Author: kathit@pwrtc.com

Paintball & Laser Tag

Information taken from PulaskiOnline.org. Research more at http://tourism.pulaskionline.org/

We hope hundreds of people who used to call Pulaski County home will travel back for the rededication ceremony in July 2023. To entice you to come – maybe even sooner – we’re going to feature “things to do when you get here.”

Sometimes, the simple things can be a little rough — getting pelted with a high-speed ball of paint (don’t worry, it only stings a little, and then it dissipates as your survival and competitive instincts kick in!), climbing ropes three stories about the ground, or getting hit with an archery-tag dart. Whatever your pleasure, Pulaski County has you covered!

Fort Knox Paintball, north of Winamac on U.S.-35, features 13 distinct themed battlefields, including the brand new Interstate-85 (Zombies everywhere!), all built by the father-son team running this weekend-warrior jewel. Every three months or so, Fort Knox hosts a “Big Game” weekend, which is a really big deal, attracting countless paintball enthusiasts from all over Indiana and across the country for a few days of camaraderie, good times, and battling toward victory. Whether you’re part of a team of seasoned veterans or arming yourself for the first time, Fort Knox offers awesome opportunities — and as long as you follow the rules, it’s safer than bowling! If paintball isn’t your thing, then you can now check out their laser-tag offering on the same great courses used for paintball!

Looking for a family-friendly good time? Pulaski County is the place to visit.

The U.S. Military and the Influenza Pandemic of 1918–1919

Reposted from the National Center for Biotechnology Information

Author, Carol R. Byerly, PhD

The American military experience in World War I and the influenza pandemic were closely intertwined. The war fostered influenza in the crowded conditions of military camps in the United States and in the trenches of the Western Front in Europe. The virus traveled with military personnel from camp to camp and across the Atlantic, and at the height of the American military involvement in the war, September through November 1918, influenza and pneumonia sickened 20% to 40% of U.S. Army and Navy personnel. These high morbidity rates interfered with induction and training schedules in the United States and rendered hundreds of thousands of military personnel non-effective. During the American Expeditionary Forces’ campaign at Meuse-Argonne, the epidemic diverted urgently needed resources from combat support to transporting and caring for the sick and the dead. Influenza and pneumonia killed more American soldiers and sailors during the war than did enemy weapons.

In the fall of 1918, U.S. Army and Navy medical officers in camps across the country presided over the worst epidemic in American history, but the story was not new. War and disease have been linked throughout history as armies, weapons, and human pathogens have met on the battlefield. The conquistadores brought with them diseases that devastated the New World; typhus plagued Napoleon’s armies; and typhoid fever humiliated the American Army during the Spanish-American War. But now U.S. Army and Navy personnel knew how to test and sanitize water supplies, vaccinate troops against typhoid and smallpox, and treat or prevent other infections. Modern bacteriology, it seemed, had tamed many diseases. Navy Surgeon General William C. Braisted proudly stated that “infectious diseases that formerly carried off their thousands, such as yellow fever, typhus, cholera, and typhoid, have all yielded to our modern knowledge of their causes and our consequent logical measures taken for their prevention.”1

Twentieth-century warfare, however, had evolved to an even more deadly scale as industrialized armies of millions battled on the plains of Eastern Europe, the cliffs of Gallipoli, and in the deadly trenches of the 550-mile-long Western Front. When the European arms race exploded into war in 1914, the empires shocked themselves and the world with the killing power of their artillery and machine guns, their U-boats and mines, and their poison gas. These new weapons generated new, horrible injuries that took life and limb in a flash or festered into gangrenous wounds that could further maim and kill. The carnage traumatized some men into shellshock, and poison gases burned and suffocated others so horribly that nurses dreaded caring for them because they could provide little comfort. War diseases—notably the soldiers’ nemeses diarrhea, dysentery, and typhus—flourished, and the trenches offered new maladies such as “trench foot,” an infection caused by wearing sodden boots and standing in water and mud for days on end, and “trench fever,” a debilitating fever transmitted by body lice.

Then, in the fourth dreadful year of the war, as the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) assumed fighting strength and prepared their first great offensive against the Germans, the flu struck. By the War Department’s most conservative count, influenza sickened 26% of the Army—more than one million men—and killed almost 30,000 before they even got to France.2,3 On both sides of the Atlantic, the Army lost a staggering 8,743,102 days to influenza among enlisted men in 1918.4 (p. 1448) The Navy recorded 5,027 deaths and more than 106,000 hospital admissions for influenza and pneumonia out of 600,000 men, but given the large number of mild cases that were never recorded, Braisted put the sickness rate closer to 40%.5,6 (p. 2458)

