Much has happened since our last meeting on Saturday, August 18, 2001 at the Porter County Historical Societies and Natural Resources Picnic. where historical groups from Porter County; interested professionals; representatives of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife; IDNR and DNR were gathered together through the organizational efforts of Al Loomis and John Hodson. Al Loomis is the President of the Historical Society of Porter County. His goal was to discuss the formation of a consortium of historical groups and related professionals. This would be an informal group sharing information and ideas, as well as talents. No formal meetings are planned; the group will correspond via e-mail, fax, phone or a manner convenient to all. The KVHS was pleased to be the host for this gathering.

Rains came but did not stop the group from their plans for the day. I have to say that those folks who came out are a determined bunch. With plenty to eat and more to discuss, the meeting proceeded. The clink of horse shoes in the background and people sitting on a log to chat, gave an aura of the picnics of long ago. The pole barn provided protection and a spot to continue discussions. Some hearty soles donned "plastic garbage bags", as makeshift rain gear, and enjoyed the Belgium horse drawn wagon rides to the "old hunting lodge" and a trip through the flora and fauna native to the area. A big THANKS to Jim Lambert for providing the nostalgic rides and decking out his team of Belgium horses in their finest.

A highlight of the day for the KVHS was the signing of an "Memorandum of Understanding" with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife. Tim Bodeen, Project leader and I put our pens to paper and signed an agreement for our organizations to work together. A copy of the document will be available at the November meeting. This working relationship with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife is an important step towards restoration of the wildlife native to this area. The lodge overlooks one of the remaining original portions of the Kankakee. Restoration of the lodge will provide a platform for viewing this remaining portion along with the native wildlife.

Cornelius O'Brien Conference ~~~

In September, Mary and I attended the "Cornelius O'Brien Conference on Historic Preservation" held in South Bend. Not only did we find it interesting but very productive as well. The following is a highlight of the events pertinent to KVHS.

Note: As you are aware the KVHS has been working with Historic Preservation of Porter County (HPPC), which is an affiliate of Historical Landmarks Foundation of Indiana (HLFI), and has access to loans through the HLFI. We are all aware of the dire need to stabilize the hunting lodge. Funds are needed to begin this necessary work or the lodge may be lost and with it, a vital piece of history.

The HLFI offers a 3 year loan with 0% interest the first year; 4 ½ % interest the second year and prime rate the third year. This loan will give us the time necessary to obtain full status on the National Registry and accomplish research; completion of the grant proposals and additional means to acquire the necessary funds to realize our goals and repay the loan. I will personally guarantee the loan to see that the work begins as soon as possible. This guarantee will eliminate the potential of personal, financial responsibility to members of the Kankakee Valley Historical Society, Inc.

On Thursday evening Mary and I joined with a gathering of conference attendees to meet the conference presenters. The evening event was held at the Morris Performing Arts Center, which is an excellent example of renovation at it finest. In a conversation with Dana Groves, our representativ from Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, we recognized the growing need for KVHS to form an affiliation with HLFI. This affiliation will open up the opportunities for progression of our projects and the resources necessary to achieve them. (Since the conference, Dana has sent the Affiliate application form and submission is in progress.)

Meeting with Congressman Sounder ~~~

Keynote speaker for Friday night's award and recognition's banquet was Congressman Mark E. Souder (Indiana 4th District) who holds a strong interest in the preservation of historic buildings and sites. Mary and I were impressed by his enthusiasm and personal goal to save historical buildings along with his efforts to expand the recognition and significance of Indiana through its historic landmarks. Congressman Souder is currently working to expand a number of historical landmarks in the "Old Northwest Territories", with Indiana being of primary interest to him.

Following the banquet I approached the Congressman and asked if he would be interested in receiving an e-mail explaining KVHS and our restoration project of the lodge. He was indeed interested and wanted to take a few moments to hear about it. I gave a brief description of the history of the area, KVHS and our projects. Congressman Souder had a number of questions and wanted to discuss them. He felt that the goals of KVHS and our restoration project fit in with his goals for reservation. He requested an opportunity to visit the site and surrounding area. Congressman Souder also stated that he would be in contact with our Congressman, Peter Visklosky (Indiana 1st District), to discuss the merits of our project. We ended our meeting with his direct e-mail address in hand along with his request for additional information about KVHS and the old hunting lodge. A request that a hard copy of this information be sent to Congressman Visklosky, was made as well. The Congressman questioned if we had any involvement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the Kankakee Marsh Wildlife Refuge. I was pleased to inform him that we had just signed an "Memorandum of Understanding" in August with Tim Bodeen, the Project Leader of the Grand Kankakee Refuge Restoration Project. Congressman Souder is very supportive of wildlife preservation and our meeting confirmed that we indeed had shared goals.

Letter from Congressman Visklosky ~~

Since this meeting, I have sent the requested information to both Congressmen. I was surprised and pleased to receive a personal letter, dated October 11, 2001 from Congressman Visklosky, wherein he states that he is in support of our efforts. He acknowledged the historic significance of hunting lodge as a national historical landmark. Congressman Visklosy encouraged me to contact the Projects and Grants Director in his Gary office. I have been in contact with the Director, who has asked for fourteen days to review our project and to determine the grants and/or private funds available and suitable to support our work. Folks do you have any idea how far we have come?! We have the support of two Congressman, not only in name but spirit!!! and A working relationship with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife !!!!

And there is more!! ~~~

On Friday we shared a table with William Mongold (state archaeologist with the IDNR) and Amy Johnson (research archaeologist, also IDNR). Of course I couldn't pass up an opportunity to tell him some of the history of the Kankakee and the lodge. He questioned if the lodge was near Baum's Bridge. I was shocked he knew the area! Mr. Mangold went on to explain that he has worked with Shirley Anderson (amateur Porter County archaeologist) in the past and knew the area quite well.

Saturday we attended a session on Archaeology at the Second St. Joseph County Courthouse. Dr. Mark Shurr (Department of Anthropology professor at the University of Notre Dame) was among the guest presenters along with Mr. Mangold. Mary had given Mr. Mangold a flyer describing the area and lodge along with our preservation efforts. It appears that he, in turn, gave the flyer to Professor Shurr to read. The professor asked to be introduced to us as he wished to do some further archaeological research along the Kankakee and was especially interested in the area of Baum's Bridge. We were introduced after the session. Professor Shurr requested permission to do a survey of the area surrounding the lodge along with my adjacent property. He believes that this area will prove to be a rich source of historic archaeological information. Upon his return to the University, he plans to assign one of his interns with the task of researching the history of the Indian village, Maysville. Maysville (or Mayesville) is a Native American village/trading post that I have run across in my research. It was located near the intersection of Baum's Bridge Road and 1050 South, a half mile north of the lodge. It is expected that the intern will pay a visit to the area to view the site first hand. All findings and reports will be shared with KVHS. Work and research will be funded by the University of Notre Dame through grants awarded to the Anthropology Department.

Unexpected Opportunities ~~~

We attended the conference with plans to gain information on restoration and how to progress with the KVHS plans. We came home with a wealth of information; contacts and renewed enthusiasm. The opportunities opened to KVHS were unexpected...the possibility of a working archaeological site; documented research by a renowned University; preservation of the surrounding area of the lodge; restoration of the lodge and a working relationship with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife along with the support and interest of two Congressmen.

As previously stated in past newsletters, "The possibilities are limited only by the imagination and efforts of the members of KVHS" ~~~ no words could more accurately state the direction of the goals of KVHS and its membership are taking.