HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocument 12802 S 0 U T H H 0 L D N E W S L E T T E R
Volume 4 Number 5 July 21, 1974
A TOUR OF HOMES IN NEW CARLISLE
Sponsored by the Business Men's Association
As part of their Historical Days CelebrationYfour homes and Hamilton Church will
be open on Sunday, July 28, from noon to 6 P.M.
The homes belong to: Ron Reese - on W. Michigan Street
Howard Collings - 214 W. Michigan Street
Walt Schaltenbrand - 910 W. Michigan Street
(Happy House - a beautiful adaptive use)
Anthony Droege - 202 S. Filbert
Other events will take place on July 26 and 27. A trip to New Carlisle should
provide a fun time.
Great happenings are going on in New Carlisle. The Terre Coupee Historical Society
has been formed and a membership drive is on. The northwest corner of the county is so
rich in history with the Chicago Trail, the prairie, the glacial Moraines, its towns, etc.,
and it must be one of the prettiest parts of St. Joseph County any argument?) .
The leadership for the new society is a wonderful diverse group of old and young;
new comers and old timers and represent many interests. You'll be hearing more about
this new preservation group - local people doing their local thing.
THE HISTORIC COMMISSION AND THE PROPOSED BUDGET
The South Bend Tribune has carried stories about the new Historic Commission and
its proposed budget for 1975. Members of Southhold need to understand what is being
proposed and hopefully carry the message to the County Commissioners and County Council
on the need for some money now.
First of all, when the commission was created it was suggested that their yearly
operating budget need not go over $10,00.00 at this time. This commitment is being
adhered to because the Commission is asking for $9,475.00 . to carry on its public
responsibilities for 1975.
However in addition to the operating budget, the ordinance requires that the
Commission conduct a county wide survey of sites, structures and districts that have
either historic or architectural merit. This survey would include all land area which
is under jurisdiction of the Commission.
One can reddily see the need for the survey. This is the only way planning in
the community can deal with historic properties. First you must know what and where
the properties are. This is what a survey is. Once this is determined then all
planners can be aware of potential problems when they project future clearance,
streets, highways etc. It is at this point that historic preservation becomes feasible -
plans can be made far ahead of the wreckez's ball.
But in addition to knowing what they are and where historic properties are located,
it is essential that the parties who are making the survey be professional and accredited
people. Then if the question of a property arises and someone asks: "Who says such
and such a building has merit?" the answer is - "a qualified professional firm or
individual". Southhold has done some work on the survey, but as an organization we
are not "professionally" qualified to make such judgements. We need authority behind
the survey and it is this authority which the Historic Commission is trying to buy
thru its budget.
Emphasis should be placed on the fact that the survey is a one-shot deal. We have
all the historic properties we're going to have up to now. Its all behind us. So,
other than routine uppdating of information the potential for new survey material is
very limited. The important thing is to record what we have now and try to protect it.
Spare a moment - call or write a note to the following people asking for their
support of this budget. Public hearings come in August; so act promptly; you'll not
receive more notice.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: County City Building, South Bend, Ind. 46601
Gene T. Meert, Pres.
August H. Cooreman, VP
David M. Kelley
COUNTY COUNCIL: County City Building, South Bend, Ind. 46601
A. E. Paszek, Pres. (At Large)
Edward Bloch, VP (At Large)
Bertha Badollet (At Large)
Walter A Mucha (18t District)
Paul J. Klein Ond District)
Phillip Barkley Ord District)
Charles F. Bowers (4th District)
MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
The Board of Directors -;ocaasionally discusses the rather limited attendance at
membership meetings. Interesting programs (we think so anyway) have been presented
and yet great masses of people fail to respond. Does this mean that there is lessening
interest in the work of Southhold? Some say we need more controversy - that bad news
makes more impact than good news.
Then there are some who say that Southhold members joined not to go to meetings
but rather to support a movement; that, even,-tho meeting attendance is not too good,
members have confidence in the Board of Directors and Officers and are content with
their accomplishments.
