Editor’s note: This special edition of Timeline from the Past chronicles one of Kosciusko County’s longest unsolved mysteries. WARSAW — One of Kosciusko County’s unsolved mysteries occurred 93 years ago in 1927, according to records kept by the Kosciusko County Historical Society. Frank Tucker, a 58-year-old cigar store clerk, reportedly vanished while walking from work …read more.

From the files of the Kosciusko County Historical Society: This is a retrospective column that will run a few times a month on InkFreeNews.com. Jan. 5, 1974 — Firemen battled near zero degree temperatures and a stubborn blaze that completely gutted the quarter-block Boice Building at the intersection of Center and Indiana streets in downtown Warsaw …read more.

From the Files of the Kosciusko County Historical Society This is a retrospective series that will run a few times a month on Ink Free News.  Dec. 19, 1973 — Venereal disease reached epidemic proportions in Kosciusko County, according to the Indiana Board of Health as it tracked cases in the county. The Indiana Board of …read more.

  WARSAW – A Korean War uniform that belonged to a native of Warsaw has been donated to the Kosciusko County Historical Society. The uniform belonged to Charles Wiard, who was born in Warsaw but ended up living much of his life in Mishawaka. Wiard was drafted into the US Army in 1953  – a …read more.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Historical Society paid tribute to Kosciusko County World War II veterans at the Kosciusko County Historical Society Dinner Wednesday, Oct. 16. The 11 WWII veterans in attendance were treated to a program, “Tribute to Our WWII Veterans,” organized and presented by Historical Society Co-Director Sally Hogan. “We really appreciated the …read more.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Historical Society will host its 54th annual dinner at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, at the Center Lake Pavilion in Warsaw. All World War II veterans and a companion are invited to attend the dinner. The event will commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day and will feature a presentation by …read more.

WARSAW — Some people just won’t slow down. To confirm that precept, witness the life of octogenarian Alice Surface Keirn of Warsaw. Case in point: on her 80th birthday in July, Keirn ventured zip lining at a zoo in Grand Rapids, Mich. “My sister came in from Arizona. We both crossed it off our bucket …read more.

MENTONE — Mentone High School Alumni Association president Alice Surface Keirn and MHS history book editor Susy Nellans Creighton donated one of their recently published books to Sharon Whetstone, librarian, Kosciusko County Historical Society, at the museum in the former Kosciusko County Jail. Copies of the book will also be donated to Bell Memorial Library …read more.

KOSCIUSKO — Come join the Kosciusko County Historical Society on Friday, April 12, to commemorate the 85th anniversary of John Dillinger’s infamous raid on the Warsaw Police station. Relive the excitement of that fateful night when America’s most daring public enemy number one roamed the streets of downtown Warsaw with his gang of henchmen. The …read more.

KOSCIUSKO — The Kosciusko County Historical Society invites the public to visit the Old Jail Museum to experience the D-Day exhibit. The exhibit runs from April 3 through Nov. 30 and can be viewed during the museum’s open hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. …read more.

WARSAW — The Genealogy Department of the Kosciusko County Historical Society has announced several upcoming events. In March, Sara Allen from the Fort Wayne Allen County Genealogy Center will share information on DNA on Tuesday March 19. The meeting will be in the Old Jail Museum Library, 121 N Indiana St., Warsaw. The event is scheduled for …read more.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Historical Society’s 53rd annual banquet was held at the Center Lake Pavilion Wednesday, Oct. 17.  “The Ambrose Bierce Story” was presented by Edgewood Middle School students Jason Benyousky, Keller Bailey and Ryun Hoffert, winners of the coveted Civil War prize at the National History Day competition held at the University …read more.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Historical Society held a dedication ceremony for the late Neal Carlson on Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Chinworth Bridge Trailhead on Old 30 West in Warsaw, featuring a memorial bench and commemorative plaque. Approximately 25 people attended the ceremony, including several members of Carlson’s family. Carlson’s wife, Joy, was unable to …read more.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Council heard from nine non-profit organizations Thursday night, July 12, as a representative from each of the agencies came before the seven-person panel to discuss operations prior to receiving their allotment of funds for 2019. The county is issuing just north of $1 million to the non-profits in 2019. The …read more.

