January 17, 2007
The January meeting of the Batesville Historical Society was brought to order at 7:04 PM on
January 17, 2007 at the Batesville Memorial Public Library with eighteen members in attendance.
The treasurer’s report was read by President Jean Streuwing, acting in place of Secretary Paul
Wonning who missed the November meeting.
Leroy Grossman motioned to approve secretary’s report.
Treasurer Margie Wilhelm reported a total of $339.67 in checking, $3005.62 in savings and a money
market fund of $20509.94. A motion to approve the Treasurer’s report was advanced by Bill Van Hook,
seconded by Joe Greiwe.
Historical facts are airing on WRBI.
Topic for Discussion
We need ideas for money making and increasing membership. Members are asked to bring some ideas to
the next meeting in February.
Visitors included Kathy Schuerman’s parents, Evelyn and Bill Payne who are moving to
Batesville.
A motion to adjourn was advanced by Joe Greiwe, seconded by Margie Wilhelm at 7:30 PM.
After the Meeting BAHS was given a presentation by Albert Anness on the Masonic Lodge in Batesville.
Mr. Anness was a past Grand Master and Secretary for the Lodge. He was accompanied by Paul Deal,
also a past Grand Master.
The Batesville Masonic Lodge will be 100 years old this year. It was started on January 14 1907.
BAHS has been invited to hold a meeting at the Lodge which will include a tour of the temple and
a presentation of its history.
Charles St Clair proposed a petition to start a Masonic Lodge in Batesville on December 30, 1887
At this time people in Batesville and Sunman traveled to New Point to go to meetings.
Stated meetings depended on the full moon, so farmers would have light to go to meeting.
The Grand Lodge of Indiana will rededicate the hall. A coin commemorating the event has been struck.
It has been designed by Albert Anness, and it shows both old and the new building.
The front side has the old building and date of charter; the reverse celebrates the celebration day
with the old building.
This is your City Video was shown by Jean Streuwing. This video was shown at the Gibson Theatre in
1961. It features various businesses and personalities of Batesville prominent at the time.
The businesses included:
First national bank
Blanks Pharmacy
Margaret Mary hospital
Steinkamp Building Materials
American Legion Baseball Team
Nobby Clothing Company
St Louis school
Poske Furniture
The Batesville Fire Dept
The American Loan Co
The Fair Store
Old Fashioned Days
The February meeting of the Batesville Area Historical Society was held on Tuesday, February 20, 2007.
President Gene Struewing opened the meeting at 7:07 p.m. with 11 members in attendance.
The minutes were read by Secretary Paul Wonning. And motion to approve the minutes was advanced by
Nick Stewart.
Joe Greiwe seconded, the minutes were approved by voice vote.
Treasurer Margie Wilhelm was absent so there was no Treasurer report.
Membership Joan Karbowski reports 57 paid members.
We had some DVDs made of Batesville in 1937. They cost $7.00 each, produced by American Video
Productions.
Nick Stewart will make additional copies for $.25 each.
We will sell them for $10.00 each.
The bookshelf is indicated that they sell some copies for us.
Membership decided to another home tour as a moneymaking project.
we need tofForm a committee to set up the tour and line up some homes.
We're looking for ideas for a field trip?
Some ideas suggested were:
Osgood Museum
Ripley County Historical Society
Indiana Historical Society
Another moneymaking project suggested was to sell notepads with Batesville themes on them.
It was suggested also that we print some new postcards.
Historical markers downtown were also discussed. We need to investigate placing markers at the
location of the well and you'll train station.
Suggestions are also needed for a permanent home for Batesville historical Society. Suggestions
for a location are needed
A motion to adjourn was advanced by Ginny Stewart.
Seconded by Bill Van hook at 8:00 p.m.
Joe Greiwe gave a demonstration on rope making with a rope making machine. He had three different
types of machine, one of which dated from about 1900. Members enjoyed assisting Joe and making
rope of machine. He made three or four different types of rope machines. He had several differnt
types of ropes made from different materials. Some he made from yarn, some from twine, and and
others from line.
Along with the demonstration Joe told us a little bit lore about rope making. Most farmers would
not have a machine as they cost about $20.00 each, which was a lot of money. In the 1700's a rope
less than 1 inch in diameter was not considedred a rope. It was considered cordage. You can make
a small diameter rope from twine and then twist a larger rope from the small rope.
The March meeting of the Batesville Area Historical Society was called to order on Tuesday, March 20,
2007 by President Jean Streuwing with eleven members in attendance.
The minutes were read by Secretary Paul Wonning. A motion to approve the minutes as read was advanced
by Ruthie Green, seconded by Margie Wilhelm.
