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.

Report on September 16 Events

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). 


Will it rain – or be cold and windy? Are there seats enough out on the terrace at the Meeting House? Will anybody come? Will there be enough punch and cookies – or way too much? Where did I put the notes for the speech I plan to make, thanking those that let us photograph their WP Outhouses? Where’s my camera?

So ran my thoughts as Sunday afternoon, September 16 approached. The second half of a “double event” at the Township Historical Society it marked the completion of a self-published booklet, Humble but Historic, The Surviving WPA Outhouses of Franklin Township produced by Faulkenberg Printing, Indianapolis. I planned to autograph copies of the book for the invited guests – and others who might purchase one. (The other event, at 1:30, was a Big Run Cemetery Tour by Dana Crapo who has researched the early years of the cemetery when, privately owned, it was known as the Smither burial ground. See next week’s “Remembrances.”)

As often happens, my worries were needless. The weather was perfect, and a good crowd favored us. My daughter Ann and her three girls handled the punch and cookies, with more cookies supplied by Society members. Granddaughter Molly took photos including the one below.

There was an additional attraction on the Society grounds. With thanks to Yolanda Hughes, one-time owner, and Kathy George of Bob Cook Realtors – and Tommy Grimes, who moved it to our lawn—our Society is the proud owner of an authentic WPA outhouse, to be restored, repainted and valued as an exhibit of The Great Depression Days.

Ghost Stories - October 21

It's coming up on Halloween, and that means it's the perfect time of year for ghost stories! Indiana has its fair share of paranormal oddities, and even Franklin Township has a few stories that just might make you shiver. Join us at Open Hours on October 21 for some chilling local legends and delightfully creepy tales from history. You can even see the infamous Black Dress, one of the stars of our collection, which has been featured on the TV shows Sightings and Unsolved Mysteries.

(Please note that this will be our final regular Open Hours of the year. You are still welcome to join us at any of the scheduled events during the off season, such as our Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration on December 16.)

Cemetery Talk September 16

Love cemeteries? Love local history? Or just want to learn about those strange symbols that mark the places of the dead? Join us September 16 at 1 p.m. for an informative tour of the Big Run Cemetery, led by our resident expert (and FTHS board member) Dana Crapo. Parking is available at the Meeting House (6510 S. Franklin Rd.); the cemetery is just across the street.

While you're there, step across the street and visit our Meeting House during Open Hours, which last from 1 to 4 p.m.

Marjorie Main at the Artcraft, August 24-25

For the third year in a row, the Historic Artcraft Theatre in Franklin, Indiana will be showing one of the classic Ma & Pa Kettle films starring Acton-born actress Marjorie Main (who also has a connection to Franklin, Indiana, having attended Franklin College) . Visit the Artcraft August 24 & 25 to see Ma & Pa Kettle Back On The Farm.

The Arcraft is a delightful history piece itself; built in 1922, it has operated as a vaudeville house and movie theatre, and is now owned by Franklin Heritage, Inc., an organization that promotes historic preservation. All proceeds from the films shown there fund the restoration of the theatre and adjacent historic properties.

Membership Outing to Indiana History Center

Join us Wednesday, July 11 for a group tour and lunch the Indiana History Center! Meet at the Meeting House (6510 S. Franklin Rd.) at 10AM for carpooling, if desired, or to caravan with the group so we all arrive at one time. Special exhibits on Prohibition, a 1950s Jewish home, the polio vaccine and more will be open at the IHC during our visit. Lunch will be at the museum cafeteria, beside the canal. Admission to the museum will be between $5 and $7, depending on how many people attend (group rates at a discount).

Save The Date - IHS Outing

Join us July 11 for a membership outing to the Indiana Historical Society in downtown Indianapolis on the canal.  The outing includes lunch.  More info to come!

Antique Postcard Exhibit

Just a reminder that there will be a special exhibit of vintage and antique postcards on display at this week's Open Hours! Join us at the Meeting House (6510 S. Franklin Rd.) between 1 and 4 p.m. on June 2. Postcard enthusiasts are invited to bring their own collections to share and discuss, and everyone is welcome to visit!

Croquet Tournament May 20

Our third Barnyard Croquet Tournament is this Sunday, May 20 at 1 p.m. Join us on the Meeting House lawn for a delightful game, with prizes to be awarded! Dress is casual. Refreshments will be served.

