Summer 2011

Friends in Feathers
Gene Stratton-Porter Memorial Society, Inc.
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 American thing in America. With its passing, its been said, the American middle class in the interior lost something valuable. The Chautauqua movement brought religion, politics, culture and entertainment to small towns and rural outposts across the United States from the 1870s through the 1920s. After the establishment of a family bible camp on a lake in western New York State in 1874, the concept of the Chautauqua was rapidly reinterpreted around the country. Dr. A. H. Gillett organized Indianas Western Chautauqua in Photo by Alaina Carnahan northern Noble County as a conference for Methodist Sunday School teachers. In time, the Western Chautauqua expanded in scope to interdenominational and secular offerings. Otherwise known as the Island Park Assembly, the grounds were located on Sylvan Lakes Kerr Island, connected by bridge to Rome City. Unlike the so-called tent or circuit Chautauquas of the era, the Island Park Assembly was a permanent fixture, boasting formal gardens, brilliant electric illumination, a hall seating 2,500, a museum and classrooms where children learned about art, music, language and scripture. During the annual gathering, which began in late July and lasted for three weeks, visitors might hear an address by three-time Democratic presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan. Other
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speakers included temperance crusader Sam Jones and Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley. Though somewhat remote, Island Park Assembly enjoyed a steady stream of visitors from across the Midwest, thanks to rail service provided by the Grand Rapids and Indiana Rail Company. The railroad, which had leased the grounds to the Western Chautauqua association, offered special excursion rates to Rome City and season passes to the Photo by summer gathering. With the invention of Alaina Carnahan the automobilealong with the advent of radio and the moviesthe national Chautauqua movement began to falter. The Big Island Assembly played a big part in Genes life so we continue to celebrate Chautauquas each summer at GSP during Chautauqua Days in August. In addition to coming to the Assembly as a teen, the Big Island is where Gene and Charles first met. Gene was a proponent of life-long learning and the values represented by the Chautauqua movement. Mark your calendar for two days of family-friendly learning and fun, as well as a celebration of Genes birthday! Chautauqua Days is Saturday and Sunday, August 13 and 14, from Noon to 4 p.m. each day. Admission is $3 per person (all ages) and pontoon rides on Sylvan Lake will be available for an additional fee.

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From the President New Board Members Managers Update Cabin Overnight Naturalists Corner Membership Application 2011 Event Listing

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Genes Moonlit Garden Tour originally scheduled for June 11 has been moved to Saturday, August 27, due to a scheduling conflict with one of our main collaborators. We hope that youll check your calendar and plan to join us for this beautiful event. Its a great excuse for a date night or just a chance to see Genes 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 answer any questions about the gardens as you sip wine from Stoney Creek Winery of Millersburg and enjoy Amish cheeses. Listen to live music and treat yourself to hand-dipped chocolate 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 and restoration of the gardens and grounds at GSP. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Site at 260-854-3790.

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did have at least one liaison for each event. In some cases, new board members volunteered to shadow the experienced board members. There is no better way to become acquainted with the activities at the Site than to be an integral part of the activities. It gives the board member a chance to meet our members and our visitors. As always, we are very interested in your feedback to the Society. We want to prove that we are the premier Historic Site in the State of Indiana. Please help us achieve this goal. The more effectively the Site operates, the more likely the Site will obtain the assistance needed at the State level. Everyone wants to be part of a successful operation. I cannot mention enough that increasing our volunteer base is key to being able to effectively support the new and larger program base. We are an expanding Site and need additional volunteers to carry out our mission. Hopefully, I will have the opportunity to meet many of you at one of our events during the current season. John J. Kessen

It is now the middle of our season and you have a new and enlarged Board of Directors. We had our first meeting of the new Board on June 2. This meeting was used to acquaint the Board members with the Site and talk about goals for the year. The Board has decided to seek some assistance from a person familiar with long range and strategic planning to facilitate our first attempt at these processes. The Board wants to see and help the Site develop and grow utilizing a formal planning process. In addition to new Board members, we are excited to welcome a new staff member to the Gene StrattonPorter State Historic Site. You can read more about the new Naturalist on page 6 of this issue. It has been difficult to have enough personnel to guide all of our school field trip this Spring, but dedicated volunteers pitched in and made it a very pleasant experience. We have asked the members of the board to volunteer to be the liaison for each of the events held at the Site. As you are aware, every event held at the Site is sponsored by the Society. At our board meeting we

