Sunday School class members gather for a photo at Nameless Creek Christian Church in this undated photo. It’s believed to be from the early 1900s. According to writing on the back, pictured are (from left) teacher Fannie Simmons, Fern Vandenbark, Mary Hannah, Vernie Walker, Anna Braddock, Ella Thomas, Daisy Mc… (illegible) and Pearl Brooks. Any readers familiar with Jackson Township history know what Daisy’s last name might be? Send email to [email protected] with “Back When” in the subject line, or leave a message at 317-477-3226.
Sept. 4
In 1870, New Palestine Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was organized in a schoolhouse at the northeast corner of Bittner Road and U.S. 52. Fifteen charter members signed the resolution that day, with three more signing soon after for a total of 18 — nine men and nine women.
In 1917, the first brick of the Fortville Carnegie Library was placed at 115 N. Main St. in Fortville. Decades later, after a new library had been built, the building was bought by a local church. who sold it in 2023. The new owners hope to create an arts and cultural center.
In 1973, former Greenfield resident Rosemary Huffman became the first woman in Indiana and the second woman in the United States to achieve certification as a court executive to the United States Circuit Court of Appeals.
Sept. 5
In 1903, 25-year-old pitcher Clarence Dunbar of Greenfield was signed to a contract with the Indianapolis baseball team for the 1904 season.
In 1950, Hancock County’s first five draftees left for Indianapolis to be inducted into the armed forces: Lawrence Perrin Osmer, Charles Wayne Cecil, Robert Eugene Gatewood, Carl Duane Coleman and Paul Marshal.
In 1967, a man walked into the Eden Variety Store and shot storekeeper J.W. “Doc” Worley, 75, killing him. Police the next day arrested a former Hancock County resident near Washington, Indiana, in the slaying.
Sept. 6
In 1967, a group of Broadway Street and West McKenzie Road residents appeared before the Greenfield City Council to object to plans to use West McKenzie as a temporary bypass for Interstate 70. The interstate was soon to be opened to State Road 9. The plan was for westbound traffic to exit the interstate there and take 9 to McKenzie, west to Broadway and south to U.S. 40; eastbound traffic would travel from 40 to 9 to 70. Councilman Walter Worland had, two weeks earlier, prepared a resolution objecting to the plan; council members signed it and forwarded it to the state highway commission. Mayor Berry Hurley also objected to the plan and even suggested digging up the street for repair of water and sewer lines to block traffic.
Sept. 7
In 1907, as the result of a tent revival led by John T. Hatfield and others in the Cleveland area of Hancock County, a group incorporated at the Eastern Indiana Holiness Association.
In 1915, poet James Whitcomb Riley’s friend Johnny Gruelle received a patent for the design and name of Raggedy Ann. Gruelle is said to have drawn the name from the titles of Riley’s poems “The Raggedy Man” and “Little Orphant Annie.”
Sept. 8
In 1839, Nameless Creek Christian Church was organized.
Sept. 9
In 1910, a male skeleton believed to be an American Indian was uncovered in a gravel pit on a farm in Blue River Township.
Sept. 10
In 1978, St. Michael Catholic Church in Greenfield dedicated a new parish activity center, naming it Nolan Hall.
