Community mourns loss of local railroad legend

NEW HAVEN - The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society reports one of its founding members, Glenn E. Brendel, died unexpectedly at his home in New Haven on Tuesday. He was 71 years old.

As a boy, Brendel grew up in a railroad family, and began to love the industry early on. Brendel visited with tower operators and railroad employees of the Baltimore & Ohio and Wabash Railroad in his hometown of Spencerville, Ind., as well as with locomotive engine crews on the Nickel Plate Road in Fort Wayne.

In the early 1970s, Brendel joined other railroad preservationists when they approached the city of Fort Wayne to save and restore the Nickel Plate Road steam locomotive No. 765, installed as a monument in Lawton Park, to commemorate the city's "Elevate the Nickel Plate" project.

Brendel incorporated the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society in 1972 with Wayne York, Walter Sassmanshausen and John Eichman. He served as president in its first three years.

Brendel led the first, all volunteer organization in restoring No. 765 to operating condition and the locomotive would become a premiere attraction.

In 1982, Brendel negotiated the lease of the 765 to the Southern Railway for an excursion schedule, allowing it to serve over a quarter of a million passengers and operate over 52,000 miles in 16 states from 1979 to 1993.

At the same time, Brendel became one of the founding members of the Railroad Passenger Car Alliance, a trade association of historic passenger car owners and operators for equipment used in excursion service.

In 1993, Brendel secured a Transportation Enhancement grant to underwrite another rebuild for the locomotive after it again began to see the wear and tare of travel. It took five years, but the 765 returned to operation in 2005 and operated its first passenger trips in 16 years in 2009. The 765 is now one of five mainline steam locomotives in operation in the United States and largest east of the Mississippi.

Brendel, who had served in a variety of capacities as director, locomotive crew, and member in his 38 years of service with the society, was honored with the title of Director Emeritus after stepping down as president in 2010.

IHS Offers Free Admission, Hosts Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration

Indiana Historical Society Release:


Indianapolis-The Indiana Historical Society will offer free admission on Monday, Jan. 17, as it honors and celebrates the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of the IHS and its Indiana Experience, is located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.

Throughout the day, guests will enjoy free admission to the Indiana Experience, behind-the-scene tours of the History Center, programs featuring IHS staff and You Are There historic interpreters, and crafts, as well as family-friendly fare in the Stardust Terrace Café, operated by Hoaglin To Go.

Original materials from the IHS collection related to the upcoming experience You Are There 1968: Robert Kennedy Speaks, opening Feb. 22, will be on display in the library, and guests can view the traveling exhibition Faces in the Crowd: Indiana and the Political Process.

The History Center will also host the Martin Luther King Community Center's Living the Legacy Awards in the Frank and Katrina Basile Theater. Performances of music, poetry and dance will take place throughout the day.

The History Center is normally closed on Mondays but will be open on Jan. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Normal operating hours for the History Center and the Indiana Experience are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on this celebration and other IHS events, call (317) 232-1882 or visit www.indianahistory.org. The Indiana Rail Road Company is the official 2011 sponsor of the Indiana Historical Society.

About the Indiana Historical Society
Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana's Storyteller, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving, interpreting and sharing the state's history. A private, nonprofit membership organization, IHS maintains the nation's premier research library and archives on the history of Indiana and the Old Northwest and presents a unique set of visitor exhibitions called the Indiana Experience. IHS also provides support and assistance to local museums and historical groups, publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; and provides youth, adult and family programming.

Historic Forks announces tree walk winners

The Historic Forks of the Wabash has announced the winners of the trees that were part of the sixth annual Christmas at the Forks Christmas Tree Walk.

Annie Lippincott won the Tam-A-Sak tree. Marie Harrell won the Norwood Health and Rehabilitation Center tree.

Mary Gatton won the Psi Iota XI, Phi Chapter, tree, and Shirley Brown won the American Business Women's Associates, Kilsoquah Chapter, tree.

Roger Grassl won the Master Gardeners tree, and Nadine Piedmont won the Bippus State Bank tree.