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 in time at the 2011 Autumn Tea at the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site on Monday, October 17. The Tea begins at 2 p.m. with Cabin and Garden tours starting at Noon. Tickets are $25 per person and reservations are required. In addition to guided tours of Genes Cabin and Gardens, youll enjoy delectable sandwiches, cookies and more during this event. More details will appear in the next issue of this newsletter, as well as on our Facebook page and at the Site. For reservations, please call 260854-3790. We accept cash, check or credit cards to hold your reservation. This is always a sell-out event so dont delay!

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The 2011 Third Wednesday Lecture Series features creatures and cameras in July and August. On Wednesday, July 20, hear Annie and Zach Walker, wildlife rehabilitators, share their knowledge and passion for native herptiles Photo by Dave Fox - snakes, turtles, frogs and more! If youve ever been curious about those creepy crawly creatures in your yard, this is the time to learn. How many venomous snakes call Indiana home? When is the best time to see a tree frog? The program is suitable for all ages and begins at 6 p.m. Cost is just $3 per person (all ages).

If youd rather take a photo of nature than be up close with it, plan to attend the August 17 lecture focusing on Photography. Local professional photographer and GSP volunteer Alaina Carnahan, AceofImages.com, will share tips for getting the most of your equipment and how to get the best shot. Follow in Gene Stratton-Porters footsteps and begin your own nature photography career! Please bring your own camera and accessories to get the most from this hands-on program. All ages are welcome but anyone under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The program starts at 6 p.m. and is $3 per person.

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W e l c o m e N e w B o a r d M e m b e r s
The Gene Stratton-Porter Memorial Society, Inc. recently held its Annual Meeting and elected new board members and officers. Your GSP Memorial Society officers for 2011-2012 are as follows: President - John Kessen Vice President - John Bry 2nd Vice President - Kathy Dues Secretary - Carolyn Linsenmayer Treasurer - Dennis Noak. Joining the Gene Stratton-Porter Memorial Society board are the following: Kathy Dues is manager of the Kendallville Best Western and was Facilities Director with the Buffalo, N.Y. Olmsted Parks Conservancy. She lives in Kendallville with her husband, Terry, and their two sons. Kathy & Terry are also active in the Stone's Trace Historical Society. Beth Green is recently retired from Purdue Extension service. She and her husband, Jack, have been volunteering at the Site for over a year. They live in Kendallville. Beth is a Member at Large. Jim Gust lives in Wolcottville with his wife and is involved in several local organizations. He is a past employee and a volunteer at GSP. He has worked for DNR as a property manager, owned a printing company, and is currently recovering from hip replacement surgery. Jim is a Member at Large. LouAnn Pillars is a teacher with Noble County schools, specializing in English, History and Government. She also teaches GED classes and is involved with the Literacy Leap (LEAP) Program. LouAnn is a Member at Large and lives in Kendallville.

V o l u n t e e r S p o t l i g h t
This spotlight shines on new volunteers Ted and Tedra Hemingway of Fort Wayne. Ted and Tedra are both Indiana Master Naturalists who learned about volunteering at GSP through their class. They also belong to ACRES Land Trust and volunteer with that group. Tedra is a retired 4th grade teacher who often included Gene Stratton-Porter in her lessons and brought classes to the Site. In addition to volunteer work, Tedra enjoys cooking, gardening, hiking and kayaking. Ted is retired from Northern Indiana Fuel and Light Co. where he served as the Vice President of Marketing. He holds a Bachelors Degree from the University of Rhode Island in Resource Development (conservation and wildlife management). Ted and Tedra also volunteer at the Allen County Public Library through the Northeast Indiana Radio Reading Service. In addition to his volunteer work, Ted also enjoys hiking, kayaking, cycling and skiing. Ted and Tedra have been working in the gardens as well as volunteering at various events. Thanks to them and all of the other wonderful GSP volunteers who help make this the great place it is. If you are interested in learning more about volunteering at the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site, please contact the Site at (260) 854-3790. We have something for every interest and talent!
"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

