March 2012 www.ioniahistory.org The Chronicle is the official publication of the Ionia County The Almost Monthly Publication of Historical Society. It is written, edited, and published by David the Ionia County Historical Society McCord, Secretary. Any comments, corrections (of course), or contributions should be directed to the editor c/o the ICHS at P.O. Box 176, Ionia, MI, 48846 or via www.ioniahistory.org.

Ionia County Historical Society P.O. Box 176 Ionia, MI 48846 MINUTES of the Board Meeting, 100 Years of Service~ February 15, 2012 The Board of Directors of the Ionia The Ionia Post Office County Historical Society gathered at the Blanchard House on Wednesday, February The members of 15th for the monthly business meeting. The the ICHS gathered at meeting was called to order by President Stephanie VanderMolen, who again expressed the Ionia Post Office on her gratitude to Kris Haskins for his service, Wednesday, March 6, and noted that he had returned his Blanchard House key to her by mail. and were welcomed by The “pro-tem” status of Stephanie’s posi- Ionia’s acting PostMaster, tion as President was discussed, with reference Phil Watson - a post he’s to the relevant By Laws, and the Board in attendance voted to make the situation offi- held for the past three cial. Patty Simpson-Gokee agreed to serve as years. Vice President on a temporary basis until the complete Board can meet to discuss the situ- The Ionia Post ation further. Office building will be Stephanie V. noted that Barb Hogan had celebrating its hundredth expressed interest in filling the available seat on the Board of Directors, and this appoint- anniversary, completed ment was passed by the Board. Jessica Rouch in the summer of 1902 had also expressed interest, and it was suggest- ed that she be asked to serve on the Accessions for a cost of $70,000. Committee instead. The building is still largely original, including the lobby décor and fixtures, Hank Knoop reported that he is listed as right down to the gas lamps (converted to electricity) and many of the the contact for the Chamber of Commerce Calendar, and he suggested that this be furnishings. The revolving doors were replaced decades ago, and more security switched to Stephanie. The Board agreed and JOIN TODAY! Join Us at the Ionia Theatre at devices installed, but overall it’s a historic experience to tour the facility. Hank will follow up. Mr. Watson showed members a few of the unique features of the building, Hank delivered a financial overview to 9:30 a.m. every Thursday for the Board, including a summary of accounts, If you’d like to help us preserve the area’s heritage, please fill in including an iron spiral staircase that connected the basement level with the an interpretation of the Annual Report com- the form below and send it, with check or money order, to the FREE ICHS Travelogues! second floor Postal Inspector’s office and a catwalk up in the rafters. The original piled by Larry Tiejema, and the status of the ICHS Treasurer, care of Box 176, Ionia, MI 48846. Society’s investments and accounts. (Copies March 15 — Something Irish time clock, walk-in vault and several large safes are also still in service. are available on request.) The Board discussed The members were treated to a tour of the basement storage area as the task of putting together a budget for the Name: March 22 — Worlds of the Maya well, which contained many gems of history, including documents from the organization to help plan for expenses and Address: activities, and better manage the seeking of March 29 — Los Angeles to Seattle earliest days of the USPS in Ionia. Among these is a large portrait of Erastus funds to meet those expenses. Many ideas City, St., Zip: April 5 — The Story of Esther Yeomans, Ionia’s first postmaster, appointed in 1833, were brought up, including a rough document and a number of early journals, correspondence, from the Accessions Committee predicting Phone: April 12 — Jamestown Rediscovered a monthly expense for conservation efforts. and original cabinetry. With the approach of the Interested members are urged to contact E-mail: April 19 — Wonders of the Pacific Coast anniversary, much of this information is being President VanderMolen or Treasurer Knoop if they’d like to help with this critical task. sorted and preserved for display. Some has already Please Check Your Please Share a April 26 — Return to Steam Trains This will include Barb Ehlert’s Household and been transferred to the Michigan Postal Museum Cleaning Expenses, and recurring publicity Membership Type: Little Information: costs based on the various “departments” as in Marshall. Mr. Watson also noted that they’re suggested by Annette McCord. Regular = $20 Renewing Member attempting to fix the exterior lighting in time for the Hank presented several bills for payment, Ionia County Historical Society