Annual Meeting and Presentation, Tuesday, November 12th at 6:00 PM at USI’s Kleymeyer Hall in the Liberal Arts Building

Stonewall and Its Connection to

Evansville’s Queer Past

Dr. Stella Ress
Dr. Stella Ress

In the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, police officers raided The Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York’s Greenwich Village. Officially, NYPD was there because Stonewall Inn was serving liquor without a license. Unofficially, it was part of their usual practice of squeezing gay bars. Usually, patrons dispersed quietly, even those who were arrested. On this day, however, the diverse group of white, black, and brown drag queens, young gay men and lesbians, energetic “street kids” and others from various vulnerable populations did not go quietly. Instead, they stood their ground and fought back. Their courage ignited a movement against all the discrimination, violence, threat of violence, and fear they combatted every day of their lives (protest), as well as a celebration of their enduring community and its triumphs (pride). Though Stonewall happened in New York, its impact has reverberated in Evansville and around the world.
This presentation will briefly discuss Stonewall (as we just commemorated its 50 Anniversary this year), but will zero in on its impact in Evansville—in particular the way Evansville’s queer community has embodied the themes of protest and pride both in the years leading up to Stonewall, and in its aftermath.

Dr. Stella Ress is a current board of the Vanderburgh County Historical Society and is an assistant professor in the department of history at the University of Southern Indiana where she teaches courses on US and Public History. She has published in the areas of Public History, Cultural History, the History of Girls, and Urban History. She is also actively involved in researching, preserving, and promoting local history. Her latest local history project, the exhibit, “Stonewall and its Connection to Evansville’s Queer Past” is currently on display in the windows of Evansville’s Alhambra Theater. Her presentation is derived from the research she did for that project.

 

November 12, 2019
Liberal Arts Building
Kleymeyer Hall
USI Campus
6:00 VCHS Annual Meeting

6:15 PM for hors d’oeuvres
6:30 PM for presentation
Free and Open to the Public
Link to Campus Map
West Side off Bent Twig Lane

Co-sponsored by the Vanderburgh County Historical Society, the USI Department of History, and the USI Gender Studies Program

Old Central Gym – What’s Next

The Old Central High School had a gym in the older building, but the growing school needed more. With Reitz and Bosse having newer gymnasiums, Central wanted something that would showcase Bears athletics. As part of five-year building campaign, the school was promised a new facility.

Panoramic shot of Old Central Gym (2010)

Famous local architect Frank J. Schlotter was tasked to design the new gymnasium.
The style was English and Gothic architecture made of brick, concrete, and steel. The building covered a quarter city block at the southern corner of 6th St and Division St (later renamed Court St).  Eight huge steel trusses extended over the full width of the building allowing a clear view from any seat. They were supported by heavy steel columns built into the brick wall.
The fireproof gymnasium cost $150,000 and included maple flooring and the exterior had ornamental metal marquees.

Architect sketch by Frank J. Schlotter

The gymnasium seated 6800 and was the largest structure for athletic contests in the state. Because of its size, it virtually guaranteed Evansville a regional spot in the state tournament, putting Evansville basketball on the map. Plus, the three public entrances were double sets of outer and inner doors that allowed the building to be filled or emptied in minutes!

The ticketing office was located to the left of the main entrance on Vine St as was the ladies room and check room “for coats and wraps.” The men’s room was to the right. The original scoreboards were designed in school shops as ones on the market where either inefficient or too expensive.

New Central Gym – December 9, 1927. View is from 6th St looking towards Court St.

The “ultra-modern” gymnasium was dedicated on December 10, 1927. IHSAA chairman A. L. Trester was the main speaker for “Dedication night,” and the ceremony was broadcast on WGBF radio. Afterwards, Central opened its 1927-28 basketball season with a game against Linton H.S. It is also worth noting “East and West Highs” (Bosse and Reitz) got permission to use the building for larger events.

The gymnasium interior shortly before dedication December 1927
Stonework over 6th St door reads “Gymnasium C.H.S” (for Central High School) and “Erected 1927”

The 1937 Flood reached several landmarks downtown including Old Central. They gym was partially flooded as shown below.

