Columbia City in Whitley County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Ralph F. Gates

Photographed By Duane Hall, August 23, 2013

1. Ralph F. Gates Marker

(Side One)

Inscription. Columbia City attorney and banker, Gates (1893-1978) was elected State Commander of American Legion, 1931. In 1944, he led Republican Party to control of state offices and Indiana General Assembly. As Governor (1945-1949), he created state Department of Veterans’ Affairs to aid Hoosier men and women returning from WWII in obtaining employment, education, and housing.

Amid national post-war labor strikes in coal, steel, and railroads, Gates oversaw transition of Indiana economy from war to peace. His administration streamlined Indiana government; created agencies to promote commerce, aviation, and flood control; worked to obtain funds for better roads and highways, higher salaries for teachers, and new state health facilities.

Erected 2013 by Whitley County Historical Society, Indiana Historical Bureau, Senator Jim Banks, Representative Kathy Heuer, Vincent and Patricia Turner, Jonathan and Soultana Myers, and Old Settlers Days Association. (Marker Number 92.2013.1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Industry & Commerce • Labor Unions • Railroads & Streetcars

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• Roads & Vehicles • Science & Medicine • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1931.

Location. 41° 9.412′ N, 85° 29.359′ W. Marker is in Columbia City, Indiana, in Whitley County. Marker is on Van Buren Street east of Chauncey Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker located on the North lawn of the Whitley County Courthouse in Columbia City, Indiana. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbia City IN 46725, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Thomas Riley Marshall (here, next to this marker); Valiant Men and Women of Whitley County (here, next to this marker); Whitley County Vietnam Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Whitley County Civil War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Whitley County Korean War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Whitley County (within shouting distance of this marker); Ohki Alley (within shouting distance of this marker); Marshall, McNagny & Clugston (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia City.

Photographed By Duane Hall, August 23, 2013

2. Ralph F. Gates Marker

(Side Two)

Also see . . .
1. Video - - Courtesy / News Channel 15 - YouTube:. (Submitted on August 19, 2013.)
2. Indiana Governor Ralph F. Gates (1893-1978). Biography and portrait from the Indiana Historical Bureau. (Submitted on August 23, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.)

Photographed By Courtesy:: Sen. Jim Banks / Ian Hauer, Legislative Assistant

3. Ralph F. Gates Marker

Whitley County Historical Museum

4. Ralph F. Gates Marker

At the Ralph Gates Historical sign dedication.

(L-R) Back: Board Member - Chuck Jones, Board Member - Russell Gilliom, Asst Dir - Angie Craig, Tech Cur. - Aaron Mathieu.

Front: Director - Dani Tippmann, Board Member - Bev Henley, and Karon Ross.

Dedication Day - Ralph F. Gates Marker image. Click for full size.

Whitley County Historical Museum

5. Dedication Day - Ralph F. Gates Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2013. This page has been viewed 694 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 23, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 3. submitted on August 29, 2013, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. 4, 5. submitted on August 19, 2013.