The Star Press from Muncie, Indiana • Page 31

The Mungie star SECTION MARKETS SECTION CLASSIFIED ADS MUNCIE, INDIANA, SUNDAY. APRIL 25, 1965 NEARING THE TALK STAGE? ON SALE NOW Stravinsky Coming Here for BSJJ Festival of Arts County Library Problem Still Without a Solution Local History Book a Timely Account being charged by the Muncie Public Library. Representative annual charges for non-resident cards in cities By FLOYD CREECH Another attempt to interest county officials and residents in some form of library service from the Muncie Public Library was made last week by Leon Jones, library director. Jones said he again sent letters to township trustees and commissioners of Delaware County inviting discussions of the county's library needs and various where there is no county library are: ly; The man who is hailed as the world's greatest living composer will participate in the Festival of the Arts at Ball State University on July 1. He is Igor Stravinsky, Russian-born composer of such works as "The Firebird." "The Rite of Spring." and "Petrushka." Two of his works, "The Soldier's Tale." and "Oedipus Rex," will be presented by the Ball State Opera Workshop, the Music Department and the Ball State Theatre.

Robert Craft, the 83-year-old composer's friend and associate, will conduct the Ball State-Community Arts Festival Orchestra, for the two productions in the Emens Auditorium. DESCRIBED AS a "mighty colossus" who has "straddled the ways the needs might be met. Last year, after a two- said they are always willing to discuss the matter further, at year demonstration period of free library services to the county, a county-wide petition to continue the services and share the expense least one said he has no desire to do so and considers the matter closed. Howard V. Wright, trustee of Washington Township, said he is with the city through a tax levy was defeated by a re not against a library, but con By BILL BRANTLEY The Delaware County Historical Society has published an historical sketch of "Muncie and Delaware County," for sale during the centennial year of Muncie's incorporation as a city.

Richard A. Greene, president of the county society, is the author of 21-page booklet which can be obtained from Penzel's Booksellers, 211 S. Walnut or from the historical society by writing to box 1262, Muncie, or from society members. The society will use all of the proceeds from the booklet to advance its program of keeping alive the historic features of our city and county. Greene, long-time columnist for The Muncie Star, has produced a balanced and accurate account of our history.

Two maps, one of the city and the other of the county, are featured in the booklet pointing out the historic spots in the area. Greene has written a brief description of each of these spots including the original site of old Munseetown on Min-netrista Boulevard overlooking White River and the site of the county's first school on Burlington Drive near Prairie Creek Lake. GREENE begins his summary with the story of the Delaware Indians and traces their activities and tribulations in this area. Then the first white settlers arrived from the south and east, gradually pushing into the north and west sections of the county. Principal citizens of early days are discussed and their contriubtions noted.

He then discussed the arrival of the railroad, the gas boom of the 1890s, the beginning of the Normal School which is now Ball State University, and quickly arrives at the modern era. monstrance. sidered the proposition, as pre sented, to be unacceptable. THE MUNCIE PUBLIC Library 'There were more people Board then voted to cut off all against the library than for it, and there are other ways scarce money could be spent to do more good, such as for a new I) public library services to the rest of the county and offered out-of-township library cards for $20 a year to non-residents who wished to use the Muncie Richmond Anderson Hartford City Kokomo Crawford, ville Indianapolis Jeffersonville Mish-awaka Gary E. Chicago and South Bend $3.

Fort Wayne, which has a county system, charges $20. Fees for non-resident cards in counties having a county library are: New Castle Logans port Terre Haute $10; Bloom-ington Columbus" and Evansville $3. Jones' position and that of the Muncie Library Board are supported by Marcelle K. Foote, head of the extension division of the Indiana State Library, Indianapolis. "IT MUST BE remembered," she said, "that while the nonresident fees may be high, these are to all intents and purposes family cards.

"Bureau of the Census says the average family consists of 3.7 people. If the non-resident fee of $20 is divided by 3.7, the per capita charge is $5.40. Taxpayers of Muncie paid a per capita tax of $3.24 in 1964. "This is not too great a dif school," Wright said. world of contemporary music," Stravinsky has had a tremendous influence on music in this century.

Born in Oranienburg, a suburb of Leningrad on June 18, 1882, the Russian composer, pianist and conductor began his study of the piano at age nine. He learned free improvisation at the piano early in life and has continued to do all of his composing at the piano. During his early years he was libraries. Observers say two factors played major roles in defeating "There's no reason to discuss the matter further, and I don't know why he (Jones) is asking again. He's had his answer.