centennial. (It’s been out of service for some time.) including supplies for refinishing some of the Sustaining = $35 New Member 2011-12 Board of Directors & Officers We thank Mr. Watson for his time and information, wood floors and the season’s snow removal If you’re a new member, how costs. It was moved by Patty Simpson-Gokee Business Buddy = $40 to pay these, supported by Kathleen Cook, and did you hear about us? Stephanie VanderMolen, President — 616-755-0731 and once again impressed by the heritage of the institutions here in our own community. Next time passed by the Board. Corporate = $250 Patty Simpson-Gokee, Vice Pres. Pro-Tem — 527-0676 A bill was also received from the Sentinel- Kathleen Cook, Director — 527-2626 Above: 1902 US Postage you go to the Post Office, have a look around! Standard for an ad we placed in the Weekender Life = $1000 Carol Gallagher, Director — 527-0961 which had been approved by the Board via a phone vote. It will be paid accordingly. Barb Hogan, Director — ??? Free to Students under 18 Linda C. said that the Sentinel-Standard David McCord, Secretary — 527-3784 NEXT MONTH: “Game Night” at the Blanchard House and will be running their annual “Progress” insert Gift = $______Hank Knoop, Treasurer — 527-3130 Library Microfilm information — April 4, 7:00 p.m. soon, and the ICHS has advertised in that in the Continued on page 2 The CHRONICLE — The Almost Monthly Publication of the Ionia County Historical Society — March 2012 The CHRONICLE — The Almost Monthly Publication of the Ionia County Historical Society — March 2012

Minutes, continued from page one. Pastor Larry Brown at the FUMC is put together a “Snow Train” display as 19th Upstairs-Downtown event. Joan past with some success. Possible content chairing the event, and will be keeping part of the museum’s railroad exhibit, McCord noted that the Appraisal NEWS OF THE REBELLION for that advertisement was discussed us in the loop as plans progress. which was heartily supported by the Roadshow at the Commission on Upcoming Programs and Events (upcoming events and programs), and A day needs to be scheduled for Board. Aging is “on” for March 31st. 150 Years Ago This Month: Stephanie V. moved to place the ad. some serious clean-up at the Blanchard The April meeting will include a Doni Knoop reported that four March 3 — Abraham Lincoln appoints Andrew Johnson to be military Board of Directors / Business Meeting The motion was supported by Patty S. House to get ready for the spring presentation from the Library regard- paid vendors were lined up for the governor of Tennessee and Federal troops under General John Pope lay and passed. events - especially Spring Into The ing their microfilm system, and mem- June 1st & 2nd “Antique Fayre and siege to New Madrid, Missouri, a Confederate stronghold. at the Blanchard House - All members invited! WION is offering a special adver- Past in May. Members will be asked to bers will be invited to participate in a Flea Market” at the Blanchard House. tising package for the upcoming Ionia participate at the next meeting, and an “card party” for the evening. The May Donations for the sale are needed; March 4 — Over what is generally regarded as a communication prob- Expo, which we have done in the past. email is to be sent out before that meet- program will be on Stephen Foster members are encouraged to donate lem, General Halleck relieves General U.S. Grant from his command in ANNUAL APPRAISAL ROADSHOW Again, discussion ensued and concern ing to solicit help. (presented by David McCord), June flea-market goodies to benefit the the west and replaces him with Charles Ferguson Smith. Tentatively scheduled for March 31 expressed for the expense. Kathy C. Barb Ehlert had done some research will be on the Salem Train Wreck (by Society. March 6 —Abraham Lincoln proposes that slaves in the border states and Linda C. said that they would cover into some shelving that would not be Hank Knoop), and for August, Kathy Tickets are still available for the be emancipated gradually, with compensation to the owners. The USS at the Ionia County Commission on Aging Cook will contact Pam Withrow about the cost if the Board approved (which “too industrial” for storing artifacts in Quilt Raffle, and will be on sale at the Monitor, the first Union ironclad, departs from New York. Barnwell Rhett they did). the Blanchard House. She presented a doing a program on the Reformatory. Expo on March 10 where the Quilt will proposes a flag comprised of “a yellow sun in a blue shield with a ray It was noted that the Board already couple of alternatives, and Stephanie The meeting was adjourned at be on display. Joan McCord also sup- Wednesday, April 4th, 7:00 p.m. approved a Blanchard House Rental as moved to commit $120 towards new 9:00 p.m. for each state of the Confederacy” that would eliminate the stars and plied some fliers for