There is probably some tbuth in all these statements and the fact is that we have
been able to survive four busy, hectic years. We try to improve our weaknesses and
above all, respond to the need for change. But the one fact all Board members know
is true is that when we have specifically asked the membership to do something they
have responded. We are asking you again to support the Historic Commission in its
budget needs. Your elected representatives will not know how you feel if you don't
apprise them. Call or write them today - please.
ANTIQUES SHOW - REPORT -
There' s only one word SUCCESS! The membership response was tremendous and
again each of you who volunteered time or sold tickets or in any way contributed to the
event receives a good pat on the back.
Without question much credit must go to Jack Smith who served as general chairman.
His long hours of preplanning paid off as there was very little confusion and disarray
in the final moments. He lucked out there because he also had to carry out his duties
as chairman of the Historic Commission at the same time and they were attempting to
get their budget ready for the next year. He did a yeoman job. The only problem
that had us worried was whether he would survive the tennis tourney he had entered -
none of us felt we could hack much success that week-end! What if he won the tourney?
But fortunately he was eliminated after two rounds and we were glad to have him back
on the job.
r
Space does not permit us to list all the people who generously contributed their
Fourth of July weekend to Southhold by moving furniture, selling tickets, cleaning,
serving as docents and relieving dealers and covering all of the many jobs necessary
to making the show a success.
Special mention should go to some individuals however. Jean Bognar and Beverly
Bricker who spent hours on the phone filling volunteer slots. John Oxian and Bob
DeLong who took care of the money for Southhold. Mrs. George Lambert who spent all
three days there checking people and filling in. Jan Friedan and Larry Leichtman who
handled pre-sale of tickets, Ruth Price for updating the Tippecanoe Place brochure,
Sonia Cramer and Carolyn McCarthy for organizing the docents and Janet Allen for
making signs.
Southhold will nkt a little more than $3900.00. Those of us who thought it might
be less work than the open houses were shocked to realize that instead of lugging in
enough stuff for just three or four rooms as we have done before we were filling the
entire structure. But we had fine response from Board members, members teen agers,
non-members and entire families. There were no serious problems (except it started
to pour rain on the hour of opening) . The dealers seemed happy and many wish to
return. The mansion provides a wonderful setting for their wares.
The door prize was won by Eugene W. Monroe of Muncie, Indiana. Our purpose in
having a door prize was to get a listing of who attended and where they come from.
We are trying to develop financial figures as to what tourism does to a community in
its economic life.
Its difficult to say what brings people out to an affair of this kimd. Certainly,
the collector would appear, but those of us who spent long hours observing the passing
crowds felt that a large percentage of people came to see the building. We'd notice
someone lovingly run theirl-knd over a wood railing, pat the head of the lion or simply
stand and look at a chandelier or ceiling. The building has charisma and its attraction
does not seem to lessen.
Bits of stuff...... ....
On the last day of the show the elevator broke down and the fourth level dealers
had visions of carrying their wares down the many flights of steps. One asked
Sonia Cramer how they were going to get their stuff down, she replied, "Out the
window - very carefully".
One patron was delighted to find an old picture postcard - guess what? -
Tippecanoe Place. .
To add class to the show it must be noted that not many operations can sport a
full fledged colonel policing the grounds. Our own F. Jay Nimtz even picked up some
beer bottles that really didn't come from our crowd.
One interesting couple came from Chicago where they had read of Festival 174
in the Chicago Tribune. They traveled by South Shore and were looking at all the
sights offered that day. They were impressed by the warmth of the people.
' . r,Adi.aafinele note we again express our gratitude to Mr. & Mrs. Judd Leighton
and Dr. and Mrs. 0. C. Carmichael for allowing us free use of the building. Without
their personal interest the show could not have gone on.
***STICKS AND STONES***
We are receiving more and more inquiries about craftsman. Who knows (Yf pluttâ–ºber
willing to work with older faucets, sinks, etc. and knows about replacement parts.
Often a vintage lavatory or tub is lost for want of an interested plumber.
Leaded glass is the other item difficult to fired repair. We have an immediate
emergency with some very fine windows and would like to find someone locally who can
do leaded glass work. Please get in touch with our office if you know of anyone. Call
234-3441.
Our office is now graced by the presence of Miss Marcia Fleming. She is a
student at Washington High School and comes to us courtesy the school STEP program.
