TERRE HAUTE —
At age 90, the Vigo County Historical Society is looking ahead to a bright future.
To celebrate its birthday, several past presidents of the society, which formed in 1922, gathered at the Vigo County Historical Museum on Wednesday to reminisce and talk about the organization’s future.
Ralph Courtney, who served as president in the 1970s, recalled the discovery of human bones near the site of the former Fort Harrison along the Wabash River. That discovery, believed to be the bones of settlers who had lived at the fort, led two curious women to climb down into a deep hole where the bones had been uncovered by excavating equipment.
Getting into the pit was one thing, getting out was another, Courtney recalled.
“They couldn’t get out,” he said, adding that emergency responders had to be called to free the women.
Visiting the Historical Society’s museum at South Sixth and Washington streets is not nearly so hazardous, and that’s what society members hope the public will do. To celebrate 90 years, the museum is featuring a special exhibit through the end of the year and will host the “Stiffy Green Fur Ball” on New Year’s Eve at the Ohio Building complete with live music and the famous local dog.
There will also be a holiday open house at the museum the first Sunday in December, said Marylee Hagen, the museum director.
Admission to the museum, which is open 1 to 4 p.m. every day but Monday, is free; however, donations are gratefully accepted.
Despite being founded in the 1920s, the society did not acquire the historic, Italianate home on South Sixth Street until the 1950s when it was donated by the Hulman family. Since then, the home, built shortly after the Civil War, has served as a showplace for historic treasures.
“The history [in Vigo County] is just amazing,” said Jan Buffington, a past society president and current volunteer greeter at the museum.
Making visitors aware – and proud – of local history is the primary goal of the museum, said Dorothy Jerse, a former museum director who was also at the museum Wednesday. Her hope was always to impress visiting school children with the rich history of Terre Haute to give them a sense of pride in their home community, she said.
“This is one way to get people excited about their heritage,” Jerse said.
The museum is also a rich resource for people writing histories or doing historical research, said Don Layton, a retired history professor at Indiana State University and former society president.
Not everything about the museum is native to the Terre Haute area. For example, an authentic pre-Revolutionary War military “red coat” as worn by British soldiers in colonial times, is on display in the museum’s popular military room. The rare coat has been borrowed for historic displays in Pittsburgh and at the Smithsonian.
Other items are distinctly linked to Terre Haute, such as the museum’s large Coca-Cola exhibit to commemorate the birthplace of the Coke bottle. Also very popular is “Punch,” a large wooden jester once a fixture in downtown Terre Haute.
And, of course, there is “Stiffy Green,” a pet dog famously stuffed and placed in a mausoleum at Highland Lawn Cemetery and moved to the museum in the 1980s.
“He’s very popular,” Hagen said.
Reporter Arthur Foulkes can be reached at 812-231-4232 or arthur.foulkes@tribstar.com.
History
Related Photos
-
Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza Historical figures: Members of the Vigo County Historical Society are celebrating the museum's 90th anniversary. Helping to recognize the anniversary are society members Ralph Courtney, Marylee Hagan, Barb Carney, Don Layton, Gary Greiner, Cinda May, Jan Buffington, Dorothy Jerse and Joy Sacopulos.
-
Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza Founders: Founders of the Vigo County Historical Society are seen in this photo which is now on display at the museum. Present were Albert Faurot, Albert Orth, George Scott, Henry C. Gilbert, Hallie Lake, unidentified, and A.R. Markle.
-
Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza Signs of support: Tags on display at the Vigo County Historical Society museum declare support for the then-new museum.
-
Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza Preserving local history: Barb Carney, far right, talks about her experience at the museum and how it has impacted the preservation of local history during a meeting of past and present presidents and members Wednesday at the museum. Listening are Gary Greiner, Cinda May, Dorothy Jerse, Ralph Courtney and Don Layton.
