Footprints A publication of the Howard County Historical Society Volume 5, Issue 2 May 2016

From 1890 to today

Baseball always a hit in Howard County 20 From the executive director Membership Fostering a flourishing community Thanks to all who joined the Howard County Historical Society or renewed their memberships from March through April. ow does a historical society cele- Our understanding of history – and thus of our- brate a hundredth birthday? selves – changes and grows with each passing Todd & Deanna Picton/Gifford Brandon Fisher Dianne Waggaman Cake and ice cream are nice — and year. Lynn Smith Kappa Kappa Kappa Inc. Margaret Butler Endowment H Gloyd Johnson Beta Lambda Chapter Fund traditional — but is that enough? Working toward our bicentennial is every bit Psi Iota Xi Sorority Dr. Bradley Vossberg A hundred years is quite an accomplishment as important as celebrating our centennial. By Jonathan & Amy Russell Brian & Laura Sheets for an organization or an individual. The world extension, the same can be said of our state changes so quickly that anything with longevity as we celebrate ’s second hundred seems unusual (yet we yearn for stability and years. Today is built on yesterday – and tomor- chafe under a constant barrage of the new and row will be built on today. As a historical socie- 100 Years, continued from page 3 amazing). ty, a community, a state, let’s consciously build the mansion have probably noticed the re- ister of Historic Homes, we plan to use archi- This historical society is celebrating its cen- the kind of tomorrow that we would be happy cent cosmetic damage to paint and plaster, tecturally and historically appropriate slate. tennial by working to ensure its bicentennial. to live in today. but hidden water damage to structural wood The project will be expensive over the short Our mission, “to collect, preserve, and share and masonry is a particular concern. With term, but cost effective over the long term. Howard County history,” has no expiration Dave Broman the entire structure of the mansion depend- Our annual roof maintenance costs will see date. New history is being created every day. HCHS Executive Director ing on the roof, we can neither afford to ig- an immediate drop, as will those for plaster nore the problem nor continue to procrasti- work and paint, and – barring natural disas- In this issue: Save nate. The question is no longer “will we?” but ters – the new roof will be good for another “when?” hundred years. Or more. 2 From the executive at Jackrabbits game the date Within the next few months, you’ll be hear- The whole community of Howard County ing much more about the Seiberling roof as has a stake in the preservation of the man- director 14 Library roots run May 18 – For Members we kick off a campaign to pay for its replace- sion. When the campaign begins and you’re 2 Upcoming events deep Only: Kurt Meyer, Author ment. Given the beauty of the house, its sig- asked to help, please be generous. and Preservation Activist nificance and its status on the National Reg- 3 Saving our 15 Preserving family May 30 – HCHS Night at Seiberling history the Aug. 26 – Howard 3 HCHS receives grant 16 Hall of Legends County Hall of Legends Grant, continued from page 3 4 Fun at Museum Day nominations Sept. 5-11 – Kokomo Automotive Heritage the society’s future maintenance of the struc- communities. Museum Salutes Live! 17 HCHS participates in ture. One area of particular concern is the Mark Dollase of Indiana Landmarks present- Indiana’s Automotive 6 Russell new county Blue Star Museums Heritage mansion’s original, 126-year-old, slate roof. ed the grant to the society on April 4. RATIO Indiana Landmarks, headquartered in Indian- Architects of Indianapolis, well known for historian 18 Preservation Sept. 17-18 – Koh Koh Mah Encampment apolis, is a nonprofit organization, working to preservation work on properties such as the 8 Baseball always a hit activist to speak defend architecturally unique, historically sig- Benjamin Harrison home, Hinkle Fieldhouse, Oct. 5 – Bicentennial nificant and communally cherished properties. the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, Charley in Howard County at membership event Torch Relay in Howard County The organization rescues, rehabilitates and Creek Inn and many others, has been en- 9 May 30 is HCHS Night 19 Membership gives them new purpose – helping save the gaged to provide the assessment. Oct. 18 – HCHS Annual state's shared heritage and bring new life to Meeting

2 19 Author and preservationist Saving Our Seiberling: to speak at Elliott House May 18 A special program for members only The Next 100 Years By Dave Broman particularly valuable to us in Howard County. HCHS Executive Director He’s restored four historic homes himself and gathered architectural salvage from across Indi- By Dave Broman uthor and preservation activist Kurt Meyer ana and southern Michigan. He’s spent years HCHS Executive Director HCHS receives grant A of Noblesville will present a program for dumpster-diving to retrieve discarded historic s members of the historical society, Seiber- HCHS members only at 6:30 p.m. May 18 at the for preservation assessment house parts at construction sites and has totally ling Mansion is only “ours” in the sense that Elliott House. stripped houses just prior to demolition. we’re responsible for its care. The mansion Indiana Landmarks has provided a Meyer has written about the history and In addition to the program, Meyer will have cop- A belongs to the people of Howard County, and the $2500 matching grant to the histori- changing face of American small town life in ies of