USA > Indiana > The Indiana centennial, 1916; a record of the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of Indiana's admission to statehood > Part 6
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Clubs, church and fraternal organizations were zealous in observing the year. The city clubs of the women emphasized the Centennial in one or more of their programs. The Civic Club beautified and maintained a lot in the heart of the city in recognition of the anniversary. Social functions were fre- quently given a decided Centennial flavor.
All this activity was preparatory and preliminary to that of formal celebration, though equally important. In his issue of the Pioneer of May 11, Chairman McKey made this plain and commendable declaration of faith: "The Centennial celebration and home coming to be held in Lebanon Septem- ber 14, 15 and 16, is in nowise a carnival or commercial enter- prise, but strictly what its name implies-a celebration of the admission of Indiana into the Union of States, and a re- view of the part Boone County has taken in the development of the State." While this high purpose was announced pri- marily for the central county celebration, its spirit permeated the whole county, excluding those undesirable features which in some places prostituted the Centennial ideal.
With the exception of Sugar Creek, all the township cele- brations were held in August. Worth came first on the sec- ond near Whitestown, in connection with the Red Men's pic- nic. Papers were read covering the history of the town- ship, politically, religiously, educationally, industrially and from a military point of view.
The Jefferson observance took place on two separate dates, Sunday, August 10, and on the following Thursday. The exercises on Sunday had to do with the placing of a memorial marking Pleasant View Church as the oldest in the town- ship. The address, following the recital of the history of the church, was given by Hon. A. M. Hall of Indianapolis. The general celebration was held at Routh's Grove, the program consisting of old-time music, flag drill, appropriate readings, reminiscences, short addresses and a demonstration of the process of converting wool into yarn on an old spinning-wheel, given by Mrs. Thomas Lawson. Many old relics were ex- hibited.
Marion township celebrated August 12 at Mayfield grove,
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with a review of its history and a general address by Dr. Horace Ellis. The Washington township began its observ- ance with a basket dinner in the W. C. Smith grove on the 16th. An excellent program, prepared by the Sunday schools of Bethel, New Salem and Mechanicsburg, the two churches of Mechanicsburg and the public school children, was given, followed by an address by H. E. Van Nuys, comparing the conditions of pioneer life with those of the present. The Union celebration occurred at Cutts' grove on the 17th. Talks were given on the early settlers, the Michigan road, and on local development. Eagle township celebration and home coming was held in connection with the Zion Park Assembly at Zionsville on August 18th. The program emphasized the development of the various phases of community life since the coming of the first settlers. Pioneer life was re-pictured and re-lived and in the evening the pupils of the Zionsville high school presented the spectacle, "Pocahontas."
The Thorntown or Sugar Creek township celebration was the only one to follow that of the county at Lebanon. Occu- pying two days, September 29 and 30, it was given on a big- ger scale than any of the other local celebrations, as was to be expected in a place of Thorntown's size and enterprise, to- gether with its historic associations, located in the limits of the old Indian reservation.
A pageant or spectacle, of a general nature, picturing im- portant scenes in National history, but including phases of state and local history as well, was given on each day and a community Centennial parade took place on Saturday. The moving picture, "Indiana," was given before an immense out- door throng. A fine exhibit of pioneer relics was made in the windows of the business houses.
But the activities of the county naturally culminated in the central celebration held at Lebanon, the middle of Sep- tember. As a feature of its publicity, the Committee issued a poster of novel design, picturing a large frog sitting at the edge of the swamp, indicative of the swampy Boone county of old, with the words, "Lest We Forget," and an announce- ment of the celebration and home coming.
The celebration opened September 14, with Lebanon beau- tifully decorated. The 4th was designated as Woman's Day and was under the auspices of the Woman's Clubs. In the
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afternoon, the members, in Colonial costume, received the Cen- tennial guests in rooms specially fitted up in the fine new court house, entertaining them after the manner of the stately days of old. In the evening the latter were further portrayed in a public Colonial ball, in which the old-time dances and recreations were presented.
