spring 2013 newsletter - north berrien historical society

7/28/2019 Spring 2013 Newsletter - North Berrien Historical Society

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In the mid 1840s, Austin Boyer

along with two brothers, his wife Adeliaand young children, moved to this areafrom upstate New York. Taking to farming,the brothers deeded some of their land inBainbridge Township to become a small

burial ground and a school, called BoyerSchool until 1959 when it consolidatedwith others around Coloma.

Seymour Boyer (4th MI Cavalry)died at age 21 during the Civil War, butAustin and Adelias younger children Janeand Dwight lived here to old age. Jane

Boyer married Union veteran Prosper Bowe in 1864. Their property on Paw Paw Lake became one of the ear-liest resort areas, known to this day as Bowes Landing. Near them, north of Watervliet, Dwight and hiswife Georgiana purchased wooded acreage in 1876 and turned it in to a thriving farm. Austin operated anearly saw mill on the Paw Paw River, spent time in Kansas, and also mined in California for several years, butwas here when he died in 1893. Austin, Adelia, and their three children are buried in Watervliet Cemetery.

Dwight Boyer was known to welcome traveling Potawatomi at his farm, and he developed a friendshipwith Chief Simon Pokagon, who lived in the Rush Lake/ Hartford area.In the late 1890s, Pokagon gave to Boyer a carved wooden sign readingKARYAHNKOO, meaning Resting Place. Dwight and Georgia Boyerhad two sons: A.D. and Forest, and five grandchildren. As an adult,A.D.s daughter Aileen Boyer Miller became a longtime Director ofCommunity Hospital in Watervliet.

Boyer Road and Dwight Boyer Road are lasting local evidence ofthese lives. Thanks to the generous descendants who have shared family

heirlooms and stories, the North Berrien HistoricalMuseum preserves much information about this pio-neer North Berrien family.

Legacy of the PioneerBoyer Family

NORTH BERRIEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

NEWSLETTER

Vol. V, No. 1 Hagar Bainbridge Coloma Watervliet Spring 2013

300 Coloma Ave./ P.O. Box 207, Coloma, Michigan 49038 www.NorthBerrienHistory.org

Wednesday, April 3, 1-3pm, FreeSpring Break Activity Day: Life 100 Years Ago

Trolley Rides - Fun from the 1910s

Dwight Boyers farmhouse displays the carved KARYAHNKOOsign c.1906.Adults L-R: A.D., wife Lulu, Georgia, Dwight Boyer.Children of A.D. L-R: Baby Doris, Aileen. Gift of Sally Blunier.

Forest Boyer (right) presents his fathers sign to North

Berrien Historical Society President Roger Carter in 1968.


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North Berrien Historical SocietyBoard of Directors

Scott Young PresidentBennet Leedy 1st Vice PresidentKandyce Hays 2nd Vice PresidentCindy Young SecretaryShirley Boone TreasurerRay Mays Assistant TreasurerMarc Hettig DirectorKarin Miller DirectorPauline Morris DirectorSherry Polashak DirectorTom Scheid DirectorSally Williams Director

Staff

Tracy Gierada Director / CuratorPauline Wendzel Director of ProgramsRyan Nykamp Office Manager

300 Coloma Ave. Phone: (269) 468-3330

P.O. Box 207 Fax: (269) 468-4083

Coloma, MI 49038

www.NorthBerrienHistory.org

[email protected]

The mission of the North Berrien HistoricalSociety is to preserve and distribute informationregarding the history of North Berrien County.

We wish to promote, encourage learning,and disseminate knowledge of the areas

cultural and architectural legacy.

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From the Directors DeskBy Tracy Gierada

Exciting things are happening at the NorthBerrien Historical Museum in 2013! This spring newdisplays will debut in the main gallery and in late sum-mer we will host the Smithsonian traveling exhibit

Journey Stories (read more on pages 4-5). On April 3,all are welcome to experience life 100 years ago atour Spring Break Activity Day, including a trolley busride to Paw Paw Lake! Weve booked two grouptours at other local history sites and guest speakers to

present at our museum on fascinating topics. I hopeyoull find numerous reasons to join us this year withfamily and friends.

