NORTH BERRIEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

N EWSLETTER

Vol. V, No. 1

Hagar Bainbridge Coloma Watervliet

Spring 2013

Legacy of the Pioneer Boyer Family

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

In the mid 1840s, Austin Boyer along with two brothers, his wife Adelia and young children, moved to this area from upstate New York. Taking to farming, the brothers deeded some of their land in Bainbridge Township to become a small burial ground and a school, called Boyer School until 1959 when it consolidated with others around Coloma. Seymour Boyer (4th MI Cavalry) died at age 21 during the Civil War, but Austin and Adelias younger children Jane and Dwight lived here to old age. Jane Boyer married Union veteran Prosper Bowe in 1864. Their property on Paw Paw Lake became one of the earliest resort areas, known to this day as Bowes Landing. Near them, north of Watervliet, Dwight and his wife Georgiana purchased wooded acreage in 1876 and turned it in to a thriving farm. Austin operated an early saw mill on the Paw Paw River, spent time in Kansas, and also mined in California for several years, but was here when he died in 1893. Austin, Adelia, and their three children are buried in Watervliet Cemetery. Dwight Boyer was known to welcome traveling Potawatomi at his farm, and he developed a friendship with Chief Simon Pokagon, who lived in the Rush Lake/ Hartford area. In the late 1890s, Pokagon gave to Boyer a carved wooden sign reading KARYAHNKOO, meaning Resting Place. Dwight and Georgia Boyer had two sons: A.D. and Forest, and five grandchildren. As an adult, A.D.s daughter Aileen Boyer Miller became a longtime Director of Community Hospital in Watervliet. Boyer Road and Dwight Boyer Road are lasting local evidence of these lives. Thanks to the generous descendants who have shared family heirlooms and stories, the North Berrien Historical Museum preserves much information about this pioneer North Berrien family. Wednesday, April 3, 1-3pm, Free Spring Break Activity Day: Life 100 Years Ago

Forest Boyer (right) presents his fathers sign to North Berrien Historical Society President Roger Carter in 1968.

Trolley Rides - Fun from the 1910s

www.NorthBerrienHistory.org

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

Page 2

From the Directors Desk

By Tracy Gierada Exciting things are happening at the North Berrien Historical Museum in 2013! This spring new displays will debut in the main gallery and in late summer we will host the Smithsonian traveling exhibit Journey Stories (read more on pages 4-5). On April 3, all are welcome to experience life 100 years ago at our Spring Break Activity Day, including a trolley bus ride to Paw Paw Lake! Weve booked two group tours at other local history sites and guest speakers to present at our museum on fascinating topics. I hope youll find numerous reasons to join us this year with family and friends. The North Berrien Historical Society is also focused on the future. In late March, we will begin strategic planning with a team consisting of the Board of Directors, staff, and several other locals. Well work together to develop a cohesive vision for the future of the museum, five-year goals, and a written plan of action to achieve them. To create a successful Strategic Plan, we need the input of members, friends, and local residents. A Survey will be distributed in early April 2013 to gather your ideas and opinions. The Survey will be e-mailed to our E -News contacts and available on paper at the museum and the Coloma and Watervliet libraries. We expect to make our 2013-17 Strategic Plan available to the public this fall. Whether you are a long-time member or someone just getting to know the museum, please think about getting involved! All year we rely on volunteers to bring refreshments, help at special events and kids programs, do yard work, and much more. Contact me or our Director of Programs Pauline Wendzel any time we would be glad to talk more about your skills and interests! Many members and friends recently responded to our 2012 Annual Fund Drive and many others donated earlier in the year. Thank you your support is greatly appreciated. North Berrien Historical Museum exhibits and programs are free to the public because of the stability of our millage, combined with our fundraisers and a strong history of donations. Mark your calendar for our Exhibit Opening Reception on Thursday, April 11! Catch us on the radio - Friday, March 29 8:45am FM 98.3 WCST Morning Show with Zack East 9:00am FM 94.9 WSJM In the Spotlight with Brenda Layne

300 Coloma Ave. Phone: (269) 468-3330 P.O. Box 207 Fax: (269) 468-4083 Coloma, MI 49038 www.NorthBerrienHistory.org info@NorthBerrienHistory.org Connect with NBHS Online!
Facebook: Facebook.com/NorthBerrienHistory North Berrien History Blog: NorthBerrienHistory.Blogspot.com Twitter: Twitter.com/NBerrienHistory

North Berrien Historical Society Board of Directors

Scott Young Bennet Leedy Kandyce Hays Cindy Young Shirley Boone Ray Mays Marc Hettig Karin Miller Pauline Morris Sherry Polashak Tom Scheid Sally Williams Tracy Gierada Pauline Wendzel Ryan Nykamp President 1st Vice President 2nd Vice President Secretary Treasurer Assistant Treasurer Director Director Director Director Director Director

Staff
Director / Curator Director of Programs Office Manager

The mission of the North Berrien Historical Society is to preserve and distribute information regarding the history of North Berrien County. We wish to promote, encourage learning, and disseminate knowledge of the areas cultural and architectural legacy.

