Tuesday, February 18, 2025
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Siblings Henry Wainscott and Sophia Wainscott (two of four quadruplets) play in the Shelbyville High School pep band over the weekend. | photo by KRISTIAAN RAWLINGS
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NOTEBOOK:
Loper Elementary representatives will deliver donations today from students and staff to the Shelby County Animal Shelter, the result of the recently-completed 20th annual Paws to Paws drive. Jan Asher started the initiative in 2005. Elizabeth Sample took over the project when Asher retired and continued to oversee it until this year. Asher passed away in 2023; Sample passed away last month. Loper students and staff completed the drive this year in their honor.
The Shelbyville Big Lots store has been listed for sale, The Indianapolis Star reported.
HOOSIER NEWS: Nationally, Indiana ranks 39th in percentage of women in the state legislature, just behind South Dakota and just ahead of North Dakota. About 27 percent of Indiana’s 150 seats are held by women. All the adjacent states have higher percentages of women: Illinois has 43 percent, Michigan 40 percent, Kentucky 31 percent, and Ohio 29 percent. Indiana’s representation is up from 2015, when 31 women held a state legislature seat. Since 1920, when white women got the right to vote, Indiana’s had at least one woman in its legislature. It’s first state representative, Julia Nelson served one term for Delaware County. During her first year, she sponsored two bills alone. One called for private hearings in certain cases involving rape and the other pertained to determination of paternity. (Indiana Public Media)
NATIONAL NEWS: The Cubs and Dodgers will hit the field in Arizona on Thursday to kick off the exhibition schedule. The defending-champion Dodgers spent more than $450 million in free agency this offseason. A full slate of games on Saturday will include the Mets, who gave outfielder Juan Soto a 15-year, $765 million contract to lure him away from the Yankees. (Morning Brew)
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Shelbyville Schools Timeline: School No. 1
by GEORGE YOUNG
Before 1851, Indiana had no formal education system. Local governments funded schools and often charged tuition. Education was secondary to farming and business for early pioneer Hoosiers. The 1816 Indiana Constitution encouraged county seminaries: non-denominational schools offering primary to collegiate courses. By the late 1820s, many counties had established these institutions. The 1851 state constitution later laid the foundation for a structured public education system.
As the city of Shelbyville grew, it evolved from a few one-room schoolhouses to the extensive education system we see today.
School #1
In 1852, the city built the Shelbyville Seminary on the corner of Pike and Franklin Streets. It had to be rebuilt after a fire burned the seminary to the ground. The replacement school became known as School #1. It was a large three-story building built in 1866 with 580 students and eight teachers. The top floor was the high school until a separate building was built in 1896 on Broadway and Tompkins.
In 1922, the school board approved the demolition of School #1 to make way for a new elementary school - Charles Major School - on the same lot. Initially, the board planned to retain the east wing of the old building during construction, but architects advised positioning the new school in the center of the lot rather than the west end. A 1906 map shows School #1 on Pike Street, with the later Charles Major School occupying the same lot but facing Franklin Street.
On May 3, 1922, demolition began on the city’s oldest school building, the No. 1 school. The board estimated that 240,000 bricks would be needed for the new school, which was to be named Charles Major, named after Shelbyville’s famous author, and built on the same lot. During the demolition and rebuilding, students in the first four grades finished the school year at the No. 5 building on E. Pennsylvania. Fifth graders went to the Departmental building on Broadway, where they attended classes in the janitor’s workroom.
The Bears of Blue River Statue
In 1929, the iconic Bears of Blue River statue was installed at the front entrance of Charles Major School. This Italian-cast bronze statue features Balser Brent holding two bear cubs, Tom and Jerry, characters from the 1901 novel “The Bears of Blue River” by Charles Major. The statue was designed and sculpted by Mary Elizabeth Stout, who was living in Paris at the time and used a French boy as the model for Balser Brent. The piece was funded by a $2,000 bequest (equivalent to approximately $36,000 in 2025) from Alice Shaw Major, Charles Major’s wife. Placed initially at Charles Major School on East Franklin Street, the statue was relocated to Public Square in 1980 and still stands today, reminding visitors of our pioneer days.
