Newsletter Spring 2010 Volume 98
President’s Letter Spring on the Farm Calendar Hoosier Homestead Recipes/Oral histories Photos Heirloom Gardening
President’s Message Since our last newsletter I have come to believe in the old adage “come to expect the unexpected.” First thing Christmas morning I received the news that the United Way building was on fire and there was fear that BCHS may have lost the vast majority of our collection which was being stored there. It was not the news one wants to hear on such a glorious holiday morning. For several weeks, before anyone from our organization was allowed into the facility, reports were surfacing that “the entire collection was lost” and then we heard “well some things are ok.” Of course shortly thereafter the news bounced back and forth from total loss to all was ok. What were we to believe and when could we see for ourselves? It was particularly gratifying that within a short period of time our Executive Director, Julie Hughes had things well organized and a complete plan on paper so we would have a well worked out “road map” to follow. She had covered all bases and was prepared for whatever we would find. Fortunately, as most of you know the Bartholomew County Historical Society was very lucky. The vast majority of our collection was not seriously damaged. Still we were left with the extremely labor intensive job of moving everything to a new, safe location. I am happy to report to you that move has been completed. Martha Smock, BCHS Volunteer of the year 2009, generously donated the use of her building until we can decide on a more suitable home.
Bartholomew County Historical Society 524 Third St. Columbus, IN 47201 Phone: (812)372-3541 Fax: (812)372-3113
A number of people need to be thanked and unfortunately there is not nearly enough space here to do that. I would be remiss if I did not publicly thank Board Member Orwic Johnson. He was there the entire time organizing, packing and moving each piece to the new building. Without his help the job would not have been done. To the countless others who volunteered so much time please know that, on behalf of our Board of Directors, a very grateful President thanks you for all you did. It was not an easy job and BCHS is most appreciative of all your hard work in really horrible conditions. We now look to the future and begin to plan the next chapter. No matter what direction we take there is certainly going to be numerous costs involved. If you would care to help, please feel free to send a donation to the Bartholomew County Historical Society.
Jeff Baker
NEW CONTACT INFORMATION! Email:info@ bartholomewhistory.org