One man's passion is a gift for generations to come!
James Ostler's 35mm Slides
I never knew James Ostler.  But it seems that there are many people here in Frankfort who did.   The photos you find on this page are those taken by Mr. Ostler from the early 1950s on through into the 1970s.   A pictorial history of Frankfort and Clinton County captured on 35mm color slides.    Now the property of the Frankfort Community Library, I have made it a mission to bring these photos to the public forum for everyone to enjoy.  I have spoken to a family member of Mr. Ostler and plan on writing a small biography on the man who is responsible for all the great memories he had given us.  Please be sure to check back in the near future to read about the man and his camera that has left us with a treasure trove of yesteryear.   

1960 Frankfort Municipal Airport

Celebrating 50 years of the Frankfort Municipal Airport
1960 - 2010

1954 Aughe's Drug Store

"Meet Me At Aughe's" Located on the south side of the square
Teenagers hanging out at Aughe's on the south side of the square in 1954.

1960 Downtown Frankfort Sidewalk Days

When downtown was the place to shop!
Photos of Alden's Department Store, J.C. Penny, Schiff's Shoe Store, Baker's Shoe Store, Woolworth, Murphy's, Spencer's, Adlers, Laverty's Mens Store, Sears, Western Auto, Coulter Smock, and many more.
Photos taken during downtown Frankfort's Old Fashion Sidewalk Days in 1960. Everyone dressed up in old fashion clothing.

1960 Hanlon's Drug Store

Located on the corner of W. Clinton St. and S. Jackson.
Open house at Hanlon's Drug Store in 1960. See photos of the soda counter and numerous local patrons enjoying thier visit at Hanlon's. Before Hanlon's this was the location of Hook's Drug Store in the 40s and 50s. In later years it was also know as "Walsh's TV Corner". It is currently the location of "Hallelujah Way" christian book store.

Remembering Kyger School 1953 - 1957

Kyger Elementary School, 300 S. Third St.
From 1928 to 2008, Kyger Elementary played a vital part in the education of Frankfort's children. Here are photos from 1953 and 1957. The glory days of Kyger!

1952 Frankfort Senior High School

See what high school life was like at Old Stoney
Photos taken in 1952 showing students in classrooms and in the hallways of Old Stoney. Also includes shop pictures, Driver's Ed, and more...

1954 People's Life Insurance Co.

Once the tallest building in Frankfort
Many interior photos of the once famous building located on the corner of S. Main St. and E. Walnut St.
Photos include various employees of The People's Life Insurance Company in their daily duties from 1954.

1957 Woolworth's

Remember shopping at Woolworth's? This will take you back!
Includes photos of employee's at work and patrons at the lunch counter.

1967 Downtown Frankfort Sidewalk Days

More great images of times past from downtown Frankfort
From July of 1967 these photos show images taken around the square. Various businesses including Western Auto, G.C. Murphy's, Freedman's, Star Cafeteria, Ellis Jewelry, Genda's Men's Shop, Woolworth's, Walsh's TV Corner, Diana Shop, Thrasher's, The Frankfort Times, and much more. Also shows pictures of kids on bicycles on parade. Those were the days!

1959 Christmas Parade Downtown Frankfort

Here are some great pictures of the 1959 Christmas parade downtown Frankfort
Taken during the Christmas parade from 1959. Images show cars getting ready for parade and people lined up on the sidewalks waiting for Santa.

1962 Christmas Parade Downtown Frankfort

Here are some more great pictures of the 1962 Christmas parade downtown Frankfort
Taken during the Christmas parade from 1962. Images show cars getting ready for parade along with kids from Pixie Playhouse, Youn Americans for Freedom, Boy Scouts, FSHS Choir, FSHS Marching Band, and FJHS Marching Band. Plus floats from many downtown merchants such as Hoosier Stationers, Ellis Jewelry, Kent's Shoe Store, Adler's, Thrasher's and more.
(Box 621200 & 621300)

1957 Frankfort Businesses

More pictures of local businesses
Includes Western Auto, The Cave at the Coulter Hotel, The Roxy Hat Shop, Indiana Gas Co., Norris Printing & Office Supply, Wilking's and many more that need to be identified.

1953 Frankfort Businesses

Remember when Frankfort had a Milk Man?
Includes Frazier's Dairy, Deming & Thompson Lumber, Georgie Porgie's, and WILO Radio

Riley Elementary School

A bunch of photos of Riley from the years 1952 through 1968
If you went to Riley during the years from 1952 through 1968, you may find your picture here. Due to the amount of pictures yet to be scanned there is a separate page dedicated to Riley School.

1959 Frankfort High School "Big Broadcast"

Just in time for the FHS Class of "59" 50th Reunion
Do you remember these?

1967 Frankfort Junior High School "Red & Gray Night"

All photos taken inside Howard Hall
Includes basketball action shots, team photos, wrestling, cheerleaders and fans. Lots of good memories of Howard Hall can be seen here. Great stuff!

1969 Downtown Frankfort Sidewalk Days

Let's go back 40 years and see what is on sale
Another addition to the Downtown Sidewalk Days series. Here you will find more photos of shoppers and businesses around the square as it was 40 years ago during the July 18th, 1969 Sidewalk Days event.
(Box #695700 & 695800)

1970 JAYCEES Christmas & Gift Show

Held in the former Standard Grocery Store building
Many local businesses are featured here at the 1970 JAYCEES Christmas and Gift show. Shown here held in the former Standard Grocery store building located on North Main St. which is the current location of the Eagles. This show was held in this building after the closing of Standard and before Eagles took it's place.
(Box #705200)

1969 Frankfort Senior High "Big Broadcast"

Let's hop into the VW Van and head back to FSHS in 1969
Remember "Age Of Aquarius"?
(Box #692300 & 692400)

1967 Peter Paul

Children's Christmas Party
Taken on December 16th, 1967 at the Moose Lodge. Featuring Hansen's Birds, Wacky Jackie the clown and of course, Santa Claus
(Box #676300 & 676400)

People & Places

A grab bag of photos
taken between the years of 1951 through 1964

1967 Peter Paul

Kiwanis Club Plant Tour
taken in August of 1967

Class of 1965

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6
From Elementary through High School
Various photos of members from the Class of 1965. Photos include 6th grade trip, basketball, baseball, Big Broadcast and many more...