Historical Images of Porter County

Fire at Farmers State Bank
Valparaiso, Indiana

Date: 1926
Source Type: Postcard
Publisher, Printer, Photographer: Unknown (#7)
Postmark: None
Collection: Steven R. Shook
Remark: The structure in the left portion of this photograph is Szold's Department Store. Farmers State Bank was located on West Main Street and was destroyed by fire in 1926. The structure was originally known as Valparaiso Hall, located on the Starr and Anthony Block, and was constructed in 1864. Later, the structure was more commonly known as the Academy of Music Block. The second floor of the structure housed professional offices, while the third floor was home to the Masonic Lodge. Heineman & Sievers Rexall Drug Store shared the first floor of this structure with Farmers State Bank. Prior to the construction of the Academy of Music Block, this site was the location of one of the first homes in Valparaiso, that of John Spurlock. Spurlock's home was also the location of the first session of circuit court in Porter County in October 1836, presided over by Judge Samuel C. Sample.

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Image and related text prepared by Steven R. Shook