Statesman July/August/September 2015

Volume 41, Issue 3

July - Sept 2015

Celebrate the Fourth!

40th Annual Independence Day Social July 4 • 1-4pm • FREE admission Celebrate the 4th of July in All-American style at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. In honor of the 40th anniversary of this event, we’re throwing our doors open and making it free to the public.

Bring your family, friends and neighbors—this is a great place to meet up and enjoy the “spirit of 1776.” Activities include:

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Vintage games

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Free first floor tours of the Harrison mansion

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Special patriotic crafts, performers, face painting, activities and more!

Admission and all activities are free and open to the public thanks to generous support in cooperation with Indiana Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, and REI Real Estate Services.

We hope to see you and your family at this celebration of America’s Hoosier President and our country’s Independence Day!

Ice cream will be available for purchase. All proceeds help benefit the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site educational programming and civic engagement initiatives.

From the President On May 5, the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site was honored to serve as a new polling location--for the first time ever in our history.

The Benjamin This is a small but important step forward.

Harrison Presidential Civic engagement is central to the Site Presidential Site’s mission to, “increase 1230 N. Delaware St. Indianapolis, IN 46202 317.631.1888

flag at schools and public buildings?

In the larger scheme of things this is but one small example of how the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is determined to become the most innovative, vote of impactful and civically-engaged presidential site in the United States.

A confidence

public understanding of, appreciation for, and participation in the American system of self-government through the life stories, arts, and culture of an American President.” As a privately funded non-profit that receives no direct federal funding, it is a very public, non-partisan way for us to demonstrate our commitment to supporting our neighborhood and our community.

And Primary Day truly was a community affair. The overwhelmingly positive response from our neighborhood included many people walking and biking to the Presidential Site to vote. A number of voters expressed how personally meaningful they found it to fulfill their civic duty in a place of national significance.

This was a resounding “vote of confidence” from our community, and numerous media outlets shared these stories (see page 3 for more details). After all, where better to vote than at the home of America’s Hoosier president, who was a strong advocate for African-American voting rights, who opened Ellis Island, commissioned the Pledge of Allegiance, and first called for the flying of the American

Much as Benjamin Harrison’s words and deeds inspired a nation to action more than a century ago, we hope that our own example inspires other presidential sites and organizations to do the same by proudly opening their doors to foster and encourage civic engagement.

I hope that you’ll plan to join us in the coming months as we continue to demonstrate our commitment. See 100 new citizens take the pledge at the Naturalization Ceremony on July 2nd, enjoy a full “scoop” of 4th of July favorites at the Independence Day Social, and make your reservations for the 10th annual Mary Tucker Jasper Speaker series this September, carrying on its long tradition of sharing the voices of our country’s most influential citizens.

We appreciate your continued support—and vote of confidence!

Charles A. Hyde, President & CEO

Presidential Site Team

Our mission is to increase public understanding of, appreciation for, and participation in the American system of selfgovernment through the life stories, arts and culture of an American President.

Charles A. Hyde President & CEO

Margaret Sallee Director of Operations

Jennifer Capps VP of Curatorship & Exhibition

Ashleigh Graves-Roesler VP of Development

Roger Hardig VP of Education

David Pleiss Director of Learning Resources

Stacy Clark Events Specialist

Julio Zepeda Facilities Manager

Gary Larreategui Weekend Supervisor

Ann A. Homrighous Volunteer Manager

Volume 41, Issue 3

PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org

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Mary Tucker Jasper Speaker Series

In the News This spring, the Presidential Site received recognition for its unique and innovative programming. Here’s a small sampling of some of the top stories and coverage:

2015 is the landmark 10th Anniversary of the Mary Tucker Jasper Speaker Series. This signature Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site event features a nationally-recognized speaker and recognizes the winner of the Advancing American Democracy Award. We hope that you will join us on September 17 for a very special evening celebrating civic engagement and exceptional public leadership.

