The Times from Munster, Indiana • 32

THE HAMMOND TIMES Lake County Centennial Edition Hammond Seeks Status As Hollywood Stars Once Trod Before Hammond Footlights Store Founder One of Northern Indiana's Largest Dept. Stores City To Drive Thugs Out Tuesday, February 16, 1937 Page Thirty-two-A Founder's Son Village Government Does BEGINS Theaters of Early Days Also Stage Big Prize Fights Not Provide Enough Police Protection I FV -v 1 4 lis Nv' IN 1890 WITH SMALL STORE JACK FOX, 1ST STORE HAS BUT 20-F00TFR0NT Present Establishment Now Boasts 45-Foot Frontage Hammond grew so rapidly after 1875 that by the spring of 1883 approximately 3,000 persons resided here, creating a need for formal incorporation as a city. i Under the village form of gov-; ernment that prevailed prior to Today, Hammond Business Is One of Largest in Indiana :1883, the community had grown Problems of administra- 5 tion puzzled officials. Improvements which should have been I A i.jk A. made years before, were still Clarence Minas E.

C. Minas There were no Improved road- Declare Sheriff Dead; Returns To Claim Estate Resurrection Confounds Crown Pointers Back About 75 Years Ago. President and founder of the Edward C. Minas company of Hammond, is a personality whose progress in retail circles is synonymous with the progress of Lake county. The growth of the Edward C.

Minas company from a modest beginning in 1890 to one of the largest department stores in northern Indiana in 1937, is the realization of his discernment and hard work. Mr. Minas, son of Michael and Margaret (Groh) Minas, a pioneer Lake county family, was born and raised in Crown Point. In his youth, Edward did as many of the boys of that period. He worked in the brick yards turning and stacking bricks for the munificent sum of 50 cents a day.

He also served as a farm hand in this county in Typewriter-Less Lawyer Unable To Read Writing Covers Confusion by Pretending His Manuscript Is Perfectly Legible The early theatrical histor rf Hammond dates back to th days of the old Towle Opera house, which was located where the Jack Fox Son clothing store now stands. The old opera house was operated by Gunbiner Brothers of Chicago and was used by big stock companies and minstrel shows coming to Hammond as a "break in" house before the shows went on to the "big time" in Chicago. Famous characters now in headlights in radio, stage and screen graced the footlights of the old Opera house stage. Guy Kibbee, now an outstanding Hollywood comedian, worked here for $35 a week. He probably doesn't remember that far back now.

Others were Otis Skinner and the original Watson Beef Trust girls. The stpge also was used as a prize ring for an exhibition bout between Middleweight Champion Jimmy Clabby of Hammond and Eattling Nelson, lightweight titleholder, of Hege-wisch. 111. In 1911, Fete Brahos and Charles Van Sickle bought the old Gem theater, located next door to the Schloer shoe store at 141 State street. The place had a seating capacity for 285.

The bigger theaters today seat upwards to 2.200. In 1912, Brahos became the sole owner, and in 1913 he sold his interests back to Van Sickle to open up a restaurant. He still is in the restaurant business. Other shows at that time were the Princess, located in Hohman avenue between State and Sibley street where the present Newberry store now is located. This theater was owned by Tim Englehart, of Gary, with Pat Riley as manager.

It had a seating capacity for 350. Hammond had two other shov houses in the Bijou and Ideal Hour theaters. These were in operation before 1911. About 1912 the Orpheum theater was built and is still running today in its present location on Statsj street. Its first manager whs Charles Michelstead, and was Hammond's leading theater at the time.

Today, it is estimated that owners of North township show houses have invested approximately in theater equipment and buildings. E. S. Condit, of Gary, member of the real estate firm of Condit and McGinnity, founded th Merchants State bank in 1904. the vicinity of his home.

he took advantage of every opportunity coming his way until he developed the present establishment with its many departments. Next in his experience came a short career as a book agent in southern Illinois. In book selling Edward was successful, but, with Edward C. Minas company, of Hammond, founded in 1890, has developed through the years into one of the largest mercantile establishments in northern Indiana. E.

C. Minas, the. founder, personally was responsible for this development. Starting from his first business venture, a small hardware store, almost a half-century ago, Reputed to be one of the eight leading men's stores in Indiana, Jack Fox and Sons, Hammond, was founded in 1912 by the late Jack Fox in a small store, located in the Hammond building at Hohman and Fayette street. Roland Fox was associated with his father at the outset and remained with him until 1917 when he went to war.

