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Thursday, October 9, 2014 Vol. 121 Issue No. 40 50¢ Serving Culver • Lake Maxinkuckee • Monterey since 1894

citizen photos/jeff kenney Preserving ‘an Eden lost’ Inside and outside two of the historic homes on the east shore of Lake Maxinkuckee, taken during a recent Indiana Landmarks home tour. AT LEFT, Lindsey Pick (left), property manag- er of 814 East Shore (whose exterior is seen at right) dis- cusses the massive effort involved in restoring the 1880s cottage, which took place in 2013 and has been the subject of a new book and program on historic pres- ervation in recent months. At UPPER RIGHT, the former Vonnegut cottage at 782 East Shore Drive, where famous novelist spent his childhood summers. SEE STORY BELOW.

In Brief Vonnegut cottage restoration Town manager Schoeff Telegraph Quartet exemplifies historic preservation to perform Friday announces resignation The 2014 Fischoff grand Local Vonnegut prize-winning Telegraph possibilities By Jeff Kenney Quartet will perform in the By Jeff Kenney legacy much deeper Citizen editor Heritage Room of Legion Citizen editor than famous author The town of Culver will once Memorial Building at Cul- Editor’s note: A follow-up article focusing on specific again be on the hunt for a new ver Academies on Friday, programs such as tax credits and easements available to By Jeff Kenney town manager, following the an- October 10 at 7:30 p.m. area property owners interested in similar preservation Citizen editor nouncement from present man- The performance is free projects to the one described here, will follow in The Cul- Late author Kurt Vonne- ager Dave Schoeff that he will and open to the public. ver Citizen in the near future. gut Jr. is commonly listed resign effective Oct. 17. Much has changed on the shores of Lake Maxinkuckee alongside the best-known Schoeff, who was hired in the VFW Friday meal since the heady days of the 19th century when the first cot- literary and cultural figures The Culver VFW La- spring of 2012, informed town tages began appearing, especially on the east shore, which influenced by the waters council members via a letter last dies Auxiliary will serve boasts many of the oldest such structures on the lake. One of Lake Maxinkuckee and Italian Beef sandwiches, week explaining he has "an op- change is the demise of many of the most historic homes in its surrounding shores and portunity in another community. choice of potato, salad, and the area (not to mention their replacement with often-mas- culture, and he's likely the dessert on Friday, Oct. 10, "I have made a lot of friends sive, luxurious structures departing markedly from much best-known to contempo- here in Culver in the last 2+ years from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Fish, of the historic architectural culture of the lake's storied rary audiences (as opposed chicken or open menu is and have enjoyed working with you all," Schoeff wrote in past). to other luminaries such as the letter. "I have a lot of respect and deep feelings for you also available. The public The people behind the renovation of one of the most Booth Tarkington, James is welcome. and our staff here." historic houses on Maxinkuckee, at 814 East Shore Drive Whitcomb Riley, Lew Wal- He also offered to be available to help following his Senator, State Rep. -- one of a row of three Vonnegut family cottages in the lace, Meredith Nicholson, departure. to discuss ed issues northern portion of the east shore -- made the decision to and Cole Porter). Schoeff came to Culver from his native Huntington, resist that trend with that property. It was an endeavor cost- But one could, ultimately, hired after several months' search on the part of the coun- Oct. 15 ly in time, labor, energy, and of course money, but one they set aside the Vonnegut fam- cil. He is Culver's fifth town manager in the past decade, Indiana Senator Randy felt well worth it. ily's most famous son and since the position was created. Head and State Represen- Along the way, one worker on the project documented it still be left with a remark- A special town council session regarding the position tative Tim Harman will in a photo-filled blog (www.pursuingnothing.com) and re- able Indiana -- and Lake was scheduled for Monday afternoon. attend a brief session to cently-published book ("Renovating Vonnegut" -- see ac- Maxinkuckee -- legacy. As speak with those who are companying article this issue). The book, and conversation Sarah Handyside remarks in either employed with Cul- with many behind the scenes of the project, reveals that, her journal of the work she ver Community Schools while famous novelist Kurt Vonnegut was the initial draw assisted with at one of the Wesley Preschool begins or simply wish to attend, to the house (his ancestors built it here some 130 years Vonneguts' many east shore on Wed., Oct. 15, at 6:30 ago, and he wrote lovingly -- almost adoringly -- about his cottages (2014's "Renovat- p.m. at the Culver Comm. childhood summers on Lake Maxinkuckee on many occa- ing Vonnegut" -- see ac- year with new classes, Schools administration sions), the stories of many who settled here, and of course companying article in this building on School Street. the lake itself, endeared in their own right. edition), "The Vonneguts staff, and location The goal, according to su- According to the mission statement of the house and its started buying up plots on By Jeff Kenney perintdendent Dr. Vicki investors, "The Purpose of the Clemens Vonnegut Junior the northeast shore begin- Citizen editor House is to provide a relaxing and enjoyable vacation re- ning in 1887, when Franklin McGuire, is to inform them The start of the school year this year at Wesley Preschool treat for our clients while preserving history, the environ- Vonnegut bought number of the urgent needs and is- (located at the Wesley United Methodist Church) in Culver ment, and the Lake Maxinkuckee lifestyle of old.” 762 East Shore Drive. By sues of small schools. Most saw a great many changes -- most of them additions to its (For a more detailed look into the Vonnegut family's 1916, the family owned an school board members and offerings to parents of young children in the area. legacy on Lake Maxinkuckee, administrators in the cor- Besides the much-discussed addition of its daycare min- see the accompanying article See House page 2 See Vonneguts page 4 poration will also attend, istry (picked up where the same ministry left off at St. and the public is invited. Mary of the Lake, just down the street), Wesley has not Free computer only continued its longtime preschool program (which is New book on Vonnegut house nearing its 50th year of existence), but expanded it to in- classes at CUTPL clude three-year-old youngsters. Culver-Union Township restoration offers “vagabond’s”perspective The pre-kindergarten program is led by Gretchen John- Public Library is offering By Jeff Kenney son, who has several years' experience as owner of her own free computer classes in preschool as well as several years as a teacher with the October on Mondays at 6 Citizen editor Local readers can add a new book to the pantheon Headstart program. She's assisted by Connie Zehner, who p.