Mr. Stan DeHaan, from Orange City, has been portraying President Abraham Lincoln since 1982 when he grew a beard for the Newkirk Church Centennial Celebration. His first performance came at the request of his daughter, a third grade teacher, who asked him to speak to her students. He donned a borrowed top hat and his black wedding suit, for what became the first of many years of giving Lincoln presentations.

It is hoped that Mr. DeHaan will be making an appearance at Carlisle’s Fourth of July Celebration.

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Nearly every day someone asks me, “How’s the house coming?” Adrian Iddings, owner of Timberline Drywall, and his crew, provided the most recent answer to that question. Their job was to prepare the walls and ceilings on the first floor for priming and painting. This is what the decorating and wall committees have worked toward for many weeks.

After Rob and Danny removed the fence, Rex Fowler hauled away the fencing and posts. Keith Gulling, from Runnells, donated time and equipment to remove the old bushes. Also, hunks of cement have been removed from the property. These volunteers provide the impetus to keep going.

Stop in and say “hello.” If you see cars in the driveway, come on in. Someone will give you the 2-cent tour. Soon there will be many volunteer painters working on the interior. If you are interested in volunteering, we will give you all the hours you need at no pay. Sign up now!

Mark your calendar for these Randleman House events:
June 14 and 15-- Open House
July 5---- A special 200th Anniversary celebration! You won’t want to miss this.
Watch this space for details.

Our April campaign resulted in four new members. Welcome! Our goal is to exceed that number in May. Once again, $35 for a single yearly membership and $500, lifetime. Our Post office box is #137, Carlisle IA, 50047. For convenience, include your email address so you may receive the minutes of general meetings.

Our web address: www.carlisleareahistory.org. Pictures have now been posted with several of the articles.

Carol Murphy
Carmrphy6@msn.com
515-989-0577

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House at 2nd and School Do you recognize this picture as Carlisle’s first library?
I expect that you have received the new Carlisle Chamber of Commerce 2008-2009 Business Guide. I had an opportunity to compare this guide to one that came out in 1975, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, and compiled by the Trustees of the Carlisle Public Library.

The newest one has a colorful cover page with the pool, Fourth of July parade, North Park flowers, and students with Crayolas and magic markers. The old one features a drawing by Imogene Slezak of the little house that was our first library. At that time it was on the corner where our present library now stands at Second and School Street.. Dedicated in 1981, it was built by Wayne Fleishman and his building trades class.

In 1975, if you drove south on Fifth Street, there was no more town after John Goodhue Drive. Now, you can go clear to Veterans Memorial Drive, and to the east of that is the Summerset Bike Trail which takes you to Indianola. The North River makes a natural boundary for the city, but we are steadily expanding to the west, including the gorgeous new middle school and more beautiful homes in the Scotch Ridge Road area.

Some businesses that were open in 1975 are gone. I have been here long enough to remember the Suburban Shoppe, the Hartford Palace, Gert’s Fabric and Gift Shop, the Smoke House, and Five Sisters Maid Rite. Now you can sit around the supper table and share your remembrances of 1975.

Keep this new Chamber of Commerce Business Guide for thirty-three years, and when looking through it at that time, you will remember businesses that were here in 2008 and reminisce about those “good old days.”

If you have driven by the Randleman House lately, you may notice that the fence has been taken down, giving the property a whole new look, and perhaps you could see a little flag indicating that the lawn has been treated with weed and feed. We sincerely thank Mike Olson, MTO LAWN MAINTENANCE, for his contribution toward more beautiful landscaping.

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Carlisle students The High School recently sponsored a day in which students could help their communities brighten things up a bit after a tiresome winter.

Judging by the enthusiasm displayed by many Carlisle Community School students, the windy work day was a success. On April 16, these students raked and stacked fencing at the Randleman House and their work was very much appreciated.

I understand that 400+ students collected 800+ bags of leaves or garbage. Perhaps this will become an annual event.

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Dale McClintic Dale McClintic lives in our community. He was born November 16, 1911, and the doctor who delivered him drove a horse and buggy. He remembers scooping peanut butter out of a barrel, and buying cheese that was sliced right in Beauchamp’s store which was at the old Laverty’s location. Also, where the Barber shop is now, was known as the Citizen’s Bank, when he was a boy. He used to build and sell Crystal sets until they became so inexpensive that anyone could buy them at a dime store. He still maintains an interest in those old sets.

