2-13-13 Early Files

80 years ago
Jan. 27, 1933

Library’s birthday
The tenth anniversary of the founding of the Marion County Free Public Library will be celebrated at the library Feb. 1 under auspices of the Women’s Club. A one-act play, “Letters,” will be presented under the direction of Miss Mary Boldrick, who is in charge of the program and will be a member of the cast.
Ten years ago, in February 1923, the library idea definitely became the library project. During the month, a book shower was held under the auspices of the Women’s Club, and several household volumes were added to the little stack of books previously donated and in storage, together with enough cash to equip the library and club room over a downtown confectionery. That was the beginning. The library was opened in August with 800 volumes on the shelves.

60 years ago
Jan. 30, 1953

Distillery is big taxpayer
Figures released this week by manager Richard Hamilton show that the local plant of Schenley Distilleries, Inc., funneled more than $88,000 into the city, county and state treasuries during 1952, exclusive of corporate income taxes.
Less than $3,700 of this amount found its way to Frankfort, Mr. Hamilton reported, leaving some $84,000 for government and school operations in this county.
Despite the fact that 1952 was a bad year for distilleries, the local plant’s tax payments nevertheless exceeded by $3,000 the total real estate tax bill paid by all other Marion County property owners, the Schenley manager disclosed.

30 years ago
Feb. 9, 1983

Guns stolen
For the secnd time in less than a month, a Lebanon business had fallen victim to burglars who are interested in guns.
Keith’s Hardware Store on Depot Street was burgled at about 9:30 p.m. Monday, according to Lebanon Police Officer Johnny Masterson. The thieves made off with 10 shotguns and high-powered rifles. The guns were worth approximately $2,900, according to Steve Keith, the owner of the business.
On Jan. 10, a thief or thieves broke into J. B. and B. Pawnshop on West Main Street and stole six handguns worth an estimated $870. The burglars also stole $55 in cash but left all other items untouched.

20 years ago
Feb. 10, 1993

Holtz reception
Over 100 guests gathered at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Salem George on Country Club Drive in Lebanon Saturday at a luncheon reception for Notre Dame Head Football Coach Lou Holtz. The reception, jointly funded by Salem and Eva George and Elmer and Faye George, capped off Holtz’s visit, which kicked off the annual fundraising effort for Springfield’s St. Catharine College. The reception raised nearly $20,000 for the college.

Lanham honored
Jan Lanham, who has been Marion County’s teacher for gifted elementary students for the past 11 years, was recognized by the Lebanon/Marion County Chamber of Commerce as 1992 Outstanding Educator.