Secretary Margie Wilhelm reported a balance of $3010.43 savings, $254.15 in checking, $20509.94 in
money market funds.
Katie Mollaun seconded the treasurers report.
Joan Karbowski reported that there are 57 paid members.
The DVDs are selling well. Bookshelf has sold about 75 of them.
Nick Stewart will make more for us to sell.
Topics for discussion
Historical Markers
We need someone to head committee to study locations.
On March 2, Jean did a presentation at the Chateau.
She will next go to the Waters.
Field trips on day time instead of at night?
Try to do both Ripley County and Osgood Museums in one day.
Bill Van Hook wishes to come and talk about the Ripley County Foundation .
We recieved a letter from Masons. They want us to have meeting there and tour the Hall.
Notecards
We can use some sketches from Clete Hegwood. There are some of the train depot, public library, park
pavilion, Methodist Chruch, Memorial building, Old Batesville High school, and Canfield
house.
After the meeting Jean showed a copy of the 1937 video which we are selling.
Joe Greive has a presentation before the meeting of a gave which he made of mahogany to President
Jean Streuwing.
The April meeting of the Batesville Area Historical Society was called to order by President Jean
Streuwing at 7:05 on April 17, 2007 with 22 members in attendance at the Batesville Memorial
Public Library.
The minutes were read by Secretary Paul Wonning.
A motion to approve the minutes was made by nick stewart, seconded by Bill Van Hook.
Treasurer Margie Wilhelm reported a balance on hand of $1436.07 in checking and a Certificate of
Deposit balance of $21614.48 A motion to accept the treasurer's report was advanced by Lloyd Richter,
seconded by Joan Karbowski.
Topics of discussion:
DVD Sales
Nick has made 185 copies to supplement the initial 25.
We have sold 155 approximately at $10.00 each, bringing us a total of $1550.50 so far in sales.
Mayor Rick Fledderman annouced that Hill-Rom Innovations will expand their Research and Developement
and will be bringing over 80 new employees to Batesville.
The governor, Mitch Daniels was in Batesville today.
Incentives to Hill-Rom to be approved by city council and the state will add some things also.
We have been notified that the building we have the museum is needed by the Library. We need to
vacate by July 1, 2007 as the room is needed for group meeting and other functions. The items stored
there will need to be relocated.
On Monday evening, April 16, Jean went to the City Council meeting to ask for suggestions
Rick Fledderman has approachecd Hillenbrands about the developements and they are looking for someting
for us.
City government officials are also searching something for us. Bill Van Hook can get us a 40 foot
trailer for us to use if needed, for storage. We can look into getting a bit more time out of the
library. Jim Dreyer, real estate agent for Countryside Realty has been looking for us. Two
properties - Dr. Manilo old office and Engleking's Photography have been considered. Mr. Dreyer will see if
Manillow will donate it to us. There have been a few other options advanced to us by the
membership.
Newsletter
There is a new one out.
Jean did a program at the Waters. Chateau residents came to the museum.
There will be a field trip next meeting at the Osgood Museum. They will open special for us to have a
meeting, 1:00 PM May 15. We can meet at the museum and carpool there.
Next meeting at the Osgood Historical Museum. Meet at our museum at 12:30, to be there by 1:00
There being no new business to discuss, a motion to adjourn was made by Sally Widener, seconded by Joe
Greive at 7:30 PM.
Guest speaker Bill Van Hook spoke after the meeting about the Ripley County Community Foundation.
They are embarking on a campaign to raise funds. The Foundation is a vehicle for people to better
their community.
You may donate to an endowment and it will be invested. The proceeds go to benefit to nonprofit
organizations in Ripley County as well as scholarships.
$130,000 in grants were made last year.
$300,000 in scholarships were awarded last year, including two Lily scholarships. These scholarships
pay all their tuition for the four years and a stipend for books. Top Of Page
May
The May meeting consisted of a field trip to the Osgood Historical Museum. It is a very nice
museum, the interior lighting is excellent. Building has character and they have all lighted glass
display cases. The Reynolds Foundation provided funding for it. Displays included firetruck and
antique tractor among many other things. Bill and Sandy Gloyd conducted the tour.
The June meeting of the Batesville Area Historical Society was called to order by President Jean
Streuwing at 7:02 PM on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 with 15 members in attendance.
The minutes were read by Secretary Paul Wonning. Joe Griewe advanced a motion to accept the minutes
as read, seconded by Ruth Green. The minutes were accepted by voice vote.
Treasurer Margie Wilhelm reported a balance of $1956.37 in checking, $3010.43 in savings, $21614.48
in Certificate of Deposit funds. Bill Van Hook motioned to accept the treasurer's report, and was
seconded by Lloyd Richter.
