~c'

+s6 4 'kr

-Zrve A,'i Director's Page

As we face a new administration in state government, the Department of Con- servation has many responsibilities and hopes for future progress. Unlike four years ago, most of the personnel is familiar with the jobs and what is expected in terms of job assignments. Goals and direction have been more firmly established. Two excuses, so to speak, are not going to be very logical; namely, 1. that we don't know what the job requires, and 2. the situation was left to us in a terrible mess. These two statements are not acceptable since most positions will continue to be filled by experienced persons, and should the situation be in a sorry condition, we know certainly in part who put it that way. With these thoughts in mind, the performance should move with much more speed and sureness than in past years. The Department accepts the responsibility. On the other hand, there are problems that cannot be solved without aid of outside agencies: the legislature which must appropriate the funds and outline the necessary framework of law to accomplish the purposes and intent of conservation; the administration leaders and supporting administrative agencies which must imple- ment and support the operation of a department, and, thirdly, an understanding lay public who, in the last analysis, will benefit most from an efficiently run Depart- ment of Conservation. Funding in sufficient amounts and sustained over a period of years is necessary to developing resources to their maximum use. Recreation facilities just don't hap- pen. They must be planned, developed and maintained. Sporadic support by legis- latures can, in effect, be "penny wise and pound foolish." Continuity of employment and assurance of some security after proven per- formance is necessary if we are to expect efficient and dedicated application of funds. Expansion and strengthening of merit in Conservation employment is important to the continued professionalizing of an important field. I have commented on only a few areas, any one of which can be a limiting factor in the continued progress of conservation in . We feel the Department as an agency is ready and willing. Let's avoid being a part of the limiting factor in that progress.

DONALD E. FoLTZ, Director Indiana Department of Conservation OUTDOOR INDIANA INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

MATTHEW E. WELSH, Governor DONALD E. FOLTZ, Director

Commission: Anton (Tony) Hulman, Jr., Chairman, Terre Haute John A. Hillenbrand II, Batesville The Hon. Paul D. Ewan, Lafayette Wilbur Yates, Vincennes

DIVISIONS AND DIRECTORS

Administrative Assistant-Robert D snn Forestry--Robert D. Raisch Accounting-Harold B. Smith Geological Survey-John B. Patton Comptroller-Wm. Dean Lacy Oil ntodGs-Homer R. Brown Enforcement-Harold D. Raisor Public Information-Thomas B. March Engineering-Henry C. Prange Purchasing-Anthony E. Sheppard Entomology-John J. Favinger State Parks-Robert D. Starrett Fish and Game-Woodrow W. Fleming Water Resources-Charles H. Bechert

Vol. VIII, No. 7 January, 1965

CONTENTS

NO CLOSED SEASON FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION

OUR OUTDOOR HERITAGE ...... 8 THE HISTORIC PRAIRIE CONNER FARM ...... 12

LOCATING RECREATION SITES ...... 16

ICHTHYOLOGICAL ICE IDIOSYNCRASIES ...... 22

CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS ...... 26

CRESTED FLYCATCHER (KNOW YOUR INDIANA BIRDS) . . . . . 31

Cover photo of ice skating on Lake Sullivan at Indianapolis, by Joseph N. Hartley

THOMAS B. MARCH, Editor Published monthly by the Indiana Department of Conservation, 6th BETTY BENNETT, Associate Editor Floor, State Office Building, Indianapolis, Indiana-46209. Second class mail privileges authorized at Indianapolis, Indiana. Out-of-state MAC HEATON, Art Director subscription rate $2.00. Change of address should be reported promptly. PHILIP VAN BLARICUM, Photographer Permission to reprint any material in this publication may be granted GENEVA CAHILL, Circulation Manager to responsible parties upon written application to the editor. Interest in winter sports is increasing steadily in Indiana, with numerous recreation spots de- voted entirely to such a program. Toboganning, such as in the picture here, is among the most popular, with bob sledding, ice skating and skiing also gaining interest. No cIlose-d samIson Ifo

By JERRY WETTSTONE THE REALLY busy season in Indiana Division of State Parks state parks and forests begins in mid- June and extends to Labor Day; how- those hardy souls contemplating ever, more and more people are post- camping in snow or freezing weather. poning their summer vacations or When the parks are all but empty taking second vacations in the fall of human life, one can really enjoy and winter. the quietude of the wild. Autumn, with its colorful foliage, Although, for the more experienced warm days and clear, crisp evenings winter campers, camping during has become an increasingly popular heavy snows presents no great prob- time to take to the woods and it is lems, there are many winter week- also an excellent time to gain the ends when temperatures are adequate experience that will be useful later to for those less experienced in day and

Page 2 • OUTDOOR INDIANA January, 1965 overnight use of Indiana state parks. rooms. In the few parks that do not This is especially true when campers provide pit toilets, self-contained are using travel trailers or camping trailers are the only means of camp- units on pick-up trucks. ing in the winter. State parks offer a variety of de- However, there are those for whom lights for individuals who are seeking camping means tents, outdoor fires, a new experience by camping during inconvenience (judged by city stand- the off-season. The feeling of rough- ards) and the roughness reminiscent ing it and the touch of pioneer living of pioneer days. But there isn't any appeals to many campers, whose sons need to be uncomfortable in a tent, may already be familiar with it since even in the really cold weather; all Boy Scout troops provide this experi- you need is common sense, loose, ence as part of the overall training warm, comfortable clothing for day program. time and a change of clothes for With the snow and below-freezing sleeping, a good tent or shelter for weather, campgrounds are winterized. protection from the wind, a ground- Water is shut off and lines are cloth and, possibly, an air mattress to drained, tables are stacked for pro- further insulate the sleeper from the tection, the park superintendent's cold ground (newspapers are excellent staff is reduced and turns to indoor insulation) and a sleeping bag. This work projects that have been set last item should be of a porous va- aside during the busy season. Since riety, since campers have been known the lines are drained, all modern rest- to freeze to death in rubberized or rooms are closed and campers use the other waterproofed sleeping bags, all-season "pit" toilets which make up simply because they perspired and about one-half of our total park rest- then became chilled when body ac-

!K

A scene like this one invites people to participate in one of the most popular outdoor activi- ties: the old-fashioned walk in the snow. With the sounds of the city and highway muted, the world is transformed into a crystal-frosted wonderland.

January, 1965 OUTDOOR IDAA"Pg A self-supporting tent such as this one lends itself well to winter camping because of the minimum number of stakes that have to be driven into the ground. A small log in front of the entrance will help keep the slush and snow out. tivity reached its low point after go- or carbon monoxide. Another way to ing to sleep. keep warm is to build a reflector fire In the past, campers could find in front of the tent or shelter and evergreen boughs to make their leave enough of an opening to let in ground beds, but now this is forbid- the heat. This, of course, should be den in almost every part of the coun- built close enough to provide heat, try and especially in Indiana since but not close enough to scorch the there just is not enough of this kind shelter. Otherwise, if no fire is used, of groundcover to go around, hence flaps should be closed, leaving just a the ground cloth and air mattress. If small ventilation opening. Your own a heavy groundcloth is not available, "animal heat" will carry you through a lighter cloth and lots of newspapers the night, providing you are insulated will serve if the paper is put between from the ground, your sleeping bag is the groundcloth and the air mattress warm enough and you don't work up or sleeping bag (ground cold is far a "sweat." more intense than that from above). Since snow is a good insulator, it For more comfort at night, it is ad- can be used to seal off open spaces visable to change clothes to give the around and under the tent wall. day-time wear a chance to dry and To facilitate control and provide air out. (Night wear can be warmed the camper with locations and infor- in front of the campfire and in the mation on water and toilet facilities, morning, day time clothing may be it is requested that winter camping warmed in the sleeping bag.) parties check with the park superin- As for heat, there are tent stoves tendent upon arrival. Camping fees that are supposed to do the job; how- are collected as usual in the winter ever, there is always danger from fire, season.