The Army and Navy medical services may have tamed typhoid and typhus, but more American soldiers, sailors, and Marines would succumb to influenza and pneumonia than would die on the industrialized battlefields of the Great War. The story of the influenza epidemic in the military is often lost in the historical narrative of the Great War, included merely as a coda to that four-year horror, coinciding with the final battles and the Armistice. But an examination of medical reports and War Department and Department of the Navy documents from the war reveals that the war and the epidemic were intertwined.7 World War I and influenza collaborated: the war fostered disease by creating conditions in the trenches of France that some epidemiologists believe enabled the influenza virus to evolve into a killer of global proportions. In turn, disease shaped the war effort by rendering much of the Army and Navy non-effective and diverting resources, personnel, and scarce human attention and energy from the military campaign. The exigencies of war also thwarted many of the efforts such as crowd mitigation and quarantines to control the epidemic. The influenza epidemic in the U.S. military therefore provides a cautionary tale about the power of war to change the health environment and the power of disease to influence the conduct of war.

An Outdoor Paradise

Information taken from PulaskiOnline.org. Research more at http://tourism.pulaskionline.org/

We hope hundreds of people who used to call Pulaski County home will travel back for the rededication ceremony in July 2023. To entice you to come – maybe even sooner – we’re going to feature “things to do when you get here.”

Offering opportunities for wild-dove and pheasant hunting in the heart of rural Pulaski County, Sandy Prairie Hunt Club provides more than 200 acres of ground, including 40 acres of prairie-grass strips and sunflower fields. Individuals and small parties are welcome, dogs are required, and there’s no membership fee.

The Winamac Fish and Wildlife Area, in northern Pulaski County, along U.S.-35, offers tremendous opportunities for hunting deer, wild turkey, rabbit, quail, squirrel, woodcock, dove, and furbearers. Waterfowl hunting is offered, but is limited due to the small amount of wetlands, and opportunities exists for pheasant, quail and dove hunting. Wetland trapping is always permitted. Two two-acre ponds are home to bluegill, channel catfish, and largemouth bass waiting to challenge master anglers and recreational fishers alike.

Northwestern Pulaski County’s Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area is home to the Ryan Ditch (shoreline fishing), two gravel pits with boat ramps, and numerous small ponds to provide plenty of diversity as you seek the catch of the day — or just a day out of the office, communing with nature. Deer, quail, rabbit, squirrel, snipe, dove, sora rails, woodcock, waterfowl and wild turkey all inhabit the area, challenging mature marksmen and first-timers alike.

Put The Rubber To The Road

Information taken from PulaskiOnline.org. Research more at http://tourism.pulaskionline.org/

We hope hundreds of people who used to call Pulaski County home will travel back for the rededication ceremony in July 2023. To entice you to come – maybe even sooner – we’re going to feature “things to do when you get here.”

Stretching more than 20 miles from Kenneth, in Cass County, to the south side of Winamac, the Panhandle Pathway is a fully paved bicycle/walking trail along the old Pennsylvania Railroad. At Kenneth, its southern terminus is about one mile west of France Park, and plans are underway to connect the trail to the park, with a longer-range vision of extending the trail into Logansport and making connections with other trails.

Upon reaching the south side of Winamac, the Pathway gives way to the Winamac Parkway, a linear park along the western edge of downtown following the Pennsylvania bed to State Road 14. There’s a picnic shelter where the trail meets Main Street, and the park is only a short block or two from Winamac’s commercial blocks. A short ride eastward on Main Street leads you to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Bridge (our very own “Memorial Swinging Bridge”), which pedestrians and bicyclists can use to cross the Tippecanoe River into the Winamac Town Park, which has a trail looping it.

Long-term visions lead the trail beyond the Winamac Parkway northward to the Tippecanoe River State Park and the Erie Trail, which runs nine miles between U.S.-35 and North Judson to the northwest.

This short video displays fun on the trail, on the river, and at the state park, plus tells you a little about our fair community.

A smaller Monterey section of the Erie Trail exists, but does not currently connect to the longer North Judson branch, although it is part of U.S. Bike Route 35, which runs from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Mississippi, and connects to the Winamac Town Park via Pulaski County Bike Route 1, which will become part of the under-development Pulaski County Bike Route Network.

Enjoy Floating The River!

Information taken from PulaskiOnline.org. Research more at http://tourism.pulaskionline.org/

We hope hundreds of people who used to call Pulaski County home will travel back for the rededication ceremony in July 2023. To entice you to come – maybe even sooner – we’re going to feature “things to do when you get here.”

The jewel of Pulaski County is, almost inarguably, the Tippecanoe River, one of the top-10 most important freshwater systems in North America. It was given this designation by The Nature Conservancy in Rivers of Life: Critical Watersheds for Protecting Biodiversity and is looked at as the gold standard of streams for biological cleanliness by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The Tippecanoe winds through the towns of Monterey and Winamac and has inspired many other designated recreational areas, including the Tippecanoe River State Park and a designated Canoe Trail.

