Monroe County Timeline
Most Significant Events in Topic "African Americans"
| Black men buy land 1818, Nov |
William Cooley and Aaron Wallace (both listed as "colored") buy lots at a public land sale in Bloomington Township. Other men buying lots include: Hoggatt, Bailey, Storm, Parsons, Harryman, Newton, Gibbs, Dickens, Chambers, Wright, Hamilton, Scott, Kello, Whitson, Armstrong, Holland, Rodenbaugh, Green, Rawlins, Nichols, Cox, Clements, Smith, Cutler, Parks, Moore, Chance, Lebo, Perishaw, Groves, Baugh, Hughes, Bailey, Whisenand, Graham, Ketchum, and Clark.
Source: Charles Blanchard, Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana (Chicago: F. A. Battey & Co, 1884), 454.
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| Blair moves to Bloomington 1825 |
James Blair arrives to Bloomington via Fayetteville, Tennessee and from the Chester District, North Carolina, leaving those places because of his stance against slavery and did not want to belong to a "pataroller" gang, which was a team of white men who would go to a meeting where there were blacks without passes from their masters to assemble. Mr. Blair was attached to the United Presbyterians because he believed these members of the Presbyterians should be allowed to vote.
Source: Hurley Goodall, Underground Railroad: The Invisible Road to Freedom Through Indiana (2000), 159.
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| Smith builds his home 1828 |
 Thomas Smith, prominent Presbyterian, builds his home at 1326 Pickwick Place. His home is used to help slaves escape north as part of the Underground Railroad network.
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| Rev. Hall donates to Colonization Society 1829 |
A report of donations to the American Colonization Society, from July 23 to August 13, 1829, lists Bloomington resident Rev. Raymond R. Hall. He has donated $5.00.
Source: "Contributions," African Repository, August 1, 1829, 1.
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| Hall gives funds for colonization 1829 |
Rev. Baynard Rush Hall, of Bloomington, Indiana is listed as a financial supporter to the American Colonization Society, providing $5.00. The organization advocates a network and path to send free black Americans to Africa.
Source: "Contributions to the American Colonization Society, from 23 July to 13th August 1829," African Repository and Colonial Journal, January 1, 1829, 188. more...
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| First barber offer services 1830 |
Noilsey Baker (Notley Baker) ia a black barber and he advertises his skills to Monroe County.
Source: American Association of University Women, Monroe County Historical Homes Tour Program Guide: 150 Years in Indiana (1966), 19.
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| Monroe County slave emancipated in 1830 1830, Nov 2 |
Richard B. McCorkle, living in Monroe County, emancipates a slave named Michael, who had been willed to McCorkle by his father, living in Tennessee at the time. Michael is 22 years old and accompanies McCorkle to Illinois in 1831.
Source: Monroe County, IN, Monroe County Deed Book 'C' (Bloomington: Monroe County, IN, 1831), 179.
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| Slave emancipated 1830, Nov 2 |
Richard B. McCorkle emancipates a "certain colored person slave named Michael" by producing a deed record. McCorkle instructs the courts that Michael, age 22, was part of his inheritance upon the death of his father, William McCorkle, who was a resident of Rutherford County, Tennessee.
Source: Monroe County (Ind.) Deed Book C (1830), 179-80.
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| Andy and Jenny agree to live together 1831, May 14 |
 John M. Young and IU Mathematics professor John M Harney sign as witnesses to a legal arrangement between Andrew "Andy" Ferguson and his love, Jane "Jenny" Ferguson. The black couple, who could not legally get married, agree to live together. Andrew agrees to behave properly and to not separate from her, allowing her to have his property upon death. [Image of Mr. Harney from IU Photo Archives.]
Source: Bloomington Courier, January 27, 1876, 3. more...
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| Toddler found and adopted 1835, May |
A story about a lost mulatto boy being found in Bloomington is printed in an Ohio newspaper. The child, estimated to be between two or three years old, is found hanging on a bush, alive, in the vicinity of Bloomington, Indiana. The people who care for him call him "Moses Bush" and his new parent is Mrs. Moore.
Source: "A Foundling," Ohio State Journal and Columbus Gazette, May 9, 1835.
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| Tonsorial operator promotes skill 1836, Sep 16 |
A black barber runs an ad in the newspaper: "Notley Baker Begs leave to inform the public that he has removed his establishment, to the new and commodious building lately erected on Main Street, just below the Post Office, where he will be found at all times ready to apply the instruments of his calling to the head, and face of those gentlemen who may with their chins reaped, and their superfluous hair removed. Six cents for shaving, and twelve for cutting hair, will be the established price, throughout the whole year."
Source: Bloomington Post, September 16, 1836.
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| Rev. McMillan writes to Woodburn 1837, Jun 1 |
Covenanter and Presbyterian minister Rev. Hugh McMillan writes to Dorrance Woodburn of Bloomington about his pleasure in learning that T.A. Wylie arrived to teach at Indiana Seminary. "I am glad he will answer the double purpose of serving the college and of ministering to the wants of the people." McMillan and Woodburn were supporters of the Underground Railroad.
Source: James Albert Woodburn, Woodburn History: Some Generations of a Family (1936), 52.
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| Black merchant advertises 1838, Oct 12 |
Notley Baker, a black man, promotes his various businesses in a display advertisement. Concerning his barber shop, "he is so well prepared with instruments in such superior order, to extract that vile and uncouth excrescence from the Phiz of Gentlemen in such a masterly manner as to render it impossible to know that cold steel has ever passed over their Jugulars." His shop is located at the first door north of Mr. Orchard's hotel.
Source: "NOTICE," Bloomington Post, October 12, 1838.
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| Millen buys land 1839 |
 William Millen buys land in Bloomington Township, Section 34, and later builds a house. It is known as the Millen/Stallknecht House or Raintree House, 112 N. Bryan Street, and is later sold to Indiana University. He pays $1,600 for 160 acres. Millen came to Bloomington with other Covenanters. Some oral histories argue the house was used as part of the Underground Railroad system. Millen was a saw mill partner of William Fee, who was also from South Carolina.
Source: Rose McIlveen, "Looking Back: Millen House "Guests" Varied," Herald Telephone, June 6, 1981. map
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| Moses Bush bound by overseers of the poor 1840, Jan 9 |
Moses Bush, a 5 years old mulatto, indentured to Benjamin Mathers by Hugh Campbell and James Mathers, overseers of the poor in Perry Township. In 1850 Census Moses is found living with Mathers, who owns property in Perry Township, section 28 and 29, near where Clear Creek Cemetery is located in 2016.
Source: Deed Book H: Monroe County, Indiana, 46. map
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| Barber advertises in newspaper 1840, Sep 4 |
Notley Baker promotes his barbershop, located at the first door just north of the post office.
Source: Bloomington Post, September 4, 1840.
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| Faris builds a home 1842 |
 Rev. James Faris or "Old Man Faris" builds his home at 2001 Hillside Drive. Born in South Carolina in 1779, the Reformed Presbyterian comes as a Covenanter. It is believed that the home was used to help slaves navigate the Underground Railroad.
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| Black family named McClerkin 1850 |
The United State Census records a black family living close to Sarah McCaw (age 74) and the Robert Service Family in Perry Township: William McClerkin (age 29) is a black farmer with Jennetta (age 23) and James H. (1 years old)/ Both William and Jennetta McClerkin are listed as born in South Carolina, same as Sarah McCaw. [Note: There is a Rev. McClerkin and a Hannah McCaw who both appear in early oral history accounts of the Underground Railroad for this region.]
Source: Donald Matson, 1820, 1830, 1840, & 1850 census of Monroe County, Indiana: Taken from Microfilm (Ellettsville, Indiana: Donal Matson, 1979), 254.
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| Hawkins marries barber's daughter 1850, Dec 8 |
Mr. Smith Hawkins, a black man from Washington, Indiana, marries the daughter of Knotley or Knolly Baker, Bloomington's first black barber. According to Monroe County Marriage Indices, the bride's name is Sarah Ann Baker. Mr. Hawkins helped Thomas Smith run the Underground Railroad network in Monroe County, as he escorted slaves on their way north.
Source: Henry Lester Smith, Ph.D., "The Underground Railroad in Monroe County," Indiana magazine of history, September 1, 1917, 291.
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| Breckenridge comes to Bloomington 1852 |
Former slave Edmund Breckenridge, a shoemaker, comes to Bloomington from Bedford, Indiana. He is the father of Elizabeth Breckenridge, who later becomes a domestic servant for the Theophilus and Rebecca Wylie Family. She begins working for the Wylies circa 1856, when she is just 13 years old.
Source: Bridget Edwards, "From the Curator of Education: Elizabeth Breckenridge & The Wylies," Bringing History Home: Wylie House Museum, January 1, 2009.
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| Free Soil League holds meeting 1853, Jan 1 |
Four delegates are appointed to the Free Soil Convention to be held in Indianapolis on the 12th. At the Monroe County Courthouse meeting the group elected are: Col. John Ketcham, Mr. Samuel Patten, William H. Curry, and James Robinson. The men produce several delcarations, including their determination that many Free Democratic voters "form an army for Liberty that cannot be conquered, as they contend for principles, and not for spoils."
Source: "Meeting at Bloomington, Indiana," The National Era, February 10, 1853.
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| Sarah Smith sells land to black farmer 1853, Jan 31 |
 Henry McCaw, an African American farmer, buys land from Sarah Smith in Bloomington Township, Section 36, Range 1WT9N. [Image from 1856 Plat Map].
Source: Patricia Mitchell, Lee Ehman, Deeds of Monroe County, Indiana 1850-1859: Index Book 3: 2nd Edition (Bloomington (Ind.): Monroe County Historical Society, 2011), 39. map
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| Law bars funding for African Americans 1853, Mar |
Indiana state government amends tax laws so that 'the property of negroes or mulattoes shall not be taxed for school purposes, nor shall [they] derive any of the benefits of the common schools of this State.'
Source: Laws of the State of Indiana 1853, 124.
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| John Freeman case 1853, Jun |
A free slave from Georgia, by the name of John Freeman, moves to Indiana and ends up in jail when a man claims that Freeman is his runaway slave. The court case disproves this claim and creates a stir throughout the state against the Fugitive Slave Law.
Source: Nation, Richard F, and Stephen E. Towne. Indiana's War: The Civil War in Documents. Athens: Ohio University Press, 2009. Print.
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| Centre School Built 1854 |
Centre School is built at 6th and Washington for white primary students.
Source: Michael Schroeder, "All-Black School site to be marked," Herald Times, February 11, 2005, D, 5.
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| Jane Ferguson dies 1855, Oct 17 |
Jane "Aunt Jinny" Ferguson, a black woman, dies in Bloomington, at roughly the age of 70. The wife of Revolutionary War Veteran Andrew "Andy" Ferguson, she was born in Maryland.
Source: Bloomington Newsletter, October 20, 1855.
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| African-American Revolutionary War soldier dies 1856 |
Andrew Ferguson, a private in a Virginia Revolutionary War unit, dies of old age in Bloomington.
Source: C.H. Stone, "A Colored Patriot," Courier-Tribune, February 21, 1896.
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| Bedford fears for blacks in Bloomington 1856, Nov 28 |
An opinion piece is written in the Bedford newspaper about the "organized band of negro stealers" working the railroad cars and coaches, trying to find black fugitives. The gang works along the rail lines between New Albany and Bloomington. The newspapers accuse the slave catchers of being too lazy to get a real job and are not welcome in Bedford.
Source: "Negro Stealing," Bedford Independent, December 2, 1856.
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| Lot 187 sold to town trustees 1858, Apr 16 |
Martha Goodwin sells lot 187 to Bloomington city trustees for $221.50. This lot would become the location of the Colored School.
Source: Deed of sale, Center School file, Monroe County Historical Society
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| Census shows black farmer McCaw 1860 |
 Black farmer Henry McCaw, (age 49) is recorded living on his land in section 36 of Bloomington Township, near the road to Nashville, IN. Mr. McCaw was born in South Carolina. Also in the household is his wife Hannah Breckenridge McCaw and her children: Lavinia (age 13), Mary Ann (age 5), and Sarah M (age 1). Neighbors include William R. Curry and the David Hunter family. [Image map from the 1856 Monroe County Plat Map.]
Source: 1860 United States Census (Free Schedule), Bloomington, Monroe County, IN. map
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| Slavery is a big Issue 1860, Feb 2 |
Bloomington adopts the "Border State Resolutions," which include a recommendation to repeal the Personal Liberty Bills, a request to prohibit the Constitution from interfering with slavery in the South, and an approval of the 36°30' line proposal.
Source: John Fancher, "Slavery Big Local Issue in 1860," Herald Telephone, September 29, 1975.
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| Adkins fined for attack 1862 |
Isaac "Ike" Adkins is fined for striking Adam Stater over a dispute about a rain trough. Adkins claims it belongs to him as it was on a farm that he bought from Stater. Stater dies three weeks later from the the blow and Adkins is fined $500. The article about the incident reports that before the Civil War, Adkins caught slaves who were using the Underground Railroad and who were "pounced upon by Adkins and carried across the Ohio River in irons."
Source: Bloomington Progress, November 10, 1880.
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| Sutherland harbors a black man 1863, Apr 18 |
Newspaper "Republican" calls out the illegal activity of Alexander Sutherland, who was fined $10.00 for bringing a "contraband" (African American) to Indiana. The paper writes, "Good enough for you, Aleck. We have niggers enough here now, and we hope all who violate the laws by bringing them into the State will be compelled to pay the penalty." Sutherland served as a merchant of goods while in the 59th Regiment.
Source: Charles Blanchard, Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana (Chicago: F. A. Battey & Co, 1884), 427.
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| Rev. Hopkins delivers speech on Lincoln 1865, Apr 19 |
 Reverend T. M. Hopkins gives an address at the First Presbyterian Church about the death of President Abraham Lincoln. Some Bloomington residents requested a copy of the discourse. Those members were: Daniel Kirkwood, Richard Owen, John Orchard, William Roddy, Joseph Bunger, and S.M. Wylie. Hopkins said Lincoln was a "true friend of the people, of the poor, of the slave."
Source: A Discourse on the Death of Abraham Lincoln more...
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| Pete Wilson arrives in city 1866 |
 Former slave Alfred "Pete" Wilson arrives in Bloomington from Kentucky. He later works for Showers Brothers Furniture Factory.
Source: Employees of the Showers Brothers Company, ""Pete" Wilson," Shop Notes, March 6, 1920, 3. more...
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| Merrick runs for office 1866, May 1 |
James Merrick, a black man, runs for elected office: "Friends and Fellow Citizens: I take this method of informing you (as I am not in the habit of making stump speeches) that I am a candidate at the coming election, to be held in Bloomington, on the next Monday for town marshall, as a free soil candidate."
Source: Indianapolis Daily Herald, May 12, 1866.
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| Former slave starts job at Showers 1867 |
 Thomas Jefferson Drake, known years later as "Uncle Jeff," moves to Bloomington from Jefferson County, KY, traveling with his former master and friend, Mr. Seeden, and begins working for Showers Brothers. A Civil War veteran, Uncle Jeff would work for Showers for at least 50 years, and he is later profiled by the company's employee newsletter, "Shop Note.". Uncle Jeff believes he was born about 1840.
Source: ""Uncle Jeff"," Shop Notes, August 11, 1917, 6. more...
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| Rev. Showers marries black couple 1867, Dec 1 |
Charles Christopher Showers, also known as C. C. Showers, acting as a minister of God, marries a young black couple, Isaac Tyler and Mary McCaw, the daughter of Henry and Hannah McCaw. Rev. Showers is with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Source: Copied by Mrs. G. Kent Carter, Bloomington Chapter, DAR, Marriage Records, Book V. Monroe County, Indiana: September 1867 - November 1874 (Indiana Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, 1979), 3.
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| Mattie Fuller indentured 1868 |
 12-year-old Martha "Mattie" Susan Pierce becomes bound to Dr. John J. Durand, a physician, and his wife. Perry Township Trustee William H. Turner sets forth terms that Mattie is to be taught "to read, to do sums of math if possible, and to be provided with a home, food, and clothing." Mattie marries Mr. Jacobs when she is 14 years old. Later, she marries Mr. Fuller. Image courtesy of IU Mathers Museum Image ID 1988-12-0008.
Source: "Mattie Fuller Passes Away This Morning," Bloomington Telephone, August 23, 1940, 1.
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| Schools open to African-Americans 1869 |
The Indiana General Assembly passes into law a requirement that school authorities create public schools for African-Americans.
Source: Indiana History Bulletin: Centennial of Emancipation, 1863-1963 (Indianapolis: The Indiana Historical Bureau, 1963), 4.
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| Black residents join lodge 1869, May 24 |
William R. Sheppard, Grand Dragon of the WCT organized a Lodge of Good Templars, No. 582, in Bloomington. Officers installed are other black residents: M. L. Redex, Samuel Adams, James R. Merrick, Anna Cooper, John Rocester, Phoebe Brittain, Phoebe Smith, A.J.H. Crawford, Diana Merrick, Ed Cooper, Bart Smith, Lizzie Brown, Sallie Merrick, and James Merrick.
Source: Bloomington Progress, June 16, 1869, 3.
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| Barber advertises 1869, Nov |
James Merrick, a black barber, takes out an ad to promote that he "still carries on the business of a Barber and Hair Dresser, at his well-known stand, on South College Avenue. Shampooing, Hair Cutting, and Dyeing, done in the highest style of The Tonsorial Art. My customers always find a competent workman in the Shop, ready to attend to all calls."
Source: "Barber Shop," Bloomington Progress, November 17, 1869, 4.
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| Madison McCoy arrives 1870 |
Civil War Veteran Madison McCoy, a black transfer wagon man, arrives in Bloomington.
Source: Star-Democrat, February 11, 1910, 5.
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| Gordon known as underground railroad conductor 1870, May |
A local newspaper reports "Samuel Gordon, who has been a resident of this county for 37 years, is a candidate for Commissioner in the 3d District. Mr. Gordon served 'his time' as a conductor on the underground railroad, is a substantial farmer and would make a safe officer."
Source: Bloomington Progress, May 4, 1870.
