January 2024
No One has Ever “Found” Winamac’s Original Survey

Pulaski County Democrat June 16, 1971

The Town of Winamac was laid out with a long chain in the original survey, according to one 19th century expert. Even more startling, no surveyor from 1866 on (and even prior to that according to written testimony) has succeeded in finding the ‘original survey’. This is only one bit of Pulaskiana coming to light from work in progress now by the County’s Surveyor’s office.

An act passed by the state legislature in 1965 mandated that each county relocate, re-establish and re-witness all the corners and subdivision markers of sections in the county. The rate of relocation was established at 5 percent per year, with a 20-year deadline to complete the job.
The County of Long Ago, by E.R. Brown

This is the ninth in a Series of Reminiscences by E. R. Brown. Pulaski County Democrat, April 6, 1922.

Wild Game

That wild game, both animals and fowls, was once very abundant here, is, I think, well known. It continued to be plentiful for many years, though a persistent decrease was evident and older people reported that this has been true from their first arrival.

Is it because the white race is hoggish and pitiless, or because of their increased numbers, superior skills or equipment?

Or, more to their credit, is it because they improve the country, changing forests and plains into grain fields, with pastures for domestic animals?
Gunter's Chain

Accompanying the article above is information about Gunter's Chain, a unit of measurement referenced by Surveyor Russell Allen in 1865 and 1866.

Many property owners, engineers, planners, and developers have probably noticed some commonly odd measurements that often appear when measuring land and may have asked some of the following questions. Why is it common for a street right-of-way to measure 66 feet in width? Why are alleys commonly 16.5 feet wide? Why do we use acres to measure land area?

Source, and photo (chain dated 1880): eraconsultants.com
Commissioners Record 1839 - 1847
page 14 [note: County established 1839]
Pulaski County, April 28, 1841

[The following has been modified for easier reading for the 21st century. A photo of the original is embedded. Imagine having to figure out property lines with this information in the Commissioners' meeting minutes book.]

"CH" refers to the Gunter's Chain.

The following is a certified copy of the field notes of a county road leading from the SE Corner of section 24 T30 N of R1W to the NE corner of section 36 in T30 N of R2W.

  • From section corner S 73° W 160 CH to mile stake.
  • Thence S 81° 30 W 90 CH to black oak
  • thence N 83 W 70° to mile stake N 83 CHA W 42 CH to Black oak
  • thence S 58° W 51 CH 25 CH to Mill Creek same course, over Creek
  • thence N 73° W 21 CH to bur oak 44 CH to mile stake 30 CH to bur oak
  • thence S 83° 30 W 130 CH to bur oak
  • thence 16 CH to black oak
  • thence S 73° W 114 CH to Black oak
  • thence 42 C W 20 CH to Mill Creek
  • thence S 71 W 1 CH over Mill Creek
  • thence S 71° W 9 CH to white oak
  • thence S 76° W 51 CH to black oak
  • thence 66° W 109 CH to mile stake
  • thence S 52° W 23 CH to stake S 81° 30 W 24° to Winamac and Logansport State Road 89 CH 25 l
  • thence S 6° W 13 CH to stake S 17 CH to Bridge over Mill Creek S 28° W 8 CH over Bridge
  • thence S 17 30 E 16 CH 25 CH to NE corner of Section 36 T 30 N of R CH W
  • distance given in two Pole Chains.
Isaac Olds, Surveyor
April 2, 1932 — December 10, 2023

From the obituary published by Rans Funeral Homes: Donald E. Galbreath, 91, of Winamac and Columbus, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at the Belmont Health and Rehabilitation Center in Columbus.

Born on April 2, 1932 in Winamac, he was the son of the late Chester and Orilla (Lincoln) Galbreath. He was a 1950 Winamac High School graduate.

Don started working in his father’s blacksmith shop in Winamac on farm equipment and ended up being an innovator in the waste handling industry for over 60 years when he founded Galbreath Inc and Galfab Inc. in Winamac. He is nationally recognized for inventing the most user friendly roll off hoist in the industry.

