April 7
In 1915, Richard Black of Greenfield died of tuberculosis. The artist, 26, had sold a couple of pictures to the French government and had two on exhibit in the Herron Art Institute in Indianapolis.
In 1957, the first service of Faith Lutheran Church drew 125 people to space rented from the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Greenfield.
In 1977, Hancock County Auditor Maynard Brown confirmed he had been contacted by representatives of a corporation seeking permission to build a horse track. Several counties were approached about such projects under Indiana’s new pari-mutuel betting law.
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April 8
In 1909, one Greenfield mail carrier chose to make his runs along muddy roads by motorcycle. It seemed to work well and was noted that on the ride back, it reached a speed of 45 miles per hour. Several other carriers considered buying motorcycles to use on their routes.
In 1978, organizers of an Elvis memorabilia sale at New Palestine Lions Club sought to raise money for an Elvis Memorial Concert at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, site of the singer’s last concert in June 1977.
April 9
In 1879, the first Greenfield High School commencement took place at the Masonic Hall.
In 1889, Lodge 215 of the Fraternal Order of Knights of Pythias was established in New Palestine with 25 charter members.
April 10
In 1912, Greenfield city treasurer D.H. Ellis claimed Mayor Ora Myers had never been mayor of Greenfield. Their dispute originated over pay Myers had not received while he was away on vacation. Ellis claimed Myers had not met procedural steps for being mayor of a fifth-class city, as Greenfield was classified at the time.
April 11
In 1828, forty-one days after Hancock County’s founding, Greenfield was chosen as the county seat.
April 12
In 1917, a new high school building was dedicated in Maxwell. A big basket dinner was followed by a program of readings and music.
In 1960, Greenfield Mayor Clifford Fields said as long as the Community Fire Truck Association equipment was housed in the Greenfield station, it would answer all rural fire calls. Fields said the city fire department had taken blame for rural calls the association would not answer to non-members. He said he had approached Center Township Trustee Donald Hunt about extending fire service to the rest of Center Township and that Hunt was interested.
April 13
In 1871, John William “Will” Vawter, longtime illustrator for poet James Whitcomb Riley’s works, was born in Boone County, West Virginia.
