GSP Newsletter Summer 2011 FINAL

8/3/2019 GSP Newsletter Summer 2011 FINAL

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Summer 2011

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

From the President 2

New Board Members 3

Manager’s Update 4

Cabin Overnight 5

2011 Event Listing 8

Membership Application 7

Naturalist’s Corner 6

W h a t E x a c t l y i s a C h a u t a u q u a ?

President Theodore Roosevelt called it “the most Ameri-can thing in America.” With its passing, it’s been said,“the American middle class in the interior lost somethingvaluable.” The Chautauqua movement brought religion,politics, culture and entertainment to small towns andrural outposts across the United States from the 1870sthrough the 1920s. After the establishment of a family

bible camp on a lake in west-ern New York State in 1874,

the concept of the Chautauquawas rapidly reinterpretedaround the country. Dr. A. H.

Gillett organized Indiana’sWestern Chautauqua innorthern Noble County as a

conference for Methodist Sunday School teachers.In time, the Western Chautauqua expanded in scope

to interdenominational and secular offerings. Otherwiseknown as the Island Park Assembly, the grounds werelocated on Sylvan Lake’s Kerr Island, connected bybridge to Rome City. Unlike the so-called “tent” or

“circuit” Chautauquas of the era, the Island Park Assem-bly was a permanent fixture, boasting formal gardens,brilliant electric illumination, a hall seating 2,500, a mu-seum and classrooms where children learned about art,music, language and scripture. During the annual gather-ing, which began in late July and lasted for three weeks,visitors might hear an address by three-time Democraticpresidential candidate William Jennings Bryan. Other

speakers included temperance crusader Sam Jones andHoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley.

Though somewhat remote, IslandPark Assembly enjoyed a steady streamof visitors from across the Midwest,thanks to rail service provided by theGrand Rapids and Indiana Rail Com-pany. The railroad, which had leased thegrounds to the Western Chautauqua as-

sociation, offered special excursion ratesto Rome City and season passes to thesummer gathering. With the invention of the automobile—along with the adventof radio and the movies—the national Chautauqua move-ment began to falter.

The Big Island Assembly played a big part in Gene’slife so we continue to celebrate Chautauquas each sum-mer at GSP during Chautauqua Days in August. In addi-tion to coming to the Assembly as a teen, the Big Islandis where Gene and Charles first met. Gene was a propo-nent of life-long learning and the values represented by

the Chautauqua movement.Mark your calendar for two days of family-friendlylearning and fun, as well as a celebration of Gene’s birth-day! Chautauqua Days is Saturday and Sunday, August13 and 14, from Noon to 4 p.m. each day. Admission is$3 per person (all ages) and pontoon rides on SylvanLake will be available for an additional fee.

Gene’s Moonlit Garden Tour originally scheduled for June 11 has been moved to Sat-urday, August 27, due to a scheduling conflict with one of our main collaborators. We

hope that you’ll check your calendar and plan to join us for this beautiful event. It’s agreat excuse for a date night or just a chance to see Gene’s gardens in a different light.The Moonlit Garden Tour takes place from 8 - 10 p.m. and guests will enjoy a relaxing

stroll with luminaries guiding the way. Site staff and volunteers will be on hand to answerany questions about the gardens as you sip wine from Stoney Creek Winery of Millers-burg and enjoy Amish cheeses. Listen to live music and treat yourself to hand-dippedchocolate covered strawberries.

Due to the wine tasting, this event is limited to guests age 21 and older. Tickets are$20 per person with all proceeds benefiting the educational programs, maintenance andrestoration of the gardens and grounds at GSP. Reservations are required and can bemade by calling the Site at 260-854-3790.

M o o n l i t T o u r M o v e d t o A u g u s t

Photo by Alaina Carnahan

Photo by

Alaina Carnahan

Gene Stratton-Porter Memorial Society, Inc.

Friends in Feathers



P a g e 2

F r o m t h e P r e s i d e n t

It is now the middle of our seasonand you have a new and enlargedBoard of Directors. We had our firstmeeting of the new Board on June 2.This meeting was used to acquaintthe Board members with the Site andtalk about goals for the year. TheBoard has decided to seek some as-

sistance from a person familiar with long range andstrategic planning to facilitate our first attempt atthese processes. The Board wants to see and help theSite develop and grow utilizing a formal planningprocess.