He returned from Frapce in 1919 and again entered the business. In 1918 the Hammond building lease expired and the firm was out of business from October, '1918, until January, 1919, because no site could be found. Returns to Business With Indiana dry in 1919, the store occupied the building of a former saloon at Hohman avenue and State street and remained there until 1928 when the Fox's leased their present site at 5209 Hohman avenue, where the old Towle Opera house at one time stood. Meanwhile, Clarence Fox, another son, had joined the firm. He entered the store after service in the war in 1919 but left Hammond to go into business in Chicago.

When his father passed away in 1929, Clarence again joined the firm and is today associated with his brother, Roland, in continuing the business. The men's suit department of the store rests on the stage-site of the famous old Opera house where many stars performed before they became "tops" in the theatrical profession. The original Fox store had a frontage of only 14 feet; the present establishment has a frontage of 45 feet. Two employes comprised the sales staff of the early store while a staff of 12 clerks are employed today. Matson, of Whiting, has long been prominent in the 'public, civic and industrial life of the Oil City.

an eye set upon a mercantile career, he returned to Crown Point and secured a position at $9 a month as a clerk in a grocery store. First Hammond Store of Jack Fox 6c Sons in 1915 Becomes Bookkeeper Ambitious and determined to succeed, Edward was not satisfied. Martin Wood, one of Crown Point's famous early lawyers, stood in the Lake circuit court room one day, ready to begin a trial. A court attachee handed him a document, hastily written, which was to be submitted as evidence. Wood scanned the manuscript with puzzled mien.

Then he asked in his gruff voice: "Who wrote that?" The attendant eyed him carefully for a moment; and, after satisfying himself that the-lawyer was in earnest, said: "Why, you wrote that yourself. Mr. Wood." The attorney was flabbergasted for a minute, but he recovered in time to remark blandly: "Oh! yes, I see, I see. It's plain enough for anybody to read." That was before typewriters had been invented and lawyers were compelled to write their legal papers in longhand. The stern experiences of earlier years had fitted him for more re sponsible work.

He became bookkeeper for the M. M. Towle com Atheists, as a matter of course, do not believe in the ressurection; but Crown Pointers of three-quarters of a century ago experienced a veritable reincarnation that left no doubt in their minds as to the identity of the apparently departed brother. Shortly after John Donch had served as sheriff of Lake county, he suddenly disappeared and nothing was heard of him for a period of more than seven years. The court, presuming him to be dead, declared him deceased and administered his affairs as a decedent's estate.

Immediately thereafter, the resurrection occurred. John reappeared in the best of health to confound his heirs and the court. A lot of legal fancy-stepping ensued, but John received his property in the end and lived many years among his neighbors. The ex-sheriff later explained that he had decided to explore the western country without revealing his purpose, and had required almost 10 years to drive the wanderlust out of his system. NATIVE SON" OF LOWELL L.

J. Scritchfield is one of the pany in Hammond. In the year 1890, Mr. Minas determined to make good on his own account and he started his own hardware store in Hammond with an original stock of $1,200 in a store room 20x75 feet in size. In 1893 Mr.

Minas was married to Maude E. Keefer, daughter of Dr. F. R. Keefer, of Hammond.

There were three children born to them Lucille, Edward Clarence viTTi win-' if4inf I frri 5., lij. I i.r-. lie ir 5-1 4S 2 and Karl Keefer. Hammond was startled in 1894 when Mr. Minas divulged that he was going to build a three-story structure, measuring 50-118 feet, on State street and that to his hardware store a line of furniture, carpets and rugs was to be added.

Adds Departments In 1905 a second 50xll8-foot unit "native sons" of Lowell, having been born and reared in the southern Lake county community. After was built a dry goods department graduating from Lowell high school was added and the project was remade into a more modern conception of a great store. In this year the store was incorporated. Prepare for Cold Weather Still Ahead Keeping pace with the growth of Hammond as a business center the in 1905, he studied pharmacy at Purdue university. EARLY MAYOR Konstantine M.

Woszczynski was one of the early mayors of West Hammond. He was employed in the Simplex factory until established a saloon in 1908. Minas company continued to grow When the late Jack Fox opened his first store in Hammond in 1912, he chose the above location with a frontage of only 14 feet. Today, Jack Fox Sons, occupies a big establishment with a frontage of 45 feet and employs a sales staff of 12 clerks. In the above photo, the late Mr.

