Footprints A publication of the Howard County Historical Society Volume 5, Issue 4 November 2016 Sounds of the Seiberling

Join us for our Christmas events, beginning Nov. 26

Inside this issue: Howard County’s Oscar-winning art director Farm implement inventor had a ‘first’ for Kokomo 16 From the executive director Membership Thanks to all who joined the Howard County Historical Society Be a part of our mission or renewed their memberships from August through October. uring a recent vacation trip, I was sustainability depends on more than mon- Dr. Alan & Phyllis Adler Heather Fouts Thomas & Mary Donna Morr reminded again of how young ey (although that’s pretty important). In or- Richard & Betty Alexander H. Lee Fritz Larry Newberg Robert & Robin Auth Jane Goerges Larry Newlin D our community is. Perhaps we der to preserve our history and its lessons, Ron & Pam Barsh Cheryl Graham Charles & Gloria Nipple came late to the game, but we’ve played we need to meet the future head-on, en- Larry & June Barton Judith Graham Roma North hard and fast to catch up. gaging the community and finding rele- Don & Gail Beaton Beryl & Jacqueline Grimme Jim & Brenda Papacek The great gas boom of the late 1800s vance in new ways. We need people with Doyle & June Beck Glenn & Nancy Grundmann Mona Plymate-Graham Marilynda Bennett Alan & Prudence Harnish Tom & Betty Poppas provided the fuel for our blast-off, and the innovative ideas and the passion to bring Darlene Berry Bill Harter & Jody Shortle Gilbert Porter people who followed the jobs to Howard ideas to life. We need volunteers for pro- Cynthia Bizjak & Hope East Kenneth & Diana Hill Philip & Carolyn Rankin County lit the fire. Those people brought jects, events and committees, as well as Jim & Jan Briscoe Mark & Peggy Hobson Beth Rider the ideas and elbow grease that kept the future members of the Board of Trustees David Broman & Joyce Cylkowski John & Mary Ann Holmes Robert & Diana Rostron Jr. economic blaze burning long after the gas who can help guide us into the future. The Nancy Brown Patti Host Dr. Thomas & Carol Scherschel Sam & Mary Pat Burrous Richard & Marguerite Kadlec Thomas & Judy Sheehan wells dried up. historical society doesn’t only need mem- Don & Ann Button Mike & Kelly Karickhoff Darrell & Tonia Sherrod We can carry on that tradition of innova- berships and donations; we also need Barbie Casler David & Janice Kellar Bill & Lyn Shirley tion if we open our minds and hearts to ideas and energy. Mayor Greg Goodnight, Wayne & Jane Kincaid Dr. Charles & Alice Simons new ways of thinking and create the kind You can be part of our mission to pre- City of Kokomo, Jerry King, King's Heating & Rick & Diane Smith Linda Clark Plumbing Joan Stein Jenkins of community that will attract new people serve and share Howard County’s remark- Phillip & Victoria Conwell Phillip & Diane Knight Edward & Dixie Stone with innovative ideas and the grit to make able history – to help make sure our past Rosemary Pike, DAR General William & Margy Kring Greg & Melody Sumpter them happen. has a future. Let’s talk. James Cox Chapter Judy Kruggel Del Demaree, Syndicate Sales On a smaller scale, the same idea is im- Dorothy Dague Keith & Judy Lausch Rheld & Lorina Tate portant for the historical society itself. Our Dave Broman Del Demaree Jack & Maureen Lechner J. Alan Teller HCHS Executive Director John & Marla Dennis Gale & Donna Leiter Don & Anita Tenbrook Dean Despinoy Paul & Emily Linder Ronald Tetrick Joe Dunbar Wayne & Susan Luttrell Tom & Carol Trine, The Windmill Charles & Mary Duncan Thomas & Marsha Maple Grill Craig Dunham Juanita Martin Davis Major General U.S. Ret. Ed Trobaugh In this issue: Orren & Barbara Dutton Judge William & Marty Menges Douglas & Lynn Vaughn Ken & Linda Ferries Ann Millikan Larry & Janice Waddell 2 From the executive director 8 Powell’s Kokomo ‘First’ Claudia Fike John & Cindy Morr Charlotte Young 3 Roof campaign and donors 10 New image of Chief Kokomo 4 Hear the ‘Sounds of the unveiled at annual meeting Legends, continued nomination, and propelled her I look forward to more nomina- to stardom. tions in years to come from all Seiberling’ this season 12 6 Diverse ‘Legends’ honored was the title cut of her recently “This year’s class was one of sectors of our city and county.” 