Comments for KHS Class of '57

Comment on Our Early Years by Glenna Oaldon

Glenna Oaldon — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:18:32 +0000

My father grew up in Kennard, Indiana. He was on the basketball team at Knightstown. I believe he was in the graduating class of 1926. His name was Glen Oaldon. Anyone remember the Oaldon family? Grant Oaldon was my father’s father. My father lived across from the school which was torn down by the tornado in 1974. I do have a historic photo of my father on the basketball team. Just thinking about my dad and thought I would google Kennard, Indiana and Knighstown. Glenna

Comment on Our Early Years by Ron Short

Ron Short — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 18:37:42 +0000

In Re: The people listed by Wayne Kelly Harry Manning also sold appliances and electronics. I bought my first stereo system from him in about 1960. I still have it!

Comment on Our Early Years by Ed

Ed — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:00:23 +0000

I remember your Grandmother very well as we lived right across the street. I also remember her grandson, Barry Hoover, Is that your brother..??? Or is he a cousin..?? Barry and I used to play when he came to visit Mrs. Bradway.
I remember that Barry and I used to put the huge records on the old wind-up Victrola in the attic and play them. Mrs Bradway would always yell up stairs and tell us to leave things alone up there. Please give me regards to Barry and ask if he remembers me.
Ed Knight simman@charter.net

Comment on Our Early Years by Brenda Humphrey

Brenda Humphrey — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 07:08:04 +0000

Ernie Bradway was my grandfather. He died before I ever got to meet him. He was County sheriff and Town Marshall at different times too. His widow, my grandmother Clara Bradway, lived in the “old brick” on that corner and we’d come visit every couple of years. We loved that old house - even the musty, damp basement that my brother would dare me to enter. Our favorite room (besides the kitchen, of course) was the “plunder room” - the Bradway name for the attic. Where I lived we had no basements or attics, and it was such an adventure to explore them. I’d love to know more about the history of that house!
I’d also enjoy hearing more about Ernie’s grocery store. It was always rented out as an apartment whenever we were there. My mom told us stories of how he’d have a big barrel of pickles and jars of penny candy and he and his friends would sit and smoke and play checkers. Seems like that was during the depression. I guess that’s where her mom got the flour sacks that she made their clothes from.
The grocery store that I do remember was on the south side of Main Street on the corner. The smell was unlike anything else I’d experienced at the time, but every so often I’ll be reminded of it in some little store in some little town. It must have been the wood polish and the produce combination - I loved it!
Love your website! I’ll be checking back often!

Comment on Our Early Years by Don Stites

Don Stites — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 01:57:14 +0000

Russell Stites was my grandfather, I remember his pet monkey that I used to feed grapes. I also remember eating at the little cafe on main street, but do not remember the name of it (maybe it was the corner cafe). Any other information about Russell would be much appriciated.

Comment on Knightstown Business in the 50s by Wanda (Howard) Keith

Wanda (Howard) Keith — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:47:22 +0000

I was born in 1948 but because I had older brothers and sisters I remember so many of the people who have written stories on this site. Peggy, Roberta, and Dale Winchester were my older siblings. I, too, worked at Jolly’s and had a great time there. I just wondered if anyone remembers Tom and Tilly Jone’s Grocery store in Raysville. Tilly had a case with penny candy and one of the old coke machines where you had to slide your soda out. What a wonderful, simple life. I never knew how fortunate I was to live in such a great place. Thank you all so much for bringing back so many memories.

Comment on Old Knightstown Houses by Tena Jones

Tena Jones — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 07:08:04 +0000

Nice site, but as someone else mentioned it could be more accurate. I wish you had knocked on the door of 126 W. Pine since I have traced the house all the way back to the lot and could have provided an original photo (the one shown was from cc 1943 when the house was ‘updated’. I am the 4th owner of the house built in 1866: 1) Dayton Heritage, who in turned willed it to a niece; 2) James Rounds & family who updated the house; 3) Leslie Courtner from 1943 until I purchased it in 1985. It has lots of fun history any time you would like to stop by. I grew up at 130 N. McCullum (spelled McCullOm in 40s phone book) and was very disappointed that my Dad’s name was spelled incorrectly: Rulo Jones. I could have filled you in on the history of that house and other owners. I’m not being critical - the site is wonderful, but there’s SO much information - please let us help any way that we can.
Sincerely,
Tena Jones

Comment on History of the Knightstown Schools by Judie Wellls

Judie Wellls — Fri, 27 May 2011 17:34:29 +0000

Are their any full view pictures of the old Central Elementary School (on highway 109) available anywhere that I could get ahold of?