Mary Eckert won the Wehr Into Flowers tree, and Jack Sell won both the Harrell and Sons Construction tree and the tree decorated by Izaak Walton League.

Marvin Hall won the Beacon Credit Union tree, and Norma Etherington won the Huntington County Retired Teachers tree, which was sponsored by First Federal Savings Bank.
Betty Heffelfinger won the St. Peter Lutheran Quilters tree, which was sponsored by George Juergens.

Denise Myers won the Pathfinder Kids Kampus tree, and Diana Clausen won the Boys and Girls Club of Huntington County, which was sponsored by Jim Scheiber of Edward Jones.

Joyce Gravley won the Millers Merry Manor Rehabilitation Center, and Lena Davenriner won the Historic Forks of the Wabash tree.

The tree walk was held Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4 and 5. Participants purchased tickets at the door and cast the tickets as votes in a jar by their favorite tree, event organizers explain.

Tickets were then counted up at the end and decided the trees that won, and then a ticket was drawn from each collection to determine which of the trees' voters would take each one home.

IHS Events and Programs Celebrate Holidays in the Heartland

Indiana Historical Society Release:

Indianapolis—From special events and activities to ongoing seasonal offerings, the Indiana Historical Society offers many opportunities for everyone to get into the Hoosier holiday spirit. Whether visiting as an individual, couple or group of family and friends, guests will have plenty to enjoy at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. The History Center, home of the IHS and the Indiana Experience, is located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis, along the historic Central Canal.

Complimentary parking in the IHS lot, located just north of the building at the corner of West and New York streets, is available with paid admission to the Indiana Experience, for IHS members visiting the History Center, for patrons of the William H. Smith Memorial Library or with a $7 purchase at the Stardust Terrace Café or Basile History Market.

All December offerings taking place during regular business hours are free with admission to the Indiana Experience, which enables visitors to experience Indiana’s past, brand new. Admission to the Indiana Experience is complimentary for IHS members and children younger than five, $7 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, and $5 for ages five through 17. Admission to the William H. Smith Memorial Library, Basile History Market and/or Stardust Terrace Café is free.

Eighth Annual Holiday Author Fair (Free with admission to the Indiana Experience)
Saturday, Dec. 4, noon to 4 p.m.
The Holiday Author Fair is the largest book signing gathering for Indiana-related material, featuring more than 70 Hoosier authors. Books include works of fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, photography, history, children’s books and more. Visitors can converse with authors, have books signed, listen to special presentations, and enjoy kids’ activities and refreshments.

Supported by Indy Reads.

Las Posadas (Free)
Sunday, Dec. 12
6 p.m. – Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
7 p.m. – Canal Procession
7:15 to 8 p.m. – Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

In Mexico, Las Posadas is a beloved holiday tradition a celebration that commemorates Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Bethlehem (posada means inn or shelter in Spanish). Family and friends gather and re-enact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter by carrying lit candles, singing special songs and following figures of Mary and Joseph that are carried aloft in a procession. When these pilgrims, or peregrinos, reach predetermined stops, they divide into two groups. One half of the group begs for shelter, while the other half refuses them. At the last stop, usually someone¹s home, the doors are opened in greeting and a grand celebration begins where families break piñatas, drink ponche and eat treats.

Join the Indiana Historical Society, Eiteljorg Museum, Christ Church Cathedral, the Consulate of Mexico in Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Art Center and other community groups to celebrate this festive family tradition. The free evening starts at the History Center, where guests will enjoy an entertaining and interactive program and sing-a-long on Mexican holiday traditions. At 7 p.m., the procession leaves from the History Center’s Kruse Family Stardust Terrace and ends at the Eiteljorg, where there will be more music, ponche, snacks and piñata breaking.

With support from Christ Church Cathedral, Indianapolis Art Center and the Consulate of Mexico in Indianapolis.

