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A Courthouse Story, Part 2
Last month we started the story of moving from one courthouse to another, 1890s-style. Here is a continuation of that story, again, taking from the Commissioners’ records.
Our story begins with the clock. Oh, the drama. The Commissioners and the contractor were crosswise throughout most of the construction. When the courthouse was scheduled to open, it was locked to the Sheriff, who had to threaten to arrest the contractor. The contractor eventually sued the Commissioners for lack of payment.
Before all that, though, the Commissioners refused the clock presented by contractor Gibson at a cost of $300. But we still needed a clock....
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Cemetery Tales
Reprinted, updated and revised from an article written by Karen Fritz in the ExPRESS, 1999.
Halloween seemed an appropriate time to explore and write a story about some of Pulaski County’s more remote cemeteries. Promising an “afternoon of adventure”, I even managed to talk two of my teenagers and one of their friends (good sports that they are) into accompanying me on two separate outings to locate and photograph some of these pioneer cemeteries.
The photo shoot did, indeed, provide some adventure and surprise. But fun and Halloween atmosphere aside, the most profound discovery we made is that there is much fascinating and important local history to be learned in our counties.
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Fence from the Second Courthouse (and Probably the First as Well) |
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This photo shows a close-up view of the fence around the Hoover cemetery in Indian Creek Township. It is believed this is part of the fence that was removed in the 1890s when the present courthouse was erected.
It is believed to have been sold off in bits and pieces, and there is probably more of this fence to be found in Pulaski County.
If you are aware of any pieces of this fence, particularly in the area of Star City, please contact us.
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Union soldier carries deadly smallpox to Riggs family
Reprinted from Oct. 30, 1999 issue of ExPRESS, Winamac, Ind., Karen Fritz, Author
Old-timers in Jefferson Township still tell the tragic story, handed down over the decades, of the Riggs family who lost four members to smallpox in 1862.
A 1960’s history of the Francesville community, written by J. V Bechdolt, records that “in 1862 while driving on the old Michigan Road near Logansport, Samuel Riggs gave a ride to a sick Union soldier going home on furlough.
“In a short time Riggs’ wife and five of their six children became very sick with smallpox. Between Nov. 9 and Dec. 4, 1862, Mrs. Riggs and three of the children died, leaving only Mr. Riggs and three children, Sarah, Joseph and Emma.”
Confirming this story are the graves in Koster Cemetery in Jefferson Township of John F. Riggs, 1, who died Nov. 9, 1862; Martha Riggs, 8, who died, Nov. 22, 1862; Henry Riggs, 14, who died Nov. 23, 1862; and their mother Grace Riggs, 31, who died Dec. 4, 1862.
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Note: Samuel’s son Joseph Riggs later became the grandfather of C. Paul Riggs 1918-1994, longtime Winamac insurance salesman.
Separate genealogy research:
Samuel David Riggs 1818-1896; b. Livingston Co., NY; d. Pulaski Co., IN
Parents: Ransom Riggs 1789-1863 and Sarah Tremain Riggs 1795-1863
Siblings: Louisa, Sophronia, Susanah, Simeon, Ransom, Wilson and Harvey
m. 1847 to Grace Greenwood Riggs 1831-1862
m. 1872 to Esther Baughman Riggs 1847-1928
Children:
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Of Grace Greenwood Riggs
- Henry Riggs 1848-1862
- Sarah Riggs 1849-1864
- George W. Riggs 1851-1851
- William R. Riggs 1852-1852
- Martha J. Riggs 1854-1862
- Joseph Riggs 1857-1935
- Emma Riggs (Baughman) 1859-1915
- John F. Riggs 1861-1862
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Of Esther Baughman Riggs
- Ina May Riggs (Bowman) 1873-1911
- Byron Cecil Riggs 1876-1879
- Carrie Bell Riggs (Braner) 1879-1908
- Katie Alice Riggs (Handy) 1881-1963
- Charles Oral Riggs 1883-1975
- Effia Lulu Riggs (Dietrich) 1886-1918
- Infant Riggs 1888-1888
- Myrtle Ruth Riggs (Clark) 1890-1983
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Holiday Vendor Fair & Lafayette Sales |
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While a vast improvement over the old museum in terms of temperature and humidity control as well as atmosphere, our current space for display and storage is small. As we figure out how to best deal with items in the old museum (the Quonset hut, which we are vacating), we have had to make decisions on how best to deal with donated items.
