The burgeoning interest in local history in Fort Wayne 1887-1894

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The Burgeoning Interest in Local History
in Fort Wayne 1887-1894

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The Burgeoning Interest in Local History
in Fort Wayne 1887-1894

Reprinted with the

special permission

of the

Alien County - Fort Wayne

Historical Society

Fort Wayne Public Library

Fort Wayne, Indiana

1968

Board of Trustees

of the

Fort Wayne Public Library

Charles Slater, President

Allan J. Tremper, Vice-President
Mrs. Mark Knoblauch, Secretary
Arthur J. Meyer, Treasurer
Mrs. Richard Buirley
Leslie S. Fry
Phillip Sanborn
Countv

900 V^ebster Site-

fort ^aV^S' ^^

Public Library Board
for Allen County

The members of this Board include the members of the Board of
Trustees of the Fort Wayiie Public Library (with the same officers)
together with the following citizens chosen from Allen County out-
side the corporate city of Fort Wayne.

Mrs. Frank Dulin
James E. Graham
William E. Miller

Mrs. Charles Reynolds

THE BURGEONING INTEREST IN LOCAL HISTORY
IN FORT WAYNE 1887-1894

by Rex M. Potterf

The paucity of overt evidence of any consider-
able local interest in Fort Wayne's historical heritage
during most of the century after General Wayne's visit
here in 1794 may be traceable to the exigencies of
popular concentration upon creature needs and living
necessities. However, as the city's centennial year
came nearer, strivings toward the exploitation of the
history of Fort Wayne and the area become visible
from a perusal of the local newspapers of that day.

Sometime previous to the summer of 1887 his-
torical-minded citizens of Northwest Ohio organized
the Maumee Valley Monumental Association. The
stated purpose of the association was to obtain from
Congress appropriations for the erection of memorial
buildings or monuments at the old battle grounds and
forts that formed a chain of defense along the Maumee
River from Fort Wayne to Lake Erie. There was the
hope that Congress, would provide for the purchase of
the sites of old Indian fortifications, Fort Meigs, De-
fiance, Recovery, Miami and Wayne with the purpose
of keeping alive for future generations the patriotism
of the people. With a well -established anchor of mem-
bership at Toledo and its area, ^ the association sought
to extend its influence and increase its membership
by holding a meeting at Fort Wayne on September 10,
1887. Thus, with substantial membership in both

Toledo and Fort Wayne the leaders of the movement
hoped to increase their weight as a pressure group
and to unify sentiment in a larger interstate area
whose early history was indeed closely interwoven.''

The roster of guests and members expected to
be present at the Fort Wayne Meeting included Chief
Justice Morrison, R. Waite, D. W. Howard, Judge
Lemmon, Congressman Jacob Rotels, General John C.
Lee, all of Toledo, Congressman W.W. Bootham of
Bryan and Ex-President Rutherford B. Hayes. These
gentlemen with others were routed into Fort Wayne on
the 1:00 P.M. train on the Wabash with the exception
of Congressman Bootham who was due to arrive on the
afternoon express of the Lake Shore Road. A com-
mittee of the Business men's exchange accompanied
by ex -Mayor F.P. Randall and other citizens of emi-
nence was deputed to meet these visitors on their ar-
rival. Ex-President Hayes was scheduled to preside
over the deliberations of the convention.

On their arrival the out-of-town visitors were
driven to the Aveline House for dinner. Thereafter
they were conducted to inspect the old fort sites, the
scene of Harmar's defeat on the north side of the
Maumee River opposite the foot of Harmar Street, the
site of the English fort near the Henry Baker farm
house, Spy Run and to other places of historical in-
terest. The drive ended at the Randall residence
where the visitors spent an hour in examining his
cabinets of relics and curious artifacts of historical
significance.

Many of the expected visitors did not arrive.
Assembling at the academy of music, the guests lis-
tened to an address by Mayor Muhler who in the ab-
sence of ex-President Hayes proposed Congressman
J. B. White as president of the meeting. The latter
was accordingly chosen. Captain Allan McDougal
served as secretary. President White spoke briefly

and referred to the object of the meeting and appealed
for a greater interest in the history of the area which
he said extended back for two centuries. ^

General Lee, a pleasing speaker, made the
principal address and by his colorful recital of the old
wars charmed and instructed his audience for upwards
of an hour. He said that the revolutionary soldiers of
Virginia were given this vast domain in which to lo-
cate their land claims, and then the Twelve Nations of
Indians combined to prevent farther encroachments on
their territory.