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. brings three years' early childcare experience to the class- Classes include Digital dedicated to some aspect of Culver and Lake Max- inkuckee, and/or its history, though this one differs room herself. Photography Basics (Oct. Robin Dorey, who brought to Culver (when she moved 10), which covers using noticeably from most. "Renovating Vonnegut" intertwines the story of last year from Greenville, Mich.) six years' early childhood digital cameras usage; and experience, heads up the three-year-old program, and is as- Video Editing (Oct. 13 and the renovation of one of the lake's east shore's most historic properties, the Vonnegut cottage at 814 East sisted by Kylie Dickey (that program still has openings, 17), which demonstrates Dorey noted; interested persons may call Wesley Church capturing and editing vid- Shore Drive (see accompanying article this issue), with the history of the Vonnegut family and its con- at 574-842-2900 and leave a message). eo. Technology Training While Wesley has traditionally offered two age levels of classes (Oct. 20, 24, 27, nection to the area, as well as the history of Culver, Culver Academies, and Lake Maxinkuckee overall. preschool (though they were, in the past, different specific and 31) offer training in ages), another major change is the addition of days to each. all things technology re- The author, Sarah Handyside, is described at smashwords.com as "a vagabond and writer who The pre-k class meets five days per week (where previous- lated. Bring in your laptop, ly it met three per week) and the three-year-old class meets smartphone, tablet or oth- has no specific goals and subscribes to no religions or political parties. She endeavors to own as few Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week (in the past er device to learn and ask it met just two days per week). All classes meet from 8:30 questions. Classes are held material possessions as possible and to have as few obligations as possible. Thus she will always be to 11 a.m., as in the past. in cooperation with Peo- That's largely due to an increased effort to prepare chil- ple’s University through available to experience life spontaneously and re- cord it thru written words." dren for kindergarten, in light of increasing academic expectations of children at See Briefs page 7 In case the above hasn't made it clear, the perspective of See Book page 3 See Preschool page 3 Handyside -- who with her boyfriend made up part of the increasingly younger ages in www.culvercitizen.c E-mail: [email protected] www.facebook.com/culvercitizen Obits2

PageThursday,Page 2 <#> October 9, 2014 • Culver Citizen OPINIONLOCAL Thursday, October 9, 2014 • Culver PageCitizen 5

citizen photo/jeff kenney and *provided Culverites ‘splatter’ for Heminger ABOVE: All last week, Culver area residents had a chance to “splatter” the walls of the former Culver hardware at 120 South Main, and all for a good cause: a donation to the Heminger House women’s shelter in Plymouth gave attendees a paint-filled balloon to toss against the north wall of the interior of the building, which owner Whitney Alvis plans to develop as retail space by next year. In the meantime, it will be used Oct. 17 and 18 as space to display local artwork during Culver Fall Fest. The splatter event, which also aimed to ‘decorate’ the space for the show, was organized by Shelly Schrimsher of Unlocked Creativity (which is also offering children’s art classes during the festival), who is seen AT LEFT with son Charlie (and Heminger donations). Youngsters from the Culver Boys & Girls Club (such as the one pictured at RIGHT)* and other local students also visited during the week. House from page 1 in this issue of The Culver Citizen). A crew was assembled and work began in the early "Since all door handles, knobs and plumbing had been One of the lead investors and visionaries behind the summer of 2013, including: taken by salvagers, we have attempted to return as many project, who wishes to remain anonymous, told the Cit- • Stabilizing the house from rot and five years of ne- as possible to the 1890 to 1920s feel/look with East lake izen: "I think there is something about what Kurt Vonne- glect. style originals," notes the handout. gut represented that made this house, even if it wasn't his • Shoring up, leveling and deepening of the foundation Renovators also purchased the salvage rights to an old primary house on the lake, too valuable to lose. There are below the frost line. home in nearby Monterey in order to utilize as many of plenty of historic houses in danger of being torn down • Hand digging of a two for crawl space through about the doors, windows, trim, and flooring as possible in 814 around the lake, and it's a fight of taste and economics, 2/3 of the footprint where it did not exist. East Shore. but there was something about the idea that if we couldn't • Replacement of rotten flooring for entire east side of The project has come at a propitious time and has helped save this house -- and we didn't fully understand how home. spark increasing dialog and discussion around issues of close the connection was to the famous author when we • Removal of pests and animal soiled insulation and historic preservation -- as well as broader issues of the decided to do this; we just knew there was one -- but if wall materials. The house was inherited with some resi- present and future culture of not only Lake Maxinkuckee, we couldn't save a house with at least some significance, dent raccoons sine the Vonneguts had been unable to sell but the Culver as a whole. what chance did any other house have with just nostalgia the house for many years and left it to its own devices. In August, historic preservation organization Indiana for one or a few families? The "freethinking" Vonnegut family of the late 19th and Landmarks brought some 70 people to the area for a tour "It's a short list of famous people with lake connections early 20th century -- and not least of all Kurt Jr. himself -- primarily focused on historic architecture, and the Von- outside the Academy," he adds, listing Cole Porter, Lew might appreciate the number of "environmentally friend- negut house was certainly a centerpiece, and arguably a Wallace, and Meredith Nicholson. "But many of these ly" upgrades to the house, including: visible example of the very real possibility of preserving names are fading into history." • Insulation of geothermal heating and cooling system historically significant structures, rather than razing them When the house's current owners, Old East Shore LLC, attached to a unico small vent blower system to make way for more modern ones which break from the purchased it in 2012, it was near demolition. Accord- • Icynene water based spray foam insulation throughout aesthetic continuity of the area. ing to property manager Lindsey Pick, of Culver, and a insulated part of the home. In September, the aforementioned Antiquarian and His- handout distributed at a recent Indiana Landmarks tour • Insulated PEX plumbing system with no pipes running torical Society of Culver hosted Marshall County-based of the property -- and Antiquarian and Historical Society through exterior walls. architectural historian Kurt Garner for a program on var- gathering there last month -- "all plumbing, doorknobs, • Upgrade of windows to double pane where possible ious means of making such preservation projects eco- utilities, many of the major appliances, and even some of and not in conflict with the historic material. nomically viable. In fact, that program took place in the the decorative woodwork had been stripped by salvagers • LED light bulbs in sockets where possible, but with Vonnegut house itself (detailed coverage of that talk and in anticipation of the house being demolished by a major light temperatures chosen to be appropriate for the space. related matters will appear in the Culver Citizen in the local developer." • Removal of a number of toxic creosoted railroad ties near future). Once the house was purchased with renovation in mind, that were used for most of the landscaping of the home. Attention will surely be placed on the issue again next the initial assumption that only cosmetic upgrades would • Planting of native plants and shrubs from JF New in year, when a long-planned "historic walking tour" publi- be needed fell victim to the painful reality that "a serious Walkerton, Indiana cation guiding locals and visitors around the Culver, Lake overhaul of the section of the house that had previously Special care was taken, during the renovation process, Maxinkuckee, and Culver Academies areas, is published. been winterized and expanded in the 1980's (the west fac- to conform the work to historic standards and restore -- as In the meantime, the house at 814 East Shore isn't mere- ing end of house) needed to be undertaken." much as renovate -- the space. Among specific endeavors ly a private monument to the endeavor to restore it; it's within that context were: also available for rental by the week or week-end (and it • Revealed roof rafters in lake side of house. sleeps up to 16 comfortably). • Milled and installed cus- Our anonymous Old East Shore LLC leader notes that, tom breadboard and floor- "(Kurt Vonnegut Jr's) impact can be felt within a gener- ing to match historic stan- ation or two of any kid who sails the lake or attends the dards of construction. Academies. It went beyond that too, to what he represent- • Removal of modem ed. He was a complex guy…and controversy aside, if he flooring and carpet and fin- represented anything, he represented a skepticism that ishing of historic flooring. was embraced by four generations of Americans from his • Installation of water fellow Greatest Generation veteran peers, the lost genera- closet high tank toilets. tion behind him that tried to find a voice for its frustrations • Installation of antique and dark perspectives overshadowed by their veteran old- electrical interfaces. er brothers, to Boomers for whom he symbolized a rejec- • Purchase of period fur- tion of Societal authority and war, to Generation X who niture (all handmade, most- embraced his mental questioning of the roles of family ly in Mennonite and Amish and human behavior. shops) "...If you know the history, it can be there in the back of your mind even if you are blasting around on an inner tube, or having a drink on a dock, that there is a history of perspective here on this lake, of skepticism, and of a reticence to judge, a desire to understand experience no matter how dark, which is part of the Hoosier experience, and the national experience. "In a funny way, it's more than just a house...it's a histo- ry of ideas that is being preserved, but don't get me wrong, it's a nice (darn) house too." Community3

Thursday, October 9, 2014 • Culver Citizen LOCAL Page 3

Preschool from page 1 School safety concerns discussed by safety American public schools. committee "We learned By Diona Eskew through our re- PLYMOUTH — The old saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ came to life as search that (what committee members from Marshall County gathered together to talk about school safety was once taught Sept. 23. in) first grade has “What we would like to do now is what I like to call sharing,” began Plymouth Schools moved to kinder- superintendent Dan Tyree after introductions at the Marshall County Safety Committee garten," says Do- meeting. Tyree began with sharing Plymouth Community School Corporation’s new pro- rey, "and now what cedure they will begin utilizing this winter, which involves a state-approved three-hour had been second delay used in situations such as a fog delay when the fog is supposed to lift within that grade (academics) window of time. has moved to first Troy Heckman, Campus safety and security director at Culver Academies suggested grade, but the pre- having working sessions in between the two regular meetings each year. The smaller school program groups could work together on developing plans and strategies as well as sharing ideas. had not (followed citizen photo/jeff kenney suit). In the pre-k, He also offered to host a work session at the academy. Robin Dorey, left, leads youngsters in the 3-year-old class in a craft with “I know (something was said) about working on a reunification plan,” said Heckman. she is doing is the aid of assistant Kylie Dickey (right), at Wesley Preschool in its new what was kinder- “We just finished ours and would be more than to happy to help with yours.” location in the lower level of the church. The group thought a work session sounded like a good idea, starting with a reunifica- garten when we tion session. Vicki Mcguire, Culver Community School Corporation, suggested adding were younger. Our bomb threats as a work session topic. Later during the meeting the group also decided program is really the old 4-year-old program. alternative communications and video camera policies added to the topics to revisit. "We're trying to simulate kindergarten as much as possible so they're prepared." Keith Bikowski, Indiana State Police (ISP), talked about the problems that have been She adds that the new curriculum used in the program is also part of that effort, and is recently encountered involving illegal drugs. Bikowski encouraged the education staff to "packed full of fine motor skills, dancing, music, and crafts." reach out to ISP if there was any question of drug activity. Plus, she notes, each week sees students learning four new letters, two colors, and two The ISP is actively driving through school zones in both marked and unmarked vehicle numbers. to increase security in the area according to Jason Faulstich of the ISP. He told those in "There's a lot of learning through play and manipulatives...I love seeing the progress attendance to contact the department if they had any concerns about not seeing an ISP from one week to the next." officer driving through. The ISP also suggested that school give careful consideration to Another obvious and major change is the preschool's move to the basement level of bus safety, not just on the bus but also off, and not just for the