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.

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