-
WARNING! Some of the language in this 1915 newspaper article is not considered appropriate in modern times but is presented as published.
1915 - Many Charming Beauty Sports Along Historic Old Spy Run
Article from Aug 14, 1915 The Fort Wayne Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1915, Spy run creek1915 - Many Charming Beauty Sports Along Historic Old Spy Run The Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Saturday, August 14, 1915, Page 4.
Many Charming Beauty Spots Along Historic Old Spy Run
Brush of Artist Brimmer Has Perpetuated Some of the Pretty Scenes That Here and There Dot Tortuous Course of the Little Stream.
Coursing along from the northwest through Allen county, modest little Spy Run, creek wends its way, surrounded by nature's fairest gifts. Banked on either side by shrubbery and a wealth of grand old trees, it flows proudly along through Vesey, Centlivre and Lawton parks north to where it is absorbed by the historic St. Mary's river.
Happening in its vicinity Joseph Brimmer, a well known local artist, was impressed by its beauties and expressed his appreciation of its appeal to his artistic sense a painting of which the above picture is a reproduction. The painting is indeed a work of art and is a tribute to one of Fort Wayne's beauty spots which has heretofore, received little recognition.
In the early days Spy Run Creek played no small in the history of Fort Wayne and along it's banks many fierce battles were fought between the whites and the savage Indians. The whites had invaded this section and were compelled to contest every inch of the way before the victory was finally won, bringing civilization to a country heretofore inhabited savages and beasts and made possible this growing city.
Named After Captain Wells
In this connection it may of interest to know how this little creek was given such an extraordinary name. Spy Run creek was named after Captain Willian Wells, in recognition of his bravery and acquaintance with the Indians, was made an Indian agent by the government and in this capacity acted as a spy.
While playing near his parents' home in Kentucky when a boy he was stolen by the Indians and was practically reared by them. In 1794 he came to Fort Wayne and for a time assisted the Indians in fighting the whites and took no small part in a number of battles. Finally, General Anthony Wayne won his confidence and converted him to the cause of the government. Because of his years of association with the Indians and his knowledge of their habits and methods of warfare he was of great assistance to General Wayne.
For his bravery and the services he had rendered, the government gave him all of what is now known as Spy Run and Bloomingdale.
Builds a Home.
Along the banks of Spy Run creek he built a log cabin, barns and sheds. His brother-in-law, Chief Little Turtle, lived with him and died on his farm from gout. The burial place of Little Turtle is a disputed question and has never been determined to a certainty. [ No longer disputed ]
In 1812 General William Hull stationed at Detroit, with general oversight over Fort Dearborn, Fort Wayne and all the forts in the northern section, ordered the evacuation of these forts and surrendered the Detroit fort to the British. As a result this section was left absolutely defenseless and it was during this time that all the other buildings on Wells' farm were destroyed. Captain Wells was killed during the massacre at Fort Dearborn in that same vear.
Rich Agricultural. Country.
Spy Run creek flows through some of the richest agricultural country in the United States and except in high waters such as were experienced here in 1913 has never caused very much trouble. Old timers declare that there has never been a summer that Spy Run creek has been so high as this year, a fact that is true, however, of practically every stream in this part of the country.
It is in Spy Run creek that the city has proposed to build a dam to furnish water power for the municipal lighting plant and at the same time provide a public swimming pool. First, it was proposed that this would be and street done between the Lawton park bridge and Fourth street. Considerable excavating was done for that purpose, the dirt being used to fill in the approaches proposed new Fourth street bridge over the creek. This was abandoned and then it was proposed to construct the dam north of the Lawton park bridge. Property owners along the creek do not take kindly to the dam and have entered a vigorous protest.
1913 - To The Park Board of Fort Wayne - swimming holes - letter
Article from Jul 9, 1913 The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1913, Swimming holes1913 - To The Park Board of Fort Wayne - swimming holes - letter The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Wednesday, July 9, 1913, Page 4.
TO THE PARK BOARD OF FORT WAYNE
Gentlemen:--
While this agitation of the swimming hole problem is in full blast, why not let the children help solve it!
On my place, one and one-half miles north of the court house, through which runs Spy Run creek, my boy of nine with a couple of other boys of similar ages have built a small temporary dam of loose stones forming an ideal place for small children.