5 Book your carriage ride 14 County historian column released CD “It’s All in the the most diverse classes we Family.” and rousing memo- have had,” said Susan Sciame (Editor’s note: Extensive 6 Kokomo native was award- 15 Membership ries from her audience, she -Giesecke, chairperson of the biographies of the 2016 winning art director concluded with a spirited rendi- Hall of Legends Committee. “It “Legends” can be found in tion of “Nobody,” the 1982 hit was important for our commu- the August edition of Foot- that sold more than two million nity to recognize the wide prints and at hchistory.org) copies, earned her a Grammy range of legends we have. and 2 15 From the Howard County Historian ‘Save Our Seiberling’ update ‘Myself’: An Introduction from Me to Thee The community is stepping up to help “Save Our Seiberling!” The following donors By Jonathan Russell “acquaintances”. Meeting new people became have contributed to the campaign and we’re eternally grateful for their support: Howard County Historian commonplace and easy. Long-term friendships Dr. Alan & Phyllis Adler Joseph Holtson, in memory of Darrell & Jule Rider s the newly appointed Howard County His- were rare until after the moving stopped in the mid-1960s, when we settled in Cutler and near Richard & Betty Alexander Stephanie Drake Holtson Chris & Libby Riesen A torian by the Indiana Historical Society and James Allman Bob & Betsy Hoshaw Robert & Diana Rostron, Jr. the Indiana Historical Bureau, I was asked to historic Adams Mill. (You may have noticed I missed Ohio in the list Robert & Robin Auth Patti Host Randy & Mary Rusch write a column for Footprints. Ron & Pam Barsh Cliff Hunt Dr. Allen Safianow So, I thought about it for a while, and came to going from the Atlantic to the Mississippi. I lived there, but before I went to school.) David & Mae Bastin Jacqueline Hunt Myra Sanburn the conclusion that there may be some of you, Milton Beach Dr. David & Barbro Jarrell Craig Severns My “acquaintances” often included the historic maybe even most of you, who don’t know me at Glen R. Boise Steve Johnson E.P. Severns figures who had lived in the places where I was all. Therefore, as this inaugural column has pro- Joseph & Traci Broman Richard & Marguerite Kadlec Bill & Lyn Shirley claimed — this is “all about me”! living, who roamed the streets and fields where I David Broman & Joyce Cylkowski Jay & Marjorie Katzenmeyer Ron Siler I am a native of Indiana, born in LaPorte, but also roamed. History seemed a most fascinating Ed & Judy Brown Joan Kellum Jeff & Michelle Simmons grew up, literally, all over the place. By the time I subject — something intangible, yet real in those Judy Brown William & Julie Killingbeck Dale & Nancy Slaubaugh had graduated from high school, I had gone to pictures your mind could envision. It was all Dr. Phil & Connie Burgan Suzanne King Lynn Smith nine schools in four states, including two first there, and the buildings offered a sense of imme- H.C. & Mary Ann Byrd Dale & Grace Kingseed Rick & Diane Smith grades and two second grades in three states (in diacy with the historic events to which they had Bill & Sharon Carter Charles & Diana Lambuth Patricia Sottong two years). My dad, a Presbyterian minister and given silent witness. From this, I developed my Linda Clark Keith & Judy Lausch Joan Stein Jenkins former Army chaplain (130th Engineer RGMT, sense for historic preservation and the necessity Rosemary Pike Jack & Maureen Lechner Phyllis Stucker Hilary Crook Rebecca Lepper David & Carla Summers Burma), had a wanderlust, and we moved nearly to maintain the original character of those struc- Dean Despinoy Paul & Emily Linder Greg & Melody Sumpter every year. He, likewise, was a native Hoosier, tures. Charles & Mary Duncan Thomas & Marsha Maple Marjorie Herr Swing from a long line of native Hoosiers — possibly As I approach my term as Howard County histo- rian, I hope to continue to promote those pro- Orren & Barbara Dutton Margaret Miles Ellen Tate even before there was an Indiana to be from, and Marion Eller Janet Moore Rheld & Lorina Tate the only other member of my immediate family grams that we now enjoy, while expanding efforts to include the historic venues in the greater area. Omar England Richard Moore Don & Anita Tenbrook who could claim this title. That is why, ultimately, Garrett & Vivian Floyd Shirley Moore Don & Louise Thomas all moves eventually led back to Indiana. The history of our county is indelibly linked with the history of the surrounding area, and they Heather Fouts Larry Newberg Dr. Ronald & Amy Thompson Jr. This, however, was the nucleus for my interest Tim & Susan Garner Larry Newlin Macon Dale Traxler should be promoted together. in