Pulaski's Battle Banner
We thought we were done with General Pulaski, but no! While working in the “old” Pulaski County Historical Society Museum, deciding what to take to the newer museum, a banner caught the attention of a couple of us. It was near a photo of Pulaski, and we wondered, not finding any documentation about it, if it was significant to him.
Fast forward a couple of weeks to cleaning out some cupboards of paper documents (that went to the new museum for review). A clipped newspaper article flitted down and landed on top of a pile. In front of this author. Face up.
“Oh!” says I.
And now, after this story, we will be finished with Pulaski for the time being.
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Our Speaker: Shirley Willard, Fulton County Historian |
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We will begin with an informal meet and greet that includes desserts and coffee at 6:00. At 6:30, a very short business meeting will be conducted for the election of officers. The program will start immediately after the election.
All are welcome to attend; only members will be allowed to vote.
The Old Mercantile Building
5612 S Main Street, Winamac
(That was for GPS purposes; the building is in the town of Pulaski, at the corner by the bridge.)
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We are working toward opening soon. In the meantime, we are building a new website with an interactive component. Please take a look (and pardon our dust as we are under construction!). HERE
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A brief history of Vurpillat's Opera House is available on our YouTube channel. Check it out HERE.
Also on our channel:
- 2021 Annual Meeting, featuring Brenda Gilsinger and the history of Pulaski (the town)
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WE HAVE A WINNER!
Last month, we asked if our readers knew which building was the first brick block building in Winamac. In 1903, the building was occupied by William Frieske's tailor shop.
Although we teased a $100 price, we think everyone knows we don't have money to burn. So the alternate promise is to name the name of the person who gives us the correct answer. And someone did!
GREG HENRY, congratulations for correctly naming what many of us remenber as the Carneal Clinic & Hospital, later the Thompson Clinic & Hospital, and after that Dr. Rausch's Pet Med. (My entire family has been cared for in that building, from before and during my birth, through my teenaged years when I moved away, and my kids when I moved back, including Tiger Lily, Little Socks, Kali, Ko and Mo!) (Those are cats.) And now when I go into the building, it's for a cut, trim, style, mani, pedi, or any other service that Studio 218 provides! And THAT is the first brick block building in Winamac.
THANK YOU FOR READING!
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The Winamac Park Gets A New Stone Gateway |
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Pulaski County Democrat, 02/15/1934
Artistic Entrance, Designed by Local man, Next to State Highway
An artistic stone gateway to the Winamac Park is now being erected at the main entrance on state road No. 14 east of the river bridge. Native stones and rocks are being used in the construction, but the two main pillars will be topped with huge figures carved from Indiana limestone.
Russell Rearick, well known Winamac young man, son of Mrs. Henry Rearick, designed the gate and is assisting in the construction. He is a sculptor of recognized ability, with a number of art prizes to his credit, and will carve the two Indian figures designed as the finishing touches of the gateway.
The work is being carried on as a CWA project, as weather and working hours will permit. The foundation was completed last week.
To Lay Cornerstone
Plans are being made for the laying of a corner stone in the gateway next Tuesday. In the receptacle within the stone will be placed the original subscription list of the company that was formed years ago to save the wooden tract at a time when cutting of the trees was contemplated; the deed by which the park was last year transferred to the town; letters and papers in connection with the gift of R. S. Rogers which made possible the transfer; names of stockholders who donated their interest in the property in order that the park might belong to the public; newspaper accounts of the dedication of the Memorial Foot bridge some years ago, and other documents of interest.
Beautification Projects
The new gateway has a frontage of approximately 100 feet on the state highway, with two angles that set the main pillars well back from the traffic lane. On either side of the main vehicle entrance is a narrower passage for pedestrians.
A new gravel drive has been constructed this winter from the park entrance to a point north of the pavilion. It leads along the riverbank on the east side of the isthmus, entirely removing the old drive through the middle of the park with all its accompanying dangers.
Much other work has been accomplished by CWA employees with much yet to be done. Underbrush that filled the upper end of the peninsula has been cleaned out, and work is now under way on a modest driveway that will enable motorists to circle the entire tract close to the riverbank. The fence around the baseball park had collected so many broken places that it has been take down temporarily, to be reduced in height a little, replaced and repainted.
Material is also being hauled for construction of new tennis courts.
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Russell Rearick, 1893 - 1961, was born in Winamac and is buried in Oakridge Cemetery, Marshal, MI. His obituary calls him a 'master stonecutter' who began his career in 'Winamack,' |
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Photos courtesy of Janet Onken |
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17 BUILDINGS TO BE RAZED
Winamac Republican October 30, 1919 issue.
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State Fire Marshal orders Wooden Buildings in Winamac to be Torn Down Soon.
