Mischievous little pixies

Don’t you just love to look at photos of children being forced to “like” one another? Can’t you just hear family members saying, “Nadine, give your sister, Phyllis, a big hug! Phyllis, act like you love your sister!” This late 1920s photograph is from the private collection of Betty Wilderman Lowe, Terre Haute, Indiana.

This 1931 photograph from the private collection of Lisa Lowe Yowell, Terre Haute, Indiana, puts a smile on my face every time I look at it. These smiles look so genuine. I don’t think anyone needed to force these reactions. Baby Betty June Wilderman looks like a mischievous little pixie, and young Barbara Lee Wilderman looks like she thinking, “Oh, here we go again! Little Betty June is starting something again!”

If you would like to add personal photographs to Wabash Valley Visions & Voices, feel free to contact Cinda May, Wabash Valley Visions and Voices project coordinator, at 812-237-2534 or cinda.may@indstate.edu.

Are you ready for your staff Christmas party?

It’s nearly Christmas and that means there are parties to attend, good food to eat, and people to renew acquaintances with. In this 1942 photograph students at the Indiana State Teachers College, now known as Indiana State University, kick up their heels during their Christmas Sophomore Dance. And, yes, those are suckers in their mouths!

Twenty years later, this group of Indiana State College, now University, students decorates a hall on campus for the annual Christmas ball.

Both of these Martin’s Photo Shop images are part of Indiana State University Archives.

Postcards share good cheer

It’s December and that means it’s time for Christmas and other holiday cards. The Vigo County Historical Society has a wonderful collection of such cards. The above 1910 postcard has Santa raising a toast. It reads, “Cast dull care away, for here's to Xmas day. Join the festive bowl, and be a jolly soul.”

What animal lover can resist this undated postcard wishing someone Merry Christmas in German? Don’t we all love howling dachshunds?

Ah, and what Scrooge didn’t open his door to these three carolers?