Birthday in Peru

HAPPY BIRTHDAY on your 86th Birthday!!

Cole's Boiler Lets Go

July 24, 1885--Saturday at 12:35, while most people of Peru were at dinner, many were startled by an explosion, which jarred the houses and caused a rattling of the sash and glass in the windows, and the silver, glass and queensware on the shelves of dealers. Some thought it was an earthquake, others a cannon, and a few believed that a steam boiler had exploded in the vicinity. It did not take long to discover that it was at the brewery just south of the river. The cloud of dust raised by the explosion was not dissipated for some brick-bats, boards, mortor and debris generally filled the air for some moments. The engine and boiler room, situated at the east side and near the north-east corner of the main building, was completely demolished. The bricks from walls were scattered over an acre of ground. They had rained against every foot of the massive stone wall of the ice house. The heavy boiler with its fifty-two flues was broken in two parts near the middle.

Rockin' Birthday Party in Peru

The Class of 1959 will have a "back in the 50's" birthday party on July 22, 2006. It is a monumental year for us--we have reached the age ?? There have been so many changes in our lives. We graduated from Peru High School on Sixth street. Most of our teachers are no longer living-they shaped our lives. The days of Peter's drug store, Kar Hop, Penguin Point, Roxy Theatre, Wallace Theatre, Modern Dairy Bar, Sengers, lots of shoe stores, the old majestic Post Office--they are all gone.
Most of us have had children, grandchildren, and some great-grandchildren. Aren't grandchildren fun--you can spoil them-then send them home. How sweet is that? Our generation was brought up on rock 'n roll--Rock around the Clock, All I have to do is Dream, Yakety Yak,The Stroll, See You Later Alligator, Tom Dooley, and one of my favorites Blueberry Hill-- Alaska and Hawaii became states, Korean War, Rosa Parks, vaccine for polio, I Love Lucy, Mickey Mouse Club, Bandstand, Gunsmoke, Marilyn Monroe, and Black & White T.V.'s. We are going to celebrate all these memories and be with all our friends that we grew up with. We will be" Lost in the 50's Tonight".

Death of "Diamond"

March 11, 1898--Last Thursday evening "Diamond", the mammoth elephant at the head of the herd of the Great Wallace shows died at winterquarters here. "Diamond" was the largest elephant in America, being but a few inches smaller than the famous "Jumbo". His weight was about 7,500 pounds and he was in every way a remarkable elephant. He was valued at $10,000 by Mr. Wallace. The hide and bones were sold to a New York manufacturer Tuesday. The hide weighed 1,200 pounds.
July 22, 2006--In just a few weeks you will be able to see elephants walk down the streets of Peru at the Peru Circus Parade. They may not be as big as "Diamond", but to a small child they will seem mammoth.

The First Barbecue in Peru

If you didn't get to the Riverwalk last night it is a must for the 4th of July next year. Entertainment, food, demonstrations by the Fire Department, car show, and more food. Let me tell you about the first barbecue in Peru, October 31, 1884.
The crowd drew a crowd of perhaps 25,000. The parade was the largest ever seen in the county. The roast beef at the barbeque didn't go 'round. It was field-day for saloons, and restaurants. In the evening there was a nice display of fire works, a parade with 1,025 torches in line and a very large drunk.
John Muhfield's display in the industrial part of the parade was very creditable, but the Peru Brewery was the most imposing of any. It consisted of two wagons, the first containing an immense vat in which workmen were mixing the real stuff. The second a throne on which was seated Gambrinus King of Beer, guarded by a stalwart supported on each corner of the frame. Half a dozen small barrels of the beverage carried in the wagon were on tap and the liquid was distributed freely during the parade.I wonder who Gambrinus King of Beer was?