Page 4 - OUTDOOR INDIANA January, 1965 Families which do not have the CAMPING IN INDIANA equipment or are not inclined toward STATE PARKS winter camping, will find four state during the period from November park inns open year round. Canyon thru March Inn, McCormicks Creek State Park; Inn, Pokagon State BASS LAKE-No camping Park; Spring Mill Inn, Spring Mill State Park; and Turkey Run Inn, BROWN COUNTY-Pit toilets in camp- Turkey Run State Park. ground, water outlet at service For those who are not camping, but building, electrical outlets and fire- just want to enjoy the parks and wood available. forests, a walk along a park trail on CHAIN O' LAKES-Pit toilets in camp- a winter's day can be a highly in- ground, water outlet at pumphouse, vigorating experience. It should be re- no electricity. membered of course, that one should wear suitable outdoor clothing and CLIFTY FALLS-Self-contained trailers proper footgear for hiking. Park trails only-no toilet facilities available, which rustle underfoot in the fall are water outlet at service building, transformed by the winter snows into firewood and electricity available. a muted wonderland, offering people INDIANA DUNES-Pit toilets in camp- a chance to get away from the sounds ground, water outlets at service of the city and highway. Here and building and Wilson Shelter; elec- observe wildlife there the hiker will trical outlets available, no firewood. trails crossing or following the marked trail, and for these so inclined, the LIEBER-Pit toilets in campground, challenge of track identification adds water outlet at service building, to the enjoyment of the outing. (For a electrical outlets and some firewood guide to wildlife tracking, see OUT- available. DOOR INDIANA, December 1959.) LINCOLN-Pit toilets in campground, The focal point for winter activities water outlets in campground and in the Indiana state park system is at service building, firewood avail- of course Pokagon State Park, north able. of Angola in northeastern Indiana. Pokagon has the longest winter rec- MCCORMICK'S CREEK-Pit toilets and reation season of any of the state water hydrants in campground, parks, starting with the first heavy electrical outlets and some fire- snow in December and continuing wood available. through to March with January and MOUNDS-Pit toilet in campground, February as the peak months. Here water outlet at saddle barn, fire- the visitor will find a twin toboggan wood available, no electricity. slide, ski runs, ice skating and fishing, and bobsled rides. Toboggans are OUABACHE-Toilet facilities and wa- available on a rental basis only. ter outlets at service building or lodge, electrical outlets and fire- Regardless of what the winter park wood available. visitor enjoys in the outdoors, if he is dressed warm enough, he can find a POKAGON-Pit toilets in overflow area, new and thoroughly enjoyable world water outlet at toboggan slide, no providing him with experiences he firewood or electrical outlets avail- may cherish for a long time. D able.

° January, 1965 OUTDOOR INDIANA Page 5 Pokagon State Park's planned winter sports pro- gram includes the state's only toboggan slide, which is more than a third of a mile long.

RACCOON LAKE-Pit toilet near main camping area. No water, electricity, or wood available. SCALES LAKE-Pit toilets and water outlet in campground. SHADES-Pit toilets in campground, no water, limited amount of fire- wood, no electricity. SHAKAMAK-Pit toilets in youth camping area, water outlet at serv- ice area, firewood available, no elec- tricity. SPRING MILL-Self-contained trailers only in main camp, pit toilets in overflow, electricity or wood avail- able, water at service area. TIPPECANOE RIVER-Pit toilets in campground, water outlet in serv-

Page 6 - OUTDOOR INDIANA January, 1965 ice area, electrical outlets and fire- OTHER WINTER ACTIVITIES wood available. Ice skating, ice fishing, sledding and limited skiing are also a part of our TURKEY RUN-Pit toilets at Newby activities. Gulch turn-around, water outlets near superintendent's residence and The Saddle Barn is open the year at water plant, electrical outlets 'round. Trail rides and sleigh rides and firewood available. available.

VERSAILLES-Self-contained trailers LODGING AND MEALS only. No water, electricity or wood Potawatomi Inn, located in the Park, available. Camping below dam. offers rooms and meals, on the Ameri- can Plan, providing a pleasant atmos- WHITEWATER-Pit toilets in camp- phere for those seeking quiet recre- ground, water at service building, ation and relaxation. The Inn dining electricity, but no firewood. room is open to all, including those who are visiting the park for the day.

WINTER ACTIVITIES AND GENERAL FACILITIES AT POKAGON Sandwiches and hot drinks available STATE PARK at the Toboggan Hut. ANGOLA, INDIANA (64-92) All winter sports depend entirely on LOCATION weather conditions. Announcements are made periodically on Radio Sta- Pokagon State Park is located five (5) tion WOWO (1190), Fort Wayne, miles north of Angola, Indiana, and Indiana. one and a half (12) miles south of May we suggest you call one of these Indiana Toll Road on US Highway numbers, preferably on the day you 27. Interstate 69 soon will be con- plan to come structed near the park. Superintendent's Office- TOBOGGAN SLIDE Area Code 219 495-2165 A 1700-foot double-lane toboggan Potawatomi Inn- slide sets a mile a minute pace for Area Code 219 665-6518 thrill-seeking visitors. This is Indi- ana's only toboggan slide. Normal Saddle Barn- operating hours are from 5 PM to 10 Area Code 219 495-3687 PM on week days, and 10 AM to 10 Located in the extreme northern por- PM on week ends and holidays. (In- tion of Indiana, Pokagon State Park cluding Christmas vacation) Day- has the longest winter season of any time operation of the toboggan slide of the state parks, plus the advantage can be made available upon prior of two lakes which make possible a request for groups of twenty or more. wide variety of winter sports. A telephone call to the park super- intendent will suffice and make this FOR FURTHER DETAILS service available. WRITE OR PHONE: Charges for use of the toboggan slide Park Superintendent are just five cents per person a ride Inn Manager, Potawatomi Inn and toboggans are available for rent Pokagon State Park at 50 cents an hour. Angola, Indiana