In addition to new Board members, we are excitedto welcome a new staff member to the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site. You can read more aboutthe new Naturalist on page 6 of this issue. It has been

difficult to have enough personnel to guide all of ourschool field trip this Spring, but dedicated volunteerspitched in and made it a very pleasant experience.

We have asked the members of the board to volun-teer to be the liaison for each of the events held at theSite. As you are aware, every event held at the Site issponsored by the Society. At our board meeting we

did have at least one liaison for each event. In somecases, new board members volunteered to shadow theexperienced board members. There is no better wayto become acquainted with the activities at the Sitethan to be an integral part of the activities. It gives theboard member a chance to meet our members and ourvisitors.

As always, we are very interested in your feedback to the Society. We want to prove that we are the pre-mier Historic Site in the State of Indiana. Please helpus achieve this goal. The more effectively the Siteoperates, the more likely the Site will obtain the assis-tance needed at the State level. Everyone wants to bepart of a successful operation.

I cannot mention enough that increasing our vol-unteer base is key to being able to effectively supportthe new and larger program base. We are an expand-

ing Site and need additional volunteers to carry outour mission.

Hopefully, I will have the opportunity to meetmany of you at one of our events during the currentseason.

John J. Kessen

P l a n N o w

f o r t h e

A u t u m n T e a

Join us for an elegant step back intime at the 2011 Autumn Tea at theGene Stratton-Porter State HistoricSite on Monday, October 17. TheTea begins at 2 p.m. with Cabin andGarden tours starting at Noon. Tick-ets are $25 per person and reserva-tions are required.

In addition to guided tours of Gene’s Cabin and Gardens, you’llenjoy delectable sandwiches, cook-ies and more during this event. More

details will appear in the next issueof this newsletter, as well as on ourFacebook page and at the Site.

For reservations, please call 260-854-3790. We accept cash, check orcredit cards to hold your reservation.This is always a sell-out event sodon’t delay!

U p c o m i n g L e c t u r e S e r i e s

T o p i c s

The 2011 Third Wednesday Lec-ture Series features creatures andcameras in July and August.

On Wednesday, July 20, hearAnnie and ZachWalker, wild-life rehabilita-tors, share theirknowledge andpassion fornative herptiles- snakes, turtles, frogs and more!

If you’ve ever been curious about

those creepy crawly creatures inyour yard, this is the time to learn.How many venomous snakes callIndiana home? When is the best timeto see a tree frog?

The program is suitable for allages and begins at 6 p.m. Cost is just$3 per person (all ages).

If you’d rather take a photo of nature than be up close with it, planto attend the August 17 lecture fo-cusing on Photography.

Local professional photographerand GSP volunteer Alaina Carnahan,AceofImages.com, will share tips forgetting the most of your equipmentand how to get the best shot. Followin Gene Stratton-Porter’s footstepsand begin your own nature photogra-phy career!

Please bring your own camera

and accessories to get the most fromthis hands-on program. All ages arewelcome but anyone under 17 mustbe accompanied by a parent orguardian.

The program starts at 6 p.m. andis $3 per person.

Photo by Dave Fox



P a g e 3

Did you know that by attending any or all of theevents held at the Gene Stratton-Porter State HistoricSite, you’re doing more than learning and having fun?You’re actually helping carry on Gene’s legacy of na-ture, conservation, life-long learning and community.

All proceeds from events held at the GSP Site, as wellas any purchases made in the Gift Shop, stay at the Sitelocally and are used to fund educational programming as well as tomaintain and restore the Gardens and Grounds. You can feel good knowingthat your admission or Gift Shop purchase is helping Gene’s legacy live onfor future generations.

Thanks to your generosity, the GSP gift shop has jumped to the #2 spotfor all State Historic Site gift shops!! We hope you’re enjoying the newselection of items and will return throughout the season to see what’s new.If there are items that you’d like to see in the Gift Shop, please let us know.