Visit PulaskiOnline to discover opportunities to rent canoes, or, of course, there are plenty of access points for slipping into the river with your own gear. The Tippecanoe River State Park, which even has a canoe camp!

Message From A Proud Native Son

To All Pulaski County Residents, Past and Present

Who among you have specific memories of the “Memorial Swinging Bridge” that spans the Tippecanoe River in the Winamac Town Park? A recently activated committee has taken on a project to give this structure an aesthetic makeover in celebration of its 100th birthday! The original dedication ceremony occurred on July 4, 1923, designated to memorialize ALL residents of Pulaski County, Indiana who had served in the armed services in all wars, up to and including World War I.

Some time ago, I was asked to do a presentation to the Iris-Elm Garden Club regarding recent and future renovations in the Winamac Town Park. I took this opportunity to mention the 100th anniversary celebration of the Memorial Swinging Bridge, and was quite surprised by the enthusiasm of the club members in sharing stories that each had experienced connected to this structure. Young and “more experienced” members alike had memories to share about various events that they attended which were somehow tied to this bridge.

July 4, 2023 may seem like a date FAR in the future, but now is the time to turn your thoughts to the past. This bridge committee is planning a celebration to mimic, and surpass, its predecessor. The 1923 event was, reportedly, the largest gathering to have been held in Pulaski County history. The proposed renovations and accentuations to our Memorial Swinging Bridge must be funded by private donations by individuals, corporations, and organizations.

I would encourage all of you to think back to days gone by, where an event or experience is somehow tied to, and enhanced by, this symbol of ALL of those brave men and women from our County who served our Country so that we can enjoy our lives, and freedoms. Details will follow soon as to how each of you can participate, personally and monetarily. We need to think back so that we can look ahead!

Regards to all,

Mr. Courtney Poor- Proud native son of Pulaski County, Indiana

Light Up Our Legacy!

To see photos of the Town’s renovations, through the installation of the lights, and to the centennial celebration, visit this page: Our Legacy!

To stay up to date (until the domain is no longer owned, December 2024), go to Our Legacy Continues! 

Note regarding the discrepancy in verbiage:

We began our project with a group decision to go with “Memorial Swinging Bridge” both as a domain name and a Facebook site name that were available. As we ended the project, many began to use the term “Veterans Memorial Swinging Bridge.” You will see it both ways here.

We also began our project with the tag line of “Light Up Our Legacy.” As we finished fundraising and moved into planning the day of celebration, the line became “Lighting Our Legacy.”

Please forgive us if you see the lines both ways on this website!

Day Is Done … Gone The Sun …

We have had our glorious day! The bridge is now illuminated, calling all veterans – both living and in honored death – to come home.

This webpage will live on until December 9, 2024, with probably little to no maintenance. Until then, the content is available for you to view and use!

Photos leading up to the illumination and photos from our day can be found on this page: Our Legacy!!

Press Release: Memorial Bridge Centennial, lighting celebration July 3, 2023

by Karen Fritz

‘Lighting Our Legacy”

WINAMAC – A “star-spangled, heart-tugging, patriotic” celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Memorial Swinging Bridge at the Winamac Park is planned for the eve of Independence Day, Monday, July 3.

The centennial rededication of the footbridge will mirror aspects of the original dedication ceremony from 100 years earlier. It will culminate at dusk with a patriotic grand finale – and the much anticipated illumination of the bridge with a newly-installed, professional LED system.

Perhaps Winamac’s most beloved and sentimental landmark, the Memorial Swinging Bridge has now spanned the historic Tippecanoe River at the town park for a century. One of the oldest suspension bridges in Indiana, it was erected and dedicated shortly after the Great War. Still feeling the pain of loss, community leaders named the bridge “Memorial” in honor of “soldiers and sailors” from Pulaski County from all wars.

The Centennial Celebration

The Centennial Celebration of the Memorial Bridge will run from 4 to 10 p.m., Monday, July 3, at the Winamac Town Park. A central theme of the evening will be to honor the county’s veterans and current service men and women. Military members attending, past and present, are encouraged to wear uniforms, memorabilia or shirts and caps that commemorate their service. Members of the public attending are invited to wear period costume from 100 years ago (the “Roaring 20s”), or other historical clothing, or patriotic wear.

The lighting of the bridge at dark (about 10 p.m.) will be the culmination of efforts to honor veterans and Gold Star Families by “lighting their way home.”

