A Wienermobile? No, we have a Chickenmobile!

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile has nothing on this fleet of chicken trucks! These trucks are part of the Sperry Candy Company fleet in Vincennes, Indiana . It appears that the Sperry Candy Company created “chicken dinner good candy” for 5 cents! The Chicken Dinner Candybar was a nut roll. The Sperry Company was headquartered in Milwaukee.

In the photo above two men are sitting on the running board of a “chicken truck.” John C. R. Snyder is on the left and an unidentified man is on the right. Both of these photos are from the private collection of Marjorie A. Kaiser, Vincennes.

Google Chicken Dinner Candybar for some fascinating history on this sweet concoction.

Who doesn’t love a marching band?

The Indiana State University Archives houses some fun photographs of the university’s marching bands throughout the years. In this circa 1942 photo, members of the marching band line up in preparation for a homecoming parade.

Like the U.S. Postal Service, a little rain doesn’t keep a marching band from participating in a parade! In this 1962 image parade watchers hold umbrellas and support the women and men musicians as they march down Wabash Avenue in Terre Haute, Indiana.

And doesn’t this percussion group look smart in their uniforms? This photo was taken in 1964.

All three images are from the Martin’s Photo Shop collection that is housed in the university’s archives. For more marching band images, click here.

Remembering a teacher and a coach

Around 1920, Oscar Edwards, a graduate of Wiley High School in Terre Haute, Indiana, won first place in the long jump at the IHSAA State Finals with a leap of 20 feet, 20-1/2 inches. Edwards not only made his mark around the track, but also in education.

A graduate of Indiana State Normal, Edwards earned a degree in physical education in 1929. He then started his master’s degree at Indiana State Teachers College, but left in 1931 when a job opened up at Booker T. Washington High School in Miami. A physical education teacher, Edwards also coached football and basketball. Eventually, he earned graduate degrees from Indiana State Teachers College and Indiana University.

According to Vigo County Historian Mike McCormick, “Throughout his teaching career, Edwards was outspoken in his efforts to improve the academic environment for black children. His reputation for activism may have affected his advancement but, in 1963, he was named assistant principal at Miami’s George Washington Carver High School.”

McCormick shares Edwards’ story in “Wabash Valley Profiles, a series of tributes to hometown heroes who have made a difference.” This series was presented by First Financial Bank. Edwards’ tribute appeared in 2006.

Rockin’ out in Clinton!

The Clinton (Indiana) Public Library, 313 South 4th Street, is the repository for several interesting photographs of musicians in the 20th century. Take a gander at this 1950s image of The Fabulous Challengers, comprised of Bob Reed, Bob Sizemore, Mick Lowry, Larry Huffman and Jack Stefani. What a slick-looking group!

This 1960s photograph of The Stormers (Jim Howell, Sam Sweazy, Bob Gibbons, Jack Huffman and Jerry Zanandrea) is a classic!

 
Here’s an undated photo of Johnny Bettineschi on saxophone and Armond Gitard playing guitar. This duo played with many area bands.

And representing the female persuasion are Anna White and Iva Weir. This duo played folk and rock favorites.

More photographs of musical groups from Clinton are available here.

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?