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Did you know that by attending any or all of the events held at the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site, youre doing more than learning and having fun? Youre actually helping carry on Genes legacy of nature, conservation, life-long learning and community. All proceeds from events held at the GSP Site, as well as any purchases made in the Gift Shop, stay at the Site locally and are used to fund educational programming as well as to maintain and restore the Gardens and Grounds. You can feel good knowing that your admission or Gift Shop purchase is helping Genes legacy live on for future generations. Thanks to your generosity, the GSP gift shop has jumped to the #2 spot for all State Historic Site gift shops!! We hope youre enjoying the new selection of items and will return throughout the season to see whats new. If there are items that youd like to see in the Gift Shop, please let us know. Recent purchases from funds raised through events and gift shop sales include a trail cam for the Night Hike and other educational programs, an iPod for birding software for the bird hike and other programs and binoculars available to visitors through a loaner program. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

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July marks a significant change for the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site and all other State Historic Sites along with the Indiana State Museum. Beginning July 1, 2011, the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites officially become their own corporation with the State. Prior to this, the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites were a division of the Department of Natural Resources. While this meant a great working relationship with other divisions of DNR, it also added an additional layer of administration. The new change, enacted by the State Legislature, allows the State Museum and Historic Sites more freedom in governance and fundraising. The new Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites corporation is a governmental body similar to the Indiana State Fair Commission. Previously, the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites had accountability to DNR, the Indiana State Museum Board of Trustees as well as the Indiana State Museum

Foundation Board of Directors. By becoming a corporation, the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites will now answer to one combined Board of Directors made up of members from across the state. The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites will continue to receive funding from the State as well as many generous private sources. All employees will retain all existing benefits, pensions, and ethics regulations. We are hopeful that the transition will be a smooth one as many procedures will require only a name change. It has been made clear that the relationship between each of the State Historic Sites and their respective Friends groups (the GSP Memorial Society here) will not change and the current memorandum of understanding (MOU) will remain with the DNR changing to ISM&HS. We look forward to a continued relationship with other state departments and divisions as well as new opportunities for grants and funding partnerships as the new Indiana

State Museum and Historic Sites public corporation. The Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site will experience other changes as we welcome Amanda Coleman as our new Naturalist. Amanda joined the GSP staff in late June and will be primarily responsible for event programming and community outreach. We are also fortunate to have GSP Memorial Society Board Member John Bry representing us on the Indiana State Museum Board as it combines from the former Indiana State Museum Board of Trustees and the Indiana State Museum Foundation Board of Directors. Your continued support of the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site is greatly appreciated as we make this transition. Attending events, making purchases in the gift shop, joining the GSP Memorial Society, volunteering your time and talents or simply signing in at the burgundy kiosks when youre here to visit are all ways to support us and we thank you!

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Join us on Saturday, July 30, as we gaze upwards during the Star Gazing and Night Hike event at GSP. The event is only $3 per person and runs from 9 - 11 p.m. Well start the event with a hike through Sowers Woods to see what nocturnal creatures we can see and hear. Will you recognize the familiar who, who, who cooks for you call of the Barred Owl? Maybe well catch a moth feeding on tree sap or flowers. Perhaps well identify some creatures with glowing eyes. The Site Naturalist will lead this entertaining and education walk suitable for all ages (children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Will you see moths, birds, raccoons and more?

Maybe you wont see them, but just hear them as many creatures of the night are very adept at remaining hidden. Once the hike concludes, well be joined by the Fort Wayne Astronomical Society for star gazing. Please bring your own binoculars or telescope if you have them. What constellations can you identify? Do you know the stories behind the constellation names? Why is it more difficult to see the stars some nights? Gaze as long as you like and ask questions of the experts on hand. Reservations are not required for this event. Please bring bug spray and plan for the weather.

