USA > Indiana > The Indiana centennial, 1916; a record of the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of Indiana's admission to statehood > Part 14
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A one-day observance was held on September 28 at old Madison, once Indiana's leading mart of trade. Aside from the usual parade, a pageant was given under the leadership of the schools and participated in by about three hundred per- formers.
A leading feature of the celebration was the placing, with appropriate exercises by the local D. A. R., of a native boulder to mark the beginning of the old Michigan road.
The county was represented in the County Day parade at Indianapolis.
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JENNINGS
John Clerkin, an historically minded attorney of North Vernon, accepted the Centennial Chairmanship of Jennings County and effected a county organization. A Jennings cele- bration was scheduled to take place at North Vernon in July in connection with the Jennings County Fair. Plans for such a combination failed of fruition and the celebration was post- poned, with the result that nothing further was heard from it.
In the meantime Vernon, the county seat, bestirred itself and arranged for a home-coming and celebration, which took place the latter part of August.
Spencer township deserves special mention for its excel- lent Centennial observance held at Hoyden on April 22, con- sisting of an all-day program with picnic dinner at noon. The forenoon was devoted to talks on State and local history, a comprehensive address being delivered by Mr. Clerkin, County Chairman. The afternoon program consisted of dem- onstrations of early activities of pioneer life. The day's ob- servance was under the management of Mrs. A. J. Wohrer, township chairman.
JOHNSON
Johnson, the lair of corn kings, was one of the few coun- ties rimming Marion and the capital to make a satisfactory Centennial showing. Thoroughly satisfactory it was, due both to the thorough educational work of the county chair- man and to the fine public spirit of its citizens, led by the Woman's Civic League, of Franklin. J. C. Webb, county school superintendent, since elected superintendent of the Franklin city schools, was chosen Johnson's chairman and was respon- sible for the effective work done in the schools, giving a sure foundation for further Centennial activities. This was all the more important in view of the comparative conservatism and lack of vision of the Franklin newspapers, which did little in the way of helpful publicity.
In the summer of 1915, County Superintendent Webb was laying plans for a county school exhibit of a Centennial nature to be held at Franklin in the winter. In October he issued an admirable pamphlet, "The Indiana Centennial," addressed to the citizens of Johnson County and the teachers of public and private schools. In it he first gave a general survey of
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the state-wide movement under the auspices of the State Com- mission, then suggested some modes of procedure on the part of Johnson County whereby it might profitably observe the Centennial. The suggestions were addressed particularly to the school children, with a view to aiding and interesting them in gathering the facts of their local history. The organization of Indiana history study clubs was urged and the founding of a county historical society recommended. Suggestions were made looking toward the cooperation of the schools in the county exhibit. The latter was held February 4 and 5, as a feature of the County Teachers' Association, and proved suc- cessful. Appropriate addresses were made by Dr. A. E. Win- ship of Boston, Dr. James A. Woodburn of the Commission and by Miss Herriott C. Palmer of Franklin College.
In this effective manner the whole county was made con- versant with the Centennial idea early in the year. Appreci- ating the success of his efforts in identifying the schools with the Centennial movement, the Director of the Commission asked Mr. Webb to make a short talk before the conference of county chairmen at the capital in December on the topic, "The Relation of the Schools to the County Chairmen."
Mr. Webb was also largely responsible for the organiza- tion in June of the Johnson County Historical Society, on the occasion of which an address was delivered by Professor Harlow Lindley of Earlham College, secretary of the Com- mission.
Johnson County's formal celebration, however, must be credited to the zeal and energy of the Woman's Civic League, of which Miss Herriott C. Palmer, of the history department of Franklin College, was president. Concerned that no steps were being taken toward the preparation of a county pageant, the officers of the League took the initiative. Miss Palmer appointed a committee representing the various women's or- ganizations of Franklin, composed of Miss Jeanette Zeppen- feld, chairman, Mrs. A. N. Crecraft, Mrs. William Pangburn, Mrs. A. J. Belknap, Mrs. F. N. Whitesides, Mrs. J. C. Webb and Mrs. E. O. Collins. This served as an executive com- mittee, which appointed the following representatives in the townships: M. F. Kennedy, Hensley; Bert Tapp, Union; Z. M. Smith, White River; Mrs. Wm. Flinn, Nineveh; Wallace Webb, Needham; Rev. J. B. Ferguson, Franklin; Miss Hallie
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Magill, Clark; Mrs. G. Q. Burkett, Pleasant. Dr. W. T. Stott was appointed to represent Franklin College, of which he is president emeritus.