history. Many of the churches were located in Ted & Paula Goff Charles & Gloria Nipple Edward Trobaugh, Major General As my future Footprints articles develop, I plan historic areas, or were historic themselves: Mingo Diana Goodnight Friends of Beth Notaro U.S. Ret. Presbyterian in western Pennsylvania, for exam- to include topics that examine our historic Joan Hardesty Fred & Elizabeth Osborn Conrad & Karen Uitts ple, was the site of the origins of the “Whiskey “spaces” as well as the personal histories of Mary Ellen Harnish Julia Parrish Mike & Laura Ullery Rebellion”. The church records, dating from 1787, those characters that once occupied them — Bill & Jody Harter Dr. Phillip Pate Dr. Marvin & Bonnie Van Kley were a history lesson in themselves, listing the and made them into the historic places we re- Charles & Patricia Hinders Dody Pickett Douglas & Lynn Vaughn amount of corn given to the preacher, which he vere. I will cover topics that focus not only on his- Mark & Peggy Hobson Tom & Betty Poppas Pat Waymire took to a distillery in Pittsburgh, on the “other side toric persons, but genealogy, archeology, monu- Robert & Joan Hoch Don & Marti Pries Dixie & Harlo Westlin of the hill”. They bought the corn, which payed ments and events, architecture and historic Peggy & Helen Hollingsworth Sherry Rahl Charlotte Young the parson. Their “new building” dated from 1836. preservation. John & Mary Ann Holmes Philip & Carolyn Rankin I had a swing hanging from the historic oak tree As the purpose of the county history program is where the Mingo Creek militiamen had met to to better historical communication in the state, I The mansion was built in 1890-1891, and 126 years later, still has its original slate roof. The years have taken a toll and a new, historically and architecturally correct roof is necessary. Thus far, the roof cam- plan their strategy for the nation’s first armed in- believe there is much we can do to promote this paign has benefitted from a $50,000 grant from the Indiana Historical Society and Lilly Endowment and a surrection (1791-1794). area of Indiana and its variety of historic places and events. I look forward to all that the county $10,000 grant from the Efroymson Family Fund in the Central Indiana Community Foundation. The Com- Going to school in Delaware, Pennsylvania, munity Foundation of Howard County has committed to a $50,000 matching grant, which will double all Indiana and Illinois had its advantages and disad- history program offers. individual gifts up to that cap. Learn more about the “Save Our Seiberling” campaign and make a donation vantages. Most classmates were simply now at hchistory.networkforgood.com . 14 3 ‘Sounds of the Seiberling’ to fill the mansion during holiday season

By Linda Ferries tee and lead for the Christmas at the Seiberling HCHS Publications Committee Member celebration, and a number of evenings will in- Left to Right: Andrew Burkhart; Herb Miller and Sue Sciame-Giesecke; Kathleen Ligocki, Sylvia he music of Christmas will fill the Howard clude music provided by area vocalists and T County Museum this holiday season as instrumental performers. Hutton and Marjorie Moon; Douglas and Josephine Harter; Sylvia. the annual Christmas celebration features “The The museum will be closed to the public from Nov. 12 to 26 as volunteers transform the im- nity,” Harter said, noting his grandfather died Kokomo and Howard County and IU Kokomo, Sounds of the Seiberling.” 40 years ago at the age of 101. because of geographic place and the wonder- From “Silent Night” to “Angels We Have pressive Gas Boom treasure into a holiday par- adise for the eye and, this year, for the ear. For Kathleen Ligocki, life is a series of pivot ful people who live here.” Heard on High,” from “Here Comes Santa points, times and places and circumstances Coming to the podium, Marjorie Moon said, Claus” to “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer,” Admission during Christmas at the Seiberling will be $10 for adults and $5 for children (free that are transformational and truly change our “What I want to you to know, almost more than the decorators will be adding to their festive lives. One such transformation pivot point in anything else, is I love Kokomo.” Though she designs with themes taken from musical holi- admission is a benefit for HCHS members) during regular museum hours of 1 to 4 p.m. Ligocki’s life came at the age of 15 when her left more than 30 years and has lived a extraor- day favorites, according