The Mail-Journal, Volume 29, Number 29, Milford, Kosciusko County, 29 August 1990 — Page 13

Church

Mennonite Relief Sale to be held on Sept. 22

Quilts, foods and handcrafts — made by hundreds of Mennonite and Amish volunteers and overseas artisans — and antiques will be sold at the Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale, Saturday, Sept. 22, beginning at 6 a m. All money from the sale, to be held at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds, will be contributed to the worldwide relief and service programs of Mennonite Central Committee, Akron, Pa. The total contributed from last year’s

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Newmans square dance their way to happiness

I By STACEY LESCH Staff Writer (EDITOR’S NOTE: Sandy (Verla Kaylor) Newman is the daughter of the late Fred and Hazel Kaylor of Milford. Mrs. Newman resided in Milford until she married and moved to Elkhart.) Rich in both American and European cultures, square dancing has been a favorite pastime of Sandy and LaMar Newman since they were very young adults. “I guess it’s what we live for,” smiles Sandy. LaMar, now 69, says he first started square dancing when he was 18 years old. Sandy, 66, has been dancing for 32 years and calling for nearly 30. Practicing the modern-western style of the dance, Sandy and LaMar, of Elkhart, were members of the Swinging Hoosiers square dance club for 28 years. They were faithful attenders of the group until its break-up this year. Although the disassembly of the Swinging Hoosiers was indeed a sad time for the Newmans, their love for square dancing led them to start another club, this one called the Happy Squares. And, happy they are as they celebrated their first club dance on Saturday, Aug. 25. The dance fell just one week before the kick-off of National Square Dance Month (September 1). As founders and leaders of the Happy Squares, Sandy and LaMar are also the callers for the group. In square dance lingo, callers are those that sing for or

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sale was $495,000. The auctions will begin at the following times will continue until all items are sold: quilts at 8 a.m., antiques at 8:30 a.m. and new and used items at 9:30 a.m. And Run for Relief will begin at 8 a.m. In addition, an open house will be held Friday evening, Sept. 21, from sto9p. m. so that people can look over the items for auction. Food and craft items will be sold on the grounds during the open

SANDY AND LAMAR NEWMAN

teach the dancers. In this case, Sandy, a native of Milford, is the vocal caller while LaMar calls the footwork. Having called for square dances for nearly 30 years, Sandy was discovered this summer while at a national square dancers convention. She was approached by the owner of a recording company and asked to record a song. Sandy says she still has not made up her mind about the offer. But, while she’s contemplating, LaMar is keeping himself busy by making the couple’s square dancing outfits. How many outfits has he made? Not counting those that were sold to other dancers, Sandy says they have at least one closet full “plus a whole bunch downstairs.'’ As part of their determination to keep square dancing alive and well in Northern Indiana, Sandy and LaMar will be heading classes from September to May. “There are several levels of square dancing,” Sandy explains, “but we teach the fun level.” LaMar adds. “If I can’t make people laugh while I’m teaching them, I feel as if I’ve failed. It’s like being a comedian. If people don’t laugh, he isn’t very good.” Because of their love for the folk dance, they say that anyone who shows a true determination to try, will graduate from their class next May. Much like completing an education, the students in the square dancing class must accomplish different stages of square dancing to receive their “diploma,” or certificate of completion.

house to help defray expenses. SHALOM ’9O —a new house built from donated labor, priced-at-cost or donated materials and contributions — will be sold with the proceeds going to the relief sale. The sale began 23 years ago through local church initiative and is governed by a local board. This year, people should arrive early. There’s a sausage and pancake breakfast at 6 a m. Admission and parking are free.

Despite their outstanding talent and dedication to square dancing, this promenading pair has an even stronger bond to eachother. Sandy, who is legally blind, trusts her husband to guide her through the dance. But, watching Sandy, it is difficult, if not nearly impossible, to notice any visual impairments. Says LaMar, “The way she gets around you wouldn’t even know." He adds that the couple had been married six months before Sandy told him of her handicap. They will celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary in September. Anyone who is interested in joining the Happy Squares is asked to call the Newmans at 293-2127. Fog blamed for accident Dense fog was listed as the cause of a two-vehicle accident at US 6 and CR 35 Friday, Aug. 24, at6:2oa.m. Robert W. Rash, 32, r 4, Syracuse, was driving his 1987 Chevrolet Celebrity north on CR 35 and did not see the stop sign at the intersection. He drove into the path of a 1982 Ford Fairmont driven by Kathleen M. Lockhart, 32, r 1, Cromwell, who was driving west on US 6. Following the collision, Lockhart’s vehicle continued west, striking a sign post before coming to a stop. Both drivers sustained minor bleeding. They were treated at Goshen Hospital and released. Damage was listed at less than SIO,OOO.