IHS Tours - Summer 2012

The Franklin Township Historical Society is not affiliated with the Indiana Historical Society, but the members of both organizations have similar interests. For that reason, you might be interested in these upcoming IHS events.  For more information, contact Jennifer Hiatt at 317-234-2670 or e-mail jhiatt@indianahistory.org.

Grave Matters Cemetery Tour - Day Trip

Join IHS Membership and Local History Services staff on June 7, 2012 for an exciting day-trip.  This tour will take us to Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky, one of Louisville’s greatest treasures.

Founded in 1848, Cave Hill offers beauty and reverence, a place rich with history.  Located in the middle of the city of Louisville, it is a shining example of 19th century landscape architecture and the rural cemetery movement.  The cemetery spans nearly 300 acres with 16 miles of paved roads.  It is home to over 600 varieties of trees and shrubs, five lakes and many beautiful flowers.  Cave Hill is also known for its exquisite collection of monumental art, with many pieces over 150 years old. 

This year we are offering two options from which guests may choose.  The first is a two-hour, in-depth guided walking tour of the West side of the cemetery.  Please note: the grounds are considered adverse terrain and may be difficult to walk.  The second opportunity is to explore the cemetery on your own and at your own pace.  The trip will include a brief stop on our return home at The City, Catholic, and Presbyterian Cemeteries in Seymour, IN.

Indiana cemetery expert Jeannie Regan-Dinius of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources will again accompany the group and make presentations throughout the day. Lunch, snacks and transportation via coach will be provided.

To join us, please RSVP by May 18th. Space is limited to the first 50 participants. The registration fee is $50 for IHS members and $75 for non-members (membership is included).

Explore War of 1812 Sites - Overnight Trip

Come and celebrate the bicentennial of the United States’ first war as an independent nation this fall with the IHS’s War of 1812 Members Trip. Beginning on September 24th, join your fellow IHS members on a tour of the War of 1812 International Heritage Trail. Our journey will take us to historic forts, battlefields, and monuments that highlight the conflicts of the war’s western theater. The trip will visit notable sites in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, New York, and the Canadian province of Ontario – including Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, the Erie Maritime Museum, and other notable sites. This six-day trip will return to Indianapolis on September 29th.

The War of 1812 Members Trip is limited to thirty individuals. So, please reserve your spot while they are still available.

Vintage Toy Exhibit

Just a reminder that there will be a special exhibit of vintage toys at this Sunday's Open Hours! Join us at the Meeting House (6510 S. Franklin Rd.) between 1 and 4 p.m on April 15. Everyone is welcome!

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.

Free Admission at IHS March 31

On March 31, the Indiana Historical Society will be offering free admission for their Eleventh Annual Circus Day. Special events include circus acts, live animal shows, clowns, magicians, jugglers, carnival games, face painting, balloon sculptures and crafts.

For more information, visit this link: http://www.indianahistory.org/events/circus-day

Southern Indiana Lecture Series

If you're interested in the history of the Ohio Valley (that's southern Indiana), there is an upcoming series of lectures in Jeffersonville that might appeal to you. Full details at the following link:

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120227/NEWS01/302270001/filson-lecture-series-indiana-history?odyssey=nav%7Chead

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.

Cemetery Talk September 18

A Big Run Cemetery Talk is planned for Open Hours at the Franklin Township Historical Society Meeting House on Sunday, September 18.

Dana Crapo, the Society’s treasurer, is also its most knowledgeable person concerning burials in the Big Run Cemetery, across the road from the Society’s Meeting House at 6510 S. Franklin Road. Dana says he has long been bothered by extra names on headstones in the cemetery, not included in the cemetery records made by a locarecorder (Mrs. Leo C. Hoyt)) in the 1960s. (At that time the Big Run Church was still in operation. It became the property of the newly formed Historical Society in 1976.)

Dana, long wondering about those unrecorded names in the cemetery, now believes he may have the answer, that before the Big Run Church was built in the 1870s, there was a Willis Smither family burial plot on the site of the current Big Run Cemetery. That will be the basis for his talk at the Meeting House during Open Hours on Sunday, September.18, at 2 p.m. “I will provide maps and hand-outs,” he says, and invites all interested persons to attend.

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.