He was instrumental in many community projects through the years and donated his time and money for the good of Pulaski County. He recently formed The Galbreath Family Charities to continue to benefit the community in his absence.

Don’s Celebration of Life will be held on February 3, 2024 (times to be announced) at the historic Vurpillat Opera House, Winamac.
Pulaski County Historical Museum
2018 - present

The formal relationship between Don and Dee Galbreath and the Pulaski County Historical Society began in 2006. At the end of that year, the Galbreaths deeded their homestead to the Society, retaining for themselves a life estate.

Along with the property came a fund established with the Community Foundation of Pulaski County to allow funds to maintain the building and grounds.

In 2016, the Galbreaths decided they didn't want to wait any longer for the Society to start their move. With their generous financial assistance and a Heritage grant from the Indiana Historical Society, renovations began on the "carriage house."

By mid-2018, renovations complete, the Society moved most of their artifacts from the County-owned Quonset Hut to this building, the first climate-controlled facility the Museum has enjoyed.

The Society had plans to move artifacts to and expand exhibits in a museum to be established in the main house when the time came to take full possession of the property. However, extensive and expensive renovations would have been needed to make the house accessible to the public.

Moving forward, this property once again is owned by the Galbreath family. The family and the Society forged an agreement in the months before Don's passing.

The Museum will remain on the Galbreath property until June of 2025 while plans to build a new facility are made and implemented.
The Society is working with Winamac and the Winamac Parks Department to plant a tree in memory of Delores “Dee” and Don Galbreath.
Rotating Display
Pulaski Yellow Jackets

As we gear up for Indiana's most loved sport, basketball, the Pulaski County Historical Society is proud to present our November/December installment of the Community Collection. Brenda Gilsinger has shared a small piece of her extensive Pulaski school collection focusing on some of the players and memorabilia from the Pulaski Yellow Jackets basketball team.

The collection displays artifacts dating as far back as the 1920’s and features a basketball jersey once belonging to Jerry Cloud. Go Yellow Jackets!

If you have a collection on artifacts from Pulaski County or Indiana and would like to contribute to the Community Collection please contact the historical society.
Items for Sale
Books on Pulaski County's History

Above Left: From the Images of America series, this picture postcard book of Pulaski County celebrates the history of neighborhoods and towns. By Karen Clem Fritz. 2009. A true bargain at $10.

Above Middle: Volumes I & II, Pulaski County Sesquicentennial, a publication in honor of 150 years of Pulaski County History. Published by the Sesquicentennial Steering Committee, 1990. $10 per book, $20 per set.

Above Right: Pulaski County Sites and Structures Inventory. Funded in part by the Indiana Historic Landmarks Foundation, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and local sources, and developed with local the assistance of local residents. 2009. $10

Miscellaneous Notecards

Each packet contains a variety. There are sketches of schoolhouses, libraries, bridges... Above is a typical packet; below is a close-up of Star City School. Packets $4

Pulaski Schoolhouse Replicas

These replicas were gifted to the Historical Society when the Pulaski Schoolhouse was sold to its current owner. The replica lights from the inside and will make a unique addition to your holiday village collections, or as a stand-alone item. $10
PCHS Mugs

We still have a few mugs from past fundraising activities. They are cheap at the price! $5

Purchase Information

If you are unable to visit the museum in person to purchase items (we are open Saturdays, 10:00 - 4:00), contact us to ask about shipment: info@pulaskihistory.net
Medaryville Herald, June 21, 1951
Francesville Motor Company
A well known Organization in Francesville which is the Authorized sales and service for International Harvester Lines. Refrigerators, Freezers, Electrical Appliances, Tractors and Farm Machinery. For Prompt and Efficient Service phone Francesville 178 or see Mr. Gutwein or Conrad Schubert.

