Heritage Days 2006

Take a stroll through the Pioneer Village and you will see these sites.

Railway Hospital in Peru

Sept. 4th, 1885--The new railway hospital, 40 rods north of the railroad shops is a comparatively new residence, modern in style. It was built by the late Joseph Karthol, who traded it to Samuel W. Ream, of whom the railroad company bought it. The grounds comprise two acres. The house, originally square, has been considerably enlarged. The second floor is to be used as a living room for the Sisters of Charity. The dining room has table accommodations for twenty-four persons. Both kitchen and dining room are supplied with hot and cold water.
The new hospital was opened Tuesday. Dr. E. B. North, of a Missouri Pacific hospital is the surgeon in charge. F.S. Arnold, is superintendent. The hospital is one of which all may be proud.

Maria Rasputin in Peru

Maria Rasputin's family home was in Pokrovskoe, Siberia on the Tura. From her room in the Bearss Hotel she told reporters that it would be impossible to return to Russia-it would mean certain death. She was resigned to the fact that the United States would be her new home.
A movie was written about her father's life-"Rasputin and the Empress". According to Maria she had no desire to see the movie starring Lionel Barrymore. She did not feel it was a true description of her father.
In St. Petersburg, her father gained fame as a healer. The Czar NicholasII's son was ill and the medical men had all but given up on the boy. Rasputin went to the palace-through much prayer- the boy was able to recover from his illness. Rasputin and daughter Maria was invited to live in the palace. Rasputin's wife and two sons remained on the family farm. Gregori Rasputin met his death on December 16, 1916, by being drugged, poisoned, beaten and shot three times. He survived all this but actually died when they wrapped him in a carpet and threw him into the Moika Canal on the Neva River.

Maria Rasputin in Peru

Maria Rasputin, famous daughter of Grigori Rasputin, came to Peru in 1935 to be featured as an animal trainer with Hagenbeck-Wallace, Forepaugh-Sells Bros. circus. She traveled throughout Europe for five years with circuses before coming to the United States. Maria is described as being of medium build, very charming in appearance, a striking brunette, with fiery eyes when talking about her father, the famous "mad monk". Maria fluently spoke Russian, German and French-her English was quite broken at times.
Maria and husband were in Bolshevik prison and were to be shot in the early morning. By bribing the guard with money and jewelry they were able to gain their freedom. Maria had two daughters. Her husband died in 1926. Shortly thereafter, she joined the circus as a dancing girl and a wild animal trainer. Maria wrote a book trying to clear the name of her father. She described her father as a religious, God-fearing man of intelligence. He was hated by the militarists because he opposed revolution.
more tomorrow...........

Seasescapes

If you want to see beauty in full bloom check out the gardens at Seasescapes.

Rassner's Heritage

William Rassner was born in Germany April 23, 1823. He was the son of Albert and Elizabeth Rassner. William remained in Germany until he was nine years of age, at which time his parents emigrated to the United States. He served in the Mexican War. Upon leaving the army he came to Peru in 1849. William opened a drug business with much success until 1873. He married Miss Anna Rabe of Germany in 1848. From that union they had three children. Mrs. Rassner died in 1857. He then married Magdalene Springer and had two children. She also died. His last wife was Miss Mary Shepler to which four children were born.
William owned land around Maconaquah Park that was named Rassner's Grove. Through the geneology line David, Russell, then Danny Rassner was born.
Rassner's newstand was started in 1953 by Danny's father, Russell, at a location next to the present store. Danny worked there when he was quite young. In 1979, after the death of his mother, Danny purchased the store. Rassner's East End News has been a part of our city for fifty plus years. Stop in and tell Danny hi!

First Railroad Hospital

I bet you thought the first railroad hospital was on Broadway--actually the first was on West 12th Street. As near as I can find the hospital was built in the late 1860's. In 1891 the Wabash Railroad Co. had a wreck at Kingsbury, Indiana. They unloaded the victims at Grant Street and took them to the hospital. Sometime later a Lake Erie & Western engineer, fell from the window of his engine at Plymouth when the armrest broke and let him drop to the ground while his engine was moving. His injuries were cared for in the West Twelfth street hospital.
In 1887 while Dr. E.B. North was the physician at the first hospital he heard a shot fired in a barn close to the hospital. Dr. North entered the barn to give the victim any aid he could and for his kindness he was fired on and fatally injured. Dr. North died the next day and the man who fired the shot that killed him paid the penalty (which is another story).
The new Wabash Railway Hospital was finished in 1896. The contract for the building was let to Joseph Goodall, of Peru, and the price was $34,000. The new hospital was in Ridgeview --which is where the present high school is now.