to Peggy Hobson, father’s employer brought 150 families to Koko- dinary career in the New York City theatre sce- chair of the historical society’s Events Commit- Tuesdays through Sundays and for a special “candlelight” tour set for Saturday, Dec. 17. mo from their hometown of Milwaukee. Koko- ne, she has maintained close ties with regular mo then became home (she graduated from visits “home.” Haworth High School in 1974) – and a commu- “So many of life’s values of giving and shar- nity she says she remains committed to years ing and respecting each other were values that after her career took her from the Delco factory were taught here,” Moon said. “I remember here to top positions with corporations around watching a puppet show at age 5. I was mes- the world. merized, captivated. I thought this is really kind “I’ve always said, ‘If you want to get some- of magical and I decided then that I would be in thing done, hire a Hoosier,” Ligocki said, as theater.” she discussed the life that has grown from her Moon said she wanted to help nurture others Kokomo roots. in the craft and has been doing that for 42 In his remarks, the ever-entertaining Dr. Mil- years. “How fortunate I am!” she exclaimed. ler recounted his arrival in Kokomo in 1960 to The successful country singer Sylvia, known become the sixth faculty member – and the by just her first name, wrapped up the evening first African-American professor – at what was with reminisces of her beginning as a little girl then known as the Indiana University Exten- named Sylvia Kirby who grew up in a trailer sion Center. court on the north side. “I planned to stay two or three years and go “I am so proud to be a native of this city,” she on to somewhere else and possibly better,” said. “I talk about Kokomo, Indiana, all over the Miller said. and though opportunities presented country.” themselves to the scholar of European lan- Sylvia then shared three songs, accompanied guages and cultures – from the CIA and the by her musical collaborator John Mock. First Foreign Service to prestigious universities like was “Every Time a Train Goes By,” harking Indiana at Bloomington and Penn State, he back to the noisy trains that frightened her as said, “I found there was no place better than the rattled past her childhood home. Second

4 13 See ‘Legends’ on page 15 2016 Legends a diverse, outstanding group By Linda Ferries world.” HCHS Publications Committee Member Kokomo optometrist Dr. Andrew Burkhart spoke on behalf of the eminent Dr. Borish, rom the bright lights of New York and known as the father of modern optometry for Nashville to the pinpoint light of an eye his work with contact lenses. Dr. Burkhart’s exam, from the high school and college F connections with Dr. Borish go back to his birth classroom to the corporate boardroom, six out- (Andrew’s father, Dr. Thomas Burkhart, came standing citizens were recognized as Howard to Kokomo to work in Dr. Borish’ s practice – Local businesses and organizations are Dec. 2 – Solidarity Federal Credit Union County “Legends” on Aug. 26. known for years as Borish, Burkhart, Fawcett sponsoring six special evenings during De- Dec. 8 – First Farmers Bank and Trust Nearly 200 people gathered at Bel Air to cel- and Reed – after he graduated from optometry cember when the museum will be open to the Dec. 9 – Ivy Tech Community College ebrate the members of the Howard County Hall school in the 1970s) and continued through his public without charge. Dec. 15 – To be announced of Legends’ Class of 2016. Added to the grow- own education at the Indiana University School Dec. 16 – To be announced ing list of luminaries were living legends Sylvia Here’s a look at activities planned for Christ- of Optometry where he studied from the Saturday, Dec. 17 – From 6 to 8 p.m., Hutton, Kathleen Ligocki, Dr. Herb Miller, and mas at the Seiberling 2016: weighty textbook authored by Dr. Borish and guests will enjoy a special “candlelight” even- Marjorie Moon, as well as the late Dr. Irvin Bor- Friday, Nov. 25 - A free sneak preview of the still in use today. ing at the Seiberling, with the opportunity to ish and C.V. Haworth. It was an evening of decorated mansion – for historical society A champion of the founding of the IU optome- explore the museum in the softer light of a by- memories and reminiscences by the honorees members only. Anyone who is not already a try school in 1953 and namesake of the gone era. The holiday admission -- $10 for and their representatives, capped