Source: NMHS Newsletter, November 2000

Historical Society Summary

Given to the Jaycees, February 11, 1974 by Sara M. Allen

In 1964 he, with the cooperation of Mary Louise Little, organized an Indiana Sesquicentennial Committee. Some of that group were more dedicated to the cause than others and met quite regularly until after the 1966 celebration. Mary Louise had been chairman of that group and called meetings when items of business arose which affected our community. Most of the group had a desire to continue our meetings and to organize an Historical Society. Herbert Priser was chairman of the nominating committee and Max and Sally Allen

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Mrs. Freed soon learned that a combined office of Secretary-Treasurer was too complicated and involved and as a result, Elaine Hawley was elected to fill the office of secretary. It also became apparent that with the number of items streaming in that an Historian should be named. Today, Barbara Speicher fills that office.

Two years ago in February, (1972) the first election was held with about 12 members present, but we have now grown into an organization numbering nearly 125. We consist of interested townspeople and some former residents who are concerned with our efforts and seem to be delighted with the advancement of the society. Many such persons have sent contributions to advance the cause.

I could say that one of our goals has been to create within the townspeople and those in surrounding areas a desire to take a second look at, and be convinced that our community has something to preserve in the areas of architecture and general culture.

Last week H. Roll McLaughlin, president of the Board of Directors for the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana spoke at the Chamber of Commerce dinner on restorations in the U.S. and many from our own state. The restorations made in Zionsville, were directed by him and his firm. Last August he made his first visit to N. Manchester by invitation of the Historical Society and spoke to an invited public in the Indiana Lawrence Bank's Community Room. He and Mrs. Leigh Freed took a brief tour of the town and when he viewed Main Street his comment was this: "Above the first story of the business buildings no finer architecture could be found anywhere."

Zionsville, a village smaller than ours, has taken on a new look, new businesses have located there and business is booming. In many places today citizens are capitalizing on this new-old look because people are tired of facing unadorned plastic cubical shapes. Take a look at Main Street and Walnut Street. Which fronts do you look at

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Striving for a restoration of the original look is one of the goals set by our society. It not only will make a difference in general appearance, but will give added interest and attraction to outsiders. This spells -BUSINESS - and certainly this is a goal we are all collectively interested in.

Another goal also deals with a community project such as the acquiring of a place which most people describe as a museum. There are many factors to be considered when contemplating such an endeavor.

First, the historical significance, the age, the structural soundness, the cost, location, size and the general public interest would govern the choice of site and building. Yes, we have look at, we have considered, several possibilities, but, before the final decision is made I'd judge that muich more looking and consideration will take place. We have two committees appointed, one for restoration and one for acquiring and maintaining a museum. We have started a museum fund tnat will gladly accept contributions for its increase.

With the museum as a possibility we have at present acquired several museum items in the form of books and publications many of which have been very generously contributed by L.W. Schultz as well as letters, pictures, clothing, china, furniture, toys, et cetera.

We feel that our influence has already had a positive impact on the community both for young and old. It was by constant insistence and prodding of the County Commissioners before the state sesquicentennial in '66 that the covered bridge was restored. In 1972 we were able to have a rededication of the bridge at the end of its first 100 years of existence. Since this is the most northerly covered bridge in Indiana we should be proud that we can lay claim to having it in our midst.(Spencerville Bridge farther north ?)

The Education Committee of the Society has implemented a program for the 4th grades of our public schools which is planned in conjunction with their study of Indiana history. We finance a tour for every 4th grader in Chester Township and point out historical areas and significant buildings explaining WHY they are important. Dr. Bunker has been invaluable in relating the early history of the Indians

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To date we have managed to help finance and to get donors namely the Frantz Lumber Co. to place markers at distinctive older houses and points of interest such as the Indian Trading Post which is on Main Street. In the future we will continue this practice where homes qualify for special designation.

To beautify the entrance to the covered bridge the society has built up the area at the west end and planted evergreens. We wish to add to this project this summer. To do so, we have proposed the planting of decorative trees where tree lawns are large enough to accommodate such additions. We also encourage every property owner to beautify his residence in a similar manner.

For the last two years we have cooperated with the Fun Fest and Child Care organization in producing material information for the house tour. Dr. Bunker has provided all of the lecture material plus arranging for slides taken by Mr. Allen under her direction to be shown prior to the tour itself. This year a lecture and slide program will be continued with James Overholt making the presentation. All of this is a part of winning a game. This is a game of harmony between members of the Society and a rapidly growing interest in reliving the past and relating our future to that foundation so strongly structured by our forefathers. 

