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Elkhart County Parks Information and Program Guide
Take the Wildlife Quiz
One Room
Schoolhouse
Ox Bow Tower Ground
Breaking to Begin
Upcoming Programs
July - October 2014 Volume 5, Issue 2
Elkhart County Parks
211 W. Lincoln Ave.
Goshen, IN 46526-3280
Phone 574-535-6458
Fax 574-535-6616
TDD 574-535-6420
Website: www.elkhartcountyparks.org
Email: [email protected]
Larry Neff, Director
Ronda DeCaire, Superintendent
of Operations
Scott VanOmmeran, Superintendent
of Parks
Our Mission
The Elkhart County Parks Department mission is to enhance the quality of life,
preserve the County’s cultural, historical, and natural resources; and provide
educational and recreational opportunities.
Elkhart County Park Board
William Wilson, President
Karin Frey, Vice-President
Karen Mackowiak, Secretary
Larry Andrews
Jeff Burbrink
John P. Hardy
Klaus Mueller
Elkhart County
Board of Commissioners
Terry Rodino, President
Mike Yoder, Vice-President
Frank Lucchese, Member
Elkhart County Council Members
David E. Foutz, District 1
Randall Yohn, District 2
Darryl J. Riegsecker, District 3
David L. Hess, District 4
John K. Letherman, At Large
Thomas Stump, At Large
David M. Ashe, At Large
Friends of the Elkhart County Parks
Board Members
Jean Lynn
Mac Boyer
Judy Ferrell
Larry Ford
Don Bontrager
Bree Herring
Summer Blooms– White Water Lilies cover the pond in the Calender Garden
at DeFries Gardens. Photo by Mike DuBois
Administration Office Hours
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Closed weekends and County Holidays
For all park-related information, shelter reservations
or program registration call the Elkhart County Parks’
Administration Office 574-535-6458.
Park Hours
January, February, November, December March, October April, September
May, June, July, August 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Park hours subject to change without notice.
On the Cover: Water flows over the spillway at Bonneyville Mill County Park.
Photo by Mark McGuire
The Currents Information and Program Guide is published three times a year.
It is a publication of the Elkhart County Parks
211 W. Lincoln Avenue, Goshen, Indiana 46526-3280. Phone: 574-535-6458.
www.elkhartcountyparks.org
Director’s
Corner
Park News
You would think that each summer is the same
weather-wise as the last summer. We all know this
is not true but there is a repetitive imaginary mind
shift as we proceed through the dead of winter and
summer looms just out of reach, particularly during
a lengthy spring.The summer season has taken on
lofty utopian visions that nearly zero-out reality, not
too hot, not too cold, and just enough rain to keep
the flowers in bloom and the grass green. Recently
I heard someone promoting southern Georgia as a
great place to live. They noted that the hot humidity
of summer is no different than in the north; they
felt there was an unfair stigma to southern hot and
humid. Of course in Arizona they will encourage
living in the desert as a “different kind of hot”
because the dryness lowers the perception of hot.
They believe it is as hot or worse, hotter, in Northern
Indiana than in the desert of Arizona because we have it hot and humid. Hot is hot
no matter where you are located.
Being near water or moving water may assist in cooling off during the dog days
of summer. We do not allow swimming in our many park streams but we do allow
wading and that may be just enough. There is a fine line of distinction between
wading and swimming. We have traditionally allowed wading in water to the knees.
Keeping this in mind, perhaps a cool spot would be the two cold water trout streams
that are found in our county parks, Cobus Creek (County Park) and the Little Elkhart
River at Bonneyville. The temperatures in these streams should stay about 57 degrees
throughout the summer. If you are wading in them, it would be a good idea to wear
tennis shoes, just in case you find that lost fishing lure.
There are a few places other than air conditioning where it may be a bit cooler.
Bonneyville Mill has the distinction of being one of the cooler places to be on a hot
summer day. The water running beneath the floor will assist in keeping the mill cool.
The Mill is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On July 15,
there will be the Dusty Miller Kid’s Club. The club is for 3rd and 4th graders and will
focus on the science of the workings of the mill. And it is a cool place to visit and
learn of the early agricultural heritage of Elkhart County plus they still use the water
power to run the mill stone to grind flour that is sold at the mill.
Sooner or later the weather cools and we may need a light jacket for the
Bonneyville Mill Heritage Day on September 13th, Gathering at Five Medals on
October 18th & 19th, and maybe the coolest of all, the Hayride Campfires on
October 28th, 29th, & 30th. By this time we will be anticipating the first beautiful
freshly fallen snow that will herald in our late fall/winter season, makes me shiver just
thinking about our imaginary seasons. Keep that thought handy this summer!
County Park Director Retires
The Director of the Elkhart County
Parks Department is writing his last
“Director’s Corner” with this issue of the
Currents before he says farewell. Larry Neff
has worked for the Elkhart County Parks
for 39 years. A history major from Purdue
University, he began his career with the
department when he worked at Bonneyville
Mill County Park managing the grounds
and Mill shortly after it was opened to the
public. He later became Superintendent of
Operations in which he was instrumental in
the development of Cobus Creek County
Park and the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail.
In early 2011, he was formally appointed
Director of the Elkhart County Parks.
Larry has been actively involved in the
Indiana Parks and Recreation Association
and earned the recognition as the
Outstanding Park Professional in 2004.
For all who know Larry, his stories
and long history with the department and
Elkhart County will be missed. On behalf
of the staff and park board, we wish Larry
well deserved enjoyment and many new
adventures and stories in his retirement.
Larry Neff, Park Director
Ox Bow Tower Will Soon Rise Again
Ancon Construction has been awarded
the bid to build the new Ox Bow Park Tower.
The single bid came in at $120,343.00,
slightly higher than the original estimate
several years ago due to rising costs of steel
and lumber. Nevertheless, all the funds to
begin construction have been secured with
a grand total of $134,600 earned to date.