Comment on Old Knightstown Phone Books by Evan Finch

Evan Finch — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:39:32 +0000

Very cool of you to post these! If a 1915 directory ever turns up, I’d love to know where my great-grandmother was living while she was working at the Soldiers and Sailors Orphans Home.

Comment on Old Knightstown Houses - Page 3 by Strickland, Bradley

Strickland, Bradley — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 21:49:12 +0000

You ought to investigate the history of the house at 221 South Madison. It was built around 1845. I know it is old as when I was a teeager and lived in this house we found some old Knightstown Sun (Banner) newspapers behind the knee joints in the upstairs bedrooms dated 1876. They soon fell apart when exposed to light we should have given to The Knightstown Banner for historical reasons as I think the banner had a fire in the early 1900’s and destroyed all of their old records, but I guess being kids we didn’t care. The house I believe is Federalist Style. 2 bedrooms and kitchen were added on in the 1930’s or 40’s and maybe the bathroom with tigerclaw tub. The original house had two large rooms downstairs with two large fire places,a foyer and half basement and two rooms upstairs with winding stairway One small closet very primitive back then.

Comment on History of Transportation in K-town - The Railroads by Harold Clupper

Harold Clupper — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:49:15 +0000

Nice website! Is there any way to get some info on my wife’s grandfather who was an engineer on the Big Four in the 1920s and 30s? His name was William Wirt McClintock (1868-1937).

Thank you

Comment on History of the Old K-town Gym by Ron Short

Ron Short — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 09:57:46 +0000

For me, there so many memories and feelings in the Gym when I visit it is just impossible to describe. Basketball games, cheer leaders, band concerts, marching in half-time shows, Majorettes and Nancy Maple’s choreography with them, plays, convocations, gym classes, and my personal highlight memory of Junior Prom. I was happy for Ed’s research and Mr. Myers information about it. But the Gym has a new history being made daily. Since the movie “Hoosiers” it has become known as the “Hoosier Gym”. I drop in frequently and hang out a bit. There are visitors from other countries, also. Last fall there was an international Drum and Bugle Corps competition in Indianapolis. A participating corps from Sweden spent four nights at the Gym. This week there was a Home Schooled Basketball Tournament with people from all over. A grandfather from Greenfield brought a group of relatives and frienda which included people from Tennessee, Texas and Alabama. The people who built the Gym couldn’t have foreseen all these events and what a wonderful asset it has become for the community.

Comment on Downtown Knightstown History by Roy Phelps

Roy Phelps — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 20:08:26 +0000

I Lived above post hardware in 1950s I was glad to hear that the building was yet there and yet owned by MR Post even more glad to hear it still operateing today. I lived in knighstown as a kid but I always liked Indiana

Roy Phelps Somerset kentucky

Comment on Knightstown Photographs by Ginger Jones

Ginger Jones — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:56:34 +0000

I just ran across these pictures today by happenstance. Wow. Awesome trip down memory lane… I plan on sharing these with others asap. Thank you. Sincerely, Ginger Casey Jones

Comment on Knightstown Business in the 50s by John Tompkins

John Tompkins — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 15:21:52 +0000

Thank you all for shareing your stories, Knightstown was my own Mayberry. My grandparents Estus and Ally Tompkins, parents Joyce Gorman and Elbert Tompkins all lived there. I really loved visiting that town and had the pleasure of living there for awhile in the mid to late 1970’s as a small child. There is something about that town, that is almost magicial.

Comment on Knightstown Business in the 50s by Kevin Dice

Kevin Dice — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 15:12:14 +0000

Hi! I did not go to Knightstown, but did grow up close to it. I grew up in Spiceland, actually out by the old “Stone Quarry Mill.” The 50″s were a little early for me, as I was born in 1962, but I spent many good times shopping playing ball, etc… in Knightstown. My Dad (Leonard Dice) worked for Tom Mayhill at the Banner for years during the 70’s, as well as my brother (John.) I actually worked for his wife at their home doing yard work, etc… for one summer. It was good to “find” this on the internet, as I have lived away from home for 25 or more years. It has been very enjoyable reading. I still have family living in Dunreith, and also one brother (Ron Dice) who does live in Knightstown, and has for years. thank you for reliving your good memories!