student but also for the Wesley Church (the daycare program, headed by Sheryl Tompos, is housed in the former parents. Wesley Preschool space on the church's ground level). In the event of an emergency it is important to follow safety procedures that are already "It's working out great," explains Dorey, noting several youngsters enrolled in the pre- planned out. In the event of a bus accident parents wanting to take their kids home can school program simply head up the stairs to finish their day at daycare. Transportation, cause too much confusion during an emergency situation. obviously, is no problem. She adds that Max's Playhouse preschool, on State Road 10, Clyde Avery, Marshall County Emergency Management Agency director, shared con- also transports children to Wesley Daycare, which she notes still has some openings this cerns about severe weather and sporting events. semester. “There have been 26 lightening deaths this year so far,” said Avery. “Just remind them "The move to downstairs from upstairs provided more opportunities than we anticipat- if they can hear that thunder, see the lightening then it iprobably a good idea to get those ed," says Wesley Pastor Tom Harzula. "We were trying to work out how to move to two fields cleared and get the bleachers cleared. The metal bleachers and light poles are just separate preschool classes, so this (basement layout, which separates the two classes by an accident waiting to happen.” a hallway) was quite fortuitous. At the end of the day, it makes for an environment better Tyree mentioned the IHSAA has strict requirements regarding light - ening and severe for the kids to stay focused on their class, when they have their own space." weather calls. He suggested the various school officials, including athletic staff become A new feature that the daycare contributes to the preschool is access to the recent- familiar with the IHSAA guidelines so they can be prepared to challenge officials if ly-added outdoor playground, just outside the church building, which Dorey points out necessary. facilitates outdoor time the children didn't have before while at Wesley Preschool. Avery reminded the group about the three levels of travel advisory. Advisory level Longtime, cherished Wesley Preschool traditions carry on. There's the regular roster warns drivers should use caution if traveling. The Watch Level, means conditions are of field trips and guest presenters, monthly reading visits from "Miss Jill" (Culver Public threatening. Only essen - tial travel is recommended. During a Warning level, is the high- Library children's librarian Jill Gavlick), a guessing game leading up to the arrival of est level of advisory. It restricts travel on the roads except for emergency personnel and mystery readers, Donuts with Dad (for Father's Day) and Muffins with Mom (for Moth- road crews. er's Day), home visits from plush friends Clifford and Franklin (with journals to describe The EMA uses Facebook, what they did), and more. Twitter and NIXLE.com to Amber Cowell of Culver enrolls "Certainly the congregation (of Wesley) is very excited to have the preschool here," transmit emergency informa- says Harzula. "It's been a vital part of the community for many years, and we're excited tion to the public. Getting a at Centre College to continue to offer this and to see its growth. The folks in the church have seen it grow collection of updated school and they've continued to grow in their love of it." floor plans was something DANVILLE, KY -- Amber Cowell of Culver has en- Matt Pittney, Marshall Coun- rolled this year at Centre College. The Class of 2018 is Keep up with Culver news daily ty Sheriff Department 911 the largest incoming class in Centre's history, setting re- supervisor, requested from cords for size, academic strength, geographic reach and on the group. The floor plans diversity. help the officers be prepared Cowell is the daughter of Julia and Daniel Cowell of culvercitizen.com and should they get called to any Culver and is a graduate of The Culver Academies. school in the county for an Founded in 1819, Centre College has been a Forbes facebook.com/culvercitizen emergency. top-15 college/university in the South four years in a row, and a U.S. News top-ranked national liberal arts college. Centre is also included in Colleges That Change Lives. Community4

PageThursday,Page 4 <#> October 9, 2014 • Culver Citizen OPINIONOPINIONLOCAL - HISTORY Thursday, October 9, 2014 • Culver PageCitizen 5 Vonneguts from page 1 entire village." launched a In another east shore connection, Emma’s brother Gus- The regional and local Vonnegut wholesale gro- tav Schnull had a daughter, Edna Schnull, who would story begins with Clemens Vonne- cery operation marry Daniel Glossbrenner, who had another cottage on gut, Sr., born 1824 and the first of in that city). the east shore. Their daughter Caty would marry James the family to journey from Germa- The cou- Rasmussen, the couple eventually settling at the 1890 ny to US shores, in 1850. He mar- ple purchased Woodbank Cottage near the south end of East Shore Lane. ried Katarina Blank in 1852, and the property Caty died in 2010, and the house was torn down shortly co-founded what would become at the center thereafter. the enormously successfully Von- of our stories Henry Schnull’s other daughter Nannette owned 782 negut Hardware in Indianapolis. this week, at East Shore with Bernard Vonnegut. Their son Kurt was The couple's children form today's 814 born in 1884 and joined the architectural firm of Vonnegut the first branches of the - some East Shore & Bohn, marrying into another successful Indianapolis times-overwhelming genealogical Drive, also family when he wed Edith Lieber in 1913. blueprint of Vonneguts and Vonne- from George Their youngest son, Kurt Jr., was born in 1922 and gut-related families which would Peoples for would be deeply impacted by observing the struggles of not only occupy a number of east $1,200 in his mother, in particular, with the financial losses the fam- shore properties, but would also June, 1889, ily encountered during the Great Depression and other carry the same values of industry, making them difficulties. photos/antiquarian and historical society of culver robust outdoor fitness, and the val- ABOVE: Novelist Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. with first wife Jane during their hon- among the Lake Maxinkuckee, then, served as an oasis (he once ue of culture and education -- at eymoon at 782 East Shore Drive. earliest to described it as "Heaven") for the Kurt Jr., along with all least in some manner -- to the lake. build a sum- the Vonneguts, who would arrive here after Memorial Those four Vonnegut sons, Cle- photos/antiquarian and historical society of culver Day each year, like so mens, Jr, Bernard, Franklin and George, would all work mer cottage on the east shore. BELOW: The 11 grandchildren of Henry Schnull in 1896 on many other Indianap- at the Vonnegut hardware, at least for a time, with Frank- Emma's name would carry on lon- Lake Maxinkuckee, including Ella, Irene, Kurt, Norma, Walter, olis (and Logansport, lin eventually its