Seventeen wooden structures within the down-town limits must be torn down within the next sixty days, according to orders received in Winamac on Tuesday by Fire Chief C. C. Blinn, from the state fire marshal.
A state fire inspector was in Winamac on October 7 and made an inspection of the business district, and the orders received this week are the result of his report to the state office.
The down-town fire district extends from the alley at the rear of the Big Garage on the east, to the railroad on the west, and from Jefferson Street south of the old Odd Fellows building on the south to the alley north of the Republican office on the north.
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In addition to the wooden buildings ordered torn down, all three garages were ordered by the state fire marshal to install steam heating plants, in place of stoves used at present.
The buildings ordered torn down are as follows: old Odd Fellows Building south of Court house, Frank Baker livery barn, Marion Biddle livery barns and house south of the barn on Logan street, M. A. Dilts buildings on Pearl street opposite Jacob Jenkins blacksmith shop (does not include Crim restaurant), Van Horn and Snyder buildings corner of Logan and Jefferson streets, Felix Thomas building east of Lon McKinley office, Misses O'Connell's two small buildings east of the above Felix Thomas building (does not include building occupied by Calvin McKinley office and shop), all seven buildings belonging to George McLauglin from the alley near the Frain Hotel to Logan street.
Fire Chief Blinn said today that several of the property owners had stated that they would fight the order in the courts.
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From The Francesville Tribune July 13, 1972, Written January 1, 1971
This is a continuation of the poem, begun in the Newsletter dated June 2020. You can find past editions of the Newsletter HERE.
Stanzas 77 - 80
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I see Felix Reish and Elmer,
Hazel Parker and Miss Noel,
And Russell Dunkelbarger teaching school,
God rest his "weary soul."
I see Willis Wolfe and Charley,
Louis Lehman and Louis Mast,
I see Ebert Garrigues buying chickens
Away back in the "past."
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I see Carnes' barn up north of town
Where I use to go and play;
I spent many happy hours there
'Wrestling' Robert in the hay.
I see Gus Daseke and 'Brainey' Geyer
Both dressed up fit to kill.
I see Rex Shirtz and Kenneth
When they lived in Francesville.
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Willard C. Myers is connected to the town of Francesville through birth and remaining family. We will continue to feature this poem until we have offered it to completion. Natives will probably recognize many of the people and places that will be mentioned. |
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Gifts That Keep Giving
A gift to the Historical Society will continue to give back. Find a convenient way to do that here. |
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Gifts For Any Reason
What do you give to the person who loves history? Give a gift that supports local efforts to record it.
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The quick and easy way to make a contribution to the Historical Society is to utilize this QR code. We're trying to drag history into the 21st Century!
Thank you for considering this opportunity!
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The successful operation of the society includes dues from members to assist in the day-to-day operation of the society, as well as their participation in activities and on committees. Information is always detailed in our e-newsletter.
Individual dues are $30.00 per calendar year, family dues are $40.00 per year, and corporate dues are $80.00 per year. Pay your dues easily by visiting our website. Or mail a check (please include your email address) to PO Box 135, Winamac IN 46996. |
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Escape Rooms @ The Indiana History Center
$80 per room/timeslot | $65 members
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Gather the whole family or bring along some friends to use your logic, instinct, and detective skills to parse out the clues and solve our unique puzzles, based in Indiana’s past. Can you beat the clock and solve our mysteries?
Dillinger Detectives | A mysterious new donation might hold the secret to John Dillinger’s missing loot. Can you find the location of this iconic gangster’s hidden money?
Intermediate | Capacity 2-8 people
- March 20 | Sessions at 10 a.m.; 1 p.m.; 3 p.m.; 4:30 p.m.
Product Predicament | It’s 1915 and beauty mogul Madam C.J. Walker has just opened her new factory in Indianapolis. Staff has arrive for their shift, but the formula for today’s products is missing. Find the formula to get production up and running before time runs out.
Beginner | Capacity 2-6 people
- March 20 | Sessions at noon; 1:30 p.m.; 3:30 p.m.; 5 p.m.
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Wait. What in the world is an escape room? An escape room is an interactive game where you solve a variety of puzzles and codes to accomplish a goal, whether it is “escaping” from a room or recovering a lost item.
Do I need to know a lot about history to win the game? Nope! You don’t need to have any knowledge of Indiana history to succeed.
Who should I bring with me to help solve these puzzles? Friends? Family? A date? We designed these games for history buffs and novices alike, ages 12 and above. We do require one adult for every 3 players under the age of 18.
How do I sign up? To secure your time slot, click this link to see availability and reserve your spot. Please have one person register for your whole team.
What time should I arrive? Please plan to arrive at least 10-minutes early to hear instructions. We cannot let team members in once your session has begun.