The old Charles Major School, at N. Pike and E. Franklin streets, was demolished in 1985, and senior citizens’ housing took its place, the Charles Major Manor, Affordable Senior Housing.
SHS Courier Archive Highlights
May 18, 1955, Part I
Amelia Stuart, daughter of JHS math teacher Ralph Stuart, received the 28th annual Commercial Award presented by the Shelbyville Business and Professional Women at a dinner at the Eagles Club.
SHS ordered five new films, two in black and white and three in color, for science classes.
Charles Thompson wore the biggest shoe in school, size 14D. His father, science teacher Mr. Thompson, wore a 13B. Ray Ewick wore a 14AA. Bobby Jones wore a size 4-and-a-half.
The ax blade of Jerry Porter, playing the sturdy woodcutter, flew off the handle as he started to slay the Big Bad Wolf (Phil Breedlove). The blade sailed over the heads of choir members during “Little Red Riding Hood”.
Carl Cawood and Mary Louise Rahe were Lord Mayor and Queen of the May Festival. Four former May Queens and two Lord Mayors were present: Mary Kay Lux, Jackie Nail, Pat (Dunkin) Inlow, Mary (Conger) La Grange, Jerry Higgins and Jim Lawrence. Darryl Curson was crown bearer.
A banquet was held at the Elks Club to honor Walter M. Fort, who was retiring after 49 years in education. Fort had been principal at Booker T. Washington Elementary School and for the last few years of his career was in charge of city schools’ testing programs. Robert Rukes, J. Trible, Fannie Orebaugh and Ola Billman all presented. Willard Day presented Fort with an electric toaster. Dinner music was provided by Willa-Jo Barricklow at the piano. A post-dinner program was presented by students Anne Breck, Kay Crafton, Mike Douglas, Jim McKeand, Willa-Jo Barricklow and Linda Gaines.
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: Southwestern High School juniors Paul Macalusa and Whitney Turner were crowned king and queen of the school’s annual Sweetheart Dance.
1995: The seven total candidates running for mayor tied 1963 for the most candidates to enter the local primary race.
A house hit a car in Fairland. A house loaded on a truck going through Fairland struck the car when the truck pulled to the edge to let other vehicles pass.
1985: Shelbyville beat Indianapolis North Central, 74-72, in double overtime with Todd Anderson’s baseline jumper at the buzzer providing the game-winning shot. Brian Harrell and J.D. Lux had big plays earlier in the overtime period.
1975: City Councilman Cassius Bennett announced his candidacy to run for re-election to represent the Fourth Ward. Bennett, 71, had been elected to his first term in 1971. He had worked at the former Chambers plant and later G.E., where he retired from in 1969. Bennett, who lived at 610 S. Pike St., had five children, Sherman, George, Laura, Doris and Marlene.
1965: The Crossroads Olympic wheelchair basketball team of Indianapolis played at the SHS gym in an exhibition game against Shelby County Ministerial Association members using wheelchairs. Proceeds from ticket sales went to charity.
1955: Shelbyville High School and Purdue University graduate John Harrell, 28, was the first local man to be hired by the General Electric Company at the new plant. Harrell and his family moved to New York to work at G.E. until the local plant could be finished. Harrell was a World War II veteran and an acoustical research engineer.
Dr. and Mrs. Everett Amos, 713 Shelby St., filed a complaint claiming that the civil city deed of Morrison Park to Shelbyville Central Schools to build a new junior high was illegal. The Amos property adjoined Morrison Park on the north side. The suit had caught school officials by surprise.
1945: An architect proposed banning cars on Public Square. She cited a California town, Linda Vista, that was having success with similar action. “Instead of hot pavements and trolley tracks, there are benches to sit on, shrubbery, flowers, trees,” she said. Covered walkways allowed shoppers to move from one store to another out of the elements.
