Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Dec 25, 2024

George Stubbs’ annual Christmas drawing appeared in newsprint for over 40 consecutive years. | used with permission from the Shelby County Historical Society and the Stubbs family

Christmas Memories Last Forever

Editor’s Note: The following segments are from Shelbyville High School Courier editions.

2003:

Chelsea Parks: One Christmas I was at my uncle’s house, and he and his family had a band, so they naturally had a drum set as well. I had already been playing percussion in middle school for a couple of years, so I sat down and tried to play. Well, I started to struggle until my uncle came up and gave me a beat to start with. Thanks to him, I now have my own drum set and have improved a lot since then.
Mary Coulston: A fond Christmas memory that I have is when I went over to my friend Kelly’s house to help her put up Christmas lights. We couldn’t find anything to hold up the lights so we used duct tape instead. The wind was blowing so hard, and the tape wasn’t holding well. Some of the lights kept falling into the bushes, but we finally got them all up.
Dustin Dowell: I remember when I was nine, I was sitting in my Ninja Turtle underwear in front of the Christmas tree. There were presents everywhere. I remember thinking I was so cool because I got a 13-inch color TV and more Ninja Turtle underwear, of course.
Andrew Newkirk: One Christmas, my family and I went to the grandparents’ house, and my younger sister, sophomore Sarah Newkirk, and I were playing on top of a hill that was in my grandparents’ front yard. Sarah and I liked to sled down that hill, but we had to be careful because there was a creek that ran across the bottom of the hill. So as Sarah was at the top of the hill, she told me to stand at the bottom so we wouldn’t sled into the creek. As Sarah was coming down the hill, I moved, and she drove the sled straight into the icy creek. It was really funny until I got in trouble.
Rachel Carlisle: One year, my parents, little brother and I stayed in Shelbyville and celebrated Christmas just as a family rather than making our usual trip down to Texas. I still love going down to visit my family in Texas, but celebrating Christmas in Shelbyville was just a nice change that I really enjoyed.
Dustin Prosser: One Christmas when I was about six, I got the chicken pox. They peaked right around Christmas; imagine that. Well, early Christmas morning I came downstairs, and felt really lousy. Then, right in front of me sat a train set that I had wanted very badly, and under the tree was an immense assortment of presents all related to the train set. It was a great Christmas, and I felt much better, at least for a while.

2012 (Favorite Christmas Presents)

Kiersten Macklin: It would probably have to be a tie between my iPod or my air hockey table. I love jamming out to some tunes and playing air hockey with the family.
Tanner Branson: My favorite Christmas present of all time was an engraved money clip from Tiffany and Co. It was engraved TCB, my initials.
Kennedy McGuire: My favorite gift was my pup, Shelby. She is the best dog in the world, and now is just a part of the family.
Ethan Nash: My little brother Logan and my little sister Allison are my favorite Christmas presents. They were born two years and a day apart, one on Dec. 23 and the other on Dec. 24. They annoy me to extremes, but at the end of the day, I know my life would be so boring without them.
Madalyn Toll: My favorite Christmas present was my iPhone. My parents surprised me because my sister gave up her upgrade for me.
Kenecia Haskins: I got a scooter one year and thought it was amazing. That was the best present I got from my mother before she died.

NOTEBOOK:

Thank you to every donor for your continued support as The Addison Times forges ahead to fund 2025 and beyond. We will once again provide a quarterly publication with extra news and photos in 2025 as a gift for your support of $100 or more. This past year, we’ve covered city and county meetings, our students, local business, primary and general elections, commercial and residential development, and, of course, daily local history. Please consider a one-time or monthly donation to The Addison Times, either online or via a check to The Addison Times, 54 W. Broadway, #13, Shelbyville, Ind., 46176. Thank you for your continued support of daily local news and history. I appreciate each of you. - Kristiaan Rawlings, Editor

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NATIONAL NEWS: Over 21 million elves have been sold since 2005 as part of the Elf on the Shelf series of Christmas-themed toys. (The Wall Street Journal/Numlock)
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SHS Courier Archive Highlights:

Dec. 16, 1965, Part I

Congressman Lee Hamilton spoke to SHS government classes. “Having had the opportunities of a free society, you must accomplish the very best you can,” he said. He encouraged students to “make an aristocracy of achievement out of democracy.”
Jerry Moore was president of the 305-member Class of 1968. His sister, Becky, had graduated from Purdue, and a brother, Greg, was a freshman at Purdue. Their father, Robert Moore, was superintendent of grounds and buildings for SCS. During the summer, Jerry mowed the lawns at Loper, Coulston and the Junior High. Other officers of the class of 1968 were Dwane Smith and Tim Ash.
Two General Motors representatives presented a program to physics and chemistry students. A sun mobile showed how energy could be captured from the sun and converted to electricity. They also showed how air pressure might be used as a lubricant in the future to transport heavy materials.
James Sharp, former SHS principal, had passed away. He had been superintendent of the newly formed Shelby Eastern School District for a year. “He was popular, humorous, and always sympathetic and considerate whenever problems troubled students or teachers,” The Courier said. “He had a word of commendation for every athletic victory, dramatic production, or publication of Squib, Courier or Scurrier.” The Courier expressed condolences to his wife; his son, James Sharp II, a freshman at the junior high; and his daughter, Nancy Taylor, SHS class of 1955.
The junior class had purchased a new candy case to replace one accidentally broken. The new case, which cost $167, was one shelf deeper and one foot longer, and had glass sliding doors. Mrs. Rita Fern Comstock said it had been the best candy sales year since she had become sponsor 10 years’ prior. Sales averaged $40 daily, and M&M Chewies (later renamed Starburst) were the best seller. A new committee of sales girls was comprised of Kay Chancey, Linda Davis and Jane Fowler.
The Sunshine Societies held a Christmas convocation. Choir members and the Boys’ Glee Club performed. Noell Worland and Duane Baker, members of Mr. Phillips’ beginning speech class, read the Biblical story of the Nativity, and Elizabeth Lettelleir, Senior Sunshine president, offered a closing prayer.

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.

2014: Scam phone calls continued, the latest a notice telling people they had missed jury duty and must pay a fine to avoid arrest.

2004: More than 100 people participated in an event at Flat Rock Cafe to benefit Ray “Razor” McClure, who had survived a hunting accident in October and had his right leg amputated.

1994: About 600 northern Shelby County homes, mostly in the Fountaintown area, were without power for a time when a radio/TV tower fell on a power line.

1984: Robert G. Williams, one of the founders of Williams Industries, died. He was 66. After helping found the local industry, he had been vice president of the former Albert Furniture Co. He later owned and operated the California House, a furniture distribution company in San Francisco. He then returned to Shelbyville and was on the Williams Industries board of directors at the time of his death. Survivors included a son, William “Luke” Williams; two brothers, James Williams and William Willams; and two sisters; Janet Ingle and Martha Bridges.

1974: Cable TV officially arrived in Shelby County. Mayor Jerry Higgins, Shelby County Cable TV President John S. Anderson and Congressman-elect David Evans were on hand for the launch of the network. The new firm’s offices were at 903 S. Harrison St.

1964: Kenneth Able, Beechbrook addition, announced the second annual Shelbyville area Audubon Christmas bird census would be held Dec. 27. The previous year’s pattern determined there were 11,600 birds representing 42 different species.

More than 500 KCL Corp. employees enjoyed a Christmas party with a turkey dinner at the plant. The company provided the meat, the women employees brought covered dishes and the men furnished the ice cream and cake. Ralph Brown played Christmas songs on the organ. Company President Harry Hanson gave each employees a profit sharing bonus. The party had been organized by Fronia Foster, Rosemond Giltner, Hazel McKenney, Katie Wilkinson, Helen Crosby, Alberna Stroup, Ethel Dagley, Faye Smith, Pearl Hinkle, Laura Matney, Joan Davis, Thelma VanSickle, Betty Williams, Nancy Brown and Mable Brown.

1954: Girl Scouts of Troop 11, Colescott School, led by Mrs. Robert Brant and Mrs. Lester Claymore, went Christmas caroling at the homes of shut-ins. Carolers were Annie Brant, Jacky Heiniger, Jo Ella Murray, Mary Ann Bennett, Cheryl Knobel, Linda Baker, Sue Bass, Gail Sleeth, Sheila Roberts, Pamela Morgan, Karen Handy and Libby McNeely.

1944: Snow flurries and light accumulation led to a white Christmas.

Local Boy Scouts presented Christmas tree decorations to the Wakeman hospital at Camp Atterbury. The troop members - Johnny Mallick, Laurie Alexander, Don Coffee, Bob Jones, George Brunner, Fred Brandenburger and Jo Ed Franklin - had manufactured the trimmings from popcorn, peanuts and paper.

1934: Shelbyville experienced a white - and icy - Christmas.

The Shelbyville Rotary Club made a large cash donation to the Addison Township Commissary to provide Christmas dinner baskets to 88 needy families. The baskets contained coffee, butter, potatoes, beans, sugar, flour, corn, peas, milk, chocolate milk, fruit and jelly, apples, meat, candy and two loaves of bread.

