Steadfast in Care

   A progression of people have maintained and managed the New Hope Cemetery, located one-half mile south of Phlox in Union Township.  The New Hope Monthly Meeting (Friends Church) established the cemetery in 1885.  The land was donated by James A. Ellis.  The first woman to be buried in the cemetery was Miriam Overman and the first man was Joel Adams.  The cemetery is sometimes referred to as Ellis Cemetery (after the donor) or Phlox Cemetery. 
   The cemetery association was incorporated in 1919 with the new directors being Carl Tennell, James Sanders, Oscar M. Fox, Job Russell, Robert Stack, Ollen Moorman, and Rollo Shockney.  As time as passed the board membership has changed.  Currently it is Jim Smith, Jim McCauley, Lamoine Clouser, Leonard Smith, Francis Hannah, Tim Singleton and Dave Buck. 
   Jim Smith was a close friend of Elden Kepler, sexton of the cemetery.  Jim helped Elden open graves with
a shovel.  Jim has been president of the cemetery association for 47 years. 
   The cemetery finances are in good shape but there are expenses each year, primarily for grounds upkeep.  The association has been able to fund that from interest on savings until recently, when interest rates dropped to nil.  Perhaps there are existing members of the families buried in the cemetery who would feel moved to make a donation in their honor.  Those surnames are
ABBOTT, ADAMS, ADDISON, ANDERSON, ARMSTRONG, AYERS, BAKER, BANNON, BARRETT, BEASLEY, BENEFIEL, BERGAN,
BERRY, BESS, BONE, BOYLES,

Carolyn Johnson Elected Clerk-Treasurer

   In a quiet Greentown election with no visible campaigning, Carolyn Johnson received 67 votes to Holly Hord-Melton’s 46, making her the Greentown Clerk-Treasurer for a 4 year term, 2012 - 2015. 
   The office has been in a bit of flux the past few months.  Barbara Middleton resigned, effective June 30, 2011.  April Herglund became Clerk-Treasurer by the process of a caucus of the Howard County Republican Party.  She was the only person to file for the open seat.  When Carolyn Johnson and Herglund, both Republicans, filed to be on the ballot in November, a convention of Greentown Republicans was held and Johnson became the candidate.  Herglund resigned, effective Oct. 28, and Council President Joyce Higginbottom appointed Joyce Flick to the position since there was not enough time before the November 8 election date to call a caucus.  It was imperative that there be an acting Clerk-Treasurer to fulfill the necessary post of  one of 3 members of the Election Board.  Johnson’s election on Nov. 8 does not take effect until Jan. 1, 2012, therefore, Craig Dunn, Howard County Republican Party Chairman, called a caucus which elected Johnson to the seat for the remainder of 2011.
   Ed. Note: Now, who’s on first?  Only Abbott and Costello fans will understand.
          

Greentown Holds Election

   Normally, a town election would not be of particular importance unless there were one or more hotly contested seats.  The Greentown election of November 8 was notable for other reasons.  First, it was the first town election since 2003.  Normally there is a local election every 4 years, but no election was required in 2007 because all 5 council seats and the Clerk-Treasurer office had only one applying for each position. 
   Secondly, the 2011 election was notable for the low voter turn-out, perhaps the lowest in history, although we don’t have data for all past years.  Out of 1,763 names in the poll books, only 113 voted in this election.  Four of those voted with absentee ballots.  That puts the voter turnout at about 6.5%.  The Grapevine reported the 1995 voting results as 251 voting out of a pool of 1,308, or a little more than 19%.  Ironically, we called that a “low turnout.” 
   Informal quizzing of people who did not vote this year yielded the following: At least one person went to the Performing Arts Center, where primary and general elections are held.  One didn’t know there was an election going on (humbling to the Grapevine, as we put it on the front page in October and November).  One “meant to,

Historical Political Participation with a Local Emphasis

   The Greentown Historical Society will be presenting an exhibit and programs July through December 2012 on political participation.  It will feature candidates from eastern Howard County as well as those who have had special political involvements.  It will include state and national candidates and office-holders who visited Greentown. 
   The committee is gathering a list of people who held office or ran for office, particularly at the county level and higher.  Any material such as newspaper clippings, certificates, campaign items and other memorabilia is sought for consideration for display.
   Information may be sent to greentownhistory@comcast.net, mailed to Greentown Historical Society, P.O. Box 313, Greentown, IN 46936, or by calling Rachel Jenkins, 765-628-3564, or Wayne Frakes, 765-628-2014.