I intend to let sleeping dogs lie," he concluded. Both Mrs. Ervin Rickert, Un the plan for continuation of services to the county. They were wide-spread belief the county tax ICOR STRAVINSKY rate would rise quickly to the vinsky moved to the U.S. and 35 cent ceiling and lack of as ion Township trustee, and Ted became an American citizen in They were "Le Chant du Rossignol" and "Les Noces." He went to Paris in 1914 and surances of adequate county representation on the Library Hamilton Township, 1945.

In 1940 he completed his said they would be willing to "Symphony in and was the Board. became a naturalized French talk about library service again conductor when the Chicago Sym i influenced by the great Russian composer-conductor, Rimsky-Kor-sakov under whom Stravinsky studied for two years. The untimely death of his teacher prevented Stravinsky from presenting his first major composition, "Fireworks" before Rimsky-Kor-sakov died in 1908. This composition was written to celebrate the marriage of Rimsky-Korsa-kov's daughter. phony presented it for the first Mrs.

Rickert said there is always the possibility people who time. "Norwegian Moods" was citizen in 1934. It was during the earlier part of his French years that his anti-romantic tendencies sharpened. Stravinsky turned to neo-classicism for his expression, opposed the petition were misin first presented in Boston in 1944 Still a controversial composer, A county councilman this week added another reason for opposing a city-county plan in saying the Muncie Public Library is the only tax-supported agency in the county not under the control of an elected official or body. reveling in the works of Handel.

Stravinsky, nevertheless, enjoys a world-wide reputation as the Like Goats, the Cow Devours Most Anything ference in view of the fact that foremost composer of the gener Scarlatti and Pergolesi. From this period we have his 'L'His-torie du Soldat," followed by ation. He is considered one of i nowever, iauo was a sigmucani year in the life of Stravinsky. His "Scherzo Fantastique" was also performed that year and he the most influential single figures 'Pulcinella," "Oedipus Rex," the use of materials by nonresident borrowers may prohibit Muncie taxpayers or their children from using them, and would necessitate the purchase of duplicate copies of books and other printed materials to satisfy the He said he will oppose any in the field of contemporary became acquainted with the great extension of Muncie Public "Apollon Musagetes," "Symphony of Psalms" and "Persephone." formed. She said she has had some complaints from parents who have needed research materials for their children, but couldn't get them from the Muncie library without paying $20 for a library card.

BILLARD SAID the only way to make progress is to talk things over, and he is willing. He said before there seemed to be a lack of mutual understanding or willingness to compromise which defeated the proposition. He said he would try to at music. choreographer, Diaghilev. This Robert Lawson Craft, who will Library services into the county until proper controls are placed The great composer first visited the United States in 1925.

He had conduct while Stravinsky is on on the library's activities. the Ball State campus, is pres was the beginning of a long association. Stravinsky orchestrated some Chopin pieces for the ballet "Chopiniana" which marked the beginning of a long succession of increased demand by non-resident borrowers when such expense would be unnecessary if onlv He cited, specifically, pay such foreign objects is his No. 1 reason for condemning an entire carcass. "Cows like rubber goods," declared Dr.

Prchal, pointing to a child's ball, a deflated volley ball and a piece of inner tube he has incorporated into a display of indigestibles "eaton" by cows. many other trips in succeeding ently the conductor of the Cham scales, which he declares are ber Art Society and of the New years as his works were pre Muncie residents were usinz much higher than other govern PHOENIX, Arix. (AP) -The day apparently is here when man constitutes a greater disease threat to cattle than the other way around. Dr. Charles J.

Prchal, chief of federal meat inspection at a local packing plant, says it's because man drops, loses, throws away or sets down things the cow swallows. DISPLAYING A hook, line and sinker as his latest find in the stomach, of a butchered cow, Dr. Prchal asserted that the York Brass and Woodwind En miered in America. The "Sym the library." mental agencies, 30-day paid great ballets. phony of Psalms," he said, was sembles.

