Trail of Death Reflections
Personal & Our Great Grandmother's
By Robert L. Pearl and Sister Virginia Pearl, great grandchildren of Et Equa Ke Sec
From Potawatomi Trail of Death – 1838 Removal from Indiana to Kansas, written and edited by Shirley Willard and Susan Campbell, Fulton County Historical Society, 2003.
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We have traveled the Trail of Death from beginning to end, three times in the past 14 years. Each time it has been a deeply spiritual experience. Some outstanding reflections from the 1988, 1993 and 1998 Caravans are as follows:
People all along the way would come up to us and apologize to us who had ancestors on the original Trail of Death. They would ask forgiveness in the name of their own ancestors who were farming the land in 1838 when the Potawatomi walked along their creeks and rivers. Some would apologize for the Indiana and the United States governments that had proposed and executed the removal.
READ MORE. If the link does not work, go to the website and scroll down on the first page until you come to the post.
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"How to Research the History of Your Old House," is a four-session workshop that will be offered this summer by the Pulaski County Historical Society.
The workshop will consist of two parts: how to understand legal property descriptions, deeds, mortgages, abstracts of title, etc., and then how to research that sort of information at the Recorder's Office.
The second part will focus on the "taxonomy" of house styles: Jeannie Regan-Dinisius from the Indiana Office of Historic Preservation and Archeology will introduce and explain using the SHAARD database of historic properties.
Attendees will receive a copy of "A Field Guide to American Houses" and the workshop will end with a tour of local homes that represent classic house styles.
Each attendee will choose a property to research and share the results with others in the workshop.
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SCHEDULE
The first session will be held at the former Medaryville Public Library, now known as the West Side Center, at 510 East Main Street, Medaryville, on June 14, beginning at 7:00 PM.
The second session is actually an assignment. Details will be given at the first session. Participants will visit the Recorder's Office - either online or onsite, to research the chosen property. The assignment is to be completed by July 9.
The third session will be on July 9 in the afternoon (time to be announced by no later than the first session), at the Pulaski County Historical Museum, 500 South Monticello, Winamac (The Carriage House). This session will be presented by Jeannie Regan-Dinius, Director of Special Initiatives, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preservation & Archeoloty.
During the third session, arrangements will be made for the final session, a tour of historic houses, possibly including property or properties being researched by participants.
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PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
The deadline for pre-registration has passed, but if you are interested, please contact us.
Because materials will be supplied, pre-registration will be required.
Registration will cost $15, $10 for members of Pulaski County Historical Society.
While you are required to pre-register, payment does not have to be remitted until the first session.
If you would like to prepay, send a check, made out to Pulaski County Historical Society, to PO Box 135, Winamac IN 46996, or visit our webpage to use PayPal. Scroll down to "Donations." We will match your payment to your emailed pre-registration.
Send registration information (name, address, phone and email address) to the Workshop Facilitator, Brian Capouch, at this address: workshop@pulaskihistory.net, by June 5.
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This month, we feature the Veterans Display. You'll see old photos, uniforms, and items that were carried home by Pulaski County veterans, including weaponry and even a cookbook. |
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We're using SignUp.com to organize our upcoming museum shifts. Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
- Click this link: https://signup.com/go/RuLRDVM
- Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
- 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.
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A recent addition comes from the family of Lewis Elmer Grant, Jr., a cook in the U.S. Army during WWII.
Shown here are descendants, visitors to the museum, (left from the back) Kenny Mayer & Summer Powers, (right from the back) April, Alexia & Ryan Wilsey.
They are surrounding his uniform and holding a photograph which includes him. To the right is information about the cookbook which was also donated. It is too fragile to be held, and is safe inside the case. A QR code on the information sheet takes guests to a website that talks about cooking for the U.S. Army, which marches on its stomach.
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The 1st Thursday of every month: persons interested in genealogy can attend the monthly meeting of the Genealogical Society at 5:00.
The 3rd Thursday of every month: Historical Society Board meeting at 6:00. Members and interested parties are invited to attend. Meetings have been suspended through the summer.
You may find this small space a perfect meeting place for your organization. We'll be happy to work with you, as long as our open hours and standard meeting times are honored.
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In May, we hosted four sets of third graders at the museum.
Photos were not taken, but it was interesting to see the interest levels of each set of classes.
Not being a teacher - especially a teacher of grade-school-aged children - an attempt was made to introduce the children to the treaties that formed the State of Indiana. It may have been a year too early for that!
Entreaties were made for them to come back with their parents!
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When you attended school, you no doubt learned about pre-colonial wars (think French & Indian Wars), the Revolutionary War, and wars that followed, including the War of 1812.
There is a 99% guarantee that you learned about these wars from the perspective of the conquerors, the English in the beginning, then the United States.
There is a 99% probability that you know little about how these wars involved Native tribes and how Natives were affected.
We'll give you some breadcrumbs to follow.
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You can watch our garden grow this year two ways.
