Pamela Jackson - Guest Services

I had family visiting from out of town in July, so naturally I wanted to bring them to Conner Prairie. It was a hot Sunday afternoon, but we still had a good time as we watched the interpreters come up with innovative ways to keep cool.

While in Prairietown, we observed two of the youth volunteers (children in costumes who play various parts) engaging guests’ children in a water game. It appeared to be a relay of sorts. The only tools required were two buckets of water at each end of a path and tin cups, and the object of the game was to balance a cup of water on the head until it either spilled on the child or was deposited in the bucket at the other end. My family and I watched with amusement, and although lots of water was spilled (which may not have been a bad thing on that blisteringly hot afternoon), both youth volunteers and guests were laughing and having a great time.

When guests come to the ticket desk anticipating an outdoor visit, naturally they inquire about air conditioning. So here is what we recommend to stay cool yet enjoy your time with us: The climate-controlled Conner Homestead; The Animal Encounters Barn, “air-conditioned” by huge blowing fans; a tram ride to the 1863 Civil War Journey, which takes you through a shady wooded area; certain buildings in the 1863 Civil War Journey that are air-conditioned; the water play area in 1863; and of course a hot-air balloon ride, where there is a nice breeze at 350+ feet.

It’s almost August, and soon some local schools will be reconvening. As a teacher, I know that once back in school, the over-riding question will be, “How was your summer?” WAS? Hey, it’s still summer for another six weeks or so! Conner Prairie Interactive History Park has lots of activities still going on during August and September. We hope you’ll buck tradition by checking the 2011 Events Guide at the ticket desk instead of the school schedule, and come out for a fun afternoon or weekend visit. You’ll find ways to keep cool and enjoy yourselves at the same time!

Dr. Campbell - Prairietown Founder

The recent resignation of Isaac Barker from his position as Fence Viewer has opened this important public post. A special election on August 6 and 7 in Prairietown will be held to fill this vacancy. I urge the public minded citizens of Delaware Township to consider standing for election to this important public trust.

As most of you know, I moved to Indiana from Kentucky about five years ago, purchased four hundred acres of land, and platted the town of Prairietown. It is very much in my interest to see this town and its environs grow and prosper. One thing I have learned about founding a town is that it is necessary to build up a sense of community. Neighbors from different backgrounds and different parts of the country must come together and cooperate to build a community. If there is any lesson to be learned from studying the lives and works of our illustrious forbears —Washington, Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, Madison, et al, it is that a feeling of selfish personal gain must be put aside for a sense of the Common Good. I pray that this feeling of disinterested devotion has not perished with the passing of our Great Revolutionary Forefathers.

It is in this spirit that I appeal to the residents of Delaware Township to step forward and accept the responsibility to serve the Common Good by serving in the office of Fence Viewer. As we all know, it is the responsibility of the Fence Viewer to inspect fences and make sure that they are in good repair so that livestock cannot commit depredations in our fields and gardens. Since cattle, hogs, poultry and other livestock commonly roam about freely, it is important that fences are constructed in such a manner as to be (in the common parlance) Horse High, Ox Strong and Hog Tight. 

The Fence Viewer must resolve any disputes that arise when such contentions arise. He must be an even-tempered, fair-minded man.  He must show good judgment, and have an unwavering attachment to the principles of justice and fairness. He must be willing to set aside personal interests and settle disputes in an even-handed way that will promote the Public Good. He must be willing to listen to all sides of a dispute, and with patience and wisdom, deliver a firm but fair judgment.

In Kentucky, where I come from, I have seen what happens when a sense of community is destroyed by endless litigation arising from land disputes. Overlapping land claims, a result of the antiquated “metes and bounds” system of surveying prevalent in Kentucky, have resulted in contention, feuding and strife. As a result, many have “pulled up stakes” and come to new lands in Indiana. My fellow citizens, I urge you to avoid the mistakes of the past! Here in our new state, surveyed on the grid system, we have avoided the land disputes that have torn apart many communities in Kentucky, but we do engage in much contention over strayed livestock, broken fences and ruined crops. I therefore deem it of the first importance that the post of Fence-Viewer be filled so that these disputes can be settled, and we can advance our community free from public strife and turmoil.