Among the many photographers working in Vincennes in the beginning years of the 20th century was Edward S. Clark. Today, Clark’s name is not as well-known as some of his contemporaries, such as his one-time employer, Elmer E. Shores, chiefly because he was forced to retire from his professio…

After a long career in public relations at Vincennes University, it never occurred to me that I would be working at the Knox County Public Library, but I’m glad I do.

My name is Andrew Kopatich, and I am the Knox County Public Library Board’s attorney.

In mid-June, 1906, an immense 68-year-old elm tree that had become a landmark in Vincennes, was cut down. The tree stood on a lot on Busseron Street next to City Hall Place at Fourth and Busseron. Harry Gordon, an African American man, was paid $4, plus all the wood from the tree, to underta…

The hoopla is about hoopla. And not only hoopla, but a few other services that we’re excited to offer.

Karel and Ivonne Maijer, formerly of Vincennes, now of Indianapolis, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on Aug. 4.

Alan and Debra Clettenberg of Bridgeport, Illinois, will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary on Monday with a card shower. Cards may be sent to: 7663 Cougar Lane, Bridgeport, IL, 62417.

The annual general chapter meeting of the Francis Vigo Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was called to order on June 22 by Linda Heath, regent. The opening ritual was led by Lori Marchino, chaplain. Heath read the president general’s message and welcomed members and guests.…

One name that figured prominently in the history of law enforcement in Vincennes in the first part of the 20th century was that of Thomas Martin. Beginning in 1918, Martin served two nonconsecutive terms as Vincennes Police Chief and, during his time in that position, saw dramatic changes in…

The topic that I’m focusing on has never before been featured in a library column. The topic may seem dry to some readers. However, I’m passionate about it. The topic is sewing machine maintenance.

A century ago, in June 1921, the Vincennes Country Club was organized and property on the Buena Vista Farms east of Vincennes was acquired for a golf course and prospective clubhouse. That fall, construction of the 9-hole course was started, designed by noted Chicago course architect William…

I happened upon a book as I was working at the library that got my eye. On the cover of the book was a gorgeous picture of a Yorkie with a smile that made my heart melt. I checked out the book, and once I started reading, I could not put it down. The author, Steven J. Carino, has a way of ma…

The Travis Burkhart Foundation recently received a $500 grant from the Knox County Community Foundation.

The Harmony Society, Indiana’s oldest social club, awarded $10,000.00 in scholarships to local graduates at its June 7 dinner meeting. The scholarship program originated in 2015 with $1,000.00 in scholarships and has grown to $10,000 this year.

On June 29, 1921, 100 years ago Tuesday, a country club, what is today known as the Country Club of Old Vincennes, was first organized locally.

As in so many millions of homes across the country, our daily schedule includes tuning in to Jeopardy each evening, an entirely different experience these days from what it was for the 36 years previous to last fall. Probably most of us are still adjusting to the absence of beloved host Alex…

The Knox County Public Library is currently in the midst of its annual Summer Reading Program. This year’s program is called “Tails and Tales.” The purpose of summer reading is to keep students’ reading skills sharp during the summer break. Summer Reading in Vincennes is a tradition that goe…

Bob and Jadean Horst will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 27.

The May meeting of the Francis Vigo Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was called to order by Linda Heath, regent, on May 25. The opening ritual was led by Lori Marchino, chaplain. Heath read the president general’s message and welcomed members and guests. Music was provided…

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) has a literacy promotion committee. First established in 1989, its purpose is to promote adult literacy and involvement in literacy programs for children and adults. One of the committee’s projects is the sponsorship of a book…

On Sept. 8, 1971, Brown Shoe Company officials made the startling announcement that they were closing their Vincennes factory after 45 years in operation. The news was so sudden and unexpected that even Vincennes Mayor E. H. Montgomery was caught unaware. This year marks the 50th anniversary…

One of my hobbies is collecting political memorabilia. The first item I acquired was an “I Like Ike” button. A friend gave the button to me in 1956 during President Dwight Eisenhower’s campaign for re-election. It wasn’t until the 1960 election that I actually began to collect.

Mr. and Mrs. James R. McCrary of Vincennes celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on June 9.

Thursday, May 27, 1926, was a celebratory day in Vincennes. That morning, the brand-new Brown Shoe factory opened for the public to tour, and, over the course of the day, thousands turned out to see the facility. Between 3-10 p.m. alone, after residents got off work, 11,500 people went throu…

Molly Fitz is the cozy mystery pen name of USA Today bestselling author Melissa Storm. The author actually talks to animals, but she and her doggie best friend, Sky Princess, have a soul connection which leads to communication, without spoken words, everyday. Fitz and her comedian husband ha…

Norma and Oscar Kirk of Farmersburg will celebrate their 73rd wedding anniversary on June 12 with a card shower. Cards may be sent to: 818 S. Charles St., Farmersburg, IN, 47850.

The 100 Women Who Care of Knox County met in April and voted to award Friends of Special Athletes its latest donation gift.

Anyone who walks into the Vincennes JayC Store, using the Washington Avenue entrance, passes by a small plaque on a section of bricks embedded in the entry wall. The bricks and plaque commemorate the site as the one-time location of the Brown Shoe Factory. The factory had its official openin…

What is better than reading a book by one of your favorite historians? The answer is reading a book in which that historian is interviewed, giving more insight into their work. That is the pleasure of delving into “The American Story: Conversations with Master Historians,” by David Rubenstei…

It was May 19, 1957, a rainy Sunday, and the auditorium of the American Legion Home on North Fourth Street was filled with colorful, fragrant roses. Despite the inclement weather, hundreds of people filed through to enjoy the beautiful flowers. It was on that day that members of the Vincenne…

I am very excited to announce that the online digital tour “Unexpected Vincennes” is now complete and available for free public viewing. To access the tour, simply type or copy and paste the following link into your browser or search for “Unexpected Vincennes Discover Indiana,” https://publi…

The Rivet Patriot of the Month students for May are Drake Bellessa, eighth grader, son of Shannon Barton and Darin Bellessa; Drake Dunn, a senior, son of Damon and Tonya Dunn; and Charlie Niehaus, a senior, son of Eric and Teresa Niehaus.