WABASH COUNTY, IN- The Wabash County Museum welcomed a new program for history lovers called “The Thursday Parlay” in February. Since that time, the Museum team has been overwhelmed by
the positive response from the community. The Thursday Parlay is an in-person speakers’
series with a different guest speaker and topic each month. Sponsor Bob Evans Restaurant
provides coffee and breakfast treats for each event which is held in the Porter Room at the
Museum from 10 – 11:30 am.
On Thursday, June 1st, historian Glory-June Greiff will provide her first person interpretation
of Jean Stratton Porter. Glory is a public historian, published writer, consultant,
researcher, and performer of song and story. As Gene Stratton-Porter, she will regale our
audience with tales of her Hoosier childhood on her parents’ farm in here Wabash County and
her challenge as an adult to prove the existence of at least one last passenger pigeon. The
Indiana-born naturalist, novelist and photographer lived in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries. The author of “A Girl of the Limberlost,” was considered one of the most popular
novelists in the U.S. and was a columnist for McCall’s magazine.
Greiff will also share her experiences meeting descendants of Stratton-Porter and delving into
the writer’s genealogy, including the many divorces of family members at a time when few
people divorced. A well-known storyteller, Glory was asked in 2009 by the Indiana Historical
Society to develop the Stratton-Porter character.
On Thursday, July 6th, Heather Allen Hoover will share her program, Life in Wabash in the
1920s: The Photographs of Dr. Frank DePuy. Allen Hoover, a lifelong resident of Wabash
County, is the Vice President of Mississinewa 1812 Battlefield Society, Vice President of The
Woman’s Clubhouse, a small business owner, and the former archivist at the Wabash County
Museum.
During her presentation, Heather will show fascinating images of life in Wabash County during
the 1920s and share the stories behind them. It was Heather who realized the importance of
the DePuy collection, which had been stored in the archives for over 100 years and felt the
importance of showcasing these amazing photos of local Wabash natives, their homes,
businesses, and everyday lives in a coffee table book. . At the time of publication, the book was
one of many Bi-Centennial Legacy Projects featured throughout the State of Indiana!
On Thursday, August 3rd, Paul Hayden, director of Indiana Landmarks’ Northeast Field Office,
which is located in Wabash, will speak about the Indiana Landmarks organization and the work
they have been doing in Wabash County to save, preserve, and restore historic properties.
Indiana Landmarks revitalizes communities, strengthens connections to our diverse heritage,
and saves meaningful places. During his presentation, Paul will talk about the historic
preservation efforts that are being made by Indiana Landmarks in Wabash County and the
stories behind some of these properties. He will also take preservation-related questions from
the audience.
Save the date now for these interesting and educational events which will be held at 10 am on
the first Thursday of each month at the Museum.
The Wabash County Museum is located at 36 E Market Street in downtown Wabash. To learn
more about upcoming events for all ages including The Thursday Parlay, First Fridays at the
Museum, the Wabash Founders Festival, or to check out our virtual tour, visit
www.wabashmuseum.org. Follow the Museum on Facebook and Instagram for updates and
event information.
