Greenfield Parks and Recreation played host to a blood drive on Nov. 16, 2022, at the Riley Park Shelter House with the American Red Cross. In a time of urgent need, 28 donors came out to support the cause, including six first time donors. Pictured from left are Greenfield Police Chief Brian Hartman, Power and Light Administrative Assistant Melissa Farmer Keomanivong, and Power and Light Business Service Coordinator Guy Titus. A few weeks later, a fire ravaged the building.
Nov. 15
In 1884, Charles Lee O’Donnell was born in Greenfield. He would grow up to become a Catholic priest; in 1928, he became the eleventh president of the University of Notre Dame. In 1947, Greenfield Kiwanis Club paid tribute to O’Donnell with a bronze plaque in Riley Park.
Nov. 16
In 1973, Greenfield-Central High School’s football team won the Class AA state championship, defeating Blackford 21-12.
In 1975, the original Doe Creek Middle School was dedicated at 2279 S. County Road 600W in New Palestine. Today the building is New Palestine Junior High School.
In 2022, Greenfield Parks and Recreation sponsored a blood drive on Nov. 16 at the Riley Park Shelter House with the American Red Cross. In a time of urgent need, 28 donors came out to support the cause, including six first time donors. A few weeks later, a fire ravaged the shelter house.
Nov. 17
In 1894, Greenfield Fire Department — now known as Greenfield Fire Territory — began operations.
In 1984, hunters found a body later discovered to be 11-year-old Margaret “Peggy Sue” Altes. In 1986, 29-year-old Jerry Watkins was convicted on two counts of murder in the sexual assault and stabbing death of the girl, his sister-in-law. Watkins was released in 2001 after DNA tests cleared him but implicated Joseph McCormick.
Nov. 18
In 1909, an unidentified man was buried in Park Cemetery. The body, estimated to be of a man around 70 years of age, was discovered in a field near Cumberland by a farmer gathering corn when his horses apparently saw it first and were startled.
Nov. 19
In 1973, the City of Greenfield bought the John F. Mitchell home next to James Whitcomb Riley’s boyhood home on Main Street. The Mitchell building became the Riley Museum.
Nov. 20
In 1999, a reception in the Eastern Hancock High School cafeteria honored the school’s national championship in livestock judging earned at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville. Team members Tony Holliday, Wesley Broadwater, Jake Wilson and Luke McDonnell were coached by teacher Mike Witte.
Nov. 21
In 1967, the local Sons of the American Legion group made final shipping arrangements to send Kool-Aid packages to local service members in Vietnam.