-
Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza History on display: Former Vigo County Historical Society presidents Don Layton and Ralph Courtney talk about one of the display items that celebrates the society's 90th anniversary Wednesday at the museum.
-
Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza Northwest vision in the Midwest: Tootooch, the Thunderbird, sits atop the totem pole on the front lawn of the Vigo County Historical Museum. The Vigo County Historical Society's totem pole came to the area thanks to Mrs. Chapman J. Root, who ordered the pole produced for the family's Allendale estate in the 1930s. It was fashionable at the time to have a totem pole in one's garden.
Discussion
Vigo Historical Society celebrating 90th birthday
Events being planned to commemorate anniversary
- History
-
-
Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
As another spring blossoms, it is time for another season of baseball to descend upon the city of Terre Haute.
-
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: George Lance dominates intercity golf rivalry in 1927
What was expected to be a close match between two Terre Haute golfers for the 1927 Indiana Amateur Golf championship turned out to be a cakewalk.
-
GENEALOGY: Follow ‘Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs’
I recently read an article called “Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs,” by Tamara Hemmerlein, Hoosier Heritage Alliance Coordinator for the Indiana Historical Society
-
LOOKING BACK: 1988: Teachers issued rubber gloves to use in management of blood, other body fluids
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
-
Historical Perspective: Wabash Valley is home to prominent comedy opera stars
Comic opera, a genre consisting of light hearted musicals, was introduced in Europe during the 17th century.
In the 19th century, several female vocalists from the Wabash Valley, earned national celebrity by using that art form to excel. -
Looking back: In 2003, Storm rips off half of Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof
A Saturday morning storm ripped off half of the Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof and caused heavy damage in Allendale. Wind gusts topping 60 miles an hour brought down power lines and trees throughout the county. Hail almost an inch thick and 1.5 inches of rain fell in less than an hour.
-
Abundance of shoe stores existed downtown
Spring to me means putting away heavy winter sweaters and bringing out fun lighter sundresses. It also means the possibility of shopping for a new dress or even new shoes.
-
Genalogy: Handwriting in 1700s-1800s Copperplate or English Round Hand
The primary style of old handwriting in the mid 1700s through the 1800s is sometimes called Copperplate or English Round Hand. This style of writing is much more recognizable and readable than the older Secretary Hand style discussed last week, and it is much less ornate as well.
-
The death of Irish Kate Preston
The lifeless body of Catherine Preston, commonly referred to as “Irish Kate,” was found Saturday morning, Oct. 5, 1895, on a sandbar at the western edge of the Wabash River wagon bridge.
-
Looking back: 2003: Sherertz sets nine-hole school record
Terre Haute North Vigo High School’s nine-hole record at Hulman Links was broken by golf team member Matt Sherertz who shot a 4-under-par 32 in a team-record win over Northview.
-
Historical perspectives: Railroads were models of innovation and growth in Haute
Railroads have played an important part in the building of our nation and in the history of Terre Haute. It is no small wonder that these amazing machines were turned into children’s toys, as well as models for the more mature train enthusiast.
-
‘Foreign’ letters to confuse a genealogist
Any serious family researcher will at some time or another encounter old documents in an older handwriting style that need to be read and deciphered.
-
1988: 700 teachers unite in protest
At least 700 teachers were absent from their Vigo County School Corp. schools as part of a job action to protest lack of progress in contract negotiations.
-
Genealogy: Vigo County Gold Star Honor Roll
FamilySearch International recently announced “the release of significant new enhancements to its web services that allow visitors to collaboratively build their family tree online, preserve and share precious family photos and stories, and receive personal research assistance–all for free.”
-
‘Far-sound’ rings in a new era
This week’s Historic Treasure is an invention that changed life, as we know it in a great way, the telephone.
-
Historical perspective: Venard: soldier in the War of 1812
His name was Stephen Venard. For more than 50 years he resided in Terre Haute, without fanfare, with his wife and a daughter. Much of that time was spent in the 400 block on N. First St.