Quigley Jazz Festival

Hometown son, Richard Quigley, was honored over the weekend at the 2006 Richard Quigley Memorial Jazz Festival. The event was presented by Temecula Valley Bank-Steve Wacknitz-and the Honeywell Center.
During his youth, Dick's greatest wish, was to play saxaphone with a big band. His wish came true. He toured with Stan Kenton. After his tour he returned to Indiana and lived in Ft. Wayne. He became an outstanding jazz musician. Later in life he suffered a heart attack and returned to Peru. Dick and Tom Gustin organized and performed the first summer jazz festival in August of 1998. After his death, Tom wanted to continue the jazz festival as a memorial to his friend.
The audience was toe-tapping--heads bobbing to the beat of the melodies filling the PHS auditorium. It's rare to hear music of such high quality and not have to pay--yes, it was free. A great big Thank You to the musicians that played, the vocalists that sang, and the two m.c.'s that kept us laughing. A Special Thanks to Steve Wacknitz and the Honeywell Center for their sponsorship. Keep on playing those tunes and see you next year!

Jeremiah was a Bullfrog

A bullfrog that weighed over three pounds was taken into the Peru Republican Office to be shown to Omer Holman years ago. The bullfrog was described as longer than your leg when you were four weeks old. The frog was one of 40 that had been received from Louisiana to be used for breeding purposes in a frog pond-hatchery.
We have always teased my grandson Jeremiah by singing the song "Jeremiah was a Bullfrog.
Wonder what that frog's name was?
I never realized how noisy they were until I went camping at a friend's pond. They decided they would bbrrruuummmppp! all night long. I can't imagine being around 40 of the little critters all night long.

Heritage Days

Heritage Days will take place August 25,26,27, 2006 at the Miami Co. Fairgrounds. My favorite is the Living History Village where you can take a step back in time. You can see long rifles, Indians, basketweaving, pottery, and people working on a loom. They are dressed in period costume--some in military attire, women in their long dresses and bonnets, and a few coonskin caps. Try taking a picture when the words "Fire in the Hole" is shouted-- you watch--you know it is going to go boom!--but you still jump.
You can see Hawk throw, hear native American Drums, see a wooden flute maker, pioneers, wooden spoon peddler and you can even make a basket and take it home with you.
If you are starved after all of that--the Methodist Men will cook breakfast for you. The Miami County Historical Society is serving meals and sandwiches in the Dining Hall. That famous huge pot of beans will be cooking on an open fire. Ummm Good!! Be sure to mark the dates on your calendar.

Presbyterians in Park

The Presbyterian Church had worship service in the park this past Sunday.

Miami Co."Dry"

Yesterday we talked about that poor buzzard flying from saloon to saloon to get a drink. None were open---Here is why!
Rudolph Dender and John Collins, who have saloons, are angry because the farmers voted Miami county "dry" in the election Tuesday, and consequently they have removed the hitching racks at the sides of their saloons. These racks have been available to the farmers for many years and they will be missed. The public hitching rack around the courthouse square is not large enough to accomodate all the farmers, consequently many will have to pay for having their horses put in feed stables hereafter.
I know some farmers that made homebrew. Others made dandelion and elderberry wine. I don't think they were supposed to do that --do you?
Now I also know why there are no hitching posts left--the saloon keepers got even with the farmers.

Poor Old Thirsty Buzzard

I am not sure of when this happened but it had to have been during prohibition due to the saloons being closed.
The business section of Peru since Monday has had a stange visitor in the form of a full-grown buzzard. The bird is probably a tame-one escaped from a cage but so far its owner has not been found. It has attracted much attention..flying low through the mercantile section and perchings upon the buildings. Singularly enough-it has visited all the buildings that were formerly occupied by saloons and are now empty. Many attempts have been made by boys to catch the buzzard, but it is too sly to be caught. It does not appear to be scared at anything. No attempt has been made to kill it. The poor buzzard was probably singing"How dry I Am".

David Letterman at McDonald's

I found this David Letterman video on my son's blog, Coshocton Then Coshocton Now. I hope this makes you laugh as much as I did.

Miller's Greenhouse Torn Down

Another Peru landmark is now gone--Bulldozers leveled Miller's Greenhouse in the last couple of days. The history goes back to the early 1920's when William Miller bought greenhouses from
F.B. Tinker.

F. B. Tinker came to Peru in 1888. On his arrival in this city he bought the green-house residence on West Main Street from G.C. Lange. The business was then in its infancy, but by sheer hard work, good management and courteous treatment, Mr. Tinker built up a trade that was second to none. There were six large hot-houses in all besides the outdoor beds, and even then he did not have enough room . Mr. Tinker made a specialty of roses, carnations, violets and bedding plants, and it was safe to say that every home in Peru had at least one or two specimens of his flowers. When he decided to sell, he sold the greenhouses to Wm. Miller and the houses were moved to West Third Street. The Miller family owned the greenhouse for several years. It is sad to see the end of another landmark.

