USA > Indiana > Lake County > Reports And Papers Of Lake County Indiana (1958-1966) > Part 9
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The registrar announced that three members present are ninety years and over in age; three are in their eighties; six are seventy years, and twenty-eight are fifty years and above in age. All are native born, the majority have lived in the county. Old Settlers? Yes.
No record has been found of the minutes of the 1956 meeting, if one was held. However, the one held August 31, 1957, at the home of the president, Fred Homfeld, is headlined The Eighty-first Annual. The weather was hot but a cool breeze passing through the shelterhouse beside the artificial lake made a pleasant spot to relax and listen.
When Mrs. Starr Brownell and Miss Elizabeth Hughes registered they remarked that "this is the farm homestead where we were born." They had many reminiscences. Mem- bers had brought "old time" pictures of scenes and photo- graphs which were the sources of the other reminiscences.
Mrs. Bessie Gunder, vice-president, presided in the ab- sence of the president. Rev. Darrell Parker, Presbyterian Range Line Church of this rural community, gave the medi- tation and invocation.
Walter Pickart, Gary, his subject chosen, "Liverpool, 1839," related fascinating accounts of this first county seat- that did not materialize. George Earle, the promoter, was the first justice of the peace in Lake County. Hobart was named in memory of Hobart Earle, his brother. Solon Robin- son, the successful contender for the county seat location, his colorful political career, and the Pottowatomie Indian country tales concluded his talk .*
Mrs. Beatrice Clark Brownell told that the citizens of Lowell, Cedar Lake and other parts of south county, who are
* An added note of interest is that George Earle, who died in 1874, provided by his will that a retreat for old people in England, his native land, be endowed from his estate.
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HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY
of Indian descent, claim that Chief Pokagon is a relative. Her grandfather, J. Addison Clark, a pioneer, was the first tax collector in Lake County. Also, that the census of 1846 re- ported one thousand four hundred and sixty-eight white per- sons and one colored man.
Memorial tributes, to deceased members since the last re- ports, were read for Sam B. Woods, Arthur G. Taylor and Mrs. C. E. (Loretta Steward) Black.
A mid-year executive session was called for March 25, 1958. A carry-in dinner was enjoyed at the home of Mrs. Bessie Black Gunder, vice-president. Program plans for the annual meeting and other special business were discussed. Joseph E. Brown, as president, is to represent the association at the dedication of the new grade school building named "Solon Robinson." Mrs. Joseph E. (Avis Bryant) Brown is to compose the inscription on the name plate. Mrs. Brown's comments will be the contribution of leadership and talent that Solon Robinson put forth in the founding of Lake County.
The State Historical Society has requested a list of his- torical sites that have been marked or are worthy of that honor.
A formal note of appreciation, for the grand offer of the Sam B. Woods homestead and land to the Old Settlers and Historical Association to become a county museum, is to be sent by the secretary to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Chester A. Clark. Moved, seconded and passed.
The eighty-second annual meeting was held August 30, 1958, in the assembly room of the Criminal Court basement. Smorgasboard noon luncheon, with each table adorned with a pretty summer flower arrangement made by Mrs. Gerald Cross, was a departure from the customary basket dinner served picnic style. It was enjoyable.
The call to order at 1:00 P.M. by President Joe Brown included invocation by Rev. Humphrey Walz, and greetings by Mayor Marvin G. Erlenbach, who highly commended the as- sociation for their particular contribution to the life of the city and county for all of the years. He alluded to his great uncle, Peter J. Ensweiler, 90 years of age, who was present, as an example of the deep interest that is typical of all of the members.
Ethel Vinnedge, historian, read the necrology. Miss Jo- sephine Meeker, Mrs. John Hayhurst, and Mr. and Mrs. Thuel
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Hayden were listed. She also read her report, in poetic form, "History Being Made."
Lloyd Cutler, Lake County agriculture agent, read the script for the color slides of "The Age of Ice in Indiana," as- sisted by Mrs. Cordie Kenney.