WARSAW —   The Kosciusko County Historical Society has partnered with the Victory Players to present The Victory, a play that  is set in the historical Victory Hotel and depicts events in Warsaw in 1939. The play will be performed in Warsaw’s Lakeview Middle School auditorium at 7:30 p.m. June 1 and June 2, and 2 p.m. …read more.

WARSAW —  The Kosciusko County Historical Society observed the 84th anniversary of John Dillinger’s infamous raid on the Warsaw Police station, Friday, April 13. The event brought Warsaw into the national spotlight. Dillinger was a notorious bank robber who was accused of robbing 24 banks and four police stations between 1933 – 1934. He was …read more.

WARSAW — In case you didn’t know, John Dillinger was in Warsaw April 13, 1934. Dillinger was an infamous bank robber in 1933 and 1934. He was the most hunted man in America because of the many banks he robbed and his use of deadly force. He came to Warsaw in the middle of the …read more.

WARSAW — History buffs who are looking for a unique way to spend Friday the 13th could consider joining the Kosciusko County Historical Society as it observes the anniversary of Warsaw’s most infamous moment in history. Friday, April 13, marks the 84th anniversary of John Dillinger’s historic raid on the Warsaw police station, an event which …read more.

WARSAW — If you thought your bus ride to school was challenging how would you like to travel to school in a bus like this? E. H. Blaine stands in the snow in 1923 by the Leesburg school bus he drove for many years. Some would say it was an improvement over the horse drawn …read more.

WARSAW — During First Friday on Dec. 1, the Kosciusko County Historical Society will present Christmas in the Calaboose from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Old Jail Museum, 121 N. Indiana St., Warsaw. The evening will feature portrayers telling of Christmases through the years. Highlighted will be school celebrations, Civil War times, Vietnam War …read more.

KOSCIUSKO — The Kosciusko County Historical Society is seeking a volunteer to develop and coordinate programs for all ages. If you love history, enjoy working with people and have organizational and communication skills, you will enjoy this position. Hours are flexible. Come and be a part of presenting history to people of the communities, school …read more.

WARSAW — As part of its 52nd annual banquet Thursday night, Oct. 19, the Kosciusko County Historical Society invited local historian and Grace College instructor of journalism Terry White to present “Winsome Winona” to 106 guests. In what may be the fastest recap of 150 years of history, in 45 minutes White presented the history of Winona …read more.

WARSAW — It was after 9:30 p.m. Monday evening, Nov. 21, before Warsaw Common Council members reached the third and fourth items on its agenda. The final two agenda items finalized the funding for not-for-profit organizations and transferred funds. A 2 1/2 hour discussion had been held on the issuance of bonds for a third fire station.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Historical Society celebrated its 51st annual banquet by “Piecing the Past Together” and looking at the puzzle pieces of history that have made Kosciusko. The banquet was held at the Center Lake Pavilion on Wednesday night, Oct. 19. Over 130 guests enjoyed a catered dinner provided by Classic Catering, Pierceton, while …read more.

WARSAW — Mary Anderson is the first place winner of the Kosciusko County Historical Society contest “Passport to Kosciusko County”. Anderson’s name was randomly drawn from the many entries received. Second place was Kaitlyn O’Dell and third was Mike Whetstone. The contest required the entrant to visit 50 places, events, or activities throughout the county …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY —In January of 1966 the Kosciusko County Historical Society was formed. One hundred sixty-five persons attended the first meeting held at the courthouse.  From that beginning fifty years ago, the society has grown to nearly 500 members and has become the caretaker of the Old County Jail (now a museum), the Chinworth Bridge …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY —In January of 1966 the Kosciusko County Historical Society was formed. One hundred sixty-five persons attended the first meeting held at the courthouse.  From that beginning fifty years ago, the society has grown to nearly 500 members and has become the caretaker of the Old County Jail (now a museum), the Chinworth Bridge …read more.

