Peru Profile: Ringmaster Judge Bruce Embry

Throughout the years, Bruce Embry has donned many hats. He's been a Navy journalist, a judge for 26 years, circus ringmaster, and a choir singer at Peru's First Presbyterian Church

Bruce was born of British heritage in Maryland, but has since become a Peru transplant. He's married to Cheryl Pierce and has three children-Brent, Shannon, and Reid. Also, he's the proud grandparents of Bailey and Brodie.

When asked about his favorite thing about Peru, he responded by saying "ability to know so many people" and "friendly".

When I asked Bruce about being a judge he told me the hardest thing about being a judge were child custody cases. His most unusual case? A small claims case concerning a beer can collection. The cases Bruce found the strangest were abductions and murder, while the most repulsive were crimes against children.

Some personal trivia about Bruce-he is a steak and potato sort of guy, loves butter pecan ice cream, likes ethnic foods, and hates cottage cheese. His favorite ball team: the New York Yankees. You may find Bruce on the golf course trying for that hole-in-one or at home working on stained glass.

We are so glad you became a Peruvian. You are a welcome addition to our town.

Peru Circus Band

The Peru Circus Band will once again offer free concerts. Musicians from all walks of life--the young, middle-aged, and the well-seasoned musicians will once again provide music for the performances at the circus building, as well as the free concerts in the community.

The schedule is as follows: May 31--7:00 at Eastwood------June 10--1:00 at the museum---June 21--7:00 at the PHS auditorium---July 5--7:00 at the firestation. This could be subject to change.

Grab your lawn chairs and relax to an evening of music provided by the Peru Circus Band.

To All You Mothers--HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Until you reach the age of having children of your own, you tend to take so many things for granted. Your mom is always there wiping your nose, brushing away a tear, putting band-aids on your knees, encouraging, nurturing, cheering you on, and most of all-always loving you.

No matter how old you are-you always look up to your mom and say to yourself-I wish I could be just like her. I don't know how she did it, but my mom survived raising me. When I was small I threw temper tantrums, locked her out of the car in the pouring rain, and ran-ran-ran from her so I didn't have to come into the house. I indulged in being a real brat.

Moms have a phenomenal amount of patience--with that, we grow up and choose our own path in life and perhaps become a mom--Now I understand what it takes to be a mom.

My mom is a thousand beautiful memories, each one making a mark on my heart. I love you for being you!

Wm. Hood -founder of Peru

Wm. Hood was born about 1791/1792 son of Andrew Hood. William grew up around Dayton and in 1819 came to Indiana, locating at Ft. Wayne, where he was engaged for a number of years in the mercantile business. In 1831 he moved to Miami County. He laid out the original plat of Peru, in 1834, in partnership with Richard l. Britton and Jesse Williams. William speculated in land and real estate and became welthy from it.
While living in Ft. Wayne, he married Sopia Ewing and they had five children. He served one term, beginning in 1836, in the state legislature, and was re-elected in 1838, but died on the 9th of July, of that year. His wife survived him about 31 years.

Cemeteries in Peru

1907--While excavating at the Ord Residence on Grant & 5th Streets Samuel Watts, employed by Supt. Dunn of the Water Works, came across a human skeleton and some excitement was caused thereby.

Old timers say that the first grave yard of this vicinity was located there and this is one of the skeletons failed to be removed to a new cemetery laid out at 8th and Hood. Wm. Hood was buried at the corner of 8th and Fremont--so one is to assume that the cemetery covered the whole block. I am in the process of trying to find out, but I think I am going to hit a dead end.

The End of an Era

Last night was the end of an era with Rev. Camden and family. I feel like they are part of my family because I have watched all the kids grow up. The show has become the longest-running family drama in T.V. history.

I am going to miss "7th Heaven" not only because of its conservative values but because every family can relate to things that happened in the Camden household. The kids--Matt, Mary, Lucy, Simon, Ruthie, Sam and David are all kids that you can relate to--similar to your own children or grandchildren. Annie is a typical worry-wart mom like most of us are and Eric trys his best to hold his family altogether.

Good Luck to the Camden Clan. You will be missed!!

Peru Garden

There's no place I would rather be than in my garden!

In Peru--The River Teays

Did you know we are sitting on the top of an underground river? The Teays river at it's widest point is fifteen miles across. The River was discovered some one hundred years ago by geologists working in the Ohio Valley. The River was the result of glaciers which shaped the terrain. It passes through several states. The river begins underground in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, flows across Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and then into Indiana. From Peru, it then goes southwest to Lafayette, across Illinois to the Mississippi River.