January, 1965 OUTDOOR INDIANA * Page 7 * -- -

"sI' c _ 'A'

r/

Q A rl

MIACN EATON

OUR OUTDOOR HERITAGE

HOWARD H. MICHAUD Purdue University

SIGURD F. OLSON in his book "List- activity, or experience from which one ening Point" describes a bare spit of derives personal satisfaction, or other rock in the Quetico-Superior country. values. It may contribute to one's It was a place found after long search- physical, spiritual or mental well- ing where he could see "vistas into being. Some feature of physical land- wide open space, loons with the dusk scape, such as water, forest, hill, full of their calling, sea gulls scream- mountain, fauna and flora is required. ing in the mornings and the long lazy Therefore such activities are not sweep of them as they come in to available indoors. feed." - He called the place "listen- Proper use of the out-of-doors de- ing point" because he said, "only pends upon appreciation and under- when one comes to listen, only when standing of what constitutes the kind one is aware and still, can things be of outdoor areas people seek. Un- seen and heard. Everyone has a listen- fortunately, the majority of outdoor ing point somewhere." pleasure seekers today race by the What is outdoor recreation? To landscape to fish, hunt, water-ski, this writer, outdoor recreation means camp, ride horseback, or engage in active participation in some outdoor numerous other activities without

Page 8 - OUTDOOR INDIANA January, 1965 stopping to listen or to learn. In their point? Aldo Leopold said, "the only hurry, they often destroy unwittingly true development in recreational re- the value of the areas they seek to sources is the development of the per- enjoy. ceptive faculty in Americans." A lack The camper who rushes to set up of perception deprives the average camp in order to sit and watch tele- citizen of his outdoor heritage and, vision is not one who came to enjoy unless this awareness is reclaimed, the the forest. Or, tiring of this, the chil- places where he may enjoy the primi- dren are begging to be driven to the tive qualities of the natural environ- nearest swimming beach. And, after ment will continue to fade into the that, dad inquires about the nearest past. golf course and a good place to eat. Fortunate is the lad whose father If fishing is the goal, he either seeks is capable of transmitting outdoor new waters, or complains when fish- sensitivity. A fishing trip with dad ing is poor. No one at this camp site will mean far more than the reward has learned to recognize the resonant of the catch. Fishing silently together call of the woodthrush, or has been and learning to be observant, such aware of the lively stir of wildlife in anglers may have the good luck to the early morning hours. come upon a stealthy heron fishing How is it that those dedicated to for his life along a quiet stream. The proper use and enjoyment of the out- memory of migratory deep water of-doors come to search a listening ducks resting on the lake in early

Turtles seem to have a special fascination for youngsters. However, they should be treated with caution since, like this Common Snapping Turtle, they are capable of inflicting danger- ous bites.

January, 1965 OTORINDIANA "Pg spring, of the flight pattern of Can- Competent camp leaders set an ex- ada geese against the fading skies of ample in both attitude and behavior autumn, and the rise of bass to in- that will encourage thoughtful con- sects floating on the water help to sideration in utilizing natural areas. create a life-long pattern of respect Permanent camp sites are generally for the natural environment that pro- selected where there are streams, vide such sights. lakes, hills, valleys, forests, and wild- Children, as well as adults, need as- life. These natural features are im- sociation with more effective leader- portant inherent qualities for a good ship in outdoor activity. Camp direc- camp. Pride in the camp should be tors, scout leaders, and teachers may associated with proper use and pro- serve as capable leaders only if they tection of these features. Familiarity themselves are adequately skilled in with trees, wildflowers, wildlife and receptivity. Outdoor skills actually their inter-relationships are important may be harmful unless they are ac- in developing appreciation for their companied by considerate attitudes perpetuation. A land use plan of the and knowledge of the proper use of camp grounds will help maintain its the out-of-doors. natural characteristics. But, most im- portant of all for children, is the op- Teachers who are particularly dedi- portunity for providing the type of cated to the preservation of outdoor experiences that will tend to create values have innumerable opportuni- sensitivity to the value of their right- ties during the school year to help ful outdoor heritage. develop proper attitudes among chil- dren through outdoor education. The necessity for effective outdoor Many schools have established school education becomes obvious if the land laboratories where children may growing hordes of outdoor recreation work, study, and learn out-of-doors. seekers expect to maintain the quality It may be an area, large or small, on of the landscape. More and more pri- or near the school, where activities vate land areas are being closed to such as tree planting, forest manage- public use because of the thoughtless ment, wildlife management, or an behavior of a few. The private pond outdoor information trail may be es- is closed to public fishing after the tablished. banks are strewn with bait cans and cartons. Broken-down fences, tram- Many high schools plan outings or pled crops, the carelessly tossed ciga- picnics to state parks near the end of rette, discarded beer cans, and other the school year. With capable guid- nuisance activities result in the ance and leadership, the students may mounting number of "no trespassing" gain knowledge and a deeper appre- signs. Much of this could be avoided ciation of what the park offers in the through judicious consideration of preservation of the unique historical property rights and by displaying and natural legacy of the state. Free- more courteous behavior in pursuit of dom to use the out-of-doors should outdoor enjoyment. carry an individual sense of responsi- bility and respect. Students should It was Emerson who said, "he who become better citizens for visiting the knows what sweets and virtues are in park. A required clean-up detail at the ground, the waters, the plants, the the end of the outing provides a heavens, and how to come at these worthy lesson in the orderly use of enchantments, is the rich and royal camp and picnic areas. man." No one needs expensive fishing

Page 10 * OUTDOOR INDIANA January, 1965 tackle, high-powered boats, and product of slow change over long pe- costly camping equipment to gain riods of time. Few people become ex- vicarious experiences that lead to cited over losing specific elements of greater knowledge about the out-of- nature's interdependent complex, es- doors. One need but sit quietly on a pecially when there has been no pre- log in the forest, or walk leisurely vious experience with what is lost. along a flowing stream to feel the For one who has never observed the richness and vigor of the world round strutting nuptial dance of the prairie about us. chicken, what basis should he have Few children of this generation ex- for concern over its disappearance perience the urge to go afield in au- from the state? tumn to gather hickory nuts and wal- If outdoor areas are to be main- nuts. It is unusual to find youngsters tained in quantity and quality for who recognize the smell and taste of adequate recreational use, there must sassafras, walnuts, wild ginger, and be a re-awakening of our pioneer heri- persimmon. It is small wonder then, tage. Children must have not only that our urban-based population, the opportunity to live and play out- lacking the pioneer sense, has failed of-doors, but through more inspira- to become intimate with the natural tional leadership must gain better environment, much less derive a sense understanding of what real natural of real personal satisfaction from it. environments are and what their con- The urban complex is artificial and is servation means. Each must gain in constantly subject to drastic altera- knowledge and become sufficiently in- tion. Accustomed to this, it is difficult spired to be able to find his own to recognize that natural areas are the "listening point."

A unique example of conservation education was a course conducted last summer at Hayes Arboretum in Richmond. Directed by Allan Roberts, of Indianapolis, in cooperation with Earlham College, the natural history course was attended by 97 students.

January, 1965 OTORINDIANA Pae1 The historic FARM

By ARVILLE L. FUNK

JUST a few miles south of Nobles- older brother, John, were two early ville on State Highway 37-A stands American fur traders in the Hoosier a very unique memorial to an early State, and both are remembered for Indiana fur trader who became one of their connection in helping to found the most important persons in the important Indiana cities. The Conner pioneer era of our state. This mem- brothers were natives of ; their orial is The Conner Prairie Farm, a father, Richard Conner, had rescued lasting tribute to its founder, Wil- and married a captive of the liam Conner. tribe, Margaret Boyer. William Conner, along with his The Conner family were members

LEGEND The Conner Prairie Farm is well known for its pioneer work in efficient livestock pro- 1. The Historic William Conner House, the first duction. brick house built in "The New Purchase" 7. Three-eights (roughly the central third of Indiana). of a mile north of here on the river bank, William Conner lived in a double 2. Restoration of the still house. cabin trading post. At that cabin in 1820, 3. Restoration of a milk house. the Commission charged with locating the 4. Small modern museum with heating equip- site of the state capital met. ment for old house. 8. Restoration of trading post. 5. Restoration of a loom house. 9. Restoration of Conner cabin. 6. Modern barns, grain and implement storage. 0. Restoration of pioneer barn.