when award- member may attend by registering for a mem- school’s Borish Center for Ophthalmic Re- adults and $5 for children will be charged. winning country music star Sylvia was joined bership and paying dues at the door that even- search opened in 1994, Borish also was re- The celebration wraps up when the museum by her accompanist for several songs. ing. The sneak peek will run from 5 to 7pm. membered as an actor and a painter and, as a closes for the season at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. “We are so pleased to have been joined by Saturday, Nov. 26 - The traditional lighting one-time journalist, a formidable opponent in a 31. For more information, call 765-452-4314. our living honorees and many family members ceremony and Santa’s arrival is set for 6 p.m. game of Scrabble. and friends of all six of the new ‘Legends,’” and the museum will be open until 9 p.m. San- “He looked a lot like Albert Einstein,” Burkhart said Dave Broman, executive director of the ta will greet his fans in the Elliott House from said, “and with their intellectual properties and Howard County Historical Society, coordinator 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Horse-drawn carriage rides push for excellence, they had a lot in com- of the Hall of Legends event. “We now have a in the Old Silk Stocking Neighborhood will mon.” total of 43 individuals who have been honored leave the mansion beginning at 6:15, with the The Hall of Legends honor for C.V. Haworth, as ‘Legends’ since the program began in 2010 final ride at 8:45 p.m. Carriage reservations who served for 33 years as superintendent of with a committee led by Craig Dunn. are required and can be made by calling the schools, was accepted by his great-grandson, “As with many of those honored before, the HCHS office at 765-452-4314. Spots are lim- Douglas Harter, who acknowledged the per- members of the Class of 2016 all have at least ited and fill up fast. sonal impact the long-time Howard County ed- one thing in common: a commitment to help Thursdays, Dec. 1, 8 and 15, and Fridays, ucator had on him. “His legacy was so strong other people develop their own talents and Dec. 2, 9, and 16 - Museum is open to the for me, that’s one of the reasons I decided to skills,” Broman continued. “That commitment is public without charge from 5 to 8 p.m., courte- go into education myself,” said Harter, who entirely consistent with the goal of the pro- sy of six sponsors whose donations have now serves as an administrator for Hamilton gram: to provide our young people with role made it possible. Local musicians will provide Southeastern schools. models and examples of character traits that live performances during select evenings. The “I wish he was here to accept this honor, to engender success and contribute to a better community supporters include: understand the impact he had on this commu- Dec. 1 – Community First Bank 12 5 uring the Howard D County Historical Lights, camera, art direction! Society annual meeting Oct. 18, Howard County Kokomo native was nominated for 17 Oscars & 2 Emmys Commissioner Brad Bray presented a resolution passed by the Board of By Gil Porter tion Design) and "The Diary of Anne Frank" in Commissioners officially HCHS Publications Committee Member 1960 (Best Art Direction—Interior Decoration, declaring Howard County

Black-and-White). Historical Society Day in ou may have a favorite "Twilight Zone" In TV, Davis received two nominations for the honor of the organiza- episode you enjoy, such as Television Academy Emmy Awards: Individual tion’s 100th anniversary. Y "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" with Wil- Achievements in Art Direction and Allied Crafts The resolution acknowl- liam Shatner as an airline passenger convinced - Art Direction in 1966 for "The Man From Foster unveils the more realistic depiction of “Ma Ko Ko Mo”, created by Florida artist edged the society’s many he sees a creature on that airplane wing. Or, U.N.C.L.E.” (NBC); and Outstanding Achieve- Marcia K. Moore during the annual meeting. contributions to the com- perhaps you never tire of watching movies like ment in Art Direction and Scenic Design in munity since its founding "All About Eve" or "How The West Was Won." memories of David Foster’s story and chair of the Native American in 1916. 