As 2013 approaches, local leaders are urging Logansport residents to celebrate the last 175 years.
In preparation for Logansport’s 175th anniversary, a local committee is meeting with area businesses and organizations to host events ranging from costume shows to a commemoration of the 1913 flood. The year-long celebration is set to kick off in January with Founder’s Day parties and end with a show celebrating the city’s historical figures.
The year’s activities also include a CD of songs about Logansport made by local artists, tours of Underground Railroad sites and Native American sites and reminders of the 175th anniversary in local parades and festivals.
Headed by Lita Rouser, a small committee brainstormed a number of historical activities last February to celebrate Logansport.
“We’re not trying to make everything go back to 1838,” Rouser said. “We’re looking back at the past 175 years.”
The committee approached a number of businesses and organizations and asked if they would be willing to host an activity. The organizations can also present their own idea to the committee.
“It’s been really easy to get groups to take on projects,” Rouser said.
The year begins with Founder’s Day parties on February 17 — Logansport was founded on Feb. 17, 1838 — that will span across several businesses and people’s homes. Rouser said she envisions it like a Super Bowl party, where one event is celebrated in multiple locations.
“That way more people can enjoy it,” Rouser said.
In particular, Rouser said she’s looking forward to a “geocaching adventure” put on by local Boy Scouts. Participants will be given GPS coordinates and must find a historical objects in the area.
Rouser said the committee also hoped to reach out to school groups and organizations like the American Red Cross so that they can feature the number 175 in their service hours or projects.
Paul Kroeger, co-owner of the Kroeger Funeral Home and a member of the steering committee, said he was planning to hold tours of the funeral home, which may have been a site of the Underground Railroad.
He said he was excited to see the events come together.
“It’s a milestone year, and I’m looking forward to a year’s worth of events,” he said.
Though many of the events are already planned, Rouser said the committee is open to more ideas.
Rouser said she hoped residents throughout the city would have a chance to join the celebration.
“It gives a chance for all of us to develop a great sense of pride for our community,” Rouser said.
• Caitlin Huston is a staff reporter for the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at 574-732-5148 or caitlin.huston@pharostribune.com.
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