Friday, February 14, 2025
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: STEPHENSON RIFE ATTORNEYS
STAGE PRESENCE
Shelbyville High School percussion students Corbin Martin and Lola Hudson finish a piece during Wednesday’s Midwinter Band Concert, under the direction of Mrs. Allison Anderson, band director. | photo by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS
Tom Graham: Preserving Bill Garrett’s Legacy
by TOM GRAHAM, author “Getting Open: The Unknown Story of Bill Garrett and the Integration of College Basketball”
I was grateful to be a participant in the recent dedication of the Bill Garrett mural on the Cagney's wall. I was awed by the mural's size and artistic accuracy, and moved by the words of Garrett family members. And I found myself thinking: The mural will fade over time unless it is actively preserved...and so will Bill Garrett's legacy.
So, as we recognize Black History Month, perhaps we should consider again: What is Bill Garrett's legacy?
Sadly, Wikipedia says he “is best known as the first African-American to regularly play on a Big Ten Conference varsity basketball team.” The “best known as” part is not true, and the “first to play regularly” part is a miniscule fraction of his story - like defining Jackie Robinson as the first African-American to play second base for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
In a nutshell: In 1947, Bill Garrett led Shelbyville High School to the then-one-class, 802-team, four-week Indiana state boys’ basketball state championship, beating the first- and second-ranked teams on the same day, before a live crowd of 15,000 and a four-state radio audience of some three million. He set a tournament scoring record that lasted nine years until broken by basketball immortal Oscar Robertson. Sportswriters named Garrett the state's 1947 high school “Mr. Basketball.” He also was a fine student of impeccable character.
And not a single major “White” university even contacted him about a basketball scholarship.
In 1947, big-university basketball - with a scant few exceptions mostly on the two coasts - was lily-White, shot-through with explicit and implicit “gentlemen's” agreements not to accept Black basketball players.
Bill Garrett only got to Indiana University because in September 1947, as the school year was starting, Black leaders from Indianapolis pressed IU president Herman Wells, and Shelbyville's Nate Kaufman pressed his friend, IU basketball coach Branch McCracken, to give Garrett a chance. And even then, the best they could achieve was that the state's Mr. Basketball was allowed to enroll at IU, go out for basketball without a scholarship, make the team, and demonstrate that he could do the schoolwork.
He became the best player Indiana University had ever had, set scoring records, and was honored as an All-American. On the road he endured taunts from fans and discrimination at hotels and restaurants. But at home he won the hearts of IU teammates, students, and fans. And he graduated in four years.
Throughout his entire college career, Bill Garrett never played with or against another Black player, not in the Big Ten and not against non-conference opponents. But in 1952, the year after he graduated - after he had by example shown the experiment to be a success - there were seven Black players on five Big Ten teams; the Big Eight (then the Big Six) and the Mid-America Conference had integrated; Notre Dame and other independents had integrated. And, during Garrett's years at IU, dorms, dining halls, social events, and near-by Bloomington restaurants became integrated.
All this, even though, as Dr. Stanley Warren, former Garrett colleague at Crispus Attucks and retired DePauw University Dean, told us: “Bill Garrett set the bar so high that it was almost more difficult for those who came after.”
How high he set the bar was brought home to us by the hundred-plus persons we spoke with when researching Bill Garrett's story. We talked to those, White and Black, who had been friends, former colleagues, coaches, teammates, opponents, opposing fans, and just contemporaries. African-Americans who played on other Big Ten teams long after Bill Garrett had graduated from IU credited him with making their careers possible. Aging fans from other universities told us they wanted their team to beat IU “by one point and Bill Garrett to score 30.” The former “doctor of the year” in another state, who did not play basketball, choked up while describing what Garrett had meant to him. A lot of elderly people made special efforts, sometimes coming out in rain or snow, to talk about Bill Garrett.
And no one - not a single one - expressed or even hinted anything other than respect and admiration for Bill Garrett. I have never in all my life experienced anything like that.
College basketball has no single Jackie Robinson. But Bill Garrett comes the closest.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: FULL CANOPY REAL ESTATE
NOTEBOOK:
The Parks Department and Street Department recently cleaned up area parks, including cutting out and chipping underbrush at Sunrise and Sunset parks. Parks restrooms will likely re-open mid-March, depending on the weather.
The Parks Department’s bike share program will return in early April. Twelve new bicycles are on the way and 18 new docking stations will be installed, to be located at the McKay Road station, the Meridian Park pool facility and on the pedestrian trail near the high school.
Revenue at Horseshoe Indianapolis Casino (Shelbyville) was up slightly in January compared to January 2024 but was down from December 2024. Adjusted Gross Revenue last month was $21.4 million, up from $20.9 million in January 2024, but down from $25.2 million in December 2024.