1924: Santa Claus was on hand at the annual Municipal Christmas Party at City Hall. Children received candy, fruit and nuts.

Businesses in the 200 block of S. Harrison St. gave away 25 turkeys for Christmas dinner in a drawing. Unclaimed turkeys were delivered to the orphans’ home.

1914: Hundreds thronged Public Square on a snowy Christmas morning, where children received gifts. “The thought of the public Christmas tree was happy; the execution of the idea was following in the footsteps of Him who was given as a gift for all,” The Republican said. It was the first large tree placed on Public Square. The tree had been donated by Isabell McDonald, 155 W. Washington, who had the large cedar tree cut down on her farm and brought to the Public Square, where it was planted on the north side of Washington St. on the east side of the Square. The Interstate Public Service Co. had placed electric candles on the tree.

ADDISON TIMES MAJOR SPONSOR: Freeman Family Funeral Homes & Crematory

OBITUARIES

R. Marjorie Kuhn, 97, of Shelbyville, passed away Monday, December 23, 2024, at Ashford Place Health Campus in Shelbyville. She was born September 17, 1927, in Shelby County, the daughter of Edward A. and Margaret I. (Zobel) Wisker. On September 22, 1948, she married Bernard K. Kuhn, and he preceded her in death on December 29, 2001. Marjorie is survived by her daughters, Peggy L. Roell and husband, Kenny, of Shelbyville, and Nancy L. Koerner of Columbus, Ohio; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to Bernard, Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, J. Herbert Wisker and Charles Edward Wisker; and sister, Mary Alice Miner.

Marjorie graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1945. She was a member of St. Vincent Catholic Church, and St. Anne Altar Society. Marjorie was a farm wife, and had formerly worked at Chicken & Steak Inn and Shelby County ASCS, retiring in 1986. She loved to knit and was a volunteer at Major Hospital.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Saturday at St. Vincent Catholic Church, 4218 E. Michigan Road in Shelbyville, with Father Mike Keucher officiating, assisted by Father Paul Landwerlen. Interment will be at St. Vincent Catholic Church Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared with Marjorie’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Brad Allen Hicks, 51, of Rushville, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Community Hospital South. Born March 20, 1973 in Shelbyville, he was the son of Melvin Hicks and Carolyn (White) Hicks. Survivors include his daughter Scarlett Hicks of Rushville; seven siblings, Becky York of Mays, Phoebe Wickliff (Randy Jacobs) of Rushville, Frank Hicks of Mays, Tim Hicks of Franklin, Tom Hicks of Greensburg, Janet Hicks (Leo Mills) of Connersville, Tonya Mottau (Christian) of Danville; several nieces and nephews; and step-children Brent Cochran and Natalie Cochran. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Jeannette Green.

Mr. Hicks had lived in this area for most of his lifetime and graduated from Rushville Consolidated High School in 1992. He was a production technician with Corteva of Rushville for three years and had previously worked for Klosterman's of Morristown for 20 years. Brad enjoyed spending time with his daughter and attending her sporting events. He enjoyed hiking, fishing and nature. In high school, he played football and wrestled, and enjoyed playing sports.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024 at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, with Pastor Dan Lema officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday morning from 11 a.m. until the time of the service, at the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at glennegeorgeandson.com.

Rebecca Jane Boyd ‘Becky’, 73, of Boggstown passed away Monday, December 23, 2024, at Community Hospital South. She was born August 14, 1951, in Indianapolis to Hester P. Corbin ‘Curly’ and Alice R. (Matthews) Corbin.

Becky was an extremely active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and enjoyed her weekly hour in the adoration chapel. She graduated from Emanuel High School, the class of 1969. Becky was a teacher’s assistant at Triton Central Elementary School. She was a former member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.

She was a self-taught artist and loved to paint. Becky also had a love for dancing, especially with her beloved Geno. She was the caretaker of her whole family, and they were the most important to her. She especially loved to spend time with her grandchildren.

She married Gene Boyd on February 28, 1970, and they shared 54 loving years of marriage. Becky is survived by her husband, her daughter, Gina (husband, Scott) Fisher, her grandchildren, Anthony Fisher, Nicholas Fisher, and Lydia Fisher, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, David Boyd, her sisters, Patricia Green, Mary Lou Sullivan, Rose Wheatley, and Heidi Corbin, and her brother, William Corbin.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, December 29, 2024 at Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison Street, Shelbyville, Ind., 46176. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, December 30, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Mike Keucher officiating. Burial will be in Fairland Cemetery. Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks, and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Becky’s family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the David Boyd Memorial Scholarship, in care of the Blue River Foundation, 54 West Broadway, Suite 1, Shelbyville, Ind., 46176.

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