president, Clemens Jr. its vice president, ger than many of the Vonneguts of Edna, Clemens, Gertrude, Alex, Bertha, and Anton. Emma and Peru, and other Hoo- and George its secretary and treasurer, expanding it into a her generation by way of the launch Nanette Schnull both married Vonnegut men and summered sier) families, relax- chain of successful retail stores. of the Vonnegut Orchards, planted here. ing, reading, swim- Bernard would strike out on a different path, launching on land purchased from the Peoples ming, and playing in a in 1883 with German-born Arthur Bohn the architectural heirs, in this case some 30 acres of row of family-owned firm of Vonnegut & Bohn. He would go on to design such land on the side of East Shore Drive cottages (according famed Indianapolis structures as the L.S. Ayres building, opposite the lake, in 1919. to one hostess on Au- the Athenaeum, Shortridge High School, and others. Clemens and Emma Vonnegut's son gust's Indiana Land- Bernard married into another family with many Max- Walter aided in the beginnings of the marks tour, the 814 inkuckee connections when he wed Nanette Schnull, from orchard, which would garner fame house was the only which came children Kurt (Sr.), Alex, and Irma. In 1895, throughout the Midwest. Dubbed "the one of three in a row Bernard and another German-American Indianapolis res- most successful woman orchardist" in going north to boast its ident, J. George Mueller, purchased from George Peoples this part of the country in an article own kitchen for many the property at today's 782 East Shore Drive (Bernard died in The Indianapolis Star, Emma held years; those in the next in 1908). court in the Hollyhock cottage on the two cottages arrived at Bernard and Nanette didn't start the Vonnegut-Max- property, which in most recent years dinner time to eat). inkuckee connection, however. has been that of Dr. Warren Reiss (the Kurt Jr. was the Franklin Vonnegut and wife Pauline Olga Von Hake house burned in 1936, Emma passing fourth generation of hold that distinction. They would occupy the northern away at age 89 in 1939). Vonneguts to occupy portion of the land they purchased, at part of today's 762 George Vonnegut those lands, which he East Shore Drive for $1,000 in Sept., 1887 (Pauline and (born 1860) was also pointed out made his her sister, Sarah, divided the property there, with Sarah the last of Clemens family the first after the Potawatomi Indians. taking the south portion, though she sold that in 1889 to Sr’s four sons to He would write about the lake, and Culver, in a Pauline). That house would go on to some notoriety as purchase land on the few of his novels (most overtly in ", or, “The House of a Thousand Candles,” for inspiring the lake, in 1916, at to- Lonesome No More!" which mentions the lake best-selling novel of that same name. day's 742 East Shore and Culver Military Academy specifically; in Clemens Vonnegut Jr. had -- in 1878 -- married Emma Drive (again from "," he mentions trying to get a job writ- Schnull, who had been part of another very successful, George Peoples) for ing for The Culver Citizen and being rejected -- German-American Indianapolis family (Henry Schnull around $500. which may well have been a fictional bit of humor). As Handyside In addition to his childhood summers on the lake, also points out in Kurt Jr. would return many times as a teenager with Letters to the editor her book, by that friend Maije Failey, and then once more: year "every lot along He'd taken part in World War II (his experiences East Shore Drive, of the bombing of Dresden, Germany, during the Should tree ordinance be expanded? from number 840 in war, formed the basis of his most famous novel, the south to number "Slaughterhouse Five"), and by the time he re- 742 in the north, as turned stateside -- hoping to take his new wife, Dear Sir, well as most of the Jane, to Maxinkuckee for the couple's honeymoon, One of the many pleasures of living in Culver is abun- property east of the the Vonneguts no longer owned most of their east dance of trees. Thanks to the attention of The Tree Com- road from number shore properties (he did, in fact, honeymoon at one mission, and volunteers, old trees are replaced by a variety 865 to number 763, of the family's cottages, with the permission of its of young plantings, annually, ensuring that Culver will re- and a significant owner at the time). main beautifully green, the air clean and fresh from the portion of land east Among the most poetic of Vonnegut's words on oxygen they produce, and enhancement of the Culver we photos/antiquarian and historical society of culver of those, was owned ABOVE: Emma (Schnull) Vonnegut, right, with Lake Maxinkuckee appeared in an interview in Ar- love. by a Vonnegut. Most chitectural Digest Magazine, in which he described The tree ordinance in Culver protects trees in the public son Walter on the porch of the Hollyhocks, of these plots were on the Vonnegut Orchard property across East it as, "an enchanted body of water to me, my Ae- area, along the edge of streets, but cannot control decisions owned by Emma Shore Drive from 814 East Shore. The orchard gean Sea, perfect in every dimension,” where he for those growing on private property. I think it is interest- and Clemens, Jr." lands extended east onto land owned today by "made my first mental maps of the world." ing to note that a similar ordinance in our Nations' Capital Jacob Schramm, Culver Academies. “The feelings of an Eden lost evident in my writ- includes jurisdiction over trees growing on private proper- another German ings,” he said, “and the longings for a folk society, ty, with a trunk circumference over 55". This, to me, shows immigrant and "self-made man," also contributed to the are all about Maxinkuckee." some wisdom. Vonnegut presence on Lake Maxinkuckee when daugh- And while that most famous of the Maxinkuckee Von- If this had been in place in Culver, a huge , healthy, black ter Matilde married the aforementioned Henry Schnull in neguts continues to draw outside interest -- at least occa- walnut, with a trunk 11 feet (yes, feet) privately owned on 1857. Two of the couple’s daughters, Emma and Nanette sionally -- to the area, the culture and landscape of Lake Lakeview Street, could not have been felled, in short order. Schnull, would marry Vonnegut men (Clemens, Jr, and Maxinkuckee was more the product of the community After sawing, the rings were hard to see, but could have Bernard, respectively). He had sold the 814 East Shore which included generations of multiple families, than it read 150 years or more. The shade reached neighbors and Drive property in 1889 to George Peoples, prior to its pur- was any single individual. housed numerous birds - surely an asset to Culver. chase by Schnull's own daughter Emma. As we all know, to fully benefit, the best time to plant trees is "yesterday." They take many years to reach matu- rity. Should we have another clause in our tree ordinance? Might it behoove us to think before we take out the chain- Culver through the years saw? I would be interested to know the opinions of other read- ers of this paper on this subject.