Cheeseburger in Paradise

More on the class of '66

It's 5 o'clock Somewhere

Class of 66 Reunion in pictures-

The Good Old Days

1893--The first indictment found in the Miami Circuit Court for assault and battery with intent to commit murder was in 1841 and the parties to the action were Peru's most prominent business men-Col. George W. Ewing and Hon. Daniel R. Bearss. Both were Indian traders. The difficulty grew out of some domestic affair--language contained in a correspondence. Bearss had threatened to whip Ewing and when this came to his knowledge, he armed himself with a pair of pistols, and exhibiting them in public declared that if Bearss arracked him he would kill him. They met on the sidewalk in front of Bearss' store, between Second and Third street, and Bearss attacked him. They clinched and both fell into the gutter where they were separated by Judge Cole and L.D. Adkinson. Bearss hurried into his store and closed the door with Ewing after him firing as he went. After exhausting his pistols Ewing took to his heels, with Bearss after him, running through town to a blacksmith shop where Ewing hid. Ewing was indicted for the shooting. Judge Biddle, of Logansport, was retained to defend him, his client helping in the challenge of jurors. Ewing was acquitted, no intent being established.

Willa Howell Bullock-Hoosier Salon

Willa won a purchase award for her painting"Ye Olde Lantern Restaurant"

Willa Howell Bullock-Hoosier Salon

The 82nd annual exhibition and the 17th year at the Indiana State Museum was July 30th at Indianapolis, Indiana. Out of 537 entries, 180 works of art by 137 current artist members were juried into the show. Prizes of $25,550 have been awarded for excellence. Each year a significant number of work are purchased from the show by collectors, corporations, organizations and the general public. Purchase awards totaled approximately $43,511. In addition to the exhibit at the Indiana State Museum, approximately 150 works will travel to 30 tour sites around the state of Indiana over three and a half months.
. From Nov. 13-Dec 8 the Logansport Art Association will host the exhibition. Dec 11-Jan5 the works will be displayed at the Clark Gallery, Honeywell Center, in Wabash. The Howard County Public Library in Kokomo will host the exhibition Jan. 8-Jan. 31.
Willa Howell Bullock of Peru has two works in the exhibition--"Ye Old Lantern Restaurant" and "Sunflowers in Wicker Vase." Willa received a purchase award for "Ye Old Lantern Restaurant".
Willa is represented by the Brown Co. Art Guild & Gallery and will have a solo show in October.
Her work is found in numerous corporate and private collections.

Peru 1848

1848-Peru Sentinal--Continued from last blog--On Broadway, one frame and three splendid brick, business houses, are in the course of erection, while in every direction that we turn our eyes, may be seen, comfortable private residences, finished within the last year, all of which, most unerringly indicates the future position of Peru. We have Dry Good stores, Drug stores, and Tin shops, Carpenter, Cabinet and Chair Shops, Blacksmith, Hatter, Shoe, Saddler, and Wagon Maker shops, Carding machines, Saw mills, Grist mills, and almost every kind of manufactures in such abundance, that after supplying a population in town of 1005, and in the county of about 7000, we have a sufficient surplus to furnish all the little villages east of us along the canal. We have all the elements of greatness within ourselves, and could live perfectly independant of the balance of the world, were we encircled with a Chinese wall, but we are of that generous nature, that we are willing to share all the blessings it is our peculiar privilege to enjoy, with those less fortunate than ourselves.

1848 Peru

1848--We were always of the opinion, that Peru was the favored spot of creation, and every day but serves to convince us that we were not mistaken. It is but thirteen years since the first sale of lots was made--then in the woods--where the deer and the 'bar', the skunk, the squirrel, and the woodchuck, held undisputed sway--were the body corporate and politic, of the "vast area" over which the municipal authority of our present corporation is excercised. The lucky purchaser of a lot at that day, secured to himself nearly all the materials necessary to the construction of a comfortable "log cabin," as the whole town plat was covered with every description of timber suitable for such purposes. But the primitive domicils, like the early corporation, are gradually disappearing," and where once stood the neat log cabin, just big enough to let Queen Mab in," is to be found the neat and comfortable frame dwelling. which in its turn is fast giving place to the "House of stone brick and mortar," and with such rapidity are those changes taking place, that the lover of "nature unadorned," exclaims in the fullness of his agony-
"Oh dear! I grieve, I grieve, For the good old days of Adam and Eve."
note: From Peru Sentinal - Quite a flare for writing, don't you think? More tomorrow-------

Horse Racing in Peru

1902--Jerry Hardwick and Frank Bearss, both farmers of means and experience of Ridgeview, own horses which have the quality of speed and endurance. Jerry has of late been boasting of the superiority of his animal over the white steed owned by Frank who in equally vigorous argument said he was willing to bet anthing that his horse could beat Jerry's trotter at any time. Not until last week did an opportune time for the race present itself. The two men happened to meet on East Third Street and Bearss took up Hardwick's challenge for the race. Three times the contestants tore down the street but Jerry's gallant old steed which has done valiant service at the plow as well as hauling the butter and eggs to market these last twenty years, went down to defeat before the muddy white animal of Frank's. which has been in training hauling the Bearss children up the hill since the "crime of '73".