Comment on Our Early Years by Richard Conley

Richard Conley — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 01:40:31 +0000

I have a photo of a relative of my family and on the back of this small card is a stamp that says “Photographed by Charles & Hart Knightstown Ind” and there’s a 3cent postage stamp that appears to be hand cancelled just under the stamp of the Photographers. We think the photo is from the mid 1800’s. I can scan the front and back of the photo and email it to your historical group.

Any information on the Photogragher would be appreciated.

Comment on Music in the 50s by Jerry Mercer

Jerry Mercer — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:20:05 +0000

Every generation had its style of music that seemed to be an integral part of life. Ours was rock and roll. Trying to analyze the attributes of what we called rock and roll is difficult although we know it stemmed from “rhythm and blues” and other sources. Black musicians had much to do with the basics and in my opinion the great innovators were Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, and a few others. I moved from Knightstown to Florida when rock and roll really started to make itself known and we listened to WWL New Orleans and WHOO Orlando to hear the latest songs. We danced on the flat roof of a restaurant in Groveland, Florida in the warm evenings. Nothing brings back those memories like the music. Thanks Ed!

Comment on Music in the 50s by Carroll Kyer

Carroll Kyer — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:18:21 +0000

I would like to link this page to our front page.
I love the music andlove your page. Ed,

I hope you will grant me permission and I look forward to many years of istening to all the praises from fellow clas mates.

Carroll aka Jim Kyer

Comment on Old Knightstown Houses - Page 4 by ruth jones miller

ruth jones miller — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 11:28:51 +0000

It is thought that this house is a design of George F. Barber, architecht, Knoxville, TN. I have several people checking Barber floor plans to find this one, (if indeed it is a Barber home).

Comment on Old Knightstown Houses by ruth jones miller

ruth jones miller — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 11:23:50 +0000

Interesting history on some of the great houses in my hometown. As for the house at 5 west pine street…..Bob and Jerri Ohlemiller moved into that house in 1961..maybe early 1962. they lived there until 1982. They raised their family of five in that fabulous house…Leslie, Marcia, Rob, Teri and Kevin.
I think it was around 1976 that the slate roof was removed. Two tiles blew off during a storm. Mrs. Ohlemiller tried to find replacement tiles to no avail. Back then no one was “saving” that kind of stuff for re-use. Thus, the asphalt roof was put on the house.
Thanks for posting this house. My head is filled with many memories of events with the Ohlemiller’s in that house !

Comment on Thanksgiving and Easter by Amelia Wyatt

Amelia Wyatt — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:48:48 +0000

Whaddya mean, “YOUR HAT!” Look at mine, ferhevvinsake!

Comment on The Alhambra by Brenda Beatty McGaw

Brenda Beatty McGaw — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:31:42 +0000

I remember going to the Alhambra in the late 1950s and early 1960s with my sisters when I was a young girl. We could buy popcorn and a coke for a nickle each. I remember the double feature and there would be a dance after that was great fun. That was entertainment!

Comment on KHS Basketball in the 1950s by janice jessop burton

janice jessop burton — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:21:26 +0000

This brought back alot of great memories, remembering all the great games in the old gym .

Comment on Old Knightstown Houses - Page 2 by Ed

Ed — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:49:45 +0000

Hi Gunnar, Thanks for your comment and interest. The “Octagon House” refered to in the article you cited was actually the town Bandstand which used to sit at the south end of the town square. The 1844 Lehmanowsky House is the one pictured on this page. Here’s what Frank Edwards said about the Bandstand:
“The last time I passed I didn’t see the old Band Stand at the very south end of that long yard! How’d THAT get there? Why Tom!, back in the “gay nineties” that Band Stand was at the south end of the Public Square: and every Saturday night in the summer I played B flat clarinet with the Knightstown Boys’ Band up on the second floor of that circular building Mrs. Phil Parker’s dad played another one right next to me. And where are all those boys.?
Down stairs in that “round-house” Jim Wilson cobbled shoes and boots, and discussed politics with all the loafers. Out in front, handy to the sidewalk, was one of the town pumps with an iron dipper chained to it. Dug well ? Sure, but it was covered with boards excepting where the pump went down.
There were three or four such pumps in front of the Main Street stores. The Laboratories had not yet told us about germs, sure!
One such pump in front of the school house, no cafeteria in those days, no cokes, only the old dug well and the help yourself pump with the dandy big iron dipper.”