Recent purchases from funds raised through events and gift shop salesinclude a trail cam for the Night Hike and other educational programs, aniPod for birding software for the bird hike and other programs and binocu-lars available to visitors through a loaner program.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

H o w Y o u r P u r c h a s e

H e l p s G S P

This spotlight shines on newvolunteers Ted and Tedra Heming-way of Fort Wayne.

Ted and Tedra are both IndianaMaster Naturalists who learnedabout volunteering at GSP throughtheir class. They also belong toACRES Land Trust and volunteerwith that group.

Tedra is a retired 4th gradeteacher who often included GeneStratton-Porter in her lessons andbrought classes to the Site. In addi-tion to volunteer work, Tedra en- joys cooking, gardening, hikingand kayaking.

Ted is retired from NorthernIndiana Fuel and Light Co. wherehe served as the Vice President of Marketing. He holds a Bachelor’sDegree from the University of Rhode Island in Resource Devel-opment (conservation and wildlifemanagement).

Ted and Tedra also volunteer atthe Allen County Public Librarythrough the Northeast Indiana Ra-dio Reading Service. In addition to

his volunteer work, Ted also en- joys hiking, kayaking, cycling andskiing.

Ted and Tedra have been work-ing in the gardens as well as volun-teering at various events. Thanksto them and all of the other won-derful GSP volunteers who helpmake this the great place it is.

If you are interested in learningmore about volunteering at theGene Stratton-Porter State Historic

Site, please contact the Site at(260) 854-3790. We have some-thing for every interest and talent!

V o l u n t e e r

S p o t l i g h t

She and her husband, Jack, havebeen volunteering at the Site forover a year. They live in Kendall-

ville. Beth is a Member at Large.Jim Gust lives in Wolcottvillewith his wife and is involved in sev-eral local organizations. He is a pastemployee and a volunteer at GSP.He has worked for DNR as a prop-erty manager, owned a printingcompany, and is currently recover-ing from hip replacement surgery.Jim is a Member at Large.

LouAnn Pillars is a teacherwith Noble County schools, special-izing in English, History and Gov-ernment. She also teaches GEDclasses and is involved with the Lit-eracy Leap (LEAP) Program.LouAnn is a Member at Large andlives in Kendallville.

The Gene Stratton-Porter Me-morial Society, Inc. recently heldit’s Annual Meeting and elected

new board members and officers.Your GSP Memorial Society offi-cers for 2011-2012 are as follows:President - John Kessen Vice President - John Bry 2nd Vice President - Kathy Dues Secretary - Carolyn LinsenmayerTreasurer - Dennis Noak.

Joining the Gene Stratton-PorterMemorial Society board are thefollowing:

Kathy Dues is manager of theKendallville Best Western and wasFacilities Director with the Buffalo,N.Y. Olmsted Parks Conservancy.She lives in Kendallville with herhusband, Terry, and their two sons.Kathy & Terry are also active in theStone's Trace Historical Society.

Beth Green is recently retiredfrom Purdue Extension service.

W e l c o m e N e w

B o a r d M e m b e r s

"In the economy of nature nothing is ever lost. I cannot believe that the

soul of man shall prove the one exception."

- Gene Stratton-Porter



P a g e 4

July marks a significant changefor the Gene Stratton-Porter StateHistoric Site and all other State His-toric Sites along with the Indiana

State Museum. Beginning July 1,2011, the Indiana State Museumand Historic Sites officially becometheir own corporation with theState.

Prior to this, the Indiana StateMuseum and Historic Sites were adivision of the Department of Natu-ral Resources. While this meant agreat working relationship withother divisions of DNR, it alsoadded an additional layer of admini-

stration.The new change, enacted by the

State Legislature, allows the StateMuseum and Historic Sites morefreedom in governance and fund-raising. The new Indiana State Mu-seum and Historic Sites corporationis a governmental body similar tothe Indiana State Fair Commission.

Previously, the Indiana StateMuseum and Historic Sites had ac-countability to DNR, the Indiana

State Museum Board of Trustees aswell as the Indiana State Museum

Foundation Board of Directors. Bybecoming a corporation, the IndianaState Museum and Historic Siteswill now answer to one combined

Board of Directors made up of members from across the state.