Page 12 * OUTDOOR INDIANA January, 1965 College archivist Opal Thornburg tries on a pioneer dress and apron to show what working in a kitchen was like in the early nineteenth century. The restored kitchen includes a large bake oven, an apple parer, a set of glass-bottomed pewter mugs and a pewter baby's bottle as well as other pioneer articles. of the Moravian Society that was at- all three of the Delaware dialects, tempting to bring Christianity to the - Unami, Munsee, and Unalachtigo; savages of Ohio. William Conner was also the Shawnee, Chippewa and Wy- born at the famous Moravian settle- andot languages. This ability to speak ment of Schoenbrunn in 1777. Shortly and understand several Indian lan- after the birth of William, the family guages proved to be very valuable to moved with a group of Christian the brothers and made them the fore- Indians to . There they were most interpreters with General Wil- captured by a raiding party of hostile liam Henry Harrison's administra- Indians and taken to the British post tion in the . at Detroit. The British released the In 1796 the Conner brothers left captives but forced them to settle home to seek their fortunes as fur with a small village of Christian In- traders with the many tribes in west- dians just north of Detroit on the ern Ohio. By 1800, they had migrated Clinton River. into the Indiana Territory in what There in the Indian village, Wil- was then still Indian land in the cen- liam and his older brothers, James tral part of the state. William finally and John, spent their childhood and settled at the mouth of Fall Creek on their youth. They learned to hunt, which was on the main fish and track as well as any of the crossing route of the Indian trappers, young Indian braves. In addition, where an old French trading post had they studied the many Indian lan- been located many years before. From guages of the tribes that lived and this location, he travelled up and visited in the area around Detroit. down the Wapehani, or White River, The Conner brothers learned to speak trading at the many Delaware vil-

January, 1965 OUTDOOR INDIANA * Page 13 lages that were scattered along its help govern the displaced tribes there. banks. On one of his journeys he met Meanwhile, John Conner had also and married Mekinges, the young married an Indian wife and started daughter of Chief Anderson at the his fur trading ventures along the village of Wapeminskink, now at the Wapinepay, or Whitewater River in site of the city of Anderson. In Au- southeastern Indiana. His first known gust, 1802, William Conner brought trading post was at Cedar Grove just his young bride to a broad prairie a few miles south of Brookville in near White River, four miles south Franklin County, established in 1803. of what is now the city of Noblesville. From there John moved north into There he built a large log cabin that Fayette County to build Fort Conner was to serve as his trading post, his in 1808; this later became the city of home, and a meeting house for white Connersville and John Conner be- and Indian leaders during the next came its most famous citizen. After 20 years. the death of his Indian wife, John His trading post became a land- married Lavina Winship and lived mark on the frontier of central In- near Connersville until he moved to diana and the chief market place for Indianapolis, where he died in 1826. the many Indian villages such as During the Indian troubles of 1811- Strawtown and Nancytown in the sur- 1815, both William and John Conner rounding area. His reputation as a fur took active parts as scouts and inter- trader grew until he was considered preters with the government forces. by the Indians as the most honest of John served as a scout with General all the white traders. Records show Harrison at the Battle of Tippecanoe that he paid the Indians the following and brother William served as a scout prices for their furs: raccoon skins - with Colonel Campbell's troops at the 37/2 to 40¢, fox skins - 500, mink Battle of Mississinewa near Marion skins - 500, deer or buckskins - in 1812. William was also present at $1.00, and the highest of all, otter or the famous in bear skins, which usually brought Canada in October, 1813, and is four or five dollars. thought to be the person who identi- In 1818, the Delaware tribe made fied the fallen 's body. Dur- their last famous treaty in which they ing the scare of agreed to sell their lands and to leave 1832, William served as scout and Indiana by 1820. In September, 1820, guide for the "Bloody Three Hun- Chief Anderson and his village made dred," the militia from Johnson, their preparations for departure and Marion and Hendricks Counties, who Mekinges in obedience to tribal law rode north to campaign against the also made arrangements to accom- Sac tribe but were not needed at pany her people to their new homes Chicago and returned without their west of the . In a share of adventure in the defeat of tearful parting, Mekinges with her six the old Sac chief. half-breed children and sixty horses Besides his active part in the In- which William had given her as her dian campaigns, William Conner share of the trading business, said served a more important duty as in- good-bye to her white husband and terpreter for the American leaders began the long journey to her new who secured the necessary treaties home. The six children of Mekinges from the Indians to sell their land and and their descendants grew up to be- move from Indiana and Ohio. He come leaders in the southwest and to served as interpreter at the Treaty

Page 14 * OUTDOOR INDIANA January, 1965 brick mansion in the New Purchase area. The walls were made of brick burned there on the site and the wood work was all yellow poplar, cut on the Conner farm. In addition to his fur trading post, William also became the largest farmer in the New Purchase. He found the prairie land ideal for the raising of corn and he cultivated sev- eral hundred acres of this crop each year. He built his own distillery for the making of corn whiskey which was the best and easiest way of taking his corn crop to market. In January, 1823, William Conner and Josiah Polk, an early Hoosier lawyer and surveyor, platted the town of Noblesville just a few miles north of the Conner homestead. When the new county of Hamilton was organized in 1823, there was no court- William Conner house available, so the county com- of Greenville, Ohio, in 1814, at the missioners and officers used the new famous treaty at St. Marys, Ohio, in Conner mansion as their seat of gov- 1818 in which Indiana received the ernment for three years. During these "New Purchase" and at the two years the new capital city of Indian- treaties at the mouth of the Missis- apolis was being built and this sinewa River in October, 1826. Wil- brought a flood of settlers north to liam also served as Indian commis- the New Purchase and to the area sioner for several years and probably around the Conner Farm. In 1820, the did more than any other white man commissioners who were to select the to see that the Indians received justice site of the new capital met at the under the new Indiana state govern- cabin of William Conner and made it ment. their headquarters while they visited After the departure of Mekinges, the possible sites in central Indiana. William Conner wed a teen age white They had even considered the Conner girl, Elizabeth Chapman. The wed- farm as the new capital site; however, ding took place at the cabin of John the majority finally decided on the lo- Finch on Horseshoe Prairie, about 3 cation of John McCormick's cabin at miles from the Conner trading post. the mouth of Fall Creek, about 20 On January 4, 1823, the first child miles south of the Conner farm. was born to the couple and William During the period of 1830-1850, began to plan a larger and more com- William Conner became one of the fortable home for his new family. He most influential businessmen in cen- entered the large tract of land just tral Indiana. He accumulated over south of his cabin at the patent office, 3000 acres in Marion, Hamilton, Cass and began the construction of a large and Wabash Counties, plus several two-story brick home. The house was profitable business ventures in the completed that year and was the first (Text continued on page 21)