The May meeting consisted of a field trip to the Osgood Historical Museum. It is a very nice museum,
the interior lighting is excellent. Building has character and they have all lighted glass display
cases. The Reynolds Foundation provided funding for it. Displays included firetruck and antique
tractor among many other things. Bill and Sandy Gloyd conducted the tour.
Membership chair Joan Karbowski reported 57 members paid as of June 30, 2007.
Topics
The DVDs at the Bookshelf are still selling well with approximately $1600 in sales so far.
There is nothing to report on new home for museum. Jim Dreyer called and said the project he was
working on for us is on hold. A trailer is still available for us to use to store our stuff. A
newspaper article mentioning the mans name who will loan it to us is the only payment needed.
Thursday and Friday June 21 and 22 at 9:30 Jean will be at museum boxing up stuff. She needs
help.
We have acquired the minutes of the Batesville School Board from many years ago. They were being
thrown out at the Ripley County Court House. Joe Decker saw them and got them for us.
Web Site
Web master Paul Wonning was not able to gain access to the site for a period of time due to computer
problems. Access has been re-acquired and updates have been made.
We can get a whole years Herald Tribune bound for $100 per year. A Motion to do this was made by
Sally Widener, seconded Lloyd Ricther. The motion passed.
Alice Nuhring Hat Display
Alice Nuhring brought some of her hats from her extensive collection. She liked to play dress up as
girl, started hat collecting hats and kept it up. She mostly wears them to church. She could buy a hat
and box reasonably any just about nay sale or antique shop when she started. Now they are hard to
find, and they are much more expensive. She stores them in moth balls through summer months. A lot of
the hats are from friends. Seh related many interesting amusing stories to go with the hats. She
has hats from her first grade teacher, mother in law and other friends and relatives. It was an
interesting and funny presentation. Much thanks to Mrs. Nuhring.
The August 21, 2007 meeting of the BAHS was called to order by the lowering of the gavel at the
Public Library at 7:10 PM by Jean Struewing. 16 members were in attendance with one guest, Mary
Weigel.
With the absence of Paul Wonning the minutes of the June meeting were read by Jean Struewing. Motion to
approve was made by Margie Wilhelm with 3150.35 in savings, 2167.01 in checking and $21,674.74 om
savings bonds. Motion to approve was made by Roaslie Geis and seconded by Joyce Kirschner.
Jean read a comical reading about the "Retirement Park Through the Eyes of a Child" which was enjoyed
by all.
We are still selling DVDs. Jean checked with Chris Fairchild at the bookshelf and she thinks that
she has sold about 185 so far been Jean has sold about 100. So after the expenses are deducted,
it was a good moneymaking project. Jean brought up the idea of what we could do for Chris Fairchild
to thank her for selling the DVDs in her store. Ginny Stewart suggested that we give her a free
membership to the society. Everyone thought that was a great idea. Jean has already given her
a free DVD.
No news about a permanent home for the historical Museum. Discussion about applying for a grant but
the Kaiser said that grants will not pay for a "bricks and mortar", in other words not for
building.
Jean has received the first half of 2007 Herald Tribunes from Brian Helvy of the Herald Tribune
to get ready to have bound in hardcover. He gave her partial sets from 2005 and 2006, Jean asked
if anyone has saved old papers that she can complete these two years before she sends them in?
Sally Widener said that she saves them and she will check what she has and donate them to the
BAHS.
Mary Carolyn Wintz bought 30 DVDs from the BAHS. to get out of her class reunion, while Jean was
talking to her she asked if Mary Carolyn had any information about the lyric theater that her
grandfather owned in Batesville. She let us copy a picture of John Wintz standing in front of the
theater. Also she gave Jean the address of Father Jack Wintz and he also had some pictures and other
information.
The subject of historical markers was mentioned and Ham Struewing said he checked on a bad a few years
back and we want to do that we have to have proof of what we are putting always markers. You will
check into it further. They suggested that we check every sales on land contracts. He Jenny will
go tuber sales and check on that.
Everyone agreed that Allison Reynolds Display was quite entertaining, and we thank her for coming
last meeting.
Someone mentioned that the Kaiser and Bob like would be good persons to interview for our interview
taped election.
Joe read the new donations since last meeting besides the Lyric Theater pictures were; a pump that
Fred Brummer used for the city from Joe and Edie Hoff; coin changer from the first Nat'l Bank from
Gene Becker; Red Cross pin and Christmas bond fighting tuberculosis Roy Wagner; Wonning Family
history by Paul Wonning; 100 anniversary booklets from Masonic Lodge from Albert Anness; two buggy
lanterns, silver dollar certificates, snapshots of Helmick and Home Outfitters; cigar lighters;
and Sesquicentennial booklets from Don Karbowski and Joe Decker.
