Just the Facts
2001 year of transition
Bristol Indiana's first news website that launched Jan. 3, 2000, continues its review of the past ten years.
2001 began with snow and ice in Bristol, but the spring weather came early and summer days were moderate with few high temperatures. The terrorist attack of Sept. 11 had a profound affect on the citizens of Bristol as various events were held to mark the occasion. The uncertainty about travel and mail safety dampened some plans, but a renewed sense of patriotism was strong in the community.
Other 2001Events
Nibbyville, the long-time Harold Biddle Estate had been recently auctioned off and plans for the site were pending; the new rectory at St. Mary's Church was completed; the contents of Dr. Richard Horsewell's down town Bristol office were auctioned; the Road Race that turned into the annual Pumpkin Chase was held at St. John's Episcopal Church and at the end of 2001, closing of the CVS Pharmacy scheduled for end of January of 2002 was announced.2001: Dr. Horswell's office auction
On Saturday, October 13, 2001 at the red brick office next to the Historical Museum on Vistula Street, the auction of nearly 60 years of equipment from the practice of medicine was held in spite of persistent rain showers. Bristol's doctor from 1940 until his death in 1999, Dr. Richard G. Horswell was persuaded to join his medical school colleague, Dr. Niedballa in Bristol as his partner. After Niedballa's death in 1974, Horswell carried on alone, with the support of his bookkeeper wife Mary, his office receptionist Doris Powers and nurse Gwen Stoll. In later years, Vivian Kane also filled in as receptionist.
Medicine was his whole life, and he was known for making house calls to elderly patients and giving free medicine and firewood to those in need. In later years, he drove a 4-wheel drive Jeep Cherokee so he could more easily treat patients during the long Indiana winters.
His 3 daughters lived out of state, and his son Charlie maintained the property and organized the auction. Bernie Payne of Elkhart conducted the sale. There were many unusual items, including an old coffin offered in the sale, and many viewing the equipment inside, recalled their own time spent in the office. Although it was expected that the office would be renovated and offered for rent or sale, it is still vacant as of the end of 2009.
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