October 2023
Native American Villages in Pulaski County

This map, a combination of maps of Native villages dating from 1682 to 1823, shows "Winamac's Village" near the Tippecanoe River in what would become the town of Winamac. The period of time in which the village supposedly existed is not given.

Tradition holds that the peninsula where now sits the Winamac Park was a hunting and fishing campground area used by the Potawatomi of the region. Whether "Winamac" had a village in the area is not as clear.

It is possible that a village was here, whether or not it was the home of or named for Chief Winamac. The dates of his possible death have been "documented" as both 1812 and 1821, both long before white settlers began to arrive in the area. (Note: Those dates are not a factor of any typographical error, of someone inverting the 1 and the 2. Two distinct stories and a few variations of his death are out there.)

The history of the Chief Winamac about whom the town is named is riven in contradictions, and we do not know who named the village on the embedded map or when it was so named.

Continue the Article HERE.
The County of Long Ago, by E.R. Brown

This is the sixth in a Series of Reminiscences by E. R. Brown.

In 1848 an election was held in Indiana to decide whether or not the people were willing to be taxed for public schools. I had not then reached the age when I would understand its importance or remember it personally afterwards. But I knew early that my parents and neighbors, plain people with limited schooling themselves, had been much pleased with the result in this county. It was, indeed, a record that should never be forgotten. Pulaski county voted almost unanimously for the tax. In some counties the vote was the other way. Monroe county, then, as now, having the state university, has been derided in recent years for its pronounced negative vote at that time.

Continue reading HERE.
Our First Annual Murder Mystery!
What can we say? We thought the set-up would hold 90 people. In the end, 89 guests were registered. We hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did!

We also hope everyone will book early next year when we host MURDER AT THE ?????

Stay tuned! And if you would like to be a part of the planning, send us an email at info@pulaskihistory.net.

See Photos Here!

The plot, information about the characters, and photos can be found HERE.
The cast gathered for a photo at the end. Not all of the extras were there for the photo.

In front, Sheriff Andrew Fife (Bradon Downing), Elizabeth Vurpillat (Nora Schambers), George Vurpillat (Zachary Denham), Victoria Vurpillat (Madeline Murray).

All the rest (in face order):  Tracy Fibers (Teresa Bryant), Cooper Anderson (Vernon Gillum), Beatrice Matronly (Bev Krasner), Chance Luminal (Kevin Carlson), Appolonia Spectrals (Rhonda Wilson), Sara Aupare (Morgan Apple), Dustin Prince (David Schambers), Watson Sherlock, and Helmsley Lord (Max Murray).
We would like to extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all who came together in support of this event: attendees and table sponsors, actors and players, One Eyed Jacks, PCHS members and volunteers, and Dave & Nora Schambers for assistance with props. Your support and investment in our community is greatly appreciated.
Current Displays
1916 Silvertone Phonograph

Sears, Roebuck and Co. began using the Silvertone name on phonograph players in early 1916. These players were part of Sears' strategy to make recorded music more accessible to the average American household during the early to mid-20th century. Sears could sell phonograph players they manufactured themselves for far less than they could re-sell brands like Victor or Edison.

During the early days of phonographic recording, there were two ocmpeting systems: Edison's "hill and dale" vertical cut grooved records (cylinder-records) and "lateral cut," which is what caught on and is the flat, two-sided grooved disc we associate with the term "record album" today.

A major selling feature of early Silvertone phonograph players was the adjustable reproducer head that could be set to play either recorded format.

The model on display at the museum plays 78 RPM records, which means the record spins at 78 revolutions per minute.

In the early 20th centure, families gathered around phonograph players like this one to listen to everything from classical symphonies to jazz, shaping their musical tastes and fostering a shared appreciation for recorded sound. These affordable phonograph players helped democratize music consumption, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to enjoy their favorite tunes without the need for expensive equipment.

Come in, open the lid, and be transported back in time!
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.

We like to say that we don't just accept "stuff," we collect stories of interest to Pulaski County.

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.
Every member is invited to attend monthly board meetings and take part in discussions. Voting privileges are granted only to members of the board.

Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM at the Museum.
To be included on reminder emails, please make that request by emailing us.
Please Enjoy These Videos