-more-
Winterfest 2010 (Free with admission to the Indiana Experience)

Dec. 27-30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Chase away the winter blues with free activities at Winterfest. Perfect for families, Winterfest takes over the History Center with winter-themed fun. Create a calendar with images from the IHS collections, make a bookmark, try winning in the prize grab booth, explore your family tree or participate in a scavenger hunt. The Stardust Terrace Café will offer special kid-friendly lunch and snack options all week long.
Presented by Macy’s

The Saturday Evening Post Holiday Covers Exhibit (Free with admission to the Indiana Experience)
Nov. 23 through Dec. 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In October, the Indiana Historical Society opened “Covering” America in the 1950s and Early 1960s, an exhibition of original artwork used to create the iconic magazine covers of The Saturday Evening Post. To further celebrate the artistic and nostalgic heritage of The Saturday Evening Post, the History Center welcomes an additional 16 holiday-themed covers. Visitors can reminisce about holidays past through the work of artists such as George Hughes, Miriam Tana Hoban and, of course, the legendary Norman Rockwell. The covers date from 1935 to 1960.

All Dressed Up for Christmas – Destination Indiana (Free with admission to the Indiana Experience)
Ongoing

Take a journey back in time exploring images of Monument Circle decorated through the years.

For more details on these and other Indiana Historical Society offerings, call the IHS at (317) 232-1882. Information is also available online at HYPERLINK "http://www.indianahistory.org" www.indianahistory.org.

*Regular operating hours for the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of the Indiana Historical Society, are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. During the holidays, the IHS will be closed Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), Christmas Day (Dec. 25), New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1).

Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana’s Storyteller, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving, interpreting and sharing the state’s history. A private, nonprofit membership organization, IHS maintains the nation’s premier research library and archives on the history of Indiana and the Old Northwest and presents a unique set of visitor exhibitions called the Indiana Experience. IHS also provides support and assistance to local museums and historical groups, publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; and provides youth, adult and family programming. The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of the IHS and the Indiana Experience, is located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.

City of Richmond to receive governor's award, Dec. 10

The annual Governor’s Award for Preservation of Historic Places will be presented to the City of Richmond’s Historic Preservation Commission, Dec. 10, at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis, during the Statehood Day Ceremony.

The award is for the Commission’s innovative outreach program, “Historic Richmond Today.”

Established in 2000 by the Richmond Common Council, the Commission created a unique outreach program aimed at letting the general public know more about the history of its community and its buildings.

The outreach program is a partnership with Preserve Richmond and the local cable access channel. Seven episodes have aired so far, covering a wide range of topics, including important local architects, Richmond’s historic Pennsylvania Railroad Depot, and its historic homes. The cable show raises awareness of significant architecture, educates area residents about preservation topics, and emphasizes the grassroots effort that must be placed on historic preservation in order for it to be successful.

This award honors projects completed in Indiana within the past two years that reflect outstanding grassroots efforts in historic preservation and archaeology. Nominations are submitted to the DNR Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology, which selects the recipient on behalf of the governor.

IHS Events and Programs Celebrate Holidays in the Heartland

Indiana Historical Society Release:

Indianapolis-From special events and activities to ongoing seasonal offerings, the Indiana Historical Society offers many opportunities for everyone to get into the Hoosier holiday spirit. Whether visiting as an individual, couple or group of family and friends, guests will have plenty to enjoy at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. The History Center, home of the IHS and the Indiana Experience, is located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis, along the historic Central Canal.

Complimentary parking in the IHS lot, located just north of the building at the corner of West and New York streets, is available with paid admission to the Indiana Experience, for IHS members visiting the History Center, for patrons of the William H. Smith Memorial Library or with a $7 purchase at the Stardust Terrace Café or Basile History Market.

All December offerings taking place during regular business hours are free with admission to the Indiana Experience, which enables visitors to experience Indiana's past, brand new. Admission to the Indiana Experience is complimentary for IHS members and children younger than five, $7 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, and $5 for ages five through 17. Admission to the William H. Smith Memorial Library, Basile History Market and/or Stardust Terrace Café is free.

Eighth Annual Holiday Author Fair (Free with admission to the Indiana Experience), Saturday, Dec. 4, noon to 4 p.m.

The Holiday Author Fair is the largest book signing gathering for Indiana-related material, featuring more than 70 Hoosier authors. Books include works of fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, photography, history, children's books and more. Visitors can converse with authors, have books signed, listen to special presentations, and enjoy kids' activities and refreshments. The Holiday Author Fair is supported by Indy Reads.