Betsy Bobel Opyt-Miss Indiana 2000

Betsy Bobel was seven when she started in Peru's amateur circus. Betsy was in three acts--side by side, tumbling and adagio. Betsy worked hard and became a flyer. She loved the exhilerating feeling of free flying. Betsy's greatest thrill was consistently catching the full twisting double in the flying trapeze act with her partner Andy Weaver.
Betsy graduated from Maconaquah in 1995 and is a graduate of Ball State in Dietetics. Betsy was crowned Miss Indiana in 2000. Qualities judges look for are friendliness, intelligence, personable, be well-spoken, and expressive. Betsy took her platform for healthy lifestyle to the schools and communities.
We are fortuanate to have two Miss Indiana beauties in Peru--and sisters at that. Mom and Dad, (Mina and Dave) Must be very proud parents.

Miss Indiana U.S.A. to be in Circus Parade in Peru

Bridget Bobel performed in the Peru Circus at the age of six. Bridget started as a Kiddie Clown her first year then graduated to side by side, tumbling, and roman ladders. She also was in the Web act and spun until her eyes were blood shot.
Being in the circus was a very positive influence which resulted in strong values, work ethics, and determination. Bridget has a sister Betsy who was also in the Peru Circus. The experience of two girls in the circus became a way of life for the whole family.
Bridget's fondest memories were all the good times she had in the back lot with the other performers-meaning the "old back lot" with the tree and dirt floor.
Bridget is a 1998 graduate of Maconaquah High School and a 2002 graduate of Ball State. Bridget is also a literacy advocate, volunteering for Indy Reads, a Marion Co. Library program, as an adult literacy tutor.
Give a warm welcome to Miss Indiana U.S.A., Bridget Bobel, when she rides down Main and Broadway in the Peru Circus Parade on July 22 at 10:00.

Happy Birthday Son

If you people in Coshocton can figure out who this sweet little boy is ------Wish him a Happy Birthday!!

Hometown FCU in Peru

Hometown Federal Credit Union will be seventy years old on August 18, 2006. The credit union started in a cubbyhole at Sq D, then moved to a 36x8 construction trailer, then yet another trailer that was 14x52. Credit Unions are owned by their members and are a non-profit organization. Credit unions offer most services that banks do, with the exception of large loans or mortgages.
Hometown F.C.U. started as Sq D Federal Credit Union and two of the charter members, Martha Opple and Ed Miller, are still with the credit union today.
The present building, at the corner of Ewing and Broadway, replaced the old Bonded Gas Station. Prior to that was the Golden Flash and the infamous Rainbow Bar.
A recent attempt in 2005, was to rob the credit union. The man handed a note-the teller thought he was joking-needless to say it rattled him so much he turned and ran out almost running into a customer.
The credit union is managed by Karen Crockett and seven board of directors.

Tale of Woe

July 1, 1918-If you care to know just why, if you owe the editor of the Peru Republican anything, you should make every effort to pay now.
On March 28, 1918 there were 8 persons employed at the Peru Republican. On the following day one of the employees left for Camp Taylor and is now in France. A month later the advertising compositer left for a higher salaried job. Later our machine operator was asked to go to Portland, but fortunately turned the job down. About the same time our gas engine gave up and we had to buy a new one. The next week a piece of furniture fell into one of the job presses and broke the casting in the machine. Then the writer last a $2.50 gold piece and dropped his watch and broke it's "innards". Then the supreme court handed down its decision in the oil inspectors case, and the writer lost his job, which lasted a whole year without pay. We are now with a staff of four. Next winter' coal is bought, but isn't paid for. Isn't that enough reason why anyone owing the Republican should pay the bill at once? (Written by Omer Holman) Peru Republican.

Miss Circus City Pageant 2006-Peru, IN.

Log Cabin Day in Roann, IN.