Friday was School and Patriotic Day, thirty-two hundred and eighty school children of the county participating in the program, every township being represented in the parade. The latter presented an inspiring, patriotic spectacle, with every teacher and student bearing the American flag. Fol- lowing the parade, flag raising exercises were held in the court house yard, a new flag pole being dedicated and a hand- some flag, presented to the G. A. R. by the W. R. C., flung to the breeze.
In the afternoon various phases of the county's history and development were graphically shown by the township schools. Among them an Indian episode, "The White Man's Foot," by Thorntown and Sugar Creek township; "The Country Doctor," Washington; "An Old Time Church Serv- ice," Clinton; "Colonial Minuet," primary department Leb- anon schools; "The Husking Bee," Perry; "The Quilting Bee," Union; "An Apple Paring," Marion; "Boone County To-day," Lebanon.
Saturday's program opened with a civic and industrial parade, containing some very artistic features. This was known as Governor's Day, Governors Bilbo and Pleasants, of Mississippi and Louisiana, respectively, to be the visiting ex- ccutives, with Governor Ralston as host. At a late date, how- ever, the Southern governors wired their inability to be present, when Professor James A. Woodburn and Dr. Frank B. Wynn, members of the Commission, were secured, who, with the Governor, gave informal and appropriate addresses, bringing the celebration to a fitting and impressive close. Throughout the observance, a surprisingly fine collection of relies and antiques was on display in the show windows, which attracted much favorable comment. The historical picture, "Indiana," was shown on each day.
Chairman McKey, in editorially announcing the celebra- tion as an unqualified success, said: "The program was clean, entertaining and educational, entirely devoid of the street fair
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or carnival features. There was absolutely nothing for which the public was charged a fee, and the expense, amount- ing to nearly a thousand dollars, was borne by subscriptions of the citizens of Lebanon." In referring to the local cele- brations, he pointed out that with each township emphasiz- ing its own history, much material had been gathered for the future. And in concluding, "If these celebrations result in the formation of a County Historical Society, as a nucleus for the collection of historical data and relics, they will have been worth all the time, energy and money spent in bringing them about."
Having acquitted itself so well at home, it was regrettable that Boone County did not participate in County Day of the State Celebration and thus come through the Centennial year with a perfect score. As the record stands, however, the citizens of Boone may be proud of the part which their county took in the making of Centennial history.
BROWN
Brown county folks did not surge with Centennial en- thusiasm. No celebration was held within the county.
W. C. Goble, head of the Nashville schools, accepted the chairmanship, started a few things and tried to start more, but found little or no response. He had members of the High School graduating class prepare papers upon "A Century of Indiana History," the graduates of the previous year having written upon "Institutional History of Brown County." In- diana history was taught in the Nashville schools during the year. On February 22, the High School Domestic Science class gave a Brown County Products Dinner.
At the local Chautauqua, one day was given over to a Brown County home coming.
CARROLL
Given, a resourceful, energetic, public spirited citizen, liv- ing on an Indiana farm which has been in the family since 1832 and cherishing, among other pioneer heirlooms, the old saddle-bags in which the money was carried to the frontier to pay for it; whose uncle was the first white child to be born in what was to be known as Carroll County; required, to find an ideal county Centennial chairman. This was the self-
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evident problem presented to interested citizens of Carroll and the answer was Mrs. Chas. Buckley of Delphi. Both Mr. and Mrs. Buckley were keenly alive to the meaning and pos- sibilities of the Centennial, and while the latter assumed the responsibility of organization and leadership, the zealous and efficient work of the former was a big factor in her success.
Mrs. Buckley was one county chairman who was literally instant in season and out. Filled with unquenchable en- thusiasm, and enjoying the full confidence of her people, she demonstrated what might have been done in every county in Indiana had there been enough Mrs. Buckleys to go around. She kept in constant touch with the Commission and rarely, if ever, did the Director present a problem or an appeal to the county chairmen to which she did not promptly respond encouragingly.