his two novels available for purchase. hundreds of newspaper columns, blog posts stories it represents belong to the world. We take our cal society for a preservation as- Both are firmly grounded in Indiana life and re- stewardship role very seriously. sessment of the , and two novels. Living flect his love for history and preservation. a modern life with re- The mansion came under the care of the society in an in-depth analysis of the structure Join us in the Elliott House for desserts and by specialists in architectural preser- spect for the past is a the presentation, The event is free, but seating 1971 after several years of abandonment. The years recurring theme in his since have brought a series of rehabilitation projects, vation. The assessment will help the is limited. Reserve your place today by calling society better understand the condi- work, leading him to the HCHS office at 765-452-4314. first to correct the worst of the damage incurred by tion of the mansion, as well as po- speak before scores of Learn more about Meyer from his website at neglect, and later to restore some of its Victorian tential future problems. It will provide civic and preservation kurtameyer.com. beauty. Through all of those projects, the mansion’s recommendations and priorities for groups, historical socie- You’ll also find him online at: slate roof has been repeatedly patched; its life ex- ties, book clubs and [email protected] tended by a series of temporary fixes, sometimes See “Grant” on Page 19 library boards. kurtameyer.com with great, ugly globs of tar and sometimes with re- Meyer has been a Facebook Author Page: Kurt A. Meyer placement slates. community activist for Twitter: @Kurtalanmeyer The Seiberling’s upper roof is original and 127 nearly 30 years, lead- Instagram: kurtameyer Preservation activist ing his local preserva- years old. It has seen the gas boom come and go, and author Kurt Meyer tion group and serving and survived the great floods, tornados, and ice on its board for 20 storms of the past century. It sheltered residents who years, representing it before Indiana Landmarks built the county’s industrial economy and helped Affiliate Council and advocating for historic America win two world wars. Children played under preservation before boards of zoning appeals, it, college students studied there, and the house it plan commissions and city councils. protects remains with us as a testament to the resili- Meyer also knows the economics of historic ence of the people of Howard County. preservation. He’s been a realtor specializing in Slate is an incredibly durable roofing material, but historic properties for 22 years, was the first no roof can permanently withstand the natural forces Mark Dollase of Indiana Landmarks president of Noblesville’s Main Street organiza- that turn mountains into gravel. The roof has leaked presented a $2,500 matching grant to tion and created his community’s first facade repeatedly in spite of regular maintenance. Visitors to HCHS Executive Director Dave Bro- grant program. His work there — a gas boom man on April 4. city like Kokomo that grew wildly in the late (Photo courtesy of Curt Alexander, Spectrum 1800s — makes his experience and insights See “100 Years” on Page 19 Photography) 18 3 Girls enjoy a day of music, stories Seiberling Mansion to participate and fun at Museum Day Live! in Blue Star Museums

By Linda Ferries excited “girls” of all ages. The Howard County Historical Society’s mu- We’re proud to help connect museums to mili- HCHS Publications Committee Chair The Howard County Museum, located inside seum in the Seiberling Mansion is one of more tary communities nationwide.” the Seiberling, joined participating museums than 2,000 museums across America to offer “Blue Star Museums has grown into a nation- everal dozen visitors took advantage of across the country in opening its doors for free free admission to active military personnel and ally recognized program that service members the Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum to those who downloaded a Museum Day Live! their families from Memorial Day through Labor and their families look forward to each year,” S Day Live! to tour the beautiful Seiberling ticket. Day. said Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth- Mansion on March 12 and enjoy a variety of “This is a wonderful way to share not only the Blue Star Museums is a collaboration of the Douquet. “It helps bring our local military and activities put together “to inspire and empower beauty of the mansion but our unique heritage. National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star civilian communities together, and offers fami- girls, moms and grandmothers of diverse back- The intertwining stories of Monroe Seiberling, Families, the Department of Defense and par- lies fun and enriching activities in their home grounds.” Howard County and the Indiana Gas Boom ticipating museums. It provides an opportunity towns. We are thrilled with the continued Sharon Reed Corbett, a member of the How- help us understand why this county and state for families to enjoy the nation’s cultural herit- growth of the program and the unparalleled ard County Historical Society Board of Trus- are among the most industrial in the nation – age and learn more about their new communi- opportunities it offers.” tees, organized the afternoon of games, dress- and why innovation is an integral part of our ties after a military move. A complete list of This year, more than 2,000 (and counting) up and story-telling that filled the museum with culture,” said Dave Broman, executive director participating