Westfield Washington Historical Society & Museum

01/20/2020

Westfield High School said it very well.

Today as we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day we remember his words shortly before his death - in a message about what people might say at his funeral, Dr. King said, "I’d like for somebody to say that day, that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to love somebody."

His influence in the country has been tremendously undeniable. Yes, we still have racial issues in this country but we also know how to treat and love each other better than we did. Each day is a journey to get better and to love better. Just like The Westfield Way is based on love and encourages Shamrocks to be 10% more kind, present, positive, and grateful than the day before, we know Dr. King's influence encourages us to love each other a little better today than we did yesterday!

Thanks to our Black Student Association we have a beautiful sign hanging in our halls that reminds us to strive to live up to Dr. King's example and work every day to love somebody. So that someday, someone might say of every Shamrock, "they loved somebody." #WHSRocks #MartinLutherKingJrDay2020

01/19/2020

Westfield Washington Historical Society & Museum

BIG NEWS! As we have talked about during our program meeting on January 16th 2020 we have started to undertake an urgent preservation project to save an 1830s Westfield Washington Township Log Cabin Home! It is quite well preserved for the age and is a much larger structure than the normal log cabin! We are starting a fundraiser on GoFundMe for this shortly, tell you more about the plans and history behind this amazing structure! Meanwhile, enjoy these first pictures of our Historical Society board members and restoration specialist Steven M Lalioff in the amazing structure! Please share far and wide we will need more support than ever with this huge project! Please donate to our GoFundMe to preserve and restore this Log Cabin Home here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/disassemble-an-1830039s-historic-log-home?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet

01/18/2020

Click here to support Save a Historic Westfield Cabin organized by Terry Carrithers

Our GoFundMe Account is now active and awaiting your donations. Please help us save this 1830 Cabin.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/disassemble-an-1830039s-historic-log-home?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=m_pd+share-sheet

01/18/2020

Diana Peyton and Steven M. Lalioff looking out of the historic Log Cabin Home! Please donate to our GoFundMe to preserve and restore this Log Cabin Home here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/disassemble-an-1830039s-historic-log-home?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet

01/18/2020

BIG NEWS! As we have talked about during our program meeting on January 16th 2020 we have started to undertake an urgent preservation project to save an 1830s Westfield Washington Township Log Cabin Home! It is quite well preserved for the age and is a much larger structure than the normal log cabin! We are starting a fundraiser on GoFundMe for this shortly, tell you more about the plans and history behind this amazing structure! Meanwhile, enjoy these first pictures of our Historical Society board members and restoration specialist Steven M Lalioff in the amazing structure! Please share far and wide we will need more support than ever with this huge project! Please donate to our GoFundMe to preserve and restore this Log Cabin Home here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/disassemble-an-1830039s-historic-log-home?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet

01/17/2020

Westfield Washington Historical Society & Museum's cover photo

01/17/2020

My Show&Tell item (Michael K): Thank you to the @Hamilton County Historical Society for donating this sign twice to Westfield Washington Township! It was put up in 1926 to commemorate Old Number One first Washington Township school! The Hamilton Co Historical Society donated I back then, and they gave it to us now after having it in their collection for years. Hamilton County Historical Society Old Sheriff’s Residence and Jail

01/17/2020

Program meeting Show & Tell and Board election

01/14/2020

Thursday, January 16th Program Meeting History Show & Tell! We will also elect officers and board members. Here one item we just acquired and will reveal on Thursday! https://facebook.com/events/s/board-and-volunteer-meetings/729683240869119/?ti=as

01/12/2020

GarySoutherlandFireDepartment.mp4

We heard of the passing of Gary Southerland. RIP. Here a program he did for the WWHS February 2006. https://drive.google.com/a/wwhs.us/file/d/1Jq3_lmwEd9s5CfyQ5xUjmr_fofDdiYu7/view?usp=drivesdk

01/11/2020

Very full parking lot earlier today! Emergency meeting because of important new developments. Exciting news coming soon. Thank you to President Diana Peyton for all you do! And all the other volunteers!

