Charm, character, culture …
Ladies of the Club
By Jennifer Zahrt
Special to ExPRESS August 2003
(re-printed here)
FOR YEARS I HAVE BEEN FASCINATED by this particular Indiana Federated Women’s Club, Tri-Chi, because my mother-in-law Lillian Zahrt was one of the founding members, and because I can’t imagine having a 70-year history with anyone or anything. To hear her reminisce is not only a delight, but strikes me as a story worth sharing since her memories capture the charm, character and culture of our community, state and nation. (click the link below to read the article)
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The Chiefs Winamac: For Which Are We Named?
Why are we still asking the question?
A friend of the Historical Society, Jon Chapman of Edward Jones, asked us to finally settle the question: for which Chief Winamac was the Town of Winamac named?
And he put his money where his mouth was. His gift led to the applications for grants that allowed the Historical Museum to add an interactive component.
And so, we researched and wrote a series of articles about the history of the indigenous populations of Pulaski County, starting with the Ice Ages and ending with … this article.
The struggle is real. It has been a contentious point for nearly as long as the town has held the name. While this has been a fun trek down the roads of history, the information is confusing and often conflicting.
Visit the webpage, part of the new interactive component of the Pulaski County Historical Museum.
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Once again, we thank our benefactors: Jon Chapman (Edward Jones), Carroll-White REMC Operation Round-Up, and Fulton County REMC Operation Round-Up. |
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This is just one setting of the indigenous peoples display. The posters shown include brief information and QR codes to lead you to additional information.
The online display is meant to lead you from the beginning of Native American life in the area that is Pulaski County to the end, as Native Americans are finally and forcibly removed.
The posters shown here are:
- Ice Ages, the Land & the People
- Europeans Arrive
- French Fur Trade & Beaver Wars
- Colonial Wars
- Revolutionary War
- Post-Revolutionary Wars
- The US Takes Shape
- Indiana Takes Shape
- Pulaski County Takes Shape
Also, to the left is a small section of a display of several items related to Pulaski County.
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Those who prefer not to use the QR codes to view information on their cell phones may access the website from one of the computers in the museum.
Here, Lynda Irving takes a look at the website.
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The Mercantile Building in Pulaski is a beautiful meeting space. Owned by Paul and Brenda Gilsinger, it is made available to the community at no charge. You can see the facility was beautifully decorated for the day. It is highly recommended for your next meeting, reunion, or party. |
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Shirley Willard, Fulton County Historian, spoke to an attentive crowd about the Potawatomi in the Pulaski and Fulton County areas, in particular about the Trail of Death.
A writer and historian, she has written, edited and published books and newsletters for the Fulton County Historical Society, its Genealogy section, Indian Awareness Center, Historical Power Association, and the Potawatomi Trail of Death Association.
She brought her years of wisdom and insight to our meeting, enriching us all. Below, you will find a link to our YouTube channel, but the link to her presentation, specifically, is HERE. |
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A brief history of Vurpillat's Opera House is available on our YouTube channel. Check it out HERE.
Also on our channel:
- 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
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World War II Memorial
at Star City School
This memorial was installed at Star City School in 1948. When most of the school was demolished, the memorial went to Star City West Cemetery. In this photo, you can see two brass plaques, and the newspaper below gives a complete inscription. Only one plaque remains today. (See photos, below.)
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War Memorial is Dedicated at Star City
Stone and Court are Erected as Tribute to Servicemen of Community
By Mrs. C. L. Reed
Pulaski County Democrat, June 3, 1948, page 2
The dedication of the Star City War Memorial Court, in connection with the Memorial Day program Sunday afternoon, was an impressive event. The memorial embraces the area on the school grounds between the school building and the gymnasium. The main feature of the court is a native boulder set far back into the enclosure. A bronze tablet on the stone carries this inscription:
In honor of the men and women who left the Star City community to serve their country in World War II and in memory of the three who gave their lives.
Robert E. Fahler, Inf.
David L. Jones, Navy
Richard B. Reed. A.A.F.
They fought for Peace with Honor.
A long narrow cement walk connects the boulder part of the memorial to a circular base for the 60-foot flag pole. On three sides of this are curved benches of Bedford Stone, each with a gold star for the three young men who gave their lives. Shrubs and plants next to the buildings add beauty along with sides and front. The space behind the boulder forms a stage, and laurel and flower boxes outline the front of the area.
Honored at Services
This was the setting for the services Sunday afternoon. American flags on standards and potted red geraniums around the flag pole made up the decorations. Music was furnished by the Star City band and a male trio.
The Rev. O. B. Davis gave the Memorial Day address, and the Rev. John Paul Jones, formerly of Star City, gave the dedication talk. A folded flag lay on each stone bench until being presented to the families of the deceased veterans by former members of the same branches of service – Darin Sayers, A.A.F.; Roger Lincoln, Navy; and George Hoesel, Infantry. Mrs. Clark Reed placed the wreath on the memorial.
The War Memorial committee was made up of representatives of each community organization, including churches and school, and the construction was financed with subscriptions by interested groups. Suitable plantings will be made from time to time. The committee consisted of Mrs. Reed, Mrs. Maud Wirick, Mrs. Frank Stephens, Floyd Knebel and Dwight Surber. In charge of the Memorial program this year and dedicatory services were Mrs. Stephens, Mrs. Sylvia Geier, Mrs. Tom Densborn and Mrs. Fred Cords.
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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 81 - 84
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I see Mrs. Ellis doing washings
And she always did her best,
I see Steve Eldridge's big gold watch chain
He always wore across his vest.
I see Swing Brothers restaurant burn,
Tom Possee carry mail;
Like Jake Goble and Vint Bechdolt
Every week day without fail.
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I see the Boy Scouts 'camping out',
On Jones' island, too,
With Rev Van Orman there,
To tell us what to do.
I see May and Effie Myers in Church
And Rev. Miller in his chair.
I see Daisy Bechdolt and Bertha Hayworth
And Tillie Overman sitting there.
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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 That Keep Giving
A gift to the Historical Society will continue to give back. Find a convenient way to do that here. |
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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.
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The quick and easy way to make a contribution to the Historical Society is to utilize this QR code. We're trying to drag history into the 21st Century!
Thank you for considering this opportunity!
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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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Eva Kor from Auschwitz to Indiana
Eva Kor from Auschwitz to Indiana tells the remarkable story of Eva Mozes Kor, who survived Auschwitz as a child and the experiments of Dr. Joseph Mengele and grew up to be one of the most influential Holocaust educators and activists in the world. She ignited a global manhunt for Mengele, organized other survivors, and educated millions about what happened during the Holocaust and about her vision of empowerment and forgiveness. The exhibit shares the story of her life and includes an unparalleled interactive experience in which visitors can take a virtual reality tour of Auschwitz with her.
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Dimensions in Testimony
On loan from CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center, USC Shoah Foundation’s Dimensions in Testimony allows visitors to converse with an interactive biography of Eva via a hologram-like projection. Guests can hear her personal testimony and ask questions that are of interest to them—learning more about her story in her own words.
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Additional Opportunities to Enjoy the Indiana Historical Society
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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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First Fridays
Indiana Landmarks Center
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Presented at no charge
Calendar and Information HERE
- June 3: Insight Art Promotions showcases African American artists.
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Building Blocks—Information to strengthen grassroots preservation organizations, expand knowledge, and inspire ideas.
Learning Opportunities
Historic Madison, Inc. offers “Save That Sash” a historic window workshop, June 17-18.
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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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