Winamac VFW Commander Stan Czech will serve as master of ceremonies. The following is a brief itinerary of events:

  • 4 p.m. – Food vendors will open for business and remain until the bridge is illuminated.
  • 4 p.m. – Local bands will begin playing sets.
  • 5:30 p.m. – The Culver Academies Naval Band will play the National Anthem, ushering in the youth baseball and softball games.
  • 7:30 – The Memorial Swinging Bridge Centennial & Rededication Ceremony will begin, featuring dignitary proclamations, the recognition of POW and Gold Star Families, a salute to veterans, and a patriotic Medley by Culver’s Military Band.
  • 8:30 – Live, local bands will resume playing. Socializing in the park.
  • 9:45 – Patriotic Grand Finale followed by the Illumination of 100-year-old Memorial Swinging Bridge.

NOTE: The public should note there will be reserved parking only at the Main Street (west side) entrance of the park on July 3. Pedestrian traffic on the bridge will be closed during the 7:30 and 9:45 ceremonies.

ALSO: Gold Star family members of Pulaski County soldiers who wish to participate in the Rededication Ceremony should call 574-595-5474.

The ‘Light Up Our Legacy’ Project

In anticipation of the Memorial Bridge’s centennial this summer, a citizen’s group was formed four years ago to facilitate efforts to spruce up the bridge and make plans for a grand celebration. Central to the group’s plans was an effort to illuminate the bridge with a professionally designed and installed, multi-color LED-lighting system.

Associated Controls + Design of Indianapolis is the designer and contractor for the lighting project – the same company that oversaw the South Bend River Lights and the MLK Bridge lights in Fort Wayne.

Known as “Light Up Our Legacy,” the lights are being installed on the bridge’s cables, towers and beneath the structure. Light color combinations can be changed for holidays and seasons. Funding has been secured from private and corporate donations through a variety of fundraising projects the past two years.

Heading up the Memorial Swinging Bridge Project are Greg and Brenda Henry of Winamac. Kathleen (Kathi) Thompson has served as chair of the fund development committee. The sponsoring organization is the Winamac VFW. Dozens of committee members and additional volunteers have been meeting and working since early 2019 brainstorming ideas and gathering histories and photos of the bridge. They organized fund-raising efforts, contacted local government entities for support and advice, and interviewed contractors for the illumination portion of the project. The committee also developed a website and social media platforms, published a monthly newsletter and produced brochures.

Todd Zeiger of Indiana Landmarks has worked with the committee as a consultant. The Winamac Town Council and its park committee provided scheduled refurbishing of the bridge. The Pulaski County Historical Society secured a grant to further help finance the town’s renovation of the span. The town council gave its approval for the centennial committee to proceed with the plan to illuminate the bridge.

Bridge history

The memorial footbridge to honor the county’s military service members was commissioned in April 1923 by the board of the then new Winamac Park Association. The town council pledged $1,000 toward the project, and the newly-formed Winamac Kiwanis Club helped to ready the park on the west side in preparation. A contract was awarded for $3,197 and the 200-foot span was completed three months later.

The day-long dedication festivities for the footbridge in July 1923 began with a parade featuring veterans of the Civil War, Spanish-American War and the Great War, along with Gold Star Mothers. Congressman S.E. Cook gave a speech. The celebration continued in the early afternoon with a band concert and baseball game. The dedication address was given by Major General Leigh Robinson Gignilliat, accompanied by cadets, from nearby Culver Military Academy. The celebration concluded with an elaborate evening display of fireworks.

###

Memorial Swinging Bridge July 3 Rededication/Centennial Celebration

Grand Finale “Lighting Our Legacy” – S O L D I E R S

    1. American Revolution: Patrick Schuttrow – (Reproduction uniform provided by Brenda Henry)
    2. War of 1812: Maddox Bucinski – (Vintage Citadel cadet uniform donated to/provided by WCHS Drama Dept., altered by Nancy Allman)
    3. Mexican War: Max Gearhart – (Reproduction uniform provided by WCHS Drama Dept.)
    4. Civil War: John Seno – (Reproduction uniform provided by WCHS Drama Dept.)
    5. Spanish-American War: Connor Jones – (Reproduction uniform provided by WCHS Drama Dept.)
    6. World War I: Ryan Huggler – (Vintage uniform provided by Pulaski Co. Historical Society)
    7. World War II: Andrew Fritz – (Grandfather’s vintage U.S. Navy officer bridge coat/hat)
    8. Korean War: Alan Huggler – (Reproduction uniform provided by WCHS Drama Dept.; plus vintage hat provided by Pulaski County Historical Society)
    9. Vietnam War: Jakob Penicaro – (Grandfather’s vintage uniform)
    10. Desert Storm/Desert Shield: Jimmy Terry – (Veteran, wearing own uniform)
    11. Afghanistan War: Brandie Bucinski – (Veteran, wearing own uniform)
    12. Iraq War: Mike Zahora – (Veteran, wearing own uniform)

Drummer: Chad Watts

Organized by: Patrick Schuttrow, drama director at Winamac Community High School, Karen Fritz and Brenda Henry, members Memorial Swinging Bridge Committee.

