Greetings!

We’re over the hump and the temperature is steadily increasing. Spring can’t be far off! Even through the depths of Winter KVHS continues its mission of discovery, education and restoration.

On February 10th our Society historian, Dick Schmal, and his wife Georgene held a “Covered Wagon” presentation for the 4th grade classes at the Kouts Elementary School. I could barely remember that far back, but 4th grade is when Indiana history is taught. Had to knock the dust off the old noggin to remember. The “Covered Wagon” programs are a state program that instructs people so they can then go out and teach groups about the history of Indiana. I found it very informative and the Schmals’ did a great job. Beverly Overmyer and Mary Hodson, coordinated the presentation, dressed in period costume and helped out. The kids were very well behaved and the interaction was fantastic. Thanks folks! I’ll include pic of the event.

On February 16th we held a KVHS general meeting. Jim Bess was scheduled to give a presentation about the history and flora & fauna of the Kankakee River Valley, but because of illness, Jim wasn’t able to make it. Jim Sweeney, President of “Friends of the Kankakee” volunteered as a last minute replacement. Jim spoke as an individual and not as a “Friend of the Kankakee” represenitive. Jim brought a number of slides and like the “Covered Wagon” the talk was extremely interesting and informative and very well received. We plan on rescheduling Jim Bess’s on some future date. Illness isn’t going to get Jim off the hook that easily. We had a great turnout and I’ll include some pic of that too.

We’re firming up a date for our “Artifact Roadshow” event with Dr. Mark Schurr and Bill Mangold. The “Artifact Roadshow” is an opportunity for people to bring in prehistoric artifacts that have been found and Mark and Bill will identify and date, as closely as possible, the artifacts for them. These are tentative plans, but we want to get the word out as soon and as far reaching as possible. The Roadshow will be held at the Kouts Public Library (101 E. Daumer Rd.) on Saturday, March 29th. The hours will be between 10 AM and 2 PM. We may run on a little later if the demand is there, but must be out by 4:30 PM. I will be sending further info on the Roadshow as it becomes available.