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STORY INDEX Introduction Population of Indiana's northeast counties grew by 81 percent this century Tracking railroads: Since 1900, number of local lines reduced from five to two Longtime area auto dealers have 'seen it all' Amish continue long-held traditions - except on safety issues Cars accelerate lives of Noble County residents The price of cars: How much did it cost to drive one off the lot? Electric Interurban connected area to Fort Wayne, beyond LaGrange residents rally to save historic brick streets U.S. 6, Ind. 3: Kendallville's routes to growth Agriculture ever-changing, advancing in Noble County Comparisons: How far did the dollar stretch? Growing onions, peppermint made 'scents' in early 1900s The Gaby farm: Family-owned and celebrating over 150 years A changing culture impacts 4-H County fair continues to be a big social event Thriving through the times: Downtown Kendallville adapts to a century of changes Dekko's philanthropy remains a 'valuable resource' Rinkel family still at the wheel of Greenfield Hills Commerce nothing new to Shipshewana: Town thrives as one of fastest-growing tourist areas in state Making do during the Great Depression: Retired hatchery owner recalls tough times, bright moments Mill a 'Star' business in Ligonier: Firm has been grinding wheat into flour for 113 years Elmer E. McCray had a major impact on Kendallville Richard R. Cole has long legacy Female executive has seen many changes in workforce Working women: From assisting war effort to competing in global markets Wolcottville a center of commerce, industry in 1800s Mongoquinong area was early LaGrange County commercial center 'The cheapest hired hand we ever had.' Electricity made life brighter, easier down on the farm Monument company's history set in stone Historic Corn School dates back to 1906 Cost Comparisons: How far did the dollar stretch?   Over the century the value of the dollar has decreased. One dollar meant more to a consumer in 1927 than it does in 1999. Based on advertisements printed in The News-Sun, average prices of food and commodities have increased through a century marked by mass production anc technological advances. In 1927 baked ham cost 30 cents per eight- to 12-pound slabs, averaging each pound at about 3 cents. In 1940 baked ham sold for 23 cents per pound. In 1960 baked ham was 39 cents per pound for a shank portion. A whole or butt portion was 49 cents per pound. A 1980 pound of baked ham cost $1.19. Now a baked ham costs about $3.59 per pound. Milk in 1927 was 25 cents for three tall cans, averaging 8 cents per can. In 1940 six tall cans cost 35 cents, or 6 cents each. Six tall cans of evaporated milk cost 79 cents in 1960, making each can about 13 cents each. In 1980 a gallon of milk sold for $1.69. Today a gallon of milk costs $2.49. Eggs in 1927 cost 24 cents per dozen. A dozen eggs in 1940 cost 27 cents per dozen. In 1960 a dozen eggs cost 42 cents. In 1980 a dozen eggs cost 69 cents. Today a dozen large eggs costs 89 cents. A 24-ounce loaf of wrapped split bread sold for 9 cents in 1927. In 1940 three 1.5-pounds of Ives bread cost 25 cents. In 1960 two 1.25-pound loaves cost 41 cents. Three 16-ounce loaves of bread cost 89 cents in 1980. Today a single 16-ounce loaf costs 69 cents. Refrigerators in 1927 cost $195. In 1940 an all-porcelain refrigerator cost $157.75. A General Electric refrigerator/freezer sold for $288.88 with trade in 1960. In 1980 a 19.0-cubic-foot frostless refrigerator was $499.95. Now a 25.2-cubic-foot refrigerator with an ice crusher and water dispenser costs around $998.99. New oil filters cost $1 in 1940 and were recommended every 8,000 miles. Now the average oil change and filter costs $19.95 and is recommended every 3,000 miles. A 1964 electric adding machine cost $89.50. In 1980 a portable desktop calculator cost $14.88. Today a computer with a CD-Rom, color printer, keyboard, 3D sound and monitor averages $1,539. Mowers were self-propelled in 1927. The Excelsion mower cost $8.75 in that year. In 1960 a 24-inch riding mower cost $154.95 with trade. Today a 16-horsepower, 46-inch riding mower costs about $2,799. In 1927 a dollar sounded more exciting and valuable than it does today. Today when you walk down the street and see a nickel or dime, it seems easier just to walk on by than take the effort to pick it up. In 1927 though, a nickel or dime was enough to buy a whole pound of baked ham or a tall can of milk. If you found a couple nickels or dimes, you could have bought dinner for the whole family.