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Charlie Halleck Day - Sept. 13, 1962

A view of the crowd assembled on the courthouse lawn, listening to Gen. Dwight D

One of the popular names in Jasper County is that of Charles A. Halleck, former U.S. House Majority Leader, and a close personal friend to President Eisenhower.

In 1962, the former president came to Rensselaer to personally endorse Halleck for re-election. This event is still talked about by residents who remember the visit. The day-long visit included a public speech delivered on the courthouse steps, the dedication of a cornerstone for Saint Joseph's College's Halleck Center, as well as other dinners and revelries that would accompany a visit from such a distinguished guest.

You can read the full text of Eisenhower's speech that day thanks to the Eisenhower Memorial Commission.

Click on the links below to see coverage from the Rensselaer Republican newspaper of the pre-visit preparation and the visit itself. These files were taken from the microfilm records available at the library.

 

application/pdf icon"Welcome To Town Ike and Chuck" Front page of the Rensselaer Republican Sept. 13, 1962
application/pdf icon"Thousands Attend Halleck Day Fete" Front page of the Rensselaer Republican Sept. 14, 1962
application/pdf icon"Halleck Day Highlights" Page 3 of the Rensselaer Republican Sept. 14, 1962
application/pdf icon"Halleck Day Highlights" Page 6 of the Rensselaer Republican Sept. 14, 1962

Jasper County History

B075_Future_Nurses_Club_of_1971

In the early 1970s, Rensselaer Central High School had a Future Nurses Club with over 100 members at one point in 1971. Officers of the club in 1971 are pictured above (L to R) Rita Messman, president; Kay Foulks, treasurer; Sharon Yeoman, vice-president; Debbie Phegley, secretary; Kris Spurgeon, chairman. Did these women become nurses after graduation? If anyone has information on the whereabouts of these officers, please contact the Republican with the information. Photo provided. Rensselaer Republican 11/18/02

See more Jasper County History photos at our Flickr site.

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