Peru, Wabash, and other communities draw their drinking water from the Teays River. Peru has three wells that are located in Oakdale. Who would guess "the river runs through it"--underground--and in Peru.

The Old Clubhouse

About 1840 Alexander Wilson built a home on Strawtown Pike. The property now belongs to the Municipal Golf Course. The home was considered a mansion. The home was considered a gathering place for politicians and a social center. The home was built a few years before Alexander enlisted in the Mexican war. Mr. Wilson was killed on August 11. 1848 by Mexican guerillas a few miles from the Mexican border.

The land secured by Alexander Wilson is part of the Maconaquah Park on which the golf course is situated. Mr. Wilson moved to Peru in 1834 with wife Matilda and two young sons. He was engaged in the general store business and meat packing business. He was located at the northeast corner of Miami Streets and Second Street. In 1839, he merged with John Graham. The company was call A. Wilson and Co. They packed pork.

General Hiram I. Bearss

More on Hiram Bearss.....During World War I he served with the Marine brigade of the Second Division. General Bearss , while in that war requested a leave from the front. His commanding general gave him promise of a leave if he would capture a German. He took a dozen men on a raiding party the same night and came back with 80 prisoners. Bearss and his men got the leave. In 1919 after 20 years of service he was given the rank of Brigadier General. After his retirement Bearss was appointed to have charge of the United States soldiers guarding the mints in New York and Philadelphia, serving in that capacity until he returned to Peru about 1934. April 26th of that year he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Bearss received more commendations for personal courage, ability, leadership and high efficiency of his services to the allied cause than any other officer of his rank in World War I. Shortly, before his death he decided to enter politics in the primary and was chosen the Republican candidate for joint state senator from Miami and Howard Counties. He was never able to fulfill that dream due to an automobile accident that caused his death in 1938.

Hiram Iddings Bearss

Hiram Iddings Bearss, son of Frank W. and Desdemona (Iddings) Bearss, was born in Peru, Indiana April 13, 1875. Hiram graduated from Peru High School , DePauw University, and received a degree from Norwich Military Academy, Northfield Vermont. While at Norwich, only weighing 138 pounds, he played football against a team from Burlington. After three minutes of play Burlington refused to go on unless Bearss was removed. They said he was too rough.

Following graduation from military school, General Bearss entered the Marine Corps as an enlisted man, serving through the Spanish-American war in that rank. He received a commission as second lieutenant in 1899. Thoughout his career he served in the Boxer rebellion, the Haiti uprising, the Mexican invasion and the Phillipine Islands. He received the nickname "Hiking Hiram" while leading the campaign in the Phillipines. At Samar it was General Bearss who single-handed captured the notorious bandit Joaquin. He was recommended for "Brevet-Major, or Medal or both" for distinguished gallantry in action.

Gone Huntin'

Can't write today. The woods is calling my name.

Slave Buried in Oak Grove Cemetery

Did you know Oak Grove Cemetery merged with Mt. Hope? Henry Johnson was a native of North Carolina. He was held as a slave before the war, and came to Peru about thirty-five years ago. He took employment on the new court house at the time its erection was first commenced and was engaged at the work at the time of taking ill. He had made his home with Mrs. Kate Brown on East Third Street where he had made his home for the past thirty years or more.

Services were conducted at the A.M.E. church by Rev. Jackson and interment took place in Oak Grove cemetery in 1908. He was 68 years old at the time of death. A bush that was planted by his grave is what is keeping the stone standing.

Oldest Seed Co. in America

Getting my flower beds ready for spring planting can be a time consuming job. Why is it the weeds grow faster than the flowers? I was curious about who the oldest seed company in the United States was---Dexter Mason Ferry and partners founded Gardener, Ferry & Church Seed Company way back in 1856--Now the company is called Ferry Morse. Dexter Ferry was the first to offer seeds packaged in packets for the consumers. Park seed was established in 1868 and then Burpee in 1876. It's amazing these companies still exsist.

I don't plant my annuals until around May 10th. The photo with this article is a zinnia that decided it wanted a twin. In all the years I have grown flowers I have never seen such a flower.
Perhaps, the zinnia is my favorite annual because I love cut flowers on my table. Once they start blooming they will bloom till frost. So, get your beds ready and Happy Planting!