January, 1965 OUTDOOR INDIANA * Page 15 Analysis and Judgment of... LOCATING RECREATION SITES

by THOMAS MARCH Director, Public Information

LATE IN November, Governor Mat- offer the guidelines we will need in the thew E. Welsh unveiled an enlightened future. These rules offer no automatic approach to the selection of public solutions to the difficult questions of recreation sites for the future, and one where and how to allocate funds, but that will certainly help to make the they do provide a standard measuring best possible use of limited funds to device to supplement the good judg- benefit the entire state. ment of our administrators." In a talk at Purdue on November While this would appear to be an 30th, the Governor said: "It has been administrative problem, public under- our job to create a system of meas- standing and support for methods of uring the feasibility of recreational selection of recreation areas is of very projects that would insure our tax real consequence to the decision dollars be wisely spent in pursuit of makers. The problem of choosing be- the greatest benefit possible to all the tween alternatives for investment of people of Indiana. limited financial resources to obtain "It is easy enough to pinpoint many optimum statewide social benefits on desirable recreation projects around a sound economic basis has human as Indiana. But, it is not as easy to show well as economic values that must that desirability equals feasibility. be considered. "Our funds are limited. There are The newly developed criteria are a many demands upon the tax dollars. tool and a guide in the rational These projects must be justified decision-making process. They do not through professional analysis based provide a precise or absolute mathe- upon proven guidelines. matical formula. Social and human "Otherwise, we shall find ourselves values of recreation do not have prac- constructing monuments to local tical numerical measures any more pride, well intentioned but unsound than do the values of education or re- when considered as a matter of state- ligious training. Judgment, training, wide interest. and experience must be brought to "Unless there is sound planning, bear in making the decision. Thus, based upon a yardstick of objective the social benefits in making invest- values, it is possible that we may find ments of financial resources must be ourselves using precious funds to weighed principally on the basis of build projects of limited benefit. judgment. "Two New York engineering con- It is recognized, however, that the sultants, with wide experience in their extent of use of a recreation area isa field," the Governor continued, "have practical, though incomplete, measure prepared a set of criteria that seem to of the social benefits, when comparing

Page 16 - OUTDOOR INDIANA January, 1965 capital funds to be provided as a subsidy. The specific decisions to be made concern the method of administering these limited subsidies to achieve the greatest return in social benefits. Choices have to be made between projects, to determine where and how the investments should be made. The prescribed criteria apply par- ticularly to state recreation areas, suitable for a variety of outdoor rec- reation activities, with or without streams or bodies of water. They do not apply directly to state parks, state memorials, state forests, state fish and game areas for conservation, or other state conservation projects as such. State recreation areas may be located within or adjacent to such fa- cilities to protect such scenic and his- toric sites from misuse, to utilize more fully the natural resources found there and the practicability and economy of joint operation and maintenance. MATTHEW E. WELSH, Governor State parks and memorials are planned for the preservation and use alternatives for investment of scarce of our scenic and historic heritage. financial resources. Since in Indiana, They are selected from a naturally the operation of the state recreation limited supply of sites because of the system must generate sufficient rev- quality of their natural interest and enues, as a business enterprise, to for the story they tell of man on this cover maintenance and operation earth. Therefore, their selection for costs without operating subsidy, and development is based upon profes- since, therefore, charges are made sional judgment of broad cultural and upon users in rough accordance with historic values, rather than upon their their extent of use, then the revenues economic benefits or even upon their generated are a relative, but not abso- specific recreational benefits. lute, measure of the social benefits received. And in the rational process, The criteria for the selection of these relative benefits must be com- state recreation projects suggest that: pared to relative costs - both capital 1. A project be primarily of state costs and operating costs - in com- interest instead of Federal or local paring projects. interest. In the consideration of No informed person will argue with specific recreation projects, the fol- the fact that the state should invest lowing recreation facilities may be in public recreation. The absolute so- considered primarily of state inter- cial benefits, if the investments are est: made rationally, far exceed the fore- seeable costs in terms of available a. A facility, such as a reservoir or

January, 1965 OUTDOOR INDIANA * Page 17 wooded area, which does not lie planned recreation facilities out- entirely within one county. side the state system need to be b. A facility which must be oper- taken into consideration to avoid erated jointly with or subject to over-development. agreement with the Federal Gov- 3. The physical characteristics of a ernment. site for a recreation facility must c. A facility located entirely within be examined carefully to determine one county, such as a primarily the ability of the site to serve the rural county, but which would intended recreation purpose or serve primarily urban areas out- function. As an example, it must side the county. first be demonstrated that a site for a recreation reservoir in an area of d. A facility, such as a multi-pur- recognized need has sufficient size pose reservoir, whose other ben- and topographic characteristics, efits, such as flood control or not only to contain the impounded water supply, extend to more water but to include an area of sur- than one county. rounding land usable and acces- Facilities that would be considered sible for recreational facilities, such primarily of local or Federal interest, as campsites. It should have suffi- and therefore not primarily of state cient capacity for existing needs interest might include: and possible future expansion. Es- sential elements, of course, in serv- a. A facility lying entirely within ing such a need are physical char- one county or municipality acteristics which permit esthetic which serves primarily that com- design and settings. Other con- munity, municipality, or county. siderations pertaining to functional b. A facility serving more than one adequacy are public health and state to a significant degree. safety, resource conservation, and c. A facility that lies astride state the practicability of management lines. and operation.

d. A facility within the state where 4. All other factors being in favor, recreation benefits are incidental the first economic element to con- to other purposes of the Federal sider is cost. Both the capital cost Government, such as military es- and the projected cost of main- tablishments. tenance and operation for the fore- Other selection criteria include: seeable future are determined. 2. A project or site must be compat- 5. The next economic element to be ible with the state's master plan projected is that of benefits, an ele- for recreational facilities, while ment less susceptible to economic national, regional, state and local measurement and less tangible plans must also be considered. Sim- than cost. Since in economic terms, ply because the project does not there is no absolute measure of the appear in the master plan does not social and health benefits of recrea- disqualify it, however. The master tion, the selection of state recrea- plan is flexible and adaptable to tion projects must be based prin- newly developing circumstances cipally upon experienced judg- without an abandonment of prin- ment. The extent of use of a fa- ciples and concepts. Existing or cility and the resulting revenue

Page 18 • OUTDOOR INDIANA January, 1965 Brown County State Park illustrates the wisdom and judgment necessary to the best location of recreation areas. Among the most popular in the park system, Brown County had a total attendance of 424,879 during fiscal 1963-64. generated, are useful comparative impact on the state recreation sys- measures of the benefits received tem should be evaluated through by the people when the state has to a rate-of-return analysis in which make a choice on where invest- the costs and cash benefits are re- ments are to be made. The costs to lated on a time-discounted basis. users in fees paid is a comparative 7. Since state recreation facilities are measure of the benefits to the state. provided for the public and in the Among these are projected en- public interest, administrative de- trance or admission fees; fees, cisions must be guided by public charges, or rentals from users for wishes, within the limits of tech- specific activities such as camping, nical and financial practicability. parking, boat launching, and swim- For this reason, serious considera- ming; revenues from concession- tion must be given to the degree of aires; leases and long-term rentals; public interest and support for and gifts of money or services ap- alternative projects. plicable to operating costs. 6. Having evaluated the cost to the Effective application of these cri- state of providing and operating teria requires experienced judgment, a state recreation facility and the professional guidance, and the co- cash benefits accruing to the state, ordinated efforts of all state agencies the relationship of these two eco- concerned. They are not a magic nomic elements must be estab- formula. Properly used, they can lead lished. Commonly, this relation- to rational decisions in the selection of ship has been expressed as a bene- state recreation projects. The limited fit-cost ratio. If the benefits in an financial resources can be invested to average year exceed the cost, then obtain optimum statewide recreation the project would be considered benefits, to conserve the state's nat- economically justified. ural recreation resources, and to ob- The relative feasibility of altern- tain the necessary public understand- ative projects and their financial ing and support for the decisions. A

