Our Family Story, A Keller Odyssey
Compiled by Thomas Joseph Keller (written in 2004)
Prehistoric Times To 1900
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As we celebrate our Sesquicentennial, we should not forget those who came before us & preserved so well the environment we were destined to inherit. The unpolluted Tippecanoe River abounded with fish & the many woodlands with overflowing game. The sky was filled with fowl, such as geese, ducks, pigeons, pheasants, turkeys, quail, etc. of numbers only previously imagined by many. In pre-historic times, the "Mound Builders" occupied this land, leaving evidence of their prior existence within burial mounds and encampments.
READ MORE. If the link does not work, go to the website and scroll down on the first page until you come to the post.
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Julia Ann Binkley
1924 - 2022
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Julia Ann (Knarr) Binkley, 98, of Winamac, IN passed away on Monday, July 25, 2022 at her residence in Winamac. She was born at home on July 24, 1924 in Thornhope, IN to John and Dessie (Nice) Knarr. Julia graduated from Pulaski High School in 1942. |
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The Artesian Well Has A New Interpretive Sign
The Pulaski County Tribe added an interpretive sign at the site of the Artesian Well, as a part of their over-all clean-up and beautification project.
Now would be a perfect time to visit this park, at the foot of Main Street, and on the west side of the Memorial Swinging Bridge.
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She was a master of everything she did: seamstress, gardener, food preservation, refinishing furniture, wallpapering, cookie and cake decorating, quilting, oil painting, caning chair seats, wool hooked rugs and needlepoint pictures of her design, and every craft that could be done.
Julia was part of the Pulaski County Historical Society since its inception in 1965.
She was keenly interested in Pulaski County history, especially the history of her home township of Indian Creek. She researched and compiled a history of the Indian Creek “Pro” cemetery. She also conducted a living history tour of the cemetery highlighting the lives of the early settlers buried there.
She interviewed and compiled a history of Dr. Harold J. Halleck, a long time Winamac and Pulaski County physician, for whom the Halleck Award is named. She wrote about the history of the Pulaski County Extension Homemakers and the changing role of today’s homemakers. Among other projects, she contributed to the Sesquicentennial publication of 1989.
Julia was continually researching and gathering history having to do with Pulaski County. She was an avid collector of all things historical and gave generously of her time and efforts to the Historical Society.
Uniquely, Julia is now a part of Pulaski County’s history. We think she would like that.
Contributed by Janet Onken, with information from Julia's obituary.
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This wall display shows you where in the county all of the buildings on the National Historic Register are located. There are seven (7).
One of the frames includes a list and address of each building. If additional information is available on a webpage, a QR code will lead you to it.
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We're using SignUp.com to organize our upcoming museum shifts. Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
- Click this link: https://signup.com/go/RuLRDVM
- Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
- Sign up! You will not need to register an account or keep a password.
Note: If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact Kathi Thompson and she will sign you up manually.
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The 1st Thursday of every month: persons interested in genealogy can attend the monthly meeting of the Genealogical Society at 5:00.
The 3rd Thursday of every month: Historical Society Board meeting at 6:00. Members and interested parties are invited to attend.
You may find this small space a perfect meeting place for your organization. We'll be happy to work with you, as long as our open hours and standard meeting times are honored.
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We've had a busy summer, with members involved in community activities and events. And we called off meetings during the summer!
Member Brian Capouch held a series of workshops on researching your old house. Let us know if you are interested in this subject. We may have some resources for you.
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This set of three displays will take you to three websites. The top photo gives a thumbnail of ways in which indigenous peoples were affected by the Revolutionary War, including those that migrated to what now is Pulaski County.
The two on the bottom will lead you to information on pre-revolutionary and post-revolutionary wars, and the negative consequences suffered by the indigenous population.
This series is part of our over-all review of the original settlers of Pulaski County.
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What a difference two weeks makes! The top photo was taken on June 18, the bottom one on July 30. A little bit of growth! |
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The Historical Museum exists to save and exhibit items of interest to Pulaski County. We have limited space, both for display and storage. As such, we must be judicious in the items we accept.