1935: One hundred couples attended the American Legion Auxiliary dance at the Strand Alcazar.
The roof of the office building at Zovel Levinsky’s junk yard, 413 North Vine Street, was ignited when a stove pipe passing through an opening in the roof became too hot. The fire department quickly responded.
1925: Several parts of town were opposing the annual oiling of streets. Residents told City Council that water should be used instead.
Dedication ceremonies were held at the Red Men’s new wigwam at Washington and Pike streets.
1915: The Shelbyville Republican newspaper installed a phone line. The first call received was a complaint about a recent article that had listed expenses in the clerk’s office, namely the clerk’s recent purchase of an adding machine. The caller said, “You had better know what you are talking about….” The newspaper editor clarified that the paper was only restating what the clerk had listed in a report and it had not “the least idea of getting on anybody’s tender pink toes.”
ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory
OBITUARIES
Larry Eugene Bowers: beloved father, grandpa, avid hunter and veteran. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Larry Eugene Bowers, who was surrounded by loved ones when he left us peacefully on February 13, 2025, at the age of 82.
Born on February 6, 1943, Larry was a dedicated family man whose service to his country, love for the great outdoors, and passion for hunting defined his remarkable life. He was a man of great patience, strength and kindness.
Larry was a lifelong resident of Shelby County and worked as a professional truck driver, spending the last 15 years of his career with Heritage Transport in Indianapolis. As a young man, Larry committed to serving our country and enlisted in the Army on May 12, 1961. He continued to serve until he was honorably discharged on June 10, 1966, as a result of an injury he received from a roadside bomb during the Vietnam War. Larry was awarded the Purple Heart as a solemn distinction for the sacrifice he made for our country.
Larry spent many of his happiest moments in the woods perched high in the oak trees, where he found solace and joy in the pursuit of another trophy buck. His knowledge of nature was unparalleled, and he shared this wisdom generously with anyone fortunate enough to join him in his adventures.
Throughout his life, Larry exhibited qualities of integrity, patience and kindness. His stories around the campfire were legendary, filled with tales of the one he “let” walk by and the thrill of the hunt. He taught us the value of respect for nature, the importance of preparation, and the joy of a well-seasoned deer roast enjoyed in the company of loved ones.
Larry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sandy Bowers of Shelbyville; sons Rick (Kendra) Hutchinson of Indianapolis, Michael Bowers of Shelbyville, sisters Anna Linville of Shelbyville, Carol Singleton of Shelbyville, Teri McDowell of Rising Sun, Liz Ballard of Acton; brothers Carl (Sandy) Bowers of Mexico, Gary (Cindy) Bowers of Fairland; 11 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his two daughters, Candy Hutchinson, Angie Bowers; his granddaughter, Brooke Hutchinson and his two sisters, Donna Purcell and Betty Ritzman.
Though he has left us, Larry's spirit will forever echo through Hoosier National Forest, the place he so dearly loved and affectionately called “The Hill”. His legacy will live on in the stories we share, the traditions we uphold, and the respect for nature he instilled in all of us. May he rest in peace, surrounded by the tranquility of the wild in Heaven. Your love and legacy will live on in all of us. With love and remembrance, Your family.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road with Rev. David Humphrey officiating. Family will receive friends from 11 a.m., until the time of the service, at the funeral home. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
George D. Larrison, 83, of St. Paul, passed away Friday, February 14, 2025, at his residence. Born on January 20, 1942, in Shelbyville, he was the son of Floyd Larrison and Avolyn (Gregory) Larrison. He married Anita (Hittle) Larrison on June 30, 1963, and she survives. Other survivors include four children, Tammy Richart of Shelbyville, Greg (Ami) Larrison of Newburgh, Gary (Jessica) Larrison of Shelbyville, Jeff Larrison of St. Paul; two sisters, Sharon Callahan of Shelbyville and Beverly Stanton of St. Paul; 13 grandchildren, Justin (Jennifer) Sawyer, Ashley (Seth) Stevens, Courtney (Travis) Rankin, Madeline Larrison, Kennedy Larrison, Brandon Larrison, Caitlyn Larrison, Ethan Larrison, Remy Larrison, Brock Wischmeyer, Emily Larrison, Evan Larrison, Macy Larrison; 10 great grandchildren, Lincoln Sawyer, Haley Sawyer, Kayla Sawyer, Scarlett Stevens, Graham Stevens, Hallie Rankin, Hayden Rankin, Vivian Day, Andy Day and Willow Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers-in-law, Dave Stanton, Kent Callahan, nephew Brian Stanton; sister-in-law, Medna Hardwick; and son-in-law Jeff Richart.
