Historic Hoosier Hills RC&D
JPG Heritage Partnership
May 15, 2007
The Jefferson Proving Ground Heritage
Partnership met at the Jefferson Proving Grounds in Madison, IN, at 7:00 p.m. Norma Lou Irwin, President, called the meeting to order. In April, the group joined the annual HHH meeting, but did not have a formal meeting. At this May meeting, the minutes of the March meeting were amended to state, “Minutes of the (April)
February meeting …” Carl Busch made a motion to approve the amended
minutes; Marilyn Browning seconded the motion. Motion carried. No financial report was available for review.
Ken Knouf announced completion of
a database of all property transactions when the government came in to take land for the Proving Grounds. This database shows location of the parcel are on the maps we have, how much the owners were paid, legal
description, and county the parcel was in. There are no known records listing
people who rented land or lived on the land and had to move and relocate. The
database shows Evertt Shonk was paid the highest amount of $53,000 for 500 acres of land.
The second highest amount of $23,000 was paid to Charlie Jones who had many buildings, Herefords, and lots of chickens. After these, the amounts fall precipitously.
Copies of this database will be given to the Jefferson County Historical Society, library, and other worthy organizations.
Ken said things are picking up as
far as people coming to visit. Gloria-June Greiff, a consulting historian, is
doing research on the original Michigan Road. She claims much of the original road is within the confines of the fence on the eastern
perimeter. Pam Zehren and Connie Frazier are conducting a class in the Oakdale School. Forrest Fry wants to go to Benville. Walt
Jolly is coming to look at Old Timbers. Lori, Sam, and Jerry Hunter took
a tour of home sites and saw a bald eagle at Old Timbers.
The website had a record high in
April of 58 visits per day. Ron Harsin said visits to mid-May were 55 per day. One reason for increased activity may be the sale by FEMA of 4000 trailers for a couple
thousand dollars each. FEMA will be out of JPG by May or June. Another reason may be the focus of Ball State on teaching local American history. Ron
Grimes emphasized the importance of links to websites of the historical society and library.
Mike Moore is looking at everything on
the web about JPG. He found about 1000 pages.
One discovery was a 30-page interview of Mary Ellen Munier with an IU history professor. The interview was about the historical society, the Cornerstone Society, Pearl Park and Pearl Packing, when Mary Ellen
grew up, and her grandparents.
Mike is exploring the possibility
of reprinting the book, “Echoes of Jefferson Proving Ground” by Sue Baker.
This book is hard to find. Sue is willing to have the reprint and wants
royalties. The plan is to make a hard cover book with a dust jacket. The book
sold for $14.95 in 1991. Xerox copies of poor quality sold for $21.00 a couple
years ago. Mike obtained the original form used to print the book from Sue, but
found this form (40 pages of negatives 4 feet x 4 feet) is not suitable for technology today.
A copy of the book could be taken apart and each page scanned. It cost
$1800 to take the Old Timbers book apart and scan the pages. Photos are
a bigger issue; digitals from original photos are needed. Opal Wildman and her
sister Geneva Meyer probably have original photos. The Jennings County Historical
Society also may have original photos. Some poems might be added: “Away from my homestead” by Florence Ferguson Seaman, “I cried yesterday” by Louise
Roscoe, and “Proving Ground”, author unknown. We will see what photos
are available before we make a decision.
Ken and his team will inventory all books
available for sale and report at our June meeting. Then we will decide how many
books to reorder.
Work on the new oral history book continues. Sections are being put into final form. One interesting addition is from Vernon Shepherd
including pictures of his house and copies of all correspondence about what it took to have the government take over a property. The committee encouraged suggestions for the book title. The generic title is Jefferson Proving Grounds; perhaps an alliteration starting with “H” to
include words Heartbreak, Hazards, History, Hope, Hoosier Landscape… The
theme of the book is the amazing process of how this place came to be, how it impacted people here, and how it continues to
impact the area.
Ron Grimes from the Heritage Center discussed plans for the new
west gallery for JPG and the people stories of how a whole community had to be relocated.
The Board approved going ahead with plans as long as it does not cost money.
Ron proposed a permanent exhibit with two islands, one section in 2D with maps, drawings, and photographs and the another
in 3D with a mural of Louis Munier’s house, landscaping showing shells and signs, and chain link fence in front. Ron is looking for financial help (estimated at about $2500) and volunteers. Ron Harsin suggested applying for a grant from the Community Foundation. Bob Irwin made a motion, “We’ll back ‘em.”
We will provide financial support and labor and we will work together to gather materials to create an exhibit that
emphasizes the people stories. Ron Harsin seconded the motion. The motion passed with enthusiasm.
Mike is working with Jim Quarter to place
an historical marker at the main entrance to JPG. The process requires drafting
text of 300 words for each side of the sign, getting approval, and paying the state $1700.
Mike distributed two versions of text for comments and suggestions. He
will also apply for a grant.
Last month at the annual HHH meeting
on April 19, in Batesville, IN,
an award for Outstanding Project was presented to JPGHP. Terry Stephenson presented
a wonderful slide presentation supporting the award. The group was commended
for persistent efforts and impressive accomplishments.
Meeting adjourned about 8:00 p.m. Next meeting is Tuesday, June 19, 2007,
at the Jennings County Library in North Vernon.
Respectfully submitted by
Millie Busch, Secretary
