Fort Wayne Observed

"Moon Landings! Heart Transplants! What Will Happen Next?"

Since the United States has launched its last space shuttle this might be a good time to revisit a time in Fort Wayne when manned space travel was new.

This advertisement for the East 30 Drive In appeared in the summer of 1968.

 

A Look Back: Swartz Furs in 1932

Swart Fur Company - a downtown Fort Wayne business in 1932. Credit: Davis' Allen County Directory.

Best line? "Guaranteed not to injure ...".

When Advertising 'Made in America' You Should Mean It

If a manufacturer is going to advertise that its products are "Made in the USA" then it certainly should make the products in the United States.

A young couple of FWOb's acquaintance makes a surprising discovery as they assemble a new crib.

You can see the original post here

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Valedictory: Detective Sergeant Craig Robison

City of New Haven municipal offices will be closed today to allow for city employees to attend the funeral of Detective Sergeant Craig A Robison.  He had been a New Haven police officer for 21 years.

He was a Deputy Allen County Coroner, member of the Indiana Coroner’s Association.,  a Special Deputy U.S. Marshall, member of the Federal Bank Robbery Task Force,  member of the Fraternal Order of Police Wayne Lodge 14 and D.A.R.E. Officer. He served for 27 years as a member and past president of the New Haven Festival Committee.

The photo above is of Detective Sergeant Robison's police car in front of the New Haven City Hall and Police Station.  A large black ribbon has been placed across the windshield.

Members of FOP Wayne Lodge 14 are providing a continuous Honor Guard during the visitation and funeral.

Photo credit: Fort Wayne Observed | Mitch Harper

New Fandana Festival - August 11, 12 and 13 at Huntington University

Huntington University has announced the first Fandana Festival:

The first annual Fandana Festival is coming to the Huntington University campus on Aug. 11, 12 and 13.

More than 30 bands will perform on multiple stages around campus, including Switchfoot, Sidewalk Prophets, Photoside Cafe, Attaboy and Me in Motion. The festival will also feature an indie band competition, seminars and an indie film component.

“Huntington University is very enthused about hosting the only multi-day Christian music and arts festival in the state of Indiana. The Fandana Festival is also one of the only music and arts events in the nation to be held completely on a college campus,” said Jeff Berggren, HU’s senior vice president for enrollment management and marketing. “This is an opportunity to welcome our regional friends for a fantastic family and teen group experience.”

The campus will be buzzing from Thursday afternoon through Saturday with fun for the whole family. Overnight lodging is also available in residence halls for individuals or groups.

Tickets are $19 in advance or $25 at the gate. Groups of 15 or more are $15. Tickets are on sale now at www.fandanafestival.com.

“The Fandana Festival is a great ministry opportunity for HU and we look forward to watching the event grow over the next several years,” Berggren said.

Botanical Conservatory Announces 2011 Concert Series Bands

The Fort Wayne Botanical Conservatory announced its lineup of artists for its 2011 summer concert series.  All of the bands are great but the blues and zydeco dates are particularly good.

Buckwheat Zydeco in Fort Wayne, Indiana fromFort Wayne Observed on Vimeo.

 You can view a Fort Wayne Observed video of the first Zydeco concert at the Botanical Conservatory in 2006.  The great Buckwheat Zydeco band performed that year.

Here is the 2011 Botanical Roots Concert Schedule:

Friday July 29, 2011
The Ark Band (Reggae)
Local Opener – U.R. B.
The Ark Band is a St. Lucian reggae band, based in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1987 by Terry and Eustace Bobb, (The St. Lucian Riddim Twins) The Ark Band has continually toured across the United States, Canada and Jamaica sharing its roots reggae, calypso and soca music.

Website- www.thearkband.com

Friday August 5, 2011
The New Familiars (Americana)
Local Opener – The Rewinders
For years now, North Carolina's The New Familiars have been touring & playing their own style of American Rock & Roll wherever and whenever they can. Drawing from the vast influences that they've collected throughout their careers, this quartet has shaped a sound that combines the
nitty-gritty roots music of Appalachia with guitar-drenched-drum-driven anthems of Rock & Roll.
Through collaborative songwriting, howling harmonies, & multi-instrumental talent, their show can take you from a back porch hoe-down to a full on rock show at the change of an instrument.

Website- www.thenewfamiliars.com

Friday August 12, 2011
Country Joe McDonald (Folk)
Opener – Otis Gibbs
Country Joe McDonald straddles the two polar events of the 60s -- Woodstock and the Vietnam War. The first Country Joe and the Fish record was released in 1965, in time for the Vietnam Day Teach-In anti-war protest in Berkeley, California.

Website- www.countryjoe.com

Friday August 19, 2011
The Tossers (Celtic Rock)
Local Opener – The Staggerers
Coming from the predominantly Irish neighborhoods of South-Side Chicago, the Tossers have been expanding the boundaries of contemporary Irish music since the early '90s. The heart of their distinct sound is derived through the melding of traditional Irish and Punk Rock roots.
Combining traditional instrumentation of mandolin, fiddle, tin whistle and banjo with amphetamine fueled guitar, bass and drums, the Tossers play with a furious edge that teeters between rage and raucousness.

Website- www.thetossers.com

Friday August 26, 2011
John Primer and the Real Deal Blues Band (Blues)
Local Opener – Dan Smyth Trio

By any yardstick, Chicago guitarist John Primer has paid his dues. Prior to making The Real Deal for Mike Vernon's Atlantic-distributed Code Blue label, Primer spent 13 years as the ever- reliable rhythm guitarist with Magic Slim & the Teardrops. Before that, he filled the same role behind Chicago immortals Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon.

Website- www.johnprimerblues.com

Friday September 2, 2011
Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience (Zydeco)
Local Opener – Whiskey Hollar
For nearly 30 years, Grammy award winning artist, 8th generation Louisiana Creole has been shattering the myths about what his indigenous Zydeco music is and is not. Leading his Zydeco Experience band, Simien has become one of the most respected and internationally recognized touring and recording artists in roots music today. He has performed over 6000 concerts, toured millions of miles to over 45 countries and reached at least a million people during his eventful career that spans 3 decades.

Website- www.terrancesimien.com