museums is available at arts.gov/ museums in all 50 states, the District of Colum- bluestarmuseums. bia, Puerto Rico and American Samoa are tak- Dave Broman, executive director of the How- ing part in the initiative. The museums repre- ard County Museum, commended the organi- sent fine arts, science, history, nature and doz- zations involved in building the program, say- ens of children’s museums. ing, “Howard County has a strong connection The free admission program is available to to the military, and we’re proud to support their any bearer of a Geneva Convention common presence in the community as well as their access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card service to the country. Military families face (dependent ID) or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, unique and difficult challenges, and we hope which includes active duty U.S. military – Ar- this small gesture will open doors and hearts my, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as for them.” well as members of the National Guard and “Parents of young children tell us that they go Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commis- together to museums to learn new things and sioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps – have family time together,” said NEA Chairman and up to five family members. Some special Jane Chu. “Blue Star Museums helps them to or limited-time museum exhibits may not be do both, by helping military families learn about included in this free admission program. the cultural resources in their communities, To find participating museums and plan your and offering a fun, high-quality experience trip, visit arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. that’s budget friendly as well as family friendly.

Howardcountymuseum.org Facebook.com/hchistory Pinterest.com/hchistory Sharon Reed Corbett shared paintings from her collection.

4 17 “This day was an opportunity to share the ac- complishments of many African-American wom- It’s time to make your nomination for the 2016 en in our community who have worked tirelessly as wives, mothers, employees, churchwomen, volunteer leaders and more,” Reed-Corbett said. Hall of Legends “It was exciting to revisit the ‘Black Women in the Middle West’ project led by Kokomo’s Ruth he Howard County Historical Society is Industry, Science, Technology, Health Scienc- Temoney and supported by many women in the T accepting nominations for the Howard es, Art, Literature, Journalism, Humanities or our community doing research. The result of the County Hall of Legends. The new members will Performing Arts. project’s research is stored at the Indiana Histor- be inducted on Aug. 26. To be eligible, the nominee must have been ical Society’s Indiana History Center in Indianap- The Hall of Legends includes auto pioneer born in Howard County, lived in Howard Coun- olis.” , author of ty, worked in Howard County or established a Reed Corbett, who recently retired as director “ the Big Red Dog” fame, journalist reputation as being a contributor to the good of the Leadership Kokomo program, offered spe- Steve Kroft, actor Strother Martin, talk show reputation of Howard County. cial thanks to Ann Marie White as well as Lisa host and industrial entrepreneurs All nominations must include supporting infor- Simmons, Karon Lancaster and Pam Hanshew, Monroe Seiberling and George Kingston, mation and documentation. who are all Leadership Kokomo veterans. She among others. A complete list, with biographies Submissions should be delivered to: Hall of also thanked Dave Broman and Bill Baldwin of and photographs, is available at howardcounty- Legends, c/o Howard County Historical Socie- the historical society and representatives of museum.org . ty, 1200 W. Sycamore, Kokomo, IN 46901 or to Carver Community Center for providing great The Hall of Legends is open to individuals [email protected] . support to the Museum Day Live! activity. who have achieved significant recognition in A downloadable nomination form is available the areas of Public Service, Commerce and at howardcountymuseum.org. Library, continued from Page 15 The Kokomo Carnegie building was demol- ished in 1967 to make way for the present Ko- komo-Howard County Public Library. People occasionally lament its loss, but let’s not lose sight of the beautiful library we have This young lady found something especially today — or the invaluable services it provides interesting in the display about women of to the people of Howard County. Beginning color in Howard County. with the first county museum, the historical so- ciety and the library have worked together to of the Howard County Historical Society. provide education and entertainment to county A “vision board” craft project and a dress- residents, to preserve the stories of our past, up station were found in the third-floor ball- and to share the kind of experiences and les- room, while a scavenger hunt entertained sons that make life better for all. The library visitors on the main floor. Lisa Simmons pro- and the museum are two of our greatest treas- vided inspiring vocal solos and Karon Lan- ures. caster shared historic tales of women of col- These girls took advantage of the dress-up sta- (Author’s note: much of the information for this article was provided by Amy Russell of the or in Howard County. A number of vintage History and Genealogy Dept. of the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library and is based on photos of women of Kokomo were on dis- tion in the mansion ballroom to try on hats and Books Along The Wildcat by Leonard Felkey.) play. shoes from another era.