One, you can take a look here, because we will take a photo monthly. Two, stop at the museum any Saturday between 10:00 and 4:00.
These photos are from the first weekend of June. Our gardener is Kaity Stacy.
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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. |
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DECORATION DAY - MEDARYVILLE 1891
On account of a misunderstanding there was a small turnout on Decoration morning at the Independence cemetery. About thirty soldier's graves were decorated with twelve or fifteen old soldiers in attendance. The Medaryville Cornet band was present and discoursed some fine music. At two o'clock the people gathered at the Christian church in Medaryville and listened to the very appropriate remarks of Elder Barney, after which the soldiers formed in line and, headed by the band and followed by citizens bearing flowers, flags and other decorations, marched to our cemetery. There was quite a large gathering, including about forty veterans.
DECORATION DAY - FRANCESVILLE 1886
Decoration Day was duly observed here by the soldiers and citizens. It seemed by the large crowd that the people turned out en masse. It was the largest procession that we ever saw on the road from Francesville to the cemetery, east of town. At 9 a.m. Henry S. Lane Post assembled in their hall, where they were joined by many old soldiers. At 10 a.m. the soldiers marched to the M. E. Church, where a large crown of people had assembled. As the soldiers entered the church the choir and all the citizens sang a beautiful song of greeting, which was highly appreciated by all, especially the soldiers in whose behalf it was sung. The Post then went through with their beautiful services as per regulations, after which the Hon. A. K. Sill of Monon delivered a speech that was a credit to him and a benefit to all. He was followed by Elder Floyd of Wayne county, after which the choir sang, then all proceeded to the cemetery, where the services was concluded by the soldiers and a short but well-chosen speech by Elder W. A. Hennegar, which had to be heard to be appreciated. The procession was three-fourths of a mile long.
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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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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 89 - 92
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I can still see 'Old Bushaw"
The wild man in his cage.
And how he shook the bars and stomped
Like he was in a rage.
I stood there with my sister,
And I was only four.
I remember I was scared to death
That he'd break down the door.
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Then we saw Hattie and Dora
The Aztec Twins from Mexico,
I saw the older men of Francesville
Slip in the Burlesque Show.
I see the balloon ascension,
They were always such a thrill,
And every year at Street Fair time
We had one in Francesville.
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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 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!
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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, either by 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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Thank you for considering this opportunity to support your local Historical Society! |
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If interested, contact us!
574-270-0128
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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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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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Affiliate Opportunity
SOS Marion is excited to welcome all to our event - “Celebrate Historic Preservation- South Washington Street Neighborhoods” on Saturday June 18th from 9 AM to 1 PM!
Attendees may begin at Gethsemane Episcopal Church where they will park and be transported to the next tour sites or begin at any other site.
Tour sites include Gethsemane Episcopal, 1st United Methodist, Ridley Tower, God’s House, PCC & St. Louis Train Depot, House of Worship for All People, and 917 S Adams Street. Following the tours at noon at Gethsemane, guest speaker Olon Dotson will be presenting, "Making A Way Out Of No Way In Anti-Black Space: Fourth World Nation Building in Indiana in the 19th and 20th Century.”
Tickets can be purchased for $10 the week of the event at Design Studio 407 or they may be purchased during the event at each tour site.
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June 3 - July 22
Two Indianapolis artists will showcase their distinct viewpoints in a gallery show at Indiana Landmarks Center.
Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Avenue, Indianapolis
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June 14
Hands-on workshop shows techniques for rehabbing historic windows and making them more energy efficient.
Kendallville Community Learning Center, 401 E Diamond St, Kendallville, Indiana
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June 16
Grab a beer and explore one of Indianapolis’ most beloved landmarks on Indiana Landmarks’ adults-only tours of the historic Athenaeum.
The Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan Street, Indianapolis
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June 24
Doesn’t everyone love the Indiana Dunes National Park? Get to know the area better at a talk on June 24, preceding our Logs to Lustrons tour on June 25.
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 N. State Road, Porter, Indiana
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June 25
Explore a century of architecture in the Indiana Dunes on a tour visiting 17 historic sites.
Bailly Homestead/Chellberg Farm Parking, 900 North Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN
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July 15 - 16
Join Indiana Automotive this summer for an inside look at automotive landmarks, museums, and an exclusive private collection in South Bend.
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October 14 - 21
It's an architectural adventure for the whole family! Guided safari explores wildlife in architecture and sculpture around downtown Indianapolis.
University Park, 307 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis
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Ongoing Event
On the first Friday of select months, see the latest exhibits and explore the spectacularly restored Indiana Landmarks Center.
Indianapolis
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Ongoing Event
These classic examples of the grand hotel era were restored with Indiana Landmarks’ guidance. You really need to see them in person.
French Lick & West Baden
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May 12 - October 20
Go beneath the market’s western plaza on one of our guided tours. Explore the network of brick arches that once supported a historic hall.
Indianapolis
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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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