Extra funds will be used for amenities for
the tower such as interpretive signage, bike
rack, benches, and an ADA parking lot and
donations are still being accepted.
Construction will begin mid-summer
once soil samples and final engineering are
complete. The Elkhart County Parks and
Recreation Board wishes to thank all who
have given to this project over the past four
years and the community is looking forward
to seeing the tower ‘rise again.’
Preservation • Recreation • Education
Environmental Programs
July
August
Nature Nuts: Turtles
Nature Nuts: Camouflage
Learn about turtles of all shapes and sizes,
what they eat and where they live. There
will be LIVE turtles to see and touch. Space
is limited.
Date: Tuesday, July 8
Time: 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Age: 3-5 years
Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling
Call: 574-535-6458
Preregister by: Tuesday, July 1
Location: Ox Bow Haus Shelter,
Ox Bow County Park
Mini-Bioblitz
Join us for a Mini-Bioblitz and help us create
a snapshot of the variety of life that resides
within the park. people will be welcome
to observe or participate the entire day, or
several hours.
Date: Saturday, July 12
Time: 9 – 5 p.m.
Call: 574-535-6458
Preregister by: e-mail Jared Collins at
[email protected].
Location: Black Maple Shelter,
Ox Bow County Park
Science Sleuths: Trees
Learn to identify some of the over 60 species
of trees found in Ox Bow County Park. We
will learn through use of a tree key, games
and other hands-on activities. Space is
limited.
Date: Monday, July 21
Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m. (no second class)
Age: 6 - 9 years
Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling
Call: 574-535-6458
Preregister by: Monday, July 14
Location: Ox Bow Haus Shelter,
Ox Bow County Park
Reptiles and Amphibians
at the 4-H Fair
Join us at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair for an
informative, hand-on program featuring live
reptiles and amphibians of Elkhart County.
Date: Friday, July 25
Time: 1:45 p.m.
Cost: Fair gate fee in effect
Location: Meet at the Park Stage in the
Elkhart County 4-H Fair Grounds
Also visit our fair booth next to Young
McDonalds Farm July 18-26.
Discover the fun of camouflage as we play
games, read stories and explore the fun
creatures that rely on staying hidden to
survive. Space is limited.
Date: Tuesday, August 5
Time: 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Age: 3-5 years
Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling
Call: 574-535-6458
Preregister by: Tuesday, July 29
Location: Ox Bow Haus Shelter,
Ox Bow County Park
Bug Night
They’re creepy, they’re crawly and they’re
coming to Cobus Creek County Park. Look at
a grasshopper through a lens, tromp through
the grasses in search of a firefly or taste your
first mealworm! You’re bound to have fun
at this insect-enthusiasts event. There will be
crafts and activities for all ages, so bring the
entire family for an evening of buggy fun!
Snacks, balloons and caricatures will be
for sale.
Date: Friday, August 15
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $2/adult, $1/12 year & under
Call: 574-535-6458
Location: Cobus Creek Shelter,
Cobus Creek County Park
Constellations of the
Summer Skies
The great Northern Cross rises high in the
sky and towers over the beautiful Milky Way
just over our heads. Come join us as we
venture in amazement of some of summer’s
most beautiful constellations. A short
presentation will begin the program followed
by a craft. Hot dogs, marshmallows and
Kool aid or hot chocolate will also be served.
Please bring your telescopes, binoculars and
any questions you may have. This program
will be held rain or moonshine!
Limit 15/people
Date: Friday, August 22
Time: 9 - 10:30 p.m.
Age: All ages
Cost: $3/person
Call: 574-535-6458
Preregister by: Thursday, August 21
Location: Cobus Creek Shelter,
Cobus Creek County Park
www.elkhartcountyparks.org
Cast Iron Cooking Tips Program
and DOG (Dutch Oven
Gathering) PUBLIC WELCOME
We’re inviting all Dutch Oven Enthusiasts
to attend Elkhart County Parks third
annual DOG. A DOG is basically a come
and cook Dutch Oven pitch in meal. This
is not a competition but rather a friendly
gathering of Dutch Oven cooks. There will
be a 45 minute cast iron cooking tips on
technique program followed by the DOG.
Preregistration required designated as
COOKING or OBSERVING.
Date: Saturday, August 23
Time: 6 p.m.
Cost: $3/Observing attendee, Kettle Corn & Cinnamon Rolls provided
Call: 574-535-6458
Preregister by: Friday, August 22, by 4 p.m.
Location: Briar Patch Shelter,
Bonneyville Mill County Park
Science Sleuths: Insects
Discover the amazing features and variety
of our insect neighbors, as we catch and
observe them in their natural habitat. We will
hike for most of the program, so please dress
appropriately. Space is limited.
Date: Monday, August 25
Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m. or 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Age: 6 - 9 years
Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling
Call: 574-535-6458
Preregister by: Monday, August 18
Location: Ox Bow Haus Shelter,
Ox Bow County Park
Picnic with Your Pup
Bring your pooch, a blanket, and picnic
basket and get set for a fun-filled evening of
bonding with man’s best friend! Meet dog
rescues, other dog lovers, and enjoy a guided
doggy-hike and other entertainment. If you
don’t want to pack a picnic, we will have
concessions for sale with hotdogs, pup-corn,
and other goodies.
Date: Thursday, August 28
Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Cobus Creek Shelter,
Cobus Creek County Park
Environmental Programs
September
Nature Nuts: Old Ben,
The Black Snake
Tree I.D. Hike
Hear the timeless story of Old Ben and learn
about black snake’s habitat, diet and the
benefits of having them around.
Space is limited.