Miss Zeppenfeld, professor of German in the College, undertook the preparation and general direction of a county pageant, the date for the presentation of which was fixed for July 4. Members of the local or the executive committee visited other pageants to get ideas, giving much time and at- tention to the patriotic enterprise. Finding that some tan- gible financial backing was necessary to insure the success of the latter, the Commercial Club of Franklin lent its support.
The pageant was presented on the College Campus and its success was beyond expectation. In fact the attendance, esti- mated at from six to ten thousand people, representing not only Johnson but surrounding counties, was so great as al- most to hamper the progress of the pageant, seating accom- modations having been provided for a fraction only of that number. A very brief outline will indicate how nearly the whole county participated in this dramatic portrayal of its history. Following a symbolic drill, there were five episodes.
EPISODE I The Indians
Their arrival, life and activities; coming of trappers and early pioneers. By Franklin schools.
EPISODE II The Early Pioneers, 1820-30
1. Arrival in ox cart, the cabin and clearing, home life. By Hensley Township.
2. Traveling preacher; earliest church; first school. By Union
Township.
3. Pioneer activities-spinning, weaving, soap making, wheat flail- ing. By White River Township.
(Old Time Melodies by Band) .
Flag drill, under direction Woman's Study Club.
EPISODE III Franklin College, 1834
1. The fourteen founders.
2. Model, first college building; sample contributions.
3. First commencement, 1847.
EPISODE IV Society and Industry, 1840-1850
1. Quilting Bee. By Nineveh neighborhood.
2. Apple-paring. By Union neighborhood.
3. Corn husking and frolic. By Needham Township.
4. Spelling and Singing Schools. By Hopewell Township.
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EPISODE V Politics and Patriotism
1. Old time political rally. By Clark Township.
2. Descendants of pioneers leave to decorate pioneer graves.
3. Social party, 1861. Call to arms, presentation of flag, departure of soldiers. By Charlotte Emerson Club.
4. Peace. By G. A. R.
5. Evolution of transportation. By Pleasant Township.
The Johnson County pageant was a real community ef- fort, the product of home people throughout, and as such is worthy of the highest commendation. Approximately five hundred people participated. Assisting Miss Zeppenfeld in the direction were Dana Cather, Indian Episode, and Miss Hazel Abbott in the dances and drills. W. R. Voris directed the large chorus.
In addition to acquitting itself well at home, Johnson County played its part well at the state celebration in October. On county day it was represented in the Centennial Caval- cade by Miss Helene Whitesides. In the procession of the counties Johnson had a beautiful corn float, displaying its leading product and a glittering array of trophies, won by Johnson County corn kings.
The float carried banners, declaring: "We have good roads, good homes, good churches, but no saloons," and, "We have one consolidated high school for every thirty-two square miles." Through Franklin College, Johnson was also well represented in the religious and educational parades of the state celebration.
KNOX
The name of the county itself does not so readily bring the flash of significance. But with the word "Vincennes," we instantly recover ourselves with, "Oh, yes, of course, Vin- cennes, the cradle of history in the Old Northwest." No Cen- tennial movement in Indiana could be contemplated without taking Old Vincennes into account. This was freely admit- ted by the citizens of the historic old town themselves, and for fear their claims might be overlooked they essayed a "get up quick" celebration in December, 1915, as a forerunner for the Centennial year. Jack Frost officiated too officiously for best results but he couldn't intimidate Vincennes printers' ink, hence as a publicity agent, the forerunner foreran suc- cessfully.
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As might have been expected, the Knox County celebra- tion was a Vincennes celebration. The county seemed to take this for granted, as indeed did several of the surrounding counties which seemed satisfied to let Vincennes pose as the Centennial capital of its section of the State.
Prof. R. I. Hamilton was made County Chairman, and a right aggressive chairman he was. He had an appreciation of historical values as well as of the time and care neces- sary for presenting them adequately. If, under his general leadership and with the wealth of historic material at hand, the city had limited itself to the one celebration in 1916, it is probable that Vincennes would have occupied a place in the great anniversary observance more nearly in keeping with her historic prestige.