The Francesville Motor compay handles appliances of the better grade-a quality of merchandise that you may depend upon to give you the maximum of service. The management of this reliable concern has anticipated your needs and their stock is composed of International Harvester appliances and farm equipment.

Space does not permit us to mention in detail all the appliances handled by the Francesville Motor Company, but we do call your attention to the International line, for which the Francesville Motor Co. are the authorized dealers and sales and service. These appliances are all too well known to need further comment. The manufacturers as well as the owners of this local firm stand back of every appliance sold with the guarantee of complete satisfaction.
The Francesville Motor Co. has an efficient service department second to none that enables them to offer prompt dependable service on all household appliances they sell.

From the first time you enter their store through the entire life of your purchase they are at your service with the best mechanics to be had to see that your appliance gives complete satisfaction. The Francesville Motor Co. carries in stock one of the largest and most complete stock of parts for all makes of appliances they sell. It is with pleasure that we include the Francesville Motor Co. in this review of leading business concerns in Francesville and Pulaski County and refer them to our readers and friends.

Photo from Invaluable.com auction website
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. A Google Meet option is available.
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.
Miscellaneous: "30's" continued
We couldn't forget Fern and Russell Batty's Grocery Store,
Where the Star City Canvas Co. now stands,
Once a week we'd come in for groceries, 
And free Concerts given by the School Band.
 Now Otto Bridenbaugh had studied law, 
and also sold Real Estate.
His office building was East of the Drug Store, 
where he notarized papers with Seal & Date.
 In the very early 30's, Long's Hardware 
Featured annual 'Biscuit Bakes'.
Ladies made biscuits to be 'eaten on the spot'.
Proving the sales pitch for his stoves wasn't fake!
 There was a time when the store business was heavy,
It certainly couldn't have been called 'light'.
With four stores doing flourishing business:
Korner, Simmermaker, Royer and Wright!
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! Use the QR Code here or visit our website.
Virtual Resources

Want to dig into Indiana’s history from the comfort of your home? Now you can! The Indiana Historical Society offers valuable — and free — virtual resources and e-learning opportunities to fellow Hoosiers and visitors from around the globe. If you, your students, kids or grandkids are looking for fun, educational and historical online experiences or resources, check out our extensive list.
Hot off the Press

Homecomings: A Writer’s Memoir
Norbert Krapf

In nearly 30 essays, “Homecomings” tells the ongoing story of former Indiana Poet Laureate Norbert Krapf.

The book details his experiences and development as a writer of poetry and prose that began after he moved from northern Indiana to the New York area in 1970, and poems started to come in January of 1971, and his eventual return to his native state.
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.
*Save Places that Matter
*Historic Venue Rental
*Tours & Events *Landmarks for Sale
Affiliate Membership

The Pulaski County Historical Society is an affiliate member of Indiana Landmarks.

For information about the affiliate organizations around the state, and the exciting work they are doing, visit their webpage.
Masonry, Tile, and Restoration Webinar Series

Stabilizing Masonry Construction: How to Recognize Issues & What to Do

Tuesday, January 16, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM Eastern Time

Historic masonry structures can last forever but may require stabilization to maintain their structural integrity. Especially on historic projects, retaining and preserving the existing building is often preferred. On some rehabilitation projects, you may run into masonry building components that are cracked, bulged, or leaning to the point that they may require attention.
 
Learn some simple rules of thumb to keep in mind when evaluating the stability of existing masonry construction, including how to recognize conditions that contribute to global and local stability issues. We’ll discuss common procedures for retrofitting and stabilizing masonry including anastylosis (rebuilding), installing ties and anchors, void injection, and adding external members for strengthening walls. Often, stabilization is more cost and time-effective than rebuilding. Finally, see examples of historic masonry walls that were stabilized by adding internal reinforcement without changing the building’s appearance. Register HERE.
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 at 6:00 PM on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Meetings are held at the Museum; a Google Meet option is available.

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)
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