the statesman quarterly april-june 2015

Volume 41, Issue 2 April - June 2015

Remembering a FriendThe Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site recently lost a great friend and volunteer. Steven Neal was part of the team of gardeners who

share their time and talents with the Presidential Site. A talented Master Gardener, Steve faithfully tended our historic gardens every week and helped to make them the beautiful community gathering place that they are today. Memorial gifts in honor of Steve Neal are being

committed to the Presidential Site gardens to continue to preserve and transform these beautiful public spaces for the future. -- Ashleigh Graves-Roesler

It’s easy to see why Caroline Harrison enjoyed painting blossoms of an Indiana spring. Like a coat of many colors, the campus of the Presidential Site shines brightly in the heart of our city. Yellow daffodils and red tulips compliment the white vintage lilacs. It’s the perfect backdrop for school picnics, the annual croquet tournament, and our first annual Presidential Egg Roll.

The prime time to experience the gardens is late April to early May, although buds will be opening throughout the spring and summer, under the supervision of our expert volunteer gardeners. Such manicured gardens don’t come easily or quickly. The landscape has been made possible by the diligence of our amazing volunteers and partners. It’s been planned, planted, and groomed as if the Harrison family was still here caring for it.

Visit the president’s mansion this year and picnic on the grounds. Enjoy your tour, both inside and outside, of this National Historic Landmark. There are ten different vibrant sections in our gardens, but here are three highlights! -- Ken and Georgia Hottell, David Pleiss

The Benjamin Harrison

Presidential Site

1230 N. Delaware St.Indianapolis, IN

46202317.631.1888

Our mission is to increase public

understanding of, appreciation for, and participation in the American system of self-

government through the life stories, arts and culture of an

American President.

Charles A. Hyde, President & CEO

Charles A. HydePresident & CEO

Presidential Site Team

Margaret SalleeDirector of Operations

Jennifer CappsVP of Curatorship

& Exhibition

Ashleigh Graves-RoeslerVP of Development

Roger HardigVP of Education

David PleissDirector of Learning

Resources

Stacy ClarkEvents Specialist

Julio ZepedaFacilities Manager

Gary LarreateguiWeekend Supervisor

Ann A. HomrighousVolunteer Manager

PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org

From the PresidentOn April 13, 1897, Benjamin Harrison made a speech to the Indianapolis Commercial Club (now known as the Chamber of Commerce). In it, he boldly asserted that Indianapolis is “no mean city”, carrying forward the crucial idea that a great community must actively invest in itself:

“But the ideal city must have other excellences. It must be a city where people diligently mind their own business and the public business, and do both with a decent regard to the judgment and rights of other men… a city whose citizens are brave and true and generous, and who care for their own…a city whose people live in homes, where there is room for a morning glory or a sweet pea; where fresh air is not delivered in pint cups; where the children can every day feel the spring of Nature’s green carpet…where brains and manners, and not bank balances, give ratings to men; where there is neither flaunting wealth nor envious poverty; where life is comfortable and toil honorable; where municipal reformers are not hysterical, but have the habit of keeping cool…where the commerce in goods is great, but not greater than the exchanges of thought and of neighborly kindness. We have not realized all these things. We count not ourselves to have attained, but we follow after.”

A decade later, Indianapolis mayor Charles Bookwalter echoed this theme. His cri de coeur, “I am myself a citizen

of no mean city” was first chiseled into the cornerstone of City Hall—and ever since, into the hearts of our community.

The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site carries forward this great civic legacy today. With over 10,000 items in our collection, we are blessed with an abundance of cultural treasures. You know that preserving the home of our 23rd president is about both saving a landmark and, by

extension, the greater memory of an age.

But it’s also about progress. Even as we’re looking back, we’re

thinking forward. As 2015 unfolds, we will share some of the new ways that

we will become the most civically engaged presidential site in the country—from Future Presidents of America youth leadership camp (learn more on page 6) to innovative special exhibits and partnerships. We are in a dynamic age, and for those with vision, passion, and a greater sense of purpose there are unlimited opportunities to affect positive growth and change.

The Presidential Site is pulsing with energy and expectation of great things to come. This is “no mean city”…and no mean museum!

Looking Back,

Thinking Forward

Volume 41, Issue 2 2

Plan Your YearApril 4Presidential Egg Roll

April 17-18, 24-26 and May 1-2Good-Night, Caroline presented by Candlelight Theatre

July 2Naturalization Ceremony

TheMARY TUCKER JASPERSpeaker Series

July 4Independence Day Social

August 20Civil War Dinner

October 9-10 and 16-18Hoosier Hauntspresented by Candlelight Theatre

December 5‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and LIVE: Family ChristmasDecember 16A Candlelight Evening on Delaware Street

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The Harrison Family In MourningThe Harrison White House was always bustling with energy, but it was also touched by tragedy. In the winter of 1891-1892, First Lady Caroline Harrison was ill with bouts of bronchial infection. In March, she developed catarrhal pneumonia, followed by hemorrhages of the lungs. She was taken by train to Loon Lake in the Adirondack Mountains in July in hopes that the mountain air would help her condition. Caroline’s condition deteriorated. The medical diagnosis was announced as tuberculosis, with little hope of recovery. Surgery was performed to drain the fluids from the pleural cavity of the right lung. On September 20, she was brought back to the White House, where she died after an uncomplaining struggle on Tuesday, October 25, 1892. Funeral services were held in the East Room, followed by a private family service the morning of October 27th. Find out more by visiting the new exhibit. --- Jennifer Capps