Page 3

Mark your Calendars!

Tuesday, March 19, 7pm

All events are at the North Berrien Historical Museum unless otherwise noted.

Local historian Chriss Lyon will present a history of Benton Harbors Historic Hotel Vincent, built in the early 1920s and still standing on Main Street. Founder William Bestar named it in honor of his father-in-law Alonzo Vincent, who had ties to early Coloma and St. Joseph hotels. Lyon will discuss the Hotel Vincents patronage by Al Capone, drawn from the extensive research for her forthcoming book. Free. Spring Break Activity Day: Life 100 Years Ago . During the Coloma/Watervliet school break, bring the kids for a taste of fun in the 1910s. Take in a short silent film and take a 30 minute trolley bus ride to learn about historic resorts at Paw Paw Lake! Please reserve a trolley ride time in advance by calling the museum at 468-3330. All ages welcome. Free.

Wednesday, April 3, 1-3pm

Exhibit Opening Reception: North Berrien County Life 1850-1950. All are invited for Thursday, refreshments, conversation, and a first look at new artifact displays in the main gallery. April 11, Exhibit topics include North Berrien pioneers, medical history, the railroads, and the world 5:30-7:30pm wars, plus other local artifacts and stories from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century. Larry Schlack will present Michigans One-Room Schools: Gone (Almost) But Not Forgotten, a pictorial history of oneroom schools from all over the state including some of the earliest buildings. The program covers their wide variety of architectural styles and the legacy of one-room education found in todays schools. Mr. Schlack, of Kalamazoo, is a former educator and WMU professor and is an officer for the Michigan One-Room Schoolhouse Association. Byers School, Bainbridge Twp The Life and Times of Scoutings Camp Madron. For over 50 years, Camp Madron near Buchanan served as the heart and soul of boy scouting in southwestern Michigan. Local scout historian Jim Ellis will trace the camps history from its founding in 1926 through its eventual sale in 1984. A broad selection of Camp Madron memorabilia will also be displayed. Free. Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. All NBHS volunteers are invited for a meal in honor of their important contributions to the North Berrien Historical Museum. Brief remarks will be presented at 6pm, reviewing the many examples of service by our volunteers in the past year. To attend, please RSVP to the museum at 468-3330 or NBHSoffice@sbcglobal.net. First by Car & First by Air: All from Southwest Michigan. Dr. Stuart Boekeloo, Local historian, will discuss famous transportation firsts in Berrien County including the Baushke automobile and early flight on Silver Beach. The museum will display space travel literature and a space food tray prototype developed by the Whirlpool Corporation for NASA. Free. The originally scheduled date of this program in February was cancelled due to weather.

Tuesday, April 16, 7pm

Saturday, May 11, 11am

Wednesday, May 15, 5:30-7pm

Tuesday, May 21, 7pm

Page 4

Main gallery exhibit updates to debut with Opening April 11

By Tracy Gierada The museum will have new semi-permanent exhibits in place with the opening of North Berrien County Life 1850-1950 this spring. During this period daily life changed tremendously and the local community was shaped, so it is a natural strong point for our collection of artifacts. Topics explored by new displays will include North Berrien pioneers, medical history, the railroads, and the world wars, and other local stories from the mid-19th to the mid20th century. On Thursday, April 11, all are welcome to help us celebrate the changes at our Exhibit Opening Reception. From 5:30-7:30pm, please join us for refreshments, conversation, and a first look at the new exhibits!
Above: The photography studio of George W. Austin in Watervliet. Several of Austins photographs now in the museum collection will be newly on display this April. NBHS 9998.18.16

Washington School All-Class Reunion set for June 15

On Saturday, June 15, 2013, an Open House Reunion will be held for all Alumni of Washington School in Coloma. The event will run from 1:00 to 4:30pm at the school, which first opened to students in 1937. Alumni from any year are welcome to attend. View historical pictures and information about the school. Sign in at your class year display. Meet and reminisce with classmates, as well as current and retired teachers. Share your stories or copies of pictures you have. At 4pm there will be a short closing ceremony (weather permitting). No RSVP is required for the Reunion, but the cost is $2 per individual that attended Washington School. (If you want to bring along family, they are free.) All teachers current and retired are free. To browse historic pictures and articles or share your own memories online, find the Washington School Reunion page on Facebook. For more information, please contact the museum or Rick Rasmussen.