When airplanes first began flying over the area, he remembers that things came to a stop and everyone would run outside to watch. He says his first car was a Model T made from parts of several old ones.

One of his best remembrances is a story in Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. A grave marker in the Carlisle cemetery lists the birth date as February 32. He says the marker is there in the old part of the cemetery close to the fence.

And, he can still quote Shakespeare!

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Creative Home Photographers On March 28, the very first photo-shoot at Randleman House took place. Shown above is a photograph of the crew from CREATIVE HOME magazine.

From left to right: Shawn Roorda, design director; Kristin Cleveland, project designer; Jay Wilde, photographer; identity unknown; Debra Wittrup, senior editor; and Amy Allen, photographer’s assistant.

They were very friendly and generous with information. At least three of us went up and took pictures. Of course, most of those can’t be shown until after the magazine comes out.

See if you can figure out the theme of this photo-shoot.

Watch for the FALL issue of CREATIVE HOME, which will be on the stands July 1, 2008.
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Mark these dates:
April 23, CAHS membership, then Board 6:15, City Hall

June 14-15, Open House, Randleman House 10:00 to 4:30 to help celebrate alumni weekend. Everyone welcome.

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Julie Kunze, Polly Glascock, and Mary Sue VanRyswyk Members of the Warren County Leadership Institute, Class of 2008. Julie Kunze, Polly Glascock and Mary Sue VanRyswyk were part of the group that toured RANDLEMAN HOUSE on March 29.

The Leadership Institute’s primary objective is to train and inform leaders by creating the “best future for themselves, their families, their communities, and their country.” Each year since 1993, the class has created a project to benefit Warren County. The project in 2005 provided the Balloon Museum with a new computer, put a new roof on the Lake Ahquabi shower building and sponsored a bench in the Carlisle Community School Courtyard.

In 2006, the Institute installed bird feeders, complete with seed, at several community care centers.

In 2007, they raised money and distributed defibrillators for use in the County Jail, Courthouse and squad cars.

In 2008, their aim is to provide more casual seating on the Warren County Fairgrounds. These benches will be sponsored by individuals or businesses at a cost of $350. Nameplates will be placed on these benches.

This information was taken from the Warren County Leadership Institute 2008 Directory.

For more information go to www.wcedc.com/WCLI/

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I noticed that some pill bottles have been picked up from Jus’ Chic, The Cutting Edge and Mary Sue’s Salon. We appreciate your interest in the Randleman House renovation project. Each bottle returned to City Hall increases our ability to continue dreaming and planning. Thank you, everyone.

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Trencher at work Webster Electric did the outdoor trenching which nearly completed the electrical re-wiring of the Randleman House. Additionally, the Society received a gift of electrical supplies from Electrical Engineering and Equipment, known as 3 E. This equipment was installed by Webster Electric. We want to publicly thank 3E for their generous gift.

The fireplace at the Randleman House has been closed off to prevent animals from entering, and holes in the roof have been repaired.

In a previous article, I mentioned that Mary Adams had known John and Isabel Bloom, who were part of the Public Works of Art Project during the Great Depression. Vera Cope also mentioned that her brother-in-law, Jack Miller, was employed by the CCC when Lake Aquabi was built. These were social and economic programs enacted by the Franklin D. Roosevelt Administration to help the nation’s economic crisis.

The National New Deal Preservation Association would like to identify and honor those who worked on these projects which were begun 75 years ago. I would like to hear and publish stories by persons involved in PWA, TVA, CCC, WPA and other New Deal projects. Please call or email me so we can keep those stories from fading and disappearing completely.

To read more, go to: http://www.newdeal75.com/

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Vera Cope Born in 1916, Vera King Cope, at 91, is a joy to visit with. She has lived in this community since marrying George Cope in 1937.

Vera grew up in a family of 7 children during the Depression. No one thought anything about being poor. “Everyone was the same as everyone else.” Occasionally, each child would get a special honor in the form of a ride into town with their Dad. The shopping “spree” might bring back oranges, hot dogs, or hamburger. These were unique treats for a family used to raising their own pork and chickens, and having their own milk and cream.

