tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237505072024-03-13T23:02:32.146-07:00Peru Then and Nowbonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.comBlogger209125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-38900313071711748902007-04-30T11:32:00.000-07:002007-09-09T17:54:06.661-07:00A tribute to my motherAs I sort through life and deal with my mother's passing, I've been touched by the words of many people. Thanks to each and every one of you.<br /><br />Often, during my blogging experiences, wonderful comments become buried and forgotten. There's been a couple I want to post for all to read. This first one comes from a dear friend of my mother, Bobbie Sease.<br /><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">Bonnie’s funeral today was beautiful and touching, a poignant tribute to one of Miami County’s strongest supporters and most valuable treasures. Standing in the cemetery with Del in that raw cold wind, I couldn’t help but think that God was showing us how bleak our world will be without her.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Back in the seventies, when I was searching for answers, someone told me to read the Bible. I must have smirked. That person told me that if I kept at it, I would find a character who would speak to me. He said the Bible has someone for everyone, someone we can identify with in some significant way. I found that to be true and I’ve passed on that advice to many others over the years. When I think of Bonnie, I think of Barnabas from the New Testament. He was called the “son of encouragement.” He was the one who stood up for Paul (previously Saul) to the apostles and other Christians, when they doubted that Paul had truly been converted. Preachers and Christian writers today often use Barnabas as an example of one who “comes alongside” to encourage. And that is how I remember Bonnie. She didn’t just encourage with words. She came alongside and helped people bring to fruition what they dreamed in their hearts.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">She believed in my writing ability and told me often that I should try to publish. But she didn’t stop there. One day in 1985, she brought out a clipping from New Woman magazine that advertised a poetry contest. A week later, she called and asked if I had submitted a poem yet. She even suggested which one to submit! She was the first person I called when I was notified that I had won the contest and the $1,000 prize. Later, Bonnie and I collaborated on a few articles for The Peru Daily Tribune, as it was called then. One of our biggest thrills was having our article (my writing, her photos) published in Country Woman magazine.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Bonnie’s curiosity and energy were insatiable. I never saw her idle. She was always investigating something, trying something, creating something, or going somewhere to see something. She had an infectious childlike wonder about life and an appetite to match. In my somber moments, I can’t help but feel some anger that her life was cut so short—just when she finally had great chunks of time to spend pursuing new interests. Then I remember this: to Bonnie, time was a commodity to be spent with abandon. She made the most of every moment. She gained something valuable in every experience.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">She saw more, did more, explored more, enjoyed more than just about anybody I ever met. She didn’t just whip out pictures of her grandchildren to show you in passing. She carried her grandchildren with her! How many times do I remember her coming out to the greenhouse with kids in tow, or out to the pond to fish, or passing through on her way to Mississinewa Reservoir? I can’t ever remember her being alone on those ventures. She was a student and life was her school. She also was a teacher, grabbing lessons from every opportunity.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Bonnie was my first friend when I moved here in 1974. Del grew up in Peru, but I felt like an outsider. Bonnie helped me believe that there was something extraordinarily special about this place. She helped me understand how important it is to ‘bloom where you are planted.’</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I will miss you dearly, Bonnie."</span><br /><br />Bobbie Sease<br /><br />"Go, songs, and come not back from your far way:<br />And if men ask you why ye smile and sorrow,<br />Tell them ye grieve, for your hearts know To-day,<br />Tell them ye smile, for your eyes know To-morrow."<br />--Francis Thompsonbonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-67614435598405901322007-04-11T11:04:00.000-07:002007-04-11T12:54:11.269-07:00Filtering Through Bonnie's Life<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGQH4QgW2YJLzzmFTpJFuNU2Qaqr4tzMM8EkKXwxEq8JJVzKVOzvW9wjy1gJtzLQMeSPt-HW5M7jqvbpSkkEgKU4cp-RNeaVnCCn8WYcsk5r0ulb4ZnZvpNPpa_zykUwqqiOStQ/s1600-h/img469.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGQH4QgW2YJLzzmFTpJFuNU2Qaqr4tzMM8EkKXwxEq8JJVzKVOzvW9wjy1gJtzLQMeSPt-HW5M7jqvbpSkkEgKU4cp-RNeaVnCCn8WYcsk5r0ulb4ZnZvpNPpa_zykUwqqiOStQ/s200/img469.