With a grasp of the situation that boded success, Mrs. Buckley proceeded at once to enlist the active cooperation of the school forces of the county and appealed directly to the trustees of the thirteen townships, appearing at their monthly meetings, and with remarkable success. Each trus- tee was made chairman of his township committee, and was to cooperate generally, in looking after the historical and educational interests of the celebration. She interviewed the teachers personally, arousing their enthusiasm in the Cen- tennial. She had March 17 designated as "Historical Day" in the schools, which was very generally observed. The grade schools of Delphi presented a pageant prepared by the Misses Emma and Josephine Shealey, with so great success that it had to be repeated. In nearly every locality, competi- tive essays on local history were prepared by pupils. Despite an obstructive county superintendent, therefore, Indiana's Centennial was made to mean something to the Carroll schools.
The editors of the five representative papers of the county were appointed a publicity committee, and did good service in acquainting their readers with Centennial plans and ideals. Mrs. Buckley took the pains to edit a column of her own, however, in which she set forth interesting facts of local history, presented suggestive questionnaires and kept the Cen- tennial pot boiling generally. The Citizen-Times of Delphi was especially generous and effective in its cooperation. The
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Chairman did not rely solely upon the schools and the news- papers to carry the Centennial message. She attended the farmers' institutes, urging the cause upon those in attend ance. She saw to it that Indiana Products Day was observed by the Delphi Business Men's Association, thus calling to their attention the anniversary and its significance. The day was also observed at Flora.
Carroll county was organized May 1, 1828. The Sunday falling nearest that date was April 30, which was made "Ob- servance Day," on which all the churches held appropriate pioneer services.
In the spring some local celebrations were held in connec- tion with the schools. Washington township held a big Cen- tennial rally on March 17th, with a big township parade in the forenoon, a community picnic dinner enjoyed by four or five hundred people, and a good program in the afternoon.
The county celebration, on which all preparations focused, was fixed for August 10 to 13. The financial responsibility was assumed by the business men of Delphi. August 10 was designated "Pioneer Day." The program was furnished by Washington, Carrollton, Burlington, Rock Creek, Jackson and Monroe townships of the eastern part of the county, with Pro- fessor J. C. Trent of Flora as Chairman. The townships put on a very creditable parade in the forenoon, commendably historical in character. The program for the afternoon, as in fact for the entire celebration, was permeated with pioneer atmosphere. Prizes were offered for the best old-time reci- tation, the best dressed pioneer couple, best pioneer outfit, the best township glee club, to the couple bringing in the largest family of children. Features of pioneer life generally were exploited. The address of the day was given by Attor- ney P. H. O'Donnell of Chicago, formerly of Washington township, and Irish dances were put on by his daughters, accompanied by an Irish piper.
Friday was "Carroll Day," the program being furnished by Clay, Madison, Tippecanoe, Jefferson and Adams town- ships, and was similar to that of the previous day. Geo. E. Sites of Yeoman was chairman. A new feature was an old- fashioned spelling match. The circuit rider made his ap- pearance as a center of interest, as did the country doctor the day before.
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Saturday was known as "Old Settlers' and Home Coming Day," and for it Deer Creek township and Delphi were re- sponsible, with city school superintendent C. F. Bradshaw, chairman. Probably one of the most important features of the week, if not of the year, took place in the forenoon in the formal dedication of a huge memorial stone, marking the spot where, ninety years before, Gen. Samuel Milroy, the first settler, raised his cabin on arrival. The Milroys were not only very early pioneers, but prominently identified with the history of State and county. The address was delivered by Chas. Milroy of Chicago, grandson of the old General. An- other member of the family, H. C. Milroy, artist-farmer, was largely responsible for the realization of this cherished proj- ect of Mrs. Buckley. The monument bears the legend: "Site of Cabin Home, Gen. Samuel Milroy, 1826, on the Banks o' Deer Crick," and set apart from this, "1816-1916, Hoosier State Centennial Pioneers of Carroll County." The after- noon was given over to an Old Settlers' program.
A Centennial vesper service was held Sunday evening, the address being given by Rev. Chester W. Wharton of Kentland.
A popular feature of the celebration was the public, out- door showing of the history film, "Indiana." An exhibition of relics was made during the observance, in charge of the Charles Carroll Chapter D. A. R. of Delphi. In fine, probably no county celebration in the State was more thoroughly his- torical in character than that of Carroll.