the Expo. the red, white, and blue combinations of the Yankee flag. Meeting at the Blanchard House includes a door prize for the upcoming Buckaroo shelves. This was supported by Patty Pastor Larry Brown reported on Ball. That committee has asked if the S. and passed; Barb and Linda C. will MINUTES of the the progress of the Civil War event March 8 —The CSS Virginia (formerly the “USS Merrimac”) battles Drawing for the Quilt Raffle! ICHS would sell tickets to the Ball purchase the shelves. March 7th, 2012 coming in September, and that there is the USS Congress and the USS Cumberland, destroying both frigates Card Tables will be set up to at our booth at the upcoming Boyce The Board of Directors and “info” a meeting scheduled for April 14th at and killing more than 240 crewmen. Joseph E. Johnston orders the School Bazaar. The Board agreed to emails will be updated by webmaster General Meeting 10:30 a.m. in the FUMC with repre- Confederate Army of the Potomac to withdraw from Manassas to the play some GAMES! do so. David McCord to delete Kris Haskins The ICHS met briefly at the Ionia sentatives of the two reenactor groups Rappahannock River based on reports from J.E.B. Stuart of increased Hank also noted that it might be and add Barb Hogan and Kathy Cook. Post Office after our tour of the facil- involved. Yankee activity. Wednesday, May 2nd, 7:00 p.m. beneficial to investigate alternatives to Stephanie V. reported that Joan ity on Wednesday, March 7th, 2012. Thursday work sessions are in the March 9 — Battle of Hampton Roads: duel of the ironclads, the USS our present phone service, which seems McCord had verified the sites for the President Stephanie VanderMolen midst of the spring cleaning, and the Meeting at the Blanchard House to be rather expensive for what little use Upstairs-Downtown Tour scheduled reported that Barb Hogan confirmed volunteers could sure use some help! Monitor and the CSS Virginia, marking the first use of a turreted gun. we get from it. The members will do for May. Volunteers are needed to host that she would serve on the Board. Interested members please come by the March 11 — President Lincoln relieves George McClellan as General-in- Program: The Music of Stephen Foster some informal research and report back the various sites, and help with ticket Doni Knoop passed around cop- house when you can. Chief of the U. S. Army. He continues as commander of the Army of the presented by David McCord next month. sales and publicity. ies of Hank’s Treasurer’s report in his The next meeting will be game Potomac. Lincoln puts Henry Halleck in charge of all forces in the West. The domains for the ICHS website The Society needs a Chairperson absence. night - cards and party games as the Lincoln also creates the Mountain Department, covering West Virginia Saturday / Sunday - May 5 & 6 will be coming due very soon. This for the Grounds and Maintenance Stephanie reviewed the list of members wish. and the mountainous area of Virginia with John Fremont in command. annual expense will be around $60. Committee. Interested members can upcoming events, and noted that vol- The meeting was adjourned at For their disasterous performance at Fort Donelson, President Jefferson “Spring Into The Past” Museum Tours Patty S. moved to pay it when the total contact a Director to volunteer or nom- unteers are still needed for the May approximately 8:15. Davis relieves John Floyd and Gideon Pillow from command. comes due; this was supported by Kathy inate someone for the position. C. and passed. The old computer is now out of Clash of the Iron-Clads — March 9, 1862, Hampton Roads, Virginia March 12 — Jacksonville, Florida is occupied by Union naval forces. Wednesday, May 16 More historic DVDs are needed! service; David M. agreed to remove March 13 — Ulysses S. Grant is reinstated to his command and Board / Business Meeting David McCord agreed to replicate more it from the house and dispose of it Jefferson Davis orders Robert E. Lee to “...conduct military operations when possible, under the same costs properly. of the armies of the Confederacy.” at thet Blanchard House - All members invited! previously set for the media, the cases, Linda C. shared some “gems” and inserts. There will be some avail- she received from the Public Schools’ March 14 —The forces under Ambrose Burnside [US] occupy New Bern Saturday, May 19th able for the Ionia Expo on March 10, archives recently, and the School staff (sometimes called Newberne) North Carolina. Following a two week and more to follow for stock at the has been reassured that the Historical siege, federals under John Pope take New Madrid, Missouri. UPSTAIRS - DOWNTOWN TOURS “Museum Store.” Society can provide a good home for March 15 — William Tecumseh Sherman and Stephen Hurlbut arrive at The ICHS has been approached any items of historical significance Pittsburg Landing and