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052260615543835922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The following was written by my mother sometime in the recent past. I'm not certain when, but I suspect it may have been written post retirement.<br /><br />Yesterday, my sister discovered this piece in one of Mom's numerous notebooks. My sister read this at Mom's private funeral service this past evening.<br /></span><br />"Old age, I decided, is a gift. I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be.<br /><br />Oh, not my body! I sometimes despair over my body; the wrinkles, baggy eyes and sagging butt.<br /><br />I am often taken aback by that old person that lives in that mirror, but I don't agonize over those things for long. I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avant garde on my patio. I am entitled to over eat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4:00 AM and sleep until Noon?<br /><br />I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and I will dive into waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the bikini set. They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful, but then again, some of life is just well forgotten, and I eventually remember the important things. Sure, over the years, my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even a beloved pet gets hit by a car?<br /><br />But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.<br /><br />I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.<br /><br />So many have never laughed and so many died before their hair could turn silver. I can say 'no' and mean it. I can say 'yes' and mean it.<br /><br />As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I have even earned the right to be wrong.<br /><br />So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become.<br /><br />I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be, but will rejoice in what was."<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Bonnie Combs</span><br /></div>bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-58262239427413821772007-04-09T10:04:00.000-07:002007-04-09T10:15:21.890-07:00Mom's obituary<div><span class="421002723-09042007"><span style="font-family:Garamond;">Bonita Kay Combs, age 65, passed away Saturday, April 7, in Peru, IN. </span></span></div> <div><span class="421002723-09042007"></span> </div> <div><span class="421002723-09042007"><span style="font-family:Garamond;">Born in Peru, <span class="390232301-10042007">July</span> 1941, Bonnie always found beauty in the ordinary, and, most importantly, found humor in adversity. A recent retiree from <a href="http://www.squared.com/">Square D</a>, she became a successful freelance photographer and authored a history of Peru weblog, <em>Peru Then and Now</em>. </span></span></div> <div><span class="421002723-09042007"></span> </div> <div><span class="421002723-09042007"><span style="font-family:Garamond;">She was a member of Sigma Phi Gamma sorority, The Artist's Connection, <a href="http://www.miamicountymuseum.com/">Miami County Historical Museum</a> volunteer and 50 year member of the First Presbyterian Church. A PHS class of '59 graduate, Bonnie volunteered for the <a href="http://www.oleolsen.org/coleporterbirthplace/">Cole Porter home restoration</a>; and was an avid gardener and fisherman.</span></span></div> <div><span class="421002723-09042007"></span> </div> <div><span class="421002723-09042007"><span style="font-family:Garamond;">She is survived by her children Marci Richter<span class="390232301-10042007"> and husband Edi</span>, Malissa Strasser<span class="390232301-10042007"> and husband Shaun</span>, Randy Combs<span class="390232301-10042007"> and wife Michelle</span>, mother Juanita Geberin, and siblings Terry Geberin<span class="390232301-10042007"> and wife Susie</span> and Elizabeth<span class="390232301-10042007"> </span>Edwards<span class="390232301-10042007"> and husband Art</span>. A devoted, involved grandmother, Bonnie will be missed by her 11 grandchildren, Jordan, Amber, April, Ben Michael, Bradley, Matthew, Jeremiah, Corinne, Haley, Zach, Joey plus her three great grandchildren, Brooklyn, Raven, and Emma.<span class="390232301-10042007"> She was preceded in death by father Robert Geberin.</span></span></span></div> <div><span class="421002723-09042007"></span> </div> <div><span class="421002723-09042007"><span style="font-family:Garamond;">A viewing will be held Tuesday, April 10, 2-8 p.m at Flowers Leedy Funeral Home, 105 W. 3rd St. in Peru. The funeral will be held Wednesday, April 11, 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 102 W. Main St, in Peru. Memorial contributions can be made in Bonnie's name to the <a href="http://www.wchospital.com/hospice.html">Wabash Miami County Hospice</a> or the First Presbyterian Church in Peru.<br /></span></span></div>bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-80075853030919132112007-04-09T09:42:00.000-07:002007-05-14T08:17:41.093-07:00Peru Then and Now UpdateThank you to everyone who has visited <span style="font-style: italic;">Peru Then and Now</span> over the past year.