16 5 was 1901 and wealthy entrepre- neur Andrew Carnegie was in the middle of one of the most remark- Add ‘Howard County Historian’ able philanthropic projects ever undertaken: the building of nearly 1,800 American libraries. One hundred sixty-six Carnegie librar- to Russell’s long list of titles ies were built in Indiana between 1901 and 1918. Kokomo’s new By Linda Ferries In February, the Indiana Historical Society building opened in 1905, based on HCHS Publications Committee Chair and the Indiana Historical Bureau announced a Carnegie grant of $25,000. that Russell has been appointed Howard Coun- During the following decades, true Renaissance man, Jonathan ty historian. In this role, Russell will act as a the library collected books for the Russell’s interests run from sculpture liaison between statewide agencies and local soldiers of World War I, started A to painting, from organizations. He will the first branch library, helped the A view from the northwest of Union Street and the Kokomo- the history of the United also answer questions community learn how to cope Howard County Carnegie Library in 1909. Streetcar tracks ran States to his family histo- from the public about with the , start- in front of the library at that time. ry, from etched glass to Howard County's tradi- ed the annual Summer Reading pipe organs, from mili- tions and legacy. Program and provided the first home for the It was clear as early as the late 1950s that tary service to teaching It’s a natural fit for a Howard County Museum. The library was part the community library had outgrown the beauti- junior high art classes, man whose love of his- of the Kokomo Center Township school system ful but worn-out Carnegie building. At least 11 from restoring historic tory goes back to his during those years, but the end of World War II of the state’s Carnegie library buildings faced buildings to creating a childhood. One of his and the return of the GIs led to overwhelming the same problem and are now gone, with only thoroughly modern earliest memories is, as growth and changes. The school system a handful still used as libraries. The rest have “maker space”. Sculptor, a child in Delaware in turned the library over to a new, independent become museums, city buildings, police sta- painter, sign maker, ka- 1953, meeting and talk- library board in 1963 and the quest for a new tions, and one is even a private residence. rate master, preserva- ing with one of the building began. tionist, muralist, teacher, state’s last surviving Continued on Page 16 mentor, leader – he’s participants of the Civil recently added a new War, a centenarian who title to his list of credits, had served as a cabin Preserve your family history for future generations that of Howard County boy. His family later Historian. moved in and out of s a way to celebrate Indiana’s Bicenten- We scan it while you wait. The owner of Russell Indiana as his father nial, the Kokomo-Howard County Public A KHCPL and the Howard County Historical Design, as he nears the served a variety of Library and Howard County Historical Society Society will make your family’s history part of age of 70, Russell churches; Russell set- are teaming up to preserve your family history Kokomo and Howard County’s permanent and thought he planned to tled here permanently digitally. The project is called “Howard County, searchable digital archives. slow down, back out of in the early 1970s after My Home.” Here’s how it works: August through November in the Art Gal- some obligations, take it serving as an Army It’s FREE! a little easier. Instead, medic in Vietnam and lery on the lower level of KHCPL Main, view Howard County’s newly named historian is he’s taken on a variety of completing a bachelor’s Now through May 30, head to the Geneal- copies of photos and other people’s local his- new assignments that Jonathan Russell, here standing in front of degree in art education, ogy & Local History Department on the lower tory along with a map noting all coordinating have him busier than the statue ofMartin Luther King Jr. he creat- fine art and art history level of KHCPL Main, 220 N. Union St. locations. ever. ed from Indiana limestone. at Purdue. For his first Submit up to 10 pieces of your family’s For more information, call Amy Russell at history (photos, vital records, local postcards, 765-626-0838. letters detailing history/happenings/life, etc.)