Ricky Buehler, and his orchestra from Crown Point High School, played several popular selections. "The Culture of the Arab World" was the intriguing theme discussed by Miss Barbara May Bailey, a West Creek life-long resident, who has returned to Lake County since concluding many years as a teacher in the missionary schools in the Orient. She remarked that we must not forget that Cairo is the home of the oldest university in the world.
The eighty-third meeting, August 29, 1959, was held in the basement assembly room at the Criminal Court House, South Main Street. It was a day of fellowship and informa- tion for more than sixty members and guests.
President Brown convened at 1:00 P.M. Rev. Dean Ja- coby, Christian Church, Crown Point, gave the invocation. Mrs. Bessie B. Gunder, program chairman and song leader, suggested that "America the Beautiful" become the theme song for the association because it typifies the mature results of the pioneer's hardships and struggles to a thorofare for freedom across the wilderness.
The proud record of contributions that Lake County has made to the world by her small industries was set forth in the program. The speakers were Mrs. Adah Letz Muehler, about the Letz Corporation; Miss Catherine Rhein, for the Perfec- tion Musical String Company; Miss Mary Nowiskie, for the Helix Corporation; and Sheridan Ruge, for the Lowell Stone Company.
An important decision was made, after thoughtful discus- sion, that the words "The Old Settlers" be deleted from the title and henceforth it will be "THE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OF LAKE COUNTY, INDIANA." Properly moved, seconded and unanimously accepted. The purposes will not be restated.
"THE OLD HOMESTEAD," built in 1847 by Mr. and Mrs. Wellington A. Clark and occupied by them and their grand- daughter, Mrs. James A. (Claribel Clark) Bevan, which has not been remodeled but has been kept in an excellent state of repair, has been suggested as a possible project to maintain as an historical house. Mrs. Bevan, one of our members, has ex-
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HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY
pressed her desire to that effect. She plans to will it to the city of Crown Point. After a long discussion Ethel Vinnedge moved that the accumulated funds for the museum be turned over to the Bevan's home project, giving the executive com- mittee the power to use the funds as they see fit. Seconded by Mrs. Helen Prange. Carried.
The Woods homestead proposition was declined for fi- nancial upkeep reasons. Formal action taken.
Since the category of prize awards was based on "distinc- tions" this year it is of interest to enumerate them. Appro- priate gifts for the classification had been selected and award- ed as follows :
Michael Seberger-87 years-born and lifetime resident, a St. John's Township farmer. Claribel Clark Bevan-87 years-born in Michigan but a resident in the Old Homestead 86 years. Mrs. Helen Spalding Willing-age 89 years-born in Lake County, lived at Valparaiso, Porter County, since early childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kreiter-longest married- lived in Ross Township, Turkey Creek vicinity. Mrs. Helen Vinnedge Prange-most generations-is from Obadiah Tay- lor, pioneer settler. Mrs. George Hawkins, Anniston, Ala- bama, and Mrs. Herman J. (Jennie Wells) Lehman, Winter Park, Florida, who traveled the greatest distance, tied for the honor.
Mrs. Jennie Wells Lehman spoke of the honor of possess- ing a life membership which had been purchased by her father, Rodman Wells, for the sum of two dollars, from Timothy H. Ball, when she was very young.
Again a special meeting for the executive board was called September 22, 1959, to formulate plans. The members, and their respective wives or husbands, enjoyed a delicious carry-in dinner in the home of President and Mrs. Clark.
Pertinent to the museum gift from the Clarks, into which the committee has put time and serious thought, this conclu- sion has been reached. The chairman reported on the decision that the Historical Association of Lake County, Indiana, con- tribute $1,000.00 toward the purchase of the "Old Home- stead," provided that this organization be represented on the control committee in proportion to the amount of money con- tributed, and if the total of $5,000.00 is not contributed, by the public, this $1,000.00 contribution will be withdrawn. Seconded by Mrs. Gerald Cross and Andrew Kreiter. Mo-
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tion carried.