1963 for "The Eleventh Hour” (NBC). of Chief Kokomo were captured in Indian Affairs Commission for the If so, did you know that the visual style and Davis started as a sketch artist at Warner Executive Director Dave the 1921 Kokomo Tribune article State of Indiana; Sarah Siders, Broman reviewed the imagery — the set decoration and lighting and Brothers Studio and, like many in the entertain- that Foster used tribal secretary for so on — for those and many more film and TV successes and challeng- ment industry at the time, interrupted his career as the basis of his For more information on artist the Miami Nation of es of the past year, em- classics was the work of a Kokomo native — Marcia K. Moore, check out her to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps during World historical interpre- Indiana based in phasizing steady pro- website at www.ciamarstudio.com the Academy Award-Winning Art Director War II (he attained the rank of colonel). tation. Peru; Justin Bar- gress in meeting profes- George W. Davis? During the course of his career at both Warn- Also joining in and her page on Facebook nard, a member of (https://www.facebook.com/ sional museum standards Davis, whose father worked at the Kokomo er Brothers and Fox, he worked on some 50 the evening cele- Kispoko sect of the and the important role of Trust Company, was born here in 1914, but ciamarstudio?fref=ts ). To inquire films and collaborated with most of the well- bration of the new about prints, she can be reached Shawnee Nation; partnerships at the state moved west with his family in his teens. He known directors and stars of the golden age of artwork were at [email protected] . and Georgiana and local level. The socie- graduated from Polytechnic High School in Los Hollywood, everyone from Joseph Mankowitz members of the Lowe, fifth great- ty’s stewardship of the Angeles and majored in art at the University of and John Ford to Audrey Hepburn and Sidney local First Nations community, in- granddaughter of Frances Slocum, Seiberling Mansion, Elliott Southern California. Davis worked in the art Poitier. cluding Sally Tuttle of Kokomo, a known as Maconaquah by the Mi- House and their associat- department of Warner Brothers studios for According to his Wikipedia entry, Davis was member of the Choctaw Nation ami Nation. ed carriage houses is many years and also Fox Studios in the 1950s. also the initial project manager of Disneyland On behalf of the state com- focused on raising funds His prolific career spanned several decades Tokyo and the primary designer of Park City, mission, Tuttle said, “I would to replace the 126-year- and ranged from television shows like "Dr. Kil- Utah. like to thank the Foster Fami- old slate roof on the man- dare" and "The Man From U.N.C.L.E" to mov- He was married to Barbara Louise Davis, ly for bringing to life the real sion and he encouraged look of the native people of ies like "Demetrius and the Gladiators" and who died in 1990. They had two children, Ka- the audience to support Indiana.” the project. "Viva Las Vegas." Such varied work was not ren Louise Hoy, born in 1940, and George uncommon during the "studio system" years, Christopher Davis, born in 1943. (Editor’s note: Check the In official business, HCHS members reelect- when film crews generally worked exclusively Davis reportedly lived in the same home in next edition of Footprints for the studios on multiple projects in a year, for stories detailing the ed seven members of the Santa Monica, Calif., from 1948 to his death in HCHS Board of Trustees. just like employees in a corporation. Foster Family’s efforts to 1998. Selected to serve addi- For film work, Davis had 17 Academy Award Davis was a cousin to noted Howard County/ learn more about the leg- ends behind the naming of tional three-year terms nominations (three in 1962 alone), and won Kokomo historian Ned Booher. Davis is buried were Judy Brown, Linda Oscars for "The Robe" in 1964 (Best Produc- at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles. Howard County’s seat and how the striking new depic- Ferries, Mary Ellen Har- Created by Marcia K. Moore, a Florida artist who nish, Peggy Hobson, works in digital media & has a great interest in tion of “Ma Ko Ko Ma” was created by artist Marcia K. Lynn Smith, Cathy Stover depicting “the ancients” based on historical re- and Shelly Wyman. search & anthropological evidence. Moore.) 