<br /><br />My mother, the blog's author, recently passed away after battling a grade 4 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glioblastoma_multiforme">glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor</a> since January. She'll be sorely missed.<br /><br />As I know many readers are friends and former classmates; I'm encouraging you to leave condolences in the comment sections of the blog. I'll be managing <span style="font-style: italic;">Peru Then and Now</span> for the near future.<br /><br />Please know that comments are moderated. This means I'll be notified via e-mail when you post a comment. What this means is that your comment won't be seen immediately. I'm doing this to prevent spammers from filling up the comment section. Feel free to ask questions and share stories.<br /><br />Most of all, thank you to everyone who helped provide care and give love to my mother. Over the next few days, I'll publicly acknowledge many of you. You've touched our lives over the past three months and we'll never be able to thank you enough.bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-46291939823765056692007-01-11T12:02:00.000-08:002007-01-11T12:20:33.147-08:00The Year Of 1837The year of 1837 is one of the most memorable in the history of this city. The Wabash and Erie canal was completed ready for traffic to Peru in July of this year, and industries at once began to spring into existance. East of the town, a dam in the Wabash and a feeder to the canal, was completed. Extensive mills that were being built went into opperation in the fall. We learn from the files of the Peru Forester, a newspaper which was established in the spring of 1837, by Samuel Pike, that the population of the county was estimated to be 4000 whites and between eight and nine hundred Indians. Peru then contained one hundred good buildings mostly frame, seven drygoods and one grocery store, three taverns, one cabinet maker, one tinner, one saddler, one tailor, one lawyer, three physicians, two blacksmiths, two shoemakers, one chairmaker, two bricklayers, four milliners, eight carpenters and joiners, three churches, a college, a newspaper and about 500 inhabitants.bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-36643308956221230672007-01-08T06:35:00.000-08:002007-01-08T07:21:26.439-08:00Counterfeiters and horse thievesPerry Township was the principal headquarters of a gang of counterfeiters and horse thieves. The two classes were in their efforts to rob and evade the law. JOHN Van Camp, was the ring leader of the counterfeiters.At his house he made the counterfeit and sold $100.00 of it to the gang for $25.00 of good money. They hardly ever passed this in the vicinity. Van Camp was a very suspicious character and kept himsel concealed as much as possible. One of the counterfeiters was put in the Peru jail. One cold winter night when the snow was several inches deep he broke out of jail. For some reason he left his boots in jail. He tore the lower part of his pants leggings off and wrapped them around his feet and in the dead of a cold winter night escaped to fulton county.Early next morning Hiram Butler went by Grogg's cabin and shouted out''John come out here, I'M on a coon track.'' <strong>B</strong>utler AND Grogg tracked the escaped counterfeiter to a cabin in Fulton Co. After searching the premises throughly they found him neatly concealed in bed, and when they turned the covers down he exclaimed:" BOYS , YOU'VE GOT ME'.This put an end to counterfeiting in this part of the country. Hiram Butler and JOHN GROGG were two sturdy pioneers whom the lawless feared. To them and a few others of the good old pioneers is due the credit of restoring law and order to the early settlers of Perry township.bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-84777608773310838942007-01-04T09:12:00.000-08:002007-01-04T09:35:18.925-08:00Schmoll Bros.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_bG5-iotCuzvbhncUkk4eEnn9XB1CRFstIqQDHDtD0NBHh2uKzFNB11on3dMsFfPHvaWofu0RYM1Z5dGBpDQcqBS68MwNrO9luDuCpYboQRWkGHyDaI1V2fXhE10n0PKSJqklQ/s1600-h/img589.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5016230161182827010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_bG5-iotCuzvbhncUkk4eEnn9XB1CRFstIqQDHDtD0NBHh2uKzFNB11on3dMsFfPHvaWofu0RYM1Z5dGBpDQcqBS68MwNrO9luDuCpYboQRWkGHyDaI1V2fXhE10n0PKSJqklQ/s200/img589.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Schmoll Bros. Grocers, corner fifth and Broadway. Peru is fortunate in having quite a number of elegant stores of one kind or another. One of the neatest and best arranged groceries is the handsome building at the corner of 5th and Broadway,conducted by the Schmoll Bros. The interior is fitted with the latest style of shelvings and the most finished counters and cases. A full line is carried including all kinds of groceries, canned and bottled goods, fine teas, coffees, spices, fruits and vegetables.In the rear is an elegantly fitted sample room, of which comprises foreign and domestic wines, liquors and cigars, also fresh beer on draught at all times.