Vigo County Historical Society

Historical Treasure Article

Historic Treasure of the Week - August 26,1984

Two 1880s invitations

As the Vigo County residents observe the Courthouse's 100th anniversary, two items of interest are displayed at the Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley related directly to this historical heritage.

First, the invitation to the laying of the cornerstone, which occurred at 2 p.m. Aug. 28, 1884. The program was in charge of the Masonic order chapters in the county, as was the custom then and for many decades following.

This invitation listed John W. Wilson, John R. Roedel and Martin K. Lee as commissioners. Masonic Worshipful Masters directing the ceremony were Thomas B. Long, James K Allen and August Busch. County auditor was Andrew Grimes.

The second item is the invitation to the dedication of the completed structure, at 10 a.m. June 7, l888, almost four years after the laying of the cornerstone. D. W. Henry was secretary, and C Kolsem, chairman of the invitation committee. County commissioners then were Asa M. Black, Levi W. Dickerson and Sanford S. Henderson. The finance committee, as there was an open house and reception following, were A. B. Mewhinney, Joseph H. Briggs and F. E. Benjamin.

Members of the committee were Herman Hulman, John Cleary, John C. Warren, H. W. Curry, James Cox, Frank Tuttle, Frank Armstrong, Judge Thomas B. Long, Sheriff Weeks, John F. Roedel, D. W. Henry, John DeBaun, Martin K. Lee, Levi W. Hannerly, John Heinl, John Moorhead, John L. Patterson, S. R. Hamill, James C. Piety, F. C. Danaldson, S. E. Rohads, S. C. Stimson, S. B. Davis, John G. Williams, John T. Scott, Hon. William Mack, Andrew Grimes and I. N. Pierce. The music committee was E. V. Debs, W. H. Albrecht, Charles Bauer, Dan Davis and George E. Farrington.