CAMDEN CELEBRATES 175TH ANNIVERSARY
JULY 21 & 22 2007

Camden veterans honored with plaque Members of Camden American Legion Post #413 are shown accepting a plaque from town council president Pete Wagoner during the town's 175th birthday celebration opening ceremony. Engraved on the memorial, now on display in the town's community building, are the names of 39 residents who served in Vietnam, including one who died there, and 44 others who served other than in Vietnam. The plaque was funded in part by the Carroll County Community Foundation. Pictured, left to right, are adjutant Dale Peters, Robin Maxwell, William Vibbert, Lonnie Frye (with microphone) and commander Henry Wilburn (behind Frey). Comet photo by Kevin Schnepp Lighting our way Cub Scouts are shown how to make hand-dipped candles by Sandy James from Conner Prairie during Camden's 175th celebration last Saturday. Re-enactors from the living history museum demonstrated activities and games children earlier in the town's history found commonplace, including corn husk doll making, interaction with farm animals, and games crafted from wood such as "Graces." Pictured, left to right, are Blaine Bolton, Andrew Hartman, James from Conner Prairie, and Russell Grimes. Comet photo by Kevin Schnepp Spinning into the past Transforming animal hair into clothing has been part of peoples' lives for millenia. With the advent of the spinning wheel in India between 500 and 1000 A.D., the process became more efficient and industrious. Early residents of Camden relied on the spinning method at the time of the town's inception in 1832, and some continue the tradition today. Pictured demonstrating the craft during the town's 175th birthday celebration last weekend, left to right, are Kokomo natives Carolyn and Gene Newton and Camden residents Linda and Mary Ann Fife. Comet photo by Kevin Schnepp Keepsake quilt Dorothy George made this quilt for her granddaughter, Audrey McCain, for her high school graduation in 1998. A crazy quilt pattern, it was all handmade, with embroidery around the gloves and on the fabric, and accented with a lace trim. Some of the gloves belonged to Mrs. George and to her mother, Inah Caldwell. Mrs. George made the quilt after seeing a similar one in a magazine. She lived in Camden and Arizona and passed away in 2004. The quilt was displayed in a quilt show sponsored by Camden Woman's Literary Club for Camden's 175th anniversary celebration. Comet photo by Jennifer Archibald Living history Long-time Camden resident Anna Myrle Zook arrives on a pony to light a ceremonial flame at the start of the town's 175th birthday celebration. She joined in on activities and shared stories with other celebrants during the event last weekend. While waiting to board the trolley to take an architectural tour of the historic community, she told the Comet she was excited to be part of the event. "I love this town so much," she said. "And it is very exciting to see so many other people here who love it as much as I do." Comet photo by Kevin Schnepp Historically speaking... Mark Smith, a James Whitcomb Riley aficianado with ancestral ties to the Camden area, orated history and poems by the well-known poet during a celebration in Camden last Saturday. The town turned 175 years old this year and threw itself a birthday party in recognition of the milestone. Local residents provided visitors displays of old-time farm and fire equipment, tours of the town, music, food and library events such as the poetry reading. Riley wrote fondly of Camden area scenery and people while he visited in the county. Smith dressed for the event in attire similar to that worn by early town residents. Comet photo by Kevin Schnepp Camden Heritage Luncheon Barbara McCain was emcee at the Camden Heritage Luncheon on Saturday. She highlighted the town's history through naming various businesses and town leaders through the years. Certificates were presented to families recognized. Program speaker was John Pugh, 92, of Rochester, who was the builder of the school gym in 1950-51. Jeris Eikenberry played the piano during the meal, and a video was shown of Camden's 1982 Sesquicentennial Pageant. Approximately 275 attended the luncheon. Photo by Jana Rouhier