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.

Peru Confectioner

Peru's most popular and successful confectioner in 1886 and for years before that date, was Robert Pelky, whose place of business, a one story frame, located on the southeast corner of Main and Broadway. The building was torn down to make room for the Cole block, where the Morris 5c and 10c store is now.

Robert Pelky boasted of a beard white as snow and that reached to the floor. In cold weather it is said that he used his whiskers for a muffler and kept warm.

Peru Idol Fan

My grandkids tease me about being such an American Idol fan. I have watched Idol for five years now. Honestly, I am having a hard time picking my favorite this year.

Year one, Kelly Clarkson was my favorite early on. Kelly has since won a couple of grammys. Year two, my favorite was Clay Aiken but he was second to Ruben Studdard. Year three, I missed the last couple of weeks --Fantasia won --heard she may star in a movie about her life.
Year four, although I am selective with country, I picked Carrie Underwood to be the Idol.

I may be wrong this early, but I think Mandisa and Chris Dautry will be the final two standing. However, Elliott is getting strong and I think 17-year-old Paris Bennett is headed for a record contract. Taylor Hicks is quite the showman and I like Katherine McPhee's voice.

Idol mania has produced 20-30 million fans, me being one of them. Can't wait till next week. How about you?

Gaither Family Resource Center

If you have never visited the "Gaither Family Resouce Center", it is a very nice place to visit in Alexandria, In.

On Saturday at 10am and 2pm Micheal Still will demonstrate on his potter's wheel at the family center. Michael Still received his BA from Anderson University, and his MS in education from Indiana University. He has been teaching art and ceramics in the Maconaquah School Corp. since 1976. Michael's passion is pottery. He wants all his pottery to be functional, as well as beautiful, so it can be used every day.

Michael and his wife Diana, began going to historical festivals in 2000, demonstrating pottery on a kickwheel, much as was done in the 1800's. The picture is of Michael and Diana Still and Bill Gaither.

Happy 1st Day of Spring

You wouldn't know it is the first day of spring by the weather forecast today. I don't know about you, but I am ready to put my sweaters away, go dig in my garden, and soak up some sun.
Del and Bobbie Sease are working hard to have their plants ready at Seascapes. Not only are they good friends, they are also experts in the field of horticulture.
The following was written by my son Randy: Delmar Sease, my first employer, was also a very influential person in my life. I met Del through my mother because they were good friends. Del taught me many things. He instructed me how to drive a truck and tractor. This was the first driving experience I ever had. Del owns a series of greenhouses located near the Mississenewa reservoir. I helped to construct many of the greenhouses. Del was always understanding. One day I was working on a greenhouse, having to stand on the flimsy roof. As I moved up further on the roof it caved in. Del did not become angry as I thought he would, but helped me out and checked to see if I was all right. Anytime I did my work incorrectly Del would show me the proper way to do it. He never lost his cool when I fouled up. Del showed me the proper way to use many tools that I had never used before. I owe a lot to Delmar Sease.(March 13,1978)
Anytime you want expert advice-ask Del. He believes in customer service. Happy Planting!!

Cell Phone Users

Statistics show that 1/3 of teens or pre-teens carry a cell phone. While teens love them, parents can get charged for excess minutes and for text messaging.

If you put your 18-25 year old in a vehicle with a cell phone attached to their ear, statistics have proven that their reaction time is the same as a 70 year old who is not using a cell phone.

The studies also found that drivers regardless of their age-using cell phones-were 18% slower in hitting their brakes. There was also an increase of rear-end collisions with cell phone users.

Maybe they need to put a regular phone to their ear in the safety of their home to protect our highways.

Peru-Circus Capital of the World

With the advent of spring the old fever came back again and I have joined the Ringling show in my capacity of zoologist and chaplain. This work is a new thing, an experiment, with the Ringling Brothers, and I am here on trial only, but hope to make a success of it, as I did with Robinson and Barnum & Baily. I have now reached the height of my ambition, so far as circuses are concerned. I have always wanted to get with this menagerie, as it is the largest traveling. We opened here in the Coliseum, Thursday evening, April 5th, to a crowded house.
Wishing you and the Republican a large measure of success, I am as ever, Very Respectfully, W.H. Sheak. April 7, 1906.
The circus fever is strong in Peru, Indiana. The youth in our town are now preparing for the Greatest Amateur Show in the World.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

For all of you with Irish roots this is your day! Have a happy one! St. Patrick was aware after he escaped slavery, that his calling was to convert non-believers to Christianity. St. Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Trinity to his followers.

