Last month, we shared a story told by Karen Fritz in the October 30, 1999 issue of the ExPRESS about the Samuel Riggs family. See the e-newsletter with that article HERE.

In summary, Mr. 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.

Now, from reader Cindy Kimes, comes a bit of the rest of the story.

"Thank you for including the story about the Samuel Riggs family. Distant cousins had told about the members of Samuel Riggs's family that died around the same time, but I did not know details. Emma Riggs was my great-grandmother. Attached is a photo of Emma and Joseph (year unknown), and a picture of Samuel Rigg’s second family. My great-grandmother Emma is standing in the back."

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. We have opened a booth at Sell It Here in Lafayette, and you will soon see items offered on eBay.

The stock at Sell It Here will shift over time, but if you are in town, stop in and check out booth #21 (3805 Fortune Drive, Lafayette).

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.

Several videos are online for this workshop series. It shows one thing. People are interested in the history of their homes.

Check it out HERE.

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.

I've mentioned names you have never heard

But I still swear it's true;

'"We" all once were part of Francesville

Yes. Just the same as you.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to support your local Historical Society!

Opportunities to Enjoy the Indiana Historical Society.

Tickets are now available for the largest event of the year – Festival of Trees. This year’s extravaganza will feature a winter wonderland with more than 75 elaborately decorated trees representing individuals, families and organizations from around Indiana. Eli Lilly Hall also features a massive, 30-foot centerpiece tree that is viewable throughout most of the building.

Many other treasures await! Please visit the website for more information.

Join Indiana Landmarks for good food and seasonal cheer at holiday open houses for members around the state. This year's open house locations illustrate a range of architectural styles and preservation stories, including a former automotive factory, a collection of Greek Revival-style buildings, a National Historic Landmark mansion near the Ohio River, a Gothic church with Tiffany Studios interior, and a private Neoclassical-style home. This is free with an RSVP for members of Indiana Landmarks. 5:00 - 7:00 PM. You can learn more HERE.

December 1, Indianapolis: Stutz Building, 1060 North Capital Avenue: Automobile innovator Harry C. Stutz built a factory in Indianapolis between 1911-12, enlarging the complex along Capitol Avenue several times to produce luxury automobiles until 1935. The company was best known for its Stutz Bearcat, a sports car introduced in 1911. After the automotive company left, the complex served a variety of uses, most recently as office space and artists’ lofts. Recently purchased by New York City-based SomeraRoad, Inc., the Stutz will soon undergo major renovation as a multi-use complex incorporating restaurants and retail. Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres as you visit with other members in the oldest section of the factory complex.

December 2, Attica: Cottrell Village, 306 East Main Street: Tucked along Main Street in downtown Attica, Cottrell Village is a picturesque cluster of three white-frame Greek Revival-style buildings that look plucked out of a New England scene. Attica native John Cottrell restored the properties in the late ‘80s and ‘90s as a gift to his hometown, and today the site is a favorite community gathering spot stewarded by our affiliate Fountain County Landmarks. At the Holiday Open House, gather in the c.1850 Attica Presbyterian Church for refreshments and musical entertainment by a brass quintet from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, then wander through the first floors of the 1850s Norman & Maria Brown House and William & Emeline Brown House.

December 8, Aurora: Hillforest, 213 Fifth Street: Sited on a bluff above downtown Aurora overlooking the Ohio River, Hillforest was built in 1855 for prominent distiller and industrialist Thomas Gaff. Designed by architect Isaiah Rogers to resemble a river steamboat, Hillforest’s architectural style is known as Steamboat Gothic. It was an appropriate choice for Gaff, who along with his brothers owned a fleet of steamboats to transport wares up and down the river. Named a National Historic Landmark, Hillforest today serves as a Victorian house museum and small event venue. Explore the house to learn more about its history and unique architecture while you enjoy music and refreshments, including beer from Aurora’s Great Crescent Brewery. Extend your evening by visiting local shops and restaurants in downtown Aurora following the open house.

December 13, Richmond: The Reid Center, 1004 North A Street: Daniel G. Reid, a financier, industrialist, and benefactor known as Richmond’s “Tinplate King,” commissioned Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church in 1904 in memory of his parents. Architects Sidney Badgley and William H. Nicklas of Cleveland, Ohio, designed the towering Gothic limestone church at the corner of North A and 11th streets. The interior includes a fan-vaulted ceiling, carved wooden trim, and 62 stained-glass windows and furnishings by New York’s Tiffany Studios. It’s estimated Reid spent $295,000 on the building, an equivalent of more than $7.5 million today. Today, the church is adaptively reused as The Reid Center, a performance and events venue and community center. Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres as you visit with other members, take in the stunning surroundings, and listen to holiday classics played on the 1906 Hook and Hastings Organ

December 15, South Bend: 129 West North Shore Drive: Mary Ellen O’Connell and Pete Bauer open their Neoclassical Revival-style house in South Bend’s West North Shore Drive Historic District. Built in 1905 for banker Eugene Miller and his wife Ann, the house includes views of the Saint Joseph River and nearby Leeper Park. Since purchasing the house in 2005, Mary Ellen and Pete have restored it from top-to-bottom. During the open house, guests can enjoy light refreshments and tour the first and second floors of the residence. To prevent overcrowding, timed-entry tickets are necessary to attend this open house.

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.

President: Ryan Harrison

Vice President (& Past President): Kathi Thompson

Secretary: Janet Onken

Treasurer: Lin Morrison

Curator: Vacant

Terms Ending 2023

Terms Ending 2024

Terms Ending 2025

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.

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