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| Kerr supports education for African Americans 1870, Aug 15 |
 Alexander Kerr writes his will, giving instructions for his estate to pass funds to the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, the Foreign Missions, the Northwood College for the Education of Colored Youth, and the Home Missions of the Presbyterian Church. Executives of the will are John Smith and Thomas Curry. In 1870 Census he lives in Salt Creek. [Image source 1856 Plat Map, Salt Creek, Sec.6]
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| Bethel AME Church organized 1870, Sep 27 |
 Bethel A.M.E.(African Methodist Episcopal) Church purchases a church building on West 6th Street between Morton and College streets. The church had been occupied by a United Presbyterian congregation. [Image from 1883 Sanborn map.]
Source: "Bethel AME in 1870," Herald Telephone, September 24, 1968. map
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| Colored School profiled 1871, Mar |
Bloomington Graded Schools superintendent G. W. Lee submits his report for schools, including the Colored School, which has the following information: Total enrollment (69), Average No. belonging (48), and average daily attendance (41), Percentage off (85.4), Cases of tardiness (23) and Number of visitors (35).
Source: Bloomington Progress, March 15, 1871, 3.
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| Merrick barbershop located on S. College 1871, Apr 26 |
Levi Tannenbaum and Isaac Kahn take out an advertisement to sell cheap business property on South College. It has a room for business and a place for dwelling. The property is now occupied by black barber James Merrick, who keeps a Confectionery and Barber Shop there. The ad is still running in May.
Source: Bloomington Progress, May 3, 1871, 2.
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| Black barber closes shop 1871, May |
The newspaper provides an update on a local barber: "Prof. James Merrick (colored), for the past seven years identified the "lather and shave" interests of Bloomington, removed to Delphi, one day last week, where he will offer his professional services to the people of that brisk little city. Professor Merrick has not been a financial success recently -- and he dates his misfortune from the hour when he was first tempted to accompany our gallant Democratic Representative, P.L.D. Mitchell, on an excursion to Bean Blossom Creek, in search of bass and other luxuries. It is the old story of Poor Dog Tray."
Source: Bloomington Progress, May 17, 1871, 3.
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| Second Baptist Church of Bloomington's formation 1872, Mar 2 |
A small band of settlers, having unified by meeting in each others' homes for worship, begin to refer to themselves as the Second Baptist Church of Bloomington.
Source: Frances V. Halsell Gilliam, A Time To Speak: A Brief History of the Afro-Americans of Bloomington, IN 1865-1965 (Bloomington, IN: Pinus Strobus Press, 1985), 31.
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| Baltimore bishop preaches here 1872, Dec |
 Bishop Wayman, of the Baltimore A.M.E. Church or African Methodist Episcopal Church, plans to preach at the Bloomington AME Church on Church of this place on Thursday night, Dec 12, 1872.
Source: Bloomington Progress, December 4, 1872, 3. more...
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| Colored School holds exhibition 1873, Mar 13 |
The pupils of the Colored School of Bloomington are tasked with giving an exhibition on the night of the 29th of March. It is said they have made rapid progress in their studies under the tuition of Mr. Hazen, their teacher.
Source: Bloomington Progress, March 13, 1873, 3.
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| Central School opens 1873, Sep |
 Central School opens to white children, leaving Centre School to African-American students.
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| Center School Becomes "Colored School" 1874 |
 An 1869 state law mandates separate schools for Negro children in towns where the population is large enough. By 1874 the local school system establishes the Centre or Center School, at 6th & Washington Streets, as the "Colored School" for African American elementary school students.
(Image provided by the 1898 Sanborn Map.)
Source: Frances V. Halsell Gilliam, A Time To Speak: A Brief History of the Afro-Americans of Bloomington, IN 1865-1965 (Bloomington, IN: Pinus Strobus Press, 1985), 23. map
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| W.F. Teister becomes teacher 1877, Aug 30 |
W.F. Teister works as a teacher at the Colored School.
Source: Bloomington Courier, August 30, 1877, 2.
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| Teacher becomes first black attorney in state 1878 |
William F. Teister (1837-1915) becomes the first African American man to be admitted to the bar in the state while he is living and teaching in Monroe County. A prominent teacher and Freemason, he was born in Butler County, NC and made his way to Connersville, Indiana via Ohio in order to teach. After a few other assignments, he came to Bloomington in 1875 and taught at the Colored School with is wife, the former Margaret Bass.
Source: "William F. Teister, 78 Years Old, Died At His Home on West Spring Street Was First Colored Man Admitted to Bar in the State--," Indianapolis Recorder, October 9, 1915.
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| W.F. Teister admitted to bar 1878, May 25 |
W.F. Teister, teacher at Colored School, is admitted to the Bar of Monroe Circuit Court.
Source: Bloomington Courier, May 25, 1878, 3.
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| Cap Johnson arrives in Bloomington 1879 |
 Anderson "Cap" Johnson, a black man born in Shelby County, Kentucky in 1856, moves to Bloomington and remains the rest of his life, providing political leadership. An influential worker with Showers Brothers for years, he was known as "generous, industrious, law-abiding, a true Christian [who] loved his friends."
Source: ""Cap" Anderson Johnson," Shop Notes, June 18, 1921, 3. more...
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| Willis Tyler is born 1879 |
 Black attorney and competitive oratorical debater Willis O. Tyler is born in Bloomington. After his parents - Isaac Tyler and Mary McCaw - die when he is young, he is raised by his grandmother and former Underground Railroad conductor, Hannah McCaw. He later attends Indiana University. [Image source IU Arbutus Yearbook, 1902.]
Source: "Oratorical Contest: Mr. Willis O. Tyler Represented The Indiana University," Indianapolis Recorder, February 9, 1901. more...
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| Town reacts to vigilantes 1879, Aug 23 |
Black residents of Perry Township report harassments at a party when while men approached James Spaulding, Mr. Norris, and Mr. Jones (all black) and told them it was "a white man's neighborhood, and proposed for white men to run it." Several prominent men and government officials criticized the incident and prepared resolutions affirming support of law abiding citizens, regardless of race.
Source: Bloomington Courier, August 23, 1879.
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| Men harrass black residents 1879, Aug 25 |
A Chicago newspaper recounts an incident in Bloomington, Indiana with harsh words for Democrats about their party's armed and masked men, who have visited the "colored" people living in Perry Township to tell them they must leave the neighborhood. Black resident James Spalding (or Spaulding), who owns 80 acres there, was ordered to leave or be whipped to death. The newspaper editors wrote: "The citizens of Bloomington have organized to protect the colored people and to prosecute the bulldozers."
Source: Daily Inter Ocean, August 25, 1879, 4.
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| Mr. Bass lives on 5th Street 1880 |
Benjamin Bass, 37 year old barber and a veteran with the US Colored Troops in the Civil War, resides at 398 East Fifth Street with his Lydia and their children: Berta, Bennie (1872-1917)and Willie Bass. The address is also known as 398 E. Kirkwood Avenue.
Source: 1880 United States Census (Free Schedule), Bloomington, Monroe County, IN map
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| IU professor donates books. 1880, Mar |
 Indiana University's Professor George Washington Hoss donates 115 books the library at Bloomington's Colored School.
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| Rev. Johnson leaves Bloomington 1880, May |
Rev. Taylor S. Johnson, of the A.M.E. Church, preaches his farewell sermon at the African Methodist Church. Next, he plans to move to a conference in Danville, Kentucky.
Source: "Bloomington News," Indianapolis Leader, March 28, 1880, 4. map
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| Adkins hits Ward 1880, Nov 3 |
Ike Adkins uses a heavy brass-hooped bucket to hit the face of John Ward while Ward, Joe Cron, and J. M. Phillips stand in front of Phillip's meat shop. "Previous to the war Ike Adkins was engaged in catching runaway slaves for a reward...many a poor black man who had escaped from his cruel taskmaster on a southern plantation...was pounced upon by Adkins and carried back across the Ohio river in irons."
Source: Bloomington Progress, November 10, 1880.
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| Colored School in school census 1881 |
Colored school appears in school census with 30 male and 24 female pupils between the ages of 6 and 21 listed as enrolled.
Source: Frances V. Halsell Gilliam, A Time To Speak: A Brief History of the Afro-Americans of Bloomington, Indiana 1865-1965 (Bloomington, Indiana: Pinus Strobus Press, 1985), 23.
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| Perfect school attendance reported 1881, Jan 22 |
School superintendent Margaret Hemphill McCalla asks the local newspaper to publish her regular report of students who have perfect attendance for the semester. For the students attending the Colored School, under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. W. Teister, the following students were neither absent or tardy: Willie Bass, Stephen Tayler, David White, Maggie McCaw, and Lillie Mathews.
Source: "City Schools," Bloomington Courier, January 22, 1881.
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| Rev. McClerkin marries Ewing girl 1881, Apr 5 |
Reverend J. J. McClerkin marries Louiza J. Ewing in Monroe County. Rev. McClerkin was active in supporting the Underground Railroad both in Monroe County and in Salem, IN, where he also worked with Isaac Reed. Reed was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church and, according to Henry Lester Smith's 1917 article from the Indiana Magazine of History, helped transport slaves into Bloomington. Louiza is the daughter of Reformed Presbyterians Robert and Ann Ewing, who were from South Carolina.
Source: Monroe County, Indiana Marriages: 1818 -1881, 2nd Edition, Reindexed by Lee Ehman (Bloomington (Ind.): Monroe County Historical Society, 2016)
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| Bass builds home 1881, Jun |
Mr. Bass, a black barber, builds a new house on E. 5th Street.
Source: Bloomington Courier, June 25, 1881, 1.
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| Black students accepted to IU 1881, Jun 8 |
It is reported in the newspaper "The Republican Progress" that three black student are eligible to attend Indiana University's Preparatory Department (high school) in September: Samuel Tucker, Maggie McCaw, and Lillie Mathis.
Source: Republican Progress, June 8, 1881.
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| Saloon fight 1881, Jul 22 |
John Reeves and Ollie Jones, a young black man in William Profits Barber Shop, fight over a game of billiards. Reeves reaches for his revolver. Jones reacts with his large razor, and in an instant, cuts Reeves in the left side just below the ribs, making a wound ten inches long, exposing his internal organs. Jones was immediately arrested and jailed. Reeves' wound is wrapped and attended to, at home, by Dr. McPheeters.
Source: "Stabbed! In a Saloon! Razored by Colored Barber," Bloomington Telephone, July 23, 1881, 3.
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| Black girls admitted to high school 1881, Sep 9 |
It is reported in the local newspaper that "two colored girls" were admitted to the High School the previous week: Lillie Mathis and Maggie McCaw.
Source: Bloomington Courier, September 9, 1881, 1.
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| Rev. Clay gives money 1881, Sep 28 |
 It is announced that the Pastor of the African M. E. Church or A.M.E Church, the Reverend J. H. Clay, pays off $300 of the church indebtedness during the past year.
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| Harvey Young stays with Wylies 1882 |
Harvey Young, the first African-American student at Indiana University, stays with the family of Theophilus Wylie at the Wylie House.
Source: Bonnie Williams, Elaine Herold, Affectionately Yours: The Andrew Wylie Family Letters: Vol. 2 1860-1918 (Bloomington: Wylie House Museum, 2002), vii.
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| Benjamin Bass files pension 1882, Apr 14 |
Ben Bass states that he served with the Infantry in the United States Colored Troops, Company 28 as a soldier during the Civil War. His pension application states his household members include Benjamin Bass and Lydia Bass.
Source: United States, Civil War Pension Index:General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934
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| W.F. Teister's salary posted 1882, Jul 12 |
It is reported that W.F. Teister, a teacher, earned a salary of $550 dollars per annum in 1882.
Source: Bloomington Republican Progress, July 12, 1882, 3.
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| Mr. Barnes profiled by Showers 1883 |
 "Tet" Barnes arrives in Bloomington about the age of 19. Born in Russ County, Kentucky, he later works for the Showers Brothers Furniture Factory, where, in 1918, they note about him, "...no man stands higher in the estimation of his fellow workmen than he (His wife changed all that.) He is now a pillar in the Baptist Church, owns his own property, and is an influential member of the colored Odd Fellows, Household of Ruth, and the Nevens Society." p.8
Source: "Tet Barnes," Shop Notes, June 15, 1918, 8. map
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| School enrollment reported 1883, Feb 10 |
School Superintendent Margaret McCalla releases a report for the newspaper, noting that enrollment from September 4, 1882 - January 19, 1883 is as followings: 320 males, 297 females. Of the 617 students, the average number attending daily is 534.6 and 83.7% attendance with 311 cases of tardiness. Those with perfect attendance are listed. Teachers are listed. The Colored School, under the teachers of Mr. and Mr. W.F. Teister, has 23 males and 23 females with 66.7% attendance on enrollment with 84 cases of tardiness.
Source: "The City Schools," Bloomington Telephone, February 10, 1883, 5.
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| Black choir performs 1883, Apr 26 |
The choir of the African Methodist Episcopal Church or AME Church of Bloomington sings in a Harrodsburg church to a large audience.
Source: Bloomington Progress, May 2, 1883, 3.
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| "Cap" Johnson starts working for Showers Bros 1883 |
Anderson "Cap" Johnson begins working for Showers Brothers Furniture Company in the old plant, which would burn in 1884, but he remains with the company for about 38 years. He later serves as foreman in the packing room and is respected for his political instincts and influence.
Source: "Anderson "Cap" Johnson Died," Shop Notes, June 18, 1921, 3.
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| Alexander sells house to black woman 1883, Jul |
 It is posted in the newspaper that Captain Mart. Alexander, former sheriff, has sold his old brick house at the corner of Grant Street and 7th Street to Mrs. McCaw, a local black woman. "The colored people are forming quite a colony in the 2nd ward." Williamson Martin "Mart" Alexander is a respected landlord ("tip-top") and "continues to do agreeable business at the National Hotel, especially during Mr. Sander's absence." [The address today in 2019 is 323 N. Grant Street, at the corner of 8th Street.]
Source: Bloomington Progress, July 25, 1883. map
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| Black woman pays $600 for house 1883, Aug 18 |
The price of the house that Hannah McCaw buys from Williamson Martin Alexander is announced in the newspaper. McCaw, a black woman, purchases the house at the corner of 8th and Grant street for $600.
Source: Bloomington Telephone, August 18, 1883.
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| Imes and Proffit open shop 1883, Oct |
Barbers Harry Imes and Wm. Proffit, both black men, announce they are opening a barbershop in the basement of the "Queen City Clothing Store".
Source: Bloomington Telephone, October 20, 1883, 5.
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| Evans starts as barber 1884 |
 Pleasant D. "Ples" Evans moves to Bloomington and begins his work as a barber for Benjamin (Doc) Bass on W. Kirkwood Ave. Later he works for Henry Imes and Bell Proffit before purchasing his own building from J. B. Bridwell.
Image courtesy of IU Libraries Mathers Museum ID 1988-12-0251. Note name of customer in chair is Mr. Curry.
Source: "'Pleas' Evans, Oldest Barber, Dead at 92," Herald Telephone, June 15, 1955.
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| Colored School statistics published 1884, May |
Annual Report of the Public Schools of Bloomington, Indiana states W.F. Tiester was principal, Mrs. Teister was other instructor. 32 boys and 24 girls attended. Frances Freeman made the honor roll for perfect attendance.
Source: Annual Report of the Public Schools of Bloomington, Indiana, for the School Year Ending May 29, 1884, with Announcements for 1884-85. Bloomington, IN: Spring, Emerson & Company, 1884.
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| Bass builds house on Kirkwood 1884, May |
Benjamin Bass, a black barber, builds "a neat little cottage on his lot, on East Kirkwood Avenue."
Source: Bloomington Telephone, May 17, 1884, 1.
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| Gordon runs for office 1884, Jul 30 |
 Samuel Gordon, a long time Republican, announces his candidacy for representative. The "Republican Progress" reminds its readers that he claims to have been a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a secret network to help slaves escape. [Map image from 1856 plat map showing Gordon's property in Perry Township Section 16.]
Source: "Samuel Gordon, Past Underground Railroad Conductor, Now a Political Candidate," Republican Progress, July 30, 1884. map
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| D.A. Graham becomes principal 1884, Sep 3 |
Reverend D.A. Graham takes charge of the Colored School, moving from Washington, Indiana.
Source: Bloomington Republican Progress, September 3, 1884, 2.
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| Girls attend Detroit conference 1884, Sep 6 |
It is reported that Miss Maggie McCaw and Miss Mathews, black members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), have returned from the AME Conference in Detroit. As part of the trip the two young ladies visited Windsor, Canada and enjoyed the lake.
Source: Bloomington Telephone, September 6, 1884.
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| State legislature passes civil rights law 1885 |
The Indiana law prohibits discrimination based on race at inns, restaurants, barber shops, theaters, and other public places of business.
Source: Indiana History Bulletin: Centennial of Emancipation, 1863-1963 (Indianapolis: The Indiana Historical Bureau, 1963), 6.
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| Rev. Vaugh returns 1885, Apr 17 |
 Rev. Mr. Vaughn of the Grant Street M.E. Church (Colored) returns from conferences. Vaugh went to Springville, Ohio. The conference was presided over by Bishop Bowman, who revealed that Mr. Vaughn will soon is assigned to a charge at Versailles, KY and Mr. Price of Augusta, KY will next become the pastor of the church in Bloomington. "This Church differs from the African M.E. Church in that it is under control of the Bishops of the white M. E. Church, while the A.M.E Church acknowledged no such allegiance, and has its own Bishops, etc. Vaughn is a good citizen, and earnest, religious man, as such he has won the esteem of all with whom he came in contract. We wish him well."
Source: Bloomington Progress, April 22, 1885, 3. more...
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| Pierce receives back pension 1886, Feb |
Civil War Veteran and African American Isaiah Pierce finally receives his back pension worth $340 and starts regular payments of $8.00 per month for the future.
Source: Bloomington Telephone, February 5, 1886, 4.
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| Band lacks rhythm 1886, Jul |
 Comments about the Bloomington band are published in the section of the newspaper selected for opinion and news in the black community. It is suggested that the band "is composed of a genial set of young men, and they render some excellent music, but it lacks one element to insure the largest success, namely punctuality." [Image of Bloomington Mechanics Band.]
Source: "Among Colored Folks," Bloomington Telephone, July 6, 1886, 4. more...