He has studied conducting with Pierre Monteaux vacations for employes, inflated tend if a definite meeting time written for the "glory of God' and the Boston Symphony in 1930, and place were announced. and composition with Stravinsky. usage figures and inadequate controls over the personal use of library equipment such as "Here's a piece of automobile" A pianist, he made his first A survey of several Indiana His "Jeu de Cartes" had its Stravinsky's "The Firebird" was finished In 1910, "Pe-truskka" In 1911 and "Sacre du Printemps" in 1913. "Petrushka" Inspired a riot Stravinsky composed two more before he left Russia in 1914. Town Hall appearance in 1949 in counties, conducted by the Mun world premiere at the Metropoll vehicles.

a program of Stravinsky's music said Dr. Prchal, displaying a seven-inch strip of chromed fender decoration with Jagged points on tan Opera House in 1938. cie atar, revealed tnat nonresident library card fees are in which he shared the baton WHILE SEVERAL trustees of She concluded by saying, "The Muncie Library Board and librarian is to be commended for protecting the interests of Muncie taxpayers in this manner." Jones said he is convinced the board took the proper action, pointing out there is a general beefing up of school library service in the county that would not THE FOLLOWING YEAR Stra Iwith the composer. generally far below the $20 now complications resulting from both ends. townships in Delaware County Urbana Offers Model for Muncie 9s Downtown have happened if the demonstra- tion had not pointed up the need.

He said initiative for Dublie coming away with some ideas that could be applied locally, By LARRY SHORES Downtown Muncie may be able to learn a thing or two from library services must come from what is involved by visiting the Urbana project and other renovation programs such as the one in Kalamazoo, Mich, where thjro is a beautiful pedestrian mMl Urbana is a city on the move and has a brand new air conditioned downtown shopping mall to prove it. Groups of Muncie businessmen PRIOR TO beginning its downtown revitalizauon project, Ur Urbana, a city 150 miles to the County Commissioners or the the Delaware County situation as Township Trustees. Describing bana faced the problems which downtown. These projects are the west which decided a few years ago to do something about its decrepit downtown area. and government officials have begun visiting the city in hopes of taking place all over the coun most American cities are now struggling with a strangulation extremely difficult, he referred to the current amending law passed by the 1965 General As try because it's been the experi sembly and explained: ence that this is the only answer to halting the death of our of the downtown area due to traffic problems, poor land usage and small disjointed structures.

Muncie is beginning to think about these and other key prob- 1. NO COMMUNITY in Dela- cities." Petty's most recent trip to ware County may establish a county or town library, if the incorporated town numbers less lems facing its downtown area. 1 1 than 10,000 population. 1 COUNTY LIBRARY service may be established: Urbana came last Wednesday. Accompanied by County Surveyor Ward Harlan, Jerry Stephany, merchandise manager at the Ball Stores, and this reporter, the city's mall project was the basis for a three-hour visit.

Earner mis wee during a lengthy discussion session held by 70 community leaders at Southside High School there emerged little doubt that down town renovation is near the top of a list of coals which the URBANA REPRESENTS a private redevelopment undertaking Muncie community must work to attain. 1 with cooperation from that city's government. Several years ago, The trips to Urbana are ex three of the town's most prom a. if the Muncie Public Library Board issues an invitation. b.

if the County Commissioners accept an Invitation and establish a contractual county library. c. if 20 per cent of the registered voters of the county petition that the Commissioners establish a contractual library. Jones said the Muncie Publia pected to present an idea of what can be accomplished in inent citizens became interested uiv uwyvmmjvyu a wuj vi vvnr 'parable size to Muncie. in the possibility that something revolutionary could be done to revitalize the sluggish downtown area.

Their plans moved along quickly and then a Chicago department store Carson, Pirie Scott r. reuy, prcsiucni of Ball Stores has made several visits to the Cham-paign-Urbana area and has come away Impressed each Co. became interested in Library suffered considerable damage to library materials during the demonstration and lost all of the equipment and books the project. The Carson store time. "The total population of the provided by federal funds for twin cities is about 78,000," Petty was willing to construct a huge branch in Urbana, provided local citizens and the city government would help strengthen the downtown core area by improving it.

the demonstration because voters rejected the service on a paid basis. A PANORAMIC view of the Urbana, III. downtown shopping mall presents some idea as to the size of the project. Where a crowded city street once passed, there now stands a long walkway in front of the mall's shiny new specialty shops and department stores. Another walkway leads off to the right.

This led to the formation of a development corporation about says, "just a bit larger than Muncie. It's also a university community but theirs (the University of Illinois) is at least twice as large as Ball State." As Petty explains: "I think anyone interested in seeing Muncie's downtown area improved can gain a valuable insight intoi four years ago and was capped PLANTS AND OTHER vegetation are an Important part of the relaxed atmosphere created for shoppers at the Urbana, III. shopping mall. Croups of Muncie businessmen and government officials have begun visiting the project in hopes of obtaining ideas on how downtown Muncie might be improved. last October by completion of the huge nine square block en recommendations to solve the problems.