</div>bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-61812456414829793292007-01-01T06:38:00.000-08:002007-01-01T07:04:53.290-08:00One Hundred Year AgoWhat happened in Peru 100 years ago? Let's look at some of the headlines in the Peru Republican--1907<br />Council ordered Main Street paved<br />Col. Ben Wallace buys the Hagenbeck Circus<br />Kendalville Furniture Co. and Chute & Butler factories locate in Oakdale<br />Palace 5 cent movie theatre opened on South Broadway<br />Capital stock of Senger Dry Goods Co. increased to $100,000. Prepares to move into new store, present location. note : The location is where Finchers Photo was<br />J. B. Goodall given contract to build Denver school<br />Standard Cabinet will erect factory<br />Peru's Model auto made in Oakdale starts for Florida<br />Nineteen graduate from Peru High School<br />Fire Departmen's gray horses are retired<br />Peru Fire Department on Fire<br />Because of a national shortage of cash, the Peru Banks urged people to spend money here at home, and outside loans are stopped. Money was allowed for pay rolls and depositors were allowed only a small sum each day<br />Wonder what headlines will emerge for 2007- one hundred years later?bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-50477047801829865612006-12-30T14:50:00.000-08:002006-12-30T15:14:39.029-08:00Industries in Washington TownshipThe industries of the township were limited in number . There were two or three saw mills located in the southern part of the township on the creeks. The principal industries toward the latter part of the 1800's were located in the northern part of the township in South Peru. Orlando and Heney Mosley, located in the southwesern part of the township, on Strawtown Pike, having created some industry. Orlando has a large machine shop to manufacture fence machines and do general repairing. Henry has for some time operated a large cider mill and jelly factory, and has recently constructed a large sorghum factory with the latest improved apparatus. The Maris wheel manufactory was started in South Peru in 1871. S. Tudor & Co.'s packing house was established about fifteen year ago. This house engages extensively in packing eggs, butter and poultry for a wholesale house in New York City.<br />Besides the above industries , there was John Miller's blacksmith shop and wagon works, Lewis' saw mill, for many years the largest in the county. Kuntz & Demuth's planing mill, and the Peru Brewery were also residents of South Peru.<br />note: Most of the industries mentioned are now part of history-however, Peru Brewery is going strong but is now called Cole Bros. water. Who would have ever thought we would be buying bottles of water instead of beer?bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-16650614116110719212006-12-27T07:55:00.000-08:002006-12-27T08:08:05.743-08:00Indian BurialsIn the early history of the county, Henry Howes, a pioneer, was probably more familiar with the Indians than many others. When a young man he often went to the Indian Village near Denver. Peashwah and Weasaw and many other Indians were converted by Catholic missionsaries before there were any settlers here. The priest was not with them often, but they always met on Sundays in an appointed place and observed the Catholic form of worship. Each converted Indian had his rosary, and no doubt, while brooding over the enroachments of the whites, performed his vigils.<br />It is interesting to know how the Indians buried their dead. They wound the body in a blanket and stood it upright on the ground. They drove pickets around the body and then wove bark between the pickets so as to make the grave perfectly closed and tight. If the Indian had smoked they would put a pipe and tobacco in the grave, and always what provisions they supposed would last him until he would reach his happy hunting ground. There were many graves like this near the Indian village in 1834. They began to bury as the whites soon after the settlers arrived.bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-16417739912333306312006-12-22T04:16:00.000-08:002006-12-22T04:23:44.424-08:00BETTER WATCH OUT<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPhxQ9NnK286NAsqqxoFWdrQkOG8EAGU9zxvc-U7TCDJttmznB5Mc86giId8tP8ftvCkvcYjdb3E0FbdVHi4ThZScKzQH5BiCysU0y00VIqr7lujDTD1EfLdooLqsV9MnNmniKg/s1600-h/img880.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5011325737255805522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPhxQ9NnK286NAsqqxoFWdrQkOG8EAGU9zxvc-U7TCDJttmznB5Mc86giId8tP8ftvCkvcYjdb3E0FbdVHi4ThZScKzQH5BiCysU0y00VIqr7lujDTD1EfLdooLqsV9MnNmniKg/s200/img880.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVbvqpQSsP4JqWXIg8jp0aAOtgZB1nx9jQE-eHvVoefOdrkrgQvaRfh_cMceFzh0ONoGSGZxK7Ti2Gx0tS0ZU5vfTBaS2mdXpUH2iaI35x_nDSKcZrniLlyJF4qUf4588jNnG-w/s1600-h/img879.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5011325565457113666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVbvqpQSsP4JqWXIg8jp0aAOtgZB1nx9jQE-eHvVoefOdrkrgQvaRfh_cMceFzh0ONoGSGZxK7Ti2Gx0tS0ZU5vfTBaS2mdXpUH2iaI35x_nDSKcZrniLlyJF4qUf4588jNnG-w/s200/img879.