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| Samuel Gordon dies 1887, Apr 5 |
Samuel Gordon, one time Republican candidate for representative, passes away from "lung fever." During the 1884 campaign he claimed to be a conductor on the Underground Railroad, which was a transportation network of secret "stations" that would protect slaves escaping.
Source: "Samuel Gordon," Bloomington Telephone, April 5, 1887.
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| Sidewalks for East Kirkwood 1887 |
A Legal Notice is printed in the newspaper, stating the city is now accepting bids for construction of sidewalks along East Kirkwood Avenue. The Location is "in front of property owned by Martha A. Buskirk, Ben and Lydia Bass, Robert Hash and Milton Hight. The notice is posted by the Bloomington City Clerk, Robert C. Greeves.
Source: Bloomington Telephone, September 23, 1887, 4. map
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| Smith remembers black family in his will 1889, Nov 14 |
Milton J. Smith writes his will so that, after his wife and children, the African American family attached to his are to be given property in Bloomington. Amanda Taylor and "her two [children] the colored woman living" with family are to be granted this. He dies in 1892.
Source: Slevin, Ruth M., Monroe County, Indiana Will Records 1818-1904 Books 105 (Kokomo (Ind.): Selby Publishing & Printing, 1988), 192. more...
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| Rains flood basements 1890, Jan |
Heavy rains fall. "Cellars that had always been dry were converted into deep pools of water. The basement of the African M.E. Church on 6th Street contained 18 inches of water."
Source: Bloomington Progress, January 15, 1890, 3.
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| Udorah Smith becomes assistant teacher 1891, Jul 29 |
Udorah Smith chosen as assistant teacher for the Colored School.
Source: Bloomington Republican Progress, July 29, 1891, 3.
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| Eggleston sells house 1892, Jan |
William Eggleston [Eagleson], the barber, sells his house on East Kirkwood Avenue to John O. Robinson for $1,000.
[Eagleson] "takes a couple of lots in the Davis Addition in part payment. Mr. Eggleston will remove to Mitchell soon."
Source: Bloomington Progress, January 27, 1892, 3.
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| Preston Eagleson's grades noted 1892, Mar 22 |
Preston Eagleson, son of prominent east side barber H.V. Eagleson, earns honors at close of the High School's second term, with grades between all his grades between 98 and 100.
Source: Bloomington Telephone, March 22, 1892, 1.
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| First intercollegiate African American athlete 1893 |
 Preston Eagleson becomes the first African American athlete to be a member of an intercollegiate team at Indiana University. Eagleson is considered a prominent member of the African American community in Bloomington, and plays as a halfback during the years 1893-95.
Source: Thomas D. Clark, Indiana University: Midwestern Pioneer, Volume 1 Early Years (Bloomington & London: Indiana University Press, 1970), 321. more...
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| A.M.E. Church listed on map 1893 |
 The location of the African ME Church or African Methodist Episcopalian Church is listed on an IU Map to help new students find important places in Bloomington.
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| African Baptist Church shown on map 1893 |
The location of the African Baptist Church is listed on an IU Map to help new students find important places in Bloomington. |
| Buck Town raided 1893, Jan 28 |
In the pouring rain police officers Owen and Reeves corral more than a dozen of "giddy" people in Buck Town. It is reported that later, on Monday, the policemen hold a reception in the Mayor's office.
Source: Bloomington Progress, February 1, 1893.
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| Rev. Coleman and wife have daughter 1893, Apr 20 |
Reverend Morton Coleman and wife Julia welcome the birth of a daughter in Bloomington. Lydia Ruth is born today. Her father is a minister with the African Methodist Episcopal or A.M.E. Church. She will later move frequently with her family as he father is transferred to other churches, incl. Allen Chapel AME Church in Indianapolis. Lydia Ruth Coleman Walter Jackson dies at the age of 103 in Muncie.
Source: Judy Mays, "In Loving Memory: Jackson services held in Indianapolis," Muncie Times, June 8, 1996, 38.
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| Black woman provides bail 1893, Nov |
In the case of Indiana vs. Jane McAfee, accused of murder, the defendant, a black mother, gives the court a bond of $2,500. She resides in Bloomington.
Source: Bloomington World, November 9, 1893, 1.
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| Black woman has strong defense 1893, Dec 20 |
It is reported that the trial of Jane McAfee, a black woman charged with murder, has summoned "about 75 colored people" to support her side. She is tried for killing a Mr. Meadows.
Source: Bloomington Progress, December 20, 1893, 1.
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| Black mother charged with murder 1893, Dec 21 |
The case of Jane McAfee is called in the Circuit Court today in Bloomington. She is "one of the best-known and most respected colored women of the city" and the trial is "creating considerable interest." The charge is murder as she killed a white man who was in the midst of fighting with her 19 year old son. The victim, William Meadows, was struck with a rock thrown by Mrs. McAfee.
Source: "A Woman on Trial for Murder," Indianapolis News, December 21, 1893, 6.
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| Rogers helps Mrs. McCaw write her will 1894, Jan 3 |
 Attorney and IU Law Professor William P. Rogers serves as executor for the will of prominent black resident Hannah McCaw. Hannah instructs that after her property is sold, then the proceeds should be divided between her heirs: daughter Melvinia Wicous (Wilkins), "who is missing;" Daughter Elizabeth Breckenridge; Son Armsted Percell; Son William McCaw; and the children of her deceased daughter, Mary Allen Tyler: Timothy, Emma, Lewis, Lizzie, and Cornelius. The will is later recorded on January 31, 1902. Witnesses signing are Civil War Veterans Andrew T. Massy and S. K. Rhorer. [Image of William P. Rogers from 1894 IU Arbutus yearbook.]
Source: Slevin, Ruth M., Monroe County, Indiana Will Records 1818-1904 Books 105 (Kokomo (Ind.): Selby Publishing & Printing, 1988), 128. more...
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| Eagleson attacks Stark 1895, Apr 9 |
William Stark and William Eagleson argue at the Opera House over a seat. They later meet at the corner of 6th and Morton streets and "renewed the quarrel." Eagleson stabs Stark in the head with a knife, causing serious injuries and the victim is carried to Dr. Harris' office, where it is reported that the right arm and leg were paralyzed.
Source: "Stabbed in the Cranium: Two Colored Youths Engage in a Fight, and One Lands in Jail," Bloomington Courier, April 12, 1895, 1. map
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| First African American graduates from IU 1895, Jun 19 |
 Marcellus Neal graduates with an AB degree in Mathematics.
Source: Indiana History Bulletin: Centennial of Emancipation, 1863-1963 (Indianapolis: The Indiana Historical Bureau, 1963), 6-7.
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| Black veterans establish group 1895, Jul 29 |
The John Game post of the GAR is organized as the first "colored" Grand Army of the Republic or GAR fraternity. The officers are Commander: Marcus Herring; Senior Vice Commander: William Arnold; Officer of the Day: William Merritt; Officer of the Guard: Moses Hafford; Quartermaster: William Mathis; Surgeon: Dr. John W. Ford. The ceremony takes place in the GAR Hall in charge of Commander A.A. Orr.
Source: Bloomington Courier, July 30, 1895, 4.
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| Preston Eagleson enters law school 1896 |
Preston Eagleson enters the Indiana University law school.
Source: Republican Progress, October 6, 1896, 1.
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| Eagleson's promoted 1896 |
The barbershop owned by H.V. Eagleson is advertised in the IU Yearbook. "Latest styles of hair trimming, singeing and egg shampoo. Gentlemen shaved and hair cut in first class style." Located on College Avenue south of First National Bank." |
| Men attack each other 1896, Jul 27 |
Barber David White attacks William Spaulding at his residence at the corner of Grant Street and East Kirkwood Ave. The two black men fight over "a feud of long standing between the belligerent colored brethren, growing out of a dispute in reference to the possession of a revolver."Dr. Harris and Dr. Rogers rush to the scene and try to save White, but are unable to. The newspaper predicts the death of Spaulding due to the seriousness of his injuries.
Source: "Fatal Stab of Wm. Spaulding Ends the Life of David White. Two Colored Men Carve Each Other and Death Results.," Bloomington Evening World, July 28, 1896. map
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| H.C. Williams is principal 1896, Sep 29 |
H.C. Williams is listed as principal of the Colored School, with Minnie McDuffey as Assistant Teacher.
Source: Bloomington Republican Progress, September 29, 1896, 1.
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| Spaulding acquitted 1896, Nov |
After being tried for the murder of black man David White, barber William Spaulding, also black, is acquitted.
Source: Indianapolis News, November 14, 1896, 10.
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| Buka begins working for Showers 1897 |
James "Jim" Buka begins working at Showers Brothers Company.
Source: Shop Notes, January 23, 1926, 10. more...
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| Minstrel show references Bucktown 1897, Dec 10 |
The Mechanics' Band annual minstrel show features imitations of "ebony 'coons'" at the opera house on Kirkwood Avenue. The band sings many popular songs, including a "negro ditty" titled "Every Nigger Had a Lady But Me." The "Bloomington World" claims these performers look more "natural" than those who actually live in "Bucktown".
Source: "Mirth and Music: Pleasing Program Presented by Band Boys, Fine Audience Greeted the Minstrel Show," Bloomington World, December 11, 1897, 1.
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| First African American woman enrolls 1898, Jan |
 Carrie Parker becomes the first African American woman to enroll at Indiana University, 21 years prior to Frances Marshall's 1919 graduation as the first African American female to attain an IU degree.
Source: Marcela Creps, "Pioneer vs. prejudice," Herald Times, September 2, 2015, A, 1, 6. more...
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| First black female student attends IU 1898, Jan 8 |
A newspaper headline promotes the landmark change at Indiana University, welcoming their first African American female student, Carrie Parker. After attending a year, Parker took a break and eventually married Mr. Taylor and raised a family.
Source: "No longer lost to time: First black female IU student recognized with portrait, scholarship," Herald Times, March 28, 2017.
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| Blacks enroll for Spanish American War 1898, Jun |
William H. Eagleson, Samuel T. Evans, Stephen D. White, John Smith, Richard Hafford, Willis Tyler, Thomas Alexander, Charles Bradley and Willie Wilson, "colored men of Bloomington" are sworn into military service for the Spanish American War.
Source: Stinesville Review, July 23, 1898, 2.
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| Black men enlist for Spanish American War 1898, Jul 12 |
Samuel T. Evans, Willis O. Tyler, Charles W. Bradley, Charles R. Dunham, William H. Eagleson, and Richard Halford enroll in in Company B, Colored Regiment to fight in the Spanish American War. Most muster out on January 20, 1899. Dunham would later desert in October 1898.
Source: Record of Indiana volunteers in the Spanish-American war 1898-99:: Issued by authority of the sixty-first General assembly of Indiana. (Indianapolis: W. B. Burford, 1900) more...
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| Eagleson back is town 1899, Feb |
It is reported in the newspaper that "Wm [William] Eagleson (colored) who was out of the reform school "on leave" has been returned to that institution."
Source: Bloomington Progress, February 21, 1899.
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| Club for black men established 1899, Apr 27 |
Tim Tyler holds meeting with charter members for a new club for black men. Tyler will be the president, Jason Mason (secretary) William Prophet (treasurer) with directors: G. L. Peoples, H. V. Eagleson, William C. Taylor, Thomas Britton, Anthony Johnson, P. D. Evans, and William Lewis. By-laws and constitution are adopted but the name of the organization is still not approved.
Source: Bloomington Progress, May 2, 1899, 1.
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| King becomes principal 1899, Nov |
Prof. A. J. King is appointed principal of the colored school after Preston Eagleson resigns.
Source: Bloomington Progress, November 17, 1899.
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| Tyler studies law 1900, Jan 27 |
Willis O. Tyler, a black student at Indiana University, is studying law. He was a Corporal of Co. B Ind. Vol. for the Spanish American War.
Source: "Bloomington News," Indianapolis Recorder, January 27, 1900, 2.
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| Black trade school established 1901, Mar |
The Bloomington Industrial School is incorporated with capital stock of $10,000. The trustees are H. V. Eagleson (the originator), P.E. Eagleson and Edmond Baxter. They plan to use the old fair grounds site. Well-known men throughout the country are subscribers.
Source: "School Incorporated Intended Solely for the Training of Colored Students," Indianapolis Recorder, March 16, 1901, 1.
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| Allen girl dies 1901, Mar 5 |
Camilla Allen dies at age 14. "She was a sister of Willis Tyler and leave 4 sisters and 3 brothers. She was one of the brightest young girls of the city. Her work at school and in reading showed a mind that would have proven remarkable had she lived to develop it. Inflammation of the brain which led to spinal meningitis was the cause." [Death certificate reports she lived at 8th & Grant Street. Her mother: Mary Ann McCaw (deceased) and her father: Nathan Allen.]
Source: "Bloomington Notes," Indianapolis Recorder, March 11, 1901, 1. map
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| Pastor resigns 1901, Jun |
Rev. J. E. Rodgers, pastor of the Second Baptist Church, resigns at the congregational meeting over charges by Miss McCoy. But his request to leave was rejected. The girl's grandfather, Madison McCoy, made an effort to defend the girl, and was expelled.
Source: Indianapolis News, June 8, 1901, 3.
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| Rev. Rodgers is arrested 1901, Jun 6 |
The pastor of Second Baptist Church, Rev. James E. Rodgers, is arrested on a warrant triggered by Miss Mary McCoy, accusing him of betrayal as he recently married Miss Sadie Freeman of Crawfordsville. In 1900 City Directory, Rev. J. E. Rodgers lives at 1016 W. Kirkwood Ave.
Source: Nappanee Advance-News, June 12, 1901, 7. map
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| Carnegie promises $15,000 for library 1901, Dec 27 |
After inquiries by Mrs. Charles L. Simmons and Mrs. Mary Brodix, Carnegie promises $15,000 for library if city will support it with $1,500 a year. This offer was not accepted.
Source: Bloomington Telephone, December 27, 1901, 4.
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| Hannah McCaw dies 1902, Jan 8 |
One of Monroe County's pioneering black women, Mrs. Hannah McCaw, dies in Indianapolis at the age of 82. McCaw came to Bloomington in 1852 with her husband, Henry McCaw and went on to raise her family here. She is known as "one of the finest types of personal worth and Christian integrity." Five children survive her: Maggie Walden of Indianapolis, William McCaw of Albuquerque, NM, Vinia Wilkins, Lizzie Breckenridge of Bloomington, and Armstead Purcell of Peoria, IL. She was the grandmother of attorney Willis O. Tyler. She is later buried in the Covenanter Cemetery in Bloomington.
Source: Indianapolis Recorder, January 18, 1902, 5.
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| The Pour Pesser Le Temps Club annual dance 1902, May 4 |
The Pour Pesser Le Temps Club annual dance is held at the Bloomington City Hall. Attendees described it as one of the most brilliant affairs of the year.
Source: "Among Colored People," Bloomington Daily Telephone, May 5, 1902.
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| First African-American frat established 1903 |
 The first fraternity for African-Americans, Alpha Kappa Nu, is established at Indiana University. It is the first fraternity specifically for African-Americans to come into existence on any college campus. It will last until 1905.
Source: "Colored Fraternities," Indiana Daily Student, January 28, 1905, 2, 1. more...
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| Mob overtakes residents 1903, Apr 26 |
A mob of about 30 men break into Sarah Stephen's home on East 8th Street and drag her daughters, Rebecca (18) and Ida (16), and Joseph Shively, an African American man living in the house, from the house and severely whip them. The whipping occurs under a dead walnut tree in Dunn lot. They are all whipped with pieces of barbed wire. Shively is punched and thrown against a bridge, injuring his arm. The mob informs the Stephen's and Shively that the reason they are being beaten is because they had previously given Shively 15 days to leave town after it was discovered he was living in the same house as the Stephen family.
Source: "Bloomington Disgraced By Lawless Men," Bloomington Courier, May 1, 1903, 1.
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| Sheriff scolded by Governor 1903, Apr 30 |
Bloomington Sheriff Thrasher receives a letter from Governor Winfield T. Durbin stating that it has come to his attention that Bloomington has seen a second incidence of mob-law violence in a brief period. Governor Durbin remarks that there has been no serious effort from the police department to prevent these crimes or bring the perpetrators to justice, and that this is a disgrace to Monroe County and Indiana. He states that he will mention this to the general assembly unless action is taken by officers and citizens to promptly get rid of these anarchists.
Source: "Bloomington Disgraced By Lawless Men," Bloomington Courier, May 1, 1903, 1.
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| Preston Eagleson opens barber shop 1903, Jul |
Preston Eagleson is to open a new barber shop in the Gentry block of town and will also be its manager.
Source: Bloomington Evening World, July 23, 1903, 4.
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| H.V. Eagleson proposes orphan's home 1905, Jan 10 |
 H.V. Eagleson presents a bill for appropriation to build a colored orphan's home near Bloomington to the Indiana Legislature.
Source: Bloomington Telephone, January 10, 1905, 3. more...
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| A.J. King hazed at Medical College 1905, Feb 25 |
A.J. King, a former principal of the Colored School, is violently hazed by students and faculty while attending the medical college in Indianapolis.
Source: Bloomington Evening World, February 25, 1905, 1.
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| First African American to earn Master's 1906 |
 Preston Eagelson, the first African American athlete at IU, returns to IU to further his education, becoming the first African American to earn a MA from Indiana University in 1906.
Source: Colin Bishop, "Eagelson first black IU athlete," Herald Times, February 7, 2008, A1. more...
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| All 8th graders but one passed exams 1906, Jun 5 |
All of the 8th grade students at the Colored School pass exams and plan to advance to high school. Mr. Summers is the principal.
Source: Bloomington Telephone, June 6, 1906.
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| First Aftrican American earning Masters 1906, Jun 18 |
 Preston Eagelson, the first African American athlete at IU, returns to IU to further his education, becoming the first African American to earn a MA in Philosophy from Indiana University in 1906.
Source: Indiana University Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes June 19, 1906
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| Everett Simpson of Terre Haute is Principal 1906, Sep 4 |
Everett Simpson of Terre Haute became new principal, while Flora Harper taught lower grades in the colored school.
Source: Bloomington Telephone, September 4 and 26, 1906.
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| Mob threatends to lynch 1906, Oct 6 |
After a black bricklayer by the name of "Spunk" Jones shoots and kills a white lunch wagon man by the name of Al Stevens on W. Kirkwood Ave., a mob of 400 people storm to the jail demanding justice. Jones is rushed to safety in Martinsville by officials.