-
Looking Back: 2003: Mark Cook brings blues home
Mark Cook returned to Terre Haute to play with fellow musicians in the Cook-N-Blues group at Brazil and Terre Haute.
-
Historical perspective: Attempted carriage-jacking thwarted
Nineteenth century newspapers covered several topics that might astonish current readers. For example, the front page of the Terre Haute Weekly Gazette on Nov. 16, 1878 – 135 years ago – reported on the bold attempt by four “villains” to rob two women riding in a carriage immediately west of the fairgrounds at Brown and Wabash avenues:
-
Genealogy: Dutchman seeks family of missing soldier
Query: I live in the Netherlands and recently I have adopted the name of American PFC Joseph P. Nelson at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten. He was killed in action on Dec. 5, 1944, and his name is on the Walls of the Missing.
-
Sewing Society keeps hospital in linen, supplies
When Tracy Pruitt came across a small box of old ledgers and receipt books recently, his first impulse was to throw it away. But he decided to sit down and examine its contents. In doing so, he discovered a story.
-
Looking Back: 1963: Officials prepare for disaster
City officials were studying survival plans in case of a natural disaster or attack by an enemy source. Gilbert Leonard was the director of Vigo County Defense.
-
Genealogy: Gold Star Honor Roll: Vigo County
This week continues with the Gold Star Honor Roll (those who died in WW I) from the Wabash Valley. The Vigo County list is long and will be run in three parts.
-
River boat models capture glory of former culture
In the River portion of the latest exhibit at the Vigo County Historical Society museum are two models of river paddle boats created by Alfred F. Nehf.
-
Historical perspective: Babe Holland: advocate for equality
Wherever Terre Haute native William Sylvester Holland roamed, he made an impact.
-
Historical Perspective: Terre Haute’s architectural heritage
Much more than is commonly recognized, Terre Haute has a rich and diverse legacy of landscapes designed by some of the nation’s most talented architects.
-
Genealogy: A search for names from broken stones
This week there is a query about an old cemetery in Parke County, that is believed to have been destroyed:
-
Hidden treasures: Laborers phased out by machines
Today’s historical treasure will intone to many people an early experience of practical labor. For others, this artifact might lack a contextual notion.
-
Looking back: 2003: Two men rob Terre Haute First National Bank
Two men robbed Terre Haute First National Bank’s banking center at Southland Plaza, South Seventh Street and Margaret Avenue. It was the first bank robbery in Terre Haute since November 2000.
-
Interurban makes city Crossroads of America
Electric transportation is not a new technology. With the arrival of the electric car we are reminded that electric technology has a long history in Terre Haute.
-
The tale of the Wabash River
On March 14, 1913, the Indiana General Assembly adopted “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away,” by Terre Haute native Paul Dresser, as Indiana’s state song.
- More History Headlines
-
Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Raw: Aerial View of Moore Tornado Damage
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Families Begin Returning to Their Homes in Moore
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
Arias Tells Jury What She'd Do if She Gets Life
Raw: Japan's WWII Atrocities Under Fire in Seoul
Raw: Aussie Zoo Shows Off White Rhino Calf
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Students Clash With Police in Chile
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
DWTS Crowns a Winner
Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill
Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House
Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
Olivia Munn Flaunts Her Bikini Bod
Britney Spears Under Fire Once Again For Being A Bad Mom
The all-new Xbox One
RAW: Massive tornado strikes Oklahoma
Nidal Hasan paid $278K while awaiting trial
VIDEO: Teacher reunites mother and son after tornado levels elementary school in Oklahoma City
Okla. tornado survivor finds dog buried alive under rubble
Jennifer Lawrence Gets Naked and Painted Blue as X-Men's Mystique
Pickler's Dance Moves Cause A Stir
Obama to tornado survivors: The country stands beside you
Reporter Cries Over Devastation