Date: Tuesday, September 9
Time: 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Age: 3 - 5 years
Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling
Call: 574-535-6458
Preregister by: Tuesday, September 2
Location: Ox Bow Haus Shelter,
Ox Bow County Park
Please join a naturalist as we collect leaves
and seeds for your class project, personal
education or just for fun. Witmer Trace Trail
alone is home to at least 30 species of trees
here in Ox Bow County Park. Please bring a
roll of masking or cellophane tape, a marker,
a notebook and a bag for collecting.
Date: Friday, September 19
Time: 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Call: 574-535-6458
Preregister by: Thursday, September 18
Location: Ox Bow Haus Shelter,
Ox Bow County Park
Bonneyville Mill Heritage Day
Buffalo Ranch Tour
Join in the celebration of Bonneyville Mill’s
rich, agricultural heritage at this exciting
event for all ages. Purchase fresh fruits
and vegetables from the Farmer’s Market,
compete in fun and friendly contests,
tap your toes to the tunes of wandering
musicians and enjoy a horse-drawn wagon
ride. More details at
www.elkhartcountyparks.org
Date: Saturday, September 13
Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: $7/vehicle or $3/person
Location: Mill Valley,
Bonneyville Mill County Park
Take a trip back in time to the mid-western
plains in Wolcottville, Indiana. Experience
over 100 majestic and beautiful buffalo,
roaming the land as they once did. We will
board a covered wagon and actually feed
these magnificent beasts by hand in the field
where they graze then top it all off with a
buffalo burger dinner. We will be taking the
company van so space is limited.
Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 9 a.m.
Cost: $15/person
Call: 574-535-6458
Preregister by: Thursday, September 19
Location: Ox Bow Haus Shelter,
Ox Bow County Park
Mums bring a splash of fall color
to the Sensory Garden at Cobus
Creek County Park.
Preservation • Recreation • Education
Science Sleuths:
Cast Iron Cooking
Join in the fun of cooking over a fire with cast
iron. Learn techniques and cooking tips to take
to your next camping trip. Space is limited.
Date: Monday, September 22
Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m. or 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Age: 6 - 9 years
Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling
Call: 574-535-6458
Preregister by: Monday, September 15
Location: Ox Bow Haus Shelter,
Ox Bow County Park
Environmental Programs
October
Cobus Creek Fall Plant Exchange
Bring your excess plants and bulbs and
trade them with other gardeners. Plants can
include perennials, bulbs, seeds, shrubs and
small trees. Plants must be in a container and
in healthy condition.
Date: Saturday, October 4
Time: 1 p.m.
Call: 574-535-6458
Location: Cobus Creek Shelter,
Cobus Creek County Park
Nature Nuts: Grasshoppers
Discover the fun of jumping like a
grasshopper, looking at them closely and
exploring where they live. Each child will
get a bug jar and net to take home.
Space is limited.
Date: Tuesday, October 7
Time: 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Age: 3 - 5 years
Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling
Call: 574-535-6458
Preregister by: Tuesday, September 30
Location: Ox Bow Haus Shelter,
Ox Bow County Park
Family Night Hike
Join a naturalist as we engage our senses in
the park after dark. We will listen for owls,
test our night vision and learn about the
amazing, night-time adaptations of some of
our local animals. All ages are welcome.
Date: Friday, October 10
Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Call: 574-535-6458
Location: Kum Mol Rie Shelter,
Bonneyville Mill County Park
Science Sleuths: Bats
Step into the exciting world of bats as we
look at the different species, what they eat
and where they can be found.
Space is limited.
Date: Monday, October 20
Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m. or 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Age: 6 - 9 years
Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling
Call: 574-535-6458
Preregister by: Monday, October 13
Location: Ox Bow Haus Shelter,
Ox Bow County Park
Halloween Campfire & Hayride
Looking for an evening of fun for the family?
Join us on Tuesday or Wednesday for a
non-scary alternative to trick-or-treating.
Or, if a little spooky is your thing, come
on Thursday for our brand new haunted
hayride through the park. All three nights
will include a roaring fire with snacks, a
walk down our decorated trail and hayrides.
Tickets go on sale the day of the event and
can be purchased at the Ox Bow Gatehouse
beginning at 11 a.m. each day. Tickets are
only sold the day of the event and they sell
out very quickly.
Date: Tuesday - Thursday,
October 28 - 30
Time: 6 p.m, 6:30 p.m 7 p.m
7:30 p.m. 8 p.m
Age: All ages
Cost: $2/campfire, $3/campfire and hayride combined
Call: 574-535-6458
Location: Red Pines Campfire area,
Ox Bow County Park
Seeds from the Common
Milkweed signal the end
of Summer’s bloom.
www.elkhartcountyparks.org
Environmental Journal
Minute Wetland Marvels
Wetlands are exciting places to
visit in the fall. Great blue herons, muskrats,
turtles and frogs prevail. However, there are
many smaller creatures in the water whose
presence often goes unnoticed. These are
insects that spend at least a portion of their
lives in the water. These minute marvels
include oarsmen, fierce hunters and waterpropelled jets. Although these are not the
names used in nature guides, they are fitting
descriptions.
Water Boatmen are one of these
creatures. Their hind legs are flattened for
rowing, making them resemble tiny oarsmen.
Their fringed forelegs are used for scooping
up and straining plant debris from the water.
In order to breathe, boatmen gather air at
the surface and use it to surround themselves
with a silvery film of oxygen. They use the air
so efficiently that they rarely need to return
to the surface.
The wetland is also home to fierce
hunters known as diving beetles. The adult
beetles are fierce, but the larvae, called water
tigers, are even more so. The larva paralyzes
its victim by shooting saliva into its body. The
juices are then sucked out, leaving only the
skin behind. As an adult, the diving beetle
has a dark, oval-shaped body with a golden
stripe around the edge.