  • 2023 Annual Meeting, featuring Fred Zahrt, speaking on kit houses, both the industry and local examples.
  • A trailer for the upcoming film, Tractors on the Tippecanoe.
  • A workshop series, How to Research the History of Your Old House, presented by the Pulaski County Historical Society and provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities through Indiana Humanities and Indiana Landmarks.
  • Itch's Room, his cobbler shop, tools, and a variety of historical items.
  • 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.
This poem was written in the summer of 1979 by Mary K. Wiesjahn Williamson. a Star City native. She was born in 1918 and died at the age of 99 in 2018. If you would like to catch up on the series, it started in the January 2023 edition of the e-newsletter. FIND IT HERE.
Restaurants
John Jones ran the Restaurant in years long ago; selling it
to Paul Costello, who kept it but a year or so.
Then Link Williams came along and gave it a try, and
kept it many years, the plucky little guy!
The "Star City Cafe" was a place of delight,
where folks gathered to talk & eat.
Later owned by his son-in-law, Jimmy Washburn,
with G'ma Williams still baking pies hard to beat!
The Washburns sold it to Cohagens in the year 1962.
They had run the "Truck Stop" in 58, so this restaurant
business to them wasn't new.
Van Meter's bought Cohagens business on Road 35;
naming it the "T & K".
Mike Meagher and wife purchased it in '76 and own it today.
Ethel & Everett Knebel purchased the "Star Cafe", stocking
it with groceries and fine meat.
They remodeled and enlarged it somewhat, so a snack and drink
with them you might eat.
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! (It's time to shop for the holidays!)
Thank you for considering this opportunity to support your local Historical Society!
Hoosier History Project
Hoosier History Live is an independently produced new media project about Indiana history, integrating podcasts, website, newsletter, and social media. Its original content comes initially from a live with call in weekly talk radio show hosted by author and historian Nelson Price. You can hear the show live Saturdays from noon to 1 pm ET. It’s over the air in Central Indiana at WICR 88.7 fm, or you can stream at the WICR HD1 app on your phone.
The Past in Our Present – Inflation
Mar 6, 2023 - Oct 28, 2023
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Focusing on the way history can help us understand our present is the purpose of a new gallery exhibit called The Past in Our Present. The gallery contains frequently-rotating materials reflecting current events — showing the timely nature of what some would deem ancient history.

The current exhibit, located in the Herbst Family Gallery, explores the topic of inflation. While we hear about inflation on an almost daily basis and feel it each time we visit the grocery store and gas pump, many of us know little about how it has affected the United States in the past, its evolving definition, or the role Hoosiers played reacting to inflation in the past.

The exhibit explores four moments in history when inflation was center stage — starting with the Civil War, when many Hoosiers led the charge as members of the Greenback Movement, an effort to keep the large amount of cash for the Civil War circulating.

It will look at the eras surrounding each World War and how those conflicts created inflationary concerns as demand skyrocketed with so many resources going to the war effort. Some of the patriotic tasks our fellow Hoosiers engaged in during this period, like Victory Gardens and Liberty Loans, were in part an effort to curb inflation.

Finally, we will explore a time many of our visitors remember, the inflation of the 1970s. While having complex causes, its outcomes presented real challenges for everyday Americans. Just like today, debates over inflation entered the political arena with Gerald Ford launching his WIN campaign, an acronym for Whip Inflation Now. LEARN MORE
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.
Trades Training Workshops in South Bend

This series of trades training workshops presented by Indiana Landmarks, South Bend Tradeworks, and the South Bend Historic Preservation Commission is aimed at equipping historic homeowners with DIY knowledge and contractors with in-demand skills.

Wed, Oct 18, 12:00 PM + 1 more event
More dates available
St. Joe County Public Library • South Bend, IN
Starts at $5.00

Wed, Nov 1, 12:00 PM + 1 more event
More dates available
St. Joe County Public Library • South Bend, IN
Starts at $5.00

Get more information and/or register HERE.
Our sponsorship program is new as of January 2023!
The successful operation of the society relies on contributions from members and friends. The Society maintains Membership and Sponsorship programs and collects contributions outside both of those programs.
Leadership

President: Ryan Harrison
Vice President (& Past President): Kathi Thompson
Secretary: Janet Onken
Treasurer: Lin Morrison
Curator: Vacant

Terms Ending 2024
  • Brian Capouch
  • Karen Fritz
  • Judge Michael Shurn
Terms Ending 2025
  • Lenora Hoover
  • Jolie Simmermaker
  • Chris Zahrt
Terms Ending 2026
  • Steve Morrison
  • Anne Scott
  • Dave Scott
Ex Officio: County Historian (also County Genealogist) Mary Conner
Membership

  • Individual ($30)
  • Family ($40)
  • Sustaining / Corporate ($80)

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.

Sponsorship

We value sponsorships, as they support us on an entirely different level! We have the following sponsorship levels:

  • Antiquity ($1,000)
  • Heirloom ($500)
  • Heritage ($250)
  • Legacy ($150)
  • Tradition (Any Amount)
Make a Contribution

In lieu of joining either as a member or a sponsor, you can make a contribution here. This link will assist you in using PayPal or sending a check. A quick and easy way to make a contribution is to utilize this QR code.
Volunteers Manage Their Own Hours

We use 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.
Subscribe to this e-Newsletter

If someone shared this email with you, you may not be on our email list. Just follow this link. On the website, fill out the form, and BOOM! You'll be a part of history!
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