6 15 10 years in Howard County, he was an art in- Street. He’ll be teaching a stone carving class Roots of the Kokomo-Howard structor in Western Schools. at SHAK this summer. During his more than 40 years in Howard Living up to the maxim that if you want some- County, he’s racked up an impressive list of thing done ask a busy person, Russell has an County Public Library run deep experiences. He is a member and former presi- ambitious list of goals for his new position as dent of the Howard County Historical Society county historian. These include: and the Howard County Genealogical Society Developing an association that promotes By Dave Broman Shortly before Thanksgiving in 1880, the and also served as president of the Kokomo HCHS Executive Director Opera House in Kokomo (which still stands at the history, genealogy and preservation efforts Historic Review Board. He was active in the within the area, bringing together leaders of the corner of Walnut and Buckeye) hosted a founding of the Old Silk Stocking Neighbor- he historical society and the Kokomo- benefit performance to raise money for a free various museums to coordinate efforts, share hood Association and Architectural Heritage of displays and artifacts, and promote each other. Howard County Public Library have library. By the end of 1885, enough money had Kokomo-Howard County Inc. in the 1980s and worked hand-in-hand for nearly a hun- been collected and the new Kokomo library This includes HCHS, the historical societies of T has been instrumental in obtaining National Greentown and Russiaville, the Grissom Air dred years — but the library’s roots in the com- opened in the Normal School on Jan. 7, 1886. Register of Historic Places designation for a Museum, the Haynes Museum and the Koko- munity go far deeper. A young grammar teacher named Joshua number of historic properties. In December 1844, a few short months after Leach was the first librarian (some of his de- mo Automotive Museum. His vision is to better Russell currently serves on the advisory serve our local communities and visitors. the founding of the county, the new commis- scendants still reside in Kokomo), managing a board of the Russiaville Historical Society, Participating in a nationwide project of the sioners authorized a library fund and slowly collection of less than 100 books. where he is active in the restoration of the in- Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War docu- began adding to it. It took them seven years to Normal School was located at Market and terurban station. In addition, Russell is found- menting and marking the grave of the last Civil build up a hundred dollars, which they prompt- Sycamore streets, in what is now a parking lot ing member of the Kokomo Designers’ War veteran in every county that fielded sol- ly spent in 1851 on books. The following year, across from Central International School. It Showhome, which in the 1990s featured up- diers in that conflict. the state passed a new school law, which in- burned in 1898, but the library had already out- dates of both the Elliott House and the Seiber- cluded a provision for township libraries, so the grown the school by then and was ensconced ling Mansion. He helps promote history of the Coordinating with Promoting Wildcat Valley, commissioners established six library districts in the then-new Kokomo City Building, along Wildcat Valley, hoping to expand that program a civic group centered in the Cutler and Adams in the county. What seemed like a good idea at with its more 4,400 books. The books were east to Howard County. Mill area with the purpose of preserving, pro- the time was severely stunted by the Civil War moved two more times before the community Military service and military history are also moting and developing the historic and natural and eventually it was dropped, but the interest began a campaign for a dedicated library build- subjects dear to this veteran of the Vietnam resources of the Wildcat Creek region of Car- in libraries kept growing. ing. Perhaps not so coincidentally, the year War. As a member of the board of the Howard roll County. Russell hopes to bring their efforts County Veterans Memorial Committee, he has east to include Howard County’s Wildcat Creek been an integral part of the Darrough Chapel heritage. Russell has long been involved in the It wasn’t the local soda Park development. And one of his latest ven- effort to restore and maintain Adams Mill, an fountain, but the Kokomo- tures is as a leader in the new SHAK Mak- operating grist mill built on the Wildcat in 1845. Howard County Carnegie erspace, an association of inventors, tinkerers, He’s excited about his new role. “Yep, I had planned to retire,” Russell said. “Now I’m busi- Library was still a popular artisans and builders resurrecting the "Spirit of Haynes and in Kokomo" on North er than ever.” spot for local high school Washington Street in the long-time home of students in the 1950s and Russell Design. For more information about the County Histo- 1960s. Use of the older Russell was recently in the news as the rian Program and other IHS resources and building outgrew its capaci- sculptor who created out of Indiana limestone events, call 317-232-1882. In addition, a direc- ty, and the library board the impressive statue of Dr. Martin Luther King tory of local county historians is available began its quest for a larger Jr. that serves as centerpiece of the new me- online at www.indianahistory.org. facility in 1963. morial park on Apperson Way at Jackson

14 7 An unidentified partial newspaper clipping Baseball always a hit from the HCHS ar- chives shows The Ko- komo Advertisers, with fans in Howard County “Kokomo’s colored representatives in the baseball field,” accord- ing to the original cap- tion. Those identified in the front row are, from left to right, “Orndorff, D. Johnson, Biggs, T. Fort and Payne.”