Source: Doug Wissing, "Black History in Indiana: A Different Perspective," Bloom Magazine, February 1, 2016, 118.
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| City council eyes Colored School 1906, Dec 18 |
The city council makes plans to vacate their current building and considers "erecting a fine building on the west corner of the Colored School grounds… for an engine house and council chamber."
Source: Bloomington Evening World, December 18, 1906, 1.
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| Former resident remembers black barber 1907, Jul |
A descendant of David H. Maxwell sits down to record her memories of old Bloomington. Martha Maxwell Howard states that the first barber was a "colored man by the name of Notly (sic) Baker" and this Mr. Notley Baker was owned in Kentucky by Mr. Joshua Howe, who brought him from Kentucky. She continues that two other early black residents were "Old Andy" (Andrew Ferguson) "Aunt Jinney" (Jane Ferguson), and "Aunt Hannah" (possibly Hannah McCaw).
Source: Martha (Maxwell) Howard, An Early Sketch of Bloomington and the Family of David H. Maxwell: Part IV from Lilly Library transcript (1907)
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| Eagleson taken to asylum 1908, Feb 18 |
An newspaper recounts the trials of "a leading young colored man" of Bloomington. Presley Eagleson or Preston Eagleson is taken to Central Indiana Insane Hospital. "His mind has been unbalanced for some months. This is attributed by his family to the study of a work defining the difference between 'Hallucinations' and 'Insanity" when he was studying for his master's degree, which was granted by Indiana University. He has since constantly read this book, and it is filled with marginal notes. While a student he was a leader of the football team."
Source: "Pres Eagleson Insane: Promising Young Orator Becomes Deranged by Hard Study. ," Indianapolis Recorder, February 22, 1908, 1.
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| Blair dies 1908, Mar 27 |
John Blair dies at the age of 88. His obituary celebrates his remarkable life as "a constant helper and contributor to the community's development". From Scotch-Irish heritage, he was known to be a farmer and conductor for the Underground Railroad, active with the early Presbyterians or Covenanters.
Source: James A. Woodburn, "John Blair (1819-1908) Life of a Remarkable Man; a Page of Monroe County History," Bloomington Telephone, March 27, 1908, 1.
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| City girl leads in St. Louis 1908, Apr 10 |
Miss Sarah C. Young, a former Bloomington colored girl, is appointed assistant probation officer of the Juvenile Court in St. Louis. Young is the first woman ever appointed to an official position in the circuit court of St. Louis. Miss Young is known here as a sister of Miss Mayne Young of the colored schools and a niece of H.V. Eagleson, the well known barber.
Source: "Colored People News," Bloomington Telephone, April 10, 1908.
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| Eagleson Barber promotes business 1908, Oct 2 |
 Eagleson Barbershop promotes its services and location in a display advertisement for "The Smithville News".
Source: Smithville News, October 2, 1908. more...
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| Civil War fighters reunite 1909, Aug 13 |
African Americans who fought in the Civil War and who now live in Indiana meet.
Source: "Civil War Colored Veterans Reunion," Bloomington Telephone
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| Private school for blacks established 1909, Sep 26 |
Halston V. Eagleson, a Bloomington resident, buys land to start an industrial school and home for black orphans, after five years of planning. Eagleson buys the Unionville farm "for the establishment of an industrial home and farm for the colored orphans of Indiana. The Thomas Ward farm, near Unionville station of the Indianapolis Southern Railroad, has been purchased and Mr. Eagleson and family and Geo. Cartright and family, of Rushville, are to move there immediately and take charge. The tract consists of eighty acres and three houses are located on the land. Mr. Eagleson expects about 100 boys and girls to be sent to the farm from over the state and it will be the effort of Mr. Eagleson and Mr. Cartright to educate these and bring them to be useful citizens."
Source: "Purchases Ground for Colored Orphans Home," Indianapolis Recorder, October 2, 1909.
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| Eagleson plans school 1909, Nov |
Mr. H. V. Eagleson visits Indianapolis to stop by the recorder's office and reports to the Indianapolis Recorder newspaper that he will soon open in his home at Bloomington "an industrial home for Negro children about five miles from Bloomington."
Source: Indianapolis Recorder, November 13, 1909, 4.
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| Taylor Chapel Methodist Episcopal organizes 1910 |
Taylor Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church becomes Bloomington's third African American congregation.
Source: Frances V. Halsell-Gilliam, "A Brief History of the Afro-Americans of Bloomington, IN 1865-1965," Frances V. Halsell Gilliam, A Time To Speak: A Brief History of the Afro-Americans of Bloomington, IN 1865-1965 (Bloomington, IN: Pinus Strobus Press, 1985), January 1, 1985, D, 35.
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| Mr. McCoy dies 1910, Feb |
Madison McCoy, considered to be the oldest black man in Bloomington, dies at his home at 420 E. 6th Street. He was a Civil War Veteran and came to Bloomington about 1870. Engaged peacefully in gardening in his last years and was a business man, operating a transfer wagon before that. He was well-known in the city. He is survived by a wife and two sons and a daughter.
Source: Star-Democrat, February 11, 1910, 5. map
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| Lizzie Breckenridge's will is probated 1910, Feb 22 |
 The will for Wylie family servant and prominent black resident Elizabeth "Lizzie" Breckenridge is probated. Her will instructs that the following are half siblings should benefit from her estate:
Armistead Purcell – lost – has 3 daughters; William McCaw of Los Angeles, CA; and Maggie Walden. Lizzie also mentions the children of her deceased niece, Mary Tyler:
Willis O. Tyler and Emma Allen Wheeler.
Source: Monroe County Circuit Court, Will Records: 1818-1924 (1910) more...
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| Mr. Tourner dies 1910, Apr 11 |
Eli Tourner dies on the Gentry Brother farm, south of Bloomington.
"Knowing no home other than that given him by the Gentry Brother about their show headquarters... Eli Tourner, a faithful negro about 38 years of age, died suddenly of heart trouble." According to the obituary, he started working the farm about three years ago and was 6FT, 5" tall. The Gentry family provided for his burial with funeral services at 6th street church. His friends did not know much about him or his family.
Source: "Circus Man Dies," Bloomington Daily Telephone, April 12, 1910, 1.
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| Home for "colored" orphans opens 1910, Jun 5 |
H. V. Eagleson, a barber from Bloomington, opens Industrial City, a home for "colored" orphans in Unionville. Reverend A. G. Hall of Louisville presides and preaches during the opening.
Source: "Industrial City to Open Sunday," Bloomington Evening World, June 3, 1910, 1.
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| T.C. Johnson is principal 1910, Sep 9 |
 T.C. Johnson is principal and Mary Todd is primary grades teacher at the Colored School. [Image from 1917 IU Yearbook, Arbutus.]
Source: Bloomington Telephone, September 9, 1910, 4. more...
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| Elizabeth Breckenridge dies 1910, Sep 25 |
 An African American woman who had been housekeeper with the Wylie Family on East Second Street for 55 years dies at the age of 67. She passes away in her home on South Washington Street.
Source: Daily Telephone, September 25, 1910, 4. more...
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| Kappa Alpha Psi founded 1911, Jan 5 |
 Kappa Alpha Psi,a predominantly black fraternity, is founded at Indiana University by 10 African American students.
Source: Donyelle Davis, "Predominantly black fraternity's 1911 founding at IU to be celebrated this week," Herald Times Online, July 6, 2011, N/A. more...
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| Preston Eagleson dies 1911, Aug 11 |
Preston Eagleson, the first African-American athlete at Indiana University and son of Bloomington barber H. V. Eagleson, dies. Eagleson graduated from IU and taught in Bloomington, St. Louis, and Spencer.
Source: Ellettsville Farm, August 17, 1911, 1.
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| Johnson calls for school to stay 1912, Mar 12 |
Anderson Johnson defends the current location of the Colored School, asking officials that it not be moved.
Source: Bloomington Telephone, March 3, 1912.
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| Graduation program held 1912, May 28 |
The Colored School graduation is held at Bethel church. Vashon Eagleson is among the graduates.
Source: Bloomington Telephone, May 28, 1912.
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| Library board requests land 1913, Jan 23 |
The Building Committee of the Public Library Board requests to purchase the Colored School lot at a meeting of the City School Board. No decision is made.
Source: Bloomington School Board Minutes, January 23, 1912, held by Monroe County Historical Society.
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| Bruce pleads guilty 1913, Jan 29 |
African American Lewis Bruce pleads guilty to two charges of running a "blind tiger". For the first charge he is fined $50 and sent to jail for 30 days. For the second charge he is fined $100 and sent to jail for 90 days. His sentence is suspended on good behavior.
Source: "Ran Blind Tiger!," Bloomington Telephone, January 30, 1913, 1.
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| Mitten factory moves into old armory 1913, Jul 15 |
The Mitten factory moves into the old armory building at College Avenue and 3rd, pending completion of a new building to replace the factory destroyed in the fire. the Colored school pupils would later occupy the Armory while waiting for Banneker school to be completed.
Source: Bloomington Weekly Courier, July 15, 1913, 1.
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| William Johnson is janitor 1913, Aug 15 |
William Johnson listed as janitor of colored school, earns $10 a month, 9 months of the year.
Source: Bloomington School Board Minutes, August 15, 1913, held by Monroe County Historical Society.
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| Colored school noted in Public School Survey 1915 |
 A survey of Bloomington's public schools states that the "Colored Building" measured 40.5 x 26.5 feet. Toilets were outside of the building, and had not been replaced with indoor toilets because "plans are on foot to build a new building…" [Image courtesy of IU Mathers Muesum ID 1973-11-0682].
Source: Henry Lester Smith, A Survey of a Public School System. New York: Teachers College, Columbia University, 1917, 292. map
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| Blacks attend Catholic school temporarily 1915 |
Children who attended the "Colored School" are placed with St. Charles Catholic School on Third Street until their new school, later named Banneker, opens in 1916.
Source: Frances V. Halsell Gilliam, A Time To Speak: A Brief History of the Afro-Americans of Bloomington, IN 1865-1965 (Bloomington, IN: Pinus Strobus Press, 1985), 24.
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| Memories of Redick Wylie Farm recorded 1915 |
 The McElhinney family moves into the Redick "Dick" Wylie House on South Walnut Street. The family learns about the house's oral history that the large basement served as a station for the Underground Railroad with one room having two chimney flues: one for a furnace and the other for air circulation. The family rents the "Hundred Acre Farm" and maintains it as a dairy farm.
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| Site proposed for new colored school 1915, Mar 12 |
Site proposed for new colored school at corner of Fairview and 8th streets, in close proximity to Fairview Methodist Church.
Source: Bloomington Daily Telephone, March 13, 1915.
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| School building sold 1915, Apr 3 |
The African American school building at the corner of 6th and Washington streets is sold to the Monroe County Public Library board for $12,000. The building appraisal is $10,000 and there are no other bidders.
Source: Bill Coulter, "Banneker School, 930 W. Seventh St., Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana," State Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD), January 24, 2015, 2.
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| Fairview Methodist objects to proposed location of colored school 1915, Apr 14 |
Fairview Methodist officers object to proposed school location, "do not relish having a school house of any kind opposite the doors of the church."
Source: Bloomington Daily Telephone, April 15, 1915.
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| Objections made against Banneker School 1915, Apr 14 |
The "Daily Telephone" announces that the Fairview Methodist Church officers are making objections against the moving of the Banneker African American School to the lot across from the church at West 8th Street.
Source: Bill Coulter, "Banneker School, 930 W. Seventh St., Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana," State Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD), January 24, 2015, 2.
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| Location selected for new colored school 1915, Apr 27 |
New colored school location selected -- at corner of Elm and West 7th Street. Decision made by school trustees and a "number of leading colored residents". Property purchased cost about $3200 dollars.
Source: Bloomington Daily Telephone, April 27, 1915.
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| Banneker School location picked 1915, Apr 27 |
It is reported that the Banneker African American School will be located on West 7th Street and the corner of Elm Street. The price of the property is around $3,200 and is sold by Mrs. Stiver of Bedford and John W. Baxter. The cost of building a school building at this property is estimated at $8,500.
Source: Bill Coulter, "Banneker School, 930 W. Seventh St., Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana," State Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD), January 24, 2015.
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| Banneker architects chosen 1915, May 15 |
According to the journal "American Contractor", the architects for the new Banneker African American School are Edwin C. Doeppers and Company. The new school building of limestone will be located on West Seventh Street at 930 W. 7th.
Source: Bill Coulter, "Banneker School, 930 W. Seventh St., Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana," State Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD), January 24, 2015, 4.
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| Bids open for construction of new colored school 1915, Jun 22 |
Bids open for construction of new colored school, and three offers submitted from Walter Neeld, J.A. Pike and a Chicago firm. Some bids proposed stone and others brick.
Source: Bloomington Daily Telephone, June 22, 1915.
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| Construction bids announced 1915, Jun 22 |
The "Daily Telephone" announces that the general contracting bids received for the new Banneker African American School building are Walter Neeld for $9,186 for stone and $8,664 for brick, A. J. Pike for $9,833 for stone and $8,983 for brick, and an unnamed Chicago firm for a bid over $10,000. The school trustees announce that they are still considering whether to use stone or brick.
Source: Bill Coulter, "Banneker School, 930 W. Seventh St., Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana," State Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD), January 24, 2015, 5.
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| Contractor chosen for school 1915, Jun 23 |
The Banneker African American School trustees announce that they have chosen A. J. Pike as the contractor for the new school building to be located on West Seventh Street. Pike's bid was $9,145 for stone. Work on the building is scheduled to begin within ten days.
Source: Bill Coulter, "Banneker School, 930 W. Seventh St., Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana," State Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD), January 24, 2015, 6.
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| J.A. Pike to build school 1915, Jun 24 |
J.A. Pike selected as construction contractor, building new colored school at the price of $9,145 from stone. Building to be completed in three months.
Source: Bloomington Daily Telephone, June 24, 1915.
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| Library subscribes to "The Crisis" 1915, Jul 12 |
The newly forming library subscribes to "The Crisis", the official magazine of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), founded in 1910 by W. E. B. Du Bois.
Source: Library Board minutes, July 12, 1915.
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| Colored School demolished 1915, Aug 5 |
The Colored School is torn down to make way for new library building.
Source: Bloomington Evening World, August 8, 1915, p. 4.
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| "The Nigger" film criticized 1915, Aug 11 |
Many African-American citizens of Bloomington sign a petition to prohibit showing the film, "The Nigger", at the Princess Theatre. The film is shown nevertheless, with several newspaper accounts of pro and con views of the film regarding its effect on race.
Source: The Nigger is Protested!' Bloomington Telephone 11 Aug. 1915:1. Microform
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| School year begins, janitors preparing alternative quarters for students 1915, Sep 3 |
With their school under construction, African-American students would be quartered at the Old Methodist Church at the Corner of Third and College. "Janitors are placing all the buildings in good sanitary condition for the opening of school."
Source: Bloomington Telephone, September 3, 1915, 4.
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| Students attending school at old armory building 1915, Sep 13 |
According to the newspaper, African-American students were attending classes at the "old Armory Building at College Avenue and Third," while a new school was being built.
Source: Bloomington Evening World, September 13, 1915.
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| Carnegie grants Library $31,000 1915, Oct 11 |
Andrew Carnegie approves gift of $31,000 for construction of a new library in Bloomington, on the colored school site.
Source: Library Board Minutes, October 11, 1915.
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| Construction completed on new school 1915, Nov 19 |
Construction completed on new colored school, "built of stone and is a very substantial structure."
Source: Bloomington Weekly Courier, November 19, 1915, 1.
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| Petition to change name of new school 1915, Dec 2 |
Prominent African-American Bloomingtonians petition to change name of new school from Banneker to Booker T. Washington, without success.
Source: Bloomington Weekly Courier, Dec 3, 1915, p. 1
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| Benjamin Banneker School opens 1915, Dec 7 |
New segregated elementary school for African-American students opens with 93 students and 3 teachers.
Source: "New Elementary School for Black Students," Bloomington World, December 2, 1915, B060713.
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| New school opens to students 1915, Dec 10 |
African-American students marched from the old armory to their new build on West Seventh Street -- they "took possession of their seat of learning."
Source: Bloomington Weekly Courier, December 10, 1915, 1.
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| Banneker School opens 1915, Dec 17 |
Banneker School, a black elementary school located on W. Seventh St., opens on Dec 17, 1915. The school is named after Benjamin Banneker, a free black man born in 1731.
Source: Brian Seymour, "A Walk Through Black History," Herald Times, February 19, 2015, Front Page, 1.
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| Banneker School dedicated 1916, Jan 30 |
Banneker School dedication celebration takes place.
Source: Bloomington Evening World, January 30, 1916.
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| Smith writes about Underground Railroad 1917 |
 IU Dean of Education and Bloomington native Henry Lester Smith writes about the Underground Railroad in Monroe County, using oral history provided by his family. Smith writes that the following individuals were supportive of the cause to help slaves from 1845-1860: Thomas Smith, James Clark, Rev. J.B. Faris, John Blair, Samuel Gordon, Samuel Curry, William Curry, Robert Ewing, John Russell, D.S. Irwin, W. C. Smith, T.N. Faris, Austin Seward, and John Hite. Many were affiliated with the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Source: "The Underground Railroad in Monroe County," Indiana magazine of history, September 1, 1917. more...
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| Demographics for school listed 1917 |
Educator Henry Lester Smith publishes a scholarly article about Bloomington's schools, which includes data about the city, women, and white and black children. "The bulk of the work was done during the years 1912-13 ad 1913-14."
Source: Henry Lester Smith, "A survey of a public school system," Contributions to Education, Columbia University, January 1, 1917. more...
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| Bass dies 1917, Nov 5 |
Benjamin H. Bass, Jr. dies at the home of his mother, Mrs. Lydia Bass, from lung problems. The black barber was raised in Bloomington and came back home due to sickness. His mother lives at 903 W. 6th Street.
Source: Bloomington Telephone, November 8, 1917, 4. map
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| Johnson celebrates 27 years of service 1918 |
 The employee newsletter for the Showers Brothers Company furniture factory profiles worker Lee "Deacon" Johnson. It is reported that Johnson, an African American, "landed at the Mecca of all colored Southerners, the packing room in Showers Brothers Company's plant." Since working at the plant, Johnson has become "a power among the better class of colored people" and is an Odd Fellow, a member of the A.M.E. Church, a property owner and landlord.