1937 Flood looking down 6th St. The old gym is at left

Central stayed in the downtown area until the early 1970s. When the new Central High School was built on First Ave, the old school was vacated. The brick building, including the enormous tower, was demolished in 1973 leaving the gym as the only remaining structure from the downtown complex.

Aerial view of Central’s campus 1956. The gym is in the rear right, and the main school block is now the YMCA parking lot

In 1979 the YMCA expanded from its original building and incorporated the gym into its facilities. It was also used regularly for ISUE (now USI) basketball games.

ISUE Central Arena – Courtesy USI Digital Archives (MSS 183-059)

When the new YMCA officially opened the September of 2019, the old building which included the 1927 gym was vacated. With the newer facilities, there are more modern amenities but the YMCA has lost a lot of its historical context. We may be biased but the best part about the new YMCA is the excellent view of the old building from the second story workout room.

A splendid view of the Old Central Gym from the new workout room

As for the future of the old gym, the YMCA doesn’t have any final plans for it at this time. We talked with Marketing and Annual Campaign director, Lisa Verkamp who confirmed they are using the old gym for some special events like the U of E Coaches Luncheon, the Futures Worth Fighting For Boxing Show, and the November Battle of the Paddle pickle ball tournament. Encouragingly, the YMCA is exploring all options including keeping it for programs, finding a partner organization to share it, or possibly selling the property. Lisa was cognizant of the historical importance of the building so even though the YMCA doesn’t have an answer to what they are going to with it, they are looking for a solution.

Old Central Gym http://historicevansville.com/site.php?id=oldcentralgym

Old Central http://historicevansville.com/site.php?id=oldcentral

Annual Meeting and Presentation, Tuesday, November 12th at 6:00 PM at USI’s Kleymeyer Hall in the Liberal Arts Building

Stonewall and Its Connection to

Evansville’s Queer Past

 

Dr. Stella Ress
Dr. Stella Ress

     In the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, police officers raided The Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York’s Greenwich Village. Officially, NYPD was there because Stonewall Inn was serving liquor without a license. Unofficially, it was part of their usual practice of squeezing gay bars. Usually, patrons dispersed quietly, even those who were arrested. On this day, however, the diverse group of white, black, and brown drag queens, young gay men and lesbians, energetic “street kids” and others from various vulnerable populations did not go quietly. Instead, they stood their ground and fought back. Their courage ignited a movement against all the discrimination, violence, threat of violence, and fear they combatted every day of their lives (protest), as well as a celebration of their enduring community and its triumphs (pride). Though Stonewall happened in New York, its impact has reverberated in Evansville and around the world.
This presentation will briefly discuss Stonewall (as we just commemorated its 50 Anniversary this year), but will zero in on its impact in Evansville—in particular the way Evansville’s queer community has embodied the themes of protest and pride both in the years leading up to Stonewall, and in its aftermath.

     Dr. Stella Ress is a current board of the Vanderburgh County Historical Society and is an assistant professor in the department of history at the University of Southern Indiana where she teaches courses on US and Public History. She has published in the areas of Public History, Cultural History, the History of Girls, and Urban History. She is also actively involved in researching, preserving, and promoting local history. Her latest local history project, the exhibit, “Stonewall and its Connection to Evansville’s Queer Past” is currently on display in the windows of Evansville’s Alhambra Theater. Her presentation is derived from the research she did for that project.

 

November 12, 2019
Liberal Arts Building
Kleymeyer Hall
USI Campus
6:00 VCHS Annual Meeting

6:15 PM for hors d’oeuvres
6:30 PM for presentation
Free and Open to the Public
Link to Campus Map
West Side off Bent Twig Lane

Co-sponsored by the Vanderburgh County Historical Society, the USI Department of History, and the USI Gender Studies Program

VCHS Presents: Stories from National History Day

The History Day Presentations will be at Willard Library’s Browning Gallery on July 15, 2019, beginning at 6:30 PM.

Presenters:
Maisie Seib- The Triumph and Tragedy of Kay the Elephant (Website)- Maisie Seib will present the story of Kay the Elephant and how its outcome impacted the treatment of subsequent elephants in Evansville’s zoo.

Kanin Bender- Company C in the Korean War (Website)– Kanin Bender will present on a group of young men, high school juniors and senior,  from Evansville’s USMC Reserve unit who found themselves trapped in the fiercest fighting of the Korean War.  Many of these young men were killed and injured.  The controversy surrounding their call-up led to significant changes in the draft process.