Vera graduated at 16 from Indianola High School. She wanted to teach school, but couldn’t get her certificate until she turned 18. In the meantime she cleaned houses and helped new mothers--who had to stay in bed for 10 days back then. She earned $3.00 a week. At that time, some girls were only getting $2.50, but Vera was good help and she could cook! At age 18, she went to the county seat, passed the test, and was ready to become a teacher. One week before the start of the fall term, she was offered a job at Ward country school. She remembered her salary as being $55.00 a month. From that she paid $15.00 a month room and board.

The class size was usually about 7 or 8 children, and they bought their own books. She stayed at Ward school for one year and then taught at Reddish school for 3 years. One time a family with 5 children moved into the District and her teaching duties increased, but not her salary.

When she married, Vera had to resign her teaching job.

Times were hard in 1937, but the neighbors gave them a chivaree, something you don’t hear much about these days. Gifts included a berry bowl with dishes, and some drinking glasses, but a most unique gift from a loving friend, was a jar of home-canned peaches with 50 cents taped to the lid.

Vera and George had 4 children. The birth of one was notable in two ways. When she was in labor, Dr. Oshana picked her up and took her to the hospital, but the delivery had to wait because he was called away to tend to a patient who had been shot during the bank robbery in Carlisle!

George and Vera shared a love of music. She played the piano and he, the fiddle. Playing for square dancing in the area, they were able to supplement their income by $3.00 each, for the evening. The last tune was “Home Sweet Home,” but usually the crowd could talk them into just one more dance. Some of these dances were held at the old Legion Hall, and for PTA meetings, which were often just social events in those days.

Vera played for the Avon Community Church for many years, and volunteered at the elementary school for a very long time, sitting in the hallway on tiny chairs, so the children could have their “one on one” time with a special person.

Vera Cope is that special person.

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Our latest newsletter (volume 3) is available for download in PDF format by clicking here, or in MS Word format here.

As before, if you can not view PDF files a free viewer is available here.

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Mary Adams Who was Mary Adams?

Mary Adams (1909-2005) was the granddaughter of Robert Nicholson, first Mayor of Carlisle. Mary’s mother was Grace Nicholson who married Clay Beymer. Clay had attended Simpson College and was in a class with George Washington Carver. His father, George Beymer, was one of Abraham Lincoln’s body guards during the Civil War.

Clay owned and operated Beymer Company, an electrical business at Seventh and Mulberry, in Des Moines from 1909 to the 1940’s. The family lived at 1426 Tenth Street., Des Moines.

Mary had wonderful memories of visiting her grandparents Nicholson in Carlisle. It is thought that her grandmother, Mary Ann, was the one who instilled in her granddaughter a love for family history.

Mary Beymer went to North High School and graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Art .She worked as a substitute teacher in the Des Moines School District for a while. Later she worked at a photographer’s studio hand-tinting photographs before the days of color photography. She worked as a cashier and later as a secretary at the Des Moines Water Works business office.

Mary knew many of the artists employed by the Public Works of Art Project during the Great Depression. This group of artists included John and Isabel Bloom. That Art Project was part of the NEW DEAL, created by the Roosevelt administration.

Mary was an artist, and teacher who loved traveling. Her very wide interests included music, horseback riding, Bridge, and as a member of the Ames Women’s Club bowling team, she helped the group win several bowling championships.

In the meantime, her special suitor, Bert Adams, was building a futuristic-type home in Ames, which they would eventually call “Prairie Ark.” We know how special he was because Mary waited twenty-five years for Bert to ask her to marry him.

Having such a rich family history, it was natural for Mary to keep and cherish family records, which were organized into many scrapbooks documenting the Garton, Nicholson, and Beymer family histories.

In keeping with Mary Beymer Adams’ love for history and family, when she died, she left a legacy to Carlisle, to aid in remembrance of her grandfather. It was this legacy plus a bequest by Ewing Lanning, that helped the Carlisle Area Historical Society purchase the house at 245 Pennsylvania, and begin the restoration project.

From notes by Dennis Wendell curator, Ames Historical Society.

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An important part of the renovation project for the Randleman House is underway. With an ample grant from the Warren County Philanthropic Partnership, and matching funds from our treasury, we were able to secure a very generous bid from Webster Electric. A complete re-wiring assures the safety of the property, and aids in the advancement of our vision.