A line of forts was erected from Fort Hamil-
ton, at Cincinnati, to Greenville, thence to the Au-
glaize River and to Fort Wayne, Defiance, Maumee
and even to Detroit.

In 1790 President Washington dispatched Gen-
eral Harmar with forces to repel the incursions of the
Indians but the latter inflicted on them a bloody and
inglorious defeat. The scene of this defeat, a part of
which lies within the corporate limits of this city, is
unknown to many of the citizens. Even the site of the
Old Fort is plowed through by a railroad, and the only
comforting circumstance about the historic spot is
that the title to a portion of it is vested in the city and
it is thus likely to be preserved. General St. Clair
led another expedition after that of General Harmar
and like him met with defeat. President Washington
then cast about for a soldier capable to leading the
American arms to victory; his choice was General
Anthony Wayne. This famous officer appeared in the
Maumee Valley at Fort Defiance August 1794. He at
once built a fort there and on its completion moved
down the Maumee River in barges to a point below
Napoleon, near the Fallen Timbers where on August
1794, the Indians gave him battle; they lost the day by
reason of the impetuous charge of the soldiery which
Wayne led in person. This noted contest occurred

near where Chief Turkey Foot was slain.

Fort Wayne was established by General An-
thony Wayne in 1794. The latter named Lieutenant
Hamtramck to the command. He named the fortifica-
tion after General Wayne. In 1812 General W.H. Har-
rison, in command of the forces in the northwest ad-
vanced to the Maumee and built a fort. This he called
Fort Meigs in honor of the governor of Ohio. In May
1812 the British occupied Fort Miami and laid siege to
Fort Meigs with the assistance of a great host of In-
dians. However, General Green Clay Smith reinforced
General Harrison and on July 28th, 1813 the siege was
raised. Nothing now marks the spot where the heroes
of these struggles fell; many facts that should be mat-
ters of accurate historical mention must ever remain
shrouded in misty tradition.

In closing, General Lee outlined a plan to se-
cure an appropriation of $50, 000 to effect the purposes

of the association. However, he pointed out that the

/I

sum of $100, 000 would be more suitable."

Local recruits to the membership of the Mau-
mee Valley Monumental Association as a result of this
meeting included Congressman James B. White, for-
mer Mayor F. P. Randall, Colonel David N. Foster,
Lieutenant Governor R.S. Robertson, Dr. S.C. Met-
calf, J.W. White, Reverend Joen F . Lang, H.C. Han-
na, Frank Alderman, M. Reinhardt, G. W. Rixley,
M.W. Fay, W.T. Lamb, Dr. D.D. Weissall, Charles
W. Wharton, M. Cody, M. F. Barbour, A. A. Davis,
Percy A. Randall, Abram Cope, Phillip Harter, Chris
Piepenbrink, John Seaton, C.P. Fletcher and John A.
Scott. Mayor Muhler and A.H. McDougall were old
members of the association. The secretary read
several letters and telegrams from guests who were
unable to be present. Among these were the following
communications:

Hon. C.F. Muhler:

I have had no sleep for two nights and was well
tired out before I left New York and Washington. I
know the movement is laudable and that ultimately it
must succeed; why should not the dead of the war of
the Maumee Valley have monuments erected by con-
gress to their memory?

A. P. Edgerton

State House commissioner I.D.G. Nelson sent
the following letter:

Hon. Charles Muhler, Mayor, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Dear Sir- -I have just received your favor of
the 5th inst., inviting me to be present at a meeting
of our Fort Wayne citizens to receive members of the
"Maumee Valley Monumental Society, " of Ohio, on the
9th inst. , to deliberate on the proper steps to be taken
to secure the assistance of the government to erect
monuments to mark the spots where the first forts
were erected along the Maumee Valley, during the
Indian wars.