He feels that the core of cities is their heart and that for Muncie. Originally suggested in the Bartholomew Survey and Report of 1961-62, Muncie's inner belt would loop the present closed shopping mall. this heart is as vital to the "We must be realistic about the cost of giving service to those ouside the taxing district," he said. "Voluntary membership fees cannot sup- port an effective library service, but just so long as the opportunity is offered, the way is barred to proper tax support." He said the Library Board has, under the circumstances, offered what it can: urban organism as it is in our T7 of ivy covered walls, well-kept potted plants in the pedestrian areas and even a small aquarium at one location. All of this is designed to make the mall area a pleasing place in which to shop.

And it seems to have succeeded judging by the large number of shoppers seen human body. The development is modern tn every way and has been well-integrated in the downtown core area and the nearby central business district of Urbana. downtown district. It would be bounded primarily by Wysor Street on the north, Liberty Street on the west, Seymour Street on the south, and Elm Street to the east. Whether Muncie could ever duplicate a project such as Urbana's or even a smaller-scale At one point, Gruen details a list of ailments which plague cities in trouble.

Several of these might be true in Muncie's case, downtown businessmen feel. An important part of the over last Wednesday. 1. INVITATIONS to the Com- 1 1 all plan is a four lane belt street which completely encircles the new shopping facilities inside the mall. Narrow streets in Urbana has not overlooked the Importance of Integrating existing structures along with mall program such as the open- missioners to establish county service.

The list includes: "The poor air types springing up in several cities remains to be seen, ac 2. INVITATIONS to the Town cording to Petty. appearance and melessness of the city core, the numerous 'FOR RENT' signs on stores and office buildings, the large ship Trustees to establish township service. the nine-block area were eliminated and traffic is routed easily over the belt thoroughfare and into adjoining parking facilities HE SAYS, however, that a representative of the firm which 2. INDIVIDUAL memberships vacancy rate of hotel rooms, the which are maintained by the city planned Urbana's mall project at a $20 annual fee.

downgrading of the quality and Inside the enclosed mall, the has surveyed Mancie and de This is what the Board has buildings and shops are conveni- character of the stores still doing business, the closing of many termined that this city's basic downtown economic strength still to offer, and is offering. There is no legal requirement that the ently situated side by side, while i customers shop in air-conditioned theaters and movie houses, the remains intact. Muncie Public Library offer any emptiness of streets at night Hired to design the Urbana service at all outside its taxing comfort Businesses include those found in any downtown area or outlying shopping center a drug and on holidays and Sundays (brought about by a sharp de the brand new department store and retail specialty shops inside the mall. Major existing structures nearby such as a church, the Ur-bana-Lincoln Hotel, the post office, a new county building and a super market have all been consolidated and integrated into the core element. They have retained their attractive appearances and probably have benefited from the nearby construction of the shopping mall.

The city of Urbana has helped in the project by constructing the fourlane inner belt which loops the shopping center and by building and maintaining the adjacent parking areas. district," Jones concluded. mall was Victor Gruen, an arch! crease in social and cultural ac In the absence of library tect who came to this country i store, shoe store, book shop, can-f dy store, fabric shop, jewelry in 1938 from his native Vienna. tivities), the neglected appearance of buildings and stores services to the county, individuals are doing what they can. Some residents of Eaton are using the Hartford Gty library.

and the general deterioration of 111 store, dress shop, hosiery store all of these and more besides the huge Carson, Pirie Scott store and an exclusive men's clothing establishment. the environmental qualities." Gruen is confident, however, that such problems as traffic Gruen's firm has specialized in creating new shopping centers in worn-out downtown areas. His wide-spread experience is the subject of a book, "The Heart of Our Cities," published last Those in Yorktown may use the school library, but several say they are using Anderson's congestion and downtown decay can be licked. As he points oat: THE BEAUTY and convenience of the shopping mall are not to be exaggerated. As customers year by Simon and Schuster, ONE OF THE MANY specialty shops alone the shopping mall is ob Gruen's book relates the continuing battles which cities are "Traffic congestion and urban disorder are all man-made, and I submit that every mess man has made can be undone by served by three Muncie visitors.

They are (from left) County Surveyor walk all a ions the 165,000 public library. Regretably, there are many who are doing without and will continue to do so until a solution to the problem can be found. Ward Harlan, Jerry Stephany, merchandise manager at Ball Stores, and square feet of retail stores, they having with decay in downtown Urbana's inner belt with its modern overhead lichts is similar to one which has been proposed Ed Petty, Ball Stores president. do so In a pleasing atmosphere areas and submits a list of men." '1.