It will soon be time to apply for another grant, and we will need to replenish the treasury for matching monies. If you would like to help, or if you know persons who are interested in joining our Society, please pass the word. Send me a message or talk to any member. Thank you.

Since this is such a timely event, I am delaying the story of Mary Adams until next week.

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Nicholson Home Pictured this week is the Robert A. Nicholson home in Carlisle. The house still stands, with some changes, at 2nd and Main. Mr. Nicholson had much to do with the beginnings of Carlisle, and his influence and love for this community continued 100 years after his death when the Carlisle Area Historical Society was able to purchase the Randleman House at 245 Pennsylvania on October 1, 2007.

Robert A. Nicholson was born in 1831 in Northumberland County, England, and emigrated to the United States in 1847. He lived in Ohio and Illinois before settling in Des Moines and then Carlisle. He married Mary Ann Garton of Surrey, England in 1856. They raised a family of 5 boys and 2 girls: William, Frank, Harriett, Albert, Robert, Arthur and Grace. Tragically, a baby, John Ross, died after falling from a high chair in 1862.

After buying the Carlisle Flouring Mill in 1863, he made improvements and operated it under the name of R. Nicholson Flouring Mill. A fire in 1888 destroyed the business district of Carlisle, as well as the Mill.

Mr. Nicholson then bought a smaller mill and ran it until he retired in 1905. The mill was a major employer in Carlisle, especially for Teamsters, before the railroad came through. The mill was steam powered by a 40 h. p. engine. The furnace burned either coal or wood to heat the boiler. Farmers from Ames and other towns came to have their wheat ground at the mill. This was especially important when other water-powered mills could not run during the dry season.

Mr. Nicholson was elected first mayor of Carlisle, served on the school board as President and treasurer, and was a strong supporter of the Carlisle Baptist Church for over fifty years. He died in 1910 and is buried in Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines.

From notes by Dennis Wendell curator, Ames Historical Society.

Next week: Robert Nicholson’s granddaughter, Mary Adams.

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Hartford Gazebo Almost every town has at least one landmark. In Hartford most folks consider the landmark to be the gazebo or bandstand. It is located on the northeast corner of the four-way stop in the middle of town. We have all driven past it dozens of time.

The gazebo was built about 1904. It has also been referred to as the “loafing bench.” In early days it was used as the bandstand for the Hartford Band, and for the Drum and Bugle Band to entertain at many social functions. Ed Freel was the director of the band in 1906. Dell Hughes, father of Sally Farley was also in that band.

The gazebo was also used for ice cream socials. Although it is hard to imagine, it was thought that the ice cream freezers were stored underneath the floor of the gazebo to keep them out of the sun and away from taster’s fingers.

There was never a jail in Hartford and occasionally a rowdy or uncooperative citizen would be placed under the gazebo canopy for temporary safekeeping.

Sometime in the 1960’s, the landmark fell into disrepair and the city council voted to tear it down. Luckily, the Booster Club stepped in with an offer to fix it up with paint and a roof. A cement floor and lights were also added at that time.

In 1981 more repairs were made to prepare for a wedding. A thorough clean-up job, new paint and a new ornament for the top made an ideal setting.

In 2008, at over 100 years old, the landmark gazebo still stands as the focal point for the town of Hartford.

First written by Lynda Richards and printed in THE HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY, IOWA, 1987. Vol. 1.

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Rob and Mary Sue Van Ryswyk and Ethel Lee show their appreciation to Chuck Callahan who is displaying a giant architectural drawing of the Randleman House, which he has prepared for the Society. Thank you very much, Chuck.

We are bringing back the Randleman House Pill Bottle Campaign. Many persons did not get an opportunity to fill a bottle with quarters to help the renovation project. Pick up a bottle at City Hall or Mary Sues Salon, fill it, return it to City Hall, and pick up another, should you so choose. Please help us by giving empty bottles to your neighbors, friends and relatives, so they can share in this adventure. I would love to see a bottle filled by every household in the Hartford, Palmyra, Carlisle, Scotch Ridge, Avon and Easter Lake areas. Think what that would do for 245 Pennsylvania!

Work continued at the Randleman House last Saturday. We are able to park in the driveway through the combined efforts of Rob Van Ryswyk and Danny Roach. Rob plows and Danny loans his jeep and blade while taking advantage of milder weather in Alabama. We appreciate both of you.