The county was represented by Miss Minnie Snocberger in the Centennial Cavalcade at the state celebration on October 6. Mrs. Buckley had all plans made for a float for the pro- cession, but at the last was disappointed in not being able to secure the material on which she had depended. Mr. and Mrs. Buckley made some very material contributions to the state exhibit of relics of household arts, given by the John Herron Art Institute during the month of October.
CASS
Despite the fact that there is much of historic interest in Cass County, conservatism or inertia, and a reluctance to as- sume responsibility, operated to prevent a real Centennial movement within its limits. It has a long established his-
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torical society but the latter lacked the virility necessary for leadership and constructive work, and made too little use of the opportunity at hand to arouse an interest in local his- torical matters. This seems all the more regrettable from the fact that the society has long wished to secure the funds necessary for the erection of a building, for which a site has been bequeathed. However, the society hopes to be able to erect in 1917 its permanent home for the housing of its ma- terials, now scattered throughout the county.
After many ineffectual efforts, a chairman was finally secured in January, in the person of A. H. Douglass, superin- tendent of the Logansport schools. He restricted his activi- ties to the schools, however, with the result that the move- ment did not reach the citizenship as a whole. And, even thus, they were focused principally upon one day of celebra- tion rather than upon the more permanent and effective work which might have been done in the more routine work of the pupils. No attempt was made to coordinate the work of the county with that of the State in the wider Centennial inter- ests.
With these implied criticisms of what was not done, hearty commendation is offered for the successful accomplish- ment of that which was attempted. The annual field day ex- ercises, featuring the closing days of the Logansport schools, was turned into a County School Centennial celebration. June 2 was chosen as the day, in which twenty-two hundred Cass County pupils participated in a school pageant at Spencer Park, before a crowd of probably ten thousand people. Large credit for the success of the day belongs to Miss Sue Blass- ingham, supervisor of the city schools, who was largely re- sponsible for the arrangement and direction of the pageant.
The first episode was a beautiful symbolic representation of the Wilderness, the coming of the spirit of Civilization and the ensuing conflict between the latter and the spirit of the Wilderness in which Civilization overcomes. Hundreds of children appeared in this gorgeous and attractive spectacle, depicting almost every conceivable phase of wild life, from the moth and gay butterfly and the modest wild flower to the bear and the buffalo.
Episode two was devoted to Indian Life, portraying the life in the village, the hunt, games and recreations, prepara-
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tions for war and the war dance and the march against the enemy, interrupted by the arrival of the missionaries.
The third episode dealt with the period of the dominance of the white man, from the arrival of LaSalle and the fur traders. The coming of the pioneers and the reproduction of phases of pioneer life were very effective, as was the passing of the Indians as shown in "The Trail of Death." The Civil War period was given in "The Call of '61," followed by the march of the States, each being represented through a well known characteristic or tradition. Last, came "Glorious In- diana," attended by the notables who had figured in the "Wilderness history" of the State, from LaSalle to Jonathan Jennings, followed by an escort of Indiana's famous sons and daughters. In the finale, all the participants in the pageant joined in singing "Indiana" and "On the Banks of the Wa- bash."
While nothing was actually accomplished in that direction in 1916, several markers are proposed for locating historic spots.
CLARK
Claiming as it does the oldest English settlement in the State in Clarksville, the home of Indiana's first Governor in Charlestown, the home and domain of George Rogers Clark himself, whose honored name it bears, it would seem that Clark County would have been most keenly alive to the spirit of 1916. In addition to its historic possibilities it had a most enthusiastic leader in Capt. L. C. Baird, active man of affairs as well as historian of his county. He attended the confer- ence of County Centennial Chairmen at the State Capitol in December and lent much to its discussions and general in- terest and value.
An admirably planned week of observance was announced, incorporating in its scheme the participation of the whole county. But the county furnished one of the few exceptions to the rule that enthusiastic and capable leadership was equal to any emergency in putting the thing across. In the face of the zeal of its next door neighbor, Floyd County, Clark yawned and languished, and in June Capt. Baird resigned in despair and disgust. Apparently the cause was to go entirely by default.