Stranger's Grave

In June, 1830, a young man named Eli Macy, on horseback and carrying a rifle, undertook to ford the Wabash at Godfroy's trading house where there was a ford. The river was up, and he was drowned. His body was found, some days aferward, in a pile of drift near Col. Reyburn's old homestead. The lone grave, inclosed with palings and marked by a stone, on the bank of the river near the Reyburn residence is where he was buried.

Congratulations Seniors!!

WAY TO GO!!!!

Senior Art Show

Last night, I had the privilege of going to the senior art show at Peru High school. It was a wonderful presentation put on by the aspiring artists of our town. The seniors each had their own space to show their talent as well as personal interests. They all did a great job, I as well as others who attended, were very impressed.
Aaron Newport- Mick Heron
Matt Hensley- Megan Huddelston
Curtis Hopper- Virgil Clary
Ashliegh Stanley- Aaron Jones
Kyle Miller- Kim Marburger
Kendra Hack- Demetric Jiles
Sherri Gray- Shae Laycock
Be proud of your accomplishments, You made us proud. Students will have the opportunity to view the art Friday at school. Good luck to all of you.

Maria Rasputin Mauled In Peru

Gather 'round children because I'm about to tell you a story.

Once upon a time there was a big, black Himalayan bear, named Himmie, who darn near killed Rasputin's daughter, Maria, right here in ol' Peru.

Now, who's Rasputin you ask? Well, some call him the Mad Monk, but to others, he was a noble man. He lived back in the days when Russia had an aristocracy; before the commies took over. Well, Rasputin was supposed to have all kinds of magical powers and he had a lot of influence with Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra. There were lots of folks who didn't like Rasputin, he was a womanizer and a drunk, so they had him killed...again and again. The legend says they poisoned Rasputin, shot him, beat him, and finally, pitched him into a river where he drowned. Who knows what really happened, but it makes for a great story, huh kids?

So, Rasputin has a daughter and her name's Maria. After the commies killed her daddy, the Tsar, and Tsarina, little Maria needed a vocation; no, not a vacation, a vocation, she needed a j-o-b. Well, Maria loved animals and she became a lion, tiger, and bear tamer. Being Rasputin's daughter and all, European folks came out in droves to see Maria "hypnotize" the dangerous beasts. To make a long story even longer, Maria landed right here in Peru working for the Hagenbach and Wallace circus.

One day, Maria got in the cage with Himmie and he was doing one of his famous somersaults. Maria's English sounded more like Russian and ol' Himmie accidentally knocked Maria over. She panicked. At that point, 400 pound Himmie decided he liked the taste of Russian and chomped down on Maria fourteen times. A couple of fellas saved her, but she lost lots of blood. It didn't look like Maria would live. They put her up in Dukes Hospital and Dr. Malouf saved her life; just like he did with Clyde Beatty. They even brought leopard cubs up to the hospital to cheer up Maria.

Well, Maria recovered, worked in more circuses, and lived happily ever after.

Sam Blue Cigar Store

Sam Blue, 61 North Broadway, had twelve cigar makers in his establishment. Mr. Blue manufactured a number of leading brands which are of a high order of excellence, such as "Sumatra" and "Old Stock". The aim of Mr. Blue was to place before his patrons honest goods which were appreciated by the public. In the general stock you could find a complete line of smoker's articles. Mr. Blue was in every way entitled to the confidence of the trade, and was an enterprising representative of the cigar and tobacco business in the city of Peru.

In Memory Of

Fredrick Long passed away April 15, 2006. He was born the son of Thomas and Pearl Clark Long. He will be sadly missed by all his family.

Juried Art Exhibition

A statewide art exhibition takes place every four years for elementary art students. Judging for the Int'l Violin Competition was sent to regional in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Finalists are then selected and are sent to Indianapolis for final judging.

Two Miami County elementary students were regional winners that advanced to state. The two students were chosen as Grand Award Winners. On Sunday May 7, 2006 they will receive a check for $100 and a certificate of honor. Their art teacher will also receive a check for $100 for purchasing art materials. A commemorative plaque of a full color reproduction of the artwork will be given to hang in their school.

Easter Egg Hunt

An Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Presbyterian Church took place at 10:30 this morning. The children were lined up waiting to get their colored eggs. A special Easter Bunny made an appearance at Miamisfort. A fire engine sounded it's shrill siren--and the children toddled, walked, and ran to find their prize eggs. Thanks to the many merchants who donated to this cause. There were over four hundred children ages one through age 12.