Source: "Our Old Friend Lee," Shop Notes, February 23, 1918. more...
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| Carnegie Library opens on old colored school site 1918, Feb 1 |
County's only Carnegie Library dedicated 1918 as Bloomington Public Library with 6,439 volumes; built with local support and $31,000 from Carnegie Corporation.
Source: Dedication Program, Bloomington Public Library, February 1, 1918.
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| Spaulding sells to McCune 1918, Jul |
A black woman, Mrs. Spaulding, sells her property on East Kirkwood to William R. McCune, who lives south of the city. He pays $4000 for the lot and has plans to build "a permanent home." [See 1909 City Directory for Mary E. Spaulding at 425 E. Kirkwood Ave.]
Source: "Pays $100 Front Foot for Building Lot," Bloomington Evening World, July 13, 1918. map
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| First Aftrican American woman graduates 1919, Jun 11 |
 Frances Elizabeth Marshall becomes the first African American woman to graduate from Indiana University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She later married Wilson Vashon Eagleson.
Source: Indiana University Bulletin Vol 16 No. 4 Apr 1918, 3.
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| Home hygiene class 1920, Aug 17 |
A successful home hygiene class for "colored people" is conducted. It includes a baby care demonstration given with a doll.
Source: Bennett P. Reed, "Sands Of Time," Daily Herald Telephone, August 17, 1964.
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| Restaurant has chop suey 1920, Oct 17 |
A new restaurant, the Blue Lantern Cafe, opens in the Henry & Kerr building, serving American and Chinese dishes. The restaurant is owned by Dobson and Beard. Workers and cooks include three black residents Vashon Eagleson, Charles Nichols, Herman Campbell and two Chinese men, George Moy and Lee Moy, who ran a chop suey place in Bloomington.
Source: "Blue Lantern is Now Open," Bloomington Daily Telephone, October 20, 1919.
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| Bethel AME Church built 1922 |
The building of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church of limestone at 203 North Rogers Street is led under the direction of Bloomington architect John Lincoln Nichols.
Source: Bill Coulter, "J. L. Nichols," State Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD), February 2, 1922, 1.
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| Former slave writes to newspaper 1922, Mar 7 |
Resident Robert Anderson's letter to the editor is published in "The Bloomington Evening World" so that readers could learn about his youth as a slave in Kentucky. He is the grandfather of Wyatt A. Buka, 1221 W. 6th Street and Flora Buka, 1216 W. 12th Street.
Source: "1922 letter to the editor: Days of a slave recalled," Herald Telephone, November 12, 1983, 1.
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| Lumber yard stacks improved 1922, Apr |
 Yard workers John Meadows, "Bill" Taylor, Lewis Chandler, Ernest Bland, William Brown are praised by their employer, Showers Brothers, for greatly improving the conditions of their lumber yard.
Source: "Our Front Cover," Shop Notes, September 9, 1922, 8. more...
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| Eagleson kidnapped 1922, Nov 20 |
 Shorty before the band is scheduled to leave for Lafayette to play for the Indiana-Purdue football game, 3 white students kidnap musician Halston Eagleson, Jr. and take him to Spencer. In Spencer he is held captive long enough to prevent him from making it to Lafayette. [Photo of Eagleson taken in 1985]
Source: Frances V. Halsell Gilliam, A Time To Speak: A Brief History of the Afro-Americans of Bloomington, IN 1865-1965 (Bloomington, IN: Pinus Strobus Press, 1985) more...
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| Black band member kidnapped 1922, Nov 21 |
IU Marching Band member Halson Vashon Eagleson, an African American, is held against his will and does not make the bus trip to the football game against Purdue. Original headlines hint Eagleson was taken due to the influences of the KKK and held in Spencer. Although three students were accused, the case ended with a hung jury.
Source: Dan Combs, Koincidence, Konspiracy, or Konjecture?: The 1922 Case of Indiana University Student Halston Vashon Eagleson Revisited (2011)
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| Attorney hired for Eagleson case 1922, Nov 28 |
The "Bloomington Daily Telephone" announces that Attorney J. E. Henley is employed by the Eagleson family for the case of the kidnapping and false imprisonment of an African American Indiana University student, Halson Eagleson. It is likely that civil suits will be filed against three IU students being investigated for the kidnapping. They also announce that an Indianapolis lawyer may push charges to be made to Governor McCray, with a theory that officials may have been involved.
Source: "J. E. Henley In Eagleson Case," Bloomington Daily Telephone, November 28, 1922.
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| Buka dies 1926 |
 James Buka, popular African American Showers Brothers employee, dies at his home. "Jim" is remembered as a staunch and generous member of the Baptist Church and one of the oldest employee of Showers Brother.
Source: "James Buka," Shop Notes, January 23, 1926, 10. more...
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| Civil War vet dies 1926, Jan 26 |
 Brick mason and long-time Bloomington resident Charles "Charlie" Dunham dies at the city hospital. Born in Kentucky, Dunham moved to the city after he served in the Co E, 33rd U.S. Colored Infantry in the Civil War. He was admired by many for his "immense amount of physical labor" and sense of humor. He was known to have constructed many of the the city buildings and bridges. Dunham leaves his wife, Mary, who resided with him at 1116 W. Kirkwood Ave, which is located across the street from Rose Hill Cemetery, where he is buried. [Image of his house, constructed in 1889, courtesy of GIS.]
Source: "Charlie Dunham, Negro Vet of Civil War, Dies," Bloomington Telephone, January 26, 1926, 1. map
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| Civil War Vet dies 1926, Feb |
Charles Dunham, well-known as "Charlie" and well-respected black brick mason and veteran of the Civil War (Kentucky infantry), dies at the hospital at the age of 90. His wife Mary survives and lives at their home at 1114 W. Kirkwood Ave. His obituary states he worked on many stone and brick buildings in the city. "He could stand up under an immense amount of physical labor and was a favorite because of his general good humor."
Source: "Charlie Dunham, Negro Vet of Civil War, Dies," Bloomington Telephone, January 26, 1926, 1. map
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| "Plantation Days" performed by students 1926, Feb 15 |
 The annual senior minstrel, "Plantation Days," is performed by Bloomington High School students at the Harris Grand Theatre. "With the Charleston chorus of pickaninnies and the the circle of negroes before a background representing an old colonial mansion and grounds, the packed house enjoyed a musical and dance program as clever and as well-executed as the best of amateur performances." The show also runs on February 16th.
Source: The Gothic: Bloomington High School South yearbook (1926), 91. more...
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| Mrs. Ghan listed in the directory 1927 |
 Amanda Ghan, the widow of Anderson Ghan, is listed in the Bloomington City Directory as living at 1020 W, 5th Street and is working as a seamstress.
Source: Bloomington, Indiana City Directory (Bloomington, Ind: Winthrop Williams, 1927) map
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| Ecological survey published 1930 |
An ecological survey for Bloomington finds that the city has a population of 18,227 people, of which 96% are "native-born" White, 1% are "foreign-born" White, and 3% are "Negro."
Source: Report On Ecological Survey Of Crime And Delinquency In Bloomington, Indiana. (Bloomington: National Youth Administration Indiana University Institute of Criminal Law and Criminology, 1937), 3.
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| Possible conviction of gang reported 1930, May 5 |
It is reported that a confession by Carl Breedlove may lead to conviction of local gang.
Source: "Chronology of Events in 1930," Evening World, January 1, 1931.
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| Tools stolen from school 1930, Jul 3 |
It is discovered that tools are stolen from the Banneker school, an African American school.
Source: "Chronology of Events in 1930," Evening World, January 1, 1931.
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| Breedlove in critical condition 1930, Sep 2 |
18-year-old prize fighter Carl Breedlove is in critical condition after being shot by 18-year-old George Isaac Hays.
Source: "Chronology of Events in 1930," Evening World, January 1, 1931.
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| Breedlove fights against predictions 1930, Sep 3 |
Prize Fighter Carl Breedlove, victim of a gunshot wound, fights against predictions of doctors who say he won't survive. Breedlove tells police "They can't kill me, I'm not going to die."
Source: "Chronology of Events in 1930," Evening World, January 1, 1931.
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| Mother and daughter convicted 1930, Sep 5 |
Mrs. Victoria Hays and her daughter Lillie Hays are convicted on a vice charge. They are sentenced to 90 days in the Women's State Prison. They are the mother and sister of George Isaac Hays, who shot and injured Carl Breedlove on September 2nd.
Source: "Chronology of Events in 1930," Evening World, January 1, 1931.
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| Two convicted for prostitution 1930, Sep 6 |
Victoria Hayes and her daughter, Lillie, are convicted for prostitution. They confessed to prostitution and admitted that George Hayes, their respective son and brother, would never have shot Carl Breedlove if not for them. They say that George was trying to get them to stop prostituting.
Source: "Mother and daughter convicted ," Evening World, September 6, 1930, 1.
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| Hays releaved of judgement 1930, Sep 12 |
A Monroe County Grand Jury decides that George Isaac Hays, who confessed to killing Carl Breedlove after Breedlove attempted to break into Hays' house, will not be indicted.
Source: "Chronology of Events in 1930," Evening World, January 1, 1931.
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| Prize fighter dies 1930, Sep 12 |
Prize fighter Carl Breedlove dies from injuries sustained from a gunshot.
Source: "Chronology of Events in 1930," Evening World, January 1, 1931.
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| Count on Me Reserves initiates 1930, Oct 20 |
A candle-lighting ceremony is held to initiate members of the newly formed Count on Me Reserves. This organization serves as an African American branch of the Blue Triangle club for girls at Bloomington High School.
Source: "New Girl Reserve Chapter Installed at High School," Bloomington Daily Telephone, October 23, 1930, 8.
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| "Count on Me Revue" 1931, May 15 |
 The Count on Me Reserves hold a musical revue in the Bloomington High School auditorium. The revue is well-attended by the public and considered one of the most outstanding events in the African-American community.
Source: "Colored News," Evening World, May 18, 1931, 3. more...
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| Black woman is 107 1932, Mar 27 |
Former slave Rena Bartlett celebrates her birthday of 107 years. She lives on N. Monroe Street.
Source: Bennett P. Reed, "Sands of Time: 25 Years Ago," Herald Telephone, March 27, 1957.
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| Taylor speaks at funeral 1932, May |
 White Attorney Harold Taylor of Indianapolis comes to Bloomington to attended the funeral services for a black woman, Rena Bartlett. Taylor spoke at the funeral giving a talk about Rena, a former slave. The funeral is held at the A.M.E. Church in Bloomington with Rev. S.H. Marion of Indianapolis leading the service.
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| Tribute paid to Rena Bartlett 1932, May 28 |
Several friends pay tribute to the life of former slave, Rena Bartlett. A newspaper article reports that she died in Bloomington at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. John Fearman. Perviously she was married to Mat or Matt Bartlett in Lagrange, Kentucky and moved to Indianapolis, where she worked as a servant for the family of Attorney Harold Taylor as well as other prominent families there. Before working for the Taylors, she kept a boarding house and enjoyed telling stories of her former mistress in Kentucky, Sue Gibson, who "never treated [Rena] as a slave."
Source: "Bloomington's Oldest Woman Ex-Slave Dies," Indianapolis Recorder, May 28, 1932, 1.
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| Sinkhorn dies 1932, Nov 6 |
African American James L. Sinkhorn, a janitor at the Banneker school, dies suddenly.
Source: "World Reviews 10 Biggest News Stories of the Year," Evening World, January 2, 1933.
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| Motion to free Adams 1933, Feb 6 |
Q. Austin East files a motion to get rid of an indictment of second degree murder against Mrs. Bernice Adams, African American.
Source: "Chronology of High Spots in the Daily News of Community During 1933," Evening World
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| Adams pleads not guilty 1933, Feb 9 |
Mrs. Bernice Adams enters a plea of not guilty in circuit court. Adams is charged with fatally killing her common-law husband, Frank Hartfield.
Source: "Chronology of High Spots in the Daily News of Community During 1933," Evening World, January 1, 1934.
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| Adams found guilty of murder 1933, Mar 2 |
Mrs. Bernice Adams, African American, is found guilty of second degree murder in connection to the death of Frank Hartfield. They were common-law married.
Source: "Chronology of High Spots in the Daily News of Community During 1933," Evening World, January 1, 1934.
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| Professor W. Vashon Eagleson dies 1933, Mar 10 |
Professor W. Vashon Eagleson, son of Preston and Ollie Eagleson, dies in a car accident in West Virginia, where he taught chemistry at the West Virginia State College Institute. Eagleson started school in Bloomington and graduated from IU in 1920, and received a master's degree from IU in 1926. Eagleson worked on his Ph. D. at Columbia University. He is to be buried in Bloomington.
Source: "Prof. W. Vashon Eagleson Killed in West Virginia," Bloomington Telephone, March 11, 1933, 1.
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| Search for Longshaw 1933, Mar 25 |
Local police and sheriff's officers are searching for John Wesley Longshaw, African American. Longshaw shot and killed Wilbur Scott in Spencer.
Source: "Chronology of High Spots in the Daily News of Community During 1933," Evening World, January 1, 1934.
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| Perring killed in chase 1933, Jul 13 |
Otto Perring, African American, is shot dead around 3 a.m. during a police chase. The police chase began around 2:30 a.m. after Perring almost collided with a police car. Perring had to companions: Theodore Chandler and Mrs. Edna Silvers Parker. Parker maintains that she was forced to join Perring and Chandler.
Source: "Negro Slain Fleeing Police," Evening World, July 13, 1933.
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| Wiener arrives at Dolan CCC camp 1933, Dec 12 |
Captain S.B. Wiener and a company of 212 African Americans arrive to man the Dolan Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp that was recently constructed.
Source: "Chronology of High Spots in the Daily News of Community During 1933," Evening World, January 1, 1934.
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| Action planned under NHA 1934, Aug 23 |
Local action is planned under the National Housing Act (NHA). This legislation addresses interests in redlining or flagging neighborhoods for lending preferences or mortgage discrimination.
Source: "City News Events of 1934 on Parade," Bloomington Evening World, January 1, 1935, 3.
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| CCC truck overturns, 11 injured 1934, Sep 27 |
A Civilian Conservation Corporation (CCC) truck overturns on the first curve near Cascades Park, while heading back to their camp near Dolan. Eleven black workers are injured.
Source: "City News Events of 1934 on Parade," Bloomington Evening World, January 1, 1935, 3.
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| Hartfield Jr. moved to Bloomington 1934, Nov 2 |
African American Lon Hartfield Jr., age 15, will be tried in Bloomington for the murder of Charles Languell, a Gosport farmer. Judge Rogers grants this change of venue from Owen County Court.
Source: "City News Events of 1934 on Parade," Bloomington Evening World, November 2, 1935, 3.
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| Craig shoots Wilson 1934, Nov 17 |
41 year-old blacksmith Russel Craig shoots African American Louis Wilson, 48, and states that Wilson was attempting to break into the Craig home. Wilson was on parole from the Indiana State Prison.
Source: "City News Events of 1934 on Parade," Bloomington Evening World, January 1, 1935, 3.
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| Hartfield Jr. guilty of manslaughter 1934, Dec 31 |
A jury of the Monroe County circuit court finds African American Lon Hartfield Jr., 16, guilty of manslaughter in the killing of Charles Languell, a Gosport farmer.
Source: "City News Events of 1934 on Parade," Bloomington Evening World, January 1, 1935, 3.
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| Hartfield sentenced 1935, Jan 2 |
16-year-old Lon Hartfield Jr, an African American, is sentenced for manslaughter with 2 to 21 years for the manslaughter of Charles Languell, a farmer in Gosport. Hartfield will serve in the State Reformatory.
Source: "Hartfield Jr., Found Guilty of Manslaughter ," Evening World, January 1, 1935.
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| Petitions circulate regarding "colored" park 1935, Feb 12 |
Petitions against the establishment of a park for African Americans -- a "colored" park -- are circulated. The idea is for the park to be located on the end of West Third street.
Source: "Chronology of Events in 1935," Evening World, January 1, 1936.
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| Hartfield found guilty 1935, Mar 18 |
Lon Hartfield, Sr., an African American, is found guilty of manslaughter in the death of Charles Languell. He will serve 2-21 years.
Source: "Chronology of Events in 1935," Evening World, January 1, 1936.
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| Deming is convictedof manslaughter 1935, Mar 23 |
Franklin Deming, a white man, is sentenced to 2 to 21 years at the Indiana State Prison for the manslaughter of Charles Languell. Judge Rogers moved to dismiss murder charges against Frank Hill, an African American.
Source: "Deming to Prison; Hill Free," Evening World, March 23, 1935.
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| Woodburn recalls AME Church 1936 |
 James A. Woodburn publishes his family history with memories of the first graded schools, introduced to Bloomington by Superintendent D. Eckley Hunter in 1863 or 1864. The author's classroom was in the basement of the New School Presbyterian Church, located across the alley west of the Graham Hotel. The church later served as the AME Colored Church.
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| Minorities placed on jury pool 1936, Jan 27 |
For the first time in the history of Monroe County the names of two white women and a colored man are placed on the circuit court jury pool.
Source: "Daily Events of 1936 March in Review as Evening World Prints Annual News Feature," Evening World, January 1, 1937.
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| Rev. Duerson dies 1936, Apr 30 |
Rev. J. T. Duerson dies at the age of 59. His is mourned by those who heard his preaching at Baptist churches in Greencastle, Bedford, and Mitchell Indiana as well as his leadership with various lodges. The funeral is held at Second Baptist in Bloomington with Rev. M.M. Porter and with assistance from Revs. W.E. Mayfield, Chennault and Esteal, of Washington, Indiana. He is buried in his hometown of Glasgow, Kentucky on May 9th.
Source: "Rev. Duerson is Buried In His Native Home," Indianapolis Recorder, May 9, 1936, 9.
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| Preacher arrested 1936, Oct 17 |
W. H. Vincent, an African-American preacher, is arrested after threatening to kill a white homeless man at Salvation Army headquarters.
Source: "A Last Look at 1936 - In Pictures and in Paragraphs," Evening World, January 1, 1937, 7.