This may seem like a strange holiday but Sunday is Log Cabin Day. So in honor of this holiday I will write about a log cabin that is part of my heritage. Alexander Abshire and Susanna Swihart Abshire found a place near the Eel River, north of Roann, to set up housekeeping in 1863. The ground was purchased by his father, Abraham Abshire, in 1837.
The heirs of the family felt the history of the cabin needed to be preserved. The town of Roann, as part of the sesquicentennial celebration in 1966, decided to honor the early pioneers and through much effort rebuilt the log cabin. The original cabin was built of beech, walnut, maple, and native poplar. When construction began, the upper story was badly deteriorated so the structure was reduced to one story. The Abshire cabin now sits in the town park in the middle of Roann, several miles from where it was originally built. During The Roann Festival in September many visitors tour the cabin. When you enter you will see Alexander and Susannah's picture (my great-great grandparents).

Okie Pinokie--Haunted??

The first post that I made when I started this blog site was about Okie Pinokie. Several persons have shown an interest in the supposedly haunted woods. Mind you I have never been there at night but have been there quite a few times in the daytime. It is beautiful there. You drive back a long lane and when you get to a turn-around you are right by the river. They have found remains of bodies there-perhaps Indians. So for all you ghostbusters out there that have forgotten where it is- here are the directions.
In Peru-by the river-turn east on Riverside Drive-keep going- that will turn into 124. You will pass the Circus Hall of Fame-pass Godfroy Cemetery -keep going till you see a sign that says 510E-you will see cement pillars-go into the lane between the two pillars. I set my odometer when I turned onto riverside drive-it is 5.4 miles to your haunted scary woods. It is not a place at night for the weak hearted.

Railway Hospital in Peru

Nov. 27, 1896--Peru now possesses the finest Railroad hospital in America. It is located in Ridgeview about two blocks north of the union station and was opened last Saturday. Dr. E. H. Griswold, the managing surgeon and his charming wife, were kept busy receiving guests.
There are thirty-nine rooms in the mammoth building besides the basement, which is sub-divided into rooms. Forty seven beds are available and at any time additional accommodations can be secured.
The building cost completed was $35,000. Dr. E. H. Griswold is the surgeon in charge of the hospital and he is popular not only with the company but with the men. Dr. P. S. Kaddt is the house surgeon. Dr. Griswold has been in Peru since 1893. Unfortunately, Dr. Griswold became a patient at the Railway hospital, ill of paralysis, with which he became afflicted in the fall of 1934. Dr. Don Farrara is in charge of the medical and surgical department of the hospital, while his brother Dr. Sam Farrara is the interne.

Ridgeview-Bearss Settlement

Dec. 3, 1898--Ridgeview, a village near here, consists of one dozen houses, a railway hospital and a mail box. It is located just across the north corporation line of this city, and is less than a quarter of a mile from the Union railway station. The place is known as the Bearss settlement. Mr. and Mrs. D.R. Bearss settled ther more than half a century ago, and Mrs. Bearss, now a widow, is still living there. From the town, one gets a ridge view of Peru, hence the name. Gen. James Tyner, U.S. Postal Service; Capt. Ira Myers, U.S. consul at St. Johns; A.C. Bearss, postmaster of Peru; Oscar Ridenour, assistant postmaster of Peru; George Lockwood, Congressman Steele's private secretary; Edgar Ridenour, Lt. 16th infantry; Lt. Hiram Bearss, U.S. Marines; E. Gould, division supertintendent of the Wabash railway; W.W. Lockwood, sr., editor of the Peru Republican; and several other influential persons lived in this area.
Frank and Oliver Bearss were employed by the postal service of the government. People who want office should by all means move to Ridgeview. It is to Peru What Hong Kong is to China, the official residence of the English ruling class in the empire

Pioneer Resident John Oldham

December 9, 1904--John Oldham in 1883, assisted General Tipton in moving the Pottowatamie Indian tribe, numbering 2,000 from Miami county to the state of Kansas. In crossing the Mississippi river 100 head of ponies leaped from the ferry boats into the river and swam back to the Illinois side. In an early day he nursed Gabriel Godfroy, of the Miami Indians, when the dignitary of the forest was a wee child, and he was frequently in the company of Frances Slocum, The White Rose of the Miamis, and frequently lived in her wigwam.
Forty years of John Oldham's life was given to the butchering business. At one time he made the remarkable record of cutting up 2,000 head of hogs in twenty days in a Lafayette pork house on a wager, using a forty pound cleaver.
John Oldham, the oldest pioneer resident of the Miami Reserve, having been a resident at Bennetts Switch, Miami county, for seventy-seven years, died at his home of old age complications, aged ninety two.