The monthly membership meeting will be held at City Hall, 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 27. Many issues will be discussed and decided on. You wont want to miss this one!
Submitted by Carol Murphy

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In a wonderful act of generosity, the Carlisle Area Historical Society received a Valentine gift from Hy-Vee Weitz Construction. Brad Strehlow, President of the company, arranged a gift of 50 sheets of drywall to be delivered to 245 Pennsylvania. We are grateful for this gift, and it will be used to restore the ceilings on the first floor. Delivering the drywall were two capable gentlemen, Anthony Pruden and Edwin Rojas from Midwest Acoustical Supply. We send our thanks to all of those involved in this phase of restoration.

I hope you all read Fishermans Luck in last weeks article. The man I identified as A. C. Art Pendry was actually James Alexander Pendry, Dale Pendrys father, and he was known as Alex. I believe the part about the sense of humor was correct.

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I recently heard from John P. Fry, a member, now living in Eugene Oregon. When moving, he ran across this undated poem written by A. C. (Art) Pendry. John said, This is of particular interest to Jack, Harry and me because every fall after the harvests were finished on the farm, my Dad, W. C. Fry, Ben Mott, Harold Mott and Art Pendry would have a wonderful time going fishing in Minnesota. My brother, Jack, noted that Art always kept adding humor to their experiences, regardless of their luck fishing.

FISHERMANS LUCK
A.C. Pendry

Ben and Bill went out a fishin,
Took their fishin rod and bait.
Went prepared to get the big ones,
Round the bend in Archers lake.
Wind was blown, water ripplin
Sun a shinin, clear, and bright,
Casting hard for Mr. Pickerls
Always fishin for a strike.
Took Bills bait, and went a runnin
Towards the weeds and water grass,
Sank the hook a little deeper
Every time he made a pass.
Round and round the boat Bill played him
Wound him in then let him run,
How I wish you could have seen him,
Sakes alive its lots of fun!
Ben says, Bill you got a good one!
Reel him gently, reel him slow
Let him run, dont try to hold him
Darn the luck you let him go!

Because I wasnt sure, I checked with Duane Mott. He told me that Ben was his Grandfather, and Harold Mott was his Uncle. This surely will bring back memories to many people in our community.

Heres a great Valentines gift idea: Give your sweetie the lasting gift of a membership to the Carlisle Area Historical Society. Bargain priced at $35 a year, or a generous gift of a $500 Life Membership. See Mary Sue at the Salon, LaVena at Four Seasons Floral, or Carole Gates at 989-0257.

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If a person goes South for the winter, especially THIS winter, his picture should be published in the CARLISLE CITIZEN. Shown applying plaster above one of the stained glass windows at the Randleman House, is Danny Roach. Black and white does not do this window justice, so come up and see for yourself. One window has been completely redone and the colors that are shining through are brilliant. Thanks very much to the window crew.

Plastering and scraping continues at the Randleman House. The third layer of plaster is nearly done in the ballroom, thanks to our capable volunteers. You too, can help. Our crew will be taking a break on Feb.2, but will resume regular Saturdays from 10 to 2:30, starting again on Feb. 9, and continuing through the month. If you would like to help on different days, give one of us a call, and we will accommodate your hours.
Susan Robinson: 989-0445. Carol Murphy: 989-0577.

Special days may be coming up when gifts would be in order. We still have Buttered Maple Syrup candles, which make the whole house smell delicious. Also, Randleman House note cards and 8x10 Randleman House pictures which are suitable for framing, are available at Four Seasons Floral and Mary Sues Salon. Additionally, if you have a pesky pill bottle sitting on the kitchen counter, filled with quarters, it can be turned in at City Hall any time.

Carole Gates has asked me to announce that if you have a doll house to share for a possible show, please call her at 989-0257. Carole is our Membership Committee Chairman, and also has a passion for miniatures.

Speaking of Membership: (Notice the clever segue.) If you would like to join our organization, but just havent gotten around to it, you can mail dues to Carlisle Area Historical Society, Box 137, Carlisle, Iowa 50047, or visit with any member. Yearly dues are $35.00 and a Life Membership is $500.

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The Carlisle Area Historical Society has begun the process of interviewing some of the area senior citizens. This is an effort to preserve as much oral history as possible.