Young dragonflies, known as naiad
or nymphs, live in water for 1-5 years before
becoming adults. The naiads take water in
through their hollow abdomens and force it
back out again, propelling themselves across
the wetland like water-propelled jets. Their
specialized lower jaw is hinged so it can snap
out and capture prey. When a naiad has fully
matured, it used the stem of a plant to crawl
out of the water. Then its outer skin splits
open, and the adult emerges.
You can learn more about
these insects through collection and
observation. All you need is a net,
a pan and a magnifying lens.
Use the net (a kitchen strainer
works well) to scoop the
creatures out of the
wetland. Then place them
in a pan of water, and use
the magnifying lens for
observation. A Pond Life
Golden Guide book is useful
to identify the creatures you
find. Once you are done,
return the insects to the
wetland. They need water
to survive. Happy scooping!
A reprint article by Lisa Stauffer - Former
Park Naturalist now residing in Colorado.
Stonefly Nymph
Nature’s Calendar
July
• The black raspberry crop should be
winding down. The blackberry crop
however is just getting started. Look
for blackberries in open grassy areas
or forest edges.
• Venture into boggy lowlands to find
succulent wild blueberries. Blueberry
muffins anyone?
September
• Newly hatched baby turtles are making
their way from their land locked nests
to the safety of lakes and ponds.
• The ripe red tops of the staghorn sumac
trees can be boiled in water to make a
tart lemonade type drink.
August
October
• Black cherries are ripe and ready to
eat. They are small but tasty. Don’t
swallopw the pit
• There will be a partial solar eclipse on
October 23, 2014. Hey, who turned out
the lights?
• Road side day lilies are blooming.
The small potato like roots, called
corms, can be harvested and eaten.
• Sandhill cranes begin to congregate
in preparation for their migration into
Georgia and Florida.
by Courtney Frankie, Park Naturalist
Diving Beetle
Preservation • Recreation • Education
Environmental Journal
Take the Wildlife Quiz
How well do you know your wildlife in Indiana?
Take this wildlife quiz and test your knowledge.
1.
What are the three species of birds that are not protected in Indiana:
A. European Starling B. Pigeon C. House Sparrow D. Common Grackle E. Cowbird
2.
Bobcats get there name from bobbing in and out of brush?
True or False
3.
Which one of these foxes can climb trees?
A. Red Fox B. Coyote C. Grey fox D. None of the above.
4.
A Great Horned Owl will kill and eat which of the following?
A. Cat B. Skunk C. Bat D. All of the above
5.
Hummingbirds can fly upside down?
True or False
6.
Badgers are fairly common here in the state of Indiana?
True or False
7.
What three animals once roamed Indiana?
A. Small Woodland Buffalo B. Elk C. Grizzly Bear D. Wolverine E. Black Panther
8.
What is the most numerous bird that ever lived in Indiana?
A. House Sparrow B. Mourning Dove C. Passenger Pigeon D. European Starling
9.
A mother bird or mammal will reject a baby that has the smell of human scent.
True or False
10.
An owl cannot turn its head all the way around when searching for prey.
True or False
Answers:
1. A.B.C. The European Starling, House Sparrow and Pigeon are the only three birds not protected in Indiana.
2. False - Bobcats actually get their name from their “bobbed tail.”
3. C. The Grey Fox is also called a tree fox because of its ability to climb trees since they have retractable claws like a cat.
4. D. The Great Horned Owl like most birds has a poor sense of smell and will eat a skunk, cat or bat.
5. True - Hummingbirds can fly straight up, down, backwards and even upside down while catching insects in mid air.
6. True - Badgers were taken off Indiana’s endangered species list several years ago.
7. A.B.C. Grizzly bears and Black Panthers never roamed Indiana. A Black Panther is more related to a Jaguar and lives in the southern and western United States. There is no such thing as a black cougar. (Unless it’s a car)
8. C. The Passenger pigeon once numbered in the billions and is believed to have made up 40% of the total bird population in the United States
at one time.
9. False - A mother animal has a strong bond with its baby, human scent or not!
10. True - An owl is capable of turning its head about 270o degrees, but not 360o
Andy Langdon, Park Naturalist
www.elkhartcountyparks.org
Sunday
Tuesday
Monday
Wednesday
Thursday
Saturday
Friday
July
1
Introduction to Archery
9 -10 a.m. or 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Archery Range
Ox Bow County Park
6
13
7
2
Introduction to Archery
9 -10 a.m. or 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Archery Range
Introduction to Archery
Ox Bow County Park
9 -10 a.m. or 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Archery Range
Nature Nuts: Turtles
Ox Bow County Park
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Ox Bow Haus Shelter,
Ox Bow County Park
8
Elkhart County Park
Board Meeting
4:30 p.m.
Baldwin Schoolhouse
Bonneyville Mill County Park
Dusty Miller Kid’s Club
3 – 4:30 p.m.
Bonneyville Mill.
Bonneyville Mill County Park
14
15
3
Introduction to Archery
9 -10 a.m. or 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Archery Range
Ox Bow County Park
9
10
16
17
4
Introduction to Archery
9 -10 a.m. or 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Archery Range
Ox Bow County Park
Murder at the Museum
Book Signing
4 - 6 p.m.
Elkhart Co. Historical Museum
5
Family Fun Day: Bristol
School Homecoming Tour
11 a.m.
Elkhart Co. Historical Museum
11
12
18
19
Reptiles and Amphibians
at the 4-H Fair
1:45 p.m.
Elkhart County
4-H Fair Grounds
Science Sleuths: Trees
1:30 – 3 p.m.
Ox Bow Haus Shelter
Ox Bow County Park
20
21
22
23
24
27
28
29
30
31
25
26
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
August
10
4
5
Elkhart County Park
Board Meeting
4:30 p.m.
Cobus Creek Shelter
Cobus Creek County Park
Dusty Miller Kid’s Club
3 – 4:30 p.m.
Bonneyville Mill
11
12
6
7
24
31
18
19
13
20
9
14
21
15
Constellations of the
Summer Skies
9 - 10:30 p.m.