January, 1965 OUTDOOR INDIANA * Page 19 The original log cabin used as a trading post and residence by William Conner was re- stored by Eli Lilly. Here in 1820 a commission met to select "the place where White River and Fall Creek join" as the location for the new state capital - which was eventually named Indianapolis. I !- r __. U m .

The brick mansion built by William Conner in 1823 commands a sweeping hilltop view of the prairie alongside White River. Conner built the house for his second wife, the young Elizabeth Chapman. Among guests in their home were John Jacob Astor, Washington Irving and James Fenimore Cooper.

Pag 20"UTDORINDIANA January, 1965 <- (Text continued from page 15) ing a center of transportation and capital city. He was very much inter- commerce. ested in the improvement of public The famous Conner mansion and transportation as evidenced by his farm remained in the hands of the active part in seeing that a state high- descendants of William Conner for way was built to connect Fort Wayne many years, and the large old mans- with Indianapolis; also he was one of ion soon began to fall into disrepair the founders and chief investors in and to show its age. In 1935, Mr. and the Lawrenceburg and Indianapolis Mrs. Eli Lilly purchased the historic Railroad. He was elected to the In- farm and immediately began to repair diana House of Representatives for the mansion and to refurnish the old several terms and in 1830 was one of home with furniture of the Conner the founders of the Indiana Historical pioneer era. The Lilly family are to Society. be commended for the restoration His family by his second wife of this important part of our history. finally numbered ten children, the Just last year, the Lilly family gave last three being born in Indianapolis, the Conner farm to Earlham College, where the Conners had moved to be which has now opened the mansion closer to his mercantile and other and the small museum to the public. commercial interests. At the time of This unique memorial to William the old pioneer's death on August 28, Conner is one of the finest examples 1855, he was one of the most re- of the pioneer period in Indiana and spected citizens of Indiana. Without a very valuable contribution to the a doubt, William Conner had lived preservation of our Hoosier heri- through one of the most exciting and tage. 0 interesting periods of history, seeing The author is indebted to Mrs. Chauncey Myers, hostess a raw, savage wilderness become the of the Conner Prairie Museum, for her kind assistance in preparing this article. The Museum is closed for the 19th state and well on its way to be- winter, but will reopen on June 1st.

Workers from Earlham College ex- cavate a 160-year-old dugout canoe discovered two miles north of the Conner Prairie Museum in a creek bed near White River. The canoe will eventually be placed on display at the museum.

January, 1965 OUTDOOR INDIANA - Page 21 Ichthyological Ice Idiosyncrasies

By DAVID J. McGINTY Fish Management Biologist

FOR MOST people a cold winter day point in experimenting in other loca- conjures up visions of a comfortable tions. easy chair in front of a flaming wood Digging through the ice with a reg- fire; not so with a relatively small ular spud or ice chisel can be very minority of sportsmen: the confirmed tiring. Many ice fishermen use an ice fishermen. auger and others even mount motors To them, thick ice acts like a mag- on their augers to drill through the net, pulling them onto the frozen ice speedily. Some fishermen have water of a lake, where they try to been observed to use gasoline-powered ignore the cold and concentrate on sabre saws, but those are in the vast pulling fish through a small hole in minority. the ice. In Indiana, each fisherman is al- It used to be only the most hardy lowed two poles with one hook per individuals who fished consistently line; holes may be a maximum of 12 throughout the winter months. How- inches in diameter and only two holes ever, the conveniences of ice shanties, can be fished through at one time. heaters and insulated clothing have However, the only limit to the num- made many of the comforts of home ber of holes the angler may chop in available to the ice fisherman. "When the ice is the strength of his back and the bite is on," as they say, it is a his determination. wonder that the ice can support the Some ice fishermen do not fish weight of the people, vehicles and much during the summer. In some equipment that are concentrated in cases, the boat traffic discourages various spots on the lakes. them and in others they have more This concentration of fishermen is free time during the winter. One of one of the interesting characteristics the chief attractions, though, is that of ice fishing. For example, if 75 fish- ice fishing is just plain good fishing. ermen were on a 300-acre lake in the On many lakes the poundage of fish summer, they would be scattered, but taken by anglers during the winter in the winter, this many fishermen far exceeds their summer catches. might well be clustered within a 100- A study made in the winter of foot circle on the same lake. The 1963-64 by the Indiana Department reason for this is that fish do not of Conservation's Fisheries Research move around as freely in the cold Section shows that winter catches (on water and once a promising fish four lakes that were researched) "hangout" is located, there is little totaled about 1.61 fish per hour while

Page 22 - OUTDOOR INDIANA January, 1965 One of the interesting characteristics of ice fishing is the concentration of anglers in certain specific locations throughout the season. summer catches total between 0.7 1758 hours (night) and 1.1 fish per hour. Total 6061 hours Last year's study was conducted at 6110 fish caught (day) Pretty Lake in LaGrange County; 2233 fish caught (night) 3 7 Big Long Lake, LaGrange County; Total 8343 fish caught Snow Lake, Steuben County, and Crooked Lake, Steuben County. Average catch per hour: 1.40 The entire study was conducted Percent of catch: during 77 ice fishing days, with lakes Day Night checked four hours per day between Bluegills ...... 51.42 38.75 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. This means that Yellow Perch ...... 44.65 36.25 two lakes were checked per day, with Largemouth Bass .. 2.16 research concentrated between 7 a.m. Black Crappie ..... 0.95 25.00 and 6 p.m. White Crappie ..... 0.68 Redear Sunfish .... 1.14 Details findings were: PRETTY LAKE BIG LONG LAKE Twenty-eight 4-hour periods Thirty 4-hour periods Projected total estimates: Projected total estimates: 1411 fishermen (day) 1586 fishermen (day) 590 fishermen (night) 462 fishermen (night) Total 2001 fishermen Total 2048 fishermen 4303 hours (day) 4568 hours of fishing (day)

