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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 Historic Corn School dates back to 1906 By WANDA YODER The News-Sun   LAGRANGE- The LaGrange County Corn School Week, which has developed into an annual street fair, has its origins in agriculture and commerce. Under the legal sanction of a legislative enactment, Superintendent of Schools Herbert S. Gilhams, the county board of education, and the 11 township trustees met in the spring of 1906 at the courthouse. The meeting was arranged for teaching of the corn growing process in the schools. Boys in the corn classes were to show their products the following winter at the County Farmers' Institute, and there the winners would receive ribbons. Later in the spring, Louis N. Litman and Robert M. Waddell of the Chamber of Commerce suggested that the corn class boys show their product in the fall, and that a day be designated in their honor, a public program be given, and prizes be awarded. All this was approved and $92 was raised among the businessmen to meet expenses of the occasion. On a Friday that October, the first event was held. Gov. J. Frank Hanley was the orator of the day, and the Howe Military School Band and cadets, in uniform, participated in a parade. Prizes were contributed by the businessmen. The event was so successful that arrangements were made for another in 1907. In 1908, a two-day Corn School was planned, with the state secretary of agriculture as the speaker. Since 1909, Corn School has opened on Monday and continued for a full week. Its premium list was increased to include livestock, poultry, farm products, needlework, fruit, pastry and for a time, 4-H Club work. Then came the Corn School Week parades, and prizes for the various events soon rose to a total of $3,000 a year. Gypsies were usually seen at Corn School fairs in the early days. Fortune-telling was popular from 1915-1920. Besides area contributors for prizes, Charles W. Post of Battle Creek, Mich., breakfast food manufacturer, offered $50 annually for two years, as first prize on 10 ears of white corn. Many prominent speakers visited Corn School Week over the years, including 20 or more congressmen, two bishops (a Methodist Episcopal and an Episcopalian), and a score of other men of distinction. Among the list of presidents of the Corn School were Merle V. Rawson, who was secretary and later president for a total of 40 years, and William Connelly, who assumed the presidency in 1973 and continued until 1990 when Michael Rowlison, who was vice president for a number of years, became president. The LaGrange County Corn School, Inc., was incorporated July 18, 1938, as a non-profit corporation. The first official title of the fair was shortened from LaGrange County Farm Products Show and Corn School Week, to the LaGrange County Corn School Week. 4-H exhibits were first shown at Corn School in 1943. Dairy and beef cattle, horses and swine were still showing during Corn School Week 1947. A tractor pull was added in 1948. WOWO 1190-AM out of Fort Wayne furnished the entertainment (Kenny Roberts and George Troxell) for the week with three shows each day. WOWO's fee was $75. In 1953, it was decided that the LaGrange County 4-H Fair would be combined with Corn School Week. Corn School Week was moved up to August from the first week in October for two years to accommodate the 4-H members. However, the plan was not successful and it was decided it was better to have the 4-H fair and Corn School at their normal, separate times.