Cobus Creek Shelter
Cobus Creek County Park
16
Cast Iron Cooking
and D.O.G.
6 p.m.
Briar Patch Shelter
Bonneyville Mill County Park
22
23
29
30
Picnic With Your Pup
6 - 8 pm
Cobus Creek Shelter
Cobus Creek County Park
Science Sleuths: Insects
1:30 – 3 p.m. or 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Ox Bow Haus Shelter,
Ox Bow County Park
25
8
Bug Night
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Cobus Creek Shelter
Cobus Creek County Park
Cemetery Preservation
7 pm
Elkhart Co. Historical Museum
17
2
Family Fun Day:
Atlatl Class and Competition
6 pm
Elkhart Co. Historical Museum
Nature Nuts: Camouflage
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Ox Bow Haus Shelter
Ox Bow County Park
3
1
26
27
28
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
September
1
3
Storytelling Festival
Swapping Ground 5:30 p.m.
Featured tellers 7 pm
Elkhart Co. Historical Museum
Storytelling Festival
Swapping Ground 5:30 p.m.
Featured tellers 7 pm
Elkhart Co. Historical Museum
4
8
9
15
6
5
Bonneyville Mill Heritage Day
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Mill Valley,
Bonneyville Mill County Park
10
11
12
Tree I.D. Hike
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Ox Bow Haus Shelter
Ox Bow County Park
Dusty Miller Kid’s Club
3 – 4:30 p.m.
Bonneyville Mill
14
Saturday
Nature Nuts:
Old Ben, The Black Snake
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Ox Bow Haus Shelter
Ox Bow County Park
Elkhart County Park
Board Meeting
4:30 p.m.
Ox Bow Haus Shelter
Ox Bow County Park
7
2
Friday
16
17
18
19
24
25
26
13
Buffalo Ranch Tour
9 a.m.
Ox Bow Haus Shelter
Ox Bow County Park
Oakridge Cemetery Tour
1 & 3 p.m.
Oakridge Cemetery
20
Science Sleuths:
Cast Iron Cooking
1:30 – 3 p.m. or 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Ox Bow Haus Shelter
Ox Bow County Park
21
22
23
28
29
30
27
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
October
Cobus Creek
Fall Plant Exchange
1 p.m.
Cobus Creek Shelter
Cobus Creek County Park
1
2
3
4
8
9
10
11
Nature Nuts:
Grasshoppers
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Ox Bow Haus Shelter
Ox Bow County Park
5
6
Elkhart County Park
Board Meeting
4:30 p.m.
Ox Bow Haus Shelter
Ox Bow County Park
12
Gathering at Five Medals
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Benton Spillway
River Preserve County Park
19
13
7
Dusty Miller Kid’s Club
3 – 4:30 p.m.
Bonneyville Mill
14
15
16
21
22
23
17
Science Sleuths: Bats
1:30 – 3 p.m. or 4 – 5:30 p.m.
Ox Bow Haus Shelter
Ox Bow County Park
20
Campfire/Hayride
6 - 8 p.m
Red Pines Campfire area
Ox Bow County Park
26
Gathering at Five Medals
9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Benton Spillway
River Preserve County Park
27
28
Campfire/Hayride
6 - 8 p.m
Red Pines Campfire area
Ox Bow County Park
29
Campfire/Hayride
6 - 8 p.m
Red Pines Campfire area
Ox Bow County Park
30
31
18
Historical Journal
One-Room School House
Thoughts from Curator of Education Patrick McGuire
I get some great opportunities to
do a lot of fun things as part of my job. As
curator of education at the Elkhart County
Historical Museum, I get to interact with
people of all ages, share facts and stories
from our past, work with artifacts over 100
years old and plan fun programs that revolve
around history.
I spend most of my time at the
museum, but every once in a while I get the
opportunity to do things off-site at various
places in the county. One of those places is
the Baldwin One Room Schoolhouse, which
is at Bonneyville Mill County Park. Lately, I
have spent a lot of time at the one-room
schoolhouse for the “Day in the One Room
Schoolhouse” program offered to school
groups. With the school year ending, many
classes have been taking field trips, which
entail students experiencing what school
was like in the past. They sit in wooden
desks, write on slate boards and read from
McGuffey Readers. My part in the experience
is to play the schoolmaster, dressed in
historically accurate 19th century clothing,
and put the students through their lessons
just as it was done over 100 years ago.
This got me thinking – how different is
school today than it was in the past?
Of course, schools are consolidated
and bigger, and the material has changed,
but the overall life of a student has not
changed all that much. The school day was
the same amount of time, the subjects are
similar and school still begins and ends with
the ringing of a bell. I’m sure generations
ago, students still looked forward to
lunch and recess as they went through
their lessons. We can even thank these
students and those who went to one-room
schoolhouses for our summers off from
school. The reason they took time off was
not to go on vacation, but to work on the
farm. I’m sure students today are thankful
for it.
What has changed between the
time of one-room schoolhouses and school
today is mostly outside the instruction.
Students didn’t ride buses, but would walk
to school (are you hearing your grandparents
voice talking about walking one mile, uphill,
in the snow on the way to school?)
Imagine cramming elementary and middle
school students into one room, where
they would be taught by one person. First
through eighth grades were taught inside
these schoolhouses, and I’m sure it was
always a challenge to get the whole class
on the same page. Boys and girls would sit
on opposite sides of the classrooms, and if
they had to, would share their desks during
the day. In some cases, they didn’t even
have desk tops and would have to use their
laps. The three R’s dominated students’
educations: reading, writing and arithmetic.
Back then, they felt these were the main
skills people needed to be contributing
members of society. Also, boys
could be pulled out of
school permanently at 8
or 9 years old to pursue
apprenticeships for trades
or professions.