01/06/2020

7 Fascinating Places Around Indiana That Were Once Part Of The Underground Railroad

Westfield Indiana mention! And we are mentioned too!

Did you know Indiana played such a large role in this movement?

12/30/2019

19191231_NobLedger_P2and4_Westfield.pdf

2/2 - 100 Years ago in Westfield and Washington Township. I was curious how folks spent the time this time of the year 100 years ago and getting ready to celebrate the 1920s. Well, I got more than I asked for. Westfield news wasn't covered in the 12/30 edition because there was no room! So many entries for Westfield it was on most of Page 2 and Page 4! Below the link to screenshots of the entries, plus the first 5 as pictures, plus a link to the PDF of all of them printed together! People were busy and very openly sharing, almost like 1920s Facebook! :)
Link to Folder with pictures:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-j_VHabfHXV7FTsjKLlyvOyQQOneT8ON
Link to PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PzleoOxWad0nGE5fnPCL9QCVGxEg-83A/view?usp=sharing - Michael K

12/30/2019

1/2 - 100 Years ago in Westfield and Washington Township: I was curious how folks in the area celebrated the upcoming 1920s and looked a bit in Newspapers.com. I first looked in December 30th edition, mostly looking for Westfield and didn't find the full Westfield news coverage. Just a couple entries about events for Jan 1st and news of Hortonville. Thats because Westfield was in Dec 31st edition- see next post. - Michael K

12/24/2019

Our new neighbors are making great progress! Welcome to the neighborhood!

It's beginning to look a lot like... a NEW Playhouse! 🎭

Two months after the groundbreaking, a lot of progress has been made! Check back here for future updates 🏗⚒🧱🛠

12/21/2019

2019.6.15 Westfield High School Class of 1939 picture. Accessioned by our summer intern Kellyn Tombs (thanks!). I scanned it again in a higher resolution, you can look at it here and see details of each individual very clearly. Hilda Lease (Jay) donated this accession. So many great items. Click on the link to get even better view - Michael K: https://drive.google.com/open?id=14VPVxz3n1GnXdPJXiF2gQMGFV0NtHNR-

12/21/2019

Due to ice and snow our North entrance with outside stairs is closed. Please use our West entrance (pictured - has stairs indoor) or South West entrance (accessible ramps) to visit our museum.

Thanks!

12/20/2019

Tomorrow, Saturday Dec 21st the museum will be open from 10a to 2pm.

Normally we are closed the weekends around holidays but because our archivist, Michael, was busy with work this year and hadn't made it in often enough he feels guilty and wants to open!

So join us Saturday for some history, bring your historic Westfield or Washington Township (Hortonville, Eagletown, Jolietville, Lamong, etc) pictures or artifacts and let's chat :-)

12/11/2019

Win in Pulaski Co! The Courthouse is being saved!

We are thrilled with the decision to repair the courthouse! We need to keep this iconic structure standing tall! Thanks to the public for speaking up and showing your support for this important piece of our history. We need to stay vigilant and speak up when our elected officials seem to be headed in the wrong direction. Now, let's stay on top of the financial issues we face as a community. There are reasonable, common sense solutions. Let's help find them.

11/28/2019

Borrowing this from the amazing Johnson County Museum of History, Indiana - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

#CURATORSCORNER
Thanksgiving has arrived! Check out this 1912 Thanksgiving Greetings postcard from the collection. The Museum staff want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

11/11/2019

This Veterans Day, the 100th anniversary of the proclamation by President Wilson, we commemorate veterans from past services for our country and the world.
Pictured: Framed World War I veterans pictures that used to be in the Little Eagle Creek Christian Church (have to get a better scan of it! - Michael) 2016.4.1