Tristate Tornado Group documentary — Mia Davis, Jayda Poag, and Berkley Walton-  Mia Davis, Jayda Poag, and Berkley Walton will present on the impact of 1925’s “Tristate Tornado.”  The Tri-State Tornado of Wednesday, March 18, 1925 was the deadliest tornado in United States history.

EVSC high school students Maisie Seib, Kanin Bender, Mia Davis, Jayda Poag, and Berkley Walton will present local history centered projects created for National History Day.  Projects for 2019 centered around the theme ‘Triumph and Tragedy in History.”  National History is a year-long academic program focused on historical research, interpretation and creative expression for 6th- to 12th-grade students. By participating in NHD, students become writers, filmmakers, web designers, playwrights and artists as they create unique contemporary expressions of history. The experience culminates in a series of contests at the local and affiliate levels and an annual national competition in the nation’s capital in June.”

The History Day Presentations will be at Willard Library’s Browning Gallery on July 15, 2019, beginning at 6:30 PM.

The event is free and open to the public, but we appreciate advance registration at the web address below.

https://willard.lib.in.us/events/stories-national-history-day

Ferguson Mansion

I love it when we get a reader sending us an old photo especially with a challenge like this one.
A descendant of William H. Ferguson contacted me with this amazing photo of what could only be described as a mansion and claimed that it was of his house in Evansville. I didn’t recognize but dug in to the history books to see if it indeed was ours.

William Ferguson was a railroad contractor who traveled all over. In November 1889 he drew up plans for a new home on the prestigious Washington Ave. The palatial home was estimated at $25,000 and once completed would be “one of the finest homes in Southern Indiana.”

Article talking about Feguson’s new residence – Courier Nov 12, 1889

Unfortunately Ferguson was never able to live in the ornate home. He died in his hotel in Chicago while traveling for work on September 2, 1890. The home was under roof but still had work left to do. But once it was complete, wow! What a house!

William H Ferguson mansion on Washington Ave

His widow lived in the massive residence for some time. In late 1892 / early 1893 it was purchased by Colonel Jordan Giles, a broker who also had a large interest in coal mines around Sturgis, Ky. Giles entertained people there at least for a short while. On December 5, 1893 a massive fire broke out and destroyed the home.

Fire destroys Col. Jordan Giles residence Dec 5, 1893 – Courier Dec 6, 1893

Initially it was thought that Giles perished in the fire, but that was not the case. The fire was likely caused by live coal on the floor or in a flue. Additionally a frozen water plug caused a delay in fighting the flames. The home was a total loss, but was insured for $12,000. The real loss however was the contents including all of his furnishings and a personal library valued at $10,000. Some law suites emerged trying to settle out the insurance claims so the ruins stood for years as you can see in this fire insurance map from 1895. Col. Giles would move to Kentucky and died later around 1900.

1895 Sanborn Insurance map showing the “fire ruins” of the Ferguson residence

The footprint of the building shown above is an almost perfect match of the building in the old photograph. And so we can conclude that this mystery is solved. Such an amazing building that had a short run in the city’s history.

As a side note, right after the turn of the century, Henry Stockfleth built another grand home on this site at 273 Washington Ave. It stood for over 100 years before being demolished in 2010.
http://historicevansville.com/site.php?id=washington273

A Tale of Two Films: Beer, Alcohol, and Evansville

 

Joe Atkinson to speak at a meeting of the Vanderburgh County Historical Society

Nearly two centuries ago, an early wave of German settlers found their way to Evansville, Indiana; with them came a major staple of their native heritage: beer.

Joe Atkinson, a professor in the University of Evansville Department of Communication and the filmmaker behind WNIN’s “The Big Beer Doc,” talks about Evansville’s brewing history – from neighborhood taverns to brewing corporations to the microbreweries of today – and how the River City’s love of beer has affected the community — for better and for worse.

Joe’s talk will be on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at 6:30 PM in the Browning Gallery of Willard Library (21 First Avenue, Evansville, Indiana 47710, contact 812-425-4309).

