100 Years Ago this Week: Jan. 24-31

From The Indianapolis News, Saturday, January 24, 1914: As the 400 members of the police department and the 330 members of the fire department go about their daily work, they have a feeling of security against disability and old age on account of the pension funds of the departments. Yet, an investigation discloses those “funds” are on an unstable basis and are little more than theory; they are in danger of bankruptcy; they are founded on a system that ultimately must fail. Possibly they may weather five years — ten years more — but in the future they will be wiped out of existence unless some more substantial method of financing them is found. In this Indianapolis is no exception. It is true in every large city that has pension funds for its police and fire fighters.

If you would like a collection of these “100 Years Ago this Week” the  Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 E. University (Irvington) has the last 3 years in 3 booklets – $10 per set. They are open Wed. 1-3pm, Sat. & Sun.1-4pm. All proceeds benefit the Irvington Historical Society.