Bridge History: August 9 1934

The following are articles from local newspapers that can be found at the Public Library. These articles were gathered together by Jim Phillips, a native of Pulaski County. Jim manages a Facebook page, “Stalking My Hometown.” Find that page here.

Pulaski County Democrat Aug 9 1934, Microfilm

An ordinance was passed setting a fine of $25 as the penalty for jumping upon, climbing the cables or otherwise abusing the Memorial suspension footbridge across the river. Lads old enough to know better have been observed in unnecessary antics on the structure, and the ordinance was made of record so they can be handled in court. It is published in full elsewhere in this paper.

AN ORDINANCE

PROHIBITING CERTAIN ACTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE SUSPENSION MEMORIAL BRIDE OVER THE TIPPECANOE RIVER AT WINAMAC, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLATION THEREOF, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

SECTION I. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF WINAMAC, INDIANA, That it shall be unlawful for any person to shake by grasping the cable or hand-rail, jump up and down upon or otherwise cause unnecessary vibration of, the suspension Memorial Bridge over the Tippecanoe River, connecting the two parks owned by the town of Winamac, Indiana.

SECTION II. Any person violating this Ordinance shall, upon conviction, be fined in any sum not exceeding Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00).

SECTION III. An emergency existing for the immediate taking effect of this Ordinance, the same shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage.

JOHN C.  SHANK, FRANK H. KING, THEODORE H. DUNKIN, WILLIAM D. PATTISON, JESSE CLESTER, Board of Trustees, Town of Winamac. Attest: T.D. HOWE, Town Clerk, August 9.

Winamac Republican Aug 9 1934, Microfilm: No More Shimmying Suspension Bridge

At the August meeting of the Town Board Monday night an emergency ordinance was passed making it “unlawful for any person to shake by grasping the cable or hand rail jump up and down upon or otherwise cause unnecessary vibration of the suspension Memorial bridge over the Tippecanoe river.” Violators will be fined not to exceed $25.

This is a good move on the part of the Town Board as numerous boys and young men have been in the habit of indulging in the dangerous practice of shaking the bridge.

Bridge History: July 5 1923 to July 26 1923

The following are articles from local newspapers that can be found at the Public Library. These articles were gathered together by Jim Phillips, a native of Pulaski County. Jim manages a Facebook page, “Stalking My Hometown.” Find that page here.

Pulaski County Democrat Jul 5 1923, Microfilm: Crowds Attend 4th Celebration

Observance of National Holiday in Winamc Big Success – Memorial Bridge Dedicated – Culver Officials Conduct Formal Exercises – Display of Fireworks Most Elaborate Ever Seen Here – Yesterday’s celebration of the Fourth in Winamac was one of the most successful affairs of the kind ever held here. The crowd was one of the largest ever seen here on such an occasion, the weather was ideal, the program was carried out with but few disappointments, not an accident marred the day’s events, and there was no disturbance of any kind.

The parking space in the Association park was literally covered with automobiles; hundreds of cars were parked in town and in the town park at the artesian well, the occupants going to the big park by way of the new suspension bridge, and during the evening the roads were lined with cars bringing in people for the night fireworks.

The dedication of the new bridge as a memorial to Pulaski county soldiers who served in the wars gave to the occasion a patriotic touch of deep significance. In the presence of a group of gray haired veterans of the Civil War, of a number of Gold Star Mothers and of an assemblage of veterans of the World War, Major General Gignilliat of Culver Military Academy delivered a brief address to a huge crowd that assembled near the east end of the bridge. He spoke feelingly of the part Indiana has taken in the wars, dwelling upon the fact that the first soldiers to lose their lives in both the Civil and World War were Indiana men. He characterized the bridge as particularly appropriate as a memorial to men who have served their country. A bridge, he declared, is a mark of the progress of civilization. The country’s ideals in its various wars have been in support of this same civilization. He referred, too, to the fact that the country’s first battle, that skirmish at Concord, was at the site of a bridge.

Following his address, which the general closed with the formal words of dedication, the veil which covered the memorial tablet on that end of the bridge was pulled aside. Then followed a roll call of Pulaski county men who lost their lives in the World War, some comrade in the American Legion answering to each name with the words: “Died in the service of his country.”

Culver cadets who accompanied the general fired a volley, taps were blown, and there was an impressive salute to the colors ending with the national salute from the one-pound cannon that the Culver officers had brought.

A line of decorated automobiles, headed by the band in a bunting bedecked truck, formed a procession on the downtown streets in the forenoon and moved to the park, where a large part of the assemblage gave close attention to a scholarly address by Congressman S.E. Cook of Huntington. Judge Cook indulged in little spread-eagle oratory such as characterizes many Fourth of July addresses, but confined himself to object lessons as based upon the pages of history. It was a talk full of information and sound logic.

