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

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.