October begins the final quarter of the year, with many asking where 2022 has gone. Autumn is now in full swing, as homecoming, football games, and holiday festivities are now the talk of the town. This month the Society reflects on the many new members who have joined this year and the heartening loss of one of its longtime supporters. Routine work and improvements are underway to help prepare both buildings for the cold months ahead. With the year about to conclude, October is shaping up to be the busiest month of 2022. Join us for one of the many events on the calendar and delve into the fascinating stories of Indiana County's past.
The month kicks off on day one with the Pioneer 5k run/walk, followed by a night walk on Saturday October 22 at 6:30 p.m., and concluding with trick-or-treat at the Clark House to close out the month on All Hallows Eve. An exhibit constructed by volunteer Makenna Berchin on mortuary customs will also be on display for the duration of the month. All information, RSVP forms, and tickets can be found on the Events page.
October is also Annual Meeting month, and this year is set to be a treat. Join the Society on Thursday the 20th at 6:00 p.m. for a brief business meeting with the election of new officers, a review of the year's finances, and an update on Society projects. Following that at 6:30 p.m. there will be a program by James Ferguson discussing his funeral home celebrating one hundred years of business. Light refreshments with a Halloween twist are also in order for the evening. This event is free to attend, however, we do ask that guests RSVP so the program committee can plan for the proper amount of refreshments. Would you like to become a member of the Society? Fill out our application form and become part of our organization.
At the end of last month, the Society lost a former board member and longtime supporter. Bruce Jenkins had previously served as treasurer of the Society and a volunteer for many years. He was always here for building and grounds workdays and took pride in helping to make the Society look presentable. Bruce also brought fresh ideas and resources from many other historical locations he visited in his free time. His guidance also helped the museum to bridge connections with numerous other local groups. Bruce's impact has been tremendous and his presence will be missed.
Routine maintenance and improvements continue at the Society, this time in the Clark House. There were no floor drains present in the building and it was decided that this posed a significant risk if a pipe ever broke or there was significant enough rainfall. In the Armory, Davis Brothers has performed a tune up to the heating system to prepare it for the cold months ahead. All of the radiators are online with fresh valves and provide a nice steady heat. The question is can the system keep up with the harsh winter that is projected in the months ahead? Only time will tell. Like what we're doing? Consider donating to the Historical Society to help our efforts in preserving Indiana County's past for future generations.
Despite the full list of events in October, the calendar of events is not over on the 31st. The Society will be hosting a toy display next month. The official opening is November 15 at 6:00 p.m. This will run in conjunction with the It's A Wonderful Life Festival and Open Arts Show, ensuring that the museum closes the year with a full set of displays.
As the year draws to a close, the Society has much to be thankful for. Volunteers and committees continue to build upon their past work and plan for a brighter more exciting year. Join us for an event or check out one of the new exhibits. Support from our membership has fueled some incredible projects and what we have accomplished thus far is just the tip of the iceberg.