6 11 New, more realistic image of Chief Kokomo George W. Davis’ Academy Award nominations To see a list of art direction credits from his prolific career, look up George W. Davis on unveiled at HCHS annual meeting www.imdb.com. By Linda Ferries mo police officer, was (* Denotes win) George W. Davis, Ed- HCHS Publications Committee Member on hand to share some 1950 ward Carfagno All about Eve of what he has learned Mutiny on the Bounty Art Direction (Black-and- avid Foster and Chief Kokomo were front about his great-great- Art Direction (Color): White): Lyle Wheeler, George D and center at the 2016 annual meeting of great-grandfather with George W. Davis, J. W. Davis the Howard County Historical Society – in more the same name – and McMillan Johnson ways than one. unveil an exciting new 1951 About 75 people crowded into the Elliott House addition to the Howard The Wonderful World David and Bathsheba Art Di- for the evening that featured visits from historical County Historical Soci- of the Brothers Grimm rection (Color): Lyle Wheeler, re-enactors and living descendants of families ety collection. Art Direction: George George Davis tied to the early years of Kokomo. With the family con- W. Davis, Edward Car- First came the visit from the David Foster and nection back to his 1953 fagno Chief Kokomo of the past in the form of Al Conner hometown’s founding, David Foster is the great- * The Robe great-great grandson of the and Joe Cross. The two Kokomo men regularly Foster has long had an Art Direction (Color): Lyle 1963 founder of Kokomo. don the attire of the 1840s pioneer merchant and interest in history. Sev- Wheeler, George W. Davis Twilight of Honor the Miami Indian whose name, legend says, be- eral years ago, he be- Art Direction (Black- came the name of the new Howard County seat. gan a quest “to re-create a likeness of the chief 1955 and-White): George W. They are long-time fixtures at the Koh-Koh-Mah who this city holds as it namesake – ‘Ma-Ko-Ko- Love Is a Many-Splendored Davis, Paul Groesse and Foster Living History Encampment in western Mo.’” He described the research and travel he Thing Howard County each September, where they undertook – “an incredible journey of discovery” – Art Direction (Color): Lyle How the West Was share the stories and legends of the men who are that brought him to Florida-based artist Marcia K. Wheeler, George W. Davis Won forever tied together in the founding of Kokomo. Moore, and the unveiling of the “Ma Ko Ko Mo” Art Direction (Color): 1957 A real David Foster then came forward to move depiction she created. The goal: To create a de- George W. Davis, Wil- Funny Face the story ahead about 170 years. Foster, a Koko- piction more true to the Woodland Indians that liam Ferrari, Addison The Diary of Anne Frank was one of Art Direction: Hal Pereira, lived in Indiana than previous traditional depic- Hehr two Oscar wins for George Davis for tions of Chief Kokomo. George W. Davis Art Direction. He also won an Academy As Foster and Moore pulled the drape over the 1964 1959 Award for The Robe. frame, audience members were treated to a new The Americanization of * The Diary of Anne Frank image of Chief Kokomo based on their research Emily White): George W. Davis, Urie Art Direction (Black-and- into the legends of Kokomo and the history of the Art Direction (Black-and-White: McCleary White): Lyle R. Wheeler, Miami Nation. Moore shared her thoughts on the George W. Davis, Hans Pe- George W. Davis 1966 project, which represents a continuation of her ters, Elliot Scott Mister Buddwing work over the last four years “recreating the an- 1960 The Unsinkable Molly Brown Art Direction (Black-and- cients.” Cimarron Art Direction (Color): George White): George W. Davis, Paul “It was a real honor to work with you,” she told Art Direction (Color): George W. Davis, Preston Ames Foster. Moore uses a digital process to “sculpt” W. Davis, Addison Hehr 1968 her subjects like a forensic artist before digitally 1965 The Shoes of the Fisherman drawing and coloring the details that form the 1962 A Patch of Blue Art Direction: George W. Da- portrait. Period of Adjustment Art Di- Art Direction (Black-and- vis, Edward Carfagno Foster was joined by a number of family mem- rection (Black-and-White): Al Conner, David Foster re-enactor, and Joe Cross, Chief bers who supported the project along with mem- Kokomo re-enactor, shared stories at the event. bers of the family of Harrison Stewart, whose