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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
Gene Stratton-Porter had millions of readers and Gene experts as you wander through the 4,000+ devoted fans during her lifetime. Even today, there square foot workshop. are still hundreds of thousands of devoted fans who As a special treat, the curator will show the small yearn to know more about their favorite author, who group of guests artifacts that are rarely, if ever, discould transport them to another played at the State Historic Site. time and place. If youre one of These items will give fans even those fans, dont miss the Cabin more insight into the amazing and Overnight on July 16-17. complicated woman that was Gene A limited number of spots are Stratton-Porter. Fans of Genes litavailable for this unique event. For erary, photography or nature work $100, each guest spends the night wont want to miss this once-in-ain Genes Cabin at Wildflower lifetime opportunity. Woods with full access to the For those more adventurous, Cabin and unprecedented access to perhaps a night hike through the Photo by Dave Fox the author through rarely seen artigardens and woods will be the perfacts and discussions. The $100 per person fee covers fect way to end the evening. All guests may find their snacks and a catered breakfast and all proceeds from own sleeping spot, but please bring your own sleeping this event are used at the Gene Stratton-Porter State bag, air mattress or other bedding. For guests not Historic Site for educational programming, mainteready to call it a night, well have movies based on nance and restoration of the gardens and grounds. Genes novels available to view. The event begins at 8:30 on Saturday evening with Awaken to the sunrise over Sylvan Lake, just as an orientation and reception at the Carriage House Gene would have seen in her time here. A delicious Visitors Center. From there, guests will walk to the catered breakfast awaits at the Carriage House and Cabin and have unlimited access to explore all areas, guests are then free to stroll the grounds as long as even those normally off-limits in public tours. Peek in they wish. every nook and cranny to see how Gene designed her Reservations are required and space is limited so home and how her personality is reflected in most call the Site at 260-854-3790 today! every room. Ask questions of the curator and other

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Dont Miss This!

The Fall Volunteer Program will be on Saturday, September 10. Enjoy meeting other GSP Volunteers and learning more GSP history at this event. Well even roast some hot dogs on the Sites new grill near the Visitor Parking Lot. You wont want to miss this chance to learn and enjoy with other GSP volunteers. Following the Volunteer Program, local author Barb Morrow will sign copies of her Gene Stratton-Porter biography at the Site.

While possum might not actually be on the menu, youre sure to find other unusual dishes at the 2011 Upland Wildlife Cookout on September 24 at GSP. Well partner with Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited and other hunting 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 extra special treats like toasted mealworms or fried crickets! Since 2011 is the 100th Anniversary of The Harvester, be sure

to sample the newly created Ginseng candy from Plyleys of LaGrange. This special limitededition flavor of hard candy was created just for the Gene StrattonPorter State Historic Site to celebrate 100 years of The Harvester. If you would like to donate any wild game, fish or other dish for the Upland Wildlife Cookout, please contact the Site at 260-8543790. Volunteers will also be needed to prep and cook dishes for this event. Bring your appetite and join us around the bonfire as we celebrate the bounty of nature!

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The Naturalists Corner is typically where you would find an article written by the GSP Naturalist. This special edition welcomes new GSP Naturalist Amanda Coleman! Amanda Coleman joined the GSP staff in late June. She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm and youll see all of those in action. Amanda has been with Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs for over five years, serving as a Seasonal Naturalist, Stewardship Section Assistant, and most recently a Natural Resources Technician. Amanda graduated from Millikin University in Illinois with a B.S. in biology and an emphasis in ornithology and environmental education. While at Millikin, she had the opportunity to go to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands twice, participated in a government funded bird study, and create an environmental education program that in one semester served 250 children. As GSP Naturalist, Amanda will be responsible for programming at special events, conducting outreach in the community, surveying the wildlife and plants at GSP and other projects. Shell also help lead interpretive tours of the Cabin and Gardens as well as lending a hand for school tours. Amanda is recently engaged to Kyle Goff, an Indiana Conservation Officer. They have two dogs, Tucker and Deacon. Both are nature lovers who enjoy kayak trips, fishing, hiking and hunting. GSP is fortunate to have Amanda and Kyle as such valuable resources. Please welcome Amanda at your earliest opportunity.

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Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Gene StrattonStratton-Porters The Harvester, originally published in 1911.
Genes 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.

G i f t S h o p S h o w c a s e
Were pleased and excited to announce that you can now shop the Gene Stratton-Porter Gift Shop from the comfort of your home! Visit www.genestratton-porter.com to browse our selection of books, DVDs, books on tape and other gift items. Were adding new items often and would love to hear what youd like to see available. Remember that all gift shop proceeds remain at the GSP Site and are used for educational programming and maintenance and restoration of the gardens and grounds so your purchase helps! If youre at the Site, be sure to stop in and see whats new - like our special Ginseng candy in honor of the 100th Anniversary of The Harvester. This unique flavor is available for a limited time so dont miss out on the celebration of nature! Dont forget that GSP Memorial Society members save 10% on everything in the GSP Gift Shop (on Site only).