WARSAW — Ever wonder about the trolley line that ran on Center Street in Warsaw or dancing to the Glen Miller Orchestra at the Waco Pavilion on Lake Wawasee? Maybe you’ve heard rumors of lions surfing on Winona Lake, of a ghost sighting at Winona Lake’s house known as Merbrink, or the ghost of the …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY —In January of 1966 the Kosciusko County Historical Society was formed. One hundred sixty-five persons attended the first meeting held at the courthouse.  From that beginning fifty years ago, the society has grown to nearly 500 members and has become the caretaker of the Old County Jail (now a museum), the Chinworth Bridge …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY —In January of 1966 the Kosciusko County Historical Society was formed. One hundred sixty-five persons attended the first meeting held at the courthouse.  From that beginning fifty years ago, the society has grown to nearly 500 members and has become the caretaker of the Old County Jail (now a museum), the Chinworth Bridge …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY —In January of 1966, the Kosciusko County Historical Society was formed. One hundred sixty-five persons attended the first meeting held at the courthouse. From that beginning fifty years ago, the society has grown to nearly 500 members and has become the caretaker of the Old County Jail (now a museum), the Chinworth Bridge …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY —In January of 1966 the Kosciusko County Historical Society was formed. One hundred sixty-five persons attended the first meeting held at the courthouse.  From that beginning fifty years ago, the society has grown to nearly 500 members and has become the caretaker of the Old County Jail (now a museum), the Chinworth Bridge …read more.

WARSAW — Proposed 2017 budgets from 10 not-for-profits were heard by Warsaw Common Council members Monday evening, Aug. 1. The meeting, due to the budget requests, began one hour earlier than normal.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY —In January of 1966 the Kosciusko County Historical Society was formed.  One hundred sixty-five persons attended the first meeting held at the courthouse.  From that beginning fifty years ago, the society has grown to nearly 500 members and has become the caretaker of the Old County Jail (now a museum), the Chinworth Bridge …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY —In January of 1966 the Kosciusko County Historical Society was formed.  One hundred sixty-five persons attended the first meeting held at the courthouse.  From that beginning fifty years ago, the society has grown to nearly 500 members and has become the caretaker of the Old County Jail (now a museum), the Chinworth Bridge …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY —In January of 1966 the Kosciusko County Historical Society was formed.  One hundred sixty-five persons attended the first meeting held at the courthouse.  From that beginning fifty years ago, the society has grown to nearly 500 members and has become the caretaker of the Old County Jail (now a museum), the Chinworth Bridge …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY —In January of 1966 the Kosciusko County Historical Society was formed. One hundred sixty-five persons attended the first meeting held at the courthouse.  From that beginning fifty years ago, the society has grown to nearly 500 members and has become the caretaker of the Old County Jail (now a museum), the Chinworth Bridge …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — In January of 1966 the Kosciusko County Historical Society was formed. One hundred sixty-five persons attended the first meeting held at the courthouse.  From that beginning fifty years ago, the society has grown to nearly 500 members and has become the caretaker of the Old County Jail (now a museum), the Chinworth …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY —In January of 1966 the Kosciusko County Historical Society was formed.  One hundred sixty-five persons attended the first meeting held at the courthouse.  From that beginning fifty years ago, the society has grown to nearly 500 members and has become the caretaker of the Old County Jail (now a museum), the Chinworth Bridge …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY —In January of 1966 the Kosciusko County Historical Society was formed. One hundred sixty-five persons attended the first meeting held at the courthouse.  From that beginning fifty years ago, the society has grown to nearly 500 members and has become the caretaker of the Old County Jail (now a museum), the Chinworth Bridge (Greenway …read more.

By Sally Hogan KOSCIUSKO COUNTY —In January of 1966 the Kosciusko County Historical Society was formed.  One hundred sixty-five persons attended the first meeting held at the courthouse.  From that beginning fifty years ago, the society has grown to nearly 500 members and has become the caretaker of the Old County Jail (now a museum), …read more.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Join the adventure of discovery as participants travel around the county visiting festivals, parks, historic buildings and sites by using the unique passport to Kosciusko County from the Kosciusko County Historical Society in commemoration of their 50 years of preserving county history for future generations. All seventeen townships of the county contain interesting points …read more.

OSWEGO — As the Indiana Bicentennial approaches the history that surrounds the county becomes more and more relevant. For the next few weeks, A Summer For History will produce a story a week concerning a different museum located in Kosciusko County. This week’s museum is the Pound Store Museum in Oswego. The building itself was …read more.

LEESBURG — More than 220 former students, teachers and guests on Saturday attended the 100th anniversary of the first 4-year graduating class of Leesburg High School. The event, which also is the 50th anniversary of the Class of 1966, the last to graduate from LHS, took place at Maple Leaf Farms’ world headquarters. Maple Leaf …read more.