Sincerely yours,

Anne O. Duff Culver

ABOVE: Pat Birk of Culver shared this circa 1940s era photo of the choir of Emmanuel (then Emmanuel United Brethren, today United Methodist) Church on South Main Street. She was able to identify a few members, but many remain a mys- tery. Readers who recognize any are encouraged to contact the Citizen at [email protected] or 574-216-0075. Community5

Thursday, October 9, 2014 • Culver Citizen SPORTSLOCAL Page 35 Culver Comm. falls to CMA tennnis wins 10th straight sectional title Culver Acade- Schroder, 6-1, 6-1; 2. Evan Jimtown, 61-0 Dillon/Ian Smith (CMA) beat mies beat North Zachary Dishon/Carlton Judson 5-0, while Culver Com- Mullet, 6-0, 6-1. Rochester topped Records:CMA 10-7, munity managed Knox 3-2 to set up Rochester 6-11. just 109 yards CULVER MILITARY 5, NORTH the championship of total offense, JUDSON 0 match at the Culver SINGLES: 1. Sam Concannon lost two fumbles Academies Section- (CMA) beat Reece and turned over Medbourn, 6-0, 6-0; 2. al Oct. 1. twice more on Christopher Bilicic (CMA) All total, the Ea- interceptions en beat Bane Stayrook, 6-0, gles surrendered 6-0; 3. Joshua Thompkins route to a 61-0 just three games to (CMA) beat Josh Leszcynski, loss to visiting 6-1, 6-0. their North Judson Jimtown Friday DOUBLES: 1. William Bilicic/ counterparts. Brian Tao (CMA) beat Bohen night. In the cham- Stayrook/Kaden Shepherd, Culver was 6-2, 6-0; 2. Evan Dillon/Ian pionship match, led in rushing Smith (CMA) beat Suleman Culver Military Khan/Nick Fabian, 6-0, 6-0. by Preston Han- CMA tennis won its 10th straight sectional title Thursday evening. swept Rochester 5-0 Records: CMA 9-7, North sel, who finished photo/jan garrison, culver academies Thursday to win the Judson 3-9. with 33 yards on ROCHESTER 3, KNOX 2 Eagles their 11th straight sectional title. 11 carries. Ben SINGLES: 1. Hunter Gilbert (K) beat Jackson Sawyer, 6-1, 6-1; 2. Markis photo/karen lee photography • CULVER ACADEMIES SECTIONAL Smiley (R) beat Daulton Materna, 3-6, 6-4, 6-0; 2. Justin Phoun (R) beat CCHS junior Westin Bush’s run downfield Myers recorded CHAMPIONSHIP Sequoya Elder, 1-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4. is halted by a Jimtown player during last 24 rushing yards CULVER MILITARY 5, ROCHESTER 0 DOUBLES: 1. Tyler Simola-Wallingford/Jacob Albon (K) beat Wes Gohn/ on four carries, SINGLES: 1. Sam Concannon (CMA) beat Jackson Sawyer, 6-0, 6-0; 2. Chris Justin Schoder, 6-0, 4-6, 7-6 (4); 2. Zachary Dishon/Carlton Mullet (R) beat Friday’s home game, which saw the Cavs Bilicic (CMA) beat Markis Smiley, 6-0, 6-0; 3. Joshua Thompkins (CMA) Jacob Heineman/Kooper Broeker, 1-6, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2). take a brutal loss. meanwhile, and beat Justin Phoun, 6-0, 6-0. Records: Rochester 6-10, Knox 7-7. Hansel went DOUBLES: 1. William Bilicic/Brian Tao (CMA) beat Wes Gohn/Justin 2-for-5 with two interceptions for 29 passing yards. The loss was the fourth straight for Culver, which drops CMA football falls to Howe to 2-5 on the season and 1-4 in the Northern State Con- Dontae Henderson had 93 yards on 11 carries and 66 CMA – Ryan Hallenbeck 21 pass from Jesse Brownfield. Kick failed, 0:28. ference. Third Quarter The Cavaliers travel to John Glenn next Friday for a yards on six receptions as Indianapolis Howe beat Culver H – Mundy 2 run. Pass failed, 7:36. 7:30 p.m. kickoff. Military 46-22 in a special Saturday afternoon football H – Dontae Henderson 53 interception. Run failed, 7:23. • JIMTOWN 61, CULVER COMMUNITY 0 game at CMA. H – Tyrell Phelps 1 run. Darrell Brown run, 0:04. At Culver Rune Kirby had 56 yards on nine carries for CMA. CMA – David Pumajero 86 kickoff return. Cole Winchester kick, 0:00. Fourth Quarter Jimtown: 21 19 14 7 — 61 Ryan Hallenbeck had 59 yards on two receptions the Ea- Culver: 0 0 0 0 — 0 H – Phelps 18 run. Run failed. Scoring summary not available. gles, who slide to 3-4. CMA – Wheaton Jackoboice 33 pass from Alex Johnson. Pass failed. • INDIANAPOLIS HOWE 46, CULVER MILITARY 22 Howe CMA at Culver First downs 16 22 Howe 14 6 20 6 - 46 Yards rushing 216 149 Plymouth soccer tops CGA CMA 0 9 7 6 - 22 Yards passing 170 152 First Quarter Passing 10-18-0 12-36-1 Plymouth’s girls soccer team earned a 2-0 victory over H – Christopher Mundy fumble recovery in end zone. Dontae Henderson Punting 2-46 3-6 run, 10:02. Fumbles/lost 3/1 2/1 sectional rival Culver Girls Academy in a match called H – Jerron McGraw 39 pass from Mundy. Run failed, 1:31. Penalties/Yds 15/132 6/48 early due to lightning Thursday at Kindt Soccerplex in Second Quarter Records: CMA 3-4, Indianapolis Howe 3-41 Plymouth. CMA – David Pumarejo 22 FG, 8:15. Katie Berg had two saves in goal in the win. H – Mundy 1 run. Run failed, 5:51. Kaydon Fosler scored in the 19th minute, and Ali An- drews scored in the 38th minute. The game was postponed at halftime due to lightening CMA tennis hands Plymouth 1st loss and was eventually called. In the JV game, meanwhile, Plymouth won 4-1. Culver Military Academy handed Plymouth its first loss bles. of the season, 3-2, on Tuesday night. • CULVER MILITARY ACADEMY 3, Summer Smith had four saves. Cornit Cook scored two PLYMOUTH 2 goals — one assisted by Hannah Puckett. Grace Morris Sam Concannon beat Garrett Fox at 1 singles, Chris At Plymouth had a goal assisted by Elizabeth Polstra. Puckett had a goal Bilic was a winner at 2 singles, and Evan Dillon and Ian as well. Smith were winners at 2 doubles. Winning for Plymouth were Nate Knapp at 3 sin- gles and Ryan Johnson and Max Holloway at 1 dou- Community6

PageThursday,Page 6 <#> October 9, 2014 • Culver Citizen OPINIONLOCAL Thursday, October 9, 2014 • Culver PageCitizen 5

photos/doug haberland and *jan garrison, culver academies Book from page 1 Ice bucket challenge for 700 team which handled the labor involved in renovating the cording to historic standards, alongside a ragtag band of Vonnegut house -- makes this a different perspective on fellow laborers. Along the way, she reports on everything Some 700 the area than most any in print. from impressions of Culver Academies, town, and lake students and Portions of the book devoted to documenting the reno- communities (via casual and social encounters), to wild adult faculty vation process are drawn largely from Handyside's online critters encountered inside and outside the home, to try- and staff took part in a mas- blog at www.pursuingnothing.com, which told the tale ing out for parts in the "Little Savages" movie shot here sive “ice buck- week-by-week (sometimes day-by-day). last summer. And while she's changed the names of most et challenge.” The historical vignettes in the book are many and are of the local individuals mentioned in the text, many will The chal- meticulously researched and largely reported with an eye likely be recognizable to local readers. lenge, which towards objective history. "I, like anyone, filter everything through the biases I became an Handyside's observations of the culture, people, and in- develop as a result of my own experience," Handyside Internet and stitutions of Culver, however, are much more personal, remarks. "All I knew about Lake Max before I arrived social media and as might be expected, was that there would be