The days of Chrysler, rotary phones and Sputnik

Historical Society’s 1950s-1960s exhibit showcases an unforgettable time

By DARREL RADFORD

Historically Speaking

“Grandpa, what’s that?”

“That’s an old-fashioned rotary telephone.”

The youth paused for a moment, and then asked “How did you send a text with it?”

This funny exchange, shared by Henry County Historical Society Board President Gene Ingram and his grandson recently, is just a small part of the lively conversations generated by a special 1950s and 1960s exhibit at the museum. It’s a stroll back in time to the days of juke boxes, moon launches and classic cars; unforgettable toys and television shows; mouth-watering memories of yesteryear.

Where else could you see images of Dick Clark, Ray Pavy, the Mickey Mouse Club, Chrysler’s forge shop, Huckleberry Hound and Harold’s Hamburgers in the same room?

Ingram spearheaded the display with museum volunteers Mary Miller and Barry Edstene, among others. He received interesting contributions from a host of friends.

“The biggest comment I keep hearing is ‘I remember that. I have that,” Ingram said.

It was an amazing period in history — both locally and nationwide.

Ingram remembers the advent of the eight-track tape and how that put music lovers in heaven. Until then, all they had in their cars were AM radios.

The significance of these 20 years in both local and American history cannot be understated. The local school corporations that nurture our youth today were organized during this time period. The roots of many families can be traced back to this period in Henry County history, as many migrated from Kentucky to Indiana because of the manufacturing jobs available at Chrysler, which obviously shares a spot in the display. Nationally, Sputnik and the space race, Korean and Vietnam wars dominated headlines.

Here’s just a few of the highlights locally that happened in that 20-year period:

1951 – Weiland’s Flowers and Dairy Queen opened. Both businesses are still popular today.

1952-The Jesse French piano factory closed and was purchased by New Castle Products, which later became Modernfold. Though no longer in New Castle, the company that was born here is still doing well in Greenfield.

1955 – Greenstreet Elementary School opened in New Castle and began more than 50 years of service to hundreds of school children. Though no longer an elementary school, the building is still in use today.

1957 – Construction began on New Castle Fieldhouse. In the more than 50 years that have followed, the building community members helped build with Gym Now contributions has played host to countless thrills in high school basketball and other sports.

1959 — The Indiana General Assembly passes the school reorganization act, which results in consolidation. The five county schools created then survive today, nearly 60 years later.

1961 — Marion Pierce scored 140 points in four games of the boys sectional basketball tournament. His 51 field goals and 38 free throws remain a record that has never been surpassed.

1962 – The Henry County School Reorganization Committee’s plan is adopted, which creates five school corporations in Henry County.

1965 – Jimmie Lee Mincks becomes the first Henry County casualty of the Vietnam War.

1967- Interstate 70 opens

There are obviously many more. This special exhibit will run through New Castle Homecoming festivities in September. Museum hours are 1 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday but special tour times can be arranged by calling at 529-4028.

(Darrel Radford is a staff writer for The Courier-Times and a Henry County Historical Society board member.)