In the last week in January, 1916, the Indiana Historical Commission met at the old capital in business session as in the previous October it had met at Corydon. In the evening a public meeting was held at which appropriate addresses were made by Mayor J. M. House and by members of the Com- mission, anticipatory of the part which the city should take in the year's activities.
Vincennes centered her effort on a pageant as the most ef- fective means of portraying her part in the making of a State-of several States in fact. She was particularly fortu- nate in having it written by George S. Cottman, whose ap- preciation of pageantry was more than matched by a passion for historic accuracy. Though directed by Captain N. Hardin the presentation was under Mr. Cottman's general supervi- sion. The pageant was given on May 19, in an afternoon and evening performance, on the banks of the Wabash. Its outline follows :
PRELUDE
The Dance of the Wah-bah-shik-ka-(Wabash).
EPISODE I The Founding of Vincennes
Scene-Indian Village of Chip-kaw-kaw, which formerly occupied the site of Vincennes.
1. The return of the hunter.
2. Coming of the fur traders.
3. Arrival of Sieur de Vincennes and Priest.
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Territorial Legislative Meeting Hall at Vincennes 1
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EPISODE II The Winning of Vincennes
Scene-On the green in front of Fort Sackville.
1. Departure of General Abbott.
2. The message of Father Gibault.
3. The coming of General Hamilton.
4. The siege of Fort Sackville.
EPISODE III Vincennes the Capital
Scene-Village Green.
1. Beginning of Indiana Territory.
2. Land treaties with the Indians.
3. Tecumtha's protest.
4. Harrison's return from Tippecanoe.
EPISODE IV Indiana the Nineteenth Star Grand Finale-The Star Spangled Banner.
Instead of having a general prologue, "The Spokesman" stepped forward before each episode, the outline of which he suggested. The following are his opening words :
The Pageant of Old Vincennes-a glimpse of days long gone-this is the theme. Would that my servitors, who here assay the task, might wield the wand of Genius and with its touch invoke the spirit of those forgotten years. Would they might resurrect the dead and fitly march before your fancy on this mimic stage the acts, the scenes, the history momentous that made this spot above all other spots the cradle of a State. But if they fail to clothe the theme in fitting garb-if scribe and actor come but lamely off, remember this: 'Tis out of friendship for this city that they strive. Be thou friendly, too.
It will be noted that the pageant treatment was limited to that period of history in which Vincennes held the State. In a very fitting way therefore it served as a prelude to the Centennial observance proper, that is to the observance of the period of actual statehood. This is well set forth in the clos- ing words of the Spokesman:
Here endeth the story of Old Vincennes, the cradle of our beloved State. Thus runs the shifting scene: Indian and French, red-coated Englishman and conquering pioneer-then our loved city, queen of the Hoosier land. Now comes a fuller glory-the glory of a full-fledged State. And here surrender we our old preëminence. Here pass we on to Corydon, our sister city, the honors that fall to her. To her and our fair commonwealth this is our offering. Behold the finale.
Vincennes failed to participate in the State celebration in the autumn, not even sending a representative to ride in the Centennial Cavalcade on County Day.
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KOSCIUSKO
A high-minded, determined woman, supported by a very few loyal enthusiasts, was largely responsible for placing and keeping Kosciusko County in the Centennial column. The success of a county chairman is not to be gauged so much by what is actually achieved as by the handicaps overcome. Thus judged, Miss Harriet D. Frazer is entitled to a Centen- nial loving-cup.
She started out with the handicap of a rival, though spuri- ous, committee. The business men and citizens generally were too nearly apathetic, and it seemed impossible to effect an adequate county organization. But the loyal few fought on. The Winona Assembly people did not enter heartily into the county celebration and advertised a Centennial week of their own. But Miss Frazer had determined to have a Kosci- usko County observance from June 29 to July 2, and stuck to it. Then a local militia company conceived the brilliant idea of putting on a street fair during the week of celebra- tion! Miss Frazer and the loyal few shook their heads in protest-and it was not. As if that were not enough, a circus was announced. Another patriotic protest, and exit circus. Such courageous perseverence is of the stuff that made pos- sible one hundred years of statehood to be celebrated.