The Indiana State Museum andHistoric Sites will continue to re-ceive funding from the State as wellas many generous private sources.All employees will retain all exist-ing benefits, pensions, and ethicsregulations.

We are hopeful that the transi-tion will be a smooth one as manyprocedures will require only a

name change. It has been madeclear that the relationship betweeneach of the State Historic Sites andtheir respective Friends groups (theGSP Memorial Society here) willnot change and the current memo-randum of understanding (MOU)will remain with the DNR changingto ISM&HS.

We look forward to a continuedrelationship with other state depart-ments and divisions as well as new

opportunities for grants and fundingpartnerships as the new Indiana

State Museum and Historic Sitespublic corporation.

The Gene Stratton-Porter StateHistoric Site will experience other

changes as we welcome AmandaColeman as our new Naturalist.Amanda joined the GSP staff in lateJune and will be primarily responsi-ble for event programming andcommunity outreach.

We are also fortunate to haveGSP Memorial Society BoardMember John Bry representing uson the Indiana State Museum Boardas it combines from the former Indi-ana State Museum Board of Trus-

tees and the Indiana State MuseumFoundation Board of Directors.

Your continued support of theGene Stratton-Porter State HistoricSite is greatly appreciated as wemake this transition. Attendingevents, making purchases in the giftshop, joining the GSP MemorialSociety, volunteering your time andtalents or simply signing in at theburgundy kiosks when you’re hereto visit are all ways to support us

and we thank you!

M a n a g e r ’ s U p d a t eB y D a v e W . F o x

L o o k a t t h e H e a v e n l y B o d i e s O v e r G S P

Join us on Saturday, July 30, as we gaze upwardsduring the Star Gazing and Night Hike event atGSP. The event is only $3 per person and runsfrom 9 - 11 p.m.

We’ll start the event with a hike throughSower’s Woods to see what nocturnal crea-tures we can see and hear. Will you recognize

the familiar “who, who, who cooks for you”call of the Barred Owl? Maybe we’ll catch amoth feeding on tree sap or flowers. Perhapswe’ll identify some creatures with glowingeyes.

The Site Naturalist will lead this entertain-ing and education walk suitable for all ages(children under age 18 must be accompanied by anadult). Will you see moths, birds, raccoons and more?

Maybe you won’t see them, but just hear them as manycreatures of the night are very adept atremaining hidden.

Once the hike concludes, we’ll be joined by the Fort Wayne AstronomicalSociety for star gazing. Please bringyour own binoculars or telescope if you

have them.What constellations can you identify?

Do you know the stories behind the con-stellation names? Why is it more diffi-cult to see the stars some nights?

Gaze as long as you like and ask questions of the experts on hand. Reser-

vations are not required for this event. Please bring bugspray and plan for the weather.



P a g e 5

Gene Stratton-Porter had millions of readers anddevoted fans during her lifetime. Even today, thereare still hundreds of thousands of devoted fans whoyearn to know more about their favorite author, whocould transport them to anothertime and place. If you’re one of those fans, don’t miss the CabinOvernight on July 16-17.

A limited number of spots areavailable for this unique event. For$100, each guest spends the nightin Gene’s Cabin at WildflowerWoods with full access to theCabin and unprecedented access tothe author through rarely seen arti-facts and discussions. The $100 per person fee coverssnacks and a catered breakfast and all proceeds fromthis event are used at the Gene Stratton-Porter StateHistoric Site for educational programming, mainte-nance and restoration of the gardens and grounds.

The event begins at 8:30 on Saturday evening withan orientation and reception at the Carriage HouseVisitor’s Center. From there, guests will walk to theCabin and have unlimited access to explore all areas,even those normally off-limits in public tours. Peek inevery nook and cranny to see how Gene designed herhome and how her personality is reflected in mostevery room. Ask questions of the curator and other

C a b i n O v e r n i g h t O f f e r s U n i q u e

O p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r G S P F a n s

Don’t Miss This!

The Fall Volunteer Program willbe on Saturday, September 10.

Enjoy meeting other GSPVolunteers and learning more

GSP history at this event. We’lleven roast some hot dogs on theSite’s new grill near the VisitorParking Lot. You won’t want to

miss this chance to learn andenjoy with other GSP

volunteers. Following theVolunteer Program, local authorBarb Morrow will sign copies of

her Gene Stratton-Porterbiography at the Site.