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiGuYNSDUfX9aYipUZjOH9RcRsWUjNvuw6CAO_apAz0793sEtVvFsJsMhPVWA9YLKsTLMxMG9u9D7wSf6799wqIv04_7gEir5cob82P1ARxx8AI5lLPxcMYo02hGTo_U17jzFug/s1600-h/img878.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5011325316349010482" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiGuYNSDUfX9aYipUZjOH9RcRsWUjNvuw6CAO_apAz0793sEtVvFsJsMhPVWA9YLKsTLMxMG9u9D7wSf6799wqIv04_7gEir5cob82P1ARxx8AI5lLPxcMYo02hGTo_U17jzFug/s200/img878.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>BETTER WATCH OUT --BETTER NOT CRY--BETTER NOT POUT --I'M TELLING YOU WHY----SANTA IS ON HIS WAY</div></div></div>bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-55414209297838605772006-12-20T07:07:00.000-08:002006-12-20T08:00:06.945-08:00Haunted House<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lWMsk8k4rL_gRBmdJsXBdZZxzlTtmeGxZ1Pc1-7nTMPc8iVdSYDswth0AM3lGrK25xQYOK_1xAlH6x5ZapDbm41LDfF4F2PohsFSedgIlM-7AtYn_nAhxzqXPeiT9ttIgS2zkw/s1600-h/medd_01_img0059.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5010639397186937378" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lWMsk8k4rL_gRBmdJsXBdZZxzlTtmeGxZ1Pc1-7nTMPc8iVdSYDswth0AM3lGrK25xQYOK_1xAlH6x5ZapDbm41LDfF4F2PohsFSedgIlM-7AtYn_nAhxzqXPeiT9ttIgS2zkw/s200/medd_01_img0059.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>1899--The "haunted" brick house at the northeast corner of East Main and Water streets, where the Sargent grocery now stands, was torn down about this time. The liveliest set of spooks that ever wandered about at the midnight hour went in and out of that house and its reputation as an abiding place of uneasy "spirits" gave it such a name that it could not be rented for years, and many people living east of it traveled other streets to get to their homes after night. Only a comparatively few residents knew the secret of the "ghosts" and they didn't tell. Some are yet living in Peru who could probably explain the matter, and we suggest that if anybody wants to know they interview Eugene Jamison of the fire department or Chris Bolsman of the street department. We suspect tht they can explain it. Gee, makes me wonder if there was a murder or something of that nature that made the spirits stick around.</div>bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-2008002748965543112006-12-18T12:04:00.000-08:002006-12-23T08:18:33.506-08:00My Christmas Wish<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxOrq-VfxVaNDsdXcpoSsNtwYGpkNZhzMzSRTPQXOqGIT48RM5isxWrytJji11nwKuxMJ62RcPCY_xpDAj9hD9QYm6ycGIrfCxyDq6FN5ENi6AuVGtefHsG4A57lNeCS6EHcnrQ/s1600-h/nightshotcrop.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5011757351404282466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxOrq-VfxVaNDsdXcpoSsNtwYGpkNZhzMzSRTPQXOqGIT48RM5isxWrytJji11nwKuxMJ62RcPCY_xpDAj9hD9QYm6ycGIrfCxyDq6FN5ENi6AuVGtefHsG4A57lNeCS6EHcnrQ/s200/nightshotcrop.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNOaB9cAVwv7lFHjePTIs5uY-_89_Lab1kOtZRbp1YddSxwD1TEBEPMH96nDyu9ClCo-Mx3ER898Y96nwxA3bhgm0mNh5e0b5Y4sLcGDjulwnprxbyB5czkvtDFyl490IELF9Cg/s1600-h/seasons+greetings.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5009964254097809938" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNOaB9cAVwv7lFHjePTIs5uY-_89_Lab1kOtZRbp1YddSxwD1TEBEPMH96nDyu9ClCo-Mx3ER898Y96nwxA3bhgm0mNh5e0b5Y4sLcGDjulwnprxbyB5czkvtDFyl490IELF9Cg/s200/seasons+greetings.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>To wish you love that will shine serenely through all the days of your life</div><br /><br /><div>To wish you boundless Christmas love that we share with one another</div><br /><br /><div>To wish you peace in this Christmas season</div><br /><br /><div>To wish that your heart be filled with joy and gladness</div><br /><br /><div>To wish that you remember those that are lonely</div><br /><br /><div>To wish that you may see all the beauty in the world</div><br /><br /><div>To wish not for material gifts, but lasting gifts such as Time </div><br /><br /><div>To wish that you will remember why we celebrate this season</div><br /><br /><div>To wish that you will remember our service men when you pray</div><br /><div>To wish that all the paths you may walk be lit with God's unconditional love</div><br /><div>Merry Christmas to all of you from Peru Then and Now</div></div>bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-25881455450094915232006-12-16T10:21:00.000-08:002006-12-16T10:56:59.182-08:00Generations of YesterdayI have an insatiable curiosity about the generations before us. I want to know what it was like for them to travel across the country--to settle in a new place--and what their personalities were. I have worked on geneology for several years. It is a never-ending task because children grow up, marry, have children of their own, and the older generation dies.<br />In writing of the history of Peru, I talk to a lot of people about their grandparents and great grandparents to see if they were among the early settlers that helped form this community. I started with my classmates, the class of '59, to see how many settled in the early years of the town of Peru.