Pat and Jerry Asphyxiated

Nov.30, 1900-- Pat and Jerry Holland, two well known characters around town were discovered dead about 1 o'clock Sunday afternoon at their home 156 East Eighth Street. These two jolly Irishmen were familiar to everyone.
Dr. J.E. Yarling, the coroner and Will Lenhart and Lawrence Simpson, the undertakers, were notified and called at once. The doors and windows were all opened and the odor of the bodies could be distinguished two or three blocks away. The condition of the bodies indicated that death had occurred several days before. The men were lying in natural positions and their features were not distorted so that evidently their death had been painless. It is supposed that after their return home Tuesday evening the brothers ate something which contained poison and caused their death.

RELAY FOR LIFE-Peru, IN>

Progress in Prevention
Early Detection
Treatment

BIG TOOTH in Peru

1891-A molar tooth weighing four pounds, from the jaw of a mastodon, was found on the Blair farm about three miles northwest of the city, near the prairie ditch, by parties sinking a drain, a few days ago. It was discovered about two feet below the surface in the bed of the old run which has been dry since the drainage of the prairie by the new channel. The tooth consists of dentine invested by enamel with a layer of a substance like cement around the fangs and spread over the crown. Search will be made for other portions of the pachyderm.
People have bragged about Big Foot--the people of Peru can brag about Big Tooth!

Amateur Circus for Kids in Peru, Indiana

In 1959, Tom Hodgini, a local business man organized the first amateur circus . Tom was a former bareback rider and circus performer himself. Tom hauled his old high-wire riggings and started training the teens that were to perform under the big top. The operation then moved to an abandoned high school gym, then into the old Peru Lumber yard. Through much effort and a lot of hard work the arena is now air-conditioned and will hold 1,600 circus lovers.
My grandson, Joey, has not experienced the joy of getting to see the circus. I took him to the circus building last week and asked if it would be o.k. for him to watch one of the acts practice. They were very gracious and said "yes". We timed it just right because his first glimpse of the Peru Circus was the high flyers. I had to snicker because when they were up in the air practicing their tricks Joey was sitting in the stands, eyes glued on them, and singing "I Believe I can Fly". It put a smile on a few faces.
The circus teaches the children to have self-confidence, committment, and respect for their trainers and all the other kids involved. The picture in the blog was taken several years ago. These kids are now parents and grandparents. What a legacy!

Circus Menageria Burns in Peru, Indiana

Jan. 25, 1884-- Col. Benj. E. Wallace's circus menageria went up in smoke Monday. For some time he had been collecting wild animals for his circus which is to take the road in the spring. These animals he had stored in temporary cages in the old chair factory, on the south side of west Second street, across the street from the National hotel and west across the alley. An overheated stove caused the blaze which started the fire. The intense heat and smoke soon ended the lives of the animal which included some lions, tigers, deer, kangaroo and monkeys. It was a cold morning and there was a heavy snow on the ground, and the firemen fought hard to save the animals. Col. Wallace says that he will begin again and when spring arrives that he will be ready to open his season. The circus opened April 26, 1884.

Relay for life in Peru, IN

SUPPORT RELAY FOR LIFE
Survivors walk first lap around Bengal Stadium Friday. Come and show your support.Walkers, walk Friday and Saturday.

Then and Now in Peru, Indiana

Circus Band in Peru, IN.

