... a historic President. Twice. And it may be complicated.

Our feature article can be read by following this link to our website.

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We are looking for a dynamic individual to take over the responsibilities of curating our historical museum. A key position within the volunteer structure, this person literally holds the keys to our success.

Interested individuals should send an email to us. We'll want a brief resume, and we will share a job description with you before setting up an interview.

Our Pulaski County Genealogist, Janet Onken, did a bit of digging to see if the differences in spelling of the last name was a mistake on the part of the newspaper, and if this was, indeed, ths same man.

Oh, the things you can find in everyday places.

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.

The Pulaski County Historical Society recently sold its downtown property, the Vurpillat Opera House, to Jenny and Mike Kasten, owners of One Eyed Jacks. Before the sale, the Society was in the process of raising funds to paint and repair the west side of the building and to replace the historic front doors. The Society had received at least 50 percent of the necessary funds, a touchstone that was required by the State agency for which significant grant funds would be requested.

Those who work in the private, not-for-profit sector will understand the balancing act that often goes on with projects. Because the building is on the National Historic Register, these repairs had to be made. However, the property was also available for lease or for sale. While working with potential purchasers, something that has happened several times before without a close, the fundraising had to go forward. If one piece of the puzzle was abandoned to the trash heap, and another piece of the puzzle flew out the window, the entire puzzle would be left. Unfinished. And deadlines are what they are. (A side note to those who write grants, on the eve of the day that the state grant was to be submitted, the sale was finalized. How’s that for meeting a deadline?)

But, as noted above, at least 50 percent of the total necessary funds had been raised. The Society wants to extend gracious thanks to donors who pledged funds for the project that were either never accepted or that were returned. Significant support was received from the Community Foundation of Pulaski County, Kankakee Valley REMC, Carroll White REMC and BraunAbility. These organizations are always supportive of community projects, and the Society was pleased to return funds to their coffers.

Other donors were able to allow the Society to keep their funds for use with the Museum. Those donors are Alliance Bank, The First National Bank of Monterey, Bennett & Shepherd Insurance, and several individual donors.

Ryan Harrison, President of the Historical Society, stated, “The balancing act is real. We balanced lessors, potential purchasers, donors and deadlines. We are excited the Opera House is in capable hands, with a couple that has proven themselves to be stewards in the community. They have also committed to honoring the historic nature of the building. And we want to thank all of the individuals and organizations who joined in our quest to continue to refurbish a historic property.”

From The Democratic Journal, between January & April 1887

The Dunkard people in the Davenport neighborhood, one mile north of Winamac, will erect a new church building on the land owned by A. Davenport, one quarter of a mile west of the Winamac and Cedar Lake road and one mile north of town. We are informed that the funds have been raised and work will be commenced as soon as the busy season is over.

From The Democratic Journal, October 29, 1887

Wheat 76c, corn 48, oats, white 30, black 25, rye 40, potatoes 80, hogs, heavy 4 3/4, butter 14, eggs 18, poultry, young chickens 5 1/2 to 6, old hens 5 1/2, cocks 3 1/2 to 4, turkeys 6, geese $6 to $6.50 per dozen, ducks 6 to 7c per lb., hoop poles $12 per 1,000, tiling at lowest price, hay, timothy, good per ton $8, wild $4, straw per load $2, hides green 8 1/2, tallow 8c.

What is a hoop pole? If you know, please tell us!

From The Democratic Journal, April 9, 1887

We have before us a copy of the Pulaski Democrat of May 9, 1863. It is a six-column folio, and was published by Rufus Magee, now minister to Sweden. The county officers then were, W. H. Jacks, clerk; G. T. Wickersham, auditor; J. A. Farley, treasurer; C. G. Cleland, sheriff; John Nickels, recorder; D. H. Hawes, surveyor; L. W. Estes, Conneway Stone and Michael Kleckner, commissioners. Lewis Hoffman was the postmaster and Wm. S. Huddleston school examiner. The editor gives a scathing review of Gen. Haschel's celebrated 'Order No. 9', and denounces the general as a military satrap, etc. The Democrat contained no local news items--not one. It was well filled with legal and patent medicine advertisements, but printed only three home business advertisements, namely: Dr. F. B. Thomas, cash drug store; B. F. Hathaway, stove and tin shop, and M. D. Falvey, groceries and provisions. But time brings great changes, and the difference between the Democrat of that date and the last issue of its successor, the Democratic Journal, is as marked as the progress and growth the Winamac of today had made over the little hamlet of 24 years ago.

What was Order No. 9? We would be grateful if someone else would do the research. Please do so, and please tell us what you learn!

From The Pulaski County Journal, July 29, 2020 (Photo from Pulaski County's Sesquicentennial Book)

1920, 100 Years Ago: The Pulaski mill, one of the oldest and best-known landmarks in the southern half of the county, burned down about 11 o'clock Monday night. It was thoroughly ablaze when discovered, and there was nothing to do but let the big frame structure burn, the people giving their attention to the adjacent building.

It is generally agreed that the mill was set afire - perhaps accidental but more likely intentionally. No definite reason is assigned as to why anyone should have started the fire but the belief prevails that somebody did it for some reason.

We look forward to posting more about the Pulaski Mill in future newsletters.

Stay up-to-date with the progress of the Memorial Swinging Bridge Project. Visit the website and sign up to receive the monthly e-newsletter.f

The Pulaski County Historical Society received word it has been awarded a $6,000 grant from the Efroymson Family Fund. The fund provides financial support to a diverse range of issues including arts and culture, historic preservation, the environment and helping those in need. This grant was awarded to support refurbishing the historic Memorial Swinging Bridge, a well-known feature of the Winamac Town Park.

The bridge is one of only a few suspension bridges of its type in the state.

From The Winamac Republican, March 1, 1923, comes an article about a “new foot-bridge” to span the Tippecanoe River. The Park Association proposed to construct a “permanent suspension foot-bridge” over the Tippecanoe River to connect the artesian well park with the river park. Plans proceeded, and, in what today would seem record time, the bridge was dedicated to great fanfare just four months later, on July 4, 1923. The dedication was in memory of “soldiers of all wars who hailed from Pulaski County.”

Ryan Harrison, President of the Historical Society, stated, “We are pleased the Efroymson family thought highly of the project. As we approach the bridge’s centenary anniversary, it’s gratifying to see a community coalition come together. This is one small step toward the goal.”

And it truly is a community effort. The grant was secured with the aid of Indiana Landmarks. The Historical Society, a member agency, is acting as a pass-through entity. In a nod to the Town of Winamac’s plans to refurbish the bridge, the Town will be the sub-recipient of the funds. In tandem with the Town, and in advance of the 100^th anniversary of the bridge’s dedication, a citizen group is working toward the goal of illuminating the bridge with LED lighting.

President: Ryan Harrison

Vice President (& Past President): Kathi Thompson

Secretary (& Genealogist): Janet Onken

Treasurer: Lin Morrison

Curator: Dr. Natalie Tucker

Historian: Karen Fritz

Terms Ending 2021:

Terms Ending 2022:

Terms Ending 2023

$30 Individual

$40 Family

$80 Sustaining / Corporate

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Contributors to this edition: Janet Onken, Karen Fritz, Kathi Thompson