Bill Kent, who previously served as vice president of PK U.S.A. for 28 years, has returned to the company in a consulting role for human resources, community advocacy and international relations. Bill Kent Consulting is also accepting new assignments on a limited basis.
HOOSIER NEWS: Indiana is seeing “very high” rates of influenza activity in emergency rooms and primary care offices across the state, as national cases of influenza hit a 15-year high. Influenza rates in Indiana jumped from high to very high Tuesday, according to Indiana Department of Health data. Indiana’s influenza uptick is in line with activity in other states as flu season hits its seasonal peak, said state epidemiologist Eric Hawkins. At the same time, other respiratory viruses — like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the common cold and coronavirus —are also circulating. Most pharmacies have at-home tests available to test for the flu and coronavirus. However, other respiratory illnesses, such as RSV, require testing at a primary or urgent care office. (IndyStar)
NATIONAL NEWS: There have been 1,826 alleged violation complaints of U.S. Senate rules sent to the Select Committee on Ethics since 2007. There were zero disciplinary actions over the period despite multiple documented violations of the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act of 2012 and even a former Senator sentenced to prison last week. (NOTUS/Numlock)
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SHS Courier Archive Highlights
February 1975, Part II
Bill Wheeler, a 1971 SHS graduate, was named Professional Substitute Teacher. Bill was also an umpire in the Jaycee Knothole League. “As a player or a spectator you may not agree with his decisions, but you can certainly hear them.” Bill was a recent graduate of Vincennes University.
The REC Sweetheart Queen contest was coming up. Candidates were Beth Cole, Andy Lockridge, Debbie Lux, Debbie Mills and Janet Wagner.
An article explained “yardjobbing”, which involved “parking your car in your favorite enemy’s front yard, putting it in drive, stepping on the brake, then flooring the accelerator, spinning your ties and ruining their yard for years to come.”
The band was trying to raise $30,000 for new uniforms. Their current uniforms were 12 years old.
Gymnastics sectionals was coming up. Linda Tower would be all-around while Sherri Brennan competed in three events, Theresa Price in one, Lisa McNew in one, Jan Hampton in two and Mona Hidy in one.
This Day in Shelby County History
News around Shelbyville and the surrounding area as reported on or about this date in history. Selections are curated by The Addison Times from Shelby County Public Library Genealogy Department materials.
2005: PK USA was featured in the Business Spotlight segment of the weekly “Inside Indiana Business with Gerry Dick” on WTHR. Vice President Bill Kent and Earl Miller appeared on the taped segment.
With a lifelike rendition of Garfield the cat, the Leer family - James, Deb, Levi, Dakota and Kayla - won the sculpture category of the Shelbyville Parks Department’s snowman-making contest. The Leers lived on West Smithland Freedom Street. Tristan Bridgford won the snowman category with a little help from her father Jerry Goode and friend Alexis Fitz.
1995: Richard Belser was appointed area president of National City Bank, Shelby County. His office would be at the bank’s local headquarters, 102 S. Harrison St.
The Shelby County Plan Commission started renting three rooms adjacent to the Robert E. Marshall Law Offices, 10 W. Polk St.
The Indiana Department of Transportation announced plans to widen CR 400 N between Fairland and I-74, adding six-foot shoulders to each side of the road.
1985: Shelbyville Central Schools approved the 1985-86 school calendar. Teachers would report Aug. 22 and students on Aug. 23.
Brenda Kelsay, the former SHS standout and Indiana All-Star, was among several Purdue University athletes honored during halftime of a men’s basketball game. Kelsay, a senior, had been named to the all-academic Big Team team. Due to a knee injury, Kelsay had been unable to play during the season. She served as a student assistant coach.
1975: A fire at International Packings Corporation, W. State Road 44, at 11:45 p.m. caused $10,000 in damage. Seventeen city firemen responded to the alarm.
1965: Nancy Spalding, 10, a fifth-grader at St. Vincent Elementary, was named the grand prize winner of the SCUFFY art contest. She received a new bicycle. Overall winners in each of the elementary grades were Sara Green, Charles Major School; Jim Cole, Loper; Ricky Haymond, Waldron; Susie Young, Loper; Todd Eck, Triton South; and Mike Sparks, Waldron.
1955: Shelbyville school board members met with architects to discuss the possibility of building a new junior high in Morrison Park.
1945: Sgt. Edwin Purcell, who had lived northeast of Shelbyville, was hospitalized after sustaining injuries in the Battle of Bastogne. He had been awarded the Purple Heart.
1935: Several local pastors signed a statement opposing legalized pari-mutuel gambling on horse and dog races, which was under consideration at the statehouse. The letter said the money used for gambling would divert money from legitimate local businesses.
Spencer Bernhardt opened the Bernhardt Service Station and Automobile Parts Store at the southeast corner of Harrison and Broadway. Fish sandwiches were given away until all 500 pounds of fish were exhausted. The store would be open 24 hours a day at the spot where Worland’s Pharmacy was previously located.