OSWEGO — The Kosciusko County Historical Society will be holding a fundraiser at the Pound Store Museum from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 14. The fundraiser will include a bake sale, yard sale, a lunch and free tours. All the money collected from the fundraiser will go to support maintenance and upkeep …read more.

WARSAW — Preserving local history takes a lot of time and resources. According to Kosciusko County Historical Society Museum Director Sally Hogan, donations of time, funds and historical items are always appreciated. The Kosciusko County Historical Society will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, the same year Indiana celebrates its bicentennial. According to Hogan, there are …read more.

[weaver_youtube 4HnUDeXWsZQ rel=0]   WARSAW — Visits by Metcalfe Beck, an early county settler; John Pound, former owner of The Pound Store; and former sheriff James Cisney were made during the 50th annual banquet of the Kosciusko County Historical Society, Thursday evening, Oct. 22. The three visitors told about their lives in the county, people …read more.

WARSAW — Kosciusko County Historical Society will celebrate its 50th anniversary during 2016. Founded in 1966, the society has grown in membership, activities, and properties while remaining true to our mission. That mission is to collect, exhibit and preserve county history, and to provide research materials and educational programs for all people.

WARSAW — As Halloween looms, things start to get spooky. Haunted houses open, scary movies proliferate on television, jack-o’-lanterns and scarecrows appear in yards.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Historical Society has published a new book titled “That’s Life, Stories of Kosciusko County.” This fun-filled, 226-page book is available now from the Old Jail Museum in Warsaw.

The story of Annie Chaplin contains illicit romance, a cruel father, murder-suicide and, finally, a ghost. So it’s no surprise local historians and ghost hunters have taken an interest, including Greg Steffe of Spirits of Warsaw ghost tours, Evelyn Rake and her sister Marianne Prater of Warsaw Indiana Paranormal Research Studies and members of the Kosciusko County Historical Society, located in Warsaw’s Old Jail Museum, 121 N. Indiana St., where Chaplin was incarcerated and murdered.

Ever wondered what it was like to “investigate” a location? Warsaw Indiana Paranormal Research & Studies has been granted permission by the Kosciusko County Historical Society to conduct informational sessions and investigations of the Old Kosciusko County Jail. There are two options available: Paranormal 101 last for approximately two hours. The group will offer instruction …read more.

By SALLY HOGAN Director, Old Jail Museum The Donald Ring Family from Kosciusko County was one of 63 families receiving the Hoosier Homestead Award. On March 6, Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and Indiana Department of Agriculture Director Ted McKinney, presented 63 families with a Hoosier Homestead Award in recognition of their commitment to Indiana agriculture. …read more.

By SALLY HOGAN Director, Old Jail Museum, Kosciusko County Historical Society This photo of boating on Winona Lake in 1938 is one of the pictures scanned during the research library’s April scan day at the Old Jail Museum. For the May scan day the museum is requesting county photos of musical groups, bands, and singing groups, …read more.

By SALLY HOGAN Kosciusko County Historical Society Wondering what to give that person who is hard to buy for or that seems to have everything? Well, the Kosciusko County Historical Society has the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for person. Four times a year, we publish a fantastic historical magazine called The Thaddeus. Each issue contains …read more.

The Kosciusko County Historical Society’s 49th annual banquet on Thursday evening remembered the early days of The Soapbox Derby. Held in the Center Lake Pavilion, photographs, trophies, two derby cars, helmets, uniforms and other memorabilia were displayed around the room. Julia Frush, Sally Hogan and Michael Alspaugh added to the festivities by presenting crowd participating …read more.

Remember the days of the Soap Box Derby? Recall those exciting times at the Kosciusko County Historical Society during its 49th annual dinner meeting, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, in the Center Lake Pavilion, Warsaw. “History of the Soap Box Derby 1938-1963,” will be the program as guests will view Boice Films of the …read more.

Here is another county fair photo taken from the 1929 Warsaw High School yearbook. The Kosciusko County Historical Society is not sure, but believes it shows amusement booths at the corner of Center and Buffalo streets in downtown Warsaw. County fairs were held on the streets of downtown Warsaw from about 1915 to the end …read more.

Summer means outdoor activities and one of the most popular locally is the county fair. Kosciusko County has already had its fair and Elkhart County’s is being held this week. This old photo provided by the Kosciusko County Historical Society shows a barbecue tent at the intersection of Center and Lake streets in downtown Warsaw. …read more.