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| Largest black area reviewed 1937 |
An ecological survey of juvenile delinquency in Bloomington states that between the years of 1925 and 1935 Area V (see map), in the west-central part of the city, has the highest "Negro" population with a district comprised of about 1/4 African American.
Source: Report On Ecological Survey Of Crime And Delinquency In Bloomington, Indiana. (Bloomington: National Youth Administration Indiana University Institute of Criminal Law and Criminology, 1937), 10.
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| West End residents interviewed 1937 |
An ecological survey of crime and delinquency in Bloomington reports statistics and interviews about the "West End," which is considered the principal "Negro settlement" of Bloomington.
Source: Report On Ecological Survey Of Crime And Delinquency In Bloomington, Indiana. (Bloomington: National Youth Administration Indiana University Institute of Criminal Law and Criminology, 1937), 54-63.
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| Blair recalls Underground Railroad stories 1937 |
WPA worker Estella R. Dodson publishes her report of oral history by James Blair, aged 77 years now. Blair states that the Underground Railroad here was operated by families with the surnames of Smith, Clark, Gordon, Ewing. Slave catchers were attached to the Kersaw and Adkins famlies. Blair states that the runaways were met and housed by Aunty Myrears / Myers and her sister. These two black women were on South Rogers.
Source: Hurley Goodall, Underground Railroad: The Invisible Road to Freedom Through Indiana (2000), 157.
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| Eulah Hartfield dies 1937, May 5 |
African American Eulah Hartfield, age 30, is killed by a Monon derby train when she walks on to the train tracks south of the city while picking greens.
Source: "Chronicle of Daily Events During 1937 in Bloomington and about Monroe County," Evening World, January 1, 1938, 6.
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| Council plans pool in Northwestern park 1937, May 18 |
The City Council approves an appropriation for the construction of a new swimming pool in the Northwestern "colored" park.
Source: "Chronicle of Daily Events During 1937 in Bloomington and about Monroe County," Evening World, January 1, 1938, 6.
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| William Smith arrested for murder 1937, Jul 28 |
William Smith, age 26, is arrested in connection with the murder of Dorris Jones and is sentenced to 25 years in the Indiana Reformatory for second degree burglary. Smith was an employee at the African American Resettlement camp formerly in Brown County. Jones was a member of the Resettlement camp.
Source: "Chronicle of Daily Events During 1937 in Bloomington and about Monroe County," Evening World, January 1, 1938, 7.
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| Dodson collections oral history of Blair Family 1937, Aug 5 |
WPA worker Estella R. Dodson submitted her report on the "Reminiscences of James Blair and Including Memories of the Underground Railroad." Families that helped early black residents include the Ewings, the Smiths, the Clarks, the Gordons, and the Allens. Those men who were slave catchers included the Kersaws and the Adkins. Mr. James Blair lives at the corner of 14th and Maple Street and he is 87 years old.
Source: Hurley Goodall, Underground Railroad: The Invisible Road to Freedom Through Indiana (2000), 157-161. map
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| Dodson submits Slave Data report 1937, Sep 29 |
WPA worker Estella R. Dodson submits her Slave Data report to the Monroe County District #11 office. Her report focuses on Hattie Fuller (corrected to Martha "Mattie" Susan Pierce Jacobs Fuller). Fuller discusses with Dodson her early childhood as a slave, her visit with her former Mistress, and her current life in Bloomington.
Source: R.L. Baker, Homeless, Friendless, and Penniless: The WPA Interviews with Former Slaves Living in Indiana (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2000), 306.
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| Dodson reports to Joyce 1937, Sep 29 |
Following her interview with Mattie Fuller, WPA worker Estella R. Dodson reports to Doyle Joyce on the progress of her project. Dodson says that everyone in Bloomington knows of Mrs. Fuller, yet there are few records documenting her life, believed to be lost by the county. Dodson also plans to meet with a Bloomington Star reporter, Mr. Paul Feltus, to gain more insight on Mrs. Fuller. Fuller resides at 906 W. Kirkwood Ave.
Source: R.L. Baker, Homeless, Friendless, and Penniless: The WPA Interviews with Former Slaves Living in Indiana (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2000), 307. map
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| Dodson interviews slave 1937, Oct 4 |
IU instructor Estella R. Dodson, working with with the Federal Writers' Project under the Workers Progress Administration (WPA), interviews Thomas Lewis, a former slave. Mr. Lewis states that he was born in 1857 in Kentucky. He lives at 612 N. Summit Street in Bloomington
Source: Federal Writers' Project, and Library of Congress., Indiana slave narratives: a folk history of slavery in Indiana from interviews with former slaves (Bedford, Massachusetts: Applewood Books, 2006), 123. map
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| Dodson submits more data 1937, Oct 6 |
WPA worker Estella R. Dodson submits further work on her Slave Data Report to the Monroe County District #11 office. In this interview, Dodson speaks with Pete Wilson, a former slave who was freed at age 12. They discuss his experiences as a slave, how he came to settle in Bloomington, and his surviving family.
Source: R.L. Baker, Homeless, Friendless, and Penniless: The WPA Interviews with Former Slaves Living in Indiana (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2000), 312.
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| Colored man Wilson dies 1937, Dec 2 |
Alfred "Pete" Wilson, a "colored" resident employed at the Shower Bros. factory, dies in his home of paralysis, which he has suffered from for 15 years due to an earlier stroke.
Source: "Colored Man Succumbs; Paralysis Fatal To Alfred Wilson, 88, This Morning," Bloomington Telephone, December 2, 1937.
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| Revolutionary War Patriots listed 1938 |
The Indiana Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) publishes a list of patriots who are buried in Monroe County: Agnes Brewster Alexander, Alexander Armstrong, John Back, James Blain, John Campbell, George Dowell, Elinor Brewster Dunn, African American Andrew Ferguson, Moses Hall, Joseph Henderson, George Hooke, Jennette Brewster Irvin, Isaac Leabo, William Mathers, George Parks, Thomas Price, Henry Rogers, Thomas Ross, Joseph Roush, Henry Sanders, Isaac Van Buskirk, Markham Weir.
Source: Indiana Daughters of the American Revolution, Roster of soldiers and patriots of the American Revolution buried in Indiana: Compiled and edited by Mrs. Roscoe C. O'Byrne. (Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publication Company, 1968), 22.
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| Brutal stabbing 1938, Aug 7 |
Lawerence Bowman, a black man, is killed via knife by Calvin Summitt in front of his house.
Source: "Daily March of Events Chronicled Through 1938 in Review," The Evening World, Bloomington, Indiana, December 31, 1938.
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| WPA set to place historical markers 1938, Sep 2 |
It is reported that the WPA is set to install 13 historical markers. The painted-metal signs will promote sites such as the location of the Seward Foundry and the home of Aunty Myrears, which was a stop for slaves on the Underground Railroad. Estella Dodson and Ross F. Lockridge, Indiana historian and former director for the WPA Federal Writer’s project, coordinate the project.
Source: "Historical Sites are Marked," Bloomington Daily Telephone, September 2, 1938, 1.
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| Historical sites marked by WPA 1938, Sep 2 |
 It is reported that the WPA historical marker project is set to install 13 of 14 painted-metal signs to highlight historical places, incl. the Female Seminary and the home of Aunt Myrears, a stop on the Underground Railroad, which helped slaves escape. Coordinating the project are Estella Dodson and Ross F. Lockridge, Indiana historian and former state director of the WPA Federal Writer's project. Photo of Ross Lockridge, Sr. courtesy of IU Archives.
Source: "Historical Sites are Marked," Bloomington Telephone, September 2, 1938, 1. more...
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| Russell charged with murder 1938, Sep 12 |
The Monroe County Grand Jury returns an indictment against Arthur Russell for the first degree murder of African American, Lawrence Bowman.
Source: "Daily March of Events Chronicled Through 1938 in Review," The Evening World, Bloomington, Indiana, December 31, 1938, 4.
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| Jury selected for Russell trial 1938, Sep 26 |
The jury is selected for the trial of Arthur Russell for the murder of 32-year-old African American, Lawrence Bowman.
Source: "Daily March of Events Chronicled Through 1938 in Review," The Evening World, Bloomington, Indiana, December 31, 1938, 4.
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| Russel found guilty 1938, Sep 28 |
In circuit court, Arthur Russell is found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and is sentenced to 1 to 10 years in prison. He was charged with the first degree murder of African American Lawrence Bowman.
Source: "Daily March of Events Chronicled Through 1938 in Review," The Evening World, Bloomington, Indiana, December 31, 1938, 4.
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| Woodburn gives book to library 1939, Oct 18 |
 James Albert Woodburn gives a copy of his book "Woodburn History: Some Generations of a Family" to the Bloomington Public Library with the inscription, "Presented to the Bloomington City Library, by the Author." The book includes transcripts of family letters, diaries, and antidotes, including references to the early schools, churches, and the Underground Railroad.
Source: James Albert Woodburn, Woodburn History: Some Generations of a Family (1936) more...
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| Duke Ellington entertains 1939, Dec 8 |
 Duke Ellington and his orchestra come to Bloomington to perform at the Harris Grand Theater. This was the first of several appearances Ellington makes in Bloomington.
Source: Indiana Daily Student, December 8, 1939, 5. more...
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| City schools counted 1940 |
 The city directory states that Bloomington has 1 junior and 1 senior high school. There are 6 elementary buildings, including 1 for "negro pupils." There is also 1 parochial school.
Source: National Directory Company, Bloomington Indiana City Directory 1940 (Parsons, KS: National Directory Company, 1940), IX. more...
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| Winston Thomas gets diploma 1940 |
 At age 21 Winston Thomas gets his high school diploma, setting him up for a career in management of and new technology for the water treatment system with the city of Bloomington. He is part of the Second Baptist Church's celebration for graduates. Other graduates affiliated with the church are: Victoria Eagleson, Floceen McGee, Dora Johnson, Mary Joe Chandler, and Fred Norris.
Source: "Happy Hour Club Honors Bloomington High School Seniors," Indianapolis Recorder, July 6, 1940, 4. more...
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| Irving killed 1940, Jan 16 |
African American Lester Irving, age 47, is found dead of a shotgun wound in the neck in a patch of weeds near the Illinois Central railroad near the west end of Ninth Street. African Americans Sylvester Scott, age 41, and Catherine Graham, age 25, are arrested on suspicion of murder.
Source: "1940 Chronology," Evening World, December 31, 1940.
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| Scott admits killing Irving 1940, Jan 17 |
African American Sylvester Scott admits to shooting and killing African American Lester Irving and claims it was an accident.
Source: "1940 Chronology," Evening World, December 31, 1940.
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| Grand jury investigation ends 1940, Jan 30 |
Grand jury completes its investigation of the killing of African American Lester Irving and the investigation of the stabbing of 16 year old Floyd Staggs.
Source: "1940 Chronology," Evening World, December 31, 1940.
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| Armstrong kills Lee 1940, Apr 2 |
African American John Armstrong, age 24, shoots and kills African American Marvil Lee, age 45.
Source: "1940 Chronology," Evening World, December 31, 1940.
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| Armstrong not indicted 1940, Apr 9 |
The grand jury fails to indict African American John Armstrong for the murder of African American Marvin Lee.
Source: "1940 Chronology," Evening World, December 31, 1940.
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| Shortage of domestic workers reported 1940, May 8 |
Miss Dorothy Dugdale, interviewer in charge of the the Women's division of the Indiana State Employment Service reports an acute shortage of qualified person for certain types of domestic work as the households requesting housekeepers, maids, day workers, cooks, and laundresses far outnumber the number of women applying to fill these positions.
Source: "Shortage Of Domestic Workers Exists In City ," Bloomington Telephone, May 8, 1940.
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| Mattie Fuller dies 1940, Aug 23 |
Beautician Martha "Mattie" Susan Pierce Jacobs Fuller dies in her home at 906 W. Kirkwood. She is preceded in death by her former husbands, Henry Jacobs and Levi Fuller, as well as five children. Mattie was born in Kentucky to slaves and came to Indiana on a barge, crossing the Ohio river after the Civil War. She was a member of the AME Church who provided financially to the church by playing her little portable organ.
Source: "Mattie Fuller Passes Away This Morning," Bloomington Telephone, August 23, 1940. map
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| Borland dies 1941, Feb 24 |
Walter H. Borland (76), a prominent carpenter-contractor and farmer, dies in his home on Rural Route Six in the Harmony neighborhood due to a months long illness.
Source: "W.H. Borland Dies Monday," Bloomington Telephone, February 25, 1941.
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| Lodge gets recognized 1941, Mar |
William Duerson, W. M. leads The Anchor and Ark club of the Stone City Lodge, No. 54 F. and A.M. as it gains state-wide recognition. The lodge recently purchased property at 1023 W. 7th Street for kitchen, reception, croquet, and dancing after only being five months old in its establishment. Klondike Tucker, deputy sheriff, will maintain the growing club. Black resident Luther White is one of the newest members.
Source: "Bloomington Club Winning Recognition," Indianapolis Recorder, March 15, 1941. map
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| Roland Hayes at IU Auditorium 1941, Jul 15 |
Roland Hayes, the renowned African-American tenor and composer, visits Indiana University and appears at the IU Auditorium.
Source: http://www.iuauditorium.com/events/archive
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| Klondike Tucker dies 1941, Oct 29 |
One of the best known "colored" men dies from wounds of an accidental gun discharge. Over the years Klondike Tucker had been employed as the long-time chauffeur for the late W.E. Showers, as a special deputy sheriff, and worked at the Princess Theatre. Funeral services are planned at the AME Church with Masonic honors. Tucker, born in 1897, was named for the gold rush in Alaska.
Source: "Death Takes Klondike at City Hospital: Colored Man Never Had Chance After Accident," Bloomington Telephone, October 30, 1942.
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| Marian Anderson visits IU 1942, Jan 15 |
 Famous African-American contralto singer Marian Anderson gives a performance at the IU Auditorium.
Source: "Marian Anderson to Sing Here Thursday," Bloomington Telephone, January 10, 1942, Society, 2. more...
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| Pioneer black resident buried 1942, Apr 13 |
Amanda Henson Ghan, age 83, dies at her home at 1020 W. Kirkwood Avenue. Her obituary tells of her parents struggle to escape with young Amanda and others from a Shelbyville, Kentucky plantation about 1860, hustling through Clark County using the Underground Railroad before settling in Hensonburg and later Ellettsville.
Source: "Pioneer Negro Resident Laid to Rest Here," Bloomington Daily Telephone, April 15, 1942. map
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| Wings Over Jordan performs 1942, Sep 28 |
The Wings Over Jordan Choral Ensemble, a prominent black choir, performs at the IU Auditorium on September 28th, 1942.
Source: http://www.iuauditorium.com/events/archive
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| Prospective jurors announced, Payne retried 1942, Nov |
After several delays in the retrial of Caroline Payne in the murder of Charles O. Mattingly, court proceedings begin. Special Judge Charles B. Staff, presiding over the case, orders that 125 prospective jurors names be drawn including five women: Elizabeth Bridgwaters, Blanche Denny, Stella Young, Harriet Weaver, Bernice Hudson, and Bertha Beaumont. During the trail, Payne takes the stand in her own defense, showing an absence of tears. After deliberating for 6 hours and 5 minutes, the jury brings a verdict of guilty of voluntary manslaughter, a sentence of 2 to 21 years in prison.
Source: Rose Mcllveen, "Second jury finds Payne guilty in shooting death," Herald Times, November 1, 1993.
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| Marian Anderson returns to IU 1943, Jan 14 |
Marian Anderson, the famous African-American singer, visits Indiana University and gives another performance with Franz Rupp at the IU Auditorium almost exactly one year after her first visit.
Source: http://www.iuauditorium.com/events/archive
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| Taliaferro arrives at IU 1945, Jun 21 |
 IU football player George Taliaferro arrives in Bloomington from Gary, Ind.; he gets off the bus at 10th and Walnut Streets, and heads to his off-campus boarding room at 8th and Dunn Streets, where black male IU students live. Later he becomes the first African-American to be drafted into the National Football League.
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| Taliaferro knows end of WWII 1945, Aug 15 |
 IU Football player George Taliaferro sits on the steps of the boarding house for black students when he learns of the Japanese surrender. The house where he and other black males students live at this time is located at 418 E. 8th Street. The home, managed by John and Ruth Mayes, is pictured here from the GIS.
Source: Dawn Knight, Taliarferro: Breaking Barriers from the NFL Draft to the Ivory Tower (Bloomington (Ind.): Indiana University Press, 2007), 33.
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| Woolridge apprehended for murder 1946, Mar 1 |
Hours after the bodies of Russell Koontz (45) and Phyllis Coleman (32) are found at the abandoned Hunter Brothers Mill, African American Joseph Luther Woolridge (29) is apprehended by police. He confesses to the killings; he states that he had caught Koontz and Coleman in a "compromising position" and Koontz attacked Woolridge, causing Woolridge to defend himself by hitting Koontz over the head. He then panicked and strangled Coleman.
Source: Clay W. Stuckey, An illustrated gazetteer of limestone mills: in Owen, Monroe, and Lawrence counties to 1950 (2016), 79.
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| Woolridge found, apprehended 1946, Mar 1 |
After police find the bodies of Russell Koontz (45) and Phyllis Coleman (32) at the abandoned Hunter Brothers Mill, they find a distinctive boot pattern in the mud. They speak to a witness who states that an African American man in rubber boots was seen walking through the neighborhood by a car accident. Police have records of Joseph Luther Woolridge, who is is a black man at the age of 29, from the car accident and they find the rubber boots matching the pattern at the crime scene in Woolridge's home. They apprehend him for murder.
Source: Clay W. Stuckey, An illustrated gazetteer of limestone mills: in Owen, Monroe, and Lawrence counties to 1950 (2016), 79.
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| Count Basie and His Orchestra perform 1946, Mar 22 |
 The famous Count Basie Orchestra performs at the IU Auditorium on March 22nd, 1946.
Source: http://www.iuauditorium.com/events/archive more...
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| Black Scout Troop created 1946, May 30 |
 Bethel AME Church Brotherhood, led by President Maurice Evans, announces the establishment of the only Negro Boy Scout troop in the nine-county White River Council. WW II veteran Frank Henderson Jr. is the Scoutmaster.