Las Posadas (Free), Sunday, Dec. 12
6 p.m. - Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
7 p.m. - Canal Procession
7:15 to 8 p.m. - Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

In Mexico, Las Posadas is a beloved holiday tradition ¬ a celebration that commemorates Mary and Joseph's search for lodging in Bethlehem (posada means inn or shelter in Spanish). Family and friends gather and re-enact Mary and Joseph's search for shelter by carrying lit candles, singing special songs and following figures of Mary and Joseph that are carried aloft in a procession. When these pilgrims, or peregrinos, reach predetermined stops, they divide into two groups. One half of the group begs for shelter, while the other half refuses them. At the last stop, usually someone¹s home, the doors are opened in greeting and a grand celebration begins where families break piñatas, drink ponche and eat treats.

Join the Indiana Historical Society, Eiteljorg Museum, Christ Church Cathedral, the Consulate of Mexico in Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Art Center and other community groups to celebrate this festive family tradition. The free evening starts at the History Center, where guests will enjoy an entertaining and interactive program and sing-a-long on Mexican holiday traditions. At 7 p.m., the procession leaves from the History Center's Kruse Family Stardust Terrace and ends at the Eiteljorg, where there will be more music, ponche, snacks and piñata breaking.

Winterfest 2010 (Free with admission to the Indiana Experience), Dec. 27-30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chase away the winter blues with free activities at Winterfest. Perfect for families, Winterfest takes over the History Center with winter-themed fun. Create a calendar with images from the IHS collections, make a bookmark, try winning in the prize grab booth, explore your family tree or participate in a scavenger hunt. The Stardust Terrace Café will offer special kid-friendly lunch and snack options all week long. Winterfest is presented by Macy's.

The Saturday Evening Post Holiday Covers Exhibit (Free with admission to the Indiana Experience), Nov. 23 through Dec. 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In October, the Indiana Historical Society opened "Covering" America in the 1950s and Early 1960s, an exhibition of original artwork used to create the iconic magazine covers of The Saturday Evening Post. To further celebrate the artistic and nostalgic heritage of The Saturday Evening Post, the History Center welcomes an additional 16 holiday-themed covers. Visitors can reminisce about holidays past through the work of artists such as George Hughes, Miriam Tana Hoban and, of course, the legendary Norman Rockwell. The covers date from 1935 to 1960.

All Dressed Up for Christmas - Destination Indiana (Free with admission to the Indiana Experience), Ongoing

Take a journey back in time exploring images of Monument Circle decorated through the years.

For more details on these and other Indiana Historical Society offerings, call the IHS at (317) 232-1882. Information is also available online at www.indianahistory.org.

*Regular operating hours for the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of the Indiana Historical Society, are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. During the holidays, the IHS will be closed Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), Christmas Day (Dec. 25), New Year's Eve (Dec. 31) and New Year's Day (Jan. 1).

Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana's Storyteller, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving, interpreting and sharing the state's history. A private, nonprofit membership organization, IHS maintains the nation's premier research library and archives on the history of Indiana and the Old Northwest and presents a unique set of visitor exhibitions called the Indiana Experience. IHS also provides support and assistance to local museums and historical groups, publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; and provides youth, adult and family programming. The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of the IHS and the Indiana Experience, is located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.

Meet Authors, Buy Personalized Gifts at Eighth Annual Holiday Author Fair

Indiana Historical Society Release:

Indianapolis-Holiday shopping for an array of family, loved ones and new friends can be a daunting task, but the Indiana Historical Society offers a personalized, one-stop shopping opportunity for book lovers and gift givers alike this holiday season at the Eighth Annual Holiday Author Fair, taking place Saturday, Dec. 4, noon - 4 p.m. at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.

The Holiday Author Fair is the largest book signing gathering for Indiana-related material, featuring more than 70 "Hoosier" authors. Books include works of fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, photography, history, children's books and more. Visitors can converse with authors, have books signed and enjoy refreshments, as well as take in the various elements of the IHS's new Indiana Experience.