The North Berrien Historical Society is alsofocused on the future. In late March, we will beginstrategic planning with a team consisting of the Boardof Directors, staff, and several other locals. Well

work together to develop a cohesive vision for the fu-ture of the museum, five-year goals, and a written planof action to achieve them. To create a successful Stra-tegic Plan, we need the input of members, friends, andlocal residents. A Survey will be distributed in earlyApril 2013 to gather your ideas and opinions. TheSurvey will be e-mailed to our E-News contacts andavailable on paper at the museum and the Coloma andWatervliet libraries. We expect to make our 2013-17Strategic Plan available to the public this fall.

Whether you are a long-time member or some-one just getting to know the museum, please think

about getting involved! All year we rely on volunteersto bring refreshments, help at special events and kidsprograms, do yard work, and much more. Contact meor our Director of Programs Pauline Wendzel anytimewe would be glad to talk more about yourskills and interests!

Many members and friends recently respondedto our 2012 Annual Fund Drive and many others do-nated earlier in the year. Thank youyour support isgreatly appreciated. North Berrien Historical Museumexhibits and programs are free to the public because ofthe stability of our millage, combined with our fund-raisers and a strong history of donations.

Mark your calendar for our Exhibit OpeningReception on Thursday, April 11!

North Berrien History Blog:NorthBerrienHistory.Blogspot.com

Twitter: Twitter.com/NBerrienHistory

Connect with NBHS Online!

Facebook: Facebook.com/NorthBerrienHistory

8:45am FM 98.3 WCSTMorning Show with Zack East

9:00am FM 94.9 WSJMIn the Spotlight with Brenda Layne

Catch us on the radio - Friday, March 29


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Tuesday,March 19,

7pm

Local historian Chriss Lyon will present a history ofBenton

Harbors Historic Hotel Vincent, built in the early 1920sand still standing on Main Street. Founder William Bestarnamed it in honor of his father-in-law Alonzo Vincent, who

had ties to early Coloma and St. Joseph hotels. Lyon willdiscuss the Hotel Vincents patronage by Al Capone, drawn

from the extensive research for her forthcoming book. Free.

Wednesday,April 3,1-3pm

Spring Break Activity Day: Life 100 Years Ago .During the Coloma/Watervliet school break, bring the

kids for a taste of fun in the 1910s. Take in a shortsilent film and take a 30 minute trolley bus ride tolearn about historic resorts at Paw Paw Lake! Please

reserve a trolley ride time in advance by calling themuseum at 468-3330. All ages welcome.Free.

Thursday,April 11,

5:30-7:30pm

Exhibit Opening Reception:North Berrien County Life 1850-1950. All are invited forrefreshments, conversation, and a first look at new artifact displays in the main gallery.Exhibit topics include North Berrien pioneers, medical history, the railroads, and the worldwars, plus other local artifacts and stories from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century.

Tuesday,

April 16,7pm

Larry Schlackwill present Michigans One-Room Schools:Gone (Almost) But Not Forgotten, a pictorial history of one-room schools from all over the state including some of the earliest

buildings. The program covers their wide variety of architectural

styles and the legacy of one-room education found in todaysschools. Mr. Schlack, of Kalamazoo, is a former educator and

WMU professor and is an officer for the Michigan One-RoomSchoolhouse Association.

Saturday,

May 11,11am

The Life and Times of Scoutings Camp Madron. For over 50 years, Camp Madron nearBuchanan served as the heart and soul of boy scouting in southwestern Michigan. Local scouthistorian Jim Ellis will trace the camps history from its founding in 1926 through its eventual

sale in 1984. A broad selection of Camp Madron memorabilia will also be displayed. Free.

Wednesday,May 15,

5:30-7pm

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. All NBHS volunteers are invited for a

meal in honor of their important contributions to the North BerrienHistorical Museum. Brief remarks will be presented at 6pm, reviewing themany examples of service by our volunteers in the past year. To attend,

please RSVP to the museum at 468-3330 or [email protected].