Easton, Pa. After his collegiate experience, he was built close to played 11 games in 1914 with the Pittsburgh Pi- downtown Kokomo as an alternative to the aging rates — a team that included the great Honus Highland Park Stadium, which went up in 1955 Wagner. In 31 at-bats, Scheeren hit .290 with one when the Giants came to town. home run and two RBIs. That season would Ballpark Business, an online news and infor- prove to be the top of his arc into professional mation resource for anyone interested in the busi- baseball. He spent the rest of 1915 with Youngs- ness side of baseball franchise operations, re- town of the Central League. In 93 games, he hit a leased its national Top 100 2015 summer colle- paltry .213 with seven home runs. The following giate attendance rankings and the Jackrabbits season he joined Wheeling, also of the Central debuted on the list at No. 26 as the top-ranked Buffalo Candy Kitchen team, circa 1911 League, where he played in 118 games and new team in the country and had the top attend- hit .283. That was his last recorded season in ance of any team in Indiana. The Jackrabbits Diamond action started as early as 1890 In the beginning . averaged 1,523 fans over 29 dates at Kokomo The first organized teams in Howard County Fred Scheeren said that the family legend be- Municipal Stadium and drew a total of 44,181 By Steve Geiselman took the field before the turn of the 20th centu- hind Fritz’s departure from baseball mentions fans. ry. In 1890, Kokomo fielded a team in the Indi- something about an illicit relationship with a team All 12 teams of the finished in aseball in Howard County has a long ana State League, and six years later, the Ko- owner’s spouse. the Top 100 and only the and storied history, reaching back to komo Blues were part of the same league. “I don’t think that was the case,” Scheeren said. (1,824) and the (1,795) outdrew Kokomo’s participation in the Indiana B Teams in the Indiana State League included “Given his stats, it was more likely that he wasn’t the Jackrabbits. State League in 1890 and continuing to the good enough.” squads from , Marion/Logansport, In June 2015, Kokomo Municipal Stadium construction of a new stadium for a bunch of Elkhart, Bluffton, Peru, Anderson and Muncie. was named Best of the Ballparks: Best Sum- Jackrabbits. When exactly a group of guys first New era of baseball Teams came and went, as “organized” was a mer Collegiate Ballpark in a poll conducted by got together for a game of pitch and catch is Baseball made a dramatic return to Kokomo in loose term back in those days. Ballpark Digest. probably hard to pin down. One thing is for cer- the spring of 2015 with the arrival of the Kokomo In 1899, Kokomo was part of two different tain, Howard County and Kokomo’s love for Jackrabbits, a Prospect League team. The (Steve Geiselman is a former newspaper sports re- teams in the Indiana-Illinois League. Kokomo/ America’s Pastime started strong and never Jackrabbits are part of the 12-team college sum- porter and presently works as a community planner Matoon and Anderson/Kokomo/Bloomington slowed down. mer wooden-bat league and play their games at with the City of Kokomo Development Department.) played in an unknown number of games that Kokomo Municipal Stadium. 8 13 final statistics include a .241 batting average, one home season. run and 44 runs batted in. He played in 157 games total. The year 1900 saw Kokomo returned to the Indiana State Other players with a Howard League for one season. Baseball was gone from the city until Join us for HCHS County connection include Don Castle (Texas Rangers, 1907 when Kokomo fielded a team in the -Indiana League. 