Just off of Wells street, below the bridge, is a place about 20x50 feet in area and from 6 to 12 inches deep originally, with stones, sticks, and some cans scattered over bottom. This not being as they wanted it, they procured a barrel tub, which upon suggestion was converted into a coal barge plying between Chicago (the upper ripples) Michigan City (the litter above mentioned). Within two days a dam was built which raised the water to twice its original depth, cleaned out all unwelcome debris from the place, and had an immense amount of useful fun in doing it.
I am confident that there are several places in Spy Run creek between this place and its mouth at St. Mary's river which could be utilized in similar manner, probably a few in Lawton park, already public property. Instead of delaying until the summer is over, when the need is past, I would suggest providing someone to supervise the forming of a few of these temporary dams, and the boys will do the work in about three days, instead of waiting three weeks or months for the grown ups to do it for them.
Last summer arrangements were made at my place for boys and girls to use this bathing place on alternate days.
Any "boys or girls, of 12 years or under, having been taught to respect property rights, desiring to come to the swimming place above mentioned will be welcome, providing they bring bathing suits, and come to the house first, and enter through the gate.
Girls: Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
Boys: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday excepted,
S. L. STOVER,
July 7, 1913.1915 - Arrange to Light Fourth Street Bridge: Bids Next Month - over Spy Run Creek
Article from Jul 18, 1915 The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1915, Spy run creek, Bridge1915 - Arrange to Light Fourth Street Bridge: Bids Next Month - over Spy Run Creek The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sunday, July 18, 1915, Page 10.
CITY HALL NEWS
ARRANGE TO LIGHT FOURTH ST. BRIDGE; BIDS NEXT MONTH
Bids for the construction of a concrete arch bridge over Spy Run creek at new Fourth street, will be received by the board of county commissioners during the forepart of August. The estimated cost of the structure is $7,000.
At the suggestion the city board of works, the members which viewed the plans and specifications of yesterday at the request of the commissioners, conduits will be ineluded to carry wires for an ornamental light at each corner of the bridge. No provision for lighting had been made in the original plans.
Because the city had not provided proper approaches for the Tennessee avenue and Coombs street bridges and those structures were useless for a long time after they were erected, the commissioners refused to start the Fourth street span until the street, which had been opened from Clinton to Spy Run avenue, was built up permanent grade. Street Superintendent Strodel had a force of men on the job during the spring and early summer and has the work practically completed.
-
1916 - Park Board Will Use It's Surplus - establish swimming pool in Spy Run Creek
Article from Jun 20, 1916 The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1916, Spy run creek, Swimming pool1916 - Park Board Will Use It's Surplus - establish swimming pool in Spy Run Creek The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tuesday, June 20, 1916, Page 14.
PARK BOARD WILL USE ITS SURPLUS
Permission was asked from Comptroller Baade by the board of park commissioners at its meeting yesterday afternoon to use the $1,500 that was to have been devoted this year to the establishment of a swimming pool in Spy Run creek, north of Fourth street, for the purchase of the lot, 50x100 feet, at the northeast corner of Fifth and Clinton street, adjacent to Lawton park, for the completion of the fill on South Broadway, started last summer; for the erection of new backstops for the tennis courts in Lakeside park and for the purchase of a $850 gasoline-driven lawn mower.
The board of county commissioners will not build the bridge over Spy Run creek this year for the reason that city has not supplied suitable Approaches. The park board had planned to install a dam, connecting with the north abutments of the new bridge and form & basin that would serve as a swimming pool. For this purpose $1,500 was appropriated by the council last August. The dam built -by the city in the creek near the Lawton park driveway bridge to make a basin to provide water for the condensers of the light and power plant is being used as a swimming pool and it will not be necessary to provide another.
The lot which the board desires to purchase can be bought for $800. It should be acquired and added to Lawton park, the board thinks, for the reason that the owner should erect a building upon the ground the beauty of the park would be marred. Mayor Hosey, who was present at the meeting, urged that the purchase be made. Resolutions of regret on the resignation from the board of Professor Louis Dorn were passed. Mayor Hosey stated that he has had a number of names suggested to him for the vacancy but that he will not make his appointment until the latter part of the week.
A combination boat house and comfort station on the bank of Delta lake in Lakeside park, just north of Lake avenue, will be erected by the department this summer and bids on the contract for its construction have been asked.
The contract with the Elks' band and the Fort Wayne Consolidated band, each of which is to give fourteen concerts in the city parks during the summer, were signed at yesterday's meeting. The musicians are to receive $2.00 per concert and the leaders $4.00.