As a follow up to last week, here’s another soap box derby car. This one belonged to Tom Plew in 1959 and was sponsored by Kosciusko County REMC. That year the race was held on Indiana Street and went from Main Street to a bit beyond Fort Wayne Street in Warsaw. If you have similar …read more.

Kosciusko County Historical Society provided this photo of Don Nichols seated in his Soap Box Derby car No. 3 in 1939. The car was sponsored by Walter’s Drug Store. That year the derby was held on White’s Hill, the hill on Center Street in Warsaw where the Wagon Wheel is now located. Nichols still lives …read more.

This photo, provided by the Kosciusko County Historical Society, shows a group of Civil War veterans in a room at the Kosciusko County Courthouse reserved for meetings of old soldiers and the women’s groups providing assistance to them. The soldiers were members of the Grand Army of the Republic, similar to an American Legion for …read more.

Kosciusko County Historical Society provided this photo of employees standing in front of the former Milford Grain and Milling Company. From left are Don Fox, Eugene Felkner, Esther Bates and George W. Felkner. The photo dates to about 1937. The mill and the Felkner family were both well known in Milford for many years. If …read more.

Kosciusko County Historical Society provided this photo of the Stanley and Armstrong Garage in Leesburg. It dates to about 1914. The historical society believes it was the first automobile garage in Leesburg. From left are Joe Blodgett, John Armstrong, Frank Miller and J.M. Armstrong. Note the Goodyear sign above the men. The Armstrongs were a …read more.

This log cabin was typical of the dwellings built by the county’s early settlers. Russ and Cassy Beck occupied this cabin, located about a mile or two southwest of Clunette. Kosciusko County Historical Society is not sure of the date of the photo, but it is believed the Becks would have acquired their land in …read more.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: StaceyPageOnline.com is working with the Kosciusko County Historical Society in trying to identify people and places of Kosciusko County’s history.) The 1928 Syracuse High School basketball team compiled a 22-2 record and won the county championship that year. The photo shows, in front, from left, players named Ketring, Godshalk, Backman and Klingerman. In …read more.

The Old Jail Museum, 121 N. Indiana St., Warsaw, is now open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. The museum staff has been busy reorganizing the displays to more effectively tell the story of Kosciusko County. New displays have been added and others are still being developed. Self-guided tours are available Wednesday …read more.

Beginning with this photo, a new feature is starting here on StaceyPageOnline.com. About twice each month, a photo provided by the Kosciusko County Historical Society will be posted. The historical society will be looking for assistance from readers to better identify something or someone in the photo. The first photo, just in time for March …read more.

Knowledge from a nine-day trip on the original Oregon Trail in 2009 was shared by Randy Polston, Warsaw, at the Kosciusko County Historical Society’s 48th annual banquet Thursday. The annual meeting was held at Camp Alexander Mack, Milford, with Rex Miller, executive director, also sharing a brief history of the camp and some of the …read more.

The Kosciusko County Historical Society genealogy research library is partnering with the Warsaw Community Public Library genealogy club to bring Joan Hostetler, a Pierceton native, for a genealogy photographic program April 9 at WCPL. Hostetler is certified in photographic restoration and is co-owner of Heritage Photo and Research Services, Indianapolis. A workshop on how to …read more.

The Kosciusko County Historical Society is once again holding a Christmas House Walk/Drive from noon until 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. Featured are five homes and the Old Jail Museum. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at any of the stops on the day of the walk or beforehand at the Old Jail Museum from …read more.

Genealogy buffs and families can now look no further than the World Wide Web for persons buried right here in Warsaw’s Oakwood Cemetery. With the assistance of the Kosciusko County Historical Society, Oakwood Cemetery has photographed and mapped 95 percent of its 70 acres and 18,000 graves. “We get calls from all over regarding their loved …read more.

Emma Edmonds, who is also known as Sarah Emma Edmonds or Edmondson and even Frank Thompson, shared her experience as a soldier and a spy during the Civil War at the Kosciusko County Historical Society’s 47th annual banquet. The banquet was held Thursday evening at the Old Train Depot, Pierceton. Edmonds, portrayed by professional storyteller Carol …read more.

Although the Kosciusko County Jail Museum is housed in the old county jail and contains many displays and artifacts from its time of incarcerating criminals, the museum aims to collect and preserve historical materials of all kinds. Currently, the museum is preparing to celebrate “The Art of the Cords.” The Jail Museum is looking into …read more.