NBHS and Museum welcomes new Director of Programs

In January, Pauline Wendzel joined the North Berrien Historical Society staff as Director of Programs. Along with generally supporting activities at the museum, her job is to develop and deliver educational programs, coordinate volunteers, outreach, and special events. Previously titled Director of Education, the switch better reflects the broad range of responsibilities in the position. A lifelong resident of North Berrien, Paulines family roots in Bainbridge Township go back four generations. She was raised in the farmhouse built by her great grandfather Robert Wendzel on North Branch Road. Pauline grew up on a working fruit and vegetable farm and served as the Michigan Apple Queen in 2007. She retains a keen interest in the current and historical value of agriculture in the development of the region. Pauline is a graduate of Watervliet High School and Michigan State University. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and Food Industry Management in 2012. She studied abroad in Greece and Turkey, participated in service trips to Mexico and Nicaragua. Architecture, dance and outdoor activities are also among her interests. She has several years of experience running child development programs in summer camps. Director Tracy Gierada notes Paulines background and personality are a great fit for this position, and her enthusiasm shows. We all look forward to working with her!

Page 5

NBHS Summer Fundraiser

at Marys City of David & Eden Springs Park

Tuesday, June 4, 6:30pm

Experience summer joys of the past with an evening on historic resort grounds in Benton Harbor: Marys City of David, a National Register Historic District and its historical cousin Eden Springs Park. Proceeds benefit the North Berrien Historical Museum, Marys City of David Museum, and Eden Springs Park. The cost is a $25/person donation. Reservations can be secured upon payment to the North Berrien Historical Society in person or by mail.

Begins at 6:30pm in the Restaurant at Marys City of David; Talk by Ron Taylor Intimate tour of the historic Gardens surrounding Marys Shiloh Administration Building. Stop for an ice cream social! An original concession stand will serve us ice cream, cookies, and homemade lemonade. Move to nearby Eden Springs Park. Ride on original 1908-09 Baushke built rail carriages, departing from the original south depot. The short train route will encompass the properties that were the zoo, aviary, green house, hotel, restaurant and base ball field above the Eden Springs Park.

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

Dont Miss Journey Stories Exhibit August 6 through September 21

Journey stories tales of how we and our ancestors came to America are a central element of our personal heritage. From Native Americans to new citizens and regardless of our racial or ethnic background, everyone has a story to tell. The story about the intersection between transportation and American society is complicated, but it tells us much about who we are people who see our social mobility as a means for asserting our individual freedom. The Traveling Exhibition Journey Stories will use engaging images with audio and artifacts to tell the individual stories that illustrate the critical roles travel and movement have played in building our diverse American society. Journey Stories will be on display at the North Berrien Historical Museum from August 6 through September 21, 2013. A complimentary exhibition of local stories and a series of public programs for all ages are being planned. Mark your calendars for this exciting opportunity and be sure to join us this summer!

African-American migrant family African American families traveled north during the Great Migration any way they could: on foot, by car, by train, and even by packet boat. If by car, it was important to know safe places to stop along the way. A young girl and her family migrate from Florida to New Jersey, 1940. Library of Congress, LC-USF34-040841

