through out Indiana, but even across the country, so much so it was mentioned in the U.S. Congressional Record. Featured are rare photos of the original factory, both inside and out. Also included is a look at Maxwell-Briscoe efforts to help the nation during World War I. And, while you’re at the museum, get a glimpse at our 1911 Maxwell.
Henry County Historicalog Fall Edition EXTRA
On Sept. 24, 1919, a Maxwell baseball team defeated the major league’s Pittsburgh Pirate 7-6 on a field just behind the factory. Find out more about the baseball field in Gene Ingram’s presentation on “The Maxwell Years” 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, at the Henry County Historical Society Museum, 606 S. 14th St., New Castle
This day in Henry County history Darrel Radford, Henry County’s official historian, has been featuring a “This Day In Henry County History” tidbit on the historical society’s Facebook page. We invite you to like our Facebook page and go there daily for some interesting historical events that have happened in our county over the past 200 years. Here’s a sampling of recent Facebook posts.
On Oct. 1, 1913, New Castle Mayor George Barnard, pictured at the left, and Fire Chief Cal Osborn officially opened a fire station on the south part of town. On Oct. 1-3, 1985, more than 300,000 people converged on the Martin and Haase farms northwest of Knightstown for the 1985 Farm Progress Show. On Oct. 2, 1957, the movie “Raintree County,” starring Elizabeth Taylor, Montgomery Clift and Eva Marie Saint, had its world premiere at Brown Theatre in Louisville, Ky. The movie was based on the Ross Lockridge Jr. best-selling book and inspired by Henry County, Ind. On Oct. 2, 1967, the new Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant opens on Ind. 3 South.
On Oct. 3, 1842, Henry Clay, a former U.S. Secretary of State and U.S. Senator from Kentucky, spoke in Knightstown. Clay won the Whig nomination for President but was narrowly defeated by Democrat James K. Polk, who had made annexa tion of Texas a key campaign issue. He ran unsuccessfully for president as many as five times. On Oct. 3, 1919, a Maxwell baseball team from New Castle defeated the major league Pittsburgh Pirates in an exhibition game at Anderson 7-3. It was the second time in a two-week span that the Maxwell team had topped the Pirates. On Oct. 5, 1955, employees at Perfect Circle in New Castle went on strike, Before it was over, 600 National Guardsmen were on duty in the city to keep the peace, 50 people were arrested and six were shot. The event, which began as a local dispute over wages, turned into a national prounion rally, with thousands of demonstrators from out of state converging on the city. On Oct. 5, 1973, groundbreaking ceremonies had been held and construction of a new McDonald’s restaurant at 1720 South Memorial Drive was under way.
On Oct. 8, 1887, a seven-man executive committee met to take initial steps for forming the Henry County Historical Society. On Oct. 9, 1987, New Castle and IU basketball star Steve Alford signs a two-year contract to play for the National Basketball Association’s Dallas Mavericks.
On Oct. 10, 1935, the Castle Theatre opened. On Oct. 15, 1940, Helen Keller, seated in photo, spoke at Church Street Gym in New Castle under the auspices of the B.P.W. Both deaf and blind from an early age, She was a well-known disability rights advocate. and author.
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We have the perfect gift for history fans Don’t forget to put the Henry County Historical Society on your “go-to” list for holiday shopping. From unique items like these handmade ornaments to a wide array of books by local authors, there are gift ideas galore at the museum on 606 S. 14th St., New Castle. These handmade ornaments, shown in the photo at the right, were graciously gifted to us to sell as a fundraiser. All proceeds benefit HCHS. Each ornament is unique. Each has a thin strip of leather for hanging. They are $10 each, no tax. There are 16 with the wheat design and 12 with the dates (1822-2022). Also available are books about Henry County history, including Images of America: New Castle, signed by authors Darrel Radford and Doug Magers; Truck Patch, a poignant look at life in Mooreland during family difficulties by Curt Elliott; as well as Rick Cottman’s book “In Colored Circles,” the most comprehensive book about black people, their experiences and contributions in Henry County. Museum hours are 1 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday or by appointment at 529-4028.
Hoosier books going fast
The Henry County Historical Society is down to six signed and six unsigned copies of The Hoosier Cabinet in Kitchen History. The book’s author,Nancy R. Hiller, 63, of Bloomington, Ind., died August 29, 2022, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Interested? Call 529-4028.
Madrigal Singers and presentation on Christmas song origins will highlight Historical Society’s holiday open house
This classic Elizabeth Dodds Shaffer painting shows Christmas decor of yesteryear at the courthouse
For the second consecutive year, the New Castle High School Madridgal Singers will bring holiday cheer to the Henry County Historical Society. The popular group will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 during the society’s annual Holiday Open House. The event, which begins at 1:30 p.m., will also feature refreshments along with a presentation about the origins of popular Christmas songs. Darrel Radford, longtime journalist and co-director of the Henry County Historical Society, will have a PowerPoint presentation about how popular Christmas songs came to be. Some date back centuries. Others Radford had surprising origins related to international events and
New Castle High School Madrigal singers will again perform at society’s annual open house. The group is shown here at last year’s event personal tragedies. One of the most popular might owe its creation to a mouse. Mark your calendars early for this special event that’s sure to add enjoyment to your holiday season.
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The legend of Monkey Jack What story could be more perfect for Halloween than “The legend of Monkey Jack?” This story centers around a bridge over the Big Blue River at S. County Road 225W, just off Spiceland Pike. Local author Mark Sean Orr tells the tale in his 2013 book Henry County Folklore: Hoosier Tales & Poetry. Orr writes that the structure was originally was known as the Ratliff Bridge but legend took over. The story involves two young lovers and their encounter with a psychopath who had a hook hand. We won’t spoil the story for you, but if you’d like to know more, come see us at the museum. Orr’s book also features: • The Mount Lawn Mansion • The Pest House: Knightstown Small Pox •Headless Ghost, Indiana Epileptic Village • Lincoln Funeral Ghost Train • Fall Creek Massacre • The Henry County Pauper’s Home There are many others. Call 529-4028 for more info.
New Castle author Mark Sean Orr has a variety of interesting stories in his book Henry County Folklore: Hoosier Tales & Poetry. Among them is “The Legend of Monkey Jack.” The book is available along with many others featuring local authors at the Henry County Historical Society Museum gift shop. The museum is located at 606 S. 14th St. in New Castle. Call 529-4028 for more info.
Spread the word: HCHS is worthy of support The oldest, continuously operating historical society and museum in the state needs your help to keep local history alive. Please encourage your neighbors and friends to become members. Memberships are just $20 for an individual and $25 for a family. Members get inside access to information about museum activities, discounts on museum merchandise and more. Visit https:// henrycountymuseum. org/ for more info.