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, HIGHEST BIDDER — The 1990 Commemorative quilt — designed and made by Martha Ramer, New Paris — will attract buyers at the Mennonite Relief Sale quilt auction.

Local Habitat for

Humanity organizes

About 25 people gathered Monday evening, Aug. 20, for the initial meeting of Habitat for Humanity in Kosciusko County. Founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller on the belief that decent housing is a basic human right, the non-profit Christian housing ministry works with poor people to improve their living conditiohs. The group provides the initial capital and renovates and builds homes for qualifying Habitat partners. YY “Habitat for Humanity is not a handout; every house is sold to the to the Habitat partner at a nointerest mortgage,” said Mike Dilling, the group's contact person in Kosciusko County. Partners must pay back the initial investment by putting “sweat equity” hours into the building or renovation of their own homes or into other Habitat projects. According to Dilling, qualifying partners are “the motivated poor.” The hope is that providing ade‘Teatro!’ to air “Teatro!” will be shown on Tuesday, Sept. 4, at 10 pm. on WNIT-TV Channel 34. This award-winning documentary tells the story of a theater company lead by a Jesuit priest from St. Louis, Mo., who travels through Honduras, working to change society without bayonets or bullets. This film received its major funding from the Catholic Communication Campaign.

quate housing, which the owners are required to maintain, will put a halt to the poverty cycle. The local group is forming a non-profit corporation and needs board members, officers and specialized committees. Interested volunteers are asked fill out personal information surveys. The first board meeting is tentatively scheduled for early September. More information about Habitat for Humanity is available through Combined Community Services. Women’s Bible study program There will be a community Bible study for women of all ages at the Living Gospel Church, located on the corner of Walnut and Locke streets in Nappanee. “Genesis, the Life and Times of Abraham” will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 12, from 9-10:30 a.m. A nursery is provided and there are classes for children ages two to five. For more information, contact Joan Beer at 831-4978 or Judy Kitson at 894-4203. Davy Crockett was born August 17 August 17 marks the birth anniversary of Davy Crockett, legendary American frontiersman, politician and adventurer. Crockett was born in Hawkins County. Tenn., in 1786. He first made a name for himself fighting in the Creek War from 1813 to 1815, a U.S. victory over Creek Indians in Tennessee who were actually British allies. Crockett was elected to the Tennessee legislature in 1821 and served for two terms. He then was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1827 and served two consecutive terms He lost the election in 1831 but was elected to serve a final term in 1833. Crockett perhaps is best known for his last contribution to his country. He was part of the American forces that perished on March 6, 1836, defending the Alamo.

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DEPOT IN 1910 - This was the scene the Pierceton Depot in 1910. The styles of dress may be different but, the depot still looks the same today.

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PIERC ETON LOOK-OUT TOWER — The look-out tower was located west of the depot on the opposite side of the tracks. Men would watch for upcoming trains. Note the double track. A single track is all that remains today.