1925: A local woman was denied a divorce because she could only substantiate cruel treatment by her father-in-law, but not her husband. She had moved back in with her parents.
1915: Three chapel train cars operated by the Catholic Church Extension came through Shelbyville on the Big Four. The cars were open for inspection but no services were held.
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
Anna R. “Annie” Bowman, 98, of Fairland, passed away on February 11, 2025, at Morristown Manor in Morristown. She was born January 6, 1927, in Marion County, the daughter of Harry “Herre” and Ruth (Wesselius) DeWitt. On June 18, 1948, she married Ralph Edward Bowman, and he preceded her in death on September 24, 1994.
Annie was survived by her grandchildren, Donald "Matt", Audra, Andy, Brad and Jared, Brianna and Bailey; great-grandchildren, Nick, Ashley, Blakely, Jacqueline, Leona, Mason, Harper, Forrest, Rowan, Sawyer and Noah; great-great-grandchildren Alexia April, Aubrey Anne, Adrianna Alizabeth; sister; Gertrude Wilma Kent; daughters-in-law, Debbie Bowman, Terri Bowman and Jill Bowman; son-in-law, Jerry Horn; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to Ralph, she was preceded in death by her children, Donald “Donnie” Bowman, Leonidas “Lonnie” Bowman, Ralph "Tony" Bowman and Laurie M. Horn; granddaughter, April, great grandchild Gavin; brothers, Hessel John DeWitt, John Samuel DeWitt, Peter DeWitt and August DeWitt; and sister, Hattie J. Stohry.
In 1945, Annie graduated from Fairland High School. After graduation she worked at Eli Lilly, until becoming a dairy farmer with her husband. One of her jobs on the dairy farm was feeding the newborn calves their milk. She also lended herself to milking as needed and tended chickens in her earlier years of farming. Annie could often be heard at 3am with Ralph and Donnie herding loose cows. Annie was a fantastic cook and kept an immaculate home. She always had room at her table. She grew an enormous vegetable garden to nourish her family. She once stated she "had always wanted a family and live a farm life". She was fulfilled with both. Later she worked at Patsy’s Pizza in Morristown. She was the oldest living 70-year member of New Life United Methodist Church. She enjoyed participating in UMW activities, handbells, choirs and sew group.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon, Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will follow at noon, with Rev. Mike Beck officiating. Interment will be at Fairland Cemetery in Fairland, with luncheon following. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Life Legacy Fund, in care of the Blue River Foundation, 54 W. Broadway St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 or Morristown American Legion Post No. 102, 339 W. Main St., Morristown, Indiana, 46161. Online condolences may be shared with Annie’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Patricia Maureen Cordrey, 88, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at her residence. She was born March 17, 1936 in Oxford, England to Henry and Hilda (Neighbor) Waine. On May 28, 1955, she married Herman Keith Cordrey and he preceded her in death on October 8, 1994.
Patricia is survived by her daughters, Linda Hampton and Penny (husband, Frank) Poe; her grandchildren, Jodi (husband, Jeff) Hardt, Kelli (husband, Doug) Warner, Shane (wife, Kristina) Poe, Trevor (wife, Melissa) Poe and Clint (wife, Jessica) Poe; her great-grandchildren, Nathan Warner, Cru Poe, Alex Hardt, Sadie Poe, Zaylee Poe, Longmire Poe, Mac Poe, Graelyn Poe, Ellie Poe, Laradelle Poe, Woods Poe and Izzy Poe and her sister, Doreen “Dean” Kerr.
Patricia met her husband when he was stationed in England with the Air Force. At 19, she moved to United States. Though she raised her family here, England was always home. She was able to travel back and forth to visit as well as several other countries. She is survived by several nieces and nephews in England as well. She worked at Western Electric and when it changed to AT&T, she moved to Columbus, Ohio for four years to protect her job but drove home every weekend to see her family. She was also the original owner of Raindrops N Roses along with her husband. It was a family affair as both her daughters and families helped when needed.
She was a 50-year member of First Baptist Church. At church, she was nursery school teacher for numerous years as well as Deacon and headed committees for flowers and dinners for several occasions. As TBPA President, a Transatlantic Brides club, meetings were held once a month with food, games, lots of laughter and memories. Many would bring dishes from England, Ireland and Scotland to share.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son-in-law, Ray Hampton; her sisters, Joyce Callahan, Pearl Baker, Bernice “Bubbles” Tonks and Brenda Beasley.
Visitation will be Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, Ind., 46176. Funeral services will be Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Bruce Banister officiating. A private family burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery at a later date. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Patricia’s family. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Patricia to First Baptist Church, 27 W. Broadway St., Shelbyville, Ind., 46176. Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.