The rain did not dampen the spirits of avid Cole Porter fans this past weekend. The Miami County Museum was filled with Circus Band members and music lovers of all ages. A lot of toe-tapping was going on. If you have never experienced hearing the circus band, it's a must. They have two free concerts to go--June 21 at 7:00 in the PHS auditorium and July 5 at 7:00 at the Fire Station. After that, they will be in the loft at the Peru Circus Center for all ten performances.
Band members come in all ages and professions-- to name a few: Don Smith-postal worker; Dan Roberts-surgeon; Kathi Urban-teacher; Zak Tschiniak-recent recipient of both the Lily Foundation and Cole Porter scholarships; Christy Sullivan-teacher; Wendy Edwards- dental hygienist; Brent Embrey-attorney working for attorney general in Indiana; Gordon Cheever-Delphi; Chris Hickman-Band Director at Southwood High School; and many others to numerous to mention. The band has grown to over 140 musicians. The band loft only holds a capacity of 64, requiring that some musicians take turns. They give their time and talent so that Peru is truly the Greatest Amateur Show on Earth.

Miami Co. Museum Invites You-Flag Day Celebration

On the June 14th, 2006 -2pm to 4pm and 6:30 to 8:00 you are invited to enjoy music, refreshments, and observe the retiring of a Civil War Flag to it's rightful home, The Indiana War Memorial Museum.
The flag belonged to the 99th Volunteer Infantry of which Miami County supplied two companies, Company D and Company I. The 99th regiment was organized at South Bend, In. and mustered in October 21, 1862. Ordered to Louisville, Ky., thence to Memphis, Tenn. The Regiment lost during service 45 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 5 Officers and 147 Enlisted men by disease. Total 197. They moved to Grant's Central Mississippi Campaign, ordered to Vicksburg, Miss., assault on Kenesaw Mountain, Battle of Atlanta, March to the Sea, March to Washington D.C. to name a few. The men were mustered out June 6, 1865.
The flag was discovered this spring by a museum staff member. Ms. Schmink of the Indiana War Memorial will be here to accept this Flag on their behalf.
The Company Singers from Huntington will be providing Civil War music and a short ceremony to retire this grand old flag at 7:30. Show your support to this momentous occassion.

Grissom Air Museum Peru, Indiana

Grandson Joey and I went to the Grissom Air Museum . I must confess I have driven by the museum many times and never stopped. The museum is very interesting for a young boy of eight years old. He was able to sit in a cockpit and pretend that he was flying. His little legs carried him to the top of the 5-story tower so he could see the planes from a different view.
The B58 Hustler that is on display is one of only eight left in the world--the museum having the oldest. The B25 on display was featured in the movie "Catch 22".

The Air Museum is in it's 25th year. John Crume from Kokomo was instrumental in starting the museum and rounding up the many volunteers needed to make his dream happen.
The Air Museum is shy of meeting their goal to pay for the acquisition of an f-14 Tomcat. Your generous, tax-deductible support will meet that goal. Contributions may be sent to 1000
West Hoosier Blvd., Peru, IN. 46970

Cole Porter's Cadillac in Peru, Indiana

Cole Porter ordered a 1955 Cadillac for his European Tour. It was used in 1956 and 1957 to tour Europe. The car was shipped to New York from Italy in 1959. Later the car was given to Madeline Smith, his secretary of over 20 years. Then her son Drew registered the auto in his name in 1959. A Mr. Scott purchased the car and had it restored. Through his generosity it was donated to the Miami County Museum in December 1994. When the Cadillac was completed in 1989 the cost was $180,000.

The Cadillac was in the movies "Godfather" and "The Kennedy's". Be sure to stop in the Miami County Museum this weekend to see the famous car.

Grandson Joey in Peru

My grandson Joey is visiting from Coshocton, Ohio. This has been our week in pictures....

Cole Porter

This week will be the anniversary of Cole's birth. What beautiful music he wrote! Cole Porter was forty-six years old when he was in a horseback riding accident that caused him severe pain until his death. After the accident the doctors wanted to amputate his legs, but his wife Linda and mother Kate said no to the amputation. The two women reasoned he would die from despair. Cole's legs would never mend; he had to endure some thirty-five operations and still had to have one amputated. Even after his operations and constant pain he provided scores for Hollywood movies and Broadway musicals. He wrote hits such as: "Leave It to Me," Kiss Me Kate," "Can-Can,"and "Silk Stockings". Five of his song made a list of the thirty most popular songs of all time. Some of my favorites were "Begin the Beguine," "Night and Day," and "I've Got You Under my Skin." It's unbelievable that Cole's music is still being played today--that says a lot for that little boy that was born in Peru, Indiana.