I would gladly comply with your request if it
were in my power to do so, but it is not, owing to
other engagements. I am, however, most heartily in
sympathy with the movement; if I can in any manner
aid in its consumation, I shall most cheerfully do so.
But I am admonished that the time for much active
work with me, as with most others of my time and
generation, is about over. No time should be lost. I
have found in my recent researches in regard to the
Indian relations of the early white settlers and settle-
ments along the valleys of the Wabash and Maumee
rivers and their tributaries (which subject is engaging
some of my attention) that most of the early pioneers
have gone to their rest; only a few of the succeeding
generations survive. In another generation all traces

of personal history that is reliable will be wiped out
and with it most of its special interest. I think it
would be a most becoming act for the general govern-
ment to establish these monumental landmarks on the
line of the most desperate and bloody struggle known
to Indian warfare. This covers a period of more than
a century with varied results. I thank you for the in-
vitation so warmly expressed. I trust that the meet-
ing will be an enjoyable and profitable one to visitors
and citizens. It may well be an advance step toward
final success.

I am, with considerations or regard,
Very truly,

I.D.G. Nelson.

Lettersand telegrams were also received from
Hon. Jacob Romeis, congressman from the Toledo
district, congressman Boothman of Bryan, Ohio, and
Colonel Howard of Toledo.

Congressman Romeis uses this language: "No
one can read the history of those days without coming
to the conclusion that England's great aim was to seize
and hold this vast territory. Had England succeeded,
the Louisiana purchase would never have been made
and our soldiers of the late war would have fought for
only a small country. Therefore we believe that the
brave and noble men, who came from Pennsylvania
and Kentucky and gave their lives to their country to
save this western empire deserve as much recognition
from the people as do the soldiers of the late war."

President White announced that the next meet-

o

ing of the association would be in Fort Wayne on a
date to be selected later.

In the absence of evidence to the contrary and
in the light of subsequent events we must deduce that
the meeting of the Maumee Valley Monumental Asso-
ciation at the Academy of Music September 10, 1887

6

gave spark to substantial interest in local history.
Some citizens of Fort Wayne now had much to say in
tones of regret that this community had neglected a
noble heritage. They deplored that the old stockade
of Anthony Wayne was permitted to fall into decay and
destruction. They paid tardy tribute to a doughty
general from Pennsylvania whose troops and strategy
had converted this area into a domain of civilized peo-
ple. They had much to say of the strategic importance
of the confluence of St. Joseph and Maumee rivers.

In 1888 the annual Maumee Valley Monumental
Association held its annual meeting in Fort Wayne.
Former President Rutherford B. Hayes headed a del-
egation of distinguished citizens from Ohio who par-
ticipated in the event. A notable parade marked the
occasion. Thereafter an audience assembled in the
then "Mad Anthony Wayne Park" now known as Lake-
side. Addresses were made by Mr. Hayes, Colonel
R.S. Robertson, Judge Joseph Cox, Stephen T. Johnson
and James McGrew. Former Chief Justice Waite of
the United States Supreme Court was the retiring
president of the association. A miniature reproduction
of the old fort was displayed in the old fort park.

On the morning of October 22, 1794, Fort
Wayne had been fully completed and ready for occu-
pancy. The formal dedication to the god of war pro-
ceeded with the usual ceremonies. General Wayne
then invested Lieutenant Colonel John F. Hamtramck
with the command of the post. The garrison was
completely officered. A final salute of fifteen rounds
of artillery was fired and the Stars and Stripes were
flung to the breeze, thereafter to float over the ram-
parts.

By 1804 the size and strength of this fort had
proved insufficient for the purpose contemplated in its
original construction. It was then demolished and
another larger, and better adapted to the needs of the