January, 1965 OUTDOOR INDIANA * Page 23 693 hours of fishing (night) 4404 hours of fishing (day) Total 5261 hours of fishing 668 hours of fishing (night) Total 5072 hours of fishing 8405 fish caught (day) 444 fish caught (night) , 7707 fish caught (day) s2 Total 8849 fish caught 975 fish caught (night) Total 8682 fish caught Average catch per hour: 1.82 fish Percent of catch: Average catch per hour: 1.75 fish Day Night Percent of catch: Bluegill ...... 90.21 88.89 Day Night Yellow Perch .... 2.65 Bluegill ...... 80.13 92.11 Largemouth Bass 3.02 Yellow Perch ..... 6.84 2.63 Black Crappie ... 2.10 11.11 Largemouth Bass . 3.10 Redear Sunfish . 1.46 Black Crappie .... 5.34 5.26 Northern Pike .. . 0.46 Redear Sunfish ... 1.60 Rainbow Trout .. 0.09 Northern Pike .... 0.43 White Crappie .... 2.56 CROOKED LAKE During the cold months, the best Thirty 4-hour periods depth to fish may change consider- ably in one lake. Decay of organic Projected total estimates: material, such as dead plants, reduces 1224 fishermen (day) the dissolved oxygen content of the 308 fishermen (night) lake water. As living conditions be- Total 1532 fishermen come unsuitable at the bottom, fish prefer to live in the upper portions of 3586 hours of fishing (day) the water. Lakes which are shallow 924 hours of fishing (night) and weedy are most subject to oxygen Total 4510 hours of fishing depletion during the winter; as the 5343 fish caught (day) r fish move gradually closer to the ice, 1386 fish caught (night) ' the fisherman must adjust his tackle Total 6729 fish caught to shallower depth as the season pro- gresses. Average catch per hour: 1.49 fish Most ice fishermen use inexpensive Percent of catch: Day ht glass rods with a simple casting reel 67 or a home made contraption for re- Bluegill ...... 51.22 winding the line. Ice fishing bobbers Yellow Perch ..... 42.45 are generally smaller than those used Largemouth Bass . 5.18 33 in the summer. When more than one Black Crappie .... 0.43 hole is fished, with the second one lo- Redear Sunfish ... 0.14 cated at some distance, tip-ups are Northern Pike .... 0.57 used to signal the fisherman when he has a bite. SNOW LAKE Baits used depend on type of fish Twenty-eight 4-hour periods desired by the fisherman. Bee moths, "mousies," and "wigglers" are insect Projected total estimates: baits which are best for panfish. Live 1468 fishermen (day) minnows and artificial minnows are 308 fishermen (night) best when "jigging" for bass, northern Total 1776 fishermen pike, and crappie. The technique of

Page 24 • OUTDOOR INDIANA January, 1965 jigging requires a periodic up and and sundry items. Warm clothing is down movement which imparts a tan- necessary for proper enjoyment of tilizing wiggle to the bait. Yellow this sport. Take plenty of clothing perch can also be taken with this along. Spare clothing can be taken method. off during the exertion of cutting holes Equipment used for ice fishing can in the ice and put back on while wait- be as expensive or as cheap as the ing for the fish to bite. An extra pair angler desires. An ice spud, auger, ax of gloves or mittens will come in or some other contraption for cutting handy and can be quite difficult to the hole in the ice is the first neces- find in the middle of a fishing trip. sity. Next comes a strainer for clean- Ice fishing is not limited to the ing ice chips from the hole, a hook, natural lakes. Many of the farm line, bait, and a container for the fish. ponds, reservoirs, gravel pits, and From this point anything goes. Your other bodies of water provide excel- equipment may include such things as sleds, tents, shanties, canvas wind- lent winter fishing. breaks, hand, feet and seat warmers, Try ice fishing. Join those sports- fancy fishing tackle, gasoline lanterns, men who find the crisp winter weather ice creepers to prevent slipping on the invigorating and fishing the best of slippery surface, and other various the entire year.

An example of typical ice fishing gear showing two ice fishing poles, and the combination sled-seat-tackle box used by many Hoosier fishermen.

January, 1965 OUTDOORININ-Pae2 717t-vu Cm r t

Wenuhotep, the mummy at the children's museum, is a favorite of young visitors. An Egyptian who lived about 600 B.C., she was a daughter of a priest.

CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF

1ow dear to this heart are the museums in the country exclusively scenes of my childhood," to quote for children. Samuel Woodworth. A museum just for youngsters is And today's child will, in years to still a wonderful thing, a warm spot come, look back on his childhood in their life, a place made just for with "fond recollections" because his them. A child's museum is geared to life has been made a little richer by size, with displays placed low enough the Children's Museum of Indian- for the youngest to get a good long apolis. look. Color plays an important part, A museum for children was an un- too, as do labels, written with a child's usual idea back in 1925 when the vocabulary and reading level in mind. far-sighted founders first exhibited An appreciation of his heritage is two borrowed cases in the old Propy- presented to the young visitor, for it laeum barn at 14th and Delaware is through an understanding of the Streets in Indianapolis. In fact, at past that vision for the future is es- that time there were only two other tablished. A comprehension of how

Page 26 * OUTDOOR INDIANA January, 1965

______1 A trained museum docent or teacher speaks to one of the many school groups about early travel in the .

INDIANAPOLIS By POLLY JONTZ Children's Museum Publicity Dept.

others live today, too, is vital to the interest to the youngsters visiting the child. museum are the Black automobile, The Children's Museum of Indian- the first gasoline-propelled automo- apolis, under the leadership of Mil- bile ever made [1891], an Italian dred S. Compton, director, provides sedan chair, early fire fighting equip- all this for today's child in its 22 ment, the Wolcott Special race car, galleries, ranging from ancient life to and early bicycles and sleds which modern transportation. The large they compare with astonishment to transportation gallery, along with the the ones they own today. Hall of Man, is the newest addition The Hall of Man contrasts life in to the structure at 3010 N. Meridian the cold regions with that of the hot Street. regions by showing on one hand an The transportation gallery, as the extensive Eskimo exhibit and on the name implies, traces the development other a large African collection. of travel from the days of Indian The giant ground sloth in the pre- trails to modern times. Of special history gallery brings a gasp of awe

January, 1965 OUTDOOR INDIANA " Page 27 Children often stand in awe of the skeleton reproduc- tion of the Giant Sloth in the prehistoric gallery. There they learn that this sloth inhabited the United States about one million years ago.

Large paddles used by the Northwest Coast Indians claim the attention of the children. The paddles were used to propel canoes large enough to hold 60 men.

Page 28 • OUTDOOR INDIANA January, 1965 ~ from almost every child, for the big setting, with examples from candle skeleton cast of this prehistoric ani- molds to "Paul Revere" lanterns in- mal is indeed impressive. cluded in the furnishings. Another of the favorites is the 2,500 As a further teaching aid, the log year-old mummy of a young Egyp- cabin area is being landscaped with tian princess. It is shown in the sapling trees, an herb garden and a ancient world exhibit. grouping of dye and material plants A log cabin reconstructed on mu- that the pioneers might have used. seum grounds is of prime interest to Plans call for the herbs to be har- youngsters, for the cabin is com- vested and hung to dry from the pletely furnished just as it might have rafters in front of the cabin fire- been in 1829 when it was built. Chil- place. dren who tour the cabin learn first- The early Indiana gallery in the hand of the rugged pioneer life. They museum augments the pioneer log can appreciate the size of the trees cabin tour. that once grew in Indiana and were The extensive Indian galleries show felled to make the cabin, for the logs the child how the Indian used what are 18 inch square-hewn poplar. nature provided, from porcupine By the fireplace they can see how quills to sea shells. It also teaches their ancestors cooked with crude pots graphically how the various Indian over the open fire. They can see how tribes differed in their activities ac- the mother would spin her wool and cording to their surroundings. flax, and the tools that the father used For the children of Marion County to farm his land. Even the story of who cannot come often to the mu- lighting is told in this natural cabin seum, the lending department is of

The hearth of the log cabin on the museum grounds shows old cooking utensils and depicts part of the difficult life of early Hoosiers.