<br />I have been quite surprised at what I am finding. James Sharp settled in Washington township in the 1840's --his descendent Becky Dawalt Powell. Samuel Phillabaum settled in Erie township. One of the early schools was built on his land--descendent Nancy Phillabaum McConnaughey. Michael Costin was known for his ability to move just about anything--his descendent Mary Costin. Della Donaldson McKee and Diana Donaldson's grandfather Fletcher was a blacksmith and their other grandfather Oscar Donaldson worked on one of the many railroads that came through Peru and also had a farm on 31 that no longer exists. My great-grandfather owned a flour mill that set on Bayless Street. I will keep searching !!bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-63265255317841086502006-12-14T07:43:00.000-08:002006-12-14T08:42:29.870-08:00Washington TownshipIt would seem that the organizers of the township were very patriotic, giving the township the name of Washington.<br />From early records Thomas Hinton was the first white man to make permanent settlement in the township. He located in 1838, on what is now the Demuth farm. Hinton was a bold, energetic young man. He soon erected a rude log cabin, in which he lodged, drawing largely upon the wild game with which the forests abounded for his food. Some years later he resigned the life of bachelor and married. In 1839, immigration came to the township, bringing a number of stalwart fearless men. The first church in the township was built on the farm of Mr. Crider, in 1857, by the United Brethren and known as "Crider Chapel". Another was built about the same time by the Presbyterians on the White farm known as "New Hope Church". The first school of the township was taught in the small cabin that had been built for a dwelling on the land of John Allen in the winter of 1842-43. The fall of 1843, a small round log school house was built on the farm of Patrick Colgan. The same year, a small "buckeye"cabin for school purposes was built on the on the farm of Peter Wickler. The township has grown considerably since the early days of the pioneers.bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-62806906513352367522006-12-12T08:33:00.000-08:002006-12-12T08:56:55.576-08:00Iliff Grocery<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilq7DSCt80P8DnOTg0RzVpxXZwGygtk-moZpAaG4vmii5t6ztAvSXNK4kyX4dqVwsS5H9zq9N9ROSP-nXU9auewXPQowg8uoXjgUvmPFjI5kdtewymVcRUMZXqAftiFojPa4_bw/s1600-h/img840.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5007685050351802994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilq7DSCt80P8DnOTg0RzVpxXZwGygtk-moZpAaG4vmii5t6ztAvSXNK4kyX4dqVwsS5H9zq9N9ROSP-nXU9auewXPQowg8uoXjgUvmPFjI5kdtewymVcRUMZXqAftiFojPa4_bw/s200/img840.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJv9HZzOnHIbcU7lEE13LzPk_DocrwaspQuO0FsephEBDtWzlSlqF1rWMGLaFr53UBzMWyv-h5KqYDKurxKDj5hXJwB3GWRNceayahOdr1Cf_IjaTSWA5kZSQOP_CXCTnBOdKDQ/s1600-h/img841.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5007684711049386594" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJv9HZzOnHIbcU7lEE13LzPk_DocrwaspQuO0FsephEBDtWzlSlqF1rWMGLaFr53UBzMWyv-h5KqYDKurxKDj5hXJwB3GWRNceayahOdr1Cf_IjaTSWA5kZSQOP_CXCTnBOdKDQ/s200/img841.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Another in our series of "mom & pop" grocery stores--Iliff Grocery was located at the corner of East 6th St.and Water St. The owner was Paul Iliff, of 267 East Eighth Street who became a Peru Policeman at the age of 30. In the late 1930's Paul bought a little pup for his daughter Patricia to play with. It nipped her while playing in the store, so she picked the pup up and gave him a good hard bite. He went yelping under the counter and hasn't tried biting her since. Wonder what the health department would think if they were to walk into a grocery now and see a little girl playing with a puppy.</div><br /><br /><div>Paul also maintained a delivery truck for his business. Pictured is his daughter, Patricia, on the running board of the delivery truck. I know older patrons would appreciate that service today-- order your groceries on the phone and have them delivered to your home. Modern technology is not always better. People like Paul believed in customer service.</div></div>bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-72065918650472369232006-12-11T07:49:00.000-08:002006-12-11T08:03:04.946-08:00Fletcher BlacksmithingThere is an art in everything and it is important in shoeing a horse that only those who are skilled in the art be employed. It is not only a matter of economy that this work should be well done but it is also necessary for the comfort and good condition of the animal. In Mr. John W. Fletcher we find a man who is expertly skilled in all the detail of the art and his new shop in a specially constructed brick building at 11 East Second street has everything in the way of tools and machinery necessary for successfully presenting his business of horse shoeing, general blacksmithing and wood working. This is a business which Mr. Fletcher thoroughy understands and it will pay anyone to inspect his shop, which is a model of mechanical appliances. Mr. Fletcher has procured the services of Mr. Souther, who is informed on all matters pertaining to a horse's foot and who has the reputation