Mrs. Joseph E. Brown, just elected historical secretary, told of the large box of books and papers that Ethel Vinnedge and Helen Vinnedge Prange brought to her. They were brought from the home of Arthur G. Taylor, past recording secretary and recently deceased. These will have to be sorted and filed.
The executive committee held four sessions for planning and interim business.
Lake County, Indiana By ETHEL A. VINNEDGE (1957-58) Creston, Indiana
Lake County grows, is never still;
Progress with time, it ever will.
A Toll Road now, through northern end Will take you quickly to South Bend. Population never ceases-
By leaps and bounds, it increases ; Workers from east and southern states Are pouring through Industrie's gates. Old houses stretch and new homes made; So homes for all, what e'er their trade. Families, too, have children, lots, So schools are strained to teach the tots. No little red school house left here- Which we older folks loved so dear; Each city, town, or county board, Has built more schools it can't afford : Then called for help to teach the crew- Scarce are teachers, all need a few. Now much is said to 'Save the Dunes.' From Mills pushing for all Steel tunes- To get a port on Great Lake Seas So argues Works against 'Sand and Trees.' St. Lawrence Seaway will come through- With jobs for thousands, it is true. Calumet Port will open soon With foreign trade, a worldly boon.
'In God We Trust' on coins in Lake- New churches many more we make. We've had winter snows, summer rain,
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Now farmer's crops are on the gain. Lake County Fair displayed its best- And 4-H Youth work won the test In clothing, food, or raising stock; Swine, calves, or lambs was all the talk. This keeps farm children out of crime- Wake up, city folk, while there's time. An Oldster's part was in the Fair Showing the things they'd made with care. Our County's health is on the mend- We hope that disease soon will end. With funds from Ford and other ways Hospitals build for future days. The County Home, for aged ones- Is started, costs most mighty funds. Lake County, good, for settlers old Still good today, let time unfold. If we could live that old to be- We'd praise Lake in two thousand three.
Reminiscence-Cedar Lake
A personally conducted tour, via the channels of memory, was my privilege when a caller at my home, one day in June of 1960, chatted with me about the Cedar Lake community in the early days of Lake County. Just a question or two would lead to more rare tales of his boyhood.
"Elmer Alonzo Vinnedge was the son of Josephine Taylor and Thomas Edward Alonzo Vinnedge. He was born on a family homestead farm between the south side of Cedar Lake and the village of Creston.
"His maternal grandparents were Mr. and Mrs. Obadiah Taylor. Obadiah is the only Revolutionary soldier buried in Lake County. The body was removed from the burial place, on the south side of the slope from the old Kennedy Hotel, to a triangular plot on the east side of Vermillion Road. This was done by the Taylor clan ; one of the Taylors owns the land.
"Mrs. Taylor is the 'Aunt Lucy' who everyone called the 'angel of mercy.' Lucy Winchester Taylor was a most remark- able person, well educated, deeply religious, a natural leader and one who met every situation with a smile and solution when trouble arose. She was nurse and doctor in one; her keen sense of humor and ready wit were a source of strength.
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"Elmer married Blanch Belshaw, a lovely young lady, a belle of the West Creek neighborhood. They had their family, reared them to adulthood before they moved to Crown Point for retirement. Mr. Vinnedge, now alone, lives near his daughter and son.
"This imaginary trip, as it would be in the pioneer days, began at his farm. Taking the dirt road up to the road that encircles the lake we pass the Surprise family homestead; we turn to the left, or the west, and stop at the Lauermans. We pass Geisen's where there is a shed that we called the factory. Handles of wood, for ax, hoe, hammer or whatever might be needed, were turned out. It was a money making concern. The location was not far from the railroad tracks.
"Turning to the north was Einsele's hotel and saloon, well patronized. Farther north was the Judge Hervey Ball farm, later owned by Le Grand T. Meyer. The large log and frame house was used as a school, where Mrs. Jane A. Horton Ball conducted a school for girls and boys of all ages. We might say it was the first school for higher education in the north part of the state. Here their family was reared. Timothy Horton Ball, the eldest child, was eleven years old when they made the claim in 1837. You know he is the historian.