a lot of rich people and a mili- phenome- originate from a different tary academy there. Automatically, I developed this sort non in recent months, typically involves individuals or groups “chal- point of view than many of simplistic and heavily idealistic opposition to the place. lenging” others of their choice to either donate money to the ALS Association (www.alsa.org/fight-als/ice-bucket-chal­lenge.html) or in the area may be accus- And to a degree, the things that I didn't think I'd like about dump a bucket of ice water on one’s own head. tomed to reading. And the Culver actually did exist there. But as I learned more ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, sometimes also known as Lou author admits that, "being about it and my understanding of the history deepened, I Gehrig’s disease) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which a permanent vagabond grew an appreciation for the origins of the lifestyle." presently has no known cure. does ensure that I proba- One example: Culver Academies. A number of students at Culver Academies pressed for the challenge bly won't see many of the "I didn't originally associate the idea of a military acad- on campus, and members of the Culver-Union Twp. Fire Department people I write about ever emy with non-conformity...but when I started reading (whose member, Ken VanDePutte, is seen ABOVE*) assisted by pro- again, but that's not the about H. Culver, I began to get the impression that his viding hoses full of cold water with which to spray down participants reason I feel free to write vision was unusual for his era. He wanted the discipline in the grassy area east of the school’s Eppley Auditorium. about them with the sort of of a military education, but not because he wanted to cre- Culver resident and Culver Girls Academy freshman Riley Reinhold, by way of a video shared with students, faculty, and staff, espe- raw honesty that I do." ate a mass of obedient drones. He thought discipline was cially encouraged particpation. Reinhold’s father, Rob, died from Handyside says hopes essential to self-sufficiency. Also, he wanted to cultivate the disease recently, and Riley was involved in school projects and people will read her book individual personalities, not process them out of the boys. "and be able to see Cul- Those were the two things I most appreciated about Cul- campaigns to raise awareness and funds to fight the disease, while a ABOVE: This photo from Sarah student in the Culver Community School Corporation. Handyside’s blog reveals the ver from the perspective ver's philosophy. For me, self-sufficiency and an individu- level of labor needed to restore of someone who's a total al personality are two of the most important things in life, some portions of 814 East Shore outsider, not just geo- and they are very rare these days. Drive. graphically but also phil- Musing on the culture of the shores of Lake Maxinkuck- photo/pursuingnothing.com osophically. I know some ee, past and present, Handyside adds, "The leisure class, people will get defensive. in one sense, are like everyone else. They really enjoy be- That's inevitable. I'm not ing totally flamboyant and rowdy. But like with everyone claiming to be right about anything, I'm just laying out else, they only do so among each other. They gather in the impressions I had time to get during my short stay." places like Lake Max and act crazy for a while and then What might surprise some readers are Handyside's ob- they go back home and act normal. That's what everyone servations that one connecting thread between various does...you spend a couple weeks re-charging and reassur- facets of the Culver area is that "the people who built the ing yourself that you're right, and then you head back to culture of Culver (including Culver Military Academy the grind and fend off the opposition for another year." founder Henry Harrison Culver) thought outside the box And though Handyside says she's curious to see what in some very important ways about things like education 814 East Shore Drive looks like, now that it's completed, and religion and how to build societies." she harbors doubts that she'll be back in Culver again... That's certainly also true of the Vonnegut family of In- at least anytime soon. There's little likelihood of a book dianapolis, whose members naturally play a central role signing any time soon. in the historical writings within the book. Not surprising- The main thing she says she's hoping for from the book, ly, famed, late novelist Kurt Vonnegut Jr., whose non-con- though, is that readers "will compare today's ideals with formity formed the underpinnings of his prolific writings, those of years past. I don't even expect them to change was a large part of Handyside's -- and her boyfriend their minds about anything. I just want them to look at a Garth's -- interest in the renovation project, though they picture of several people who actually became success- were specifically brought into it by a fellow "traveler" ful because they valued the ability to think for themselves who was a major financer and brainchild of the project. rather than constantly obeying without question." Their Culver experience ran from May into August, Kurt Vonnegut Jr. would likely approve. 2013, during which they stayed at 814 East Shore, and "Renovating Vonnegut" may be purchased in print or -- as Handyside's book and blog document -- encoun- digital format at www.createspace.com, where three other tered an array of the joys, autobiographical works of Handyside's may be found. sorrows, and absurdities of virtually gutting a very old house and restoring it ac- Community7

Thursday, October 9, 2014 • Culver Citizen LOCAL Page 37 Culver restaurants participate Library news Culver schools weigh in on Computer troubleshooting at Thurs. Tech Time in Dine Out for United Way The Culver-Union Twp. Public Library's Thursday Tech student count day Time for October will take place Oct. 16 and will focus on By Carol Anders, Correspondent MARSHALL COUNTY, IN – Starting Oct. 6, you can computer troubleshooting. Find out what causes problems MARSHALL COUNTY — The first of two official dine out and help a good cause in Marshall County, as 13 with your computer. Learn how to diagnose and repair school count days for the 2014-2015 school year was held area restaurants are donating a percentage of their sales common issues. on Friday, Sept. 12. The official count day is on the second towards the 2014 United Way of Marshall County cam- Thursday Tech Time is an open discussion group for Friday after Labor Day each year, when schools submit paign. Two Culver eateries are participating: The Culver anyone interested in computers and technology. Come their documented enrollments to the state. Enrollments are Coffee Co. (Monday, Nov. 3 through Sunday, Nov. 9) and and talk, share, listen and ask questions! one of the factors used to determine the amount of state The Lakehouse Grille (Monday, Nov. 3 through Sunday, Sessions are held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the third Thurs- funding that they will receive. A second count day will be Nov. 9; the Lakehouse requires a coupon, which can be day of each month. Each session may have a