Greetings!

The Second Annual KVHS picnic was held Saturday and it was a rousing success. The weather cooperated, food was great and the activities were outstanding. Mike McDowell from Indiana Ghost Trackers gave a talk about ghost investigation after we ate. Jim Lambert then gave everyone rides around the property and to the Collier Lodge. The first wagon load even jumped a deer in the meadow along the creek. I was very happy to see that Ira Fry was able to make it out and join in the festivities. In the evening we went on a ghost hunt to some hot spots in the vicinity. Slept like a log after we got home. I want to thank Mike McDowell for the very interesting talk, Jim Lambert for the horse drawn wagon rides and everyone that attended. Robin Biesen, from The Times, attended the picnic and wrote a very informative article in today’s Times. I’ll include it at the end. She overstated a tad on me now being a "believer" in the spirit world, but I must admit that my skeptic-O-meter has definitely moved into the believer side. Thanks Robin for the great article.

The picnic was also a financial success. Between sales of Ira’s book, donations and new memberships we took in more than $400. I want to especially thank Ira for his very generous donation of $125. Speaking of Ira and his book, we have pretty well sold out what copyies we had printed. We are now putting together a second volume of "The Kankakee River" with all new stories and more new pictures. Ira’s book sales have been a great boon for the society’s finances. Thank you Ira for all that you’re doing for KVHS and for being the good hearted, caring fellow that you are.

Stabilization of the Collier Lodge has been moved back a week. As long as the work is done before the snows fly it, should be ok. Let’s just all keep good thoughts about the building till we are able to complete the stabilization. I’ve been in contact with Von Tobel Lumber and they have offered us the material at almost cost. Thanks Von Tobels!

I receive an e-mail from Mark Schurr and after doing some checking he discovered that the Collier Lodge site is already listed with the state as an archaeological prehistoric site. I forwarded the information to Dana Groves, our Historic Landmarks representative. Dana is helping us with our National Register application and, after some consulting with other knowledgeable officials, feels that we should send in one application for the lodge as associated with historic events and one for the site as a prehistoric site. WOW! We may have two historic places at one spot. Very exciting! I can tell Mark is chomping at the bit to get started on our archaeological project along the Kankakee and I can hardly wait either.

Miracle! I’m actually keeping this newsletter relatively short. For those that aren’t aware that KVHS has it own website, go to: www.kankakeevalleyhistoricalsociety.org Remember that it’s a work in progress. When winter time comes I can spend more time on it, but till then I’m trying to make improvements when I can. Any suggestions are welcome.