Acton UMC Craft Fair

It's once again time for the Acton United Methodist Church Craft Fair!  Join us Saturday, November 3 at this annual fall festival.  We'll have a booth with our publications (including Sylvia Henricks' latest book, Humble But Historic), memberships, and a few other items for sale.  It's a great start to your holiday shopping!

The church is located at 5650 Senour Road, near the Acton Road exit off I-74.  The craft fair runs from 9AM to 3PM.  Food will be available onsite.

2012 Special Events

Open Hours have begun for 2012! We held our first Open Hours at the Meeting House this past Saturday and welcomed several new guests. Open Hours are from 1 to 4 p.m. on the first Saturday and third Sunday of each month from March through October.

We also have a full year of events planned! Some are even scheduled at the Meeting House during Open Hours, so in addition to touring the Meeting House or Big Run Cemetery, you can enjoy special exhibits.

Here's a list of some of the special events we'll be hosting and community events we'll be participating in this year:

April 15 - Vintage Toy Display at Open Hours

May 20 - Croquet Tournament on Meeting House lawn

June 2 - Antique Postcard Display at Open Hours

June 24 - Old Settlers Day in Wanamaker

July 7 - Outsider Art Show at Open Hours

August 19 - Membership Open House and Ice Cream Social

September 16 - Big Run Cemetery Tour

October 21 - Ghost Stories at Open Hours

October 27 - Harvest Dinner and Annual Meeting

November 3 - Acton United Methodist Church craft fair

December 1 - Christmas in Wanamaker community fair

December 16 - Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration at Meeting House

There are three or four more big events in the works, and we'll announce dates for those as soon as we have confirmation. Check your membership newsletter for updates!

And if you're not a member -- or if you haven't yet renewed your membership for 2012 -- you can be a part of all this and more for only $10 per year! For more information on joining the FTHS, please visit this page.

Black History Month tours in Clark County

In case you're looking for something to do on February 24, check out these tours of historically significant sites in Clark County:

http://newsandtribune.com/local/x638260231/Tours-to-celebrate-black-history-around-area

Old Fashioned Christmas Photos

Here are a few photos taken at our Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration! We had a nice crowd of around 25 people, with plenty of cookies and carols to go around. Special thanks to our organist Nancy George, who accompanied the carolers on our historic pump organ. We hope you will all join us next year!

Santa Claus was generously played by Jim Winton. Here, he hears a wish list from our president emerita Sylvia Henricks.

John Kanouse, Dana Crapo, and our decorated tree.

FTHS member Ann Hansen visits with Santa.

Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration 2011

Join us for our annual Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration at the Meeting House (6510 S. Franklin Rd.) on Sunday, December 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be traditional caroling, storytelling and socializing. As always, refreshments including punch and homemade cookies will be provided. Bring the whole family to this delightful holiday event!

Harvest Dinner 2011

Today, we bring you one of Sylvia Henricks' "Remembrances." You can read more of Sylvia's columns weekly in The Franklin Township Informer, or in her book From The Ash Grove (available directly from the FTHS, and via the web site).

Forty members and friends of the Franklin Township Historical Society met for their noontime Dinner and Annual Meeting on Saturday, October 29, at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Wanamaker. The fellowship hall was artfully decorated with fall colors for the “Harvest Dinner” prepared and served by Jim, Sue and Kevin Winton.

Society Vice-President John Kanouse greeted guests, and invited all to share in a few moments of silence in memory of our late president, Diana Stevenson. After the meal, enjoyed by all, John recognized the board members, presented the 2012 Budget, and distributed a page of “What We Did in 2011.” He spoke briefly of the value of our Society, both to individuals and to the community. Not only is our preservation of records, abstracts, and photographs valuable, but as we work with young people -- students and Boy and Girl Scouts – we try to encourage in them an appreciation of our community’s place in state and national history.

Our guest speaker was Nan Hendrickson, a retired teacher, who has, over the years, presented her talks on Hoosier Poet, James Whitcomb Riley, to wide and appreciative audience. With a few remarks about each poem, she recited “Little Orphant Annie,” “Out to Old Aunt Mary’s,” “The Bear Story,” and several others. Of the dialect, she said, “That was just the way we talked,” referring to her own Indiana childhood.

A distribution of door prizes concluded the day. For the prizes, we sincerely thank Wheatley’s, Exclusive Salon, Focus Therapeutic, and Mascari Cleaners. Three more events will complete our year’s activities – the Acton U.M. Craft Fair on Saturday, November 5, Christmas in Wanamaker on Saturday, December 3, and our Society’s Old-Fashioned Christmas at the Meeting House on Sunday, December 18.