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| Paul Robeson, William Schatzkamer, Lawrence Brown perform 1946, Nov 12 |
Paul Robeson, an African-American singer, actor, and civil rights activist; William Schatzkamer, a composer and pianist; and Lawrence Brown, an African-American jazz trombonist famous for being a member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, perform at the IU Auditorium.
Source: http://www.iuauditorium.com/events/archive
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| The Gables restaurant integrates 1947 |
 George Taliaferro, College Football Hall of Fame member, is influential in persuading the Gables Restaurant to become racially integrated.
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| IU gets first black basketball player 1947, Sep |
Source: Tom Graham, Rachel Graham Cody, Getting Open: The Unknown Story of Bill Garrett and the Integration of College Basketball (New York: Atria Books, 2006), 138-139. more...
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| Pulse of City Taken in Report 1948 |
Local researcher publishes demographics on public health and government using statistics from various sources. He states that "Bloomington is not a particularly healthful city." Also: "Only one restaurant meets state standards."
Source: New, Jack Landon, The Bloomington, Indiana, Municipal campaign of 1947 (Bloomington (Ind.): Indiana University, Department of Government, 1948), 4. more...
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| City profiled as 98% Caucasian 1948 |
The city directory states that according to the 1940 U. S. Census, the Bloomington population is 20,870. These numbers are reported as 98% American-born.
Source: Polk's Bloomington City Directory 1948 (St. Louis, MO: R. L. Polk and Co., 1948)
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| Swimming pools integrated 1948 |
 City swimming pools are integrated. According to Wilbert Miller, who worked for the city's parks and recreation department during this time, 1948 was a "big year" for local race relations.
Source: John Meekins, "Long history of blacks in Bloomington show archievement, some discrimination," Sunday Tribune & Star Courier, September 19, 1971. more...
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| Flash famine reported. 1950, May 14 |
The mass closing of local restaurants take Bloomington residents by surprise. The closing was explained by a spokesman who said, "Certain Bloomington restaurants have closed their places of business in interest of public safety for an indefinite period of time as the result of an organized effort on the part of a group of individuals to force their patronage on restaurants which are located in the business district of the city."
Source: "Explaining reason for closing of restaurants," Bloomington World-Telephone, May 15, 1950.
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| Banneker School is Closed 1951 |
This segregated school for black children was closed due to financial difficulties and not because of the court ruling Brown V. Board that wouldn't be decided for another 3 years.
Source: Laura Lane, Steve Hinnefeld, "Banneker project tells local segregation story," Hoosier Times, May 16, 2004.
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| Petition against Banneker School 1951, May 23 |
According to the "Daily Herald Telephone", Mrs. Leonard Rogers, Fairview School Parent-Teacher Association president, announces that fellow PTA members are circulating a petition around the city in order to stop the construction of a new Banneker African American School building at West Seventh Street. They claim that this petition against the new building "is not racial". They believe that if this new building is created, then Fairview school population will be decreased so much that the school may never receive the addition that has been long promised. According to Mrs. Rogers, the petition has approximately 500 signatures. School Superintendent H. E. Binford announces that they do not possess the budget to build this addition.
Source: Bill Coulter, "Banneker School, 930 W. Seventh St., Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana," State Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD), January 24, 2015, 7-8.
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| Johnson hired as faculty 1951, Jun |
 30 year old percussionist and Air Force veteran Richard Johnson is hired by the Department of Music at Indiana University. Born in New Jersey, Johnson is one of the first black faculty members.
Source: Bloomington Faculty Council Meeting Minutes; Memorial Resolution; Feb. 19, 1985 more...
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| Colored man Lewis dies 1951, Sep 19 |
Thomas Lewis, 99, a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, dies at the Bloomington Hospital.
Source: "Thomas Lewis Dies Today," Daily Herald Telephone, September 19, 1951.
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| Chandler killed in Korea 1952, Jan 21 |
Pfc. Robert G. Chandler, age 25, has been reported killed in action in Korea after being reported MIA on January 12, 1951. Parents Mr. and Mrs. Chris Chandler, of 1223 West 11th Street, were not given a date of death [later reported as March 31, 1951].
Source: "Pfc. R.G. Chandler Killed In Korea," Daily Herald Telephone, January 21, 1952, 14. map
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| Reverend Porter dies 1952, Nov 22 |
Reverend Porter of the Second Baptist Church is pronounced dead after a long illness, resulting in the call for Reverend Marvin Chandler to replace him as minister.
Source: Frances V. Halsell Gilliam, A Time To Speak: A Brief History of the Afro-Americans of Bloomington, IN 1865-1965 (Bloomington, IN: Pinus Strobus Press, 1985), 33.
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| Banneker becomes recreational center 1954 |
The Benjamin Banneker School becomes a full-time recreational center under the direction of Wilbert Miller.
Source: "Director Femal appraises West Side Center's woes," Indiana Daily Student, March 13, 1969, 12.
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| Pleasant D. Evans dies 1955, Jun 15 |
 Pleasant D. "Ples" Evans dies at the age of 92 in the home of his son, Maurice Evans, located at 835 West 7th Street. Evans, originally from Paoli, IN, came to Bloomington in 1884. He was a barber who had been in business for 71 years in Bloomington. He was also a prominent member of the Bethel AME Church starting in 1885. He will be buried at Rose Hill Cemetery. Photo of home courtesy of Monroe County GIS.
Source: "'Ples' Evans, Oldest Barber Dead at 92," Daily Herald Telephone, June 15, 1955, 1. map
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| Beck publishes book on race relations 1959 |
 Frank O. Beck publishes a book about race relations at Indiana University, providing some biographical information about Halson Vashon Eagleson. He states that "His [Eagleson's] relations with Presidents Jordan and Swain and their appraisal and acceptance of his experience and counsel had much to do with the critical problems arising from the presence of both colored and white students at the University."
Source: Frank O. Beck, Some Aspects of Race Relations at Indiana University: My Alma Mater (1959), 19. more...
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| Chandler leaves for study 1959, Aug 18 |
Marvin Chandler, one of Bloomington's well known "colored" residents, is leaving for four years of study for the ministry at schools in Buffalo and Rochester.
Source: Bennett P. Reed, "Sands Of Time," Daily Herald Telephone, August 18, 1964.
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| State passes civil rights law 1961 |
The law replaces the previous legislation passed in 1885.
Source: Indiana History Bulletin: Centennial of Emancipation, 1863-1963 (Indianapolis: The Indiana Historical Bureau, 1963), 13-14.
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| Historian Woodburn gives speech 1961, Mar 2 |
Historian Walter Woodburn gives a speech about the Underground Railroad, an escape route for slaves, at the Binford Junior High School. The speech was given to an audience of 175 people. Most of the audience was made up of the members of the Monroe County Historical Society as well as members of the Monroe County Civil War Centennial Committee.
Source: Unknown, March 9, 1961.
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| School system hires black teacher 1962 |
La Verta Terry is hired by the school system as the first black teacher hired after desegregation. She had tried for 14 years to become a teacher here; first as a substitute teachers and later spent her full-time career at Central Junior High School. She also taught at Dyer and the high schools.
Source: Colin Bishop, "Patience paid off for teacher La Verta Terry," Herald Times, February 17, 2017, A5.
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| Students' rights violated 1962, May 18 |
The Indiana Civil Rights Commission rules that the five IU students, ejected from a Bloomington skating rink on April 13th, were done so due to their race. The commission makes the finding and notifies the rink proprietor of its decision by letter this morning, after it completed its first public hearing yesterday. The proprietor has 15 days to file an objection to the finding with the commission.
Source: "Board Rules Students' Rights Were Violated," Daily Herald Telephone, May 18, 1962.
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| Bloomington gets top rating 1963, Apr 17 |
The Indiana Civil Rights Commission reports that Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Fort Wayne are the top three cities among 14 studied in Indiana in top percentage of places of public accommodations which are presently integrated.
Source: "Bloomington Gets Top Rating By Civil Rights Group," Daily Herald Telephone, April 18, 1963.
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| Meredith to speak at IU 1963, Aug 19 |
James H. Meredith, the first African American alumnus in the 115 year history of the University of Mississippi, arrives in Bloomington late Monday night to address delegates of the National Student Congress at IU on Tuesday.
Source: "Meredith and Hoadley to Speak At IU," Daily Herald Telephone, August 20, 1963.
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| Treasurer impounds property 1963, Aug 31 |
Monroe County Treasurer Thelma Axsom impounds personal property for non payment of taxes again; this time eight mobile homes. "We don't want to hurt anybody," Mrs. Axsom said, "but the law on mobile homes says that the taxes must be paid the same year they are assessed and those we posted yesterday and this morning have records of delinquent payment."
Source: "More Impounding Notices Posted In Tax Crackdown," Daily Herald Telephone, August 31, 1963.
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| Prosecutor investigates pinball machines 1963, Sep |
Prosecutor Thomas Hoadley states that, after receiving complaints, he has investigated "the most profitable pinball machine operations in Monroe County" in recent weeks and that none of them is operating illegally.
Source: "Prosecutor Says He's Investigated Pinball Machines," Daily Herald Telephone, September 23, 1963.
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| Golfer sued by victim 1963, Sep 6 |
A Bloomington electrician, who was knocked to the ground by a stray golf ball near Cascades Park last December, files a $15,000 damage suit in Circuit Court against the golfer, charging him with careless and negligent play. Wilbur L. White files the suit against Charles Elinsky. White's suit is the first to be filed by a resident of the Fritz Terrace Addition, where complaints have been emanating for nearly a year over golfers stray shots endangering children in the area. The addition borders the golf course along three fairways.
Source: "Golfer Sued On Shot," Daily Herald Telephone, September 7, 1963.
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| Excise police order removal of machines 1963, Nov 14 |
State Excise Police, operating out of Terre Haute, order five Bloomington organizations to remove 'electronic machines' from the premises. Lt. Clarence McCullough, in charge of excise department operations in the Terre Haute District (including Monroe County) says the order resulted from routine periodic inspections. He states that these machines, which are generally considered gaming devices (specifically pinball machines), were found at the American Legion Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Eagles, Moose and Elk Lodges.
Source: "Excise Police Order Removal of Machines," Daily Herald Telephone, November 14, 1963.
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| First black city worker hired 1964 |
 Mary Evelyn Terry Ice begins working as a parking meter technician for Bloomington. She becomes the first African-American employee for the city, working as Officer No. 302 for 27 years, which includes a time as supervisor for the division. H-T Reporter interviewed Mary in 1991. Photo 1943 Gothic Yearbook.
Source: "Mary Ice: Bloomington's first African-American employee," The Herald Times, February 3, 2011.
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| Hopkins first black firefighter 1965 |
James Hopkins, the son of James Hopkins and Matilda Norris Hopkins, becomes the first black firefighter for the City of Bloomington. He is a 1954 graduate of Bloomington High School.
Source: "Obituary," The Herald Times, January 25, 2024.
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| Linguistics scholar shares findings 1966, Jun |
Wayne O'Neill presents a paper at a conference, highlighting his observations of black culture and dialect in Bloomington.
The paper is read before the Research Planning Conference on Language Development in Disadvantaged Children, held in June 7-8, 1966.
Source: A Theory of Linguistic Performance more...
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| Ramming leads community center 1966, Oct 14 |
The West Side Center (later known as the Banneker Center) opens for its fall season with new director Burney Ramming.
Source: "Center Open On West Side," Daily Herald Telephone, October 14, 1966.
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| Racial tensions increase 1966, Nov 30 |
Reverend Ernest Butler, chairman of the Human Relations Commission, states that racial incidents may lead to the closing of the West Side Community Center. Butler states that racial tensions have increased since Wilbert Miller resigned as director of the Crestmont Homes public housing development.
Source: "Racial Trouble Threatens Community Center's Future," The Bloomington Tribune, November 30, 1966.
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| Ford elected class president 1967 |
 Reginald Ford serves as class president for seniors at Bloomington High School. [Image from 1967 Gothic Yearbook.]
Source: The Gothic: Bloomington High School Yearbook (1967) (1967)
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| Thrasher says no discrimination 1967, Mar 1 |
Sheriff Clifford Thrasher says his office has no racially discriminatory rules on visiting privileges for prisoners at the Monroe County jail.
Source: "Bloomington's Year: A look at the major local news reported during 1967 in the H-T," Daily Herald-Telephone, December 29, 1967.
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| First Black Bloomington Police Officer 1967, Apr 1 |
 Vietnam War veteran and Bloomington High School graduate Charles Brown becomes first African American police officer in Bloomington history. [Image from 1962 Gothic Yearbook for Bloomington High School.]
Source: Colin Bishop, "Black History Month Profiles: Brown was city's first black police officer," Herald Times, February 18, 2008, N/A (clipping).
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| New West Side Center director 1967, Oct 7 |
Edward Williams, an Indiana University senior from East Chicago is named the new director of the West Side Community Center at 930 W 7th St. The center will open again on October 9th.
Source: "Westside Center Gets Director," Daily Herald Telephone, October 7, 1967. map
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| Norris becomes Headstart Director 1968 |
Community Action Program board member Mary Norris becomes the director of Headstart. The mother of three children, Norris also serves Girl Scouts, the University School PTA, and Sunday School at the Second Baptist Church.
Source: Ann C. Smith, "Notable area women: Spotlight on Mary Norris," Bloomington Courier-Tribune, March 26, 1970.
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| Hammond starts career as bailiff 1968 |
 Henry H. Hammond, known as Harry Hammond, begins his career as the bailiff for Judge Donald A. Rogers. After Rogers died, Hammond continued to work as bailiff for Judge Dixon. Born in Kentucky 1895, he had many jobs in Bloomington, including bartending for IU events, and was a popular jazz musician and played with Hoagy Carmichael. In the 1950 Census he was living at 723 W. 8th Street.
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| Westside appeals to board 1968, Jan 16 |
Around 12 teens and 20 adults active at the Westside Community Center appear before the Bloomington Park Board in an effort to ask for pool tables for the center and ask to be able to stay open on Saturdays. Their request for pool tables is granted.
Source: Curt Reeve, "Westside Center Group Protests," Daily Herald Telephone, January 16, 1968.
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| KKK plans march 1968, Mar 17 |
The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) says it will march in downtown Bloomington on March 30th. Approximately 50 Klansmen hand out literature in the business district.
Source: "Bloomington's Year: A Look at Major Local News Reported in the H-T in 1968," Herald Telephone, December 31, 1968.
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| Ku Klux Klan opposed 1968, Mar 25 |
The Ku Klux Klan's hopes to march in downtown Bloomington is met with opposition as 300 community members meet at the Second Baptist Church in an effort to stop them.
Source: "Bloomington's Year: A Look at Major Local News Reported in the H-T in 1968," Herald Telephone, December 31, 1968.
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| Restraining order issued against Ku Klux Klan 1968, Mar 27 |
The judge of the Monroe Circuit Court, Judge Nat U. Hill, issues a restraining order against the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in order to prevent them from visiting Bloomington.
Source: "Bloomington's Year: A Look at Major Local News Reported in the H-T in 1968," Herald Telephone, December 31, 1968.
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| Community Center raises funds 1968, Apr 3 |
The Westside Community Center announces plans to hold a two-pronged fundraiser in order to send 45 members to Evanston, Illinois from April 26 to 28. The center has begun selling candy and bumper stickers, and will hold a barbecue supper on April 20. The goal is to raise $600.
Source: "Westside Center Launches Campaign," Bloomington Tribune, April 3, 1968.
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| Westside plans summer opening 1968, Apr 23 |
City Parks and Recreation Board members vote to keep the Westside Community Center open during the summer months. Figures show that it will cost around $2,000 per month.
Source: "Westside Center Stays," Bloomington Tribune, April 23, 1968, 7.
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| Westside director estimates costs 1968, Apr 23 |
Westside Community Center director Jerome Femal tells the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Board that the cost of operating the center during the five summer months will be about $10,000, with $9,000 going to personnel.
Source: Curt Reeve, "Westside Center Plans Set," Daily Herald Telephone, April 23, 1968.
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| Black students protest Little 500 1968, May 8 |
Fifty African American students armed with blankets and bologna sandwiches refuse to leave the Little 500 track for 38 hours to draw Indiana University attention to demands for more recruitment of "students of color" and a dedicated black studies program.
Source: Mickey Woods, "Mad As HELL," Indiana Daily Student, April 28, 2011, 1, 8.
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| Mayor announces Westside jobs 1968, May 27 |
Mayor John H. Hooker Jr. announces at the Citizens for Constructive Progress (CCP) meeting that the Westside Community Center has application blanks for teens seeking employment.
Source: "Mayor Hooker Tells Westside Center Group Of Jobs For Youth," Courier-Tribune, May 27, 1968.
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| West Side director resigns 1968, Aug 12 |
West Side Community Center director Ed Williams submits his resignation to the board of directors of the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, to be effective September 11.
Source: Jim Helm, "Williams Quits Post At Center," Daily Herald Telephone, August 13, 1968, 1-2.
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| West Side Center open house 1968, Aug 28 |
An open house is planned for the West Side Community Center in order to welcome the new director, Bruce Nielsen. The open house will begin at 4 pm on September 1. It is being organized by the West Side Women's Improvement Club. At 7 pm there will be a variety show staged by the youth of the neighborhood.
Source: "Open House Is Planned," Daily Herald-Telephone, August 28, 1968.
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| Nielson resigns from Center 1968, Sep 9 |
The "Bloomington Herald Telephone" reports that 23-year-old Bruce Nielsen has resigned as director of the West Side Community Center less than two weeks after he accepted the position. Park and Recreation officials were not available for comment.
Source: "Report Nielsen Quits," Herald Telephone, September 9, 1968.
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| West Side council created 1968, Sep 13 |
During a meeting between Park and Recreation Department officials and concerned citizens, a "management council" is created to assist the West Side Community Center. The committee will help design and form programs that meet the needs and interests of the community.
Source: "To Assist West Side Center Here," Daily Herald Telephone, September 14, 1968.
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| West Side Center creates rules 1968, Nov 19 |
The West Side Community Center executive council approves the formulation of rules and regulations for the operation of the center.
Source: "West Side Center Council Okays Establishing Rules," Daily Herald Telephone, November 20, 1968.