time, erected on nearly the same site, which is now
lot No. 40 in Taber's addition to Fort Wayne. The
original fort was on lots 11, 12, and 13 in the same
addition. The new fort was built under the supervi-
sion of Colonel Hunt, then commander. When this
fort proved insufficient in 1815, it likewise was taken
down and another which was more substantial erected
in its place. From the best information available,
"it enclosed an area of about one hundred and fifty
feet square, in pickets ten feet high and set in the
ground, with a block house at the southeast and south-
west corners, two stories high and rising above the
second floor, which projected and formed a bastion in
each, when the guns were rigged, that on the south-
east commanding the north and east sides of the fort
and that on the northwest, the north and west sides.
The officers quarters, commissary department, and
other buildings, located on the different sides, formed
a part of the walls and in the center stood the liberty
pole, on which was placed a metal American eagle,
and over that floated the stars and stripes of the United
States. The plaza in the enclosure was smooth and
gravelly. The roofs of houses all inclined within the
enclosure after the shed fashion, and to prevent the
enemy from setting it on fire, and if fired, to protect
the men in putting it out, and the water which fell
within was led, in nicely made wooden troughs, just
below the surface of the ground, to the flag -staff, and
thence by a sluice way, to the Maumee. "

It is definitely known that the southwest corner
of the new fort was exactly at the southwest corner of
lot 40, the pickets running south of east towards John
Brown's blacksmith shop and near where the shop now
stands, and where was one of the corners: the east
side ran to a point on the north bank of the old Wabash
and Erie canal, now occupied by the tracks of the N.
Y. C. & St. L. R. R. the west to the second fort or

8

corner, and thence to the place of beginning. ^^

At the close of the struggle of 1814, soon after
the arrival of Major Whistler to assume command, it
was feared that the Indians might again make an effort
to capture the post. Since it was much out of repair,
and most uncomfortable for the garrison in many re-
spects. Major Whistler applied to the War Department
for permission to rebuild it. General Armstrong
granted permission and the main structure was then
replaced by new pickets and other necessary timber
for the rebuilding of the officers' and other quarters
within the enclosure.

Attached to the Fort and extending west of it
to about the northeast corner of Main and Lafayette
streets, and embracing about one acre of land, was a
well -cultivated garden belonging to the commanding
officers. In season it produced the choicest vegeta-
bles. West of this was the company's garden, extend-
ing approximately to the site of the Hedekin House on
Barr Street. This was also tilled, affording suitable
labor for the soldiers, when military discipline
slacked. The main thoroughfares, in those days, ex-
tended westward from the fort, along what was after-
wards the canal, and now the Nickel Plate railroad
right of way.

The principal entrance to the last of the forts
was at a point on the south side of East Berry Street,
opposite Mr. Fred Beach's residence. The heavy
brown oaken posts remained standing, long after the
fort disappeared. One corner of the stockade was de-
stroyed by fire, another was torn down, a third was
cut off and razed by the construction of the Wabash
and Erie Canal, and the last corner, having become a
rendezvous for dissolute characters was pulled down
in the middle 1850's by Hon. F.P. Randall and other

. . 14

citizens.

The Old Fort site, or that much of it on which

buildings had not been erected had occupied a trian-
gular parcel of ground at the northwest corner of East
Main and Clay streets. For years it had been encum-
bered with broken water pipes and unsightly rubbish
but Mr. Henry Williams had caused this debris to be
removed, the land graded and an iron fence erected
about it. -^^

The widespread discussion of these long -gone
events created an acute interest in past history and
influenced local citizenry to pay suitable and due re-
spect to what now seemed to many to be a noble and
heroic past. Plans rapidly proliferated for a suitable
commemoration of the origin of the old fort. The
ninety-first anniversary of the completion of the fort
October 22, 1887 was also the anniversary of the de-
feat of General Harmar by the Indians at a point on
the Maumee River a mile below where the fort was
later erected. Plans included the erection of a liberty
pole nearly seventy -five feet in length in the center of
the iron -fenced enclosure. The pole bore two cross-
arms painted white. From a pulley on top a halyard
depended for the raising of a beautiful flag. It was
originally intended that the ceremonies of the day be
conducted by the Maumee Valley Monumental Associ-
ation. Later this proved impracticable and the events
of the day were celebrated by prominent local citi-
zens. ^^

Notices carried in the local press stimulated
the attendance of a larger number of people at the
ceremonies. The day was the best that October had
to offer. The tall pine liberty pole was impressive.
The last touch was added by the hoisting of a beautiful
small silk bunting banner, held in the form of a ball
by a cord, which depended by the side of the halyard.