The Winamac band, under the direction of R.E. Wilson, rendered numerous concerts throughout the day. There was dancing in the park pavilion, and hundreds of people enjoyed a plunge in the Tippecanoe in the vicinity of the new bath house.  The ball game afforded the pleasure to a crowd that filled the grandstand. The refreshment stands, operated by Winamac business men for the benefit of the park association in its efforts to raise funds for further improvement of the park, were overtaxed to suppfly food and soft drinks. The size of the crowd so far exceeded expectations that the refreshment supply was exhausted late in the evening.

The display of fireworks was by far the most elaborate every attempted here.  The committee of business men purchased a complete outfit from a reputable company, with the various pieces numbered as to the order of firing. There were numerous aerial bombs and rockets, some of them carrying tiny parachutes supporting colored lights. Several “set” pieces brought expressive “ah-h-s” from the crowd. The display was made along the south side of the ball park, with the people massed both within and without the enclosure.

Winamac Republican Jul 5 1923, Microfilm: The 4th Fittingly Observed Here In Winamac

Ideal Weather Prevailed And Enthusiastic Crowd Present – New Footbridge Dedicated With Ceremony – Winamac celebrated the Fourth by the dedication of the new suspension boot-bridge leading from the town park to the park across the river. A mammoth crowd was present to hear the dedication address by Brig. Gen. Gignilliat of Culver Military Academy, former state commander of the American Legion, and to witness the firing of the salute to the fallen soldiers by the naval guns brought by cadets from the academy. The foot-bridge was declared by visitors as up to expectations and a fitting monument to the country’s dead and living soldiers and sailors.

Contractor Nutt, in spite of early delays had the bridge entirely completed for the occasion, and it was duly decorated with flags and bunting for the holiday.

The weather was ideal for a celebration and crowds arrived in time for the auto parade at 10:30, lead by the Winamac band in uniform.

Congressman Samuel E. Cook, of Huntington, delivered the address of the morning at the new park bandstand, following a band concert. He congratulated the county on the appropriate memorial to the soldiers, and spoke of the sacrifices that the men of revolutionary days and during the later wars, who fought for their country, and urged his hearers not to forget their deeds of valor and sacrifice.

A second band concert was held at noon before the ball game. Winamac in the ball game with Royal Centre came from behind the visitors after a bad fourth inning and finally won the fray by a score of 7 to 6.

Winamac is showing up a pretty steady aggregation this season, and with Huddleston and Kroft as the stand-by battery is developing strong and aggressive.

In the fourth Huddleston was not at his best, but stuck to the ship with dogged pep, even with the odds against him. R.C. scored in the first frame, and in the fourth four tallies slipped across the plate before the lid could be clamped down, the bases having been filled by the visitors. After the fourth Huddleston held the visitors to one score, which came in the first of the ninth inning. This tally was squeezed in after two were down, when two visitors were walked, the first scoring from second on a bingle. A third out saved the game from further trouble.

Winamac’s main doings came in the fatal seventh, when Huddleston started with a two-bagger, Brown and Gilsinger also slammed out two-base swats and Kroft and Fites added to the hit column. Four scores were garnered during this frame. Winamac had previously made two tallies in other innings. The locals scored again in the eight, giving them the coveted.

The dedication ceremonies at 4:30 o’clock were marked with dignity throughout, the roll of those who had given their lives being called as part of the ceremonies, followed by taps and the salute of 21 guns.

In the evening, the program started with another band concert, from seven till eight o’clock, and at eight o’clock the fire works display was given on the ball field.

The fireworks was the biggest and most elaborate display ever seen in Winamac, and sets a mark for future celebration. The display included many fancy and novel illuminating bombs, double and triple bombs and a novel aeroplane fireworks novelty that brought a hand from the mammoth crowd. The biggest crowd that ever witnessed a fireworks display in Winamac, saw the exhibition.

No accident marred the day’s festivities, several deputies being on hand to direct the movements of the autos in the park, and prevent accidents.

Pulaski County Democrat Jul 12 1923, Microfilm: Tourist Likes Camp Site At Winamac

M.C. Larson, a tourist traveling from Fresno, Calif., to Columbus, Ohio, camped in the Winamac park below the artesian well Friday and Saturday. In conversation with Winamac citizens he declared that the Tippecanoe river, the well and the general conditions combine to make the camping site the finest he has found in all his travels. He added that the new Memorial bridge increases the attractive appearance of the park.

Winamac Republican Jul 26 1923, Microfilm: New Memorial Suspension Foot-Bridge

Here is the first published picture of the new suspension foot-bridge extending across the Tippecanoe river from the foot of Main street near the artesian well to the Winamac park. A winding path leads from the well to the bridge entrance. The bridge was dedicated to Pulaski county soldiers and sailors on July 4. This picture was taken by H.O. Crim, Winamac photographer. The view is from a position of the bridge structure.