1916 - Spy Run Creek Swimmer - An Answer
Article from Jun 24, 1916 Fort Wayne Daily News (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1916, Spy run creek, Swimming1916 - Spy Run Creek Swimmer - An Answer Fort Wayne Daily News, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Saturday, June 24, 1916, Page 16.
An Answer.
To the Editor of the News: Will you be kind enough to give space in your "private opinions publicly expressed" section for my repudiation to Mr. Offended' attitude relative to swimming in the Spy Run creek at Lawton park.
The exception of Mr. Offended as printed in your issue of June 20th was read and reread with nothing but a feeling of disgust.
It appeals to me that the writer of the article in question ought not be so jealous or greeneyed towards the harmless pleasure, even manly art, our young Americans indulge in, in this Spy Run creek at Lawton park.
A critic in this respect should be ashamed of himself for such an outburst of antagonism. Rather should he have advocated their swimming and even the teaching thereof in this ideal pool.
What a commendable act would it not be should our city go even so far as to build bathing beach betwen the two dams along this creek with of course, adequate dressing rooms, suits, etc.; and encourage the learning of this art along scientific lines even at the expense of a public teacher.
What a sad and deplorable fact it is that so many of our boys; yes, men, young and grown, who cannot swim a stroke, owing to the fact that our city,' as large as it is, has not a single bathing beach within its limits.
The writer does not consider swimming a luxury and a pleasure only, but a necessity; an asset every person should possess, a weapon he can honestly and honorably use to advantage when need to combat the attacks on his life by the powerful foe, drowning.
Shame on the man who discourages swimming, much less fighting it by opposing the use of an ideal pool, the Spy Run creek, for its practice. What objection to Sunday bathing? Stop and think of the thousands of people who spend their rest time on Sundays on the popular beaches about the country; some enjoying the plunge themselves, while others find enjoyment in looking on. What offense can one take providing the participants properly conduct themselves. While we do not all favor the same sports or find pleasure in the same manner of pastime we should not criticize the other fellow or try to legisJate his line of enjoyments, be they honorable. Respectfully,
A SWIMMER.
1916 - "Mister Where Can I Go Swimmin'?"
Article from Jul 9, 1916 The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1916, Swimming1916 - "Mister Where Can I Go Swimmin'?" The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sunday, July 9, 1916, Page 25.
"Mister, Where Can I Go Swimmin'?"
KEY TO ILLUSTRATIONS.
No. 1--Group of youngsters : poscloth ashes the of ing for Journal-Gazette photograand during period pher on east bank of 8py Run creek, their lives in which they are free from near Lawton park.
No. 2--Fording the creek "on horseback."
No. 3--These boys know how to swim.
No. 4--Wading pool at the Guldlin playgrounds.
No.. 5-- Youthful bathers at the Spy Rün dam, east of the city power plant.
No. 6--'Keeping cool.' East bank Spy Run creek, near Lawton park."Mister, may I go swimming in Swinney park lake?"
"No, you cannot."
"May I. go swimming in the lake in Reservoir park?"
"No, my dear boy, that is also forbidden."
"May I go swimming in Spy Run creek?"
"No, the city board of health has forbidden swimming there on account insanitary conditions."
"Gee whiz, where can I swim?"
"I don't know. I guess you are up against it."
The above questions were asked by two ruddy faced "boys who came into the office of the park board the other day. Charles J. Steiss, secretary of the board, was forced to reply in the negative to each question.
Scenes, as shown in the above pictures are becoming fewer and fewer each day, and literally, Fort Wayne kids are "up against it."
It is needless to say that the boy and girl who have not the privilege of frequent swimming in the summer time have half of the joys of their prized vacations cruelly taken from them. Tom Sawyer may be a bit overdone so far as the average boy is concerned, but the love of Mark Twain's unparalleled boy character for the old swimming hole is present in each American lad to its maximum. The ordinances and regulations forbidding nude bathing within the city limits are necessary. Moreover, the sewage and refuse discharges into the natural bathing waters make them unfit for use even where public decency would not be offended. But action thus far taken is negative in its effect. What ts needed is constructive provision for summer bathing. Why make boys wear sack cloth and ashes during the period of their lives in which they are free from worrying responsibility and so charmingly fit to thoroughly enjoy life.
In the light: of what should be done in Fort Wayne the provisions that have been made in other cities are worthy of consideration.
