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.