Brouhard, Virgil
Carr, Virgil B.
Conrad, Harold T.
Conrad, L. Cloy
Conrad, Tracy O.
Corbin, Clair
Corbin, Claude
Corbin, Doyle S.
Cutts, Dewey
Cutts, Wilbur
Davis, Clarence
Davis, Vernon
Edwards, George
Feaster, Raymond
Feaster, Roy
Heinzmann, Harry
Huffman, Otha
Kittinger, Clyde
Leonard, Liseo
Morrow, Loring
Ottinger, Loyd B.
Pfaff, Oscar
Pfaff, Paul
Routh, Paul
Saylor, Varner
Seeright, Fred
Seeright, Glenn
Sluder, Adron
Sluder, T. Gale
Stephenson, Paul
Stulz, Desha V.

10/28/2019

Happy Birthday Levi!

Happy 221st birthday, Levi Coffin! 🎉

Levi was born #OnThisDay in North Carolina in 1798, and he was married to his wife Catharine on his 26th birthday. The couple moved to Newport, Indiana, in 1826 and later helped 1,000+ freedom seekers during their travels on the Underground Railroad.

Learn more about the Coffins and their incredible story during a visit to Levi and Catharine Coffin House State Historic Site. Plan your visit: http://bit.ly/2knRi2Z

10/10/2019

Saved Facades Will Put Old Face on New Construction - Indiana Landmarks

Saved Facades Will Put Old Face on New Construction - Indiana Landmarks

Petersburg officials plan to save the historic facades of two seriously dilapidated commercial buildings, preserving the downtown streetscape.

09/22/2019

Never know what you find at the Hamilton County Historical Society Old Sheriff’s Residence and Jail. Thomas J Lindley. Prominent Westfield Citizen. Politician! Don't remember seeing this one before. - Michael K

09/21/2019

Obituary for David F. Tudor | Bussell Family Funerals

RIP David Tudor https://www.bussellfamilyfunerals.com/notices/David-Tudor

Obituary for David F. Tudor | Obituary forthcoming...

08/21/2019

City of Westfield - Government

Important City Meeting tomorrow

TOMORROW night (Thursday, Aug. 22) the City of Westfield - Government will hold a public information meeting on the Downtown Westfield SR 32 Reconstruction. The meeting begins at 6pm at the IMMI Conference Room (18880 N. East Street, Westfield, IN). There will be a short presentation and informal open house. The goal is to gather input on our transportation challenges and potential solutions.

For more info click here: http://bit.ly/2P8UYEn

08/19/2019

Wonderful reuse in Sheridan, IN! - Michael K

Thank you HAND for the sneak peak of the new Blackhawk Commons. Our community is fortunate for the time and effort to make this possible.
The old building is being revitalized and an asset for Sheridan. I’m amazed at all the materials they were able to save and reuse.
#housing4all

08/14/2019

Westfield, IN Chamber of Commerce it was great hosting you and giving you a tour. Come again soon!

Very cool history lesson this morning. Thank you to the Westfield Historical Society for hosting and the tour. If you haven’t been, go check it out!

08/12/2019

Here a great bridge picture from our neighbors to the north/east of Hamilton Co. Anybody have any cool bridge pictures of Westfield or Washington Township? Hamilton County? 1900s? 1800s? :-) - Michael K

The old Moss Island Bridge many years ago.

07/30/2019

Anybody up to transcribing a 30+ legal page handwritten court case between Jacob Bales (Father of Asa Bales), Bowater Bales, Nathan Bales, several Pearces and Burnsides and Hutchinsons vs. John White, Isaac Baldwin, Levi Pennington and several others. Basically all of Westfield sued each other 1848 over Asa Bales will and testament? After someone transcribed it, I probably could use a lawyer too to explain it ;-) Michael K

07/29/2019

How in the World did Indiana University School of Medicine Faculty Travel from Fort Wayne to Indianapolis in 1908? - Blogs

Fascinating Indiana Interurban History. It technically didn't get into Washington Township/Westfield, but the closest one was at 146th and Gray Rd! So almost made the township! - Michael K
https://medicine.iu.edu/blogs/pediatrics/how-in-the-world-did-indiana-university-school-of-medicine-faculty-travel-from-fort-wayne-to-indianapolis-in-1908/

By: Richard L. Schreiner, MD, Edwin L. Gresham Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine; Retired Chairman, Department of Pediatrics; Chairman, Riley Hospital Historic Preservation Committee; Retired Physician-in-Chief, Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health and Karen...

