Weekend events introduce
history, Native American
traditions to guests
By Jamie Teibel
Summer
Editor
Two events sponsored by the Tippecanoe County Historical
Association provide educational and entertaining summer recreation and
also celebrate the history and traditions of Greater Lafayette.
The first honors the 18th century Woodland Indians
who lived in the Wabash River Valley. Woodland Indian Ways is from 1
p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Fort Quiatenon, which is the first fortified
European settlement in Indiana. It is free and open to the public.
Leslie Dotson, program director and site coordinator
for the association, said the annual event is basically an insight into
woodland Native American lifestyles and consists mostly of demonstrations.
Some of the demonstrators and other participants are Indian or of Indian
descent, she said.
"It should be a pretty busy day out there," said
Dotson. "It's totally weather dependent, if the weather is good and
it's not too hot we should have 400 people." She said that people of
all ages attend for the hands-on activities; there is something for
everyone.
Along with Native games and toys, Wigwam structures,
crafts and music of the 18th century Woodland Indians will be a Native
seed and food display and Newfoundland dogs.
Dotson said the seed and food display is "the most
spectacular, eye catching thing out there."
Newfoundland dogs, which look like bears were used
to pull carts and wagons and also to rescue people who have fallen into
the water. They even have webbed toes to help them swim.
Mike Dotson, who is bringing his 150 pound, 32
inch tall Newfoundland, Makwa, said, "This is a really old breed of
dogs." He said that John Adams, George Washington, Meriweather Lewis
and Leif Ericson all owned one.
Makwa, which means "the bear" in Wea Indian
language, will pull a wooden 18th century cart, depending on the weather.
Other Newfoundland dogs will pull a travios, which was used to carry
hunting, camping and other equipment. "These are amazing dogs…they're
very intelligent and loyal."
An 8-month-old puppy, which weighs 100 pounds,
will also be there to "hang out," but will not pull anything because
it is too young.
Dotson said the dogs attract a lot of attention.
People usually ask him questions such as "How much do they eat? How
much do they weigh? Is she friendly? Can I pet her? Gee you could put
a saddle on her and ride her!"
While the dogs will entertain audiences at Fort
Quiatenon, live music will entertain them at the Fowler House.
The second event is in honor of Shorty, who was
a house servant at the Fowler House. He and Joe Fowler, one of children
of Moses Fowler, ran a speakeasy that made hamburgers and liquor available
to Purdue students in the 1920s from the basement of the house. Shorty,
whose real name is unknown, served the food and liquor while Joe brewed
the beer.
In commemoration of this tradition started by Joe
and the "House Man" the Tippecanoe County Historical Association is
having a party.
"Shorty's on the Lawn," will take place from 5
p.m. to midnight on Aug.18 at the Fowler House, located at 909 South
Street in Lafayette.
The outdoor event is a fundraiser for operation
of the association's sites, including the Fowler House, the Wetherill
Research Center, the Battlefield Museum and Fort Quiatenon. "The whole
idea is a fund-raiser to kick-start both programming and maintenance/operational
expenses of historical sites," said Laura Loy, director of public relations
and marketing for the association.
Mel Brutsman of Sarge Oak on Main, Inc. will provide
steak and chicken sandwiches, corn on the cob, ice cream, beer, wine
and soda to attendees and live music will entertain the crowd throughout
the evening.
The Max Hendricks Band will begin the show at 7:30
p.m. The Clayton Miller Blues Band will perform from10 p.m to midnight.
93.5 KHY will also be broadcasting live from the Fowler House.
Advanced ticket prices are $4 per adult, $2 children
12 and under; gate prices are $5 adults and $2 children. Call Laura
Loy at (765) 476-8401 to purchase tickets or stop by PEFCU, Sarge Oak,
Hooters or any of the association's sites.
For more information about Woodland Indian Ways
contact Leslie Dotson at 476-8402. Fort Quiatenon is located 5 miles
southwest of West Lafayette on South River Road.
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