One of the
biggest and most enjoyable
differences for parents who
chaperone field trips to the
one room schoolhouse are the
rules that ran the classroom
100 years ago.
Here are the rules that students were
expected to follow:
1. Obey thy elders
2. Speak only when spoken to
3. Idleness is sinful
4. Busy hands maketh a quiet mouth
5. Cleanliness is next to godliness
6. Stand thy body tall to recite
7. Hold thy tongue when others speak
8. Honor thy father and thy mother
9. Give thanks for life’s blessing
10.Children should be seen and not heard
See why chaperones enjoy these
rules? The emphasis was mostly on being
quiet and keeping busy in class, which
makes sense having so many children and
different ages in one room. The other point
that teachers (back then called schoolmasters
or schoolmarms) tried to make is that these
rules were not only to be followed at school,
but also outside of school. How students
behaved was important to schoolmasters
and schoolmarms, as it reflected how well
they were doing their jobs. If behavior wasn’t
good among the children of a town, it could
put their jobs in jeopardy.
It is quite interesting doing this
program and looking back on how life in
a schoolhouse operated in the past. I’m
sure many people have heard stories or
can even remember being taught in
one-room schoolhouses.
Students outside Benton School,
York Township – 1897
Preservation • Recreation • Education
Historical Journal
Bonneyville Mill Heritage Day
The natural beauty of Bonneyville
Mill County Park offers the perfect venue for
the Bonneyville Mill Heritage Day being held
on Saturday, September 13th. The mill valley
will be filled with activities of days gone by.
The event takes place from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
at the historic park which is located 2.5 miles
east of Bristol, IN, on County Road 131, south
of State Road 120.
The historic Bonneyville Mill will
be open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. during
the event. Cornmeal, buckwheat, rye and
whole wheat flour ground fresh at the mill is
available for purchase. Free tours and grinding
Online Exhibits
Now Available
You can now access an abundance
of historical information about
Elkhart County through the
museum’s website at
www.elkhartcountyhistory.org
by clicking on the “Elkhart County
History Online” link on the main
page. Here you will find a growing
number of articles, photos, and
other historical materials from a
variety of contributors.
Visit www.elkhartcountyhistory.org
today to learn more.
demonstrations will take place throughout the
day. The Bonneyville gift shop which is located
across from the mill will also be open during
the event and offers a variety of unique gifts
and souvenirs.
Wander through the farmer’s market
and pick up some fresh fruit, produce, jams
and jellies, baked goods and other agricultural
related items. After you have filled your
basket or bag enjoy some old-fashioned
entertainment by the Backyard Brass, Anna
Hagen and the Noisy Plowboys in the farmer’s
market area. Suite Strings will be playing
in the mill breezeway and the Waterford
Ensemble, Waterbound and Sadie GustafsonZook will be wandering the grounds filling the
air with sweet melodies.
Stroll through the antique
equipment area and reminisce about days
gone by and the sweet smell of freshly mown
hay. Take a ride on the horse drawn wagon,
meet the oxen and watch the excitement of
the pony pull competition and don’t forget to
try your hand at grinding your own cornmeal
or shelling an ear or two of corn.
Kids and adults can take part in
the iron skillet toss, a greased watermelon
contest, pan for gold, chow down in the
corn eating contest or win some cash in the
scarecrow contest.
Admission to Heritage Day is $7.00
per carload or $3.00 per person. A horse
drawn-tram will take passengers from the
parking area to the mill valley. Those driving
to the festival are asked to enter on County
Road 8, south of State Road 120.
For more information please call the
Elkhart County Parksat 574-535-6458 or visit
www.elkhartcountyparks.org.
Volunteer Spotlight…. S.M. (Mac) Boyer
In 1956, Mac and Norma Boyer built
their first home. Looking to beautify the
landscaping of the new home, they visited
a local garden show and fell in love with
the beauty of the flowers known as Dahlias.
Mac began growing dahlias in his garden
and then became an active member of the
Elkhart Dahlia Society in 1960, serving as
president and treasurer for many years. Mac
has planted and cared for as many as 1500
dahlias in his garden and participates in the
annual Elkhart Dahlia Society show in
mid September.
In the mid 1970’s, Mac became an active
member of The American Dahlia Society and
has served as the president of the Society for
the past seven years. In the late 1980’s, Mac
and the Elkhart Dahlia Society approached
the Elkhart County Park and Recreation
Department about the possibility of placing a
Dahlia Trial Garden at Bonneyville Mill County
www.elkhartcountyparks.org
Park. The request was granted and the rest is
history. The dahlias planted in the garden are
new dahlias that are being grown for trial
and evaluation by rules of the American
Dahlia Society.
Mac has also been an active member
of the Friend’s of the Elkhart County Parks,
Inc. for many
years serving as
Treasurer for the
organization.
The Elkhart
County Parks
would like to
thank Mac for
his time, hard
work and “green
thumb”. Visitors
to Bonneyville
Mill enjoy the beauty
of the dahlias each summer.
Historical Programs
July
Murder at the Museum
Book signing
Bristol Sun reporter, Rosemary McDaniel, will
be on hand to sign copies of her book Murder
at the Museum. This book, and its characters,
was based on the museum. Come and get
your copy signed!
Date: Friday, July 11
Time: 4 - 6 p.m.
Call: 574-848-4322
Location: Elkhart County Historical Museum
Family Fun Day: Bristol School
Homecoming Tour
As part of the Bristol Homecoming weekend,
bring the family to see the museum in its
original use. The building we know now as
the museum served for over 60 years as a
school. In this special tour, see remnants of
the classrooms and maybe even a few alumni
might be in attendance.
Date: Saturday, July 12
Time: 11 a.m.
Call: 574-848-4322
Location: Elkhart County Historical Museum
August
Dusty Miller Kid’s Club, Water
Power – How It Works
This session will examine how water
power has been harnessed by man to
power industry, transportation and
generate electricity. Yes, we will get to
play with water!
