Feb. 11
In 1941, John William “Will” Vawter, longtime illustrator for poet James Whitcomb Riley’s works, died. He was buried in Park Cemetery in Greenfield.
In 2009, gusts up to 60 mph blew through Hancock County. One knocked down a large tree next to State Road 9, which hit a vehicle as the tree broke in half. The driver was fine.
Feb. 12
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In 1951, readers were assured that while Pfc. David Ferris of Greenfield had suffered minor frostbite while in combat in Korea, “rumors of triple amputation, which have been widely circulated … are reported as untrue by his sister, Margaret.”
Feb. 13
In 1891, poet Barton Rees Pogue was born. He grew up in Greenfield, and his family later moved to Indianapolis. He was a Methodist minister and a professor at Taylor University. He had a radio show on Cincinnati station WLW.
In 1982, Sugar Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department moved from a former schoolhouse into its new Station No. 2 at 3337 W. U.S. 40 in Philadelphia. In March 2018, the department moved from that station to a new one on Gem Road south of U.S. 40.
Feb. 14
In 1977, Southern Hancock School Board considered buying citizens band radios, or CBs, for its buses. Superintendent Gene Pruitt told board members recent harsh weather had created some situations in which drivers needed means to communicate from their buses. The board tabled the issue. “I hate to see the buses isolated,” said one board member, “but I really think CBs are kind of toys.”
Feb. 15
In 1969, volunteers braved temperatures in the 20s to move equipment and furniture into the new Mt. Vernon High School. Furnishings came from the old high school in Fortville and the former Christian church building that had housed some classes. Superintendent Emil Mills’ office was to move from McCordsville to a portable classroom next to the former MVHS building
Feb. 16
In 2008, New Palestine’s Kyle Ulrey won a state championship in wrestling, defeating Martinsville’s Brian Runyan in the 152-pound weight class.
In 2013, Greenfield-Central High School senior Josh Farrell and New Palestine High School freshman C.J. Red won state titles in wrestling at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Farrell won the 152-pound weight class, and Red won the 106-pound class. Each finished his season with a record of 48-0.
Feb. 17
In 1983, Greenfield Public Library Board presented its $1.3 million plan for a new library at the northwest corner of Broadway and Seventh streets. It was presented as a more streamlined plan, after a previous proposal had been turned down two years earlier by the State Board of Tax Commissioners.