• “Votes cast at Benjamin Harrison house for first time” (Indianapolis Star, May 5) • “Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site Certified as Voting Site”

(Washington Times, May 5)

TABLE SPONSOR PLUS $1,600

• Hospitality: VIP Reception for 8; Dinner Seating for 8 • Event Benefits: Recognition on event program and event

table signage • Supporter Benefits: Recognition in Annual Report

• “Discoveries: The Best of the Midwest” (Midwest Living, May/ June 2015)

TABLE SPONSOR $1,400 • Hospitality: Dinner Seating for 8 • Event Benefits: Sponsor recognition on event program

and event table signage • Supporter Benefits: Sponsor recognition in Annual Report

• “Wicket World of Croquet” (IndyStyle/WISH-TV, May 27) • “Presidential site makes debut as Indy polling place” (Electionline Weekly, May 28)

INDIVIDUAL TICKET PRICES VIP Patrons: • $180 VIP Reception, Dinner & Program (Presidential Site

Member Rate) • $200 VIP Reception, Dinner & Program (non-member)

Look for more this summer with the Naturalization Ceremony on July 2 and Independence Day Social on July 4, and this fall when we host Election Day on November 5.

Dinner Patrons: • $155 Dinner & Program (Presidential Site Member Rate) • $175 Dinner & Program (non-member)

Plus, stay up-to-date on all the latest presidential site news at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org, on our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter.

Plan Your Visit July 2 Naturalization Ceremony

September 17 Mary Tucker Jasper Speaker Series

July 4 Independence Day Social

October 9-10 and 16-18 Hoosier Haunts presented by Candlelight Theatre

August 20 Civil War Dinner

November 3 Election Day

December 5 ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and LIVE: Family Christmas December 16 A Candlelight Evening on Delaware Street

Volunteer Opportunities Want to help INSPIRE? Volunteer opportunities abound at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, where you can be immersed in a Gilded Age mansion and guide the experience of visitors from around the world. Share a passion for history, arts and culture at Indiana’s only Presidential Home as a tour docent, welcome center ambassador, signature event volunteer, or behind the scenes support volunteer. Join our volunteer team by contacting Ann Homrighous, volunteer manager, at ahomrighous@bhpsite.org or 317.631.1888.

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Words to Live By? The American people have always shown a keen interest in the last words of our fallen heroes, especially our presidents. Some of these final thoughts have echoed through history while others were fleeting sentiments.

William Henry Harrison’s last words are confirmed in a letter to his son John Scott Harrison from Mr. Graham in Washington, DC, dated 1am on April 4,1841: “The painful task of announcing your father’s decease devolves on me. He died at ½ past 12 oclock this morning, without a struggle. His last words were spoken 20 minutes before 9 oclock last evening. He raised himself in his bed & addressed himself to Dr. Worthington, one of the attending physicians, & said- ‘I wish you to understand the true principles of the government, I wish them carried out-I ask nothing more.’ We all at least, have the satisfaction of knowing… never since the death of Washington, has there been one called hence whose loss was more regretted than your father’s will be when the distressing fact is known to the people.”

This letter along with several other memorial artifacts is on display in the Death in the White House exhibit, where visitors can explore other “famous last words.” William Henry Harrison was a true public servant, thinking of the government in his last moments. Since he was the first president to die in office, his passing and Vice President Tyler’s quick swearing-in would set the stage on how to smoothly transition leadership.

“I wish you to understand the true principles of the Government, I wish them carried out. I ask nothing more.”

-- Final words of President William Henry Harrison

Zachary Taylor fell ill on July 4, 1850, after participating in ceremonies at the Washington Monument. After returning to the White House he ate a large quantity of iced milk and cherries, one of which may have been contaminated. He died five days later on July 9, 1850. His last words were: “I am about to die. I expect the summons very soon. I have tried to discharge all my duties faithfully. I regret nothing, but I am sorry that I am about to leave my friends.”