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| Men set market on fire 1968, Dec |
Ku Klux Klan (KKK) members Carlisle Briscoe Jr. and Jackie Kinser toss a firebomb into The Black Market, an African-American-run store in downtown Bloomington. The store, located at the northeastern corner of Kirkwood Avenue and Dunn Street, was popular for selling African heritage merchandise, e.g. art and jazz albums. The property is later turned into People's Park.
Source: "How a firebombed store became a park," Herald-Times, July 19, 2013.
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| Arson in downtown Bloomington 1968, Dec 26 |
A fire suspected of being intentionally set burns at the corner of 5th and Dunn Streets.
Source: Staff Writer, 'Black Market Gutted By Fire,' Daily Herald-Telephone, 27 December 1968
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| Black Market store firebombed 1968, Dec 26 |
 Black Market, store catered to the needs of African Americans in Bloomington and located on the corner of Dunn and Kirkwood, is firebombed on the night of December 26th by a man in a grey trench coat and his getaway driver. The mostly wooden structure quickly burns down.
Source: Mickey Woods, "Mad As HELL," Indiana Daily Student, April 28, 2011, 1, 8. more...
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| School board welcomes Bridgwaters 1969 |
Elizabeth Bridgwaters becomes the first African American, as well as one of the first women, elected to the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) board.
Source: Mike Leonard, "Women Who Helped Shape Our Town," Bloom Magazine, February 1, 2015.
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| Funds esablished for Black Market incident 1969, Jan |
Two funds are established in the aftermath of the Black Market bombing. One is for the black owners, IU students, who state that the store's contents were not covered by insurance. Another fund is established for a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of person or persons responsible for the December 26 firebombing of the Kirkwood Avenue store.
Source: Jim Helm, "To Offer Reward for Arson Information ," Bloomington Herald-Telephone & Bedford Times-Mail, January 5, 1969.
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| Protest on Kirkwood 1969, Jan 10 |
Two-Hundred black students fill the streets of Kirkwood to express their rage after the Black Market fire.
Source: Mickey Woods , "Mad As Hell," Indiana Daily Student, April 28, 2011.
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| West Side schedule set 1969, Jan 27 |
The West Side Community Center announces their weekly programs to the "Herald Telephone." The schedule is as follows: Monday evenings, pre-teen sewing class; Tuesday and Sunday afternoons, skating; Wednesday evenings, adult self-defense class and general crafts; Thursday evening, basket-ball league; Friday evening, The Little Miss Etiquette Hygiene Club and a teen girls experimental cooking class; and Saturday afternoons, pre-teen cooking class.
Source: "Westside Center To Offer More," Daily Herald Telephone, January 27, 1969.
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| Budget cut for West Side 1969, Mar 14 |
The Bloomington Park and Recreation Board cut $43,000 from the West Side Community Center budget with plans to determine if the Center will remain open during the summer at the April budget meeting. The center is located in the old Banneker School.
Source: Lee Jackson and Jim Wanko, "Center may be 'phased out'," Indiana Daily Student, March 14, 1969, 6.
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| West Side Center plans made 1969, Mar 17 |
At a monthly meeting of the Park Board, a tentative plan is discussed for the West Side Community Center. The center will operate a total of 14 hours per week and will be open Wednesday and Friday from 8 to 11 PM, and Sunday from 3 to 5 PM and 7 to 10 PM.
Source: Lee Jackson and Jim Wanko, "West Side Community Center policy to be submitted to Mayor Hooker," Indiana Daily Student, March 18, 1969.
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| Teen hold variety show 1969, Mar 22 |
The West Side Community Center Teen Club presents their annual Variety Show, entitled "Soul-in-All" at the center. They are directed by Betty Bridgwaters and Dick Wynn and the Indiana University "Soul Men" are special gifts. The Teen Club attempt to raise money to be used for recreational activities and trips.
Source: "Westset Teen Club gives annual show," Bloomington Courier-Tribune, March 24, 1969.
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| Center pland for "Group 69" 1969, May 7 |
Citizens of the West Side Community Center meet with Dean Rozelle Boyd and Mrs. LaVerta Terry of Indiana University's Junior Division to discuss plans for welcoming "Group 69" for the summer. "Group 69" is made up of about 200 freshman students who will arrive June 14th to be a part of the regular summer program.
Source: Linda Alis, "Advance plans for 'Group 69'," Bloomington Courier-Tribune, May 8, 1969.
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| West Side hires new director 1969, Jun 24 |
Dan Mills, 22-year-old Indiana University senior, is named director of the West Side Community Center after several months without a director.
Source: "New Director Is Named For Westside Center," Daily Herald Telephone, June 24, 1969.
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| Center holds trampoline night 1969, Aug 13 |
The West Side Community Center holds trampoline night in the Center gymnasium.
Source: Wing Barfoot, "Bouncing enthusiasm at Westside," Bloomington Courier-Tribune, August 13, 1969.
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| Klan members, Grand Dragon arrested 1969, Aug 21 |
William M. Chaney, Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) of Indiana, and two other Klan members are arrested in Ellettsville on charges of illegal possession of dynamite.
Source: "Bloomington's Year," Daily Herald-Telephone, December 31, 1969, 9.
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| Rev. Winston Thomas dies 1969, Nov 14 |
 Water works employee and minister Winston A. Thomas dies on a business trip in Nebraska. While learning a new pollution control system, Thomas suffered a stroke. A 21 year veteran with the city, Thomas was to take over superintendent duties at the city's new north stream facilities upon his return. He was also a reverend with the Pentecostal church and had been previously with a local Baptist congregation. [Photo from 1935 Gothic Yearbook]
Source: "Winston Thomas, 50, Dies After Stroke at Nebraska," Herald Telephone, November 14, 1969. more...
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| West Side director named 1970, Feb |
The West Side Community Center appoints George S. Kelly as the new director.
Source: "Kelly reprograms Center from scratch," Bloomington Courier-Tribune, February 27, 1970.
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| "Military Wife of the Year" 1970, Jun |
Gussie Sanford, wife of Army Leitenant Colonel Albert Sanford, is selected "Military Wife of the Year." She is the first African American woman to be honored.
Source: "Highlights Of The Year," Daily Herald-Telephone, December 31, 1970, 4.
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| West Side gets new director 1971, May 16 |
Mitchell Adams, a 27-year-old graduate student and Air Force veteran, is named director of the West Side Community Center.
Source: Greg Dawson, "West Side Director Named," Daily Herald-Telephone, May 16, 1971.
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| KKK members aquitted 1971, Sep 1 |
Johnny Stancombe and William Chaney, officials of the Indiana Ku Klux Klan or KKK, are acquitted of charges stemming from a 1969 incident in Monroe County where they were arrested for illegal possession of explosives. Greene County Judge Edwin B. Long orders the jury to find them not guilty. Charges against two other Klan members are dropped by the Monroe County Circuit Court after the verdict is announced.
Source: "August-October: Budgets, Elections, Trials In Local News," Daily Herald-Telephone, December 30, 1971, 20.
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| Trustee Butler seeks advance, turned down 1971, Sep 7 |
 Bloomington Township Trustee Reverend Ernest Butler seeks a $15,000 advance on December distribution from the Monroe County Commissioners. He is turned down.
Source: "August-October: Budgets, Elections, Trials In Local News," Daily Herald-Telephone, December 30, 1971, 20. more...
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| Adams changes center schedule 1971, Sep 10 |
West Side Community Center director Mitchell Adams announces that the center will begin its classes and activities next week. Throughout the week there will be self-defense classes, cooking classes, arts and crafts, Miss Etiquette Club, and Teen Club, as well as other sports programs to come.
Source: Rick Manning, "West Side Activities Will Begin Next Week," Daily Herald Telephone, September 10, 1971.
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| Coffee hour planned 1971, Oct 2 |
West Side Community Center Director Mitch Adams announces that they have begun developing a series of daytime programs for adults. The first program will be a weekly coffee hour from 9-10 AM beginning Wednesday morning. There will be a new topic of discussion every week with this weeks being "The Purpose of the West Side Community Center."
Source: "West Side 'Coffees' Planned," Daily Herald Telephone, October 2, 1971.
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| Hanson retires from post office 1972 |
 Francis Hanson retires from the post office after working 28 years. A Navy veteran of WWII and former Bloomington High School football player, Hanson was the first black employee with the local post office.
Source: Steve Hinnefeld , "Community leader Francis Henson dies - First black to work for Bloomington post office was mentor to youth," Herald Telephone, June 21, 2003. more...
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| Second Baptist Church's celebration 1972, Mar |
Second Baptist Church is celebrating its one hundredth year of community involvement in Bloomington.
Source: Frances V. Halsell Gilliam, A Time To Speak: A Brief History of the Afro-Americans of Bloomington, IN 1865-1965 (Bloomington, IN: Pinus Strobus Press, 1985)
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| Head Start Director Norris dies 1972, Oct 8 |
Mary L. Norris dies at Bloomington Hospital at the age of 44. Director of the Head Start Program, Norris was a long-time supporter of anti-poverty programs, incl. serving on the original board of directors that established the Monroe County Community Action Program in late 1965, which secured funding for Head Start. She had been a pre-med student at IU and was a member of the Second Baptist Church.
Source: "Head Start Director: Mary Norris Dies Sunday," Herald Telephone, October 9, 1972.
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| Board agrees to sell old library 1973, May 2 |
The Monroe County Public Library Board agrees to sell the old library at 6th and Washington Streets to the city.
Source: "An Eventful 12 Months in Bloomington," Daily Herald Telephone, December 29, 1973.
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| NAACP formed 1976, Feb 23 |
Citizens and students of Bloomington attempt to form a chapter of the National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). It takes 50 members to obtain a NAACP charter and currently the Bloomington group has 31 members.
Source: Joyce Buchanan, "NAACP unit formed here," Indiana Daily Student, February 23, 1976.
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| Church designated historic 1976, Dec 3 |
The Bloomington Planning Commission is now recognizing the architectural uniqueness of the Second Baptist Church by declaring it a historical structure.
Source: Frances V. Halsell Gilliam, A Time To Speak: A Brief History of the Afro-Americans of Bloomington, IN 1865-1965 (Bloomington, IN: Pinus Strobus Press, 1985) map
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| Dr. Ramsey interviewed about Underground Railroad 1978, Jul 12 |
 Monroe County Public Librarian Bobbie Taylor interviews Dr. Hugh Ramsey about his medical and political career and his life, including accounts of his ancestors - the Covenanters - participating in the Underground Railroad. His mother was Clara Ethel Smith and her mother was a Cathcart, a family that managed an Underground Railroad station at Morgantown.
Source: Hugh Ramsey; Bobbie Taylor, Oral history series: Hugh Ramsey (Bloomington, Ind: Monroe County Public Library, 1978), 2. more...
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| Oral history of Underground Railroad printed 1981, Oct 3 |
Long-time Bloomington resident and reporter Rose McIlveen reports on various stories about the Underground Railroad and the Presbyterians who supported the network. She mentions various stations in Bloomington. She writes that the Wylie House at 2nd and Lincoln streets and the Millen Stallknecht House on Bryan Street are also reputed to be stops for former slaves. McIlveen states that "As a child I was shown a basement room in the Wylie House and told it was used to hide runaway slaves."
Source: Rose McIlveen, "Underground Railroad Stopped at Bloomington," The Herald Times, October 3, 1981.
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| NAACP reinstated 1981, Oct 26 |
The Bloomington chapter of the NAACP is reestablished after dropping out of existence in the 1960s. The organization currently has 86 members with hopes to expand membership.
Source: Michael B Bunch, "NAACP chapter reinstated," Indiana Daily Student, February 3, 1982.
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| Youth NAACP founded 1984, Apr |
The Bloomington youth chapter of National Association of Colored People (NAACP) is founded. Some future activities of the club include guest speakers, conferences with other youth NAACP members across the state, and participating in several workshops for the benefit of the community.
Source: Mary Wiggins, "Youth NAACP Founded," Herald Times, March 13, 1984.
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| Nurse employed at jail 1984, Jun 11 |
It is announced that Mary Krowdel, a licensed practical nurse, has been hired by the Monroe County Jail in place of the previous jailer.
Source: Bill Strother, "Licensed practical nurse added to staff at Monroe County Jail," Herald Telephone, June 11, 1984, 1.
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| Swain elected for City Council 1991, Nov 6 |
Democrat Paul Swain is elected for the At-Large seat for Bloomington City Council, becoming the first black elected officer of city government.
Source: Steve Hinnefeld, "Democrats top at-large races - Kiesling, Fernandez, Swain win," The Herald Times, November 6, 1991.
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| Norris named IU Police Chief 1993, Feb |
Paul E. Norris officially moves into the position of Chief of Police at Indiana University after serving interim since August 1992. Norris is a Bloomington Native and has been working with police departments at the city and IU since 1970.
Source: "Region Briefs," Herald Times, February 11, 1993.
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| NAACP reaches out to Hispanics 1993, Apr 18 |
The National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) announces it is expanding membership to the Hispanic or Latino demographics. The original purpose of the NAACP is to attain basic civil rights for black has now been expanded to the fight for racial equality.
Source: David Thompson, "NAACP expanding to include growing Hispanic population," Herald Times, April 18, 1993.
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| Taliaferro appointed to judicial position 1995 |
Viola "Vi" Taliaferro is appointed as a Monroe County Circuit Court Judge by Evan Bayh. She will serve for 9 years specializing in juvenile justice, advocating for the welfare of children in the Bloomington judicial system. The wife of George Taliafferro, she is the first black judge in Monroe County.
Source: Mike Leonard, "Women Who Helped Shape Our Town," Bloom Magazine, February 1, 2015, 102-113.
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| City hosts NAACP convention 1997, Oct 21 |
It is announced that the Indiana State Convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is set to take place at the Bloomington Holiday Inn over the Oct 25-26 weekend. This is Blooming ton's first time hosting the convention. 21 other Indiana branches of the NAACP will be in attendance.
Source: Sean O'Brien, "Bloomington to host NAACP convention," Herald Times, October 21, 1997.
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| Elizabeth Bridgwaters named Woman of the Century 1999 |
 Elizabeth Bridgwaters is named Monroe County Woman of the 20th Century in a poll conducted by the Herald Times newspaper at the end of 1999 due to her numerous contributions to the city of Bloomington. She served through multiple organizations throughout her lifetime, including Monroe County's United Way Chapter, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Source: Mike Leonard, "Women Who Helped Shape Our Town," Bloom Magazine, February 15, 2015, 113. more...
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| NAACP allies with IU 1999, Oct 21 |
The local chapter of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) works with IU to better report and combat incidents of hatred.
Source: Jennifer Wagner, "Local NAACP allies with IU to fight hate," Indiana Daily Student, October 21, 1999.
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| Neal, Shalucha join Hall of Fame 2000, Jul 17 |
 Marcellus Neal and Barbara Shalucha. Neal was the first Black student to graduate from IU in 1895 for Mathematics. Shalucha joined the Biology faculty of IU in 1947 and in 1948 she founded Hilltop Garden.
Source: Brian Werth, "Neal, Shalucha chosen to join county hall of fame," Herald Times, July 17, 2000. more...
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| Project honors civil right leader 2002, Jan |
Habitat for Humanity project honors the slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. The project is also in response to the tragedies of 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Source: David Horn, "Habitat project honors civil rights leader," Herald Times, January 20, 2002.
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| Butler, Lockridge enter Hall of Fame 2003, Jan 14 |
 Rev. Ernie Butler and Ross Lockridge Jr. enter the Monroe County Hall of Fame. Lockridge wrote the novel "Raintree County". Butler was a civil rights activist, a pastor for 28 years and a chairman on the Bloomington Public Housing Board for 22 years.
Source: Brian Hartz, "Butler, Lockridge join county Hall of Fame," Herald Times, January 14, 2003. more...
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| NAACP turns 25 2003, Oct |
The Bloomington chapter of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) celebrates 25 years of fighting for civil rights at its annual Freedom Fund banquet.
Source: Katy Murphy, "NAACP celebrating 25 years at banquet," Herald Times, October 7, 2003.
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| Vance leads NAACP 2005, Jan 5 |
It is reported that William Vance Jr. is elected president of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and replaces Clarence Gilliam, who served as president for 26 years. Vance has served as the NAACP secretary for the past 10 years.
Source: Andrew Graham, "Monroe's chapter of NAACP to ad-Vance," Herald Times, January 5, 2005.
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| Pizzo, Gilliam enter Hall of Fame 2005, Apr 29 |
Tony Pizzo and Clarence Gilliam enter the Monroe County Hall of Fame. Gilliam led the Monroe County chapter of the NAACP for 25 years and helped write the first fair housing ordinance in 1968. Pizzo was responsible for authoring ordinances that ban smoking in public restaurants and bars. Pizzo also capped his career in public health; 50 of those years were in the IU School of Medicine.
Source: James Boyd, "Pizzo, Gilliam Inducted into Monroe Hall of Fame," The Herald Times, April 29, 2005.
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| Banneker Center historical marker 2008, Feb 11 |
In honor of Black History month the Benjamin Banneker School, Bloomington's second African American School for more than 35 years, has received an official historical marker.
Source: Brady Gillihan, "Banneker Center gets historical marker," Herald Times, February 11, 2008.
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| Charles Brown passes away 2011, Sep 21 |
Charles Brown, the first black police officer in Bloomington history, passes away at the age of 69. Brown had attained the rank of Captain by his retirement in 1989, after 22 years of service in the Department.
Source: Abby Tonsing, "Charles Brown, city's first black police officer, dies," Herald Times, September 23, 2011, N/A (clipping).
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| Limestone carving found 2012, Sep |
A landscaping crew at the Bethel AME Church finds a large limestone slab in the ground. The stone has an inscription from Hebrews 6:19 and is dated 1846. Church leaders inform the newspaper that Eli Parish and wife Eliza gave the land to Elias Able and his heirs in 1845 but the land changed hands again in 1852 and the stone remains a mystery.
Source: Armiller Grubb, "Community: Help Solve Mystery of Limestone Carving," Herald Times, September 15, 2012, A, 7.
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| Bolden becomes city clerk 2016, Jan 1 |
Nicole Bolden is sworn in as City Clerk in Bloomington, becoming the first African American woman to be elected to a citywide office.
Source: Megan Banta, "New city clerk says desire to serve fueled candidacy ," The Herald Times, January 23, 2016.
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