Recently Tressa Epps Bartholomew spent some time with relatives, relating some of those long-ago experiences.

Born March 30th, 1905, Tressa is a lifelong Carlisle-area resident. She is the widow of the late Grant Bartholomew. Their four children include the late Newt Bartholomew and Avis Wittkowski and two daughters, Mariglee Williams and Joyce Bender who live in the Carlisle area. In addition, Tressa has 14 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 33 great-great grandchildren.

Tressa has a wealth of personal history and a clear memory and she shared a few of her life-experiences.

Among some of the stories Tressa related was the story of her piano. Tressa's love of music began as a very young girl. She took piano lessons at the Randleman house from a Mrs. Myers, who lived in Des Moines. Mrs. Myers told Tressa's father Al Epps, this girl needs a piano! Mr. Epps declared that he didn't know a thing about choosing a musical instrument, and so Mrs. Myers consented to meet him in Des Moines to help him make a choice. Mr. Epps took the train and met the piano teacher at the store. Tressa said Dad purchased the piano at Davidsons, a store at 7th and Walnut. Tressa remembers that the the piano cost $300 and some dollars, a lot of money in those days. The piano came to Carlisle by train. Her father and brother brought the wagon and horses to town to pick up the piano at the depot and then took the long-awaited instrument home.

Tressa walked from her home, west of Carlisle, near Lost Forty, to her piano lessons in Carlisle. When asked if it seemed far, she replied, no, it didnt seem far and there was nothing to be afraid of. She said she was just real interested in going to her lesson.

Tressa related that her father was a coal miner and worked at a mine near Scotch Ridge. "I was always determined to go down into the coal mine," she said, "so I went down in what they called a cage. I looked around and I saw my dad lying on his side just chipping away at that black coal."

These are just a few of Tressas personal narratives.

If you would like to play a part in preserving our local history by being interviewed, please contact Jerry Randleman at 989-4042.

(Tressa is shown being interviewed by her granddaughter, Janet Bartholomew Van Ryswyck. In the background is Tressas original, prized piano.)

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Randleman House Banner A beautiful banner was made for the Randleman House by the Camp Dodge, Iowa, National Guard Unit, in Johnston. We are anxious to put it on display, and send our thanks and gratitude to the National Guard.

Projects at 245 Pennsylvania continue. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has awarded $643 to the Carlisle Area Historical Society to purchase supplies. These dollars helped purchase materials to repair the stained glass windows in the Randleman House, plumbing supplies to provide warm water for cleaning the tools, and Kilz for the walls.

With this grant, The Warren County chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans shows its support for the project, and we, of the Historical Society, extend our sincere appreciation for that gift. Lori Curtis, Ethel Lee, and Denny Keeney and Mary Keeney will be working on the stained glass. Carole Gates and Ruth Fetters have been refinishing the woodwork for the window frames, and Danny Roach installed the sink and the very convenient water heater.

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Palmyra Church Repairs The Carlisle Area Historical Society took advantage of the wonderful weather on Saturday, January 5, 2008, to help The Friends of Palmyra Church repair the hole in the steeple of the Historic Palmyra Church.

Built in 1870, the church property was placed on the National Register of Historic places by the United States Department of Interior and the Iowa State Historical Society. It had major renovations about twenty-five years ago, but now is in need of a little face-lift. These two groups have joined together in a common interest.

The church is open each Memorial Day weekend. Arrangements to rent the building can be made by calling Wayne Jones at 285-4512.

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A HOLIDAY GIFT FROM ASP

On Saturday, December 15, the ASP (APPALACHIAN SERVICE PROJECT) group braved the snow to help the Carlisle Area Historical Society convert the third floor apartment of the Randleman house back into a storage attic as it was in 1907. Adults and students had a great time tearing out paneling and cupboards. To prove that volunteering can be fun, a bat was included in the debris passed down by a human brigade to the trash pile below.

The hard-working volunteers were heard saying this job was whetting their appetites for the work they will be doing in Appalachia. These people give up their Spring Break and agree to sleep on gym floors, to work on an important project. Sponsored by the Methodist Church, their goal is to help make homes drier, safer and warmer for persons in Kentucky.