If a donation has been accepted, it is considered an unrestricted gift. We reserve the right to keep or to dispose of the item as appropriate. All donations should be accompanied with a monetary donation.
A full donation policy is available for review. Please request it via email. |
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DECORATION DAY OBSERVED BY OUR PATRIOTIC PEOPLE
Monterey Herald. Monterey, Indiana. June 6, 1918.
In the observance of Decoration Day, the people of Monterey and surrounding country are entitled to the honor of being one hundred per cent patriotic.
One of the best programs for the day given in this section of the country was followed to its completion by our people. It seemed one great family was striving to honor the protectors of the principles we are now fighting for.
Heaven seemed to smile on the efforts of our people, the sun shining in approval and a gentle breeze undulating Old Glory into the beautiful curves that made the heart beat just a little bit faster.
Observance of the day started in the morning with the decoration of business houses and residences, Old Glory, bunting and flowers being used in profusion.
About 2:30 o'clock in the afternoon the Winamac band formed in procession, preceding the two sole survivors in this community or our civil war, William Buehrle and T. W. Ginn. Two veterans of the Spanish-American war were also in line, P. L. Hoot and Charles Ginn, the former being the standard bearer.
The march was made to the high school building. The large auditorium, appropriately decorated, could not hold all the people and many had to occupy the domestic science room and the hallways.
Elmer Johnson had charge of the program and after real music by the choir and readings by Messrs. Ginn and Buehrle, the speaker of the day, Attorney Arthur Metzler of Rochester addressed the audience. The speaker gave a splendid address, and his audience was appreciative.
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SWINE AND SHEEP RUN WILD IN INDIAN CREEK TOWNSHIP
In the matter of a petition to prohibit swine and sheep from running at large in Indian Creek Township.
Comes now Nathan Rawn and presents said petition which said petition reads as follows:
State of Indiana, Pulaski County
To the Honorable Board of Commissioners of Pulaski County, Indiana. The undersigned resident freeholders of Indian Creek township Pulaski County, Indiana, respectfully petition your Honorable body by the proper order to prohibit sheep and hogs from running at large upon the public commons and unenclosed lands in Indian Creek Township aforesaid and that said order be made at present Term of said Court and your petitioners will ever pray.
Signed: F. Gilsinger, Gerome Weaver, J. R. Holmes, S. Y. Brown, F. Harpster, Michael Ruff, George W. Clouse, J. O. Hathaway, J. P. Wood, A. G. Shank, Samuel Jenkins, Isaac Felker, Jesse Cofman, G. W. Green, V. S. Burton, B. F. Jenkins, W. H. Wisely, Andrew Gilsinger, John C. Long, Anthony Ruff, J. Thompson, C. F. McPherson, Nathan Rawn, John Senn Jr., Geo. W. Decker, John Decker, Jonas Good and others.
And the Board after having examined the foregoing petition accept the same and do now order that an order heretofore made in relation to stock running at large on the unenclosed land of Pulaski County be and the same be amended as far as the township of Indian Creek in said county and it is now ordered that said order except sheep and swine from running at large in said Township.
Commissioner Court December Term 1881. Book J-113
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The choir was organized especially for the occasion and consisted of Floy Allen, Lulu Reinhold, Lillian Marbaugh, Eileen Keitzer, Lucy Wolfram, Sylva Haschel, Jennie Miller, George Wolfram, Joe Meiser and Claude Wolfram. Their music was splendid.
Mr. Johnson read the list of names of the boys of the community now called to fight for the perpetuation of the freedom we revere, and those boys can rest assured of a substantial backing by the home folks.
After the exercises at the auditorium the march began to the Tippecanoe River bridge, Mrs. D. F. Kelly marshaling the children. Arriving on the bridge the people stood with heads uncovered while the band played "America" and the children performed the beautiful ceremony of casting flowers on the bosom of the historic stream in memory of the heroes gone, sent beneath the ocean's waves by a treacherous foe.