June 29 was home-coming day, the principal feature of which was a school parade in the afternoon and the laying of the corner-stone of a new city school building with appropri- ate ceremonies. A feature of the parade was the marching of three generations of the Kutz family, grandmother, mother and daughter each having taught at one time in the old school building.
June 30th was given over largely to school reunions, and in the evening, the most successful and enjoyable event of the week took place in the high school reunion and banquet. Old students from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from Canada were present, to keep their tryst with the Centennial spirit.
An historical and industrial parade took place in Warsaw on Saturday afternoon, after which the Centennial address was delivered by Dr. Jonathan Rigdon. On Sunday appro- priate services were held in the churches. On each day an interesting exhibit of pioneer relics was on display.
During the week following, the Winona Assembly made
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something of the Centennial idea, incorporating it as a part of the week's program. Beginning with Sunday, July 2nd, the week was outlined as follows: Religious Day, Home Coming Day, Patriotic Day, Fraternal Day, Educational Day, Old Settlers' Day and Woman's Day. Some special addresses were given.
While the county as a whole did not take hold of the Cen- tennial observance, not a little was accomplished through the schools. Indiana history and biography were taught and Centennial programs were given in nearly every school. All eighth grade graduating pupils wrote essays on county and township history under the supervision of the history teach- ers.
The only pageant in the county was that presented by the Syracuse schools under the direction of Superintendent C. C. Bachman. It was given on the evening of April 27th before an audience of one thousand people. It began with a symbolic scene representing the powers of forest and mist, led by the Spirit of the Wilderness.
Events of the life and customs of the State were outlined, the periods represented being the Indian period of about 1800, early government, (Council at Vincennes), early schools, so- cial amusements, a war-time episode and a modern one, com- prising a medley of patriotic airs.
LAGRANGE
The Centennial observance in Lagrange was incorporated in the annual County Corn School and Farm Products Show. More truly than was generally the case under such an ar- rangement, the observance retained an identity of its own.
It consisted of a processional pageant by the school chil- dren of the county. To each township or town was allotted a certain period or phase of history to portray and the result was a moving panorama of Indiana history from the time of the Indian occupation to the present. . Not only were out- standing events clearly represented but the real life of the people, religious, social, political, industrial and educational was very effectively reproduced. In a word, the same sub- ject-matter generally given in the "legitimate" pageant, was presented in what was probably as nearly a "processional pageant" as anything given under that name, which was
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made during the year to cover, shall we say, a multitude of sins. The success of the event was due largely to County School Superintendent, Frederick G. Smeltzly.
During the week's festivities, a representative was chosen in Miss Dell Conkey, to represent the county in the Cavalcade of the counties at the State capital.
Carl S. Willard was County Centennial Chairman.
LAKE
With several cities located within its confines, and some of them under the very eaves of the great metropolis of a sister State, Lake County presented a difficult problem of or- ganization. An encouraging interest was manifested in the Indiana Centennial and the county newspapers gave it more publicity than did most of the papers in counties adjoining that of the State capital. The circumstances were such, how- ever, as to make very difficult, if not impossible, a real county celebration.
Mr. Louis J. Bailey, head of the Gary Public Library, was chairman. He arranged for separate committees in the sev- eral cities, the chairmen of which were as follows: Gary, H. S. Norton; East Chicago, E. W. Wickey; Hammond, C. M. McDaniels; Crown Point, George W. Frederick; Merrillville, Sam Woods; Hobart, Mrs. Fannie Werner; Whiting, Henry S. Davidson; Lowell, Oscar Dinwiddie.
Some of these attempted city celebrations, but not with much success. Gary promised most, having arranged for a "three in one" celebration to take place early in June, in which would be observed the Centennial of Statehood, the diamond jubilee of the county and its own decennial. Plead- ing the excuse of conflict on account of the June presidential nominating conventions in Chicago, the committee postponed the celebration, indefinitely as it proved. The East Chicago and Whiting committees showed considerable activity, but no formal celebrations resulted. Hammond put on a parade with historical features, October 4, as a part of its annual street fair.