Last summer we had interested donors who bought patches which made possible the completion of an Historic quilt. With 5 designers,

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Another successful project was the exhibition contest of painters portraying areas listed as historical in Chester Township. This effort brought painters from Ft. Wayne, Huntington, Logansport, South Whitley, Silver Lake, Warsaw, Wabash, Etna Green and N. Manchester. All of the participants were very complimentary of our efforts in this respect and responded to the degree that we held an exhibit of 50 paintings. Those exhibiting praised the society and town for their interest in the arts and the willingness of those businesses who made donations for cash awards. We feel that this activity was another which enabled others to know that we have an active historical society and an up and coming community.

To be continued

	the aid of photographs taken of the original car, plus pictures and descriptions in the company's catalogue found in the local library, assigned himself a job that of reproducing the only local automobile manufactured for only one year 1909 - 1910. For one month he worked on his project and with the help of a few others managed to get the necessary parts for completion. The Historical Society entered the parade last year with more than just a "float" we had a collector's item with a monetary value of $3500. Not only was this a feat of mechanical skill, long hours of labor, and an interest in the past to make it live again in the present but a genuine concern for the community prompted Pat and Pudge to present the car to the Society as a memorial to the late Robert Floyd. The auto will be on exhibit in the building in which the original was first manufactured. Not all the members are able to construct a covered bridge or an auto, but many members have given of their creative talents to better the financial status of the group. Some falling into this list are Allan White, Stephen Batzka, Orpha Weimer, Gladys Scheumann to name a few. The question has been asked of us, "What will the Society hopefully do in the future?" We presume that the group will continue in the path already pursued, to help preserve, to educate the young for a deeper interest in their town, to increase the concern of all for making our community a more beautiful and unique place in which to live and a place where culture rates high. A survey committee consisting of Dr. Bunker, Stephen Batzka and Allan White are planning a survey of the town where all buildings will be listed and the age of each recorded. The procedure for such an undertaking is being guided by the National Restoration Organization in Washington D.C. Early this spring Mr. Clubberson, of the Department of the Interior will be aiding them and will furnish proper registration forms. This is a monumental venture and must be the work of many assisting the main committee of three. We have spoken only of buildings near us, but we have more than a passing interest in the destiny of the old mill at Roann. At present the condition is not beyond restoration possibilities, but it will take a combined effort with other groups in the county and state participat
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	ing if we can hope to save this site as a worthy historical spot. We welcome advice and help in any form to assist in preserving it in workable condition for the future. As our Society continues to meet, more and more suggested items of interest and concern are presented. Most societies meet quarterly, semi-annually or annually. A closer and more frequent contact with our membership as a whole produces a more interested and active group than is evidenced in other communities. Thus far, this is a very receptive organization which accepts both advice and criticism with equal consideration. It is our hope that these undertakings can all be successful realities and that more interested people see fit to join themselves with our membership. We welcome all members of the family to join and attend our monthly meetings on the first Monday of each month. The requirements for membership are simply that anyone be over 7 years of age with an interest in making our town a better, more beautiful and more prosperous place in which to live. Anyone interested in joining our ranks should know that membership fee is $l.00 per year or $5.00 for sustaining membership and most important of all LIFE MEMBERSHIP for $100.00. (Amounts have changed several times through the years) As representative of the Historical Society we have welcomed the opportunity to review our brief history, our objectives and goals, and our hopes for the future. This is really not OUR Society it is yours, also, since we strive to work for the betterment of our entire citizenry. We might add, that when you carry on your two-day pick-up program each year if you see any throw-away items which could qualify as antique or collectibles REMEMBER the Society is collecting now and will be collecting from now on. Thank you for this opportunity to present this information to you and for your very kind attention. ********************************* Editors Note: This is true once again as it was it 1974. Check out the news flash on page fourteen. Finally the Society has room to begin collecting once again!
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Source: NMHS Newsletter, February 2001

Purchase Finalized

Our first activity at the Oppenheim site has been to create window displays which include historical items. The Christmas display included some of the figures which Oppenheims had used in the past at Christmas time. This week a new display "Think Spring" is being created.

A specially chosen Museum Committee is beginning the planning for the remodelling needed in the building, an assessment of the space needs and configuration for the museum area. This is a very large building which may allow for rental of some areas, for ample storage, work rooms and display of large items held by the Society which are now stored in various places. Since there is an elevator we will be able to make good use of all three floors.

We have been fortunate to receive a matching grant which we must now match to put this effort on a sound financial footing.

Now is the time to renew memberships and secure new ones. Our present members are scattered from coast to coast and there are no doubt others who would be interested in the activities of the Society.. Will you help us let others know about the exciting new activities of this Historical Society?

Now that we have ample space we are asking you to contribute your historical materials to our collection. Please check with us.. pieces of furniture.. papers.. Land abstracts, pictures.. Our interests are broad. Things related to N. Manchester, Chester township or Wabash County.