10 7 and other valuable alloys,” according to a 1955 Powell said he would Kokomo inventor credited for revolutionizing Kokomo Tribune article. “Powell left to go into have earned more than a oil drilling….He turned his inventive interests to $1 million. Powell tried to drilling tools, several of which he improved. seek business advice modern corn harvesting “In the early 1920s he made tractors at Indi- from Haynes as his corn anapolis and then his interest turned to the picker was gaining no- By Emily West According to a 1958 Kokomo Tribune article: invention of a machine that would pick corn,” ticed. A meeting was Footprints Editor “As a young man, Powell worked in the oil the article stated. scheduled between the fields and supervised drilling operations, work- After rejections from several farm implement two in 1925, just as Pow- ust clouds billow in Howard County fields manufacturers, Powell demonstrated his ma- ell was putting the finish- each fall as huge combines harvest the ing in the United States and in Central Ameri- D ca. He became thoroughly familiar with drilling chine to New Idea Implement Company in ing touches on his idea. corn and soybean crops. Coldwater, Ohio. “Engineers of the company However, Haynes be- As the giant machines roar across the acres, equipment and pipeline construction. “He used his knowledge of drilling operations were delighted when Powell proved that a little came ill and died before taking in as many as 24 rows of corn at once, Ford tractor had enough pull to operate his they could meet. one may think of a time when the harvest was and equipment in the application of the power power takeoff.” “All the same, Powell is John Powell a much more painstaking process. Not so long takeoff principle for operating mechanical corn pickers. Stationary steam engines had been New Idea bought the manufacturing rights. philosophical about the ago, dry corn was cut by hand; later one-row However, Powell did not sell the exclusive matter,” the article stated. “He has made a harvesters were pulled behind a tractor, throw- used for many years to power the drilling rigs and it occurred to Powell that a tractor could rights. As other manufacturers began to take comfortable living out of his inventions and has ing corn and pieces of stalks into a wagon. an interest, he contracted to them as both an enjoyed the freedom to work at his ideas with- Power for these machines came from a belt- supply the power to operate a corn picker in much the same manner as power was applied engineer and consultant. out interruption.” and-pulley system that wasn’t especially effi- According to an interview in 1955, Powell Powell continued to work at his inventions cient. in oil drilling.” Powell met another of Kokomo’s inventors, said he didn’t appreciate the full value of his into his 80s. He had several patents for farm A Kokomo inventor changed all that. power takeoff idea. If he had capitalized on it, equipment. Described as “neat in his appear- John Powell did not achieve the fame of oth- Elwood Haynes, when Powell was young and neither had yet become successful inventors. ance and having many er Howard County inventors, like Elwood gentlemanly qualities, a Haynes and George Kingston. In fact, outside During the gas boom, both worked in the gas industry, pumping natural gas from Central quiet, elderly man with an of the farming industry, he was not well known alertness of face and the at all. Indiana to Chicago during the late 1880s. “Haynes left the gas company to perfect his powers of concentration But, Powell is credited with inventing the first and patience required of corn harvester using a power takeoff. Instead ‘horseless’ carriage and later to manufacture Haynes automobiles, perfect stainless steel all successful inventors, of using belts connected to the wheels to pro- at 83, he was working to vide power to run the machinery, Powell’s sys- perfect a tomato seed tem connected to a tractor’s engine through planter. the PTO. Powell, who lived in the Powell’s inspiration came after a neighbor 900 block of South Arm- complained to him about his unpicked corn strong Street, died at and told him of his disgust with mechanical home in 1958 at the age cornpickers that would not work in muddy of 86 after suffering a fields, according to an article in “New Idea stroke. He was survived Company’s Corn Pickers: 1925-1982.” Powell by his wife, Stella. His went to the field, noting how when the wheels son had died in 1956. of the tractor wouldn’t turn, the machine had Powell is buried in the no power. This event led to the development of IOOF Cemetery in Green- his idea. town. Powell used concepts he had learned work- ing in the oil drilling industry. The Powell two-row power-takeoff corn harvester Drawings from Powell’s 1930 corn harvester patent

8 9