Tuesday,May 21,

7pm

First by Car & First by Air: All from Southwest Michigan. Dr. Stuart Boekeloo, Localhistorian, will discuss famous transportation firsts in Berrien County including the Baushkeautomobile and early flight on Silver Beach. The museum will display space travel literature

and a space food tray prototype developed by the Whirlpool Corporation for NASA. Free.The originally scheduled date of this program in February was cancelled due to weather.

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Mark your Calendars!All events are at the North Berrien Historical

Museum unless otherwise noted.

Byers School, Bainbridge Twp


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Above: The photographystudio of George W. Austin in Watervliet. Several of Aus-

tins photographs now in the museum collection will be

newly on display this April. NBHS 9998.18.16

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In January, Pauline Wendzel joined the NorthBerrien Historical Society staff as Director of Pro-

grams. Along with generally supporting activities atthe museum, her job is to develop and deliver educa-tional programs, coordinate volunteers, outreach, and

special events. Previously titledDirector of Education, the switch

better reflects the broad range of re-sponsibilities in the position.A lifelong resident of North

Berrien, Paulines family roots in

Bainbridge Township go back fourgenerations. She was raised in thefarmhouse built by her great grandfa-

ther Robert Wendzel on North BranchRoad. Pauline grew up on a workingfruit and vegetable farm and served as

the Michigan Apple Queen in 2007.

She retains a keen interest in the current and historicalvalue of agriculture in the development of the region.

Pauline is a graduate of Watervliet HighSchool and Michigan State University. She received aBachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and Food

Industry Management in 2012. Shestudied abroad in Greece and Turkey,

participated in service trips to Mexicoand Nicaragua. Architecture, danceand outdoor activities are also amongher interests. She has several years of

experience running child developmentprograms in summer camps. DirectorTracy Gierada notes Paulines back-

ground and personality are a great fitfor this position, and her enthusiasmshows. We all look forward to work-

ing with her!

NBHS and Museum welcomes new Director of Programs

By Tracy Gierada

The museum will have new semi-permanentexhibits in place with the opening ofNorth Berrien

County Life 1850-1950 this spring. During this pe-riod daily life changed tremendously and the localcommunity was shaped, so it is a natural strong pointfor our collection of artifacts. Topics explored bynew displays will include North Berrien pioneers,medical history, the railroads, and the world wars,and other local stories from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century.

On Thursday,April 11, all are welcometo help us celebrate the

changes at our ExhibitOpening Reception.From 5:30-7:30pm,

please join us for re-freshments, conversa-tion, and a first look atthe new exhibits!

Main gallery exhibit updates todebut with Opening April 11

On Saturday, June 15, 2013, an Open HouseReunion will be held for all Alumni of Washington

School in Coloma. The event will run from 1:00 to

4:30pm at the school, which first opened to studentsin 1937. Alumni from any year are welcome to at-

tend. View historical pictures and information aboutthe school. Sign in at your class year display. Meetand reminisce with classmates, as well as current and

retired teachers. Share your stories or copies of pic-tures you have. At 4pm there will be a short closing

ceremony (weather permit-

ting).No RSVP is re-

quired for the Reunion, but

the cost is $2 per individ-ual that attended Washing-ton School. (If you want to

bring along family, theyare free.) All teachers cur-rent and retired are

free. To browse historicpictures and articles orshare your own memories

online, find the Washington School Reunion page onFacebook. For more information, please contact the

museum or Rick Rasmussen.

Washington School All-ClassReunion set for June 15


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Begins at 6:30pm in the Restaurant at Marys Cityof David; Talk by Ron TaylorIntimate tour of the historic Gardens surroundingMarys Shiloh Administration Building.Stop for an ice cream social! An originalconcession stand will serve us ice cream, cookies,and homemade lemonade.