Vogel & Sons

Vogel & Sons, located on Market St near what is now the Lloyd, was one of Evansville’s oldest bottling companies. It was originally founded in Henderson, Ky. as Vogel & Brown bottling works. The company relocated to Evansville in 1898 to a bottling factory on Second Ave just a few blocks away from the location shown below.

The company officially became J Vogel & Sons around 1905. In 1914 they purchased the old Chas. Wunderlich & Sons mineral water bottling facility and relocated to the building shown in the picture above.

1927 Vogel & Sons advertisement

The company prospered for several years. They expanded in 1953 to the corner of Ohio St where the RR spur that now connects Berry Plastics crosses.

Lloyd Expressway area pre-construction 1981.  Vogel’s campus is highlighted in the blue box.  Willard Library is shown in the bottom center for reference of location

The company was sold in 1965 out of the Vogel family, claiming to be the oldest soft drink bottling company in Indiana. However, it closed soon after.

The buildings stood into the 1980s though it’s not certain if they were occupied. They were ultimately razed when the Lloyd Expressway construction began. You can see the Vogel campus in blue with Willard Library in the bottom center for reference.

The Vogel & Sons may no longer be part of Evansville’s beverage choices but the images above show the loads of collectibles you can still find in antique stores.

VCHS Annual Dinner — November 11th at 1:11 PM at Funkhouser Post 8 (6001 New Harmony Rd)

Albert Funkhouser
Paul Funkhouser

Featured Speaker: Walt Lewis, US Army Retired
Topic: Where Do We Get Such Men? (The Funkhouser Brothers in WWI)
Additional Speaker: Tom Lonnberg on the Doughboy Statue now housed at the Funkhouser Post
Dinner prepared by the Funkhouser Post:
Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad bowl, roll, plus dessert of cheesecake or cobbler.
The Funkhouser Post will have an cash bar available. Dinner is at 1:11 PM on November 11, 2018.

Agenda
12:00 PM — 12:45 PM – social time (cash bar)
12:45 PM — 1:00 PM – General meeting and election of Board members and officers
1:00 PM — 1:11 PM – Tom Lonnberg, Curator of History at the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science will talk about the doughboy statue which used to be at Sunset Park. Today this statue is at Funkhouser Post 8.
1:11 PM — 2:00 PM – Dinner
2:00 PM — 3:00 PM – Walt Lewis — “The Funkhouser Brothers: Where Do We Get Such Men?”

The full event is open to the public with the restriction that only paid VCHS members may vote on officers and board members.

The price of the dinner is $20 per person payable by PayPal through the “Add to Cart” link below. Clicking “Add to Cart” will take you to a PayPal shopping cart. Add the correct number of tickets to the VCHS Annual Banquet choice. If you don’t have a PayPal account, you can still pay via PayPal by selecting the gray “Check Out” button. From there you will be able to use your credit card on the PayPal secure site.

For those who would prefer to pay by check, write your check to VCHS for the total number of dinner tickets, and send to the address below.

VCHS
C/O Steve Appel, Treasurer
7847 Margaret Circle,
Newburgh, IN 47630

 

Contact Email


About Walt Lewis
EDUCATION:
47 years as an educator (retired EVSC, 2000), teacher, coach, principal of Harrison High School from 1990 t0 2000, and retired assistant professor of education at University of Evansville, 2014.
B.S. in history, emphasis in colonial Latin America, from University of Southern Mississippi
M.A., social studies education, from University of Evansville
Post-graduate work, in school administration and in counseling, at University of Evansville, Indiana University, and Western Kentucky
Graduate of and instructor in U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

PERSONAL:
Married to Selma, retired English teacher and retired professor at University of Evansville.
Father of three (son Patrick served in support of Desert War 1992) and grandfather of four.

Walt Lewis in 1984 at Fort Hood

MILITARY SERVICE:
33 years total U.S. military service
10 years active duty in U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force
23 years as U.S. Army reservist
Served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War
Retired September 1992 as a Lieutenant Colonel
AWARDS: Vietnam Service Medal, 2 Army Commendation Medals, Meritorious Service Medal

COMMUNITY SERVICE:
Public Education Foundation
Kiwanis
Evansville Retired Teachers Association (president)
Veterans of Foreign Wars
American Legion
Reserve Officers Association