Eagle Project Adds to Comet Trail

                                                                                                                  photo by Rachel Jenkins

   In the photo above are: Jolene Rule, Parks & Trails Chairman; Monty Maggart, Eastern
   Elementary science teacher; Eagle Scout, Austin Mitts; and Mary Miller, member of Parks and
   Trails committee.  The group is standing behind the #5 post.

Austin Mitts, Boy Scout Troop 528's newest Eagle, completed his project in June and was recognized at a Court of Honor on Oct. 18.  He selected 10 trees on the Comet Trail in Greentown and researched them.  The project includes identification posts, painted green, with yellow numbers 1 - 10.  The portion of the trail involved is from Meridian Street to Harrison Street.  The trees are honey locust, silver maple, basswood, white pine, red oak, walnut, jack pine, butternut, hackberry, and red mulberry.  A brochure with information about the trees is available at the Greentown libraries and at City Hall.

Decorated for the Holidays

One of the nicest light displays in town is that of Mary Mast Pier, 12 Green Hills Court.

Christmas at the Pioneer Village

A new feature at the Pioneer Village in the fairgrounds in Greentown is a light display.  Over 200,000 lights are installed on the buildings and various other features.  There are also several inflated characters.  The lights are on from 6 to 10 p.m. through January 1.  Signs give direction for parking in order to walk the trail or driving the perimeter. Donations are accepted for the Greentown Lions Club. 

"Breakfast with Santa" Provided Family Fun and Charitable Contributions

Eastern Cheerleaders Emily Walker, Kaitlyn Martin, Lea Byers
and Lexi Byers serve pancake syrup and beverages.
 
 The annual “Breakfast With Santa” event at Brad Howell Ford brought out over 600 people on Dec. 3 for the traditional features.  Breakfast was served by members of the Greentown Volunteer Fire Co. (Fire Dept/EMS).  About 285 photos were taken with Santa.   Children also entered a drawing for numerous gifts.  Christmas music was provided on the keyboard by Kim Robertson and Lynn Wilson.  A silent auction of Christmas wreaths resulted in about $1,370 for the Fire Co., which will be donated to various non-profit organizations.  Over $1,100 was collected in a donation box for the Fire Co.  Almost a pick-up load of donated food was given to the Greentown Lions for their Christmas baskets.  Members of Eastern High School S.A.D.D. organization and cheer leaders helped with the serving line and sign-ups for drawings.   
   The event is sponsored by Greentown Volunteer Fire Co. (EMS) and Brad Howell Ford.

Greentown firemen, Berry Allen and Ken Grove, cook sausages.

Kristina Standish plays the keyboard with her piano teacher, Kim Robertson, looking on.

Two year old Breckyn Shepherd, daughter of Carissa and John Shepherd, has her picture taken with Santa.

Christmas Season at Historical Society

   The continuing exhibit at the Greentown History Center on Early Settlers of Eastern Howard County now features a historical depiction of Christmas celebrations in the era of 1850 to 1900.  An exhibit of the collection of  "Old World Santas" provided by Steve and Pam Carpenter are on display, as well as antique toys loaned by Dwight Schaaf.  Gift items can be found in the Gift Shop including ornaments and U.S.A.-manufactured pottery featuring Greentown, Indiana.
   Children are welcome.  The facility is handicap accessible and free to the public.  The History Center is at 103 E. Main St., Greentown. Hours are Saturday, Sunday and Monday 1:00-4:00 through Sunday, Dec 18, 2011. 
   Watch for the Farm Exhibit opening in March 2012.

