Published: September 26, 2009 09:43 pm      

Step back in time

Organizers stage fifth annual Chief Logan’s Port of Living History Festival

The smell of freshly burning wood, the sound of the booming cannon and visions of life in the 1800s took over the Cass County 4-H fairgrounds this weekend.

The fifth annual Chief Logan’s Port of Living History Festival is set to wrap up this afternoon at the fairgrounds.

The festival offered visitors a look back at more than 150 years of history.

Festival co-chair Marquita Young is hoping to see even more people stop by to today for several reasons.

“It is becoming the last days of going outdoors,” she said. “Get out and play, laugh and learn. Kids have open territory out here, and it’s safe for them.”

This year’s activities include educators and demonstrators, such as wood carvers, sand painters, weavers, leather workers, bead workers and knife makers.

Bob and Marge Hartle, of Kewanna, had a variety of items for sale. Bob took time to explain what he had and Marge told stories to those stopping by. The display included fur hides, fur hats, bone antler pipes, brass and trade items, lanterns, candle lanterns, throwing axes, pipes and war clubs, walking sticks and animal skulls.

“We got involved because we like reenactments and camping,” Bob said.

Kim Hoover, with “Hoots and Howls” Wildlife Rehabilitation, was present with several animals Saturday afternoon. She showed off a groundhog as well as a 15-year-old great horned owl.

A children’s tractor pull also took place on Saturday afternoon. The antique tractors will still be available for viewing today.

Several indoor and outdoor vendors also set up to sell items related to the time period, including jewelry, candles, wood carving and baked items. Young said festival organizers wanted a large variety for people to browse. She added the indoor vendors seemed to be doing better on Saturday than the outside events, but she said she thought that was a result of the weather.

Food vendors include elephant ears, Jordan Lodge 29 in Logansport and Walnut Valley Bison.

This was the first event the Jordan Lodge attended. Lodge members cooked pulled pork sandwiches. Lodge member Larry Farrell said the lodge usually cooks a barbecue meal once a month in the summer, but wanted to offer a chance for the public to buy sandwiches. The money the lodge earns goes toward scholarships and special causes.

Walnut Valley Bison also donated a buffalo hide winter robe. The robe will be raffled off at 3 p.m. today. Tickets cost $10 each and the winner does not need to be present to claim the prize. The robe is on display at the festival.

The Woodland Indians had a tent set up with several furs on display.

Two taxidermists were also on hand. Ron Browning with Rock Creek Taxidermy in Walton attended for the first year, but Andy Benedict of Crazy Horse Taxidermy in Elkhart is a veteran of several years.

Benedict said he enjoyed visiting with the other participants.

“It’s like an extended family,” he said. “You can’t go to the campground and run into people like this. When we pull in the gate, we give each other hugs or say hi to everyone.”

Young enjoys watching the kids who attend and seeing their eyes light up when they see things that they wouldn’t normally have the chance to witness.

Herb Martin, who started the cannon demonstration, said the children and veterans enjoyed the cannons the most.

Bryce Spencer, who attended the event for the first year with his grandmother Tina Spencer, had a chance to help out with the cannon demonstration.

“I wanted to see one shot,” he said.

Tina, who has attended the event in the past, said she enjoyed coming out each year because of her interest in history.

“I enjoy the Indian folklore,” she said. “Just seeing how the settlers used to live and how much energy it took during just one day.”

• Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com