"Continuing eastward around the curve was 'Hog' Meyer's farm. Then we pass Adam Hitzler's saloon, then no more buildings but around the curve of the lake is the Obadiah Tay- lor grave. In recent years it has had a bronze plate marker placed by the Obadiah Taylor Chapter, NSDAR of Lowell. Other chapters in the county helped.
"Across the road, on the north side, was a large estate fenced in because the owners kept hounds for hunting and also had many beautiful peacocks. A man by the name of Leiter was the last owner.
"We come to Uncle Johnnie Binyon's farm, near the 'Point.' The big beautiful frame house, with a wide porch on the side facing the lake, was always painted white. And here from that first generation and two succeeding ones, a lucra- tive business of serving delicious chicken dinners was carried on. Mrs. Binyon was without peer as a cook and 'Uncle Johnnie' was the proverbial genial host to the resort people as well as to Lake County folk and surrounding places.
"Farther down to the south we come to the Stillsons. Charlie married a Fronek girl. Their daughter Emma mar- ried a Blimm.
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HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY
"Next was Bill Green's hotel and saloon and his home. A house-boat that he built became a very popular asset. He scheduled cruises for the summer season.
"South of Green's was the Swedish or Danish Clubhouse; next was the Sigler Hotel, a fine place operated by Martha and Charles Sigler. This was the first place I worked. I started as a bus boy and was promoted to more responsible jobs as I grew older. It was a huge building, all of the rooms were on the ground floor. An L-shape plan.
"Webbers owned the first hotel built on the east side of Cedar Lake. A 100-room frame hotel on the 'Point' burned to the ground after a few years and was not rebuilt. Webbers hotel also burned.
"The Chicago to Louisville, or the Monon Company, built their track line on the west shore of the lake. They built their frame building station right on the edge of the lake and across the tracks to the west they constructed a huge hotel. They developed the picnic grounds that later became the Moody In- stitute grounds; much of this area is now subdivided. The Siglers were the managers of the hotel. The railroad station had a big painted sign, 'PAISLEY.'
"About a half mile north on the water edge was the mam- moth water-tank. Water, pumped from the lake, was stored and supplied the engines, which were operated by steam as all were in those days."
(MRS. JOSEPH E. BROWN, writer)
Eagle Creek Township
(News items and necrology list submitted by Fred Hom- feld taken from his personal diary and from interviews with neighbors. October 20, 1959. The span of time is twenty- five years.)
In the spring of 1934, the Center School grounds were landscaped by the community. All of the labor was donated. No funds were in the budget. The Monon Railroad Company, which owned the abandoned Gifford Railroad property, do- nated the limestone archways which were used for the new retaining wall around the playground area at Center. The Pennsylvania Railroad, running through LeRoy, Indiana, do- nated a carload of cinders to cover the parking grounds for the school. Purdue University sent specialists to landscape.
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FIVE YEAR PERIOD-1954-1959
All native shrubbery was used, dug up from the woods, fields and roadsides in Eagle Creek Township. A beautiful job.
October, 1938. Herbert Ellenson, champion cornhusker of Lake County, an Eagle Creek farmer. He entered the state contest a few days later and placed sixth in that contest.
December 23, 1938. Started to serve hot lunches to the children at Center School.
June 20, 1942. Eagle Creek Township Boys' 4-H Club attended the WLS Barn Dance in Chicago.
February 15, 1946. The William E. Blacks celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary.
December 7, 1948. The Homfelds established their deer park on their farm on State Road No. 2.
April, 1950. The Kankakee River overflowed its banks, flooding thousands of acres of rich farmlands in the southern part of Eagle Creek Township. Army engineers estimated $5,800,000.00 damage in crops and land in Eagle Creek alone.
November 25, 1950. Mr. and Mrs. William Jurs cele- brated their 50th wedding anniversary.
May, 1951. Miss Hannah Black moved from her home in Crown Point to a cottage built for her on the Black-Homfeld farm on State Road No. 2.