Society members Ginny Compton, left, and Bob Fraley, right, greet speaker Nan Hendrickson, who holds a 1937 volume of James Whitcomb Riley poetry that belonged to her father.

Annual Membership Harvest Dinner - October 29

Join us for our annual Harvest Dinner on Saturday, October 29 at 1:00 p.m. This year's dinner will be held at New Bethel Baptist Church. Our guest speaker is Nan Hendrickson, who will share the poetry of Indiana's own James Whitcomb Riley.

Cost: $15 per person

Menu:

• Roast pork in pineapple sauce
• Roasted red potatoes
• Oriental slaw
• Vegetable medley casserole
• Rolls with butter and apple butter
• Choice of peach or cherry cobbler

To make your reservation, please mail your name(s) and a check for $15 per person to:

Franklin Township Historical Society
P.O. Box 39015
Indianapolis, IN 46239

Reservations must be received by October 22.

Authors Fair - Sept. 24, 2011

The Franklin Township Historical Society is sponsoring an AUTHORS FAIR on Saturday, September 24, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Franklin Road Branch Library. The event is free, and will provide readers and would-be writers with the opportunity to meet 10 (or more) local authors, look at their books, and perhaps buy an autographed copy or two.

Other features of the afternoon will include a panel led by three authors who represent different aspects of current writing. Brenda (Kight) Lempp will talk about her poetry which she began writing at age 13. She has self-published two chap books which include some of her experiences growing up as one of nine children. She attended Acton Grade School, graduated from Franklin Central and from Franklin College where she earned a journalism degree. She now lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband and their three children.

Panel member Greg Seiter has a full-time job with the AAA Hoosier Motor Club as public affairs manager, and is also a free-lance writer for several publications.including AAA’s Home & Away and SOUTH. He is a graduate of Perry Meridian High School and the University of Indianapolis. He lives in Franklin Township with his wife and two children.

The third panel member is Anne Meyer, a graduate of Broad Ripple High School, and Indiana University. She also did graduate work in Education at Ball State. She received her Diaconal Minister’s Order from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. She has written many strories, articles, and devotional literature. She has four children, and 6 grandchildren “from 2 to 5 years old.” She lives in Franklin Township with her husband, and is a member of the Acton United Methodist Church.

The panel will each give a brief summary of his/her writing experiences, and then respond to questions from the audience. There will be drawings for several door prizes during the afternoon, a table of used books on writing for sale and light refreshments.

Everyone is welcome. Authors displaying their works will include Joe Skvarenina, Debbye Butler, Duane Nickell, Brenda Lampp, Cindy Whitis, Theresa Hatfield, Gary Straber, Betty J. Spahr, David Ostheimer, Sylvia Henricks,and perhaps others.

Marjorie Main, again on the silver screen

We posted last year when the Historic Artcraft Theatre in Franklin, Indiana showed a classic Marjorie Main film. Marjorie Main was born right here in Franklin Township -- in the town of Acton, to be precise -- and appeared in more than 80 films, often opposite big-name stars such as Humphrey Bogart and John Wayne. She is best known as Ma Kettle, from the series of popular comedies.

If you missed your chance to see Acton's big-screen diva in action -- or if you'd like to see her again -- thank your lucky Hollywood stars, because they're doing it again!

This year, the Artcraft is showing the classic comedy Ma and Pa Kettle Go To Town the weekend of September 30-October 1. Get your tickets early; the theatre, which can seat over 500 attendees, has been known to sell out for popular films. People come from all over the world (literally!) to see movies at the vintage theatre. You can pre-order tickets at the Artcraft's website.

The Historic Artcraft Theatre is a 1922 vaudeville house and movie theatre that is now in the care of Franklin Heritage, Inc. It is staffed by volunteers, and all proceeds from events and ticket sales go toward restoration and preservation of this historic jewel. Arrive early and tour the building, or have a snack at one of Franklin's local eateries.

Members' Lunch at the Propylaeum

submitted by president emerita Sylvia Henricks

A day-trip is always fun, and the Society members who drove into Indianapolis in early July to visit the Propylaeum on Delaware Street for a tour and lunch had a good time. The big “Queen Anne style” mansion is the headquarters for a woman’s organization to “encourage the appreciation of the arts for the public, and especially for women." The name itself means “Gateway.”