of being one of the best shoers in the state, and this department of Mr. Fletcher's business is constantly growing in populartiy.bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-25435784635094832012006-12-08T12:02:00.000-08:002006-12-08T12:18:33.650-08:00Amusements in PeruIt is always interesting to learn of the manners and customs of proceeding generations. The early settlers farmed mostly with oxen. Families went to church, to parties or visiting on foot, or else hitched the oxen to a big, heavy wagon. Many men went to church bare-footed. In summer their dress consisted of a hat, shirt, a pair of pants, with string or linne bark suspenders. Their amusements were nearly always associated with labor. They enjoyed log rolling. They sat around great heaps of logs in the evening, stirred the logs together and told huge stories. At corn huskings all the young folks of the neighborhood gathered and with their labor enjoyed music and stories. The ladies had their quilting, carpet rag and spinning parties. The men had wood choppings, and in the evening the largest room was cleared and all engaged in a big dance. Shooting matches were a great place for fun. The best marksman was the hero of the county. There was always something to eat and drink. The settlers also enjoyed hunting parties. It was very commom for neighbors to help raise barns. The men worked all day and were rewarded at the end of the day--the women cooked a huge meal for their labors. Can you imagine the kids of today thinking it would be fun to go to a barn-raising and have to work all day?bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-51042631783898316092006-12-04T06:34:00.000-08:002006-12-08T11:59:32.135-08:00Benoma Nash<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmvESr_aVt6XN9dz9fomESzC1k95ZrvpspFxYMVybzuG80rgGaL61DuMxxHoVOg8YW_i6oDvy4O_iTHhlvtuNHNsnI4RI6ODNH1S5i8quZ59F2lckrNlp3rSMEpraLfbwNJsckA/s1600-h/nash+homestead.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5004684674863362866" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmvESr_aVt6XN9dz9fomESzC1k95ZrvpspFxYMVybzuG80rgGaL61DuMxxHoVOg8YW_i6oDvy4O_iTHhlvtuNHNsnI4RI6ODNH1S5i8quZ59F2lckrNlp3rSMEpraLfbwNJsckA/s200/nash+homestead.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In the death of Benoma Nash at his home in Erie townsip on May 8, 1908, Miami county lost one of its prosperous and energetic citizens, a man who had spent all his life in this section of Indiana, was an industrious and capable agriculturist, and made a creditable and honorable record in all his transactions and relations with his fellow men. He leaves a widow, Mrs. Jessie Nash, and a family of children and Mrs. Nash has proved herself a capable manager of the fine farm estate on which Mr. Nash spent his latter years. Benoma Nash was the son of Robert and Ruhanma (Styers) Nash. In 1898 they settled on the farm in Erie township of Miami County, where Mr. Nash died. Mr. Nash had two hundred and forty acres in the homestead, and in 1913, Mrs. Nash purcased 118 acres and the total acreage is three hundred and fifty-eight acres of land. </div><br /><div>The late Mr. Nash was a member of the Quaker faith. He served as superintendent of the dredging work in this section of the state, and was a progressive citizen who believed in development and improvement along all lines. At different times he used his efforts to get telephone service to his district, and was the type of citizen whose activities and influence count</div><br /><div>for a great deal in the advancement of a county. Mrs. Nash maintained a modern home, fitted with all modern equipment, and is known as "Locust Crest," the abode of hospitality.</div>bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-19304375617990358502006-11-29T07:11:00.000-08:002006-11-29T07:27:19.797-08:00Kalbfleisch Sanitarium<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/1899/2899/1600/594400/sqd%26peru-10farriswheel.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/1899/2899/200/977303/sqd%26peru-10farriswheel.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Dr. Kalbfleish was born in St. Louis, being of German parentage. When he took up the study of medicine he abandoned the lifework which had been marked out for him previously, which destined him for the profession of minister in the Lutheran church. Following a year's post-graduate work in Chicago, Dr. Kalbfleisch located at Peru, and this has been his permanent residence ever since. In 1900 he erected his Sanitarium in this city, which was designed in the first place to accommodate his own large private practice. This is a two story brick building 78x26 in ground dimensions, and is equipped with the most modern appliances and conveniences for sanitarium and hospital practice. Immediately upon its completion, Dr. Kalbfleisch extended the use of his building to other members of the profession and thus to a large degree it has served the purposes of a general hospital. Though he is a graduate of the Hahnemann School of Medicine, he is not dogmatic in his devotion to the principles of homeopathy, and practices any system that offers the best results for the individual patient.