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 complimentary trash pick-up. You can imagine how much trash is generated during peak visitation and were grateful to SERV-ALL for helping us keep costs a little lower. NATURE UNLIMITED Dave Yoder of Nature Unlimited in Topeka donates bird seed and suet to keep the feathered residents of GSP well-fed. You can visit Nature Unlimited at 219 Nature Trail in Topeka for his selection of feeders, houses, seed, suet and more. FORT WAYNE HOME & GARDEN SHOW The Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show, produced by Fort Wayne Shows, Inc., graciously provided a booth 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 Memorial Coliseum. www.home-gardenshow.com

Not a GSP Memorial Society member yet? Join today!

Complete and return this form.

Gene Stratton-Porter Memorial Society, Inc. Membership Application

Single Family Sustaining Non-Profit Org. Business Single Family $10.00 $15.00 $20.00 $25.00 $25.00 $100.00 ___________________________________________________________ Street Address ___________________________________________________________ Name ___________________________________________________________ Business or Non-Profit Organization (if applicable)

Life (40 years or older)

$150.00 ___________________________________________________________ City State Zip Phone Number Please make your check payable to: ___________________________________________________________ Gene Stratton-Porter Memorial E-mail Address Society, Inc. and mail, along with this form, to Your GSP Memorial Society membership includes 3 newsletters GSP Memorial Society, each year, invitations to special events and a 10% discount in the 1205 Pleasant Point, GSP gift shop. Your membership dues support educational Rome City, Indiana 46784 programs, special events and help continue Genes legacy! GSP Bluebird Trail Sponsorship Form
Gene Stratton-Porter wrote to the Governor in 1923 urging him to make her 125 acres on Sylvan Lake a State-run bird, 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. Many of Genes original plant species thrive today. Those plants attract and feed countless butterflies and moths. While work in those areas continues, Genes birds need your help too. Please consider sponsoring a box on the GSP Bluebird Trail. These nesting boxes will provide safe shelter for one of Indianas favorite songbirds, the Eastern Bluebird...becoming less and less common due to habitat destruction and other perils of modern life. Your support can make a difference - for the birds and for Genes legacy! **Special Thanks to Pam Kruse for her Support of the GSP Bluebird Trail**
I would like to support the GSP Bluebird Trail at the following level: Fledgling - $25 (single box) Flock - $250 (12 boxes)
Name Address

All contributions are made to the Gene StrattonPorter Memorial Society, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit group and are tax deductible.

Phone

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 genestrattonportershs@dnr.in.gov

2011 Events

Wildflower Walk & Brunch Saturday, May 7, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., $20 Wildflower Woods Bird Hike Saturday, May 14, 2 - 5 p.m., $3 Third Wednesday Lecture Series: Birdscaping Wednesday, June 15, 6 - 8 p.m., $3 Gene Stratton-Porter Cabin Overnight Saturday - Sunday, July 16 -17, 8:30 p.m. - 8:30 a.m., $100 Third Wednesday Lecture Series: Herpetology Wednesday, July 20, 6 - 8 p.m., $3 Star Gazing & Night Hike Saturday, July 30, 9 - 11 p.m., $3 Chautauqua Days Saturday & Sunday, Aug 13 & 14, Noon - 4 p.m., $3 Third Wednesday Lecture Series: Photography Wednesday, August 17, 6 - 8 p.m., $3 Genes Moonlit Garden Tour Saturday, August 27, 8 - 10 p.m., $20 Third Wednesday Lecture Series: Entomology Wednesday, September 21, 6 - 8 p.m., $3 Upland Wildlife Cookout Saturday, September 24, 6 - 9 p.m., $5 suggested donation Birding by Kayak Saturday, October 1, 8 - 11 a.m., $3 Owl-oween Friday & Saturday, October 14 & 15, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., $3 Gene Stratton-Porter Autumn Tea Monday, October 17, Noon - 4 p.m., $25 A Dream of Beauty Holiday Walk Saturday, November 19, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., $3

G E N E S T R A T T O N - P O R T E R M E M O R I A L S O C I E T Y , I N C .

1205 Pleasant Point Rome City, IN 46784 (260) 854-3790

For more information on events, please call 260-854-3790

VISIT SOON!