Gene “experts” as you wander through the 4,000+square foot workshop.

As a special treat, the curator will show the smallgroup of guests artifacts that are rarely, if ever, dis-

played at the State Historic Site.These items will give fans evenmore insight into the amazing andcomplicated woman that was GeneStratton-Porter. Fans of Gene’s lit-erary, photography or nature work won’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

For those more adventurous,perhaps a night hike through thegardens and woods will be the per-

fect way to end the evening. All guests may find theirown sleeping spot, but please bring your own sleepingbag, air mattress or other bedding. For guests notready to call it a night, we’ll have movies based onGene’s novels available to view.

Awaken to the sunrise over Sylvan Lake, just asGene would have seen in her time here. A deliciouscatered breakfast awaits at the Carriage House andguests are then free to stroll the grounds as long asthey wish.

Reservations are required and space is limited socall the Site at 260-854-3790 today!

to sample the newly created Gin-seng candy from Plyley’s of La-Grange. This special limited-edition flavor of hard candy wascreated just for the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site to cele-brate 100 years of The Harvester .

If you would like to donate any

wild game, fish or other dish forthe Upland Wildlife Cookout,please contact the Site at 260-854-3790. Volunteers will also beneeded to prep and cook dishes forthis event.

Bring your appetite and join usaround the bonfire as we celebratethe bounty of nature!

While possum might not actu-ally be on the menu, you’re sureto find other unusual dishes at the2011 Upland Wildlife Cookout onSeptember 24 at GSP. We’ll part-ner with Pheasants Forever,Ducks Unlimited and other hunt-ing and conservation groups to

serve up some great food.For a $5 suggested donation,

you can sample rabbit, pheasant,quail, bison, bluegill and more.There might even be some extraspecial treats like toasted meal-worms or fried crickets!

Since 2011 is the 100th Anni-versary of The Harvester , be sure

P l e a s e P a s s t h e P o s s u m

Photo by Dave Fox



P a g e 6

N a t u r a l i s t ’ s C o r n e r —

W e l c o m e A m a n d a !

The Naturalist’s Corner is typi-cally where you would find an articlewritten by the GSP Naturalist. Thisspecial edition welcomes

new GSP NaturalistAmanda Coleman!

Amanda Coleman joined the GSP staff inlate June. She brings awealth of knowledge,experience and enthusi-asm and you’ll see all of those in action. Amandahas been with Indiana State Parks andReservoirs for over five years, servingas a Seasonal Naturalist, Stewardship

Section Assistant, and most recently aNatural Resources Technician.Amanda graduated from Millikin

University in Illinois with a B.S. inbiology and an emphasis in ornithol-ogy and environmental education.While at Millikin, she had the oppor-tunity to go to Ecuador and the Gala-pagos Islands twice, participated in a

government funded bird study, andcreate an environmental educationprogram that in one semester served

250 children.

As GSP Naturalist,Amanda will be responsiblefor programming at specialevents, conducting outreachin the community, surveyingthe wildlife and plants at GSPand other projects. She’ll alsohelp lead interpretive tours of the Cabin and Gardens as

well as lending a hand for schooltours.

Amanda is recently engaged to

Kyle Goff, an Indiana ConservationOfficer. They have two dogs, Tuckerand Deacon. Both are nature loverswho enjoy kayak trips, fishing, hikingand hunting. GSP is fortunate to haveAmanda and Kyle as such valuableresources.

Please welcome Amanda at yourearliest opportunity.

We’re pleased and excited to announce that youcan now shop the Gene Stratton-Porter Gift Shopfrom the comfort of your home! Visitwww.genestratton-porter.com to browse our selec-tion of books, DVDs, books on tape and other giftitems. We’re adding new items often and wouldlove to hear what you’d like to see available.

Remember that all gift shop proceeds remain atthe GSP Site and are used for educational program-ming and maintenance and restoration of the gar-dens and grounds so your purchase helps!

If you’re at the Site, be sure to stop in and seewhat’s new - like our special Ginseng candy inhonor of the 100th Anniversary of The Harvester .This unique flavor is available for a limited time sodon’t miss out on the celebration of nature!