Date: Tuesday, July 15
Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Age: 3rd and 4th grade level
Cost: $4/person; $3/ additional sibling
Call:
574-535-6458
Preregister by: Tuesday, July 8
Location: Bonneyville Mill,
Bonneyville Mill County Park
Family Fun Day: Atlatl Class and
Competition
Before there were bows and arrows people
used atlatls to hunt animals for food and
supplies. The whole family will enjoy learning
to use this ancient tool, and compete
against others.
Date: Thursday, August 7
Cost: $1/person or $3/family
Time: 6 p.m.
Call: 574-535-6458
Location: Elkhart County Historical Museum
Dusty Miller Kid’s Club, Exploring
Simple Machines – Wheels; Round
and Round They Go
This session will kick off a three part
examination of the six simple machines. We
will conduct some simple experiments and
make a simple machine to take home.
Date: Tuesday, August 12
Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Age: 3rd and 4th grade level
Cost: $4/person; $3/ additional sibling
Call: 574-535-6458
Preregister by: Tuesday, August 5
Location: Bonneyville Mill,
Bonneyville Mill County Park
Cemetery Preservation
Civil War canteen, spurs, bridle and epaulets
on display in the Civil War room at the
Elkhart County Historical Museum.
Cemeteries tell us many things about the past
and the various groups that live in the area.
Come listen to Jeannie Reagan-Dinius from
the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
as she sheds light on what we can learn about
the past from cemeteries.
Date: Thursday, August 21
Time: 7 p.m.
Call: 574-848-4322
Location: Elkhart County Historical Museum
Preservation • Recreation • Education
Historical Programs
September
October
Bristol Storytelling Festival
Dusty Miller Kid’s Club Exploring Simple Machines –
The Inclined Plane, Screw, and
Wedge; Move it, Fasten it or Split
It
Come and enjoy hearing stories from Beth
Horner, Bil Leep, and many other renowned
storytellers in this annual festival that
provides fun for the whole family.
Date: Friday, & Saturday, Sept. 5 & 6
Cost: $10
Time: Swapping Ground 5:30 pm; Featured tellers 7 p.m.
Call: 574-848-4322
Location: Elkhart County Historical Museum
Dusty Miller Kid’s Club Exploring Simple Machines –
Pulleys and Levers; How Much
Can We Move
This simple machine session will focus on
how we can use pulleys and levers to move
heavy weights. We will conduct experiments
and make some simple machines to take
home.
Date: Tuesday, September 16
Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Age: 3rd and 4th grade level
Cost: $4/person; $3/additional sibling
Call: 574-535-6458
Preregister by: Tuesday, September 9
Location: Bonneyville Mill,
Bonneyville Mill County Park
Oakridge Cemetery Tour
In partnership with the Goshen Historical
Society and the Elkhart Civic Theater, see
actors portray people from the past in this
interesting look at Goshen’s history.
Date: Saturday, September 20
Cost: $5/person
Time: 2 sessions 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Call: 574-535-6458
Preregister by: Thursday, September 18
Location: Oakridge Cemetery
This session will wrap up our study of the
six simple machines. We will conduct
experiments to see how these machines make
our work easier and make one to take home.
Date: Tuesday, October 14
Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Age: 3rd and 4th grade level
Cost: $4/person; $3/ additional sibling
Call: 574-535-6458
Preregister by: Tuesday, October 7
Location: Bonneyville Mill
Gathering at Five Medals
Join us for our annual reenactment of
Midwestern Life from 1660 to 1815. Visit the
Woodland Indian Village, Merchant’s Row,
and the River Rogue camp and see the canon
demonstration, throw tomahawks, and much
more!
Date: Saturday & Sunday,
October 18 & 19
Cost: $4/adults; $2/children
(12 and under)
Time: Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Call: 574-535-6458
Location: Benton Spillway,
River Preserve County Park
A corner stone stands sentry
on a historic prairie farm
north of Elkhart.
www.elkhartcountyparks.org
Did You Know?
Historic records indicate that Chief
Five Medal’s village contained
some twenty homes situated
along an extensive prairie and
was surrounded by approximately
seventy acres of corn.
Park Information
Parks
Bonneyville Mill Park
53373 C.R. 131 • Bristol, IN
Ox Bow Park
23033 C.R. 45 • Goshen, IN
Regional history and natural beauty can be found at Bonneyville Mill County Park. The park’s
223 acres form a perfect background for the picturesque Bonneyville Mill. Seven miles of hiking
trails provide nature enthusiasts a chance to view wildlife and wildflowers. The Little Elkhart
River offers anglers a variety of fish throughout the season. In winter, cross-country skiers can
enjoy miles of challenging terrain and beautiful scenery. The park’s two sledding hills provide
hours of winter fun for the whole family. Picnic tables throughout the park are available for
use. Five open-air and one semi-enclosed shelter can be rented for family gatherings, group
activities and company events.
The Baldwin One Room School, located within the park, is a reconstructed turn-of-the century
school house. The Elkhart County Park Foundation Community Room in the lower level can be
reserved and includes a small kitchen, restrooms, tables, chairs and a wood-burning fireplace.
Located on the banks of the Elkhart River, Ox Bow Park’s 200 acres is a reflection of Elkhart
County’s natural beauty. The park provides four seasons of outdoor activity. Seven open and
one enclosed shelter are available for picnicking and rentals. Volleyball courts, horseshoe pits
and playgrounds can be found throughout the park. Other features include a paved bike trail,
archery range, athletic fields, canoe launch, open-air chapel and an 18-hole disc golf course.
During the winter, groomed trails for cross-country skiing, two sledding hills and a warming
house offer hours of snow-filled fun.