We must not forget the reason why we celebrate Easter. Church services will be throughout the county. The Presbyterian Church service starts at 10:15 a.m. There will also be a sunrise service for early risers at 6:30 a.m. Have a blessed Easter Day and enjoy your families.

Book of Hoosier Artists

W. Mark Butterfield , a patron of the arts, has compiled a book of Hoosier Painter of the 21st Century. Mark is from Greenfield, Indiana.

Peru's own Willa Howell Bullock is listed in the book. Willa has won numerous awards for her outstanding oil paintings.

It's a Hair Thing

Pat Sparks has painstakingly taken care of my hair for around thirty years. She is a real expert at dodging all my cowlicks. My hair has a mind of it's own--it doesn't like scissors. She went to a beauty seminar once upon a time and decided to do this new scissor cut on me--guess what happened? My cowlicks had a mind of their own and stuck straight out from my head. Oops!better not do that again.

Pat started at Mr. Ron's in 1966. They moved into the trailer in 1971 with George joining that next year. Then they moved into their new building August 23, 1983. Their business is located at 504 West 10th Street.

The crew consists of Susie, Tonya, Kim, Kay, Beth, Ginny, Tara, Lisa, Joy, George, and Pat. They are experts ( male or female) for haircuts, color, perms, and basically whatever the customer wants. They do great up-do's for the teenagers going to prom.

George wanted to experiment on Pat and decided to color her hair--she drove all the back roads to get home and dodged anyone who might see her--her hair was orange-- George has gotten better since his experimentation days.

Give them a call at George& Pat's Style Shop
765-473-7680

David Hood

"Davy" Hood is remembered as a prim, popular fellow, who could be found most of the time at Porter's drug store, where now stands the building occupied by the Peru Trust Co. He was a son of Wm. Hood, of Hood& Britton, who founded the town of Peru in 1834, as the seat of Miami County.

Flouring Mill in Peru

Since the washing out of the dam Messrs. Isaac Miller and son have removed, and rebuilt their mill at a point west of Broadway, near the I.P and C.R.R. track. They have a first class mill for merchant and custom work (across Miami Street from the Sanitary Milk & Ice Cream Company.

My great grandfather, Gustav Geberin, owned this mill for about a year and traded it for three houses on Riverside Drive.

Hugh McCaffrey was also an owner of the famous "Magnolia" flouring mill. The mill had the capacity for grinding 1,200 bushels of wheat and turning out 300 barrels of flour.

Happy Birthday Brother

If you see my brother --wish him
a Happy Birthday.
Terry, you are the best brother any
one could ask for!!
Lots of Love on your special day.

Historical Trivia in Peru

The Miami County Museum has a broom-making machine dating back to 1778. Joseph Grogg, Perry Twp. brought the item from Connecticut in a covered wagon. The Grogg family maintained the machine over one hundred years before donating it to the Museum. There are many treasures to observe at the Miami County Museum located on Broadway and Fifth Street. They have a staff that will answer questions or get you an answer. It's a great place to take kids!

Navy Base in Peru

Grissom A.F.B. was commissioned as a U.S. Naval Reserve Aviation on July 1, 1942. It was promoted to U.S. Naval Air Station one year later. It was used as a training base for Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard Pilots. The station existed only three years. It was closed and leased to the Bunker Hill Corp. as farmland until the Korean Conflict.

It would be different to see Navy men walking down the streets of Peru instead of Air Force today.

My mom said when I was quite young, some young ladies would put me in my stroller and walk downtown because the sailors couldn't resist stopping and looking at me with my cute curls and smile. That way, the young ladies could strike up a conversation with the sailors.

We have had in our family, a sailor aboard the Lexington, a sailor on the Enterprise and a grandson soon to be stationed in Spain. Thank God, for the young men and women who serve our country.

Mavrick's Tavern

Nick Mavrick purchased the building in 1922. In 1925 he remodeled it. A coney island business operated by his brother Pete was in half the building and a grocery/meat market operated by Tom Delivan in the other half was in the location from 1927 to 1931.

In 1933, Nick obtained the first liquor license in Peru to officially open Mavrick's Tavern. The photo was prior to becoming Mavrick's Tavern.

Railroads in Peru

The railroads were a major part of Peru's economy several years ago. As we remember it was quite common to get delayed at crossings by trains coming through Peru. In 1896, there were six railroads in operation--Lake Erie & Western; Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis; Wabash; Eel River; Peru & Detroit; and Chicago & Erie.