Page 6

Winter Brightened by Family Fun at Museum and Loma Theatre

The 2012 Holiday Open House was another fantastic success for NBHS. The museum welcomed nearly 600 visitors during the weekend-long event, and over 1,100 people visited to view our tree display throughout the holiday season. All ages enjoyed our Holiday Lights & Delights Fundraiser, Senior Day, gingerbread house decorating, Santas Workshop crafts, visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, live music, and Cookie Walk fundraiser. Over the school holiday break, the museum held a free, interactive kids program called Winter Time Travelers: Snow Birds. We learned about wild turkeys and other birds who winter in Michigan, and viewed museum artifacts related to birds. Kids especially enjoyed writing with a quill and inkwell, and making pinecone bird feeders to take home. Our monthly third-Tuesday evening program on January 15th featured a documentary film titled Black Ash Basketry: A Story of Cultural Resilience. Through the voices of Native elders and basket makers in West Michigan, we discovered a story of family and valued traditions now threatened with disappearing forever. We were also excited to view a collection of black ash baskets brought in by basketmaker Kay Janke. For the first time this year we were happy to help host the Coastline Childrens Film Festival. At the Loma Theatre on Saturday, February 2 people braved a small blizzard to view the first known science fiction film from 1902 A Trip to the Moon, followed by Man on a Mission , a documentary about a man following his dreams to fly to space. Following the screenings people headed to the museum for a space themed reception, where they tried astronaut ice cream and viewed an exhibit of space related innovations by Whirlpool. We had our second screening at the Loma on Wednesday, February 6 where young filmmakers from the area had their short films played on the big screen. After the 52 people in attendance enjoyed the shorts, they were entertained by The Adventures of Prince Achmed , the oldest known animated feature film, made in 1926. Our final screening was of a comical silent film Safety Last. The movie was from 1923, the heyday of silent films, and was enjoyed by 50 people of all ages. Following the showing, the museum hosted a Sound History Workshop where children learned about historic sound makers and made their own candy iPod. A great time was had by all at our sixth annual Victorian Valentines Party on Saturday, February 9. Forty visitors enjoyed making valentines cards, inspired by our display of antique valentines, and also enjoyed festive games and refreshments. Thank you to Miss Watervliet Haleigh Wendzel for joining us! This year we are happy to have 10 Youth Interns. We have already had 3 meetings where they

Page 7 have learned about the museum and local history. The museum has been very busy with school groups as well. On Monday, February 11 we welcomed 116 Watervliet North Elementary School 3rd graders for a museum tour. They made their own paper bookmarks to keep. Then the next three days we enjoyed having Victorian Valentines Day parties with 80 Coloma Elementary 2nd graders where they crafted their own valentines and played fun holiday themed games. Our Traveling Trunk programs are still being used in a variety of ways. This winter Countryside Academy 4th grade made use of the Lincolns Legacy and All About Barns trunks. Later we visited the classroom to teach them about Pioneers in Berrien County; showing them how to make butter and write with quill pens. North Berrien Historical Society Membership Form
Benefits include: Quarterly Newsletter, Advance invite to special events, and Members-only opportunities Name Address City, State, ZIP Phone E-mail

New Member Renewing Member

I may like to
Volunteer

Please check desired annual membership level.

Individual ($15) Student ($8) Family Donor ($50) Senior ($10)

Additional tax-deductible contribution: $________ Total Amount Enclosed: $________
Send your completed form along with your check to: North Berrien Historical Society P.O. Box 207, Coloma, MI 49038

Our 2013 Youth Interns

Donations
Will Nichols Joyce Thomas Janet Blair Virginia Warsko Joyce Kolenko Sandra Garland Alma Arent Lorna Van Komen William Hansen Emma Morlock Carter Beach Susie Page Furda Anthony Piraino Sue Dahlquist Judi White Suzanne Knutson Wesley Arent Kathleen Walter Jean Fannin Charlene Andrews Barbara Nichols Patricia Geisler Linda Hasse Debbie Friday James Utterback Jean Christensen Cindy Young Joan Polaskey Nadine Deitrich Tracy Gierada Ron Winfield Sandra Garland Patricia Geisler Frances Bishop William Beverly III Les & Becky Burford Rod & Sharron Krieger John & Janice Reid Dale & Ronda Kaucher Bill & Sue Moser Milt & Linda Stibal Robert & Elaine Gierada Carol Moore - Moore Theatres Robin Maxon - Maxon Graphix Bob Eberhard - Future Construction Goods & Services Donated Fran Wooley In Memory of George Wooley Cindy Young Tom Allen Bobs Hobby Shop

Memberships
Janet Blair Dolores Bishop Will Nichols Kathrin Wichner Sally Dupuie Barbara Tyler Robert Miller Karin Miller Sandra Garland David Buzzek Donna Hays Janet Emhoff Judi White Martin Strebeck Joanne Strebeck Alton Wendzel Millie Wendzel Irma Krieger Joan Polaskey Dave Kliss Dick Grau Janet Sullivan Patricia Geisler Adolf Pelzer

Donations
In Memory of Dorothy Cannell Estate of Dorothy Cannell In Memory of Amy Hiler John & LaVern Glassman Sally Williams

Thank you for your support!

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID Watervliet, MI Permit No. 29

P.O. Box 207, Coloma, MI 49038 Return Service Requested

Newsletter - Spring 2013

Exhibit Opening Reception: North Berrien County Life 1850-1950 Thursday, April 11, 5:30-7:30pm

Spring Break Activity Day: Life 100 Years Ago Wednesday, April 3, 1-3pm Discover fashions, food & fun of the 1910s Take a trolley bus ride to Paw Paw Lake!
Hagar Bainbridge Coloma Watervliet www.NorthBerrienHistory.org