Move to nearby Eden Springs Park. Ride onoriginal 1908-09 Baushke built rail carriages,departing from the original south depot. The shorttrain route will encompass the properties that werethe zoo, aviary, green house, hotel, restaurant and

base ball field above the Eden Springs Park.

Dont MissJourney Stories Exhibit August 6 through September 21

NBHS Summer Fundraiserat Marys City of David & Eden Springs Park

Tuesday, June 4, 6:30pmExperience summer joys of the past with an eveningon historic resort grounds in Benton Harbor: MarysCity of David, a National Register Historic District

and its historical cousin Eden Springs Park.Proceeds benefit the North Berrien Historical

Museum, Marys City of David Museum, and EdenSprings Park. The cost is a $25/person donation.Reservations can be secured upon payment to the

North Berrien Historical Society in person or by mail.

Postcards of the Miniature Railway at Eden Springs, circa 1910s and 1940s. NBHS 9998.15.72 / 9998.16.32.

Journey storiestales of how we and our an-

cestors came to Americaare a central element ofour personal heritage. From Native Americans to newcitizens and regardless of our racial or ethnic back-ground, everyone has a story to tell. The story about

the intersection between transportation and Americansociety is complicated, but it tells us much about whowe arepeople who see our social mobility as a

means for asserting our individual freedom. The Trav-eling ExhibitionJourney Stories will use engaging im-ages with audio and artifacts to tell the individual sto-

ries that illustrate the critical roles travel and move-

ment have played in building ourdiverse American society.Journey Stories will be on

display at the North Berrien His-torical Museum from August 6through September 21, 2013. Acomplimentary exhibition of localstories and a series of public pro-grams for all ages are beingplanned. Mark your calendars forthis exciting opportunity and besure to join us this summer!

African-American migrant familyAfrican American families trav-

eled north during the Great Mi-

gration any way they could: on

foot, by car, by train, and even bypacket boat. If by car, it was im-

portant to know safe places to stop

along the way. A young girl and

her family migrate from Florida toNew Jersey, 1940. Library of

Congress, LC-USF34-040841


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The 2012 Holiday Open House was anotherfantastic success for NBHS. The museum welcomednearly 600 visitors during the weekend-long event,and over 1,100 people visited to view our tree displaythroughout the holiday season. All ages enjoyed ourHoliday Lights & Delights Fundraiser, Senior Day,gingerbread house decorating, Santas Workshopcrafts, visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, live music, andCookie Walk fundraiser.

Over the school holiday break, the museumheld a free, interactive kids program called WinterTime Travelers: Snow Birds. We learned aboutwild turkeys and other birds who winter in Michigan,and viewed museum artifacts related to birds. Kidsespecially enjoyed writing with a quill and inkwell,and making pinecone bird feeders to take home.

Our monthly third-Tuesday evening programon January 15th featured a documentary film titledBlack Ash Basketry: A Story of CulturalResilience. Through the voices of Native elders and

basket makers in West Michigan, we discovered a

story of family and valued traditions now threatenedwith disappearing forever. We were also excited toview a collection of black ash baskets brought in by

basketmaker Kay Janke.For the first time this year we were happy to

help host the Coastline Childrens Film Festival. Atthe Loma Theatre on Saturday, February 2 people

braved a small blizzard to view the first knownscience fiction film from 1902A Trip to the Moon,followed byMan on a Mission, a documentary abouta man following his dreams to fly to space. Followingthe screenings people headed to the museum for aspace themed reception, where they tried astronautice cream and viewed an exhibit of space relatedinnovations by Whirlpool. We had our secondscreening at the Loma on Wednesday, February 6where young filmmakers from the area had their shortfilms played on the big screen. After the 52 people inattendance enjoyed the shorts, they were entertained

by The Adventures of Prince Achmed, the oldestknown animated feature film, made in 1926. Our finalscreening was of a comical silent film Safety Last.The movie was from 1923, the heyday of silent films,and was enjoyed by 50 people of all ages. Followingthe showing, the museum hosted a Sound HistoryWorkshop where children learned about historicsound makers and made their own candy iPod.

