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The Wabash Valley
Musicians Hall of Fame is a thriving organization today, largely due
to the efforts and vision of Alva Grindle, affectionately called "Alvie"
by many who knew him. As owner of BJ's Lounge, he provided
many a band with the opportunity to display their skills. But
more than that, he was a friend to local musicians. He
recognized the level of commitment and talent required for local
musicians to provide a quality product to the local live music
scene. When the opportunity arose to give recognition to the
musicians of the Wabash Valley, he was quick to respond.
BJ's Lounge became the first home of the Hall of Fame. For
many years, the annual induction ceremonies were held there, with
Alva devoting time and money to the events. He set aside an
area of the lounge to display the plaques and pictures of the Hall
of Fame.
When BJ's Lounge was razed due to a street
construction project, the induction ceremonies ceased. Shortly
after this, Bill Akers passed away. In spite of all that had
happened, Alva did not give up on the Hall. He was
instrumental in finding a new place for induction
ceremonies to be held, establishing a Board of Directors to conduct
the business of the Hall, and having the organization incorporated.
It is due to Alva's efforts that the Hall of Fame did not fade into
obscurity. The Hall and all of its members
will always be grateful for what he did.
Here is his obituary:
Alva Allen Grindle, 72, a lifelong resident of Terre Haute, passed away
Sunday, July 22, 2007, at HealthSouth Hospital of Terre Haute after a
courageous battle with cancer. He was born Feb. 2, 1935, in Terre Haute,
to Smith Grindle and Thelma Hammond Grindle. Throughout his life, he
surrounded himself with the music industry. He retired as a plant
supervisor at Columbia Records after 30 years of service. He owned and
operated Spring Lake in Brazil, where many campers came to enjoy the lake.
He became the owner and operator of BJ's Lounge in 1988, where he enjoyed
many years of working with musicians providing live country music
entertainment to Terre Haute. He was the founder of the Wabash Valley
Country Music Musicians Hall of Fame. He organized and held countless
benefits and fundraisers for local organizations and families in need.
Survivors include his three daughters, Debra Higham of Ellettsville,
Vicky Stein and husband William of Brazil, and Bobbie Knauer and
husband Michael of Ellettsville; his companion and fiancee, Rebecca
Ellinger of Terre Haute; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren;
siblings, Estel Grindle and wife Lois, Donna Burch and husband Larry,
Dorothy Bemis and Wilma Fordice of Terre Haute. Juanita Lasure and husband
Jack, Sharon Lemrick and husband Jerry of Portland, Ore., and Minnie Stultz and
husband Glenn of Farmers City, Ill.; and several nieces, nephews and
cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Barbara Harris
Grindle, who passed away in 1987; his grandson, Justin Knauer of Ellettsville;
and siblings, Imogene Price and Edward Grindle of Terre Haute and Devella Rowley
of Portland. Funeral services are 1 p.m. Thursday at Thomas Funeral Home.
Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Graveside services at Highland Lawn Cemetery.
Below are thumbnails of
pictures of BJ's Lounge, Alva, and family and friends. Double-click a picture to see a larger version. When you are done,
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