May 22, 1952. A Monon train wreck at the Commercial Avenue crossing in Lowell. Also in 1952, the M. J. Brown farm, on State Road No. 2, was sold to Robert Reed of Chi- cago, Illinois.
August 14, 1952. Wayne Hofferth's big barn burned. Formerly the Ed Black homestead.
May, 1953. A cyclone did extensive damage in south Eagle Creek Township.
June 4, 1953. Homfeld's deer herd was transferred to the zoo at the Lake County Fairgrounds.
March 12-13, 1954. Indian Trail Grange were hosts to a tourist group of twenty-seven German professional men and wives. They were employees of the American consul in Ger- many. They were entertained overnight in members' homes.
May 14, 1954. The old Eagle Creek school building was
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HISTORY OF LAKE COUNTY
moved to "The Log Cabin" filling station to be used for a fruit and vegetable roadside stand.
June 21, 1954. Fred Homfeld finished building a water reservoir for boating, fishing and bathing (pool) for the Eagle Creek Township community; also, for fire protection.
April 24, 1955. The new "Range Line Presbyterian Church" building was dedicated. Fine program and attend- ance.
December 16, 1955. Irene and Fred Homfeld installed color television in their home.
August 17, 1956. Fred Homfeld was crushed when he fell from his tractor. He suffered severe injuries.
December 9, 1956. The August and Kurt Schulz families arrived from Germany to take up farm life with the Homfelds.
January 7, 1957. Sam B. Woods is 100 years old today. He was born in Ross Township, Lake County. His home- stead is an historic site, so marked by our society.
Summer of 1957. Irene and Fred built a fine brick house, beyond the pool and east of the William Black homestead. (A summer house has become a favorite place for community and club meetings.)
NECROLOGY
Taken from Fred Homfeld's diary, 1938-1959. (d) is date of death, otherwise that of funeral:
January 28, 1938 Mrs. Murray Pearce
March 7, 1939 Arthur Miller
November 15, 1941
Mathew J Brown
March 24, 1942. W. Jay Brown
December 8, 1944. Seth Pearce
November 19, 1946 Mrs. William E. Black
January 17, 1947 Russell Pogue
February 23, 1947 Mrs. David Dilley
February 22, 1949 William E. Black
March 12, 1949 Mrs. M. J. Brown (Mary Dunn Rich) April 29, 1949 Mr. Richter (father of Mrs. James McNeil)
May 1, 1950.
Zim Viant (d)
February 5, 1952. Miss Nettie L. Bryant (d)
January 23, 1954 Winfred A. Bryant
February 9, 1954. Mrs. William Dunn (d)
John Sparling March 20, 1954.
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FIVE YEAR PERIOD-1954-1959
June 23, 1954.
Dan Solomon (killed when his tractor mower collided with a car on State Highway No. 2)
May 25, 1955
Elmer Myers (d) Jay Doak
November 10, 1955
July 7, 1956
Zora Dunn Busselberg
September 4, 1957
Mrs. Jules Kruger
September 7, 1957
Jay M. Pearce (d)
May 26, 1958 Mrs. T. K. Fisher
(d)
December 31, 1958
Armour Wilson (d)
January 18, 1959
William Amey (d)
September 17, 1959 Wayne Hofferth (d)
NECROLOGY
Report from the Recording Secretary's book :
1940 Allison A. Bibler
1946
Foster Bruce
1952 Dr. John W. Iddings, Mrs. LeGrand T. Meyer
1953
Oscar Sauerman
1954
Mrs. L. L. Bomberger,
Addison Clark, Ernest Clark, S. C. Dwyer, Herbert Grahm, Dr. H. C. Groman, Dr. F. Malmstone, William Weis
1959 Michael Seberger
The following are not on the official record but the mes- sage has been received through the medium of newspapers:
Paul W. Knight Mrs. Jay Crawford
Mr. C. Edward Black
Jesse Little
Mrs. C. Edward Black
Mrs. Jesse Little
Miss Ruby J. Brown
Seth Little
Jay Crawford
Hannah Castle
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CHAPTER VI 1959-60; 1960-61; 1961-62; 1962-63; 1963-64
The eighty-fourth annual meeting, July 30, 1960, assem- bled in the basement of the Criminal Court Building. Thirty- one members and six guests enjoyed the fellowship, after reg- istration, and at the bountifully-laden tables where the picnic style menu was served by Mrs. Fred Kuehl and committee.
