Here is a collection of photos and advertisements pertaining to Freddie Shaffer and His All Girl Orchestra. Freddie was a Clinton County musician who in 1938 formed an all-girl band, which in 1941 played on the first radio show broadcast from Frankfort. For more on Freddie and his band, read his Notable Clinton Countians page, … Continue reading Freddie Shaffer’s All Girl Orchestra
Notable Clinton Countians: Zerna Addis Sharp
Zerna Addis Sharp, often called the “Mother of the Dick and Jane reader,” was born near Hillisburg in 1889. Although Sharp never wrote any of the stories for the popular reading books, she selected the subject matter and storylines and supervised the artwork and layout for each book. She also named the characters and decided … Continue reading Notable Clinton Countians: Zerna Addis Sharp
Notable Clinton Countians: Freddie Shaffer
Freddie Shaffer was born and raised in Frankfort. Shaffer performed with the Fred Waring and Paul Whiteman orchestras before returning to Clinton County to teach music. In 1938, Shaffer established an all-girl band, starting with about 15 talented girls. The Big Band era was in full swing, and the girls were selected for their musical … Continue reading Notable Clinton Countians: Freddie Shaffer
Notable Clinton Countians: Curley Myers
Gerald “Curley” Myers began his career at age 9 performing at area social gatherings. After high school, Myers formed the Hoosier Ramblers, regulars on WDAN radio in Danville, Ill. They later moved to WLW in Cincinnati and changed their name to the Buccaneers. Early in 1955, Indianapolis-based WFBM-TV started airing Indiana Hoedown, featuring the WLW stars. … Continue reading Notable Clinton Countians: Curley Myers
Notable Clinton Countians: Jon Magnus Johnson
Jon Magnus Jonson designed and sculpted the three figures that adorn the exterior of the Purdue Hall of Music (Elliott Hall) and also cut a portion of the work on the Memorial Union Building. Among other work in Indiana are the artistic fountains in Frankfort and Richmond and a number of the sculpture of the George … Continue reading Notable Clinton Countians: Jon Magnus Johnson
Notable Clinton Countians: Will Geer
Will Geer was born William Aughe Ghere on March 9, 1902, but changed the spelling of his name in the early 1920s and became better known as "Grandpa Walton" of the Walton's TV fame in the 1970s. Geer graduated Frankfort High School in 1919 and went on to the University of Chicago on a horticultural scholarship. After … Continue reading Notable Clinton Countians: Will Geer