One of county’s oldest buildings —

Depot is 120 years old *

I By JENNIFER WOODWARD] Staff Writer Over 120 years old and it’s still standing. The Pierceton Depot is one of the oldest buildings in Kosciusko County and one of the oldest railroad depots in the state of Indiana. Pierceton was the first railroad town to be founded in the county. The building of the Ft. Wayne and Chicago railroad took three years to build across the county, 1854-1857. According to local history, the first passenger train to reach Pierceton was September 1, 1854. The first freight to leave by train was in October of that same year. This was only the beginning of America’s venture to the west. Each new day brought continuous growth to the railway. In November of 1854, the tracks were completed to Warsaw. Construction continued as the tracks reached Plymouth on November 11,185.6. This connection was very important to the local people since Plymouth already had tracks that connected with Peru and Indianapolis. Completion to Chicago was finally reached the following year. The Pierceton Depot was built in 1867 by the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne and Chicago Railroad. This railroad company was the predecessor of the Pennsylvania Railroad that became the Pennsylvania Central and now continues as Conrail. The local depot was a strong and sturdy building. It was built three bricks thick and the oak floors were one-inch thick and in other places they were even three inches thick. Bart Conley current owner of the depot is amazed at the sturdiness of the building. He even noted that the roof is made of slate and after 120 years it is still perfectly level. The sturdiness is a well proven fact considering escaped railway cars have crashed through its walls. Unlike many early depots such an encounter would bring the walls tumbling down. Conley has noted two different locations where the walls have been knocked out. Amazingly enough, the building has remained strong and true. There are very few depots as large as Pierceton’s. The 48- by 78-foot depot is large in comparison to the many small wooden depots that were scattered throughout the county. The local tomato factory, said to be the largest in the world, received and sent out much of its freight via the railway system. Milk was also picked up quite often and sent to the big cities of Chicago or Fort Wayne. Pierceton held

Wed., August 29,1990 —THE MAIL-JOURNAL

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THE DEPOT TODAY — The Pierceton Depot was built in 1867. It is one of the oldest depots remaining in the state today.

much of the freight for the county, so much that it would reach high to the ceilings of the depot. Many still can remember the days when the freight was transferred to surrounding communities by horse and wagon. Ceaser Phillips, an 82-year-old who has resided in Pierceton all of his life and worked for the railroad as a track foreman, recalls checking the tracks and the hard work that surrounded the railroad throughout his 45 years of service. Ceaser points out the uniqueness of the local depot, “There were only two depots on the Pennsylvania line that were like this one. The other one was in Sandusky, Ohio." He continued. “Every little town had a depot but. it was wooden. This one had so much business that they built it as brick.” The Pierceton Depot was a grand attraction for many of the local residents, especially the youngsters. Claude Stahl can remember during his childhood listening to the station manager. Coder Turney, perform his ventriloquist routine for the children However, Joe Brower, another lifetime resident and childhood friend of Stahl’s, seems to remember a different story. "I remember him always kicking us kids out I” Brower’s Uncle Charles worked as an engineer for the Broadway Limited. Joe is still hanging around the depot after all these years. He is currently working on his portrait paintings inside the depot and helping out with the antique store that is now housed there. He can remember the early days of the depot and tells his stories to many curious customers who visit the store. The current owners, Bart Conley and Peg Habegger, are hoping to combine the past with the present. They purchased the depot in November of last year and have already placed much work into the building. There goal is to keep as much of the original work that they can. They have X Doll's Decorating xS Wallpaper ft & Sale 1 $ nyrrrh,!' & $ 20% Off V All Books Everyday S - noittnitns - f 658-4033 g w Milford

resorted to covering up some of it but, they realize the importance of saving rather than destroying history, “We didn’t want to take anything down that was original.” Throughout their efforts of cleaning and restoring they managed to find old handwritten round-trip ticket books to Fort Wayne that dated back to 1873. “We would like to try and promote Pierceton,” notes Peg of their interest in the depot. “We want to be able to tell about the depot and write it all down.” Very little has been written about the depot and she hopes to explore the history in great detail during an upcoming vacation. “If we can get enough interest we would like to have a museum.” Through the loving efforts of the Pierceton community and the current owners, the Pierceton Depot still remains today. To many the depot is in excellent condition considering its years, and who knows it may still be around for another one hundred years! Days of marathon The week of Sept. 2-9 marks the anniversary of the first marathon, which dates back to 490 B.C According to Greek history, on Sept 2, Phidippides was sent from Marathon to Sparta. a distance of 26 miles, to get aid for the Athenians against the invasion of the Persian army. Because religious law prohibited the Spartans from giving aid until after the next full moon, he was forced to return to Marathon on Sept. 4. Five days later, the Athenians defeated the Persians at the Battle of Marathon, without help from the Spartans, and Phidippides ran to Athens with the good news. Legend has it that the hero died as he spoke the words. “Rejoice, we are victorious.” In 1896, the marathon was revived at the Olympic Games in Athens to commemorate Phidippides' heroism. Since 1924, the standard length has been 26 miles and 385 yards, a close distance to the “marathon" that Phidippides ran more than 2,000 years ago. The oldest marathon in the United States is the Boston Marathon, which has been run every year since 1897

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