Chester A. Clark, president, called for order. Rev. Charles Johnson, First Baptist Church, Crown Point, gave in- vocation and meditation. Miss Rena Dahl, program chair- man, gave a brief resume of "The Battle Hymn of the Re- public" and Julia Ward Howe's inspiration for the composi- tion. There was a new significance as the audience sang the words.
The president told of their trip to Malden, as guests of the Porter County Historical Society, when they marked the site of the very old trading post, which was a most important factor in the Indian-White relationship. He urged that our association become active immediately in regard to securing a museum.
Wilford Ogle, principal of the new Lake Prairie School, talked on "History of Lake County Schools," his theme, "We Must Educate or We Will Perish." The importance of our heritage was illustrated by the old and the new Lake Prairie school buildings. The early settlers made the number one requirement in civic affairs the school house, whether it be of logs or brick.
August Hadders, an amateur old-timer, pleased his audi- ence with several lively accordian numbers, interpreting with feeling.
John Behrens (Berehns), of Dyer, introduced Paul Gett- ler, a member of their town board, who gave an informative account about the growth of their village. It was a balance of past and present trends. Low cost of living and the soar- ing prices today, simplicity of daily life then and the complex- ity of schedules today. Even the shifting of locations of busi- ness and neighborhoods. What he so clearly related is true of every community.
On behalf of the Association the president gave a vote of thanks to Mrs. James Bevan who held an "open house" at the "Old Homestead" during the recent 125th celebration spon- sored by the Crown Point Chamber of Commerce.
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FIVE YEAR PERIOD-1959-1964
An important item of business was the decision to hold quarterly meetings, the program plan to be the same as the annual session. Moved, seconded and passed. The first quar- terly meeting will be held in October or November. Cards with notice of date and place, etc., will be sent to each mem- ber as well as notices in the local papers.
The first quarterly meeting was November 12, 1960, at the new Lake Prairie School building. Registration showed that Hobart, Schererville, Valparaiso, Crown Point, Lowell, and the "Creeks" responded to this call.
Junior choir of the First Methodist Church, Lowell, under the direction of Mrs. Robert Wendell and Mrs. Glenn Buche, Mrs. William Qualkinbush, the accompanist, sang two reli- gious theme songs. Rev. William Stevenson, Lake Prairie Presbyterian Church, gave the invocation. "America the Beautiful" by the group and President Clark's welcome and brief business were dispensed.
Merritt Metz supplemented his talk on "The March of History from Egypt to Western U.S.A." with a display of antique books, records and objects that illustrated the pro- gress. There were an iron hasp, a hand-made wooden hayfork, flail and gun.
Dana and Jannon Pattee entertained with a piano duet, a flute solo and a vocal solo.
Historical secretary, Mrs. Joseph E. Brown, exhibited the beautiful leather-bound book for the permanent recording sec- retary records and historical secretary research findings. This was a gift from Dr. John W. Iddings, when he was our presi- dent. The original records are now typed on special paper provided for the type of loose leaf fastener, and have been done from the first to the latest. It may accommodate the records for a hundred years if the information from quarterly meetings is not too much. Also reported was that Walter Gard and the historical secretary had been designated to sit in with a committee from St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Capuchin Seminary in regard to the moving of the little log building that is owned by the county council of Boy Scouts and has for many years been their retreat cabin. It was moved, when the council purchased it, to the present location in the Lake County Fairgrounds. Built by John Hack in 1843 and used as the Catholic chapel until they built the church at St. John's, the desire is to purchase it and move it to the Capuchin grounds which are being developed south and east
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