Don’t forget that GSP Memorial Society mem-bers save 10% on everything in the GSP Gift Shop(on Site only).

G i f t S h o p

S h o w c a s e

T h a n k s t o O u r

S u p p o r t e r s

SERV-ALL Thanks to SERV-ALL of Noble County for their compli-mentary trash pick-up. You can imagine how much trash isgenerated during peak visitation and we’re grateful toSERV-ALL for helping us keep costs a little lower.

NATURE UNLIMITED Dave Yoder of Nature Unlimited in Topekadonates bird seed and suet to keep the feath-ered residents of GSP well-fed. You can visitNature Unlimited at 219 Nature Trail inTopeka for his selection of feeders, houses,

seed, suet and more.FORT WAYNEHOME & GARDEN SHOW

The Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show, pro-duced by Fort Wayne Shows, Inc., graciously provided abooth at no charge for the GSP Memorial Society. Please join us next year at the 39th Annual Fort Wayne Home &Garden Show - March 1-4 at the Allen County MemorialColiseum. www.home-gardenshow.com

Celebrating the 100th Celebrating the 100th Celebrating the 100th Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Gene Anniversary of Gene Anniversary of Gene Anniversary of Gene

Stratton Stratton Stratton Stratton- -- -Porter’s “ Porter’s “ Porter’s “ Porter’s “ The Harvester”,The Harvester”,The Harvester”,The Harvester”,

originally published originally published originally published originally published in 1911.in 1911.in 1911.in 1911.

Gene’s inscription of the novel is as follows:

This portion of the life of a man to-day is offered in the hope

that in cleanliness, poetic temperament,and mental force,

a likeness will be seen to

Henry David Thoreau.



Not a GSP Memorial Society member yet? Join today!Complete and return this form.

___________________________________________________________Name

___________________________________________________________Business or Non-Profit Organization (if applicable)

___________________________________________________________Street Address

___________________________________________________________City State Zip Phone Number

___________________________________________________________

E-mail Address

Gene Stratton-Porter Memorial Society, Inc. Membership Application

Single $10.00

Family $15.00

Sustaining $20.00

Non-Profit Org. $25.00

Business $25.00

Life (40 years or older)

Single $100.00

Family $150.00

Please make your check

payable to:

Gene Stratton-Porter MemorialSociety, Inc. and mail, along

with this form, to

GSP Memorial Society,

1205 Pleasant Point,

Rome City, Indiana 46784

Your GSP Memorial Society membership includes 3 newsletterseach year, invitations to special events and a 10% discount in the

GSP gift shop. Your membership dues support educationalprograms, special events and help continue Gene’s legacy!

Name

Address

Phone

GSP Bluebird Trail Sponsorship Form

I would like to support the GSP Bluebird Trail atthe following level:

Fledgling - $25 (single box)

Flock - $250 (12 boxes)

All contributions are made to the Gene Stratton-

Porter Memorial Society, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit

group and are tax deductible.

Please mail or bring this completed form to:Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site, 1205 Pleasant Point, Rome City, Indiana 46784*All checks should be made payable to: Gene Stratton-Porter Memorial Society, Inc.*Please write “Bluebird Trail” in the memo line of your check.For more information, please call 260-854-3790 or e-mail [email protected]

Gene Stratton-Porter wrote to the Governor in 1923 urging him to make her 125 acres on Sylvan Lake a State-runbird, butterfly and botany sanctuary. Now, nearly 100 years later her vision is being realized.

A stroll through her gardens and paths allows you to see first-hand the work of countless gardening hours. Manyof Gene’s original plant species thrive today. Those plants attract and feed countless butterflies and moths. Whilework in those areas continues, Gene’s birds need your help too.

Please consider sponsoring a box on the GSP Bluebird Trail. These nesting boxes will provide safe shelter for oneof Indiana’s favorite songbirds, the Eastern Bluebird...becoming less and less common due to habitat destruction andother perils of modern life.

Your support can make a difference - for the birds and for Gene’s legacy!**Special Thanks to Pam Kruse for her Support of the GSP Bluebird Trail**



Documents

GSP Newsletter Summer 2011 FINAL