January, 1965 OTORINDIANA Pae2 As an added service, a lending department is operated by the Children's Museum. Here teachers borrow glass fronted cases to augment school subjects. great service. It does, in effect, bring A new event offered to boys and the museum to the child. Composed girls for the first time this month is of over 1400 portable glass-fronted the hobby hour, to which young coin cases, the lending department circu- and stamp enthusiasts are invited to lates requested exhibits each month meet with a staff member. Their ques- to the school rooms as well as to li- tions will be answered and time pro- braries, hospitals and churches. vided for trading. This group will Throughout the school year, groups meet once a month and all are in- of children from all over the state vited. visit the museum with their teachers The Children's Museum is a non- on prearranged dates. Trained do- profit private institution, free at all cents guide the classes on tours de- times to everyone, members, non- signed to correspond with school units members, children and a surprising of study. number of adults. About 110,000 visi- Each week, Saturday morning pro- tors come each year. It is open 9 to 5 grams draw many hundreds of chil- Tuesday through Saturday, 2 to 5 on dren to the museum. These free pro- Sundays, except during August. grams may be on nature, travel, for- The children of our state are fortu- eign culture, history or handcraft. nate to have such a museum for their Each month Girl Scouts and Camp- use. The museum has indeed become fire Girls study in Saturday classes "dear to their hearts" and will pro- leading to a badge or award. During vide them with enduring and "fond the spring and fall, Saturday morn- recollections" of a childhood made ing nature walks are conducted in fuller by the Children's Museum of city parks. Indianapolis. O

Page 30 * OUTDOOR INDIANA January, 1965 KNOW YOUR INDIANA BIRDS N Fifteenth in a series

CRESTED FLYCATCH ER (Myiarchus crinitus)

By JOHN F. BRANHAM

Description: This large (9") fly- in form and habit. The crest is larger catcher has three characteristics that and more pronounced in the Crested make it almost unmistakable in the Flycatcher, however, and he is longer field. The first of these is a conspicu- in the tail. ous crest - much more pronounced Range and Feeding Habits: The than the normal enlargement of the Crested Flycatcher breeds in the sum- head found in other flycatchers (such mer throughout the eastern half of as the Kingbird). Secondly, the red- the United States and in southern dish or cinnamon tint to the tail (ex- Canada. During the winter it resides cept for the two central feathers) and anywhere from southern Texas and wings are quite noticeable. Last of all, Florida to Colombia. Migration into the call, discussed later, is unusual Indiana occurs in late April, with and has been called "the voice of one early May and fall migration south- crying in the wilderness." Other field ward taking place from late August marks of the species are the olive- through mid-September. brown back and head, light gray Typical of the flycatcher family, breast and throat, yellow abdomen the food of the Crested Flycatcher is and obvious wing bars. almost all composed of insects. Un- Similar Species: Upon actual obser- like other members of the family, vation no other bird in Indiana re- however, the food is not always sembles the Crested Flycatcher. In caught in flycatcher-like pursuit, but silhouette, the Kingbird shows certain may simply be picked from leaves, similarities to the Crested Flycatcher bark or in other less vigorous pursuits.

January, 1965 OUTDOOR INDIANA * Page 31 Beetles of some fifty-two species are The eggs are only slightly glossy, eaten in great quantities, but the with a cream to buff ground color Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets and brown, purple and lavender lines and katydids) and hepidoptera (but- and blotches, often concentrated on terflies and moths) seem to be the real one end of the egg. Incubation varies favorites as shown by examination of from 13 to 15 days with the female stomach contents of a large number attending to such duties with such ir- of specimens. regularity that addled eggs are not unusual in the species. A single brood Nest and Eggs: In the wild the is generally produced and leaves the Crested Flycatcher prefers natural nest after about 18 days. The young cavities, especially abandoned wood- are fed by both parents, with their pecker holes, for its large (inside di- diet composed primarily of insect lar- ameter, 3 2") nest. The nest sites vae and butterflies. range from 6 to 50 feet above ground, quite frequently in overgrown or- Voice: One of the most pronounced chards, second growth or other rough characteristics of the Crested Fly- growth in which a number of natural catcher is its voice, especially since cavities might occur. Grass, pine the bird is so much more commonly needles, chicken, owl, and hawk heard than seen. The principal call is feathers, snakeskins, fur, bark and a loud, whistle-like whoit-whoit- even horse manure are frequently part whoit, not unlike the final part of the of the nesting material. The snake- call of the "bob-white" quail. The skins are usually merely portions of alarm call, a harsh wheep-wheep or cast-off skins, especially of the pilot k'week-k'week, is perhaps better black snake, common watersnake or known. One authority has observed some other common species. that in mid-July the species loses its Four to eight eggs are produced, voice - only to have it return in with five eggs in the normal clutch. August prior to migration. A

Conditioning Pays Off For 76-Year-Old Hunter

William H. Mocherman, 76-year-old Flora resident, proved to himself and everyone else that physical conditioning pays when he shot two does while deer hunting at Camp Atterbury. The local hunter was one of the many lucky men selected to hunt at Atterbury. As soon as he received notification, he started making preparations for what he hoped would be a successful trip. Determined to get the first deer in his life, Bill paced himself daily in his conditioning with long walks. It was reported to this office that his hikes were up to two miles. When he left Flora, Mr. Mocherman said that he knew he had too much gear and that he would probably leave most of it in the car. Again, reports are that his many friends loaned him anything he needed to be comfortable in any kind of weather. We congratulate Bill! It is a certainty that few men his age in Indiana got one deer, let alone two!

Reprinted from THE HOOSIER DEMOCRAT at Flora, Indiana

Page 32 * OUTDOOR INDIANA January, 1965 -"4

TO A DEAD ELM

Oh! statue of a tree, once dear to me, My praise, my love for you, still lingers on. Oh! may I rise in strength ... and some day be Looked up to, just as you, ... when life has gone.

You struggled upward from the Hoosier sod Until, at last, you towered over all. I too.., would try to rise.., and look to God, Yet knowing by His will... I too must fall.

You will not heed the fervent kiss of spring, Or know the searing pain of lightning thrust; Nor feel the close embrace of vines that cling, That yet to you would place their lasting trust.

No more your leaves will turn, and tumble down, No more to be refreshed by summer rain. You will not weep, tho' angry skies may frown, Nor know the temper of the storms again.

For time has left you lonely and forlorn, No leafy boughs to hide your ugly scars; No more to hear the birds in early morn, No more to know the sun, and moon, and stars.

But maybe nature has a Hall of Fame That God has built in some far distant realm; Where He, on gleaming gold, inscribed a name To honor you, my friend, the stately elm.

Arthur Franklin Mapes z

Yxr '

. P S

e

r

x a.

Y

i y .iiF' r

h.

r

,ob

h 1

! r F .

4Rr 4,

y

b