Flash Backs

Gleaned from the Howard County News

November 1951

Both Parties Urge Residents to Vote

   With both parties “beating the bushes,” a high turnout for next Tuesday’s Town Board election is expected.
   Estimated number of voters is in excess of 700.  Only 410 votes were cast in the board election of 1947.
   Both party leaders, Paul Caldwell, Democrat, and George Carter, Republican, urged all voters, regardless of party to cast their ballots.
  
Paper Published Wednesday

   The first edition of the school paper was published Wednesday.  The staff consists of the editor, Phyllis Teter; assistant editor, Eugene McDonnel; feature writers, Wayne Salsberry, Lavon Martin and Lowell Crow.  The art works for the paper is done by Lavon Martin.  Editorials are written by Phyllis Teter.  Reporters are Leon Richardson, Wayne Salsberry, Keith Slaughter, Roberta Murphy, Joan Zook, Barbara Passwater and Eugene McDonnell.

Thieves Break Into Filling Station Here

   A break-in at Vic Harper’s filling station Tuesday night brought thieves approximately $16 in cash and some 10 cartons of cigarettes.
   Thieves broke into the station by breaking a rear window and un-locking a door.

Obituary - Dick Trott

Aug. 21, 1941 - Oct. 14, 2011

   Richard B. “Dick” Trott, 70, Kokomo, died at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 14, 2011 at his home.  He was born August 21, 1941 in Howard County, the son of Troy Victor & Rosemary (Wirick) Trott.  On April 8, 1979 he married Nancy Bockelman, who preceded him in death August 27, 2000.

Sure Footedness Required!

                                                                                                                 Photo by Rachel Jenkins

  The crew of Heritage Goodhew Enterprises from Ridgeville, Ind. deftly maneuvers the heights as they install the “standing seam” metal roof on the round barn at the fairgrounds.  According to Greentown Lion, Denny Maple, the metal roof option was chosen over the original wood shingles for maintenance considerations. 
 
   The 20 inch wide metal strips are cut onsite, tapering to 10.5 to 12 inches at the top.  It will take 110 strips to cover the lower level of the roof and about 70 on the top tier.  The strips are made of galvanized steel with a baked enamel covering.  The technique used to install the roof is the same as when the company began in the 1950's. 

Neal Wilson Returns to Hometown to Speak

                                                                photo by Bruce Shrock

   Neal Wilson, Eastern High School graduate (class of 1956) returned to Greentown and spoke at a reception sponsored by the Greentown Historical Society on Oct. 14 at the Eastern High School.  Neal currently lives in Mesquite, Texas, with his wife of 52 years, Nancy.
   Neal desired to be a police officer from an early age.  Upon graduation, he was advised to go into the military and get Military Police training to make himself more employable in police work.  He did just that and was stationed in Korea for 15 months and Fort Sam Houston for 14 months.  He was then employed in the Mesquite Police Department from 1959 to 1970, working his way up to Assistant Chief.  He then turned his attention to administration and teaching, serving as Director or Dean of various academies and training centers, as well as working in the Governor’s Office.  He developed the Eastfield Criminal Justice Training Center which has graduated over 2700 police officers.  He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in education and police administration and has lectured at several colleges and universities.  He has also authored criminal justice text books.  
   Neal reminisced to the reception audience about people and places which were important to him as a young person growing up near Greentown.  He congratulated the Greentown Historical Society on their achievements.  He stressed the importance of preserving tangible history as a way of gaining an understanding of how people lived in former years.  He hopes to make future visits to Greentown. 
   The reception was part of a Capital Fund Drive to raise money to pay off the mortgage on the building at 101 E. Main Street which serves as meeting, exhibit, storage and office space.  Tabulations are being made of receipts and donations are still being accepted.  In addition to paying off the mortgage, the Society has identified some projects and programs which will increase their community outreach and support for preserving local history. 

New Employee in Greentown Utility Office

Sharon Shane
photo by Rachel Jenkins

     Sharon Shane has been hired as Assistant Utility Clerk by the Greentown Town Council.  Her duties including receiving and posting payments, responding to requests for turning on and off water, and answering general questions.
   Sharon is a Greentown resident.  She has previous experience working in various doctors’ offices.  Her hobbies include NASCAR, football and reading.  She and her husband have two sons who are graduates of Eastern High School.