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But there were a few women in Jeffersonville of the in- trepid spirit of George Rogers Clark himself, members of the Ann Rogers Clark chapter of the D. A. R. The Regent, Mrs. Nathan Sparks, was determined that the county should not be lost to honor altogether, and rallied her forces to the res- cue. The result was a day of observance at Jeffersonville on September 30, under the auspices of the Chapter. It was primarily a children's day or rally. In the forenoon a parade occurred and in the afternoon an appropriate program of exercises, drills and folk dances was given, some of those be- ing reproduced which had been so effectively presented by the Jeffersonville school children under the direction of Miss Lena Board, at the Corydon celebration in June.
Clark County also elected a young lady in the person of Miss Mary Dubel to represent it in the Centennial Cavalcade at the state celebration at Indianapolis.
Furthermore, as if to make up for earlier remissness, fit- ting Admission Day exercises were held in Jeffersonville on the evening of December 11, presided over by Mayor E. W. Rauth. Following a patriotic orchestral and choral musical program, an address on "Early Days in Indiana" was de- livered by Capt. L. C. Baird.
CLAY
What's in a name? In this instance it proved to be a case of too much clay. A decade ago the coal mining industry was paramount in Brazil and the county. When the mines began to fail, a new industry was developed in the manufac- ture of clay products, with ten plants in operation. This is the prologue.
Early in the season there was nothing to indicate that Clay County would not take its place with its colleagues in the proper observance of the State's Centennial. The educa- tional work began propitiously in the schools. In December 1915, Mr. Dick Miller of Indianapolis gave an inspirational address before the high school students of Brazil. In Febru- ary, Miss Dye of the Commission made a visit to the county seat during which she made four talks and addresses, and re- ported encouraging interest.
Mr. John G. H. Klingler was made county chairman. Im- mersed in business, he seemed unable to give the prompt and
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adequate attention to the work which would have been for the best. However, tentative plans were finally laid for a county celebration to be held the last of September, featured by a pageant.
In July, a general strike on the part of the workers tied up the clay industries of the county and likewise cut the sinews of celebration. Business was to a degree paralyzed and had no heart for patriotic observance. As a result, apart from the work done in the schools, in accordance with the plan furnished by the Commission, Clay county had little or no part in the year's Centennial program.
CLINTON
A brave array of committees, fully manned, failed to put across the Centennial idea in Clinton County. "We thought it was well organized but it didn't work," laconically re- ported County Chairman O. M. Pittinger, superintendent of the Frankfort schools.
Outside of Frankfort, the only activity manifested was in the adjoining communities of Scircleville and Hillisburg in the eastern part of the county, in which were held admirable school and community celebrations in the spring.
The Frankfort public schools gave a splendid all-day cele- bration on May 25, opened by a flag drill participated in by 1,500 pupils. A pageant play was given by the pupils of the Central Building, the synopsis of which follows:
The Spirit of the Wilderness summons The Powers of the Forest, The Powers of the River and The Mist Maidens who dance together with the untrammeled joy of untamed creatures. A shot is heard. The Powers flee. The Spirit of The Wilderness pauses for a moment, a look of anger on her face as if she would see who dared to break into her kingdom.
The Pioneer Man and The Pioneer Woman enter the clearing. The Spirit of the Wilderness, followed by all the Powers of the Forest bear down upon them. The Pioneer Man and The Pioncer Woman repulse them. The Powers of the River lash out at them.
After the Powers are driven away, The Pioneer Man and The Pioneer Woman meet and conquer Fever, Famine and Death. When the victory is won, The Spirit of the Wilderness approaches and calls upon all the other Powers to pay tribute to the Pioneers and they follow them into the forest, indicating their humility and willingness to serve.
Pupils of the same building presented the Battle of Tip- pecanoe. An Abraham Lincoln episode was given by High
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School pupils; scenes from the lives of early missionaries in Indiana by the Woodside school and a representation of an « arly church by first ward pupils. Eggleston's "The Hoosier School Master" was dramatized by pupils of the second ward. The afternoon was given over to games and athletic sports.
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