The annual meeting of the Old Settlers' and County His- torical Associations, held at Crown Point, August 30, was made a Centennial occasion and indeed was considered as the county celebration. The principal Centennial feature was the
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historical exhibit of several hundred relics gathered from all parts of the county.
Several Admission Day programs were given in the county. The most ambitious was the pageant given by the schools of East Chicago. Pageants were also announced for Whiting and Indiana Harbor schools. Programs were also given by the Woman's Club of Hammond and the Parent- Teachers Club of Lowell.
Lake County reacted heartily on the state memorial park proposition, and has taken up the matter of the preservation . of a part of the sand dunes, as such.
The county was represented in the Centennial Cavalcade at Indianapolis by Miss Genevieve Michaely.
LAPORTE
The first step taken toward the observance of the Cen- tennial in Laporte County was that of the appointment of a committee by the Laporte County Historical Society, which was to take the initiative in preparing a plan of celebration. This committee was headed by Mr. Fred Henoch, who be- came thereby the County Centennial Chairman. Steps were taken promptly toward formulating a program of county ob- servance.
The first and most important results were achieved in connection with the schools. In connection with the closing exercises of the latter, many school and township Centennial days were observed in the spring with fitting programs.
The committee planned first to hold the county celebration on July 4th in conjunction with the Independence Day cele- bration put on by the city. The latter was given up how- ever, whereupon an arrangement was effected with the management of the County Fair whereby the last day was to include the Centennial idea. Father John Cavanaugh of Notre Dame University, a member of the State Historical Commis- sion, was secured as speaker, delivering the address on Sep- tember 1st.
In the meantime Michigan City citizens launched a move- ment for a celebration of their own. This was held August 21-26 and was called a Centennial Home Coming. Candor compels the admission, however, that with one notable excep- tion, it was more of a street carnival than a Centennial ob-
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servance, such worthies as "Rollo the Limit, in his somersault of Death," being very much in evidence.
The notable exception was the distinctive pageant, "The Spirit of the Dunes," presented on the shore of Lake Michi- gan. It was written by Earl Roswell North, chaplain of the State Prison at Michigan City, and directed by Mrs. W. H. Harris of New York. It was presented in the hope of add- ing impetus to the movement for the preservation of the dunes and of arousing new interest in the history of the dis- trict. An idea of the pageant may be obtained by the fol- lowing summary of its episodes :
EPISODE I
The Spirit of the Dunes with the other Spirits are seen before man has ever appeared, and the company of Spirits are startled by the shoot- ing of an arrow by an Indian, who soon arrives on the scene followed by a number of Indians. Not long after their arrival two of the early French trappers come to barter with the Indians. Their trading with the Indians is interrupted by the canoe of Father Marquette landing on the shore and the preaching of the first sermon to these Indians. The impression created is wonderful, the departing Indians leave the scene under its spell.
EPISODE II
This is a typical pioneer scene. The young town is in its infancy, the date being about 1836. Carpenters are working on the first houses and among the visitors who arrive by stage coach and mule team are ancestors of many of the prominent people of the town. Some of these parts are taken by actual descendants of these people. The arrival of the country fiddler is a signal for a merry-making which is interrupted by the visit of the circuit rider and gives occasion for a lecture by him.
EPISODE III
This connects the early history of transportation with Michigan City, the occasion being the turning of the first spade of earth for what has since become the Michigan Central Railroad. Daniel Webster was the orator of the occasion and Mr. John Barker is credited with receiving the inspiration for his great shops at this time.
EPISODE IV
The Spirit of the Dunes is much distressed at the beginning of this episode, for the history of the progress of prison reform is shown in this episode in symbolic form. Justice, Punishment, Mercy and Reformation are represented by symbolic figures and the triumph of Reformation is shown by the march of two lines of prisoners across the stage.
EPISODE V
This is a patriotic scene and shows the way Michigan City re- sponded to the call to arms in '61. The boys in blue are seen leaving their wives and sweethearts.
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EPISODE VI
The grand finale of the Pageant is a final appeal of the Spirit of the Dunes to "Indiana," in which she beseeches her to protect and pre- serve the Dunes. The change of the character of the population of the city is shown by various nationalities of the city of today being repre- sented by their folk dances, closing with an American flag drill, the whole chorus and all the participants joining in singing "America."
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