Bridge History: June 21 1923 to July 5 1923

The following are articles from local newspapers that can be found at the Public Library. These articles were gathered together by Jim Phillips, a native of Pulaski County. Jim manages a Facebook page, “Stalking My Hometown.” Find that page here.

Pulaski County Democrat Jun 21 1923, Microfilm: Big Display of Fireworks on 4th

Committee Buys Elaborate Set, to be Fired in Ball Park – Gold Star Mothers Called – Those Whose Sons Lost Lives in World War Service Asked to Attend Dedication of Memorial Bridge – Following a lapse of several Fourth celebrations in Winamac without fireworks, arrangements have been made this year for what is expected to be the most elaborate display of pyrotechnics ever shown here. The committee in charge has purchased a complete display, to be set off as outlined in a pre-arranged schedule.

The display will be fired along the south side of the base ball park, thus enabling spectators to use the grandstand. The program includes a band concert preceding the fireworks.

Upon request of Brigadier General Gignilliat, who is to dedicate the memorial Bridge, an invitation is being issued to all Gold Star Mothers of the county to attend the exercises in a body. These are the mothers of the men who lost their lives, either in battle or by disease, while in U.S. service during the World War. Letters are being mailed to those whose addresses can be secured, and it is the desire of the committee to omit no one; hence the request that addresses be mailed in without delay. The presence of veterans of the Civil War is also desired.

Since the Culver officials are to take part in a celebration at that place during the forenoon, they will be unable to reach Winamac until about 3 o’clock in the afternoon. For that reason the program has been so arranged that the ball game will take place before the dedication exercises. The program as now arranged appears elsewhere in this paper.

Winamac Republican Jun 21 1923, Microfilm: Fire-Works for Fourth of July Best Ever Here

Committee for Night Display Announces High Grade Assortment Ordered for Celebration at Winamac – The Fourth of July celebration at Winamac will have as a climax the finest display of fireworks ever brought to town, members of the committee state. So people of the county and other communities are urged to come early and stay late.

The celebration will open at ten o’clock in the morning with an auto parade, with prizes for the three best decorated cars. The crowd will then go to the park, where Congressman Cook will deliver the patriotic address of the day, at eleven o’clock.

At noon a band concert has been scheduled at the park during the dinner hour. Right after dinner the baseball game is on the schedule. The bathing beach will also be open to the public after dinner, and dancing will also be in full swing at the park pavilion, with a special orchestra engaged for the day, both afternoon and evening.

The permanent refreshment stand is completed at the park and the new suspension foot-bridge, which will be dedicated to the soldiers and sailors of all wars, will be completed in plenty of time for the Fourth.

The dedication exercises will be held at three o’clock in the afternoon. General Gignilliat of Culver Military Academy, with the officers and scouts and woodcraft boys are to be present, and Gen. Gignilliat and staff will have charge of the dedication ceremonies. Several naval guns will be brought by truck to Winamac, to use in the ceremony.

Pulaski County Democrat Jun 28 1923, Microfilm: Program for the Dedication Ceremony

Celebrate the 4th in Winamac – Come and Enjoy the Day in the Beautiful Association Park – See and Use the New Memorial Suspension Bridge to be Dedicated That Day to Pulaski County Soldiers in All Wars

Outline Of Program

  • 10:00 – Parade, led by American Legion. Prizes for best decorated cars.
  • 11:00 – Address by Congressman Cook, from speaker’s stand in park.
  • 12 to 1:00 – Dinner and band concert.
  • 1:00 to 3:00 – Base ball game, contests, bathing dancing.
  • 3:00 – Dedication of Memorial Bridge by Brigadier General Gignilliat and staff of Culver Military Academy.
  • Roll Call – Service Men.
  • Volley – Escort.
  • Taps.
  • To the Colors.
  • National Salute.
  • 4:00 to 7:00 – Bathing, Dancing, Playground.
  • 7:00 to 8:00 – Band Concern.
  • 8:00 – Fireworks. Finest display ever shown in Winamac, to be fired in front of base ball grand stand.

Bathing suits and private lockers for rent in new bath house. Also free bath houses.

Refreshments of all kinds on the grounds.

Pulaski County Democrat Jun 28 1923, Microfilm: All Set for the 4th Celebration

Plans About Complete for Observance of Nations Birthday – Footbridge Will Be Ready – Automobiles Asked to Line Up for Forenoon Parade – New Park Equipment in Use the Coming Sunday – Final touches are now being put to preparations for the Fourth celebration in Winamac with indications that it will be an affair fully appropriate to proper observance of the Nation’s birthday.

Work on the new Memorial Suspension footbridge is now being completed. Hanging from heavy steel cables suspended over sturdy iron and concrete towers on either side of the river, well above high water mark yet easily reached by inclined approaches, it is recognized as a structure as attractive as it is out of the ordinary.