How long is the escape room? Your team will have 45-minutes to complete the caper. Each game takes place in a unique space within the Indiana Historical Society and includes a debrief session after the event.
Will I be with other groups? At this time, we are only booking private experiences. You will not share your adventure with guests outside of your party.
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Eva Kor from Auschwitz to Indiana
Opens March 12
Eva Kor from Auschwitz to Indiana tells the remarkable story of Eva Mozes Kor, who survived Auschwitz as a child and the experiments of Dr. Joseph Mengele and grew up to be one of the most influential Holocaust educators and activists in the world. She ignited a global manhunt for Mengele, organized other survivors, and educated millions about what happened during the Holocaust and about her vision of empowerment and forgiveness. The exhibit shares the story of her life and includes an unparalleled interactive experience in which visitors can take a virtual reality tour of Auschwitz with her.
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Dimensions in Testimony
Opens March 12
On loan from CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center, USC Shoah Foundation’s Dimensions in Testimony allows visitors to converse with an interactive biography of Eva via a hologram-like projection. Guests can hear her personal testimony and ask questions that are of interest to them—learning more about her story in her own words.
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Additional Opportunities to Enjoy the Indiana Historical Society
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Indiana Landmarks
In addition to giving tremendous financial and technical support for the local Courthouse project, Indiana Landmarks provides a wealth of information about and support for vintage homes and factories, churches, barns and bridges.
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Support Indiana Landmarks
Join to help save the historic places that make our communities more beautiful, more interesting, singular and special. LINK
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Affiliate Membership
The Pulaski County Historical Society is an affiliate member of Indiana Landmarks. For information about the affiliate organizations around the state, and all of the exciting work they are doing, please head over to our Affiliate's Webpage. |
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If These Walls Could Tell
March 27, 4:00 PM
Indiana Landmarks Center & Online
$15/person or $25/household
Storyteller David Marlack presents an original story about Indianapolis' P.R. Mallory Complex and the factory's rebirth as two charter schools, an adaptive reuse that won Indiana Landmarks' 2021 Cook Cup for Outstanding Restoration.
Cemetery Talk
March 30, 6:00 PM
Indiana Landmarks Center & Online
Free with RSVP
Dave Barnett, retired executive director of Mount Auburn Cemetery near Boston, Massachusetts, describes how the cemetery's staff and trustees prioritize preserving and enhancing the historic landscape at the National Historic Landmark while offering diverse new interment and commemoration options.
First Friday
Indiana Landmarks Center
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Presented at no charge
- April 1: "Polyphony" - a trio of artists offer interpretations inspired by the natural world.
- June 3: Insight Art Promotions showcases African American artists.
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Indianapolis Tours
City Market Catacombs
March 29 & 31
April 5 & 7
Join a guided tour of the remains of Tomlinson Hall, hidden beneath the Indianapolis City Market. Tours begin on the market's mezzanine and include a brief history about the building's development.
Every 15 minutes beginning at 11:15 AM with last tour departing at 12:30 PM.
Advance ticket required. $12/adult; $10/member; $6/child 6-11; free to children 5 and under.
Indy Downtown Safari
April 1 & 8
Explore animals in architecture and sculpture, discovering the stories and symbolism of the creatures and how they connect to the city's history.
Tours depart from University Park, 307 North Meridian Street, running every 15 minutes beginning at 10:00 AM, with the last tour departing at 11:45 AM.
Advance ticket required. $8/adult and child 6-17; $5/member; free to children 5 and under.
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Building Blocks—Information to strengthen grassroots preservation organizations, expand knowledge, and inspire ideas.
Learning Opportunities
Historic Madison, Inc. offers “Save That Sash” a historic window workshop, June 17-18.
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President: Ryan Harrison
Vice President (& Past President): Kathi Thompson
Secretary: Janet Onken
Treasurer: Lin Morrison
Terms Ending 2022:
- Sara Kroft
- Jolie Simmermaker
- [Vacancy]
Terms Ending 2023
- Mary Conner (also County Historian & County Genealogist)
- Becky Dilts
- Steve Morrison
Terms Ending 2024
- Brian Capouch
- Karen Fritz
- Judge Michael Shurn
Gardeners: Kaity & Tina Stacy
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Membership
$30 Individual
$40 Family
$80 Sustaining / Corporate
All members are welcome to volunteer with PCHS in any area of their interest and to attend meetings. Board meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of every month, in person or via Zoom, or a hybrid.
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If someone shared this email with you, you may not be on our email list. Just click the button. On the website, fill out the form, and BOOM! You'll be a part of history! |
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To submit an article for consideration for this newsletter, send it via email. If you have photos, please submit them as well. We welcome all articles of historic interest regarding Pulaski County. |
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Pulaski County Historical Society: All Rights Reserved |
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