In many American cities public baths are being established. Some of them are for summer bathing only, in rivers, lakes or oceans, and some of them are in substantial buildings for use the year around. Nude bathing in river or pond is one of the best sports of young boys in the country. But in cities such as Fort Wayne, where decency and health make this form unwise, it is nore than right that bathing beahes, bath houses and swimming should be established to take the place of nature's provisions.
It is probably more than a conservative estimate to say that not more than 50 per cent of the residences of Fort have bath-room tubs built up with water connections. Careful estimates in other cities show that the figures are sometimes as low as 20 per cent.
But even if every house had adequate facilities for the bath, there would still remain the need of public swimming parks for recreation purposes. It is said that Boston's indoor bath houses furnish 600,000 baths a year, while the municipal bathing beaches receive upwards of 2,000,000 during the summer months. This makes an average of about five baths a year under municipal auspices for every person living in the city. Although no other large American city is so well furnished with public baths, a great many have the all-year-round establishment while many others provide for summer bathing.
Delos F. Wilcox, in his book on the American City, says:
"Under proper regulations the publie bath may become the most effective of municipal enterprises for the control of leisure, the improvement of the public health, and the increase of manliness and respect among boys and young men."
This writer also makes a pertinent suggestion regarding public school baths, which are being established in many American cities.
"During the year preceding Nov. 10, public school No. 1, Borough of Manhattan, New York city, had furnished about 14,000 individual baths to the school children. Springfield, Mass., also has established some school baths, which are eagerly sought by the children. In Springfield women are admitted on Saturdays, and both women and children during the summer months. The school bath proper is sanitary and educational institution, but may be made a nucleus of public interest in the schoolhouse and help the school as a social center. The school equipped with playgrounds and baths, open throughout the summer vacation, would be in a position to do the leisure of the children, who are likely to learn lessons of lawlessness and vice if turned loose on the streets through the months when school is not in session." It is not the purpose of this article to champion any one plan of action, but in the light of present conditions the proposed improvement and damming of the St. Joe river will be a boon of inestimable value to Fort Wayne people, especially to its boys and girls.
1916 - Drowns - Colored Lad Goes Under While Swimming in Spy Run Creek - Sylvester A. House and 1916 - Drowns - Colored Lad Goes Under While Swimming in Spy Run Creek (continued)The Fort Wayne News, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tuesday, July 18, 1916, Page 2.
DROWNS
Colored Lad Goes Under While Swimming in Spy Run Creek. After a search of two hours police officials recovered the body of Sylvester A. House, 21 years of age, colored, was drowned in Spy Run creek at 10 o'clock last night. He went in swimming just above No 1 pumping station and sank before the eyes of a crowd of youngsters who were too small to give him aid. House came to Fort Wayne only a short time ago and was released from the county jail on Sunday after a jail sentence for following a little girl to her home. He was to have taken a position at the elec1tric light works this morning. His home is in Tennessee.
July 18, 1916 bottom, and July 18, 1916 top The Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tuesday, July 18, 1916, Page 11.
BOARD'S ORDER RECALLED.
Since the drowning of colored boy in the Spy Run creek attention has been called to the fact that the health board ordered no more swimming in stream. Police were notified to stop swimming there. Police say they have done all they could to stop the practice of bathing in the creek, which is made up of surface water, the health board, says. "At least a dozen times our patrolman has chased the boys away from the creek," Police Chief Lenz said Tuesday. "The patrolman who has that beat is also responsible for Bloomingdale, Lakeside and the Nebraska districts. He has been doing his best. If we are to keep constant watch there it will be necessary to order a special officer. We are doing all we can with the number of men we have. We have ordered the boys to stay out of Spy Run Creek.
[ July 4: Herman Miller drowned while swimming in St. Joe river, three miles north of Fort Wayne; July 18: Sylvester Ahouse colored drowns in Spy Run Creek. 1916 - Glancing Backward Over 1916 in Fort Wayne: Local Events Claiming Interest During Year The Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Saturday, December 30, 1916, Page 7 ]
1916 - No Bathing Order Must Be Obeyed - Reservoir Park Lake and Spy Run Creek Are Not to Be Entered
Article from Jul 20, 1916 The Fort Wayne Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1916, Spy run creek, Reservoir park lake, No swimming1916 - No Bathing Order Must Be Obeyed - Reservoir Park Lake and Spy Run Creek Are Not to Be Entered The Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Thursday, July 20, 1916, Page 10.