1973), Anthony Shumaker (Philadelphia Phillies), Dan Du- Finally, in 1909 the Kokomo Wildcats were part of the Northern Jackrabbits Night moulin (Cincinnati Reds) and Fredrick “Fritz” Scheeren (Pittsburgh Pirates). State of Indiana League. That would be the end of organized semi-pro baseball Koko- Howard County and base- Fritz Schreen’s story is particularly interesting as most – if ball go together like hot dogs not all – local baseball fans would be hard-pressed to tell mo and Howard County until 1955. and home runs. We have a you much about him. They probably don’t even know him Kokomo Industrial League long history with the great and for good reason. In between semi-pro and pro teams, booming Industrial Scheeren was born in Kokomo in 1891, and his family American game, from indus- Leagues took off across the state including Howard County. trial teams to school teams moved away shortly thereafter. The family headed east to Howard County was a hotbed of diamond action from 1916 to Pennsylvania. Scheeren died in 1973, but his nephew, and pick-up games to pros. 1921 with the creation of the Kokomo Industrial League. The Fred Scheeren, who works for an investment firm in West All you have to do is count league consisted of 10 teams, all sponsored and organized by Virginia, was able to offer some insight to what happened the number of ballfields in and the reason behind the move. local industries. Teams included Haynes Automobile Company, the county today to see how “My understanding is that the family moved to near the Pittsburgh Plate Glass, Hoosier Iron Works, Kokomo Electric important it remains. Pittsburgh area in order to open a saloon,” Scheeren said. and Apperson Automobile Company. Come join us for the first- “It was just outside of the city.” On opening days, the teams would parade from downtown to ever Howard County Histori- According to Scheeren, Fritz and his brothers would Exposition Park, which is now Highland Park. Crowds for cal Society Night at the William Derbyshire played for the stage bare-knuckle fights in the evenings in order to draw games would reach nearly 3,000 and the league became so Jackrabbits on May 30 as Pittsburgh Plate Glass Nine, and later patrons to the bar. popular that talented players who lived within 100 miles of Ko- we celebrate that history! for the Kokomo Dodgers. The Dodg- Eventually Fritz left the fighting behind and made his way komo would be given a job at a local factory. The Jackrabbits will take on ers played in Highland Park Stadium to the ball diamond. Little is known about his pre- According to newspaper accounts from the time, the league the Chillicothe Paints at 6:30 professional career, according to Scheeren. broke up ultimately because of the intense rivalry and bitter feel- from 1956-1961. p.m. at the beautiful new Fritz attended and played baseball at Lafayette College in ings that would be generated each season. In 1921, several Municipal Stadium in Koko- teams were found to have major league players on the roster. mo. There’s a popcorn give- It was said that the league became “too big for its britches.” away, burger specials, bal- Gus Vandenbosch, who ran the league, told The Kokomo loons, clowns and more – Tribune in 1947 that the league became a financial mess and and tickets start at just $10 eventually only four teams could afford to compete at the level per person. It’s a great way necessary to be successful to kick off the summer sea-

Dodgers and Giants come to town son, and $2 from each ticket Kokomo and Howard County have seen their fair share of or- sold comes to the historical ganized, pro or semi-pro baseball teams over the years. The society to help preserve our first prominent team to bring a presence to Kokomo was the history. then-New York Giants, who established a team in 1955. The Order your tickets online at Kokomo Giants would only exist for one year but sported at www.kokomobaseball.com/ least one big-name player in Orlando Cepeda. groups using the code word The Giants played just one season in the Mississippi-Ohio “HISTORICAL” or download Valley League, which featured teams from such places as Lafa- an order form from our web- yette, Ind., Dubuque, Iowa, and Decatur, Ill. Local site at George Fort pitched in two games for the Giants, winning one www.howardcountymuseum. and losing one. He also has one plate appearance but failed to org. collect a hit. Once the Giants left town, the void at Highland Park Stadium Stellite - 1927 Kokomo city champions. 12 9 “Pete Reiser managed the club in 1956 and who were local pitching sensations in the on the field. He was born in Kokomo on July 8, 1957,” he said. “He had Tommy Davis on those 1970s. Pat had a short career with the Detroit 1890, and was a diminutive 5 foot, 9 inches teams, and he later led the National League in Tigers while Tom suited up for the New York tall. At 160 pounds, he would be small by to- hitting twice.” Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue day’s standards. How long he lived in Kokomo The Dodgers had developed a tradition by the Jays, Oakland A’s, Baltimore Orioles and the before moving westward remains a mystery. time Serrano got to Kokomo. A seat could be Philadelphia Phillies. On Feb. 12, 1934, in San Francisco, Elliott had for a dollar, or 25 cents if you were a kid, Unknown to many local baseball fans is the fell out of an apartment window into a light and the crowds were large. story of Kokomo’s first major league baseball well, defined as “an unroofed external space “One year they gave away a new car on player, who spent five seasons with three of provided within the volume of a large building opening night,” Serrano said. “There were the sport’s most storied franchises. Unlike Ko- to allow light and air to reach what would other- about 4,000 people at Highland Park. They had komo’s modern major league , Howard wise be a dark or unventilated area.” one heck of a crowd. Kokomo always drew “Rowdy” Elliott was a position player (catcher) The fall didn’t kill Elliott – at least at first. A well.” who first broke into the majors in 1910 with the newspaper account from the time says that he Back then a minor league team basically ran Boston Doves. The Doves were the 1910 ver- was taken to the hospital and checked out. He itself, according to Serrano. Help from the par- sion of what is now the Atlanta Braves. Elliott got the all-clear and then was jailed on public ent club was few and far between. would go on to play with the Cubs and drunkenness charges. Later while in jail, Elliott “In those days the major league club didn’t the Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers). fell violently ill and was rushed to Harbor Hos- give the affiliate that much money. They al- Elliott gained the nickname “Rowdy” off the pital, where he died. Rowdy’s lifestyle had got- lowed them so much money and that was it,” field, rather than on it, according to a newspa- ten the better of him. Serrano said. “The people here in Kokomo are per account from the time. His life off the field In the end, Elliott had spent five years in the the ones that kept baseball here. If it hadn't would prove to be more intriguing than his life major leagues over the course of nine years. His been for people like Gus Vandenbosch, who was quickly filled by the Kokomo Dodgers, a had Pittsburgh Plate Glass, and L.O. Williams, Class D baseball team that was an affiliate of baseball would not have lasted. I don't think the the Brooklyn and then . Dodgers ever contributed more than $5,000.” The team featured future major league star Ultimately it was money that did in the Koko- Tommy Davis and was managed for a while by mo version of the Dodgers. Pete Reiser, himself a standout at the major “It did get to the point where the money issue league level. was too much,” Serrano said. “The other teams Other major leaguers who played for the that were in the league continued on for a Dodgers – but not as successful or well-known while. But when I came here in 1958, the as Davis and Reiser – include Rod Miler, Bill Dodgers had over 30 minor league teams. Kelso, Clarence Jones, Don Miles, Ed When I ended up my career, they had five mi- Palmquist, Nate Smith, Mike Brumley and Tim nor league teams.” Harkness. Howard County’s Major Leaguers Another former Kokomo Dodger is Ed Serra- Kokomo and Howard County have a fine tra- no, who never quite made it to the big leagues. dition of sending players to the big leagues. He recalled how successful the team was dur- Current players include Joe Thatcher, who has ing that time in Kokomo. played for the , Arizona Dia- “I was a third baseman when I came out of mondbacks, and, most recent- the service," Serrano recalled during a 2005 ly, the . Brandon Beachy, a interview. "Then I hurt my arm, and they moved Northwestern High School graduate, made the me to second base." big show with the Atlanta Braves and is cur- Before Serrano got to Kokomo, the team had rently part of the Dodgers organization. some of its best seasons and featured future The area’s biggest contribution to the majors big-name baseball players. came from brothers Tom and Pat Underwood, The Kokomo Brass Works industrial baseball team, circa 1917 10 11