It was organized in 1888, under the guidance of May Wright Sewell -- a painting of her by T.C. Steele is in the entrance hall – who became the first president. The group built an imposing stone clubhouse on North Street where they remained, sponsoring many groups for women, until the building of the World War Memorial in 1922 forced them to move. (Our member Joe Seiter brought a postcard of that first building to show us.)

The ladies purchased the house and lot at 1410 N. Delaware in 1923. The house had been built in the 1880s by a brewer whose wife wanted to live on the near north side, known as “the Gold Coast” area. It has many fine details – 12 foot ceilings, “pocket-doors.” A broad, carpeted staircase ascending three floors. A ballroom is on the third floor, along with the servants’ quarters. Six bedrooms and baths are on the second floor. Downstairs, the fireplace fronts are decorated with tile, believed to be Rookwood.

Later owners were George McCulloch, owner of the Indianapolis Star, and President and General Manager of the Indiana Transit Co. Another brewer, with many financial interests became the third owner, In the 1920s the College of Music and Fine Arts, a forerunner to the Jordan College of Fine Arts at Butler University, bought the property, but “decided to free itself from the financial burden, and the house was purchased with Liberty Bonds by the Propylaeum for $65,000. (Most of the above information is from a brochure given guests.)

As funds have allowed the house has been restored. It is a beautiful example of elegant living in a bygone era. We –14 of us—enjoyed a lovely meal in one of the formal parlors, the table set with stemmed glasses, china and

flowers.

It was Evelyn’s birthday, and the hostess put her at the head of the table, with a tiara on her head. Our meals enjoyed and finished, our thank-you’s expressed to the hostess and the servers, we left through the “Georgian Style” front door with its hand-wrought iron grill, to return to our humbler, but no less treasured, Southside homes.

Lunch at the Propylaeum

Join us Wednesday, July 6 for an exclusive FTHS Membership event! We'll have a private tour of the historic Propylaeum, followed by a delicious lunch. (A donation of $1 is requested for the tour, and the full menu can be viewed here.)

For more information on the Propylaeum, visit thepropylaeum.org.

If your FTHS membership is not current, don't worry -- an annual membership is only $10, and you can renew it at any time! Visit our website's membership page for more information.

To RSVP to this event, email Nancy at nanvana@gmail.com.

2011 Quilt Show

We had quite a turnout for our 7th Quilt Show! If you missed the event, here are a few detail pictures highlighting the gorgeous pieces that were entered. You can view the full gallery at https://picasaweb.google.com/FranklinTownshipHistory/7thQuiltShowApr162011#.

2011 Events

2011 promises to be busy! You can always check our online events calendar to see what's happening, but here's a quick reference of dates to save for this year's special events:

April 16 - 7th Quilt Show at Zion Education Building

May 15 - Croquet Tournament during Open Hours at Meeting House

June 4 - Postcard Exhibit during Open Hours at Meeting House

June 26 - Old Settlers Day in Wanamaker

July 6 - FTHS Members Tour and Lunch at the Propylaeum

July 17 - Vintage Toy Exhibit during Open Hours at Meeting House

September 18 - Big Run Cemetery Walk during Open Hours

October 16 - Ghost Stories during Open Hours at Meeting House

October 29 - Membership Harvest Dinner

December 18 - Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration at Meeting House

We're always adding more events to the calendar, so be sure to subscribe to our email list and check back for updates. If there's an event or topic you would like us to cover, be sure and let us know! You can visit us in person during Open Hours (the first Saturday and third Sunday of every month from 1 to 4 p.m., May through October) at the Meeting House, 6510 S. Franklin Rd., or contact us through our website.

Croquet Competition at FTHS Meeting House

Franklin Township Historical Society invites one and all to participate in a croquet tournament at the Meeting House (6510 South Franklin Road) on Saturday, October 2. Sign-ups will begin at 1 p.m. with play starting at 1:45 p.m. This event is free and open to all ages. Light refreshments will be available.

For more information, contact Diana Stevenson at kimgada2004@yahoo.com.

Marjorie Main - Ma Kettle

Among Acton's many and varied claims to fame is that it is the birthplace of actress Marjorie Main. Although she appeared in more than 80 roles throughout her career, often opposite big-name stars such as Humphrey Bogart, John Wayne and Judy Garland, she is best remembered as Ma Kettle from the popular series of Ma & Pa Kettle films.

On October 8 and 9, the Historic Artcraft Theatre in Franklin, Indiana will be showing one of these classic films, The Further Adventures of Ma & Pa Kettle. If you haven't seen this local girl on the big screen, now's your chance! You'll also be supporting historic preservation; the Artcraft is a 1920s-vintage movie palace in care of the non-profit organization Franklin Heritage, Inc., and all proceeds go to the restoration of the building.

