Monday, September 23, 2024
TEACH A BOY TO FISH…
Lukas Clouse, right, shows off a two-pound catfish he just caught at yesterday’s FOP Free Fishing Day. Assisting is his cousin, Landon Clouse, left. | photo by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS
West Side Auto Store Traces Local Roots Decades Back
Blue River Supply recently moved from W. Franklin St. to Miller Ave. | file photo
by ANNA TUNGATE & KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS
The name Blue River Supply is relatively new to the automotive parts industry. Its owner, Ken Finkel, is not. Finkel was part of the former family-owned National Automotive Lines Inc. Before that, his father, Maurice Finkel, then a salesman for a Chicago-based firm, sold a side item: a yellow marker used in salvage yards to write on metal parts.
“Dad’s brother, Reuben, sold that marker until he died in 1969, and then Dad, who worked at the same company, took over the side business,” Finkel said.
When the Chicago company closed in 1978, National Automotive was founded at 34 W. Franklin Street.
“Dad was basically out of a job. He had offers from some competitors but didn’t want to do that,” Finkel said.
Ken, then an accounting student at Indiana University, grew to appreciate the business operations, which his parents, Maurice and Carol, oversaw.
“He had a customer base for that little marker, and we added more items. We had 25 items, then 50, then 200,” he said. “Some of the parts they sold back then I’m selling today, same part numbers and all.”
When the business closed in 2019, Ken was balancing several matters, including the terminal illness of his wife, Ann.
“I talked it over with her, and she encouraged me to open Blue River Supply,” Finkel said.
Although the W. Franklin St. building was sold, Finkel rented part of the original office back for his new company.
“There was a period of time where I was in flux, getting organized and juggling taking care of my wife,” he said.
Ann passed away in 2021, just over a year after Maurice, who worked at Blue River Supply, died at age 97.
Three months ago, the company moved to the former Sew-Tec location on Miller Ave.
The industry has evolved over the years, and Finkel continues working the lines to reclaim former National Automotive customers.
“At one time, we sold brake pads, rotors and cylinder heads all over the country, but with Amazon and the internet, and factoring shipping, I eliminated several (online) products,” Finkel said. “But you can still get them if you walk in.” That includes headlights, taillights and a host of small items previously available on W. Franklin St.
And despite virtually no advertising, walk-in business on Miller Ave. is picking up, even if it isn’t all automotive related.
“The space has worked out great, although I have had quite a few people come in and ask if I could hem their pants,” Finkel said, laughing.
NOTEBOOK:
The Shelbyville Plan Commission tonight will consider an amendment allowing the developers of Bear Run addition off Progress Parkway to reduce separation between homes from 14 feet to 12 feet on approximately 40 percent of the planned 175 homes. The change would allow about five additional elevations, or exterior designs, company officials told the City Council last week. The Plan Commission meets at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
HOOSIER NEWS: Indiana’s unemployment rate has increased more than 1 percent over the last five months. There was also an increase in the number of unemployment insurance claims filed for the third month in a row. From June to August, there was an increase of more than 2,700 unemployment insurance claims filed. In the newest August data, there were over 21,000 unemployment insurance claims — the highest it's been in three months. Those who receive unemployment insurance typically receive this benefit for a maximum of 26 weeks. People receiving the benefit are automatically enrolled in the Indiana Career Connect program to help them get back to work sooner. Indiana's unemployment rate worsened for the fifth month in a row. The rate for August is at 4.2 percent before seasonal adjustments, which is also where the national rate stands for the month. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported there are more than 89,000 job postings available throughout the state. (Indiana Public Media)
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SHS Courier Archive Highlights:
February 14, 1977, Part I
The cast was announced for the smash musical, “No, No, Nanette.” The lead characters were Susan Polakoff, Beth Nolley, Ann Hart, Don Gobel, Bob Schneider, John Hall and Mary Adams.
WSVL was airing the SHS news Thursdays at 4:15 p.m. Susan Polakoff and Steve Simpson were heading the brigade of news commentators with advisor Sue Butler. Working along with professional Dan Coy were rookies Scott Ryhal, Cheri Coryea, Brad Gould, Scott Brown, David Jones and Wendy Lux. Others involved were Alan Joseph, Kindal Ferson, Ann Struckus, Greg Hurley, Dan Craig and Nancy Cole.
Only a few students had graduated in December. They were: Ken Anderson, Ruth Burton, Bruce Elkins, Cindy Ennes, Terri Hurst, Sam Huesman, Todd Lewis, Beth Miller, Mike McClain, Brett Poe, Rhonda Popplewell, Randy Stephens, Brian Thompson, Terri Vise and Brenda Wisker.
Following several snow days, rumors were rampant the school would use Saturdays for make-ups. Superintendent Hayes, however, said that wasn’t true. Teachers were paid whether there was school or not, so adding days would cost the corporation a fortune, which he wasn’t willing to pay unless necessary. The state had a 15 snow-day limit, and Hayes said he was looking at options in the event Shelbyville came up short. Several factories had closed due to the gas shortage, but 9 of the 11 school heating systems ran on oil.
Mr. Brooks was the new Industrial Arts teacher. He said SHS students were better behaved than at his last place of employment, the Adult Vocational School in Indianapolis.