Not all of the Presidents have such poignant last thoughts. Warren G. Harding died while on a political cross county train trip. When his train reached San Francisco at the end of July, he had contracted pneumonia. On the night of August 1st, Mrs. Harding read to him to help lift his spirits. She read a flattering review of his presidency by Samuel Blythe of the Saturday Evening Post. Harding’s last words were “That’s good. Go on; read some more.”

Special Exhibit

Death in the White House: A Nation Mourns April 3 - December 31, 2015 This special exhibit reflects on the final moments of our greatest public servants through news media, unique memorabilia and personal letters in our special exhibit. Eight presidents and three first ladies have passed in the White House, causing us to also share in their grief.The content spans two centuries of the lives-and deaths--of some of the country’s most beloved, controversial and, ultimately, mourned individuals. Remember these great men and women of the White House and discover the ways in which our citizenry has expressed our sense of loss throughout the history of the presidency. Find out more at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt arrived in Warm Springs at the “Little White House” on March 30, 1945. On the afternoon of April 12th he was reviewing official papers. He was afflicted suddenly with pain and pressed his hand to his temple saying: “I have a terrific headache.”

He then slumped over into unconsciousness. At 3:35 p.m. on April 12, 1945, President Roosevelt died in his small bedroom in his beloved cottage at Warm Springs.

Their circumstances influenced their parting words, but as Benjamin Harrison said on the anniversary of President Grant’s death, “Great lives never go out, they go on.”

---Jennifer Capps

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Caring for the Collection

Chairs Re-upholstered with Historic Pattern

Two original Harrison chairs in the back parlor have received reupholstering thanks to the generosity of the Lockerbie Questers.

An 1888 newspaper article describes some of the rooms: the back parlor was “comfortably furnished with a square grand piano and easy chairs.�

Through the years, the Lockerbie Questers grants have helped to maintain and enhance the care of our Harrison Collection. In 2010, historically correct lace curtains and hardware for the three rooms were purchased. In 2012, fireplace tiles were replaced with more authentic colors and pattern in the library. Going back even earlier, the original Harrison front parlor set was re-upholstered to match the 1888 description.

The two back parlor chairs in the current project show up in various photographs through the years. In 1888 and again in 1902, the chair with side spindles is clearly visible with another chair in the back parlor. For this project, we asked for funds to return the chairs to a fabric similar to that in the 1888 photo. Steve Burroughs of Burroughs Upholstery and Antiques, Inc. did the work and they turned-out wonderfully! This again has helped to complete the picture in making the three rooms as authentic as possible. Thank you, Lockerbie Questers!

Vacationing with the Harrisons in the Adirondacks at Berkeley Lodge (1898-1900)

Find more historic Harrison Family photos at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org

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---Jennifer Capps

Tree Dedication

Candlelight Theatre presents

One of Indiana’s oldest garden clubs recently arranged for the planting and dedication of an American Elm tree at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. The Arbutus Garden Club dedicated the tree in honor of Helen Middleton Dickinson, a longtime Arbutus member and Presidential Site volunteer whose decades of advocacy and service helped to make the Presidential Site’s extensive, historically-minded gardens the community showpiece they are today.

“Hoosier Haunts” October 9-10 and 16-18

Candlelight Theatre at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site offers two theatre programs each year. This spring, creative director Donna Wing and her troupe of talented actors created one of the most successful collections of one-act plays in the history of theatre at the Presidential Site, Good Night Caroline. We hope you were one of the 400 guests lucky enough to get a seat to the sold-out performances.

The disease-resistant American Elm tree replaces a historic elm tree which graced the lawn in President Harrison’s time. Mrs. Dickinson was joined by members of the Arbutus Garden Club, the Indiana Garden Club, and the Presidential Site’s President & CEO, Charlie Hyde, at a reception and ceremony honoring Mrs. Dickinson’s leadership. The Arbutus Garden Club purchased the tree through a grant from The Indiana Garden Club, Inc. Since its founding in 1934, the Arbutus Garden Club has made our city more beautiful through charitable support and countless hours of volunteerism.

The Presidential Site’s gardens are entirely maintained through the generosity of volunteers and contribute substantially to the beauty of the Old Northside neighborhood.