At 11:00 P.M. the City band played a patriotic
air, and Captain Allan H. Dougall, the master of
ceremonies presented Mayor Muhler chairman of the

10

meeting. The Mayor mounted the caisson of a piece
of ordinance which stood at no great distance. He in-
troduced Rev. J. P. Loyd who invoked the divine bless-
ing.

Mr. Dougall then read a deed of conveyance to
the city of Fort Wayne of the flag -staff, flag and the
near iron fence, which surrounds the grounds, from
Mr. Henry M. Williams, who had caused these im-
provements to be made. Mayor Muhler formally ac-
cepted the patriotic gift on the part of the city. He
then introduced Hon. Franklin R. Randall, who de-
livered an interesting and instructive address on the
early history of the region, told of the fort and recited
many incidents of great historical interest, which he
had learned from Chief Richardville nearly three
score of years previously. Mr. Randall emphasized
the strategic importance of the fort, commanding the
confluence of the St. Mary's and St. Joseph rivers.

Address of Colonel R.S. Robertson

Mayor Muhler introduced Lieutenant Governor
R.S. Robertson, attorney, Civil War veteran and his-
torian who spoke substantially as follows:

"MY FELLOW CITIZENS: --To my mind, the
purpose for which we have met to-day is one of no
ordinary import to a citizen of our good city of Fort
Wayne. The fact that on the ninety-third anniversary
of the completion of the United States fort upon this
spot and the christening of it by the name of the vic-
torious commander, Anthony Wayne, the flag our
great nation is again unfurled to the breezes of heaven,
not to herald the approach of war, nor as a defiance
of some enemy, but because of the impulse of patriot-
ism in the breast of one of our citizens, himself a
gallant and wounded officer of the Civil War. This

11

has caused him to commemorate the day by enclosing
what is left of the site of the old fort, and erecting a
flag staff from which is designed to float hereafter
our national emblem. This is a fact that proves the
fire of true patriotism, true loyalty and patriotism is
burning in our midst with a flame as fervent as that
which animated the heroes of the revolution and of the
days of 1794.

"You have just heard the history of the cam-
paigns which concluded with the erection of this fort,
graphically told. Well was it said that the site upon
which we stand was historic ground. Also it was a
spot of great strategic importance for the advancing
footsteps of the new civilization born to the world
from the American revolution.

"For many years this had been the gateway by
which passed the savage tribes upon their errands of
war or cruelty towards the outlying settlements, lying
to the east, and for the movements of traders and ex-
plorers towards the west. The great chief, Little
Turtle called it, 'The glorious gate.' This was a
name fraught with significance, not only to the savage
tribes who guarded and kept it so long, as the key to
their defences, but to us. It has become the first
wave of civilization which has filled the great country
to the west of us with a population that has made the
wilderness blossom. It has built an empire which is
to-day one of the grandest on God's green earth, be-
cause it is a republic, free in thought, free in action,
free in everything. It is a republic greater and grand-
er than any in all history, and the one from which a
people take their pattern when they seek to build new
republics upon the ruins of despotisms.

"At last came Wayne, and it is worthy of re
marks that the great commander who opened the path

12

way to the great west, like the great commander who
opened a pathway from Atlanta to the sea, was called
'crazy, ' by those who could not distinguish genius from
insanity. You have just heard the story of his trium -
phal march. It was but a small army he led, but every
man a patriot. They deserve our praise, for there
warfare was not like that of our day. They not only
marched many weary miles into a wilderness at con-
stant risk to their lives but they knew from the fate of
Crawford and many other comrades, that which could
be in store for them if captured by their crafty foe.
The most terrible death in battle was far preferable.
Knowing this, these brave men marched and fought
that we might enjoy the fruits of their sacrifice and
devotion.

"And thus was laid the foundation stone upon
which our beautiful city has been built. How great the
change. Yet, in the spirit of loyalty and patriotism
there has been no change. Here at my left side sits
one born in the old fort, his father one of the carriers
who carried dispatches from here to Detroit. His
brother was in the war with Mexico. Another brother
and a son served their country faithfully and well in
the late Civil War, proof that patriotism and loyalty
as well as other traits can be inherited.

