September 2022
A Very Timely Story

Now, in 2022, the County is making plans to remove offices so the Courthouse can be renovated. This is not the first time offices have been removed!

It happened in 1894 as well, when the current Courthouse was in process of construction.

The photo to the right is of the second courthouse, the one in use in 1894. The story linked here comes from Commissioners' records dated 1894 and 1895.
We have a number of items in the military artifacts exhibit. Come in and poke around. We don't allow "touching;" some of these instruments are very sharp!
Sign up to be a volunteer at the museum! It's a pleasant way to spend a Saturday.

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:

  1. Click this link: https://signup.com/go/RuLRDVM
  2. Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
  3. 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.
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.
Meet our new hostess, Missy.

Missy is a flapper and is wearing a dress found in the "old" museum (we are still moving items!).

Every now and then a period piece is added to her outfit.

And sometimes she changes location.
One display takes you to websites that discuss the history of the Winamac Town Park and some of its historic features.
We're thinking about doing something that will keep our gardens looking great in the fall. If you have ideas or want to volunteer to help, please let us know.
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.
Our newest video features local historian Janet Onken explaining how to search records in the Recorder's Office.

Check it out HERE.

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
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 105 - 108
The first car in Pulaski County,
My dad he took the chance,
And bought a big "Pope Hartford"
That was made in Paris, France.

And then he bought a Maxwell,
Burt Burson bought one too.
About twenty miles per hour
Was all that they would do.
Ed Mayhugh drove a Baby Grand.
Wes Scott a New Monroe.
A lot of different names were on
The cars back years ago.

Harry Ames rode in a Brisco
Teacher Kain, he drove a Dort.
Dr. Sharrer a Chandler Roadster
For he was quite a sport.
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.
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!
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.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to support your local Historical Society!
If interested, contact us!


574-270-0128
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.
Opportunities to Enjoy the Indiana Historical Society.
History Happy Hour – Indiana and the Cold War
Sep 15, 2022
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Online, via Zoom

Throughout most of the 20th Century, the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in a Cold War. As the globe was caught up in the tense politics and strategic maneuvering between these two superpowers, Indiana played its part by becoming home to vital industries as part of the national defense. We will be discussing Indiana and the Cold War with Zoe Vorndran, the Indiana Historical Society Exhibits Research Assistant.

Register HERE.
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.
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!

Register HERE.
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.
Support Indiana Landmarks

Join to help save the historic places that make our communities more beautiful, more interesting, singular and special. LINK
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.
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

Ongoing Event


On the first Friday of select months, see the latest exhibits and explore the spectacularly restored Indiana Landmarks Center.
Indianapolis

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

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

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
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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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.
Pulaski County Historical Society: All Rights Reserved