A DVD of the history of Oldenburg, Indiana was shown. The meeting was adjourned by motion of Nick
Stewart and seconded by Vic Kaiser.
Meeting called to order by Jean Struewing. In the absence of Paul Wonning our secretary, minutes were
read by Jean Struewing. Lloyd Richter made a motion to approve as read & Bill Van Hook seconded the
approval.
Treasurer’s report was given by Margie Wilhelm. Checking has $100.63, savings has $3,018.62 & our
Savings bond has a total of $21,700.52. A motion was made by Bill Van Hook & seconded by Katie
Hegwood to approve the treasurer’s report.
Membership was reported by Margie Wilhelm to be 56 paid members.
Topics for discussion: Historical markers. Ham & Jean went to Versailles & got copies of the
entry when Teunis Amack bought his 120 acres from the government & also when he sold it to the John
Callahan Trust Co. Also copies when the railroad bought land to erect a train depot. Now we have to
have a surveyor to tell us exactly where this property is, then maybe we can go ahead with the state
on Historical Markers.
WRBI has ask us to help them out for the 2007 reality check on October 4, 2007 with all local 8th
graders at Jac-Cen-Del school. They need 18 people.
Third graders are going to visit the Teunis Amack fountain in the Village Square on October 18, 2007 &
they need someone from the Historical Society to explain the markers & the purpose of the fountain,
and also explain the mural that the Historical society painted on the Library annex.
Jim Roberts ask if the Historical Society could present the program for the "Farm City Banquet" on
November 13, 2007. The program is usually about the Farm but this year they would like some history
about the City of Batesville.
Jean announced that Elsa Soderberg has been appointed as Patron of the BAHS. In accepting this
position, Mrs Soderberg has made finding a permanent home for the BAHS museum her first priority.
She explained what has been done so far in the search for a permanent home. Two buildings have been
checked out as a possible location. She explained the pluses & minuses of each building. A Campaign
to raise money to purchase a home was discussed & a list of names was organized to get the process
started. Everyone left the meeting with high hopes in getting a new home for the BAHS.
Before the meeting started Rick Hertel, the Ripley County Prosecuting Attorney had an informative
talk on "Identify Theft". He gave the members a lot of pointers to guard themselves from this kind of
theft. Everyone felt better knowing what to do if they are caught in this situation. We want
to thank Mr Hertel for his time & expertise in this topic.
Next meeting is October 16, 2007, at 7:00pm at the Public Library.
Meeting was called to order by President Jean Struewing. There were 18 members in attendance.
Minutes were read from the Sep 18, 2007 meeting. They were approved by Joe Greiwe & seconded by Bill
VanHook.
Treasurer’s report was given by Margie Wilhelm: Checking- $2115.63; Savings-$3020.28;
Savings bond- $21,742.56. Bill VanHook made a motion to approve & Ginny Stewart seconded.
Joan Karbowski announced that we now have 58 members paid.
Topics of discussion:
Reality check for WRBI at Jac-Cen-Del school was a big success. We received a letter from WRBI
thanking us for all the help. People who volunteered to help were:
Joe & Marlene Greiwe; Judy Tonges; Carolyn Dieckmann; Anne Baran; Nick Stewart, Jim Mahle; Ham & J
ean Struewing; Nan & Nelson French; Char & Jim Dreyer; Ambrose & Anna Mae Nobbe; Lou Voegele;
Mary Heim; Ed & Marg Hunter.
We want to thank each & every one of these people. I had some of the new people tell me that they
hope they will be asked to help again next year. They enjoyed it so much.
Postcards: I called Hillenbrand’s printing office & they said they would have to have
33 cents a card to print. I contacted McPherson at Sunman & they will do it for 13 cents a card.
So I am having McPherson’s print 200 of 20 different scenes for a total of approximately $540.20.
E-Mail address are being collected from each member so we can contact them more efficiently.
Storage: We have our artifacts in storage at Nobbe Storage & we are paying $80.00 a month.
Interview tapes: At our last meeting 2 people were mentioned to have interviews with. Don Karbowski
agreed to get those two. They are Vic Kaiser & Bob Blank.
Museum: Jean gave an update on the search for A NEW HOME FOR OUR MUSEUM.
3RD Graders: The third Graders cancelled their visit to the fountain because of rainy weather.
November meeting: There will be no meeting in November, but we would like for as many as can to go
to the Farm-City Banquet on November 13, 2007 because Jean is going to give a program on the
History of Batesville. Everyone will learn a lot about Batesville if you attend.
Meeting adjourned.
A DVD was shown of the "History of the Star Spangled Banner".