"The emblem we have flung out to the breeze
to-day replaces that other which gladdened the eyes of
Wayne's starving patriots that October morning ninety-
three years ago. There were then but thirteen stars
upon its azure field. To-day there are thirty -eight.
That flag had just passed through the fiery and bloody
baptism of the revolution; it represented a confedera-
tion of thirteen puny states along the seaboard which
had just succeeded to the amazement of all, in casting
off its bonds which chained it to the then greatest

13

power of the civilized world; it was trying out the new
idea of self government. Now, that which now floats
represents one of the great and powerful nations of
earth. It has grown more beautiful as it has been
proudly born upon land and sea during the century
which has intervened. Its sheeny folds have grown
brighter as it has been borne on the battle fields of
the second war with Great Britain, on the plains and
heights of Mexico, and on the fields of a bloody war
between the states. It now floats grandly in the free
air, with-out a single stain to sully its radiant far-
flung folds.

"It represents all we hold good, great and sa-
cred in our government. I have seen men die to save
it from falling into an enemy's hands. I have seen
men fight for the honor of carrying it like a sunburst
of glory into the jaws of death. I have seen a color
bearer with both arms shot off seize the staff between
his bleeding stumps and carry it forward till he fell.

"Men do not do this for a tattered, blood-
stained, bullet torn rag, they do it for that deepest
and best sentiment of humanity, that sentiment which
is the sequence of Republic's loyalty. What is loyalty?
It is merely that sentiment which erects the hearth-
stone and gathers loved ones about it; it says this little
spot is the best, the dearest spot under God's bright
sun on the face of God's green earth.

"As we grow in thought we widen the spheres
to the city, the county, the state; loyalty proclaims it
the best and freest municipality or state in all the
galaxy of states.

"By and by, as we spread in thought, the sen-
timent expands into that grand, enobling expression of
worth which knows no north, no south, no east and no
west, but one grand commonwealth of republics, form-
ing the great union we love --which those heroes of the
beginning of the century gave to us, and which we have

14

protected and will protect against all assailants. " •'^^

Preparations for the Centennial Celebration

These events in the late summer and fall of
1887 were the prelude to widespread interest in pre-
serving that heritage which is so much in evidence
eighty years later in 1967. The more immediate ef-
fort was the arousal of a widespread determination to

formulate substantial plans for a suitable centennial

1 8
celebration of Old Fort day in 1894. This permit-

ted, fortuitously a seven-year period during which
the forthcoming event could and should be properly
launched. The census of 1880 showed a population of
54,763 in Allen County and 26,880 in Fort Wayne.
The census of 1890 credited Allen County with a pop-
ulation of 66,689 and Fort Wayne with 35,363. Thus
the combined population of this increasingly urbanized
community was well beyond 100, 000 in 1894. An-
other great public celebration in Fort Wayne was that
on the occasion of the dedication of the Wabash-Erie
Canal fifty-one years earlier when the flourishing vil-
lage of Fort Wayne, Indiana had scarcely 1500 inhab-

• '^0

itants."^

The Fort Wayne Gazette made a strong ap-
peal for a rousing celebration of the founding of Fort
Wayne. A public meeting to promote the celebration
authorized and formed a committee of twenty-five
"public -spirited and well-known citizens to devise
plans to carry out the work." The committee held its
first meeting in the parlors of the Aveline House.
Colonel R.S. Robertson seems to have been the mov-
ing spirit in promoting the projected celebration. He
addressed a public meeting and in flamboyant and
moving oratory, in terms appealing to the pride and
self interest of the citizens. He cited centennials in
other less -wealthy and less -fortunate cities which

15

were outstandingly successful. He felt Fort Wayne
could do no less. Not content with ideological reasons
for historical interest such as patriotism and love of
country, men saw a financial interest in attracting
"thousands of visitors to the city, many from places
quite far distant." Not only would visitors be reason-
ably expected to spend their money in Fort Wayne but
they would be impressed with local business oppor-
tunities and home -building, free schools, and the en-
terprise of Fort Wayne's merchants.