She has been great help especially in typing work.
Three important books are out of our office and we would like them returned.
1. St. Joseph County Atlas
2. Nineteenth Century Indiana Homes (Peat)
3. Preservation Law, Morrison
We'll pick them up if necessary - we need therm
When we send our mailings out we notice many times that two or more mailings are
sent to the same address. Of course we would save postage if we could send only one
copy, but we have no way of telling whether this would be acceptible to each individual
member. If you are one of those people this applies to, why not call our office and
let our secretary know.
Incidentillj , we do not qualify for the low postage rate and pay 6.1 cents for
each piece we mail. Also, since it goes third class, pieces are not forwarded and
if we request they be returned it costs us 20 cents apiece. So, if you change your
address let us know.
HEY--I DIDN'T KNOW THAT1
It is our hope, as time and space permit, occasionally to be able to share with
you some of the interesting tid-bits of information that our researchers come across.
Do you recall the George Sumption house at 60413 Sumption Trail that was included
in our Heritage Trail Tour in October_ , 1971? It is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Max Bauman
who this past May received Southhold's award for their preservation efforts.
The Federalist style house, circa 1832, was built by George Sumption, the first
white person to settle southwest of the city. He made and fired his own bricks to
build the original structure. The house is about six miles from South Bend and in
earlier days could only be reached by an old Indian trail that lead southwest from
the trading post at South Bend.
On March 13, 1879, James Oliver purchased the home and its 120 acres in Greene
Township and installed his brother William Oliver and his family to operate the farm.
It was sold to Oz Rupel after James Oliver's death in 1908. The owner of many farms
in the area, James Oliver always referred to it as his "Sumption Prairie Farm".
ATTENTION:
If your newsletter contains a large "k" at the bottom of the page, it means that your
membership renewal for 1974 has not been received. Dues are $2.00 per person per year.
Please send your check to:
Southhuld Restorations, Inc.
228 W. Colfax Ave.
South Bend, Indiana 46601
MISHAWAKA DIVISION NEWS
* *
BEIGER BASEMENT SALE
* Friday, July 26
* *
* 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Also, white elephants contributed by members and
an outdoor refreshment booth will be featured.
Tours ($1.00 per person) will be conducted from
* 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Congratulations and a hearty thank you to all of our members for their support
of the June 13th Salad Bar Luncheon. The salads were plentiful, as well as beautiful!
To date, a whopping net profit of $1,245.19 has been realized. Chairman Teri Speiser
also wishes to express her appreciation to those who responded to the follow-up
reminder letter concerning the unsold tickets. A repeat performance will be scheduled
for October.
Did you know
..that Teri Speiser has been on duty at "Trameisus" since school was dismissed
in June?
..that General Chairman Mary Jo Jenkins served in this capacity from January
to June?
..that two young people employed through the Youth Employment Service have
worked daily this summer at the Beiger Mansion under Teri's direction?
..that Susie Beiger named her home "Trameisus"? It is a combination of the
names Mart (for husband Martin) and Susie spelled backward.
..that Elmer Hartwick is the "houseman" for the Beiger Heritage Corp.?
..that the services of the following persons who assisted in the office during
June and July are deeply appreciated? They are: Charlotte Mittler, Laura Harbin,
Miriam Fredricks, Winifred Needham, Betty Crofoot, Marcella Doan, Jeanette Davis,
Irene Halter, Fritzi Hartwick, Sue Kamm, Martha Kimmel, Betty Goodrick, Ann McKew,
Bill and Lucille Gering, Garth and Margaret Stroup and Mildred Todd.
..that Powell Florists contributed some fifteen flats of flowering plants
to the Beiger Mansion?
..that Helen May Doolittle, Margaret Stroup, Chuck Esperseth, Elmer Hartwick,
Harriette Steele, Jan VanCamp, plus Dean and Dennis (youth employment) either sorted,
cleaned or hauled furniture etc. in preparation for the basement sale to be held
July 26?
..that there are many unsung heroes and heroines working to save the
Beiger Mansion?
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
SEPT. 24, 1974 at 7:30
BEIGER MANSION