Author presentations will take place in the Frank and Katrina Basile Theater throughout the afternoon, as well as an awards presentation and readings from the "My Indiana Hero" student writing contest. A special area for children's activities will also be available. Featured authors include Philip Gulley, Howard Caldwell, James Alexander Thom, Ray Boomhower and Daniel Orr.

Complimentary gift wrapping (donations accepted) will be provided by members of the Butler University Chorale. The Basile History Market will also offers shopping opportunities on items such as music, Indiana-made household products, jewelry, original art, handmade textiles, children's merchandise, reproductions from the IHS collection and more. Members of the IHS receive 10 percent off their entire purchase including signed books.

The Holiday Author Fair is free with admission to the Indiana Experience, and complimentary parking is available in the History Center's surface lot at the corner of New York and West streets. The Eighth Annual Holiday Author Fair is supported by Indy Reads. For more details on these and other Indiana Historical Society offerings, call the IHS at (317) 232-1882 or visit www.indianahistory.org.

Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana's Storyteller, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving, interpreting and sharing the state's history. A private, nonprofit membership organization, IHS maintains the nation's premier research library and archives on the history of Indiana and the Old Northwest and presents a unique set of visitor exhibitions called the Indiana Experience. IHS also provides support and assistance to local museums and historical groups, publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; and provides youth, adult and family programming.

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High-resolution images of book covers and other items, as well as interviews with authors and student winners, are available upon request. For more information, contact Amy Lamb, Media Relations Manager, at (317) 232-1878 or alamb@indianahistory.org.


Eighth Annual Holiday Author Fair Presentation Schedule
Frank and Katrina Basile Theater

12:30 p.m.
"My Indiana Hero" - Student Writing Contest
Awards Presentation and Readings

1 p.m.
John Bower, photographer - The Common Good

1:30 p.m.
Gail Stephens, historian - Shadow of Shiloh: Major General Lew Wallace in the Civil War

2 p.m.
Karen Evans Moratz, author and flutist - Flute for Dummies

2:30 p.m.
Ray Boomhower, author and editor - "Writing Lives: A Primer on Biography"

3 p.m.
Howard Caldwell, author and television personality - The Golden Age of Indianapolis Theaters


Eighth Annual Holiday Author Fair Participating Authors List*
Abe Aamidor
Kris Arnold
Ramón and Trisha (Hull) Arredondo
Peggy Archer
William E. Bartelt
Suzanne S. Bellamy
Ray E. Boomhower
John Bower
Becky Bowles
Melanie Bowlin
Lorene Burkhart
Scott M. Bushnell
Dick Cady
Howard Caldwell
Duncan Campbell
Jamie Carie
Fred D. Cavinder
Sherry Stone Clifton
Colleen Coble
Julie Conner
David A. Crowder
Cathy Day
Matt Dellinger
Steven Doyle
Phil Dunlap
Janet Zenke Edwards
Ted Evanoff
Thomas French
Frank L. Gertcher
Anita Marie Giddings
Philip Gulley
Gladys Harvey
William Heath
Jim Hillman
Jolene Ketzenberger
Rita T. Kohn
Norbert Krapf
Micah Ling
Richard M. Lytle
W.C. Madden
Audra Masternak
Michael Maurer
Jim McGarrah
Kathy M. McKimmie
Alan McPherson
Keven McQueen
Marsha Williamson Mohr
Karen Evans Moratz
Barbara Olenyik Morrow
David Thomas Murphy
John Murphy
Wendy Stout O'Brien
Daniel Orr
Michael A. Peake
Philip Potempa
Nelson Price
Dale Ratermann
James M. Redwine
Amber Robinson
Betsy Sheldon
Gail Stephens
Joanne Raetz Stuttgen
Larry D. Sweazy
Dark Rain Thom
James Alexander Thom
Tom Watson
Peter J. Welling
W. William Wimberly II
Douglas A. Wissing
Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge
Ron Woodward
Mary C. Woolling
Julie Young

*List includes co-authors, illustrators and photographers who will be in attendance.