Autoless Sunday is Generally Observed

From The Indianapolis News, Monday, September 2: Few pleasure cars were on the streets of Indianapolis Sunday as the city observed the federal fuel administration’s appeal to conserve gasoline and only use automobiles in emergency cases. Horse and buggies, bicycles, and electric automobiles were the private conveyances of choice for most citizens. Street car traffic was unusually heavy, especially on the north and east side lines. An indicator of how well the first gasoline-less Sunday was observed was that no automobile accidents were reported; usually two or three crashes occur every Sunday. At downtown street crossings, traffic policemen found it unnecessary to exercise the usual vigilance to assure the safety of pedestrians; only an occasional taxi passed through the district. Glances were cast askance by citizens at the owners of the few machines seen at parks, golf courses, and churches.

“Autoless Sunday is Generally Observed,” The Indianapolis News, 2 September 1918, p. 17:1

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New Camp Formally Presented to Scouts

From The Indianapolis News, Monday, August 26: The 90-acre new Scout camp along Fall Creek, west of Ft. Benjamin Harrison, was formally dedicated on Saturday. Eighty-five Boy Scouts performed stunts - a tug of war; a boxing match; water fights and a game of water polo - before one hundred visitors and officials prior to the ceremonies. Scoutmaster Francis O. Belzer inspected the Scouts and Troop 23 won first place. Those assembled sung America and Over There before Charles C. Perry, Indianapolis Light & Heat Co president, made the dedication address. After the speeches, the Scouts formed a circle around the flagpole and stood at attention while the flag was lowered. While a permanent name has not been given to the camp, the first camp held this summer was Camp Liberty and the camp just closed was Camp Victory.

“New Camp Formally Presented to Scouts,” The Indianapolis News, 26 August 1918, p. 2:5

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4-Minute-Men Ready for Work

From The Indianapolis Star, Sunday, August 25: C. Roltare Eggleston, chairman of the Indianapolis Four-Minute Men, has notified the Committee on Public Information in Washington, DC that the organization is almost at full strength and ready to serve the government. The group of volunteer speakers will be available to give four-minute talks at community and club meetings on topics of the American war effort of vital concern to the people. The Four-Minute Men meet each Monday for lunch at the Board of Trade dining room to hear speakers of national note address the various war activities of the government. The organization will be in charge of an exhibit at the Indiana State Fair next week that was prepared by the United States government. A reserve force of Four-Minute Men has also been recruited to give talks in the larger drives.

“4-Minute-Men Ready for Work,” The Indianapolis Star, 25 August 1918, p. 22:6

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