Mabel Ray Bundy Sausaman

1916-Centennial Celebration--The address of welcome by a great granddaughter of Frances Slocum-Mabel Bundy Sausaman was as follows:
Relatives and Friends: We are indeed very much pleased to have you with us here today. This is the second reunion of the Slocums of the United States at this place since the beginning of this century, and since the ceremonies that attended the burial of our ancestor, Frances Slocum, styled the "White Rose" by the Miami Indians, and the "Little Lost Sister" by the Quaker folks back in the Wyoming Valley, her babyhood home. The first meeting of the descendants occurred here on May 17, 1900, and the event was one of unusual interest. With my joy over your being here today is mingled a tinge of sorrow, for as I look around me I seem to miss greatly the handsome faces of Dr. Charles Slocum, James Slocum Bennett, and Elliot Slocum, who were here the last time and are now in the spirit world. These three men played a prominent part in the unveiling ceremonies in the cemetery years. But let us not be troubled at this time with the memories of the past. 'Tis better that we live today in the present. Let us enjoy this occasion to its fullest extent and may there be no regrets at the close; let it be a perfect day. We bid you welcome and may God bless us all

Cole Porter Summerfest

Next week the Cole Porter Summerfest will be in full swing. There will be something for everyone. The festival celebrates the music and life of Peru native--Cole Porter.
Cole was born in Peru, Indiana June 9, 1891 and Died October 15, 1964.
It's amazing to me that Cole's music has survived all these years. That tells me what a brilliant songwriter he was.
Several movies have his songs:" De-Lovely" which was shown on the big screen in 2004 contained Begin the Beguine, I Get a Kick Out of You, In the Still of Night, It's De-Lovely, Just One of Those Things, Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love, Let's Misbehave, Love for Sale, Night and Day, and True Love.
"What Women Want"-2000-I've Got you Under My Skin and Night and Day
"There's Something About Mary"-1998-I've Got You Under My Skin
"Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom"-1984-Anything Goes
"Blazing Saddles"-1974-I Get a Kick Out of You
"The Snows of Kilimanjaro"-1952-You Do Something to Me, Just One of Those Things

Chief Richardville

Adventure in Peru

More on the roadtrip Betty and I took--We went to the Clayton and Godfroy Cemetery. The Clayton cemetery is in a beautiful setting-quiet and serene- but, here again there are a lot of stones down.Then we went to the Godfroy cemetery. Only the descendents of the Miami Indians can be buried here. It was very well kept and peaceful. Across the road from the cemetery is the remains of the old Godfroy trading post--The house is non-existant today. So many remnants of history are gone forever. Looking at the old trading post, one can imagine the indians going there to buy their goods.

Cemeteries in Miami County

My friend Betty, went wandering with me over the weekend to see all of the history in Miami County. We started by going to the Tillett Cemetery. You have to drive up a steep hill to get there. My van did a little slipping and sliding but we made it to the top. It is so quiet and serene there but we both were very saddened by graffiti on stones, toppled over stones, and some leaning against trees. I have always felt a cemetery was very sacred and I do not understand what pleasure anyone would have by defacing something sacred. A particular stone of Betty's family member is no longer there. How sad.
We went to Stony Point School. The school was abandoned in 1914. Mostly indians attended this school. It is not too far from Godfroy's trading post. In 1929 Mrs. General Jones bought the Stony Point Schoolhouse and lot, and moved there to live. Soon after they moved in the house Mrs. Jones became ill. They had no doctor to care for her and the result was death. She was buried east of the schoolhouse just south of the door where her body still remains. More tomorrow--

In Peru

REMEMBER