Mr. Larrison was a lifetime resident of this area and graduated from Waldron High School in 1960. George was a self-employed lifetime farmer and was a member of Geneva United Methodist Church and was a former board member of Van Pelt Cemetery. George enjoyed raising cattle, farming, and playing cards. He was an avid IU basketball fan and enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and functions.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road with Pastor Mark Dodd and Pastor Kristen Hanson officiating. Burial will be in Van Pelt Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, from 4-8 p.m., at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to Geneva United Methodist Church or Gentiva Hospice, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.
Richard Henry “Dick” Griffith, 89, of Shelbyville, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Ashford Place Health Campus in Shelbyville. He was born November 14, 1935, in Wallace, West Va., the son of Ernest Frank and Eva Pearl (Brady) Griffith. On December 15, 1957, he married his wife of 67 years, Beulah “Jean” (Browning) Griffith, and she survives. In addition to Jean, Dick is survived by his sons, Richard H. Griffith Jr. of Lorain, Ohio, and Victor J. Griffith of Denver, Colorado; brother, Harrison Griffith of Finley, Ohio; grandchildren, David Griffith, Steven Griffith, Trevor Griffith and Akara Anglin; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; and eleven siblings.
He was a member of the Amherst United Methodist Church in Amherst, Ohio. In 1955, Dick graduated from Belington High School in West Virginia. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Dick retired as an air traffic controller for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with 38 years of service. After retirement, he worked for Midwest Air Traffic, for five years. He was the Boy Scout Troop leader for one of the largest troops in Ohio. Dick was a member of the Lions Club in Danville, Ill. and the Senior Fellowship of Lorain County. He enjoyed collecting G size trains, woodworking, traveling and going fishing and hunting.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 3 to 6 p.m., at the Ashford Place Club House, 2200 North Riley Highway, Shelbyville, Ind., 46176. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Indiana Chapter, 50 E. 91st St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, Ind., 46240 or to the donor’s choice of charity. Online condolences may be shared with Dick’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Esther D. Gahimer, 78, of Manilla passed away Friday, February 14, 2025, at St. Vincent Hospital. Born on June 3, 1946, in Covington, Ken., she was the daughter of Paul Eninger and Margaret (Wagler) Eninger. She married Otis “Sonny” Gahimer on December 28, 1962, and he survives. Other survivors include three sons, Marc Gahimer (Kathy) of St. Paul, Scott Gahimer (Cindy) of Shelbyville, Jeff Gahimer (Karen) of Greensburg; sister Rachael Markley of Carrollton; four grandchildren, Melissa Anthony of Indianapolis, Amanda Jones of Florida, Jacob Gahimer (Courtney) of Michigan, Chance Olvey Gahimer of Muncie; five great-grandsons; one great-granddaughter; and two step-grandchildren, Josh Mellentine and Amber Lett. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Naomi Fuchs.
Esther had lived in this area most of her lifetime and was a member of Crossroads Community Church. She had been a factory worker for IPC for four years and BCA in Greensburg for 23 years. Esther enjoyed the outdoors, gardening and working in her yard. She loved all of her grandchildren and her cats.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Friday, February 21, 2025 at Crossroads Community Church, 475 Progress Parkway, Shelbyville, with Pastor Andy Lee officiating. Burial will be in Moscow Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Friday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Memorial contributions can be made to Rush County Animal Shelter or American Cancer Association, in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.