For more information, visit the Artcraft's website.

Phillip Gulley at Harvest Dinner

The FTHS is proud to announce that Phillip Gulley, author of 16 books and Emmy-winning television personality, will be the speaker Nov. 4th at the Franklin Township Historical Society’s annual Harvest Dinner. The event is open to the public.

Gulley, best known for his “Harmony” series and other widely-acclaimed books, also hosts "Porch Talk with Phil Gulley" on the PBS/WFYI television show Across Indiana.
The Wall Street Journal has said of him, “Philip Gulley [has] a charming sense of small-town life and a shrewd sense of life in general. A self-deprecating narrator, he knows how to exaggerate in a witty way.”

The event will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday Nov. 4th at the New Bethel Baptist Church, 8936 Southeastern Avenue, Indianapolis. Tickets are $25 per person and include a full dinner. Attendees will also be able to speak with Phillip Gulley afterward and have books autographed, if desired. To reserve a place, mail payment to the Franklin Township Historical Society, P.O. Box 39015, Indianapolis, IN 46239. For more information, contact Diana Stevenson (317-862-8822 or kimgada2004@yahoo.com).

More 2010 Events!

We're celebrating our 35th anniversary with lots of free community events! If you've been reading along, you already know about our Barnyard Croquet Tournament and Performing Cat demonstration on May 15 (if you missed this news, it's from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Meeting House). But be sure to add our other summer events to your calendar, as well! Here's a handy reference list that you can copy to your calendar, tape to your refrigerator door, or otherwise turn into a memorandum:

May 15 - Barnyard Croquet Tournament and Performing Cats, at the Meeting House (6510 S. Franklin Rd.), 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

May 16 - Regular Open Hours at the Meeting House.

June 5 - Informative Cemetery Walk at the Big Run Cemetery (across the street from the Meeting House, on Franklin Rd.) during Open Hours.

June 19 - Field Trip to historic Spiritualist camp at Chesterfield, IN. Departs from Meeting House in morning; returns early afternoon.

June 20 - Regular Open Hours at the Meeting House.

June 27 - Old Settlers' Day street fair on Southeastern Ave. in Wanamaker.

July 3 - Regular Open Hours at the Meeting House.

July 18 - Antique Postcard Display during Open Hours at the Meeting House.

August 7 - Regular Open Hours at the Meeting House.

August 22 - Regular Open Hours at the Meeting House.

There are more events to come in the fall and winter, so check back frequently!

Four Corners Home Economics Club

Photo: (L to R) Phyllis Reasoner, Iona Wise and Eleanor Radcliffe preparing soup in the kitchen of Acton United Methodist Church.

In what has become a tradition, the members of the Four Corners Home Economic club met recently for their January soup meeting. Everyone began arriving with a small container of chopped vegetables which were added to a simmering meat broth that would soon be ladled out as a delicious vegetable soup. There is no need to remind readers of the delicious aroma guiding the group into the kitchen. “We meet monthly, and several years ago, we started out the new year by gathering together and making soup for lunch at our first meeting of the year,” stated Phyllis Reasoner, a long-time member of the group.

Beulah Rabourn and Juanita Wilson, charter members of Four Corners Club were in attendance at the meeting and recalled a time when the group had lots of members and there were several Home Economics clubs active in rural communities. Home economic clubs were started in Indiana about 1915 and were intended to strengthen families and communities through education and leadership training. Extension services reached out to more than 70,000 homes in Indiana by the 1950s, focusing on health, nutrition, sewing and other homemaking skills. “Today, we have twelve members and most of the time, we just go out to eat,” says Jan Schildmeier, the current leader of the club. “We still do some community service projects, but our club is primarily a social gathering.” In the recent past, Four Corners Club has completed projects with Riley Hospital, some local nursing homes and a Christmas project with Veterans.

Members of the group are Garnet Denney, Sandy Gilkerson, May Jamison, Barbara Rowe, Carol Waterman, Sandy Weber, Phyllis Reasoner, Iona Wise, Eleanor Radcliffe, Beulah Rabourn, Juanita Wilson, and Jan Schildmeier. Eight additional members are inactive due to health issues.

A brief meeting with a speaker from Franklin Township Historical Society allowed time for the soup to cook. A relish tray was assembled and a tempting pretzel salad dessert with cherry topping was placed on the counter. One could tell that this group of women knew all about homemaking and hostessing at its finest.

article by FTHS president Diana Stevenson