The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 20, Milford, Kosciusko County, 1 July 1987 — Page 36

THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., July 1,1987

First train arrived in Syracuse in Oct. 1874

By JACK ELAM “Kouffman, ven does de locust come in? I vant to yump on de calaboose unt go down to ye

Michael B. Tallon Certified Public Accouritant 457-4226 103 Pickwick Place Syracuse, IN 46567 IMMM-H J M " M QVe /tc Suppo/iting QJou, Sy/taouse Cong/tafatotonsf Dr. Wendel R. Shank Optometrist Inc. 406 South Huntington — SYRACUSE 457-4476

I F' «■ ’ *■ ~ I 11 ■ j | Hub Wilkinson Bob Stiffler t SYRACUSE AUTOMOTIVE Route 13 South

yumption.” These words were spoken by Peter Searfoss to Joseph Kauffman back in the 1870 s. Peter Searfoos (the connecting link of £ill the Searfoss’s

FREQUENT SIGHT — A B & O Capital Limited passenger train travels through Syracuse on one of its first runs. Passenger cars were a frequent sight throughout the community in the early and mid-1900s, taking the place of the freight trains now seen in the area. The first trains stopped in Syracuse in October 1874, with many more to follow.

in Syracuse today) was inquiring of Kauffman, what time the “local” would arrive, as he wanted to ride the caboose to the (Milford) junction. Many natives of Syracuse relate stories of ancestors who "hired out” with horses and wagons to haul fill dirt to build the road bed through the marshlands. While others cut and sold cross ties to support the shiny new rails of the B & 0 as it advanced its way from the east through Syracuse. It was a great day back in October of 1874, when the first trains began stopping in Syracuse. Pulled by a belching, coughing steam engine, the wooden passenger cars were far from comfortable, the seats were hard and the coaches were furnished with a coal stove for heat in the winter. During the summer months open windows provided the air

Club started in

The Turkey Creek Conservation Club was started in the early 19405. Atthat time it was for men only and the monthly meetings were primarily social events, with little conservation work being done. In the mid-to late-19405, both men and women met monthly. This was a big social event, which included bingo, cards, movies, and square dancing for the kids. The club house was full each meeting night and during that time a stage and kitchen was added. Womens’ groups would also use the building for various meetings, which helped keep the building clean and in good condition. Although most of the activities

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conditioning, topped off with coal smoke and cinders from the engine. Bad as it was, the railroad was a definite advancement of travel and shipping that surpassed the ruts and quagmires of the wagon roads of the area. Besides the shipping and receiving of commerce, the B & O provided joy and sadness for the 'nttle community. Many happy “hellos” and sad “goodbyes” were exchanged on the platform. Young men of the community mounted the coaches and waved goodbye to wives and sweethearts when their country called. Some came home riding in the baggaged car, they had given their all at places like Gettysburg and Andersonville. Today a freight train, pulled by a diesel engine, will occasionally stop in Syracuse, the passenger train has long since become a

at that time were social, the club did stock some pheasants and helped purchase a two-way radio for one of the local conservation officers. During the mid-19505, interest Jn the meetings began to dwindle as television started to provide entertainment for area families. The club became semi-dormant through the 19605. In the 19705, interest in the club garnered steam as local residents became concerned with the protection of wetlands on Lake Wawasee. The club became a watchdog of activities on the lake to protect wetlands from being destroyed and conducted trash clean-ups around the lake. By the 1980 s many of the wetlands were saved and interest

remembrance. The whistle of the old steam locomotives served as an alarm clock for many, running-' 1 on a very punctual schedule, while the noon train whistle would signal the in the field that it was time to eat. Today one can stand on the platform in front of the depot, with its boarded up windows serving evidence of the many happenings of the past. If you listen very closely you may hear the “tap -tap tap -tap” of the telegraph key. As we look down the tracks, we seem to hear the long low whine of a whistle, out about the county line. On the other side of the depot a team drives up and we hear a voice ask in a Pennsylvania Dutch accent, "Kouffman, ven does de locust come in? I vant to yump on de calaboose und go down to de yumption.”

1940's

turned to other areas of conservation. Over 8,000 walleye fingerlings have been stocked in Lake Wawasee in recent years. The club members have also erected wood duck nest boxes around Lake Wawasee and parts of Lake Webster, which they check annually. Other activities include: National Hunting and Fishing Day, open houses, hunter safety programs, bluebird nest box building, bird feeder building, and wildlife shrub and tree planting. The club meets the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the clubhouse, located on SR 13A, one-half mile north of the Wawasee Family Fishing Area (old fish hatchery).