In 1737, Boston was the first city to celebrate St. Paticks Day. At present, people celebrate by wearing green, drinking green beer, cooking corned beef and cabbage and going to their favorite parades. I understand Chicago turns their river green. I imagine that is quiet a site to behold.
Wonder how much food coloring that takes?

I will leave with this thought--As you slide down the bannister of life may the splinters never point in the wrong direction!!!!

Close Your Eyes

Let's take a peak back into time to the days when everything was a slower pace-- the days before internet, dvd players, mp3's and color television. When you close your eyes can you see your life back in the late 40's and early 50's? I grew up with black and white t.v. and everyone had t.v. towers next to their houses. I can remember the Sunday closing law where everything was closed on Sunday. You went to church with your family and in my case we drove in our family car on a quest to see our grandparents.

On the way out of town you would stop to get gas at the local gas station ---an attendant would pump your gas, check your oil, clean your windows, then to top it off you would get S&H green stamps, which you could redeem for nice merchandise.

Upon arriving at my grandparents farm, you could look out to the barnyard and see the hen houses. The chickens always scared me because I was afraid they would peck me. Also out in the barnyard was the famous "throne." The old outhouse stood there waiting for you. That is one thing I am glad is gone!

My grandparents are gone now but the memories of going to the farm will be with me always. The best part was their hugs and kisses and all the stories they would tell of a different generation. I miss that!!

More Ancient Movies

Yesterday, in recognition of the Ides of March, I missed putting up this 1912 movie poster. Quo Vadis featured some grisly footage and I can picture Peruvians twisting in their seats while watching this spectacle.

HEROES

I have a great love for music--classical, rock, comtemporary, jazz, blues, and some country. Listening to Mariah Carey's "Hero" the other day made my mind wander to some of my heroes. My career in music was started at the early age of eight when I took piano lessons. Mrs. J.O. Miller was my piano teacher. Hour after hour was spent practicing scales which I hated. Mrs. Miller expected the best from her students. I remember the first recital I was in. I was so afraid that I would make a mistake, but much to my surprise, I remembered the piece and never made a mistake. When in Jr. High I picked up a clarinet and thus began my career in band. When I entered High School Mr. James Noble was my band director. He was just like Mrs. Miller, he expected you to do your best. I recall one day I was on the football field trying to learn marching techniques. Mr. Noble possessed a bullhorn and in his deep baritone voice came,"what's the matter Bonnie, do you have two left feet. After that, I was much more aware that I had one right foot and one left foot. How embarassing. Even though these two people made me practice, practice, and practice, I developed a real love for music. I can't imagine what life would be like with no music. These two people gave to me a real love for music. They are both gone now but I want them to know that they were my heroes. Do you have a hero?

Learn about butterflies day in Peru

Butterflies are delightful. Young and old always enjoy seeing this beautiful creature floating on air. Nectar from many types of flowers is the best way to attract them. Just a few are, Aster, Liatis(butterfly flower), Lavender, Violets. I always hope for one to land on me when enjoying my garden. How about you? Spring fever is upon us.

MYSTERY OF THE FRESCO

James Whitcomb Riley belonged to a social club known as the Academy Club of Peru. The activities were held on the third floor of two adjoining buildings at the corner of Second Street and Broadway. One room was a club room and the other a dancing hall. Riley and his partner were employed to paint and redecorate the two rooms. Guests inquired about the fresco painted and was told it was the work of Riley. One admiring visitor once said of one of the pictures, was itself, a poem. The years passed, the club outgrew its quarters, and the rooms stood empty. When the owner of the building died he left his estate to his daughter Alice. Alice married a Logansport banker by the name of Forgy. In a few years the Forgys built a handsome home in Logansport and when the home was completed Mr. Forgy sent expert plasterers to Peru to take out the corners of the club room adorned with Riley's work and put them in place in a room in his new home. I went on a quest and contacted the Cass Co. Historical Society. They emailed me back and gave me the location of the house the Forgys had built. As with most things in today's society, the house has been torn down as well as the two adjoining buildings that were so full of history.

More On James Whitcomb Riley And Peru

more on...James Whitcomb Riley
While in Peru, James became interested in a young woman by the name of Catherine, an Irish girl. Riley dated her and called on her at a residence located on the corner of East Third Street and Wabash Street. Most of Riley' evenings were spent in her company. A young man by the name of Neff was Riley's messenger boy taking messages to Catherine. Eventually, Riley simply up and left Peru. Catherine had no explanation. He finally wrote a letter and in it was a poem "The Little Town of Tailholt." Catherine was very saddened at his departure, as well as others with whom he had made friends.