We were gifted many bicentennial items from one local family. We are grateful for that donation, and we have some items on display. However, due to current considerations, we are offering many items for sale. This month, we will be at the Holiday Vendor Fair on October 15 at the town park. We have opened a booth at Sell It Here in Lafayette, and you will soon see items offered on eBay.
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We will be at the Holiday Vendor Fair in the Winamac town park on Saturday, October 15, from 9:00 to 3:00. We'll be selling Bicentennial and other historical items. The Holiday Vendor Fair is sponsored by the Memorial Swinging Bridge Project. |
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We also have Bicentennial items at Sell It Here in Lafayette (3805 Fortune Drive, Lafayette).
This stock will shift over time, but if you are in town, stop in and check out booth #213.
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The Pulaski County Historical Society participated in the 25 YEARS OF IMPACT CHALLENGE with the Community Foundation of Pulaski County. We submitted a list of 25 ways our community has benefited from CFPC support, and in return, we were blessed with a check for $500! Thank you, CFPC!
Shown, PCHS Board Members Karen Fritz, Kathi Thompson, Lenora Hoover, Steve Morrison & Lin Morrison.
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We have a videography display, including several vintage pictures that can be viewed through the machinary. |
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Sign up to be a volunteer at the museum! It's a pleasant way to spend a Saturday. Each Saturday is typically divided into two shifts: 10:00 - 1:00 and 1:00 - 4:00. Other arrangements can be made if neessary, and you can choose to take the entire day.
Contact us if you are interested ( send an email), and we will send you a volunteer application. Or find the application on the website.
Once you have been approved and trained, you can manage your own volunteer hours. 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 had a visit from descendents of H.H. Pattison, an officer in the US Army for decades, and the man who discovered the mastodon remains that now reside in the Smithsonian Museum. They traveled from Texas and from Washington State to deliver precious items to us.
You will be seeing a lot of information about the man, the family, and the mastodon in coming months. Here, on top of his war chest, is his saddle from the Phillipines in the 1880s. The way you can tell it is an officer's saddle is by the closed stirrup.
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This wall display (of Indiana Landmark Historic buildings) is linked to digital displays. As we gather and upload additional data, it is added to the website (and given a QR code).
So far, we have uploaded data on the Vurpillat Opera House, the Courthouse, and Pleasantview.
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This global traveler came to Winamac to meet Missy, our flapper/greeter, who moves around the museum as she chooses. |
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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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To the left is an advertisement for Carper's Drug Store in 1939. (This ad is from the Centennial Program booklet, Ten Decades of Development.)
From the Medaryville Herald May 3, 1923, the store also advertised ways in which to spruce up your home.
Wall paper, new, snappy patterns for living rooms, bed rooms and kitchens, only 8c to 16c the double roll.
Carper's Drug Store, Winamac.
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Our newest video features Board Member Brian Capouch presenting a program on How To Research The History Of Your Old House.
Also on our channel:
- As part of the workshop series, How To Research The History Of Your Old House, Board Member and former County Genealogist Janet Onken gives a presentation of researching records at the office of a County Recorder.
- 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.
Coming soon: virtual tours from the workshop about researching your old home.
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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 109 - 113
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Mr. Burget drove a Winton
Charlie Clark an Essex car;
And a man whose name I can't remember
Drove a snappy Little Star.
Dode Garrigues had a Reo,
And I can see it still,
With all his family in it
As he drove through Francesville.
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David Gudeman had a Lexington,
His brother Albert had a Case.
John Cover drove an Overland
In which he liked to race.
Frank Lowry had a Rambler,
My Uncle Hart had a new Crow,
Ed Detamore drove an Apperson
That was made in Kokomo.
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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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Whodunit?
Oct 28, 2022
7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Indiana History Center
Get ready for a new murder mystery. Put on your detective hat, gather your crew and hone your sleuthing skills for a life-size Clue-inspired experience at the History Center. In this game, based on a real historic Indiana murder – no, we’re not giving any hints – you’ll try your hand at solving a notorious crime.
You and your fellow gumshoes will interview the suspects – each cagier than the next – and follow the clues to find the who, where, why, and with what. You’ll be rewarded for cracking the case with fabulous prizes. Come 1900s-style if you want.
$25; $20 member; $30 at the door.
Cash bar and light refreshments available. Costumes encouraged!
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Festival of Trees
November 11, 2022 - January 7, 2023
Mark your calendars! It's almost time for the annual Festival of Trees celebration at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center.
Wander through the maze of trees with your loved ones, grab a treat from the Stardust Terrace Café by Jonathan Byrd’s and finish up your holiday shopping at the Basile History Market.
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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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