Fox is shown behind the counter (right center.) Beside him is his son, Roland, now operat ing the Business with his brother, Clarence. The present location in Hohman avenue occupies a portion of the old Towle Opera house where President Theodore Roosevelt once appeared. was removed leaving an uninterrupted open floor space of 175 feet by 118 feet New floors were laid, new fixtures and elevators installed and departments on every floor appeared in a complete new layout. These improvements were undertaken and completed in the face of a general business depression, when most business was retrenching. In 1937, as in 1890, Mr.

Minas had been able to maintain a spirit of harmony and instill a deep sense of loyalty among his employes. Thi3 ability to secure teamwork has been responsible for much of his success. The cooperation between employer and employe referred to above Mr. Minas has also been able to inspire in his children who have contributed their efforts over a period of many years and it is interesting to know that the family planned it this way. Daughter Enters Store For many years, his daughter, Lucille, was an employe, and as Mr.

Minas stated "from 1913 until several years after the war the store never had a more efficient credit manager than my daughter." It is also worthy of mention that and In 1913 another expansion was logical and an extension was made to the east which gave an additional 75 feet on State street. The total frontage was now 175 feet. During this expansion the entire buildings was remodeled, re furnished and restocked. The hardware store of two decades back was now a full-fledged department A Dependable Jewelry House for Mr. Minas has two sons who have grown up with the business and who have, through years of training in various departments of the store, developed into associates and executives.

E. C. Minas, as merchandise manager, and Karl Minas, as manager of the home appliance division, are well grounded in the traditional Minas company manner of keeping store. store with 200 employes and more than 50 departments serving Hammond and Lake county. Ways, no street Igihts, no city hall, and no sewage disposal.

The most Serious shortcoming was the lack Of law enforcement; consequently street brawls were frequent and tough characters who were imported into the city to work in the packing house, flouted every law of the village and even thumbed their noses at their foremen. Banditry Kife Responsibility for law enforcement rested with deputy sheriffs, but It was habitual with county officials to investigate crimes two and three weeks after they occurred. Villagers were thankful that the thieves, who made frequent raids on cattle pens at the packing house, did not turn to housebreaking, banditry and murder; for, only a small group of vigilantes were available for protection. An a result, villagers felt more secure in the spring of 1883, when Hammond was incorporated as a 1 city. Marcus Towle, real estate operator, industrialist and distiller, became the new city's first mayor.

George Boynton was the first city clerk; Charles C. Smith, the first treasurer; Donald McDonald, city attorney; Allison A. Walker, marshal, and Carol N. Towle, brother of the mayor, chief of the fire department. On the first city council were Aldermen Patrick W.

Mullens, S. Fogg, William H. Gostlin, William Kleihege, Michael Clement, end Henry Sohl. The latter was a youth who had just reached his 21st birthday only a few days before he took office. First Council Honest Because of duties with the packing plant, Thomas Hammond, then the principal resident executive, did not join Hammond's first official family.

No doubt he could have had any office he desired, but Marcus wanted the mayoralty chair and got what he wanted. The first council worked honestly -and hard to pass neccessary laws with which to put the city on a law-abiding basis. Ordinances were passed not only to please the people but also benefit them. Keen legal guidance in those days was given by City Attorney McDonald. He informed councilmen of duties and otherwise assisted In setting up a city government.

J.IcDonald was Hammond's first lawyer. Others came after him, Buell Brothers, John Burroughs and John Krueter. McDonald's shining star was dimmed somewhat after Peter Crumpacker hung out his shingle In 1888 and attained prominence immediately to be carried on by descendants to this day in Hammond and Valparaiso. Meet Above Saloon First meetings of the city council were held in Centennial hall above George Sommer's saloon, a building owned by Marcus Towle. This was the most spacious auditorium in town at the time and not only served as a city hall but as a dance emporium and meeting places for lodges.

Then, too, handiness of the saloon below was a decided advantage In those days when the most important meetings were held over a stein of beer or a glass of whisky. The city was divided into three wards. A fourth was added in 1894, end a fifth in 1896. Naturally, the packing plant was the dominant influence in that first administration for Mayor Towle, Treasurer Smith, and Councilmen Mullins, Fogg, Sohl and Clement were essentially packing house men. However, strangely enough, the Cwners of the packing industry sel- dom interferred with the city administration, mostly because Mayor Towle ran the town and accomplished his job without running afoul of any group.