Fortunately, we don’t have to wait until next April for another opportunity for this boutique theatre experience. Hoosier Haunts,

by James Trofatter, premiers this October and will give patrons a fun and frightful look into Indiana’s storied past through tales told by our favorite and lesser known Hoosier ghosts. Be sure to make your reservation early for this spine-tingling performance this October…if you dare! Find out more at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org

---Ashleigh Graves-Roesler

Volunteer Awards The Volunteer Association of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site will hold its annual meeting on July 10 to elect officers, conduct business and recognize volunteers’ service. Upon satisfactory completion of 200 hours, a pin is awarded. Gems are added to the pin when 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 hours are completed. A special award is given for 2500 hours.

Six • • • • • •

volunteers will be awarded for achieving milestones in hours served: Phyllis Ackerman

Pin Robin Bankhead

3rd Gem Oren Cooley

Special Award Michelle Denney

1st Gem Rosalie Fletcher

Pin and 1st Gem Debbie Proctor

1st Gem

Candlelight Theatre at the Presidential Site is made possible through the generous support of these funders: Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Arts Council of Indianapolis, Christel DeHaan Family Foundation and the Wing Arts and Humanities Fund. We thank them for their continued investment in local Arts programming as well as the wholly unique playbills presented by Candlelight Theatre.

The awards for Apple of the Eye, White Glove, and Volunteer of the Year will be announced after the annual meeting. Interested in joining this dynamic group? Call 317.631.1888 or email to discover more!

---Ann Homrighous

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---Stacy Clark

Wicket Winners!

Photos courtesy of Michelle Kwajafa

The threat of rain did not stop the fun and frivolity at the 21st Annual Wicket World of Croquet® presented by the Lacy Foundation.

This year’s event hosted 35 teams and numerous spectators on the picturesque south lawn for an afternoon of gracious living and spirited play. As the sun came out and the day heated up, so did the competition.

In the end, only two teams could emerge victorious. Congratulations go to the Indy Reads Books team of Travis DiNicola and Sally Zelonis, the 2015 Virginia Z. Willkie Champions Cup winners (photo).

This duo also won the tournament in 2011.

And the Peine Engineering team of Wayne Fairburn and Victor DeTienne battled to emerge victorious as the 2015 Sun King Brewing Leisure Tournament Champions.

---Stacy Clark

Special Thanks to our 2015 Wicket World of Croquet Sponsors Presenting Sponsor

Court Sponsors

Leisure Tournament Sponsor

Team Sponsors

Event Partners

Active Indy Tours The Alexander Hotel Cerulean Restaurant The Children’s Museum of Indpls Circle City Rain Barrel The Columbia Club

Conner Prairie Interactive History Park Cunningham Restaurant Group Russ Dilley Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians Good Morning Mama’s Café Green Bean Delivery

Silent Auction Donors

The Handle Bar Indy Heartland Film Harry & Izzy’s Hollyhock Hill Indiana Historical Society Indiana Repertory Theatre

Volume 41, Issue 3

Indianapolis Art Center Indianapolis City Market Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Indians Indianapolis Museum of Art IndianapolisSymphony Orch

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Indianapolis Zoo Indy Reads Books The Jazz Kitchen Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza Mass Ave Toys New Day Craft

Paoli Peaks Phoenix Theatre Inc. Red’s Classic Barber Shop Co. Peggy Sallee Don Saxon Shapiro’s Delicatessen

Sky Zone Sullivan’s Hardware and Garden Sullivan’s Steakhouse Sun King Brewing Co. LLC Yogulatte

PRESIDENTIAL SITE HOURS Open For Tours Monday-Saturday, 10am-3:30pm.

Offices Open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm.

SA VE THE DATE

The

MARY TUCKER JASPER Speaker Series

An Initiative of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

September 17, 2015 . 6-9 pm VIP Reception . 5-6pm Columbia Club For more information or to reserve your tickets, please visit PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org

Celebrating 10 years of the Mary Tucker Jasper Speaker Series