Feb. 5
In 1866, the Walpole Post Office’s name was changed to Fortville Post Office.
Feb. 6
In 1997, Greenfield Parks Board voted in favor of a recommendation from parks superintendent Clark Ketchum that park land donated to the city be at least three acres. Ketchum suggested the measure amid developers submitting subdivision plans that included “park land” on smaller parcels, such as half an acre. “If it’s less than three acres they may as well keep it as a subdivision park,” he said, rather than placing it under his department’s jurisdiction. The board’s affirmative vote sent the measure to the city plan commission.
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In 2011, Faithway Baptist Church had its first service in Greenfield after selling its previous building in Indianapolis. Two people were baptized.
Feb. 7
In 1942, Hancock Countians were reminded to move their clocks up one hour before going to bed to change “from standard to war time,” assured that after doing so “then forget about it until six months after the war, when regular time will return again.”
In 1978, Greenfield Board of Zoning Appeals approved a conditional use that made possible the building of a 45,000-square-foot nursing home on Green Meadows Drive. Today the facility is operated by Kindred.
Feb. 8
In 1972, a Greenfield woman was surprised to learn her money and milk order were missing from a pillbox in front of the house when the milkman arrived. The “thief” turned out to be the family dog; after discovering him with the pillbox, the milkman got his money, and the family got its milk.
Feb. 9
In 1977, Eastern Hancock Superintendent Keith Davis announced students would return to a full day of classes the next morning. Area schools had been cutting back hours or canceling classes altogether amid a gas shortage. Even as they returned, Davis advised classrooms would be heated to 60-65 degrees, with the gym and auditorium unheated, so he encouraged students to dress warmly.
Feb. 10
In 1965 (and 1971), Jack L. New of Greenfield took office as Indiana’s state treasurer. He served from 1965-67 and 1971-79.
In 1969, Hancock County natives William Brees Jr. and Huger Phelps died in Vietnam.
Feb. 11
In 1941, John William “Will” Vawter, longtime illustrator for poet James Whitcomb Riley’s works, died. He was buried in Park Cemetery in Greenfield.
