Moder-Kreutzer Bottling Co. in Peru

John J. Kreutzer attended St. Mary's Institute in Dayton, Ohio and studied at the the university of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. He worked with his father in the mercantile business, then held a position at the First National Bank of Peru, and then assumed a position of clerk and bookkeeper in the offices of the Cole Brewery. In 1889, John he became interested in glass manufacturing. When the natural gas failed and it became unprofitable he then became an active executive of the Peru Grocery Company until 1908.
John J. Kruetzer married Rosa Ebah, of Stuebenville, Ohio in 1885. From that union they parented thirteen children.

John J. Kreutzer of Peru

John Kreutzer was born in Peru on December 16, 1857, He is the son of Jacob and Margaret(Lang) Kreutzer. John's father Jacob, was a child at the time of the family immigration to America from Germany.
In 1889 John became interested in establishing a glass manufactory in Peru. The enterprise was successful for a period of ten years. The failure of the supply of natural gas rendered the venture unprofitable which resulted in the closing of the factory. The factory was situated on the river bank next to the depot.
In 1909 Mr. Kreutzer was elected to the position of mayor. He brought about numerous public improvements and gained unequivocal popular approval.

IDOL season over

Wow! Sixty-two million fans called in to pick their favorite American Idol. Unbelievable!! That is more votes than any U.S. president has ever received. The "soul patrol" Taylor Hicks is the new American Idol.
Thinking about the voting, I may have a solution for the next presidential race---they can go on idol and sing their way to the presidency.
Some songs the song writers could produce for the candidates would be:
"Bring the Boys Home"
"Tears at the Pump"
"South of the Border"
"School House Blues"(no child left behind)
"Please Protect Me"(insurance for everyone)
"The Older I Am"(save social security)
"Where oh Where has my Money all Gone"
Good Luck Candidates!! May the best person win!!!!!

Cole Porter Festival Car/Truck/Bike Show

More on the Cole Porter Summerfest--On Sunday June 11, 2006 , downtown Peru, car enthusiasts are invited to the Cole Porter Festival Car/truck/bike show. I am excited about seeing the antique maxwell car that will be there. The Maxwell was built by a man, that in his youth and young adulthood had lived here in Peru. He married Nora Cockley of Peru. Two of their children were born in Peru. Jonathan Maxwell had the very first 4-cylinder engine. The cars were custom made and very expensive, so they could not compete with Henry Ford and his Model T. Therefore, Maxwell reorganized the company with Hugh Chalmers, and their company was later to become Chrysler. Corp. From the time the first Maxwell was built in 1904 until the last one was produced in 1925, over 600,000 Maxwell vehicles had been produced.

A 2006 Viper Coupe and a 2006 Gt40 will also be displayed. Awards will be given--Top 50 awards, door prizes and grand prizes. I don't want to sound sexist but you can check out the boys and their toys on June 11th downtown Peru.

Something for Everyone-Cole Porter Summerfest

The Cole Porter Summerfest will be in full swing starting Thursday evening, June 8th. A black tie dinner to raise funds for the restoration of Cole Porter's birthplace will be held at Westleigh Farm. Tim Noble and Mark Nadler will entertain the guests.
On Friday evening, June 9, a "Cole Reception"will be featured at the Peru Mannerchor. The entertainment will be performed by the Ole Olsen Memorial Theatre group.
Live musical performances will begin at the Miami County Museum on Saturday, June 10, beginning at 9:00 and continue until 3:00.
The musuem will host a young people's art show. The event will feature original art by the youth of Miami County to be held at the Miami County Museum.
The Peru-Miami Co. Chamber of Commerce's Summerfest will be centered around the Courthouse and Museum on Saturday from 3:00 to 11:00. You won't have to cook that day because you will find food, drink, and entertainment. There will be children's activities in the afternoon and evening. There will be a "garage"band competition at the Circus Building. The winner of that competion will play on the big stage at Summerfest. Any information on these events -contact the Miami County Museum or the Peru Chamber of Commerce. More Later---

Michael Costin of Peru

Michael P. Costin was born at Willow Springs in Cook Co. Illinois on April 25, 1862. His parents were Michael and Mary (Mallon) Costin , both of whom were natives of Ireland. Mr. Costin's wife had relatives in Peru and it was this influence that brought him to this city in 1892. For a few months he was a clerk in the Betzner Grocery Store, and then for a time drove a delivery wagon for Hugh Mccaffrey. In 1893, he bought a team and a dray and started out on independent venture.
Mr. Costin was located at 153 North Broadway. He was offering General Draying, Moving, and Hauling. For this class of work Mr. Costin has all the latest and special appliances and among his achievments in this line were: the immense safe in Shirk&Miller's Department Store, the placing of some of the highest and largest smoke stacks in the city, the large printing presses of the Chronicle and Republican offices. He is also the only man in the city who ever used a block and tackle in swinging a large piano from the ground to the second story without a mishap. Mr. Costin hauled the first rails and ties for the Peru-Wabash Traction Co. which is now building their line from Wabash to this city. He is a genial, whole-souled business man whom our citizens are glad to have in their midst.

Lad out of Work in Peru

1915--Fifty years ago, a red-headed freckled-face little lad was running around in Miami County, and he was looking for work, not for play. His circumstances forced him to work in order to support his widowed mother; fortunately he liked work and from the first position he held in a livery stable, working for 50 cents a week, up to the present time, this lad has never taken a vacation.

At one time Ben Wallace only owned the cheap overalls and suspenders he wore. He did not inherit a dollar, has never had any pull except that of his own brain. At one time, he did not have enough money to buy food for his pet canary.

Today he owns one of the largest herds of elephants in the country and is operating one of the largest circus organizations in the world. He is president of one of the largest banking institutions in Indiana, the Wabash Valley Trust Co., at Peru. He owns one of the largest department stores in the states. He owns a theatre and all sort of land buildings in that city. But, Mr. Wallace's wealth is centered in land. Aahh! The American Dream!!

Peru City Council Thumps Dietrich Gas

October 1897--The Peru City Council took off the gloves and went to battle against Dietrich Natural Gas. The Council passed an ordinance regulating gas costs. When Dietrich threatened to shut off the supply, the Council cooly informed Dietrich that if the supply were interrupted, Dietrich would have to dig up all their pipelines and the city contract would become void.

Nothing like a little government for the people, eh?

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.