The Telephone in Peru

March 10, 1926--Bell Telephone celebrates its 50th anniversary. Peru's first telephone exchange came to the city in 1881-only five short years after the first public knowledge of Dr. Bell's invention. Several days before the opening of the exchange, a number of demonstrations were given, in the hope, probably, of convincing the doubtful and gaining a few subscribers. On one occasion a line was strung from a room about the Blue Drug Store to the Baptist church.
A few of the numbers: #1 Indiana Manufacturing Co.,#4 McCaffrey&Co.. #16 Bearss Hotel,
#28 First National Bank office, #47 J.O. Cole Brewery. Today if we are calling out of our area code we have to dial 10 numbers. If we are calling on a calling card we have to dial thirty-three numbers. Aahh! Modern Technology. No more turning cranks, no more party lines, no rotary dialing. Today we can carry a phone wherever we go--ain't life grand!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLASS of '59

Downtown Peru

Teddy Roosevelt visits Peru

October 12,1900- The democrats of Miami county, surely got little comfort out of Wednesday's meeting in Peru. The crowd at the railroad to greet Theodore Roosevelt, governor of New York, was simply measured by the acre. The lowest estimate was 8,000 people. The train was met at Logansport by a committee including Senator George Miller, Ex-Senator Robert Loveland. Ethan Reesoner and Dr. L. O. Malsbury, as the train pulled in Governor Roosevelt stepped to the door and was met by Captain Ira B. Myers and Hon. James F. Stutesman, who escorted him through the open ranks of the marching clubs to the speakers stand at the court house. Governor Roosevelt was introduced by Hon. Robert J. Loveland.
Robert Kennedy made a whistlestop in Peru in April of 1968. Children were let out of school so they could greet the candidate for President. Unfortunately, he was assassinated on June 5, 1968, so his dream of becoming president died with him.

New Church is Planned by U.B.

April 13, 1900--The United Brethren are arranging to build a new church in Peru. They have been worshipping since last fall in the Odd Fellows temple (the old M.E. church). They have organized a society of 58 members, bought a lot, corner Main and Clay, and have already raised subscriptions amounting to $4,000. It is expected that the new church will cost $10,000. Peru is not over-stocked with churches, especially in the east end of town. Every church is a centre of moral influence, and a nucleus around which good people are gathered.

Baptist Church in Peru

1894--The cornerstone for the new Baptist church, Main and Wabash Streets was laid Tuesday July 17. This is what the box contained: History of the foundation and growth of the church, Roll of Sunday school teachers and scholars. Roll of the Ladies Social Union. The officers and members of the Women's Missionary Society and program for current year. List of members of the choir and amateur orchestra. Roll of senior and junior Christian Endeavor societies and of the Boys Brigade. Photograph of Geo. Geves, one of the founders of the church and the first to be buried from the old church. Picture of the exterior and interior of the old church. Picture of the present pastor, Rev. B.F. Cavins. Copies of city and county papers published in Peru. Copy of Peru city directory. Bible furnished by Pliny Crume. Letter from the First Baptist Church of the 19th century to the First Baptist Church of the 20th century. The sealed box contained these articles placed in the corner-stone.

Dillinger in Peru

My great grandfather, Ambrose Clark, was a merchant policeman when the Dillinger gang rushed into the police department to rob them. Patrolmen Eldon Chittum and Eddie Roberts were also in the building. The gang told the three men to walk to the chief's office .....the whole time a machine gun was pointing at them. A restaurant night cook walked into the station and was told to line up with the other three. The gang walked away from the Peru Police Department with a loaded machine gun, nine-bullet proof vests, 10 magazines of machine gun bullets, seven revolvers and two holsters, one 12-gauge pump shotgun, three high powered rifles, one gas gun and three gas shells, a pair of handcuffs, and three badges. Eddie Roberts refused to give up his badge so the bandit tore it off his coat. An attempt was made to rob the safe--the outer door was unlocked, but the inner door was secure. Their car was running outside so they must have decided they had better get out of there. Three days after the police station holdup, four men robbed a South Bend bank of $5,ooo with Dillinger reportedly with them. They had plenty of gun power---that's for sure!!

Circus Parade in Peru

Bands, Floats, Animals, Circus City Queen, Miss Indiana U.S.A., all make up the 2nd largest parade in Indiana. Grab your lawn chair and head downtown Peru on July 22, 2006 at 10:00.