A great time was had by all at our sixth annual

Victorian Valentines Party on Saturday, February 9.Forty visitors enjoyed making valentines cards,inspired by our display of antique valentines, and alsoenjoyed festive games and refreshments. Thank youto Miss Watervliet Haleigh Wendzel for joining us!

This year we are happy to have 10 YouthInterns. We have already had 3 meetings where they

Winter Brightened by Family Fun at Museum and Loma Theatre


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Individual ($15)

I may like to

Volunteer

Additional tax-deductible contribution: $________

Name

Address

City, State, ZIP

Phone

New Member

Renewing Member

Total Amount Enclosed: $________

Send your completed form along with your check to:North Berrien Historical SocietyP.O. Box 207, Coloma, MI 49038

Family Donor ($50)

Student ($8)

Senior ($10)

E-mail

North Berrien Historical SocietyMembership Form

Benefits include: Quarterly Newsletter, Advance inviteto special events, and Members-only opportunities

Please check desired annual membership level.

have learned about the museum and local history.The museum has been very busy with school

groups as well. On Monday, February 11 wewelcomed 116 Watervliet North ElementarySchool 3rd graders for a museum tour. They madetheir own paper bookmarks to keep. Then the nextthree days we enjoyed having Victorian Valentines

Day parties with 80 Coloma Elementary 2ndgraders where they crafted their own valentines and

played fun holiday themed games. Our TravelingTrunk programs are still being used in a variety ofways. This winterCountryside Academy 4th grademade use of the Lincolns Legacy and All AboutBarns trunks. Later we visited the classroom to teachthem about Pioneers in Berrien County; showingthem how to make butter and write with quill pens.

Joyce ThomasSandra GarlandEmma MorlockSue DahlquistKathleen WalterPatricia GeislerJean ChristensenTracy GieradaFrances Bishop

Virginia WarskoLorna Van KomenSusie Page FurdaSuzanne KnutsonCharlene AndrewsDebbie FridayJoan PolaskeySandra Garland

Janet BlairDolores BishopWill NicholsKathrin WichnerSally DupuieBarbara TylerRobert MillerKarin MillerSandra Garland

David BuzzekDonna HaysJanet Emhoff

Memberships Donations

Thank you for

your support!

Will NicholsJoyce KolenkoWilliam HansenAnthony PirainoWesley ArentBarbara NicholsJames Utterback

Nadine DeitrichPatricia Geisler

Judi WhiteMartin StrebeckJoanne StrebeckAlton WendzelMillie WendzelIrma KriegerJoan PolaskeyDave KlissDick Grau

Janet SullivanPatricia GeislerAdolf Pelzer

In Memory of Dorothy CannellEstate of Dorothy Cannell

Janet BlairAlma ArentCarter BeachJudi WhiteJean FanninLinda HasseCindy YoungRon Winfield

William Beverly III

Les & Becky Burford Rod & Sharron Krieger John & Janice ReidDale & Ronda Kaucher Bill & Sue Moser Milt & Linda StibalRobert & Elaine Gierada Carol Moore - Moore TheatresRobin Maxon - Maxon Graphix Bob Eberhard - Future Construction

In Memory of Amy HilerJohn & LaVern Glassman

Sally Williams

Donations Goods & Services Donated

Fran Wooley In Memory of George WooleyCindy Young

Tom AllenBobs Hobby Shop

Our 2013 Youth Interns


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Hagar Bainbridge Coloma Watervliet www.NorthBerrienHistory.org

NONPROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Watervliet, MI

Permit No. 29

Newsletter - Spring 2013

P.O. Box 207, Coloma, MI 49038

Return Service Requested

Exhibit Opening Reception:

North Berrien County Life1850-1950

Thursday, April 11,

5:30-7:30pm

Spring Break Activity Day: Life 100 Years AgoWednesday, April 3, 1-3pm

Discover fashions, food & fun of the 1910sTake a trolley bus ride to Paw Paw Lake!

spring 2013 newsletter - north berrien historical society

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