NO BATHING ORDER MUST BE OBEYED
Reservoir Park Lake and Spy Run Creek Are Not to Be Entered.
No bathing will be tolerated in Reservoir park lake during the remainder of the summer, Police Chief Lenz gave out Wednesday. Unsanitary condition of the water in the park lake caused the new ruling. Police, will see that the order is obeyed to the letter, they say.
Swimming must also cease in Spy Run creek at Lawton park, Lenz says. Young men caught in the water there will be brought to the station. Bathing in the other pools of the city will not be stopped as yet, as long as those who take part wear bathing suits.
Mayor Hosey and Police Chief Lenz both favor allowing boys to swim whenever possible. They believe it is the thing to let boys frolic in the lake at Reservoir park when condition of the water will permit. They think a bathing beach at the park lake would be excellent.
The park board, does not favor the children bathing in the lake at Reservoir park. People in the neighborhood object to the constant noise, they say. The water is always muddied by the children and some of the lads take no precautions when changing their clothes. Police have receive several complaints about indecencies in the region of the lake, it is pointed out.
Even after the water in the lake has been, purified by a supply from the reservoir overflow, the park board may not see fit to provide for beach or bath house at the lake. No order for either improvement will be asked this year, however. Park board members admit that they sympathize with the atittude of residents of the district.
The state law gives works board power to provide for bathing resorts and bath houses. In case the park board will take no action the board of works may have sand hauled in the lake and a temporary bath house built. Members of the board of works say they are not opposed to allowing small children in the lake.
Police Chief Lenz says if the city will furnish the gravel and wagons he will make the tramps, which visit Fort Wayne, perform the labor of building a bathing beach along one side of the reservoir lake.
"When the lake fixed up for swimming I would like to live on its shore," Lenz says. "I do not understand why anybody objects to the noise the boys make when swimming. It is fine to me. I would like to trade my present property and move right over in the thick of it, if they arrange for children to bathe. It would be better for me than going to Rome City. I guess I am a crank on that subject, but I know no finer music than the laughter and splashing of "kids" in swimming.
1917 - Will Use City Water - Swimming Pool Will Not Be Filled From Spy Run Creek
Article from Nov 6, 1917 The Fort Wayne Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1917, Spy run creek, Swimming pool1917 - Will Use City Water - Swimming Pool Will Not Be Filled From Spy Run Creek The Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Tuesday, November 6, 1917, Page 11.
WILL USE CITY WATER.
Swimming Pool Will Not Be Filled From Spy Run Creek. City officials visited Lawton park swimming pool Monday decided to have the basin filled by water from the city mains and not from Spy Run creek water, as was original planned. The outlet for the bathing pool will probably be into Spy Run creek, it was decided.
1919 - Install Pump - Park Board Nearly Ready to Pump Spy Run Creek Water
Article from Jun 20, 1919 The Fort Wayne Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1919, Spy run creek1919 - Install Pump - Park Board Nearly Ready to Pump Spy Run Creek Water The Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Friday, June 20, 1919, Page 22.
INSTALL PUMP.
Park Board Nearly Ready to Pump Spy Run Creek Water.
Park Superintendent Adolph Jaentoke has a force of workmen busy installing a pump which will lift water from Spy Run creek into the News-Rotary swimming pool in Lawton park. The water will flow into the pool constantly and a big outlet will insure a free flow. At present water from the city pumping stations is being used. Each night the pool is emptied and filled with city water, which becomes sufficiently warm over night to make swimming pleasant.
There are two watchmen on duty at the park. One day watchman is on duty from 8 o'clock a. m. until 10 p. m., and a life guard is on duty from 7 until 10 p. m.
1922 - Ten Are Baptised in Spy Run Creek - Adventist church
Article from Apr 30, 1922 The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1922, Spy run creek, Adventist church, Baptism1922 - Ten Are Baptised in Spy Run Creek - Adventist church The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sunday, April 30, 1922, Page 23.
TEN ARE BAPTISED: IN SPY RUN CREEK
Ten candidates for membership In the Adventist church were baptised in Spy Run creek yesterday afternoon, following the series of revival meetings which have been conducted at Adventist church by Evangelist Matt Allen. Meetings are held at the Adventist church, corner of Third and Marion streets every Saturday afternoon. Services will be conducted tonight by Evangelist Allen.
free genealogy since 1996