Cobus Creek Park
Cobus Creek County Park’s 84 acres contains a variety of natural habitats including meadows,
woods and wetlands. Cobus Creek, a cold water trout stream, runs through the property
providing beautiful views and fishing opportunities. Hard-packed and natural surface hiking
trails lead visitors through the park and around the five-acre pond. An open-air shelter is
available for rent which includes a catering kitchen with sink, counter space, cabinets and a
roll-top window with serving counter. The shelter has electricity, picnic tables, charcoal grill and
a fireplace. Wood for the fireplace is not provided. The shelter is handicapped accessible.
The park features a fishing access structure, playground and a sensory garden filled with the
sweet scents, sights, sounds, tastes and textures of nature.
River Preserve Park
Located on the Elkhart River, the River Preserve is a perfect spot to discover the natural beauty
of Elkhart County’s rural countryside. The park covers over 1,000 acres with access sites along
its length. Miles of hiking trails will take you along canals, past the dams and foundations
of early milling and hydroelectric operations. Rich in wildlife, it is listed as an Indiana Wildlife
Viewing Area. The park provides visitors excellent opportunities for picnicking, fishing,
canoeing, hiking and nature study.
Two open-air shelters are available for rent. Both shelters offer picnic tables, charcoal grills,
open areas for recreation, accessible latrines, drinking fountains, fishing and small boat access.
30680 C.R. 8 • Elkhart, IN
67380 C.R. 29 • New Paris, IN
Preservation • Recreation • Education
Park Information
DeFries Gardens
17477 C.R. 46 • New Paris, IN
Nestled in the River Preserve County Park, DeFries Gardens is a reminder of our human
connection to the environment. This 13-acre site was once a private homestead and hosts an
1880s Victorian-style home surrounded by perennial gardens and woodland plantings. The site
also hosts the enchanting Calendar Garden. This one-acre showpiece is a giant circular garden
and flowering calendar. Its design features the solstices and equinoxes with unique structures
marking each. Native and horticultural plantings follow the seasons throughout the year. A
365-foot circular path marks each day as it leads visitors through seasons of bloom. The site
also provides a drinking fountain, modern restroom facilities and a hiking trail. The garden is
handicapped accessible.
Treasure Island Park
56225 Armor Ave. • Elkhart, IN
Treasure Island is a four-acre site located west of Elkhart on the St. Joseph River. Treasure Island
provides beautiful views of the river and its surrounding environment. Facilities in the park
include picnicking, fishing, nature observation and canoe access to the river.
Lieber Nature Preserve
51602 C.R. 23 • Bristol, IN
Pumpkinvine Nature
Trail - Abshire Park Access
1302 E. Lincoln Ave • Goshen, IN
The preservation of Pipewort Pond and the surrounding property is a partnership with the
Indiana Division of Nature Preserves. The preserve features a cranberry bog, wildlife viewing
and a variety of Indiana’s endangered and threatened plant species. The site is open to the
public for hiking and nature study.
The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is a linear park and greenway under development, mainly on the
former Pumpkinvine railroad corridor. Over 16 miles of the trail are complete, featuring both
asphalt and packed limestone surfaces suitable for narrow-tired bicycles. The trail is a delight
for walkers, runners, roller bladers, cross-country skiers and bikers as they travel through urban
areas, small towns and agricultural communities. The countryside along the Pumpkinvine
Nature Trail includes the third largest Amish community in the United States. A shelter and
bathroom facilities are located at Abshire Park.
General Shelter Information:
Reservations made Monday thru Thursday with the exception of holidays are half price. Shelters not already reserved can be used on a
first-come basis. To reserve a shelter, call the Park Administration Office, 574-535-6458 Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (EST).
Visit www.elkhartcountyparks.org for current prices and descriptions.
www.elkhartcountyparks.org
Park Information
Historical Sites
Bonneyville Mill
Working antiquity and picturesque beauty await you at Bonneyville Mill. This water powered
mill is the oldest continually operating mill in Indiana, producing quality flour for over 150
years. Historical interpreters are on duty to lead visitors through the “daily grind” while the
massive grist stones vibrate under their feet. While you are there, purchase freshly ground
flours and visit the Barn Gift Shop where you will find a variety of unique historical and natural
items for sale. Bonneyville Mill is open to the public 10 a.m. -5 p.m., Wednesday through
Sunday from May through October.
53373 C.R. 131 • Bristol, IN
Elkhart County
Historical Museum
The Elkhart County Historical Museum features over 22,000 artifacts reflecting the county’s
cultural heritage in its twelve permanent galleries. Temporary or touring exhibits are also
frequently hosted. Its research center and genealogy library contain photos, diaries, family
records, plat maps, census lists and more to help the researcher discover their past. Over 30
events are hosted annually ranging in topics from genealogy workshops to Jazz concerts. The
museum is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday.
304 W. Vistula St. • Bristol, IN
Lieber Nature Preserve
Park Amenities Legend
Fishing
Hiking
Cross-Country
Ski Trails
Sledding Hills
Cobus Creek
County Park
Elkhart County
Historical Museum
Elkhart
Bristol
Treasure
Island
Bonneyville Mill
County Park
Middlebury
Ox Bow
County Park
Playground
Interpretive
Services
Biking
Nature Study
Disc Golf
Observation Tower
Archery
Picnic Area
Boat Landing
Shelter
Boat Launch
Restrooms
Goshen
Pumpkinvine
Nature Trail
River Preserve
Wakarusa
DeFries
Gardens
Handicapped
Accessible
New Paris
Nappanee
Preservation • Recreation • Education
Millersburg
Friends of the Elkhart County Parks
211 W. Lincoln Avenue
Goshen, IN 46526-3280
www.elkhartcountyparks.org
Fall into History
at two great festivals
Bonneyville Heritage Day
September 13
9 am - 5 pm
Bonneyville Mill County Park
Gathering at Five Medals
October 18 & 19
Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 10 am - 4 pm
River Preserve County Park