Despite the long period of seven years allowed
for preparing the centennial event, October 1894,
found Fort Wayne so engrossed in other matters that
the actual celebration was of necessity postponed until
October 1895. Perry A. Randall worked unceasingly
with untiring zeal to promote the event and made con-
siderable personal sacrifices. To him is due much
credit for the ultimate success of the undertaking. On
October 22, 1894 a committee composed of Mayor
Chaucey Oakely, Colonel R. S. Robertson, Charles
McCulloch, Captain James B. White, J. F.W. Meyer
and Charles F. Muhler met and formulated an appeal
to the Indiana legislature for funds. On the basis of
the request by the committee the Indiana general as-
sembly authorized Allen County to appropriate $2000
to defray the costs of the celebration. The city of
Fort Wayne later added $3000 from public funds to the
county appropriation.

On the morning of October 16, 1895 the cele-
bration opened with the firing of one hundred guns by
the Zollinger battery. A week of gay festivities en-
sued. Decorative embellishments for the occasion in-
cluded several arches spanning the principal downtown
thoroughfares. An impressive main arch extended
across Calhoun Street at Wayne Street. It was sup-
plemented by an arch formed by gas pipes with several
burners which furnished brilliant nocturnal illumina-

16

tion. Thousands who assembled crowded the Princess
rink to hear addresses by Colonel R.S. Robertson and
others relating to the early history of Fort Wayne. A
huge campfire marked the occasion. A mammoth pa-
rade, five miles in length required one hour and fif-
teen minutes to pass the reviewing stand.

Military companies from other cities competed
at Driving Park. Governor Claude Mathews and his
military staff honored the occasion with their presence
to witness part of the program. Other features in-
cluded a bicycle parade and a band contest.

Sham battles, a simulated attack by Indians on
a stage coach, a mock attack of savages on a cabin,
attempted burnings at a stake and other pioneer scenes
consumed ammunition valued at $1500.

Historic mementos and dioramas included Gen-
eral Wayne's camp bed and a model of the old fort.

A brilliant display of fireworks terminated this
notable event. The "set" pieces included "Fort Wayne
Welcomes All, " "George Washington, " "General An-
thony Wayne," "The Old Fort," "P. A. Randall,"
"Spirit of 76," "The Bicycle Rider," "Niagara Falls,"
and "Good Night. "^^

It should be noted that public appropriations
aggregating $5000 were not available at the time of
the celebration. To assure success eleven citizens
stepped into the breach and guaranteed the necessary
funds by signing notes which totalled $5000. The sign-
ers were, R.R. Bell, R.S. Robertson, Charles Mc-
Culloch, John Mohr, Jr., G.W. Pixley, D.N. Foster,
Henry C. Paul, Charles Muhler, John W . White, J.F.
W. Meyer, M. Frank. ^^

17

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Fort Wayne Gazette. September 9, 1887.

2. Fort Wayne Gazette. Feb. 10, 1887.

3. Daily Gazette. Sept. 9, 1887.

4. Daily Gazette. Sept. 9, 1887.

5. Ibid.

6. Daily Gazette. Sept. 19, 1887.

7. Ibid.

8. Ibid.

9. Ibid.

10. Fort Wayne Gazette. Oct. 21, 1887.

11. Griswold History of Fort Wayne, Indiana p. 519;
Gazette Aug. 19, 1894^

12. Ibid.

13. Wallace Brice: History of Fort Wayne, p. 287.

14 . Fort Wayne Gazette. Oct. 21, 1887.

15. Ibid.

16. Ibid.

17. Fort Wayne Gazette. Oct. 23, 1887.

18. Fort Wayne Gazette. Aug. 23, 1894.

19. Census of Population 1960, Vol. I, Part 16, Indi-
ana pp. 16-19.

20. Griswold. Op. cit. pp. 302 ff.

21. Fort Wayne Gazette. Aug. 23, 1894.

22. Griswold pp. 532-33.

23. Fort Wayne Gazette. Aug. 26, 1894,

Sources

The Fort Wayne Gazette.

Wallace Brice: History of Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne,

D.W. Jones & Sons,~186
Bert Griswold: The Pictorial History of Fort Wayne.

Chicago. Robert O. Law Co. 1917.
Census of Population 1960. Vol. I, Part 16. Indiana.

U.S. Department of Commerce. Bureau of the

Census. Washington, D.C. 1963.

18

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