The dedication of the bridge, to be held at 3 o’clock under the auspices of officials from Culver military academy, will consist of the unveiling of the memorial tablets, followed by appropriate military exercises.

A request is being made that all citizens of Winamac who drive cars, and all others who may wish to do so, enter the parade in the forenoon. The more cars that are decorated the better. They are to assemble on the court house square. The parade will end at the ball park with Congressman Cook’s address will be delivered.

Following their usual custom on national holidays, the Winamac business houses will be closed all day on the Fourth. This does not include garages, eating houses and drug stores, and the bakeries will be open until noon and after 5 o’clock in the evening.

As far as now known, the program as printed on another page will be carried out as planned. The ball game will be between the Royal Center and Winamac teams.

Advertising matter has been scattered over all adjacent towns, and numerous surrounding newspapers mention the forthcoming Winamac celebration with apparent expectancy. No other celebration has been announced in this locality except on at Rensselaer, so the Winamac park will be the mecca for people coming from every direction.

The new equipment just installed in the park will be in full use on and after Sunday of this week. The refreshment stand and new bath house will be in operation, the new bathing suits are here, and Manager Harry Kistler states that every possible effort will be made to help people injoy themselves. The floor in the pavilion is being polished fo the dances that are to be held week-day evenings and holidays.

Winamac Republican Jun 28 1923. Microfilm: Full Day for July Fourth is on the Program

New Foot Bridge Ready For Occasion – Fireworks on Hand – Royal Centre For Ball Game – All plans are set for the Fourth of July celebration which will be held in Winamac next Wednesday, starting with the parade of decorated autos from the court house about 10:30 o’clock, going to th epark for the address of Congressman Cook.

All Winamac stores will be closed for the day, except drug stores, eating houses, etc. and Winamac business and professional men are on the schedule to sell hot dog sandwiches, ice cold pop and similar delicacies at the park stands, as the returns from the stands will be turned over to the park association for the suspension bridge fund.

Winamac bakeries will be closed from 12 to 5 o’clock on the Fourth.

The principal ceremony of the day will be the dedication of the new foot-bridge in memory of the soldiers and sailors of all wars, from Pulaski county. The detailed program for the dedication is given in the program below. Thirty members of the American Legion from Star City and other legion members from Medaryville and Monterey will join with the post at Winamac in attending the dedication.

  • The Program: Parade – 10:30 A. M. – forms at court house, and arrives at Park at 11:00 a. m.
  • Address 11:00 a. m. by Congressman Cook at park.
  • Dinner 12:00 noon.
  • Ball Game 1:00 p. m. at park.
  • 3 p. m. Address and unveiling of tablet at Memorial Bridge by Gen. Gignilliat of Culver Academy.
  • Foll call of service men.
  • Volley by escort.
  • Taps.
  • To The Colors.
  • National Salute.
  • 7 p. m. – Band concert.
  • 8 p. m. – Grand display of fireworks.

The fireworks display for the night arrived on Wednesday and has been found to be far the best ever brought to Winamac. The fireworks will be held in front of the ball park grandstand, from the ball field. The fireworks program is as follows:

The display opens with four 9-inch salutes. Then follow: sheets of Erin; silver mist; birds of paradise; golden stars; the National Flower; the American comet; Our National Colors; Heart of France; American Legion Poppy (forming the letters); Vesuvius; Indiana State Flower; The Golden Poppy; Rose of Heaven; Star Clusters; Violets; Snowflakes; Sensation (a 1923 novelty); Pride of the North; colored repeating bombs; Angel’s Breath; Pansy Bed; Shower of Emeralds; Piff Poff Puff; Parachute Searchlight Shell; The Wall Flower; Diamond Stars; The Rainbow; Silver Stars; Scarlet Nasturtiums; The Diamond Necklace; Red Fire Illumination; Magnesium Wheel; Egyptian Pyramids; Silver Crystals; Liberty Fountains; Ruffled Monster; Giant Spirals; Maid of the Mist; Falls of the Yosemite; Machine Gun Fire, etc.

The free bathing beach and public and private bath house will be ready for visitors on the Fourth.

Winamac Republican Jun 28 1923, Microfilm

Warfield Knebel Post No. 336 of Star City American Legion have been invited to participate in the Fourth of July celebration to be held at Winamac at which time the dedication of the Memorial Suspension Bridge to all the soldiers of the county will take place.

Pulaski County Democrat Jul 5 1923, Microfilm

The Home Guards, an organization of boys from 10 to 14 years of age, just recently organized, were in the park Monday afternoon looking after a flower bed which they have placed along the river bank just north of the new foot bridge. They also have a flower box at the west side of the court house. The organization has twelve members and is under the auspices of the Missionary society of the M.E. church.