The procession then marched to the cemetery and there the choir sang a beautiful selection. The graves of our soldiers dead having been marked, they were decorated with flowers to the accompaniment of the band's rendition of "Nearer, My God, to Thee".
The exercises were then postponed until evening, when C. V. Haworth of Kokomo addressed the people at the high school auditorium. His address was principally devoted to the acceleration of the buying of Thrift Stamps and was well received.
This ended the greatest Decoration Day Monterey ever had and the people went to their homes tired, but happy.
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Our newest video features local historian Janet Onken explaining how to search records in the Recorder's Office.
Also on our channel:
- A video on the interpretive sign at the Artesian Well, produced by the Pulaski County Tribe.
- A brief history of Vurpillat's Opera House
- 2021 Annual Meeting, featuring Brenda Gilsinger and the history of Pulaski (the town)
- 2022 Annual Meeting, featuring Shirley Willard from the Fulton County Historical Society, the history of the Potawatomi in Fulton & Pulaski Counties and the Trail of Death
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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 97 - 100
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I see John Garrigues and Let Leach, too,
Bill Whitaker with his kite.
I see Henry Kruger's blue glasses,
He just went out at night.
I see Fred Howat and Ernest Brandt,
Bill Howat and Hannah Byers,
I see Bill Tennell and Isaac Wolfe,
John Engle and Rube Myers.
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I see Sam Petra and John Hudgens,
Peyton Davidson and Gus Geer,
Lew Hubbell and his brother Cy
Who all years ago lived here.
I see Uncle Tom Fitzpatrick
Who carried the flag at Gettysburg.
He brought the flag home with him
Proud as a 'peacock bird'.
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Insight: it was noted in Thomas Fitzpatrick's obituary that he was buried wrapped in the American flag. Perhaps it was the one he brought home from the Civil War. |
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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 For Any Reason
What do you give to the person who loves history? Give a gift that supports local efforts to record it. Consider a certificate for birthdays or anniversaries, or ... for any reason!
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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, either by using PayPal or sending a check. A quick and easy way to make a contribution is to utilize this QR code.
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Thank you for considering this opportunity to support your local Historical Society! |
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If interested, contact us!
574-270-0128
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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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From Indiana with Love: Photos and Stories from Cold War Indiana
Jun 11, 2022 - Oct 29, 2022
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
“From Indiana with Love: Photos and Stories from Cold War Indiana” is the Indiana Historical Society’s latest exhibit.
Now open in the Lanham Gallery, it showcases photos and documents that portray Indiana’s role in the Cold War. The exhibit covers civilian defense, the 1954 Operation Alert, military production and defense, Indiana’s role in the space race through Hoosier-native astronaut Virgil “Gus” Grissom, and Purdue University’s aerospace engineering program, reactions to censorship and McCarthyism, and anti-war movements.
The exhibit shows that people of all ages, social classes, and political leanings were involved in the Cold War – both in support and opposition of home front efforts.
With support from the Emerson B. and Jane H. Houck Endowment for Hoosier Photography.
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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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October 14 - 21
It's an architectural adventure for the whole family! Guided safari explores wildlife in architecture and sculpture around downtown Indianapolis.
University Park, 307 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis
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Ongoing Event
On the first Friday of select months, see the latest exhibits and explore the spectacularly restored Indiana Landmarks Center.
Indianapolis
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Ongoing Event
These classic examples of the grand hotel era were restored with Indiana Landmarks’ guidance. You really need to see them in person.
French Lick & West Baden
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May 12 - October 20
Go beneath the market’s western plaza on one of our guided tours. Explore the network of brick arches that once supported a historic hall.
Indianapolis
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President: Ryan Harrison
Vice President (& Past President): Kathi Thompson
Secretary: Janet Onken
Treasurer: Lin Morrison
Curator: Vacant
Terms Ending 2023
- Mary Conner (also County Historian & County Genealogist)
- Dave Scott
- Steve Morrison
Terms Ending 2024
- Brian Capouch
- Karen Fritz
- Judge Michael Shurn
Terms Ending 2025
- Lenora Hoover
- Jolie Simmermaker
- Chris Zahrt
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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