The Wabash Cannonball, spewing steam and clickety-clacking along the rails, was in Peru for a commemorative ride. Hopping aboard the steam engine to watch the fireman shovel coal into the massive firebox was unforgetable. It was one of those things "Always wanted to do and got to!"

The Hottest Band In Peru: KISS

It's with some amusement I've been reading about KISS bassist Gene Simmons (and partner Richard Abramson) recent marketing agreement with the Indy Racing League.

There are a handful of Peruvians who remember, including myself, who remember humbler days when KISS played the Circus Center on Halloween night, 1974. The tour, in support of their second album "Hotter Than Hell", rolled into Peru and blew the roof off the Circus building.

Things I remember about the concert:

• Speakers, speaker, and more speakers. Once they hit the stage, the speakers became instruments of submission. I've never been to a louder concert...ever. With concrete floors, iron beams, and a sheet metal roof, the ear splitting music ricocheted around the building. That night, a number of Peru kids lost a little hearing. Huh?
• The blinding flash pots which opened the show. The explosions shook the building and once my eyes cleared, KISS was already a third of the way through their opening song ("Strutter", I think). Not being KISS knowledgable, I thought, "cool, they dressed up for Halloween!" Little did I know that two years later, the band would be featured on The Paul Lynde Halloween Special.
• You couldn't yell conversation at the show; even between songs. We were too stunned and temporarily deaf.
• They played songs from their soon-to-be-released album, "Dressed To Kill".
• The Gene Simmons fire spitting didn't impress me. I'd seen the same thing in Peru's circus.
• About two thirds through the show, I entered the "Official KISS Pain Zone" and split. I walked home, sat on my front porch (2 blocks away) and listened to the rest of the show.

As time passed, I watched KISS grow into mega-superstars. I saw KISS play two more times in arenas, once in December of 1977, the day blizzard covered Hwy. 31 opened for traffic.

Godfroy Farm bought by Ben Wallace

A 220 acre farm inherited by Gabriel Godfroy was sold to Ben Wallace in 1891. The land originally belonged to Chief Francis Godfroy who obtained it from the U.S. Government in 1826.

The farm is situated in the fork of the Wabash and Mississenewa rivers about two miles east of Peru. Ben Wallace paid $20,000 for the prime land. He later used the land for the great circus headquarters.

An interesting note about Francis Godfroy's father was that he was a full blooded Frenchman and came of stock of which heroes are born. He was a descendant of Godfroy of Bouillon, chief leader of the First Crusade. He headed the French force sent out against the Infidels for the recovery of the Holy Sepulcher and took the city of Jerusalem.

Prices in Peru

Thinking about the price of gas made me reflect on prices of goods then and now. For $1.00 back in the 50's you could cruise Broadway all evening. Now gas is $2.60 a gallon-- Add to that the price of insurance, plates, excise tax, general maintenance that totals up to quite a sum of money.

Back in the late 1800's you could buy a pair of jeans for 50 cents to $1.00--now $15.00 to $150.00. Women's shoes could be bought then for $1.00-$2.00--now they range from $10.00 for flip flops to $150.00--some more than that.

In the 70's I spent $50.00 on a week's supply of groceries (that was buying a gallon of milk a day). In the late 1800's coffee, 20 cents--now $5.00 plus. Sugar was 20 cents--now $1.89. In 1903, 200 hogs sold for $55,000--now a champion hog can command a price of $10,000 up.
What happened to penny candy, 5 cent ice cream cones, and admission to your favorite movie for 25 cents?

I still look for things that are free--playing kick the can with my grandchildren, going to the park, a donation to take them to the museum, going to the cliffs, checking out all the history in Miami County. Your TIME is priceless.

Cole Porter Birthplace-The Siding is coming off!!

Armed with my camera, I went to the Cole Porter Birthplace this morning. Mayor Jim Walker had the honor of tearing the first piece of siding off the house. Volunteers are scurrying all around the house--cleaning, taking siding off, pounding, fixing--the soon to be restored birthplace.

The museum and gift shop has been dry-walled, the woodwork has been sanded, and Cole's music is being played to remind the workers why they are there. I met Arletta Reith from Kokomo, an avid Cole Porter fan, who is volunteering her time to paint the museum and gift shop. Her business is called "A Lady's Touch". Arletta will be painting the two rooms in about two weeks. The desire of Ole Olson Memorial Theatre is to have the gift shop and museum open by the Cole Porter Celebration in June.

