June 2014 e-edition
New Volunteers
“Bringing history to life … and life to history.”
Lisa Pfenninger and Liz Shauver have graciously helped us with some of our much-needed garden work.
Gail Engle is a new volunteer helping with organizing and sorting files.
Volunteers are needed to help with the Jumble Sale on June 21 and 22, and in preparing for the Sale. Call the office or
stop in if you would like to help with this special project.
The Henry County Historicalog
Many volunteer opportunities exist. Call us to see where your talents could be put to use.
765-529-4028
Flintlocks and Powder Horns
Henry County Historical Society needs your help!
The Historical Society is facing some major reconstruction work on the south walls of the Grose Home,
including upstairs in the War Room and the Children’s Bedroom, and downstairs in the Music Room. We
have had water damage caused by this past winter’s awful weather. M. L. Taylor Construction is heading up
the exterior work to repair gutters and stop the water leaking into the brick walls.
Once the exterior walls have been repaired and sealed, the interior walls will need to have plaster work and
painting.
If you are able to help us fund this unexpected project, we will be very grateful. Donations in any amount
will gladly be accepted.
Please send your checks marked:
Henry County Historical Society
Restoration Project
606 S. 14th Street
New Castle, IN 47362
The Henry County Historical
Society currently has an exhibit of
powder horns and a Nippes and
Company flintlock in the rotunda.
Individually, these are tools which
were essential to life in early
Henry County; as a collection, they
are works of art reflecting a time
gone by.
Nippes and Company was a
Philadelphia gun maker which
produced government-pattern long
rifles for the War of 1812. The gun
on display here could date from as
early as 1808.
Stop by and take a look at this fun
display.
Thank you in advance for your help and support!
On Thursday, May 1st, we held a joint program with the New Castle Henry County Public Library
celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Ross Lockeridge, Jr., the author of Raintree County.
Larry Lockeridge, son of Ross and an author in his own right, was not able to attend, however, he sent
greetings to the people of Raintree County from his home in New York. Larry also donated several copies
of his book Shade of the Raintree, a biography of his father. Three copies were given away as door prizes.
Sixty-five people also heard former mayor Jim Small give a presentation, and then we enjoyed watching the
1957 film loosely based on the book. It was a fun evening and a nice tribute to the author who provided
Henry County its unique identity.
Contact us at 765-529-4028
www.henrycountyhs.org
Surviving the Flier
(From the book cover) At the height of World War II, the crew of USS Flier faced their greatest challenge. While on patrol in
the Philippines, their submarine struck a mine and sank in seconds. Only eight would survive until dawn, swimming, seventeen
hours to a deserted island. Though stranded deep in enemy territory with no food or water, the remaining men were determined
to do what all other adrift submariners had not been able to do: get back home.
Told from the perspective of the last survivor, Al “Jake” Jacobsom, and based on his memoirs as well as interviews, WWII
reports, letters and photographs, enter the world of USS Flier, her crew and survivors, from their last day in port, to Flier’s
discovery beneath the ocean.
Rebekah Hughes is the author of Surviving the Flier and a Museum Exhibit Designer at the Great Lakes Naval Memorial and
Museum. The Henry County Historical Society is pleased to welcome Rebekah to the Museum on Sunday, July 6th at 2:00 p.m.
for a program on the USS Flier and the men who survived its sinking.
Rebekah will also include in her program information on New Castle submariner Kenneth Leroy Gwinn, one of the fatalities of
that sinking and a Purple Heart recipient. Rebekah will have copies of her book to sell and will offer the chance to get your
copy signed. Please join us for this informative and inspiring program.
Levi Jennings Building to Have
New Life
The once stately building at 1337 Broad Street in New
Castle is once again undergoing a major renovation
with the hope of bringing new life to an architectural
and cultural gem.
The building was erected in 1877 by leading business
man Levi Allen Jennings. Mr. Jennings was responsible
for the development of several important buildings on
the east side of New Castle besides the store which
housed his furniture company, including his lumber
yard and a majestic home formerly sitting on the corner
of 16th Street and Broad named Idlewild. This ornate
home was once praised in story and poem; however, it
was razed in the 1940’s due to a state of disrepair.
The L.A. Jennings building was used for a variety of
businesses through the years. Shown top right is a
photograph of the building in its original glory,
including the ornate parapet with the magnificent
eagle. Bottom right is an advertisement for the
Jennings Company.
With new restaurants coming soon, it is our hope that
historic
landmark
oncePreservation
again be a focal point
HCHSthis
awarded
CAP
Grant bywill
Heritage
for downtown New Castle. We applaud the efforts of
our city officials to make this happen.