Resent Absentee-Ownership What little restraint the packing house did exert over the town government disappeared late In 1886 when George K. Hammond, founder of the packing plant, died in his Detroit home. George Hammond and his absentee-ownership had been bitter medicine to the village for years. He resisted efforts to make Sunday a holiday, he insisted on long hours, and worse yet, he had never cared much for the struggling village on the banks of the river except as it affected his pocketbook. Only one of Mr.

Hammond's local associates really wept at the death of the capitalist who had revolutionized the beef industry and in doing so had been responsible for the city's transformation from a stopping place on Hohman road to a bustling town. He was Fred Mott, husband of Ernest Hohman's daughter, Emma, and foreman of the beef department at the packing plant. Mott had come to Hammond in 1874 to work for a dollar a day as a roustabout in the plant. Becomes Assistant Supt. Ambitious, honest and careful about his business relations, young Mott had climbed steadily toward the top, until in 1886, he was assistant to Superintendent S.

F. Fogg, the man who had succeeded Marcus Towle as general overseer cf the plant. When Mott and others of the packing plant executive force finally arrived in Detroit two days after the funeral of Mr. Hammond, being delayed because of a heavy snowfall which marooned the Michigan Central trains at Michigan City, the grief stricken young man was told by tho widow that the plant had sold. More Expansion In 1932 another major remodeling Many cold winter days are still ahead.

Enjoy the comfort and convenience of a new Hess or Benefactor Welded Steel Furnace for the remainder of the cold weather. You will aave money too because prices are lower now than they will be later. The Hess and Benefactor Welded Steel furnaces are one piece with all joints electrically welded no dirt, gas or soot can leak into your rooms. You will safeguard your family's health besides saving house cleaning work and expense, with a new Hess or Benefactor furnace. program was completed.

The divid ing wall between the 100-foot unit of the building and the 75-foot unit Quality First Policy -Secret to Our Success J) It is only fitting that we pause in a bit of reminiscing and as we look back over a period of years, it is indeed gratifying to know that we have enjoyed continuously the very grateful patronage of a host of friends we have made during our thirty-three years of service in this community. I "i i 'v I tv -sr. c--, A I 5- We Carry AH Nationally Advertised Watches and Silverware Watches Elgin Bulova Gruen Hamilton Waltham Silverware 1847 Rogers Community Holmes Edwards Tudor Plate and Wm. Rogers Hes and Benefactor Welded Steel furnace are available with or without blower or air conditioning unit. This modern method of heating avea fuel, provide greater comfort, make heating easier and aaaurea clean, healthful air your In warm weather thi 'ystem give a comfortable, cooling air circulation.

The He Blower Filter Unit or Hem Air Conditioner may be attached to your preent furnace to provide the same benefit. Just two reasons may be given for our unusual success. We keep in step with the modern allowing only New Jewelry, Watches, Silverware, to remain on our shelves. We strive to give the best of service at all times. Our long years of experience enabling us to give the fine care they require.

We are fittingly elated over our success in this community. We have sailed with flying colors through unusual times, coming out firmly entrenched in the hearts of persons who appreciate beautiful jewelry. We are justly proud of our up-to-the-minute modern plant with its sanitary safeguards, which is a model of cleanliness and efficiency, the culmination of our years of experience in dairy operation. Throughout these years it has ever been our aim to render a sincere and distinctive service to our customers. From the farm to your kitchen every precaution is taken by us to make YOUR bottle of milk the TRULY BEST bottle of milk You are cordially welcomed and invited to visit our dairy where Quality, Service, and Sanitation meet.

You can be assured of that extra care and particular attention given to every drop of milk delivered by us which attention we feel will merit your appreciation. low S3 Years on State St. Worthy of Your Confidence Budget plan payments available at no extra charge DIXIE AIR Tiie Furnace Elan AUTHORIZED HESS DEALER 586 Fayette St. Hammond Telephone Hammond 1074 TIMKEN OIL BURNERS We Clean and Repair All Make of Furnace Call Us for a Free Estimate on Any Heating Problem lilt's Not a Hess It's Not the Best mKJ THE STORE Ofj. STERLINCS? VALUES kJ3 COMPANY MAIN OFFICE AND PLANT in, Lb 1200 VV.

15TH GARY, IND. PHONE GARY 6101 JEWELERS AND OPTICIANS 465 STATE STREET 1.