When entering the museum I was impressed by the floor to ceiling windows. In the middle of the windows were two floor to ceiling mirrors. A grand piano will be placed inside. This project is quite an undertaking and money is needed to finish what has been started. This project will bring Cole Porter fans from all over the world to the historic town of Peru, Indiana. Please support this project.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Tommy Hendricks and Cole Porter were on the prowl for a mid-afternoon snack, when they strolled into Blue Drug Store. Going behind the soda fountain was strictly forbidden. They had to watch for Tommy's dad, since his dad worked in the store. They were in luck, so they proceeded behind the soda fountain and decided to make their favorite delicacy-ice cream sandwiches.

The ice cream sandwiches made in the early 1900's were works of art. There was an ingenious hand-manipulated machine, each sandwich prepared with special care. They had never dared try the sandwich machine, but Cole being the daring one, laid a wafer carefully in the sandwich-shaped machine. He then took thick vanilla ice-cream and packed it down tight. Then a second wafer was applied on top. The lever was then pulled and a delicious sandwich was produced. They produced more sandwiches than they could eat--one, two, maybe a dozen in all. After the dozen or so apiece, both the thrill of working the ice-cream machine and their appetites rapidly disappeared.

I am wondering if that machine is still around. I think I would like to try one of those delicious, delightful, dewonderful things called an ice-cream sandwich.

Restoration in Peru

Being a real history buff, and having an investigative nature, I can hardly wait until Saturday. The volunteers associated with Ole Olson Theatre will disassemble siding from the Cole Porter Birthplace. I will be there with my camera to watch this event on Saturday April 1, 2006 at 9:00 a.m.

The wish of Ole Olson Memorial Theatre is to restore the house so you can go back in time to the late 1800's and imagine Cole walking in and out those doors. More donations can make this a reality.

Cole Porter was born to Samuel and Kate (Cole) Porter in 1891 in the house located at 19 South Huntington. I can envision what the house will look like. It will be another positive direction for Peru. Cole Porter's music is timeless. People that loved Cole's music will love walking into a museum and gift shop. To all those that are making this happen--way to go!!

Kitchen Spring Cleaning

Ok, so lets start with the worst thing in the kitchen. Your oven if it isn't self cleaning use your oven cleaner as directed, clean the stove top, behind the knobs, under the burners, and the wall around the stove with all purpose cleaner. Refrigerator next, remove everything clean all surfaces with all purpose cleaner. Only restock food that is still good, go by date not your nose. Drawers and cupboards, Remove everything and wash it, replace liners if they need it. Throw away expired food. Clean sink fixtures and countertops with all purpose cleaner. Widows inside and out. Floors, sweep and mop. One down that wasn't so bad. Was it?

Spring Cleaning

I know it can seem a little overwhelming, and not much fun. But the time is here to clean that stuffy house, that's been closed all winter. My best advice is to do just one room a day, set aside a specific time to clean, and stick to that time. Get all your cleaning supplies in advance. Crank the stereo with your favorite music, it makes time go by much faster.

Products you should have- all purpose cleaner-oven cleaner-window cleaner-wood cleaner-abrasive cleaner-toilet bowl cleaner.
Accessories-paper towels-scouring pads-broom and dust pan-mop(steam mop if you prefer]-dust mop-vacuum cleaner-carpet steam cleaner-toilet bowl brush. Tommorrow we will start with the kitchen. It's ok i'll walk ya through it room by room.

Easter Egg Hunt

The First Presbyterian Church will once again provide an Easter Egg Hunt for the children of Peru. Last year, even though the temperature was quite cold, three to four hundred children attended the event. The event will be held April 15, 2006. More will be written with a listing of activities. Hopefully this year the weather will be much warmer. Do you suppose the bunnies will help the kids find the hidden eggs?

Struck oil in Peru

At 1 0'clock Monday morning the drillers on the Aaron Dukes propery, north of the basket factory, notified A.T. Reed, the acting superintendent that Trenton rock had been reached at 849 feet. Work was stopped when the drill had penetrated twenty-six feet deeper. Monday night the oil had begun to flow over the top of the well. The well was capped Tuesday night, it probably will produce 2oo barrels.

This was the beginning of intense excitement in the Peru field. Flax Hill was honeycombed with wells and there were hundreds of derricks standing on town lots. Millions of barrels of oil were pumped from this field. Oil men from Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana flocked to Peru and sunk well by the hundreds. Land owners in royalties were paid hundreds of thousands of dollars, but the field finally petered out.

It is a shame that the oil ran out--maybe we could tap into them again and not be reliant on foreign oil.