07/27/2019

Doing research.

07/27/2019

The co-founder of West Field Indiana was a very busy man!

07/23/2019

Historic Westfield/Jolietville Home for sale. Anybody know by heart who built it?

18465 Joliet Road, Westfield, Indiana
c.1910. 3,588 square feet. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths on 1.66 acres. $579,900! Thanks to Matt for sending this one in! Character Galore. This One Of A Kind Farm House On 1.66 Acres, Built The Old Fashioned Way Has Been Updated To Keep All The Character But Give You All The Modern Comforts. Updates Too Numerous To List But Include A New Roof (gaf Timberline 3 Dimensional Shingles), Siding, Shutters, Newer Griffith Hardwood Floors, Furnace, Heat Pump, Appliances, Etc. Property Has An Animal Barn With A Stall, Partially Fenced For A Couple Animals, Detached Garage Has A Finished Office, Driveway Resurfaced 3 Years Ago, Perennials Galore, Americrawl Encapsulated Crawl System, Kitchen Has Granite Countertops, All Bathrooms Updated. You Have To See It To Understand The Beauty And Quality. Come Take A Look! For More Information: Heather Tucker Talk to Tucker (317) 491-2582 #loveofoldin

07/22/2019

New bus terminal construction being delayed

One never knows what you find when you take the time to look.

Work on the new bus terminal in downtown Anderson is being delayed because a third environmental study must be completed.

07/20/2019

Thank you Troy & Stacy Richards for donation 2019.5. More puzzles to research. Anybody know about 1920 graduate Drusilla/Druzilla Harold? Her diploma was stuck in a frame as the matting of the landscape painting. Also received with that donation photo of school age children. No names. Anybody have ideas? - Michael K

07/20/2019

We are open! Step in, it's cool inside!

07/18/2019

FYI, we will be open on Saturday 10a to 2pm. I (Michael) will be at the museum, maybe others too, and I will make sure the AC is turned quite cold so you can cool down from the outside! And look at some history! Meanwhile some cooling impressions from Penn Street circa 1934!

06/06/2019

We will never forget their sacrifices! Thank you

Today is the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied forces invasion of Normandy that was one of the most pivotal operations during World War II. Private Wesley R. Leland was killed in action on D-Day and his official death notice is in our collections. Today we honor his sacrifice and the sacrifice of so many others who fought on the beaches that day to save the free world.

Learn more about our military collections: https://bit.ly/2UDbwpv

05/27/2019

Decoration Day

Memorial Day 2019 http://storyoftheweek.loa.org/2017/05/decoration-day.html?m=1 - Michael K

A free story every week, sponsored by The Library of America

04/28/2019

See the former Thunder Island in Westfield from the air

Great article in the Indy Star about a Westfield site that is probably very familiar to some of you. Any memories you'd like to share? - Michael K

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04/28/2019

Indiana Landmarks

Impressive - Michael K

Historic Madison, Inc. wins Indiana Landmarks’ 2019 Cook Cup for Outstanding Restoration for their four-year transformation of the 1849 Shrewsbury-Windle House in Madison.

Read more: indianalandmarks.org/award-winning-restoration-revives-madison-masterpiece

Video by Road Pictures

04/27/2019

By the way we are open still until 2PM! You can early vote in the front of the building as well until 3 PM!

04/16/2019

More pictures from the Silvernotes Choir concert
Did you miss it? That's a tragedy! They were amazing! Thank you Purdue Extension Hamilton County

04/16/2019

Silvernotes Choir Concert - Westfield School Song - Glory To Old Westfield Thank you Purdue Extension Hamilton County