speaker and in February. obtained at www.marshallcountyuw.org or stop by the topic or may simply be an open discussion. All sessions Chuck Kitchell, director of operations of the Culver UW office at 2701 N. Michigan St. in Plymouth). Sever- are free and open to the public. For more information, call Community Schools, said hey have some 853 students, al non-Culver restaurants are also participating; visit the the Culver Library at 574-842-2941, visit our website at but the ADM count is 822.61 when the number of kin- above website -- of “like” the United Way Facebook page www.culver.lib.in.us or e-mail [email protected]. dergarten students is factored into the total. Last school United Way of Marshall County – Plymouth, IN -- for a The library’s street address is 107 N. Main St. complete list. year, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) listed Volunteers across the county are raising funds this fall the district’s enrollment at 881. to support 24 United Way agencies and programs; the goal Fall Fest and cross stitch on display The figures forwarded to the state from the September this year is $550,000. Currently on display at the Culver-Union Township count days will be crosschecked to help assure that stu- “The support of so many business owners across Mar- Public Library is a celebration of Culver Fall Fest cour- dents are not enrolled in more than one school or educa- shall County is tremendous and the number of restaurants tesy of Museum of Culver & Lake Maxinkuckee Histo- tional program. Once verified, the state will use the en- that are participating this year is a great example of the ry and the Culver Fall Fest Committee. Stop by before rollment figures in a formula to determine the amount of caring and generous spirit of this community,” said Linda Fall Fest, October 17 through 19, and check out memories funding per student. Kindergarten students are only count- Yoder, United Way Executive Director. from last year’s fun. Also on display upstairs is fall and ed at a half rate; however those schools with full time kin- For more information, contact the United Way at 574- Halloween themed festive cross stitch courtesy of Char- dergarten programs can receive a stipend for offering full 936-3366. lotte Hahn. Both displays will be up until mid-November. day programs If you are interested in exhibiting your collection, art- work, or crafts at the library please contact Reference/ Adult Services Manager Dana Thomas at 574-842-2941 or [email protected] Briefs from page 1 Marshall County Council on Aging. See their website for culation desk of the library during regular library hours. ed on their scarecrow contributions to the second annual more information: www.marshallcountycouncilonaging. Culver Fall Fest, scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 18 by org/Peoples_University.htm Unity Day against bullying is Oct. 22 contacting Susie Mahler at 574-250-4485 or picking up These sessions are free and open to the public. For more Culver area businesses are encouraged to join Culver a form at Cafe Max or other participating locations. The information, contact Andrew Baker at [email protected]. Community Schools in observing October 22 as nation- contest, sponsored by the Culver Chamber of Commerce in.us or 574-842-2941. al Unity Day (as launched by the National Bullying and Fall fest commission, features $200 in cash prizes. Prevention Center), part of a national campaign to fight Scarecrows may be dropped off at Cafe Max. The entry Texas Hold-Em at VFW bullying. Students, faculty, and staff within the school fee is $10. For more information call 574-842-LAKE or Culver VFW Post 6919, 108 E. Washington Street, will corporation are encouraged to wear orange that day, visit www.culverchamber.com. resume its Texas Hold-Em tournaments on the second and local entities are asked to encourage their staff to Sunday of each month (Oct. 12 and Nov. 9 this year). do the same. For more information, contact the Culver Registration open for cyclo-cross event Doors open at 11 a.m. Tournament begins at 1 p.m. There Community Middle School at 574-842-5690. The first annual Culver Kiwanis Club-sponsored- Cy is a $50 buy-in (no re-buys); $12,000 chips (25 percent to cloCross for Scholarships will take place Sunday, Oct. house; 75 percent in pot). License #129586. Contact 574- VFW Halloween party Oct. 31 19 (the Sunday of this year’s second annual Culver Fall 842-3886 with questions. Culver VFW Post 6919, at 108 E. Washington St., will Fest), and registration is now available via www.BikeReg. host a Halloween party on Friday, Oct. 31, with dinner com. Free t-Shirts are available for BikeReg registrations Culver Fall Fest Oct. 17-19 served from 5:30 to 8 p.m. (consisting of prime rib, pota- made before October 10. Registration is $30 for all adult The Culver Fall Fest (culverfallfest.com) will return the to, salad, and rolls). Dinner is $15, and the party begins categories. The kids race (12 and Under) is $10. On-site weekend of Oct. 17 through 19. Festivities include a wine afterwards. Included will be a DJ, karaoke, and a “Best registration begins at 9 a.m. (there will also be a chance to and cheese art social; Friday’s Moonlight Paddle from Costume” contest with prizes. The public is welcome. check out the course). The event is slated to take place on the beach (email [email protected] to reserve canoe); Queen Road in Culver. local craft and food vendors; scarecrow contest; Culver Euchre, pinochle club now on Fridays Coffee Company’s beer garden; haunted house at the Cul- The public is welcome to take part in a new euchre and Exercise for seniors at CUTPL ver beach lodge; pet costume parade; Culver History Hay- pinochle club meeting Fridays from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Culver-Union Township Public Library is offering Ex- ride Saturday evening; Culver Kiwanis cyclo-cross event; Culver Park Beach Lodge, 819 Lake Shore Drive. Have ercise for Seniors. This free exercise class will meet three children’s art class; marionette puppet performance; live fun playing cards, make new friends, enjoy beautiful times a week and offer easy, seated exercises. The pro- music, and more. Visit www.culverfallfest.com for details Lake Maxinkuckee and our fine restaurants and city. gram is scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and schedule. Fire dept. seeking new firemen at 10 a.m. and will meet downstairs in the large meeting The Culver fire department is seeking individuals inter- room. For more information, call the Culver-Union Town- $2 per bag book sale Oct. 17-18 ship Public Library at 574-842-2941 or e-mail dthomas@ The Friends of the Culver-Union Twp. Public Library will ested in serving their community as volunteer firemen. Those interested should contact Culver town hall at 574- culver.lib.in.us. The library’s street address is 107 N. hold their fall book saleFriday, Oct. 17 and Saturday, Oct. Main St. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Books will be $2 per bag for 842-3140. as many books as can be fit into the bag (which will be Scarecrow submissions sought for Fall Fest provided). Book donations can be dropped off at the cir- Community members are being encouraged to get start-