Courier staff were Steve Simpson, Susan Polakoff, Ann Hart, Jessica Shisler, Kim Miller, Scott Brown, Jane McCormick, Kirk Slaughter and Julie English. Sue Butler was the advisor.
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 from the Shelby County Public Library Genealogy Department.
2014: The latest golf benefit was held in memory of Sgt. Gary Henderson, who had lost his life in 2007 while on duty. The tournament began in 2009 when Henderson’s wife, Karen, son, Kyle, and a few officers within the department started it to raise money toward law enforcement scholarships. By 2014, proceeds went to Santa Protectors to help local children who were in need of toys and clothes. Shelbyville Police Lt. Mike Turner was one of the tournament’s organizers.
2004: A home at the corner of Pike and John Streets, owned by John Dawson, was moved to the corner of Ohio and East Washington streets.
1994: The Carson & Barnes Circus announced Shelbyville would be on its city-a-day tour. It was one of the few remaining circuses to be conducted under a big top tent, and would be held at the Shelby County Fairgrounds. Jim Ross, publicity chairman for the sponsoring Shrine Club, said ticket proceeds would be used to donate to children’s hospitals.
In a merger of roast beef and popcorn shrimp, the owner of Arby’s Inc. acquired Long John Silver’s restaurants. Company officials said it was too early to tell if the Shelbyville Long John Silver’s would eventually be under the same roof as an Arby’s. (Arby’s was not yet in Shelbyville.)
1984: Cindy Larkey was crowned Triton Central Homecoming Queen. Chuck Ward was crowned King.
1974: Temperatures dipped below freezing on the first day of fall with the first frost of the season arriving.
The Exorcist was on at the Cinema. “Not recommend for anyone under 18 years old,” an ad said.
1964: A local man was charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants after his car struck a building in an alley between Jackson and Broadway just off W. Broadway. In an attempt to get the car out of the alley, the man had set the car tires on fire, which left a hole in the asphalt paving.
Numerous stores participated in the Moonlight Madness sale, including J.C. Penney, Parks Belk, Major T. Jester, Scofield Furniture, Fleming Furniture, Bradley Hall Furniture, G.C. Murphy, Merit Shoes, Art’s TV & Appliances, Louden’s Food Market, Shelbyville Motors, Hall’s Outlet, Lord’s Ladies Apparel, Paul’s Shoes, Schoelch’s Hub Shoes, Stephan Shoes, Nelsons’ Gifts, Standard Grocery, M.B. Nankivell Chevrolet, Singer Sewing Center, Hook’s Drugs, Mace Food Store, Country Lad, Ross’ Food Market, Firestone Store, Shoe City, Bill Becom’s TV, Sanders & Son Furniture, Spurlin TV, Shelco Motors, Harold Ash Dodge, F.W. Woolworth, A&W Root Beer, Indiana Quick Stop, J.G. DePrez Co., Bishopp Hardware, Sears Roebuck & Co., Sandman Brothers, Shelby Ramber Fair, Siebert, Oldmsmobile, Haag Drugs, B&B Drugs, Roselyn Bakery, West’s Men’s Wear, Todd-Bennett, Breedlove’s Men’s Wear, Bob Ewing’s Men’s Wear, Mary Lou Shop, Collins Jewelry, S&W Spudnut Shop, Fleming Jewelry, Connor Jewelry and Margaret’s Art Needlework.
1954: Sandman Brothers, E. Washington St., TV and appliance dealers, held a free color television demonstration for the public at 8 p.m. The 90-minute show, “Lady in Dark,” was part of an NBC network series.
Louie C. Neu, 271 E. Mechanic St., was officially appointed postmaster of Shelbyville by President Eisenhower. Neu had been confirmed by the U.S. Senate in July and had been serving as Acting Postmaster. He was the first permanent postmaster here since Gordon Thurston had died in 1950. Pleas Greenlee had served as Acting Postmaster for three years before Neu was appointed. Neu would head the 40-man local office, which included Assistant Postmaster Edmund VanCleve and Supervisor of Mail Carl Riser.
1944: Murphy’s, on the southwest corner of Public Square, offered a sale on Dickeys: $1.29 each (approximately $23 in today’s money). “Give old suits a fresh look,” the ad said.
1934: As a precaution against the spread of scarlet fever, the Boggstown school was closed for two weeks. Three cases had been reported at the school. The health board asked that Sugar Creek Township halt public meetings “as much as possible.”
1924: Several farmers reported that white snake root, a poisonous weed, had been found in large quantities throughout the county. Agricultural agents encouraged farmers to carefully inspect areas before allowing livestock to graze there.
1914: James Howe, one of the oldest residents of Shelbyville and “a man who saw the city of Shelbyville spring up from an Indian camp to its present size and prosperity,” died one month shy of his 90th birthday, The Republican reported. Howe was born in Kentucky in 1824 and moved here with his parents in 1832. His father had selected a site near Lewis Creek church, where he took 600 acres of government land. James had worked the farm after his parents died. Howe had remembered when log cabins were located on what became Public Square. “An Indian camp marked the site of the Shelby Mills at the north edge of the city,” the paper said. “Wild game of all sorts roamed through the rest of the territory that now comprises the city.” Howe used to tell of using turkey breast for bread in his boyhood due to a shortage of flour. He also talked about hand mills resembling coffee grounders that were used by housewives to grind grain for bread. Howe had been a member of the Winchester M.E. church.
OBITUARIES
None today.