move inland to Shiloh Baptist Church. in Downtown Ionia! about a rental for the House on March they might find. 24th at which the renters would like to Linda C. also suggested that we March 17 — Ulysses S. Grant assumes command of the forces at Friday & Saturday, June 1st & 2nd serve beer and wine. In keeping with Pittsburg Landing and soon engages the Rebels at Shiloh in one of the our policy, the Board must vote on this bloodiest battles of the entire war. The Annual Historical Society Yard Sale! on a case-by-case basis. Linda Ciangi March 23 — In the first battle of the Shenandoah Campaign, Major said that she will be on site during that DVD Video souvenirs! General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson [CS] loses to Brig. General James event. It was moved by Stephanie V. to These movies have proven to be our most popular Shields [US] For other upcoming events - visit the ICHS allow the event, supported by Patty S. offerings to date, and recent discoveries have added website at ioniahistory.org. and passed. Linda also noted that she’s several popular new titles to the list: March 26 — Moving along the Santa Fe Trail, Confederates engaged a talking with Dan Balice about the legal group of Colorado volunteers at Johnson’s Ranch. Federal forces with- ramifications of alcohol on site for pri- • 1939 “We’re In The Movies” A promotional film draw to Glorietta. vate parties like this. produced by Ionia businesses and organizations. The March 28 — Jefferson Davis proposes a conscription bill, shocking Linda C. offered secure off-site Just a few of the many things available at the soundtrack has been lost, but the images present a many Southerners. THE STORY OF THE storage for data back-ups and particu- Blanchard House / Ionia Museum Gift Shop. wonderful look into our town over 70 years ago. March 29 — The Central Army of Kentucky and the Army of Alabama larly valuable items if the Board desired and West Florida are merged into the Army of Mississippi in Corinth GREEN-BACK DOLLAR to do so. The Board will take this into The Journey of the Dexter • 1950s Home Show and Free Fair Movies consideration. under Albert Sidney Johnston with P. G. T. Beauregard as second-in-com- With a vote of 93 to 59, in late February of 1862 the Congress of the Stephanie asked that a few specific Colony, 1833, by David and • 1976 - The U.S. Bicentennial in Ionia mand. Corps commanders are Braxton Bragg, Leonidas Polk, William United States voted to authorize the issuance of $150 Million in a items be spotlighted in the upcoming Annette McCord. A detailed • 1937 Ionia Airport Inaugural plus Bertha Hardee and George Crittenden. new “Legal Tender” backed by gold and bearing no interest. New York Chronicle, including a “wish list” from history of the settling of Ionia. Brock Park’s 1940 “Winter Festival” March 30 — The B&O Railroad reopens following six months of Confed- banks were making loans to the Federal Government to finance the the members, ideas for programs and $12 each ($15 with postage) erate control in Maryland and West Virginia. war, and they were charging 36% interest. Treasury Secretary Salmon activities, suggestions for Chronicle • 1973 Ionia Centennial Documentary P. Chase (namesake of the Chase Manhattan Bank) advised the content, and to ask members more spe- Lincoln Administration to issue these notes “for the payment of all • “Ionia’s First 150 Years” and “Ionia - A Look debts, public and private.” cifically how they would like to help Back” - Documentaries by Monroe MacPherson with certain projects. A “volunteer tal- The front face of the bills sports an engraving of Mr. Chase’s likeness, ent survey” was discussed, as well as A History of Bertha Brock DVDs are available for $10 each! alongside the usual filigree and embellishments — but it was the more direct requests for money to cover Park on its 80th “Birthday” by back, printed in a vibrant green ink, that gave the bills their nickname. small, special expenses (like the recent David McCord. $6 each ALSO AVAILABLE: The moniker was not intended to be complimentary, but was used in a computer purchase). Reproductions of historic Ionia publications — very derrogotory manner by the financiers of the day. It was distinctly Good news was received regarding PLUS reproduction and new different than previous interest-bearing notes, and notes issued by in- the Civil War Sesquicentennial in Ionia. • 1887 “Headlight Flashes” Special Edition dividual banks and units of government such as counties and states. The Michigan 21st and the Michigan POSTCARDS of Ionia’s Historic Landmarks • 1907 Ionia Souvenir Book 3rd Regiments are BOTH interested in and oustanding Victorian Architecture! • 1973 Ionia City Centennial Program Book Circulation began in March of 1862, and the green-back dollar is still an event in Ionia in early September. just as precious as ever.