William Henry Harrison (1773-1841) Letitia Tyler (1790-1842) Zachary Taylor (1784-1850) Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

James Garfield (1831-1881) William McKinley (1843-1901)

Ellen Wilson (1860-1914) Warren G. Harding (1865-1923) Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) John F. Kennedy (1917-1963)

Caroline Scott Harrison (1832-1892)


The president’s son Russell and granddaughter Marthena on the left; grandchildren “Baby” McKee with his sister Mary Lodge McKee on the right.


Ike Hoover was White House Usher during the Harrison Administration. He detailed the daily lives of the family in his book 42 Years in the White House. He noted that the president always kept a calm demeanor, and took long strolls into the neighborhood after lunch. He also played billiards in the basement with his younger family members. First Lady Caroline Harrison took a very active role in managing the home. The kitchen was torn-out and modernized, flooring replaced, new bathrooms installed, and greenhouses built outside. Son Russell and daughter Mary brought their families and stayed for long periods of time---sometimes bringing so many that other housing had to be found nearby.

The close-knit Harrison family enjoyed the White House. There are many newspaper stories of President Harrison and the grandchildren: Baby McKee stirring the spittoon with important state papers or having story time with grandpa. The children had many pets to play with, including two dogs and two opossums. A goat named “Old Whiskers” pulled them around the lawn on a cart. One day, the goat ran out of the gate, the kids still in-tow. The president pursued on foot and finally caught up to the runaway party on Pennsylvania Avenue. Learn more at PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org. --- Jennifer Capps

Ann Homrighous joined the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site’s staff on February 23rd. A graduate of Indiana State University and Indiana University-Indianapolis, Ann comes to the Presidential Site with experience and background in volunteer management and community outreach. Ann has previously worked for Indiana University Hospital, Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, and Girl Scouts of Central Indiana. ”It’s a privilege to work with such exceptional volunteers. The Presidential Site has a great reputation for the the quality of its volunteer programming.” Ann’s office is next to the volunteer lounge.Stop by, introduce yourself, and don’t hesitate to sign up on the calendar to volunteer. Contact her at 317.631.1888 or at [email protected].


A summer highlight at the Presidential Site is the patriotic ceremony held on the south lawn naturalizing nearly 100 new U.S. citizens. Viewing the ceremony and witnessing the oath taken by these new citizens is a powerful reminder of what it means to be a part of this great nation of ours. President Harrison was instrumental in the development of Ellis Island and the reformation of the immigration process. We continue his legacy by hosting of this important ceremony. We hope you will join us this year on Thursday, July 2, 10am-11am. This event is free and open to the public.

On Saturday, July 4, celebrate the birth of our nation with ice cream, games, crafts and programs that promote civic engagement and diversity. Spend your patriotic day at the home of Indiana’s only president. Visit PresidentBenjaminHarrison.org for more details.

Enjoy the hilarity that ensues as the usual calm and quiet of night becomes chaotic, comedic and all-together ridiculous in Good-Night, Caroline - a collection of three one-act vintage comedies premiering at the Presidential Site this spring. Each play is performed in a different room of the mansion complete with candlelight and the rich ambiance of original President Harrison furnishings.

THE PLAYSNight Nurse, Madeline by James TrofatterSuppressed Desires by Susan GlaspellGood-Night, Caroline by Conrad Seiler

PERFORMANCE DATESApril 17-18, 24-26, and May 1-2Friday and Saturday performances - 8pm curtainSunday matinee - 2pm curtain

TICKETS$19.50 Presidential Site Members, Seniors and Students$23.50 Adults$390 Private Room For Up to 20 Guests PLEASE NOTE: Reservations are required, and performances will sell out!

THANK YOU TO OUR SEASON PARTNERS:

Make Your Reservations at


or by calling 317.631.1888

Good-Night, Caroline

Non-ProfitOrganizationUS Postage

PAIDIndianapolis, INPermit No. 4112

Return Service Requested

1230 N. Delaware Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202

Photos courtesy of Ryan Wing














Photos courtesy of Ryan WingEnjoy the hilarity that ensues as the usual calm and quiet of night becomes chaotic, comedic and all-together ridiculous in Good-Night, Caroline - a collection of three one-act vintage comedies premiering at the Presidential Site this spring. Each play is performed in a different room of the mansion complete with candlelight and the rich ambiance of original President Harrison furnishings.










































This program has been made possible through a matching grant from Indiana Humanities in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities.


PRESIDENTIAL SITE HOURSOpen For Tours Monday-Saturday, 10am-3:30pm.

Offices Open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm.

April17-18,24-26,andMay1-2

Good-Night CarolineThree One-Act Chaotic Comedies

Presented by Candlelight Theatre at the BENJAMIN HARRISON PRESIDENTIAL SITE

the statesman quarterly april-june 2015

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