The group has taken on an additional project for our house, which will include rebuilding the access staircase in its original location to the third floor. They have scheduled another work day for January 5, 2008. We are proud to join forces with the ASP group, and thank Rick Abel for coordinating these efforts.

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Many of you have probably driven past 245 Pennsylvania and noticed the beautiful tree at the South West corner of the house. It is a Burr Oak. It is so huge and beautiful and distinctive looking, that the Society decided to have someone come and evaluate its health. George Warford, District Forester for the Department of Natural Resources, came and took a good look.

The tree has a circumference of 12 and a half feet, which means it is at least 220 years old, and could be up to 250 years old. It is 75 feet tall, which is shorter than expected, but that is offset by the lovely spread of the canopy. Some of us did not know that the outward spread of limbs was called a canopy!

The age is calculated by multiplying the circumference times the average rate of growth of a Burr Oak. Now, that is the reason we needed an expert. Mr.Warford said that after the first 100 years the oak doesnt grow as fast, so it could be older. He diagnosed the tree as being healthy and strong.

My true hope is that no one ever gets to count the rings to prove the actual age of the wonderful Burr Oak.

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Our latest newsletter is available for download by clicking here.

The newsletter is in Portable Document Format (PDF). If you can not view the file, a free viewer is available here.

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Saturday mornings after playing football the night before, the Wyckoff kids were in their Dads garage bending duct work for a furnace job Don had to complete to put food on their table. At the time, like all kids, they would much rather have been having fun. What they learned was a deep respect and love for their mom and dad and the importance of hard work. That background has made Wyckoff Industries the largest heating and cooling contractor in the state of Iowa.

To show their love of and honor for Don and Mary Wyckoff their family has generously donated the heating and cooling system in our historic house.

THE CARLISLE AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY would like to thank the Wyckoff family. With the completion of this house, everyone in the Carlisle area will appreciate their generosity.

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Neil Ruddy was working on the north wall of the ballroom and some little leaves began appearing from under the paint and plaster. About a week later, thinking I was looking for more leaves, I began spraying and scraping. When the little tear drop design and then the basket handle design started coming through, I nearly fell off the ladder.

Sandi Landsness, from Atlantic, Iowa, taught art in the Carlisle School System in the 1960s. We have remained friends all of these years and since she has done her own stenciling I knew she would be as excited about the find as we all were. She came to look for herself on December 6. She examined the original, and decided it had been gold paint. When the weather is better she will come back, make a stencil, and teach us how to do the work.

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TALES OF SCOTCH RIDGE by Bill Schooler Sr., and Jack Fry are two wonderful volumes that you can check out from our library. Also available is THE MAKING OF AN IOWA FARM BOY by John Fry, who is a brother to Jack. Growing up in the Scotch Ridge area, their stories make our local history come alive.

Another memoir is SMALL TOWN BOY, Growing up in Carlisle, Iowa 1920-1938, by Joseph W. Foulke. This is his story up to the time he went to College at Iowa State. You will enjoy reading about his personal escapades as well as remembrances of the Bank Closings, and the Straw Stack Murder. The young men and women that he speaks of had wonderful times creating their own entertainment at a time when there was no TV.

Mr. Foulke also wrote STRUGGLE FOR THE HEARTLAND, The Civil War Along the Mississippi Corridor. Both the memoir and the history are in the Carlisle Library. Mr. Foulke also wrote FOULKE HISTORY AND GENEALOGY OF AN IOWA FAMILY.

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A Civil War story of local interest concerns three men from the 10th Iowa Company B, Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Warren County contingent.

William Perry Keeney, great Grandfather to Arden Owens; and James Warren McPherson, great Grandfather to LaVena Owens, enlisted in the army. M.C. Cap Randleman was the great, great Grandfather to Jerry Randleman and Cheryl Muskatt. Because he had some experience in the Mexican War, Cap gave the boys some drill instructions in the Carlisle School yard. According to family history, all three traveled by wagon, crossing the Des Moines river at Adelphi where they had a free dinner, and on to Prairie City, Newton and Iowa City where they boarded the train for Davenport.

Mr. Foulke includes this account: William Perry Keeney was an 18-year-old Private whose parents had given him three suits of long winter underwear. Wearing the three in cold weather and sickness, he claimed their warmth saved his life.

Keeney, McPherson, and Randleman returned to Warren County after their service and went forward in civilian life.

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