Frank’s Father, William Edwards, mentioned the Bandstand in his article about the “Silver Cornet” band, (found in the “Early History” pages of this site). Here’s what he said:
“During the Band’s later years a splendid band-stand was erected on the Public Square (at the south end) in which the Band frequently gave concerts. On the ground floor of this stand, J. M. Woods, at one time, had a lemonade and peanut stand and later it was occupied by J.M. Wilson as a shoe repair shop. Finally, the stand was bought by Aaron Carroll and moved to the west end of town.”

Next time I go up to K-town I’m going to take a picture of the old Bandstand and put it somewhere on the site. I wish I had an old picture of the square with the Bandstand to include.

cheers, Ed

Comment on Old Knightstown Houses - Page 2 by gunnar leman

gunnar leman — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:04:34 +0000

Ed, with interest i have read your new history page about 517 W, Main St, the Lehmanowsky house. I am investigating the John Jacob family. I don´t have the local knowledge but I was puzzled by the location and present ownership of the house. On the www.historic.landmarks.org there is reference to an octagon house moved in 1916 from the Knightstown centre to the surroundings of the Lehmanowsky house (close to a junction and Hill St). Here it is said that the house was built 1844. Please clarify if it is the same house.

The John Jacob Lehmanowsky story is interesting. A so called biography was published first in 1902 by Sadtler “Under two Captains” mainly based on stories told by other persons. It was probably available to Deem. The Lehmanowsky family probably left Knightstown after 1850. They then lived in Hamburg, Clark Co, where the wife Lydia died in 1856. John Jacob died in 1858 in Sellersburg. Both are buried at the Lehmanowsky family cemetery in Hamburg, Clark Co. It is included in the Indiana cemetery list.

Regards Gunnar

Comment on Downtown Knightstown History by Susan Jeffery Ward

Susan Jeffery Ward — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:21:06 +0000

I’m enjoying this website. My Dad sent me the line earlier today. Sometimes I hung out at Flory’s and sometimes at Jolly’s. As a kid I remember spending my allowance on penny candy at Flory’s. You could get a whole sack full of candy at a penny a piece. As a teen my first pair of jeans came from Rody’s. And penny loafers were sold there. A good place to check for pictures are the yearbooks. I remember being on the yearbook staff 1968 and either taking or being in pictures for the supporting ads in the back of the yearbook. There are still some golden oldies around town that could fill in some gaps.

Comment on Knightstown Business in the 50s by Susan Jeffery Ward

Susan Jeffery Ward — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:30:12 +0000

Hi, I graduated Knightstown High 1968. My parents live at 418 N. Jefferson. They had a TV repair business Jeff’s Radio and TV Service. Conway’s lived at the corner of Jefferson and Penn. Their store faced Penn St. I believe it was connected to the house. I was often sent for bread or milk. I also went to Lawrence’s sometimes which was located on Morgan Street between Jefferson and Washington. I’m enjoying reading the history of my home town. As a teenager my mother worked at the grocery store at the corner of Main and Jefferson, now Jeff’s Pizza. I remember going there as a child. People by the name of Cunningham owned it then.

Comment on Old Knightstown Houses - Page 3 by Ed

Ed — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:13:02 +0000

Hi Ellen, Thanks for your interest in the site and your suggestion. I would be glad to include the house but I don’t have any info about it’s origin or occupants beyond Diamond or any early pictures.
If I find anything I’ll surely include the house.
Thanks again,
Ed

Comment on Old Knightstown Houses - Page 3 by Ellen Rowan-Webb

Ellen Rowan-Webb — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:02:38 +0000

Ed:
This is great. I haven’t read it all yet, but will. I just wonder if you will include the house that my mother and L.L. Diamond use to live in on Main? I don’t recall the address, but it still stands and it was between the Dairy Queen and the service station across from the furniture store. I know it is over 100 years old. L.L. and his family lived there many years before he and my mother married. L.L. use to own the hatchery in Knightstown.

Keep up the great work.
Ellen