</div><br /><div>Note: When I was small Dr. Barnett had his practice in this building In 2006, it is now called the</div><br /><div>Farris Wheel--an antique store.</div>bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-49236571822384927002006-11-28T10:16:00.000-08:002006-11-28T10:28:38.157-08:00Richard H. ColeRichard Cole, of the Miami County Sentinel and one of the proprietors of the Cole Block, was born in this city, Nov. 26, 1853: son of Hon. Alphonso and Sarah (Henton) Cole, and is of English extraction. His father was born near Oberlin, Ohio in 1818. He came to Miami County in 1834. By occupation he was a lawyer and one of the early member of the Miami County Bar. In 1847 and '48 and '50, he represented this county in the Indiana Legislature. He was one of the early prominent men of this county. His death occurred in 1862. Our subject is the elder of two living children. After graduating at Peru High School, he was a student for two years at the University of Illinois. In 1876 he was elected Surveyor of Miami County, and in 1881 was elected City Engineer of Peru. In 1879 he purchased a half interest in the Miami County Sentinel, and with which he is now connected. In politics he is a Democrat. He was married in 1882 to Miss Belle Talbot, of this city, born in 1860. Mr. Cole is a representative of one of the early families of this county.bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-29641280798867979642006-11-25T11:52:00.000-08:002006-11-25T11:59:31.333-08:00Saloon Incident1905--A man from Wabash came to Peru Saturday evening and proceeded to the saloon near the steel mill where the bar-keeper seriously disfigured the visitor's face with the use of a beer bottle. The saloon-keeper claimed that the Wabash man had been too familiar with his wife. The injured man went to the office of Dr. Malsbury where he had his wounds dressed.<br />So much for a Saturday night beer!bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-16554544472457116452006-11-23T04:20:00.000-08:002006-11-23T04:40:24.635-08:00Count Your Blessings<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/1899/2899/1600/830333/PA270142.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/1899/2899/200/993300/PA270142.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>To all Peru Then and Now readers best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving! </div><br /><div>1885--Rev. L.P Marshall--If we turn unto the Lord, and consider his ways, and walk therein, we shall find peace and safety.The true reason for our thanksgiving will be found therefore along the path that indicates the presence of God's Spirit among us. </div><br /><div>Count your blessings one by one and have a wonderful day!</div>bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-81685521464191188852006-11-22T12:28:00.000-08:002006-11-22T12:32:03.125-08:00Fox Hunt1905-- There will be a fox drive given by the farmers in the vicinity of Paw Paw next Saturday. The ladies'aid society of the Paw Paw church will serve a dinner and there will be amusements of all kinds to interest those who attend. These gatherings are good things in so much as they bring the farmers together to enjoy a day at a season of the year when not busy. A number of Peruvians will doubtless join in the chase. --Tally Ho!!bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23750507.post-76831375228041386282006-11-20T05:40:00.000-08:002006-11-20T05:58:30.110-08:00South Peru School<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/1899/2899/1600/391528/img236.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/1899/2899/200/748566/img236.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>1900- The town fathers conducted a meeting in 1900 to build a four room brick school with a furnace in the hole in the basement. There were two rooms up, two rooms down, oil lamps, a pump in the basement where each child could pump his or her own water. All eight grades were to be taught here. Outside facilities were the order of the day. Parents brought their children to school in horse and carriage or by horseback. The South Peru community grew with the times. The school built inside facilities, a basement underneath the whole building was dug out and an auditorium was built. A kitchen, a storage and furnace room was also built. Gas lights and water fountains were installed by the end of World War I in 1919. By the end of the Second World War, the school had electric lights, two globes for each room, radios for each room, a large phonograph for the building and the school lawn landscaped with grass in front, rather than a mud hole. </div><br /><div>During the Korean War indirect lighting was added, shades and electric clocks were installed. A small inside bell was used through the 1950's. The South Peru School became so crowded that plans were made to build a new school overlooking the park. November 17, 1957, the cornerstone was laid for the new school. In 2006, a grocery store has replaced the old South Peru School.</div>bonnie&missyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08319481795749730599noreply@blogger.com0