Headlines in History 1903: Shopping to musical airs brings shoppers into

What was making news in our area during this week in years past? The History Museum offers these newspaper excerpts to give you an idea.

Dec. 22, 1903: “An innovation in Christmas shopping circles was introduced in South Bend yesterday when Irving A. Sibley, sr., the popular South Michigan street hardware merchant, provided music for his patrons during the afternoon and evening. The feature was a decided novelty and was not only pleasing but very entertaining. Many people visited the establishment and enjoyed the treat.” — The South Bend Tribune

Dec. 23, 1918: “The influenza epidemic in South Bend gives very strong indications of decreasing, according to a statement made to The Tribune to-day by Dr. E. G. Freyermuth, secretary of the city board of health. He says that the total number of deaths in the city in October from all causes was 147 and for the last 20 days of October, the period in the month covering the influenza epidemic, the total was 138.” — The South Bend Tribune

Dec. 24, 1925: “Presence of mind of the drivers of two central station fire trucks speeding to the Studebaker corporation plant in response to an alarm early last night narrowly averted a disaster at the Lafayette boulevard crossing of the New York Central railroad. Both gambled with fate in the face of an oncoming passenger train — and won.” — The South Bend Tribune

Dec. 26, 1944: “Irate housewives and other shoppers today are giving South Bend retail food dealers one of their ‘hardest days’ since the advent of rationing. Storekeepers reported that they are bearing the brunt of the wrath of outraged shoppers whose buying plans have been thrown into a turmoil by the office of price administration’s cancellation of certain food coupons issued before Dec. 1 in connection with a tightening of rationing.” — The South Bend Tribune

Dec. 27, 1951: “A new front-end treatment, substantial restyling of the rear and a five-passenger hardtop convertible called the Starliner feature the 1952 line of Studebaker automobiles. K. B. Elliot, Studebaker corporation executive vice-president, in disclosing details of the new models today, said that they would be shown by dealers for the first time early in January. The Starliner will be offered in both Champion and Commander models.” — The South Bend Tribune

Dec. 28, 1960: “A Mishawaka man who pulled a fire alarm box, ‘just to watch the fire engines go by,’ was fined $30 in city court Tuesday after he pleaded guilty before Judge Peter M. LaCava.” — The South Bend Tribune

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: 1903: Live music is introduced in South Bend holiday business

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