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JULY 2018
Mr. Clark’s collection By Bridgett Hernandez bhernandez@kpcmedia.com
Marbles and matchboxes are only a few of the collections Ben Clark has. Collecting is simply something he’s done since he was a little boy. In the decades since then, his collection grew to include African American cultural artifacts, stamps and currency from around the world and anything else that has struck his fancy. Clark houses his collection in the basement of the suburban home he shares with his wife Geri. (The pair is not to be confused with the ice cream company, Ben and Geri joked). The couple moved from Jefferson City, Mo., to Fort Wayne in 2013 to be closer to their daughter, Sheryl Ferguson.
Into “the jungle”
“Okay, we’ll go down to the jungle now,” Clark said, descending the basement stairs. “Be sure and use the hand rail because these steps are kind of narrow.” The 85-year-old maneuvered the steps with relative ease. He has Parkinson’s disease, but he remains active, hitting the gym three times a week to play table tennis with an 89-year-old partner. The basement is less of a jungle and more of a museum. Binders are stacked neatly, framed artifacts line the walls and items are carefully arranged on tables. He became serious about collecting when he worked as a mail clerk in Missouri. With all the mail coming across his desk, he started to take
BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ
Clark’s collection includes African American cultural artifacts, matchboxes and vintage gun-shaped Avon bottles, among other items.
notice of the different stamps. “They tell a story,” he said. “They’re all so beautiful to me. I don’t have favorites.” Clark spent his boyhood years in Jefferson City. During the Great Depression, his family moved to Kansas
City, Mo., to find work. In the early 1950s, Clark served in the Air force and was stationed in Suwon, South Korea. Later on in his career, Clark worked as a parking attendant for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. He enjoyed his time there.
As a museum employee, he was privy to private, after hours viewing of the exhibitions and was allowed to bring in 10 guests. In the 1960s, he also had the opportunity to work with and learn from Cecil Ferguson, the celebrated art
An open book Women share vision for Human Library Ellen Sauer and Nicole King are community project coordinators for the Human Library-Fort Wayne. The event, which is scheduled to take place Aug. 4 at the Allen County Public Library downtown, will offer the public a chance to interact with more than 30 human “books.” Real people will be “on loan” to readers. The event will feature opportunities for one-on-one interactions as well as panel discussions. According to humanlibrary.org, the experience is designed to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue. While
the model for this project has been reproduced in communities worldwide, Fort Wayne’s Human Library will be a true representation of the community, King said. Here, they talk about their vision and give a behind-the-scenes look at the project.
How would you describe the Human Library – Fort Wayne and what you two are doing with it?
Human Library Fort Wayne believes prejudices and stereotypes can be interrupted and dismantled by creating a positive environment for conversation; an environment where real people are ‘on loan’ to readers and where difficult questions are expected, appreciated and answered. We feel that the books in our human library are a
true representation of our community. Its first event, scheduled for Aug. 4 at the Allen County Public Library in downtown Fort Wayne, allows folks visiting it to open the pages of those books and learn from and embrace new faces and stories. How did you two meet and how did you become involved with the Human Library?
We met about one year ago while serving in a multiracial group. Both of us were interested in the human library concept and decided to forge ahead together and create the first one ever here in Fort Wayne. We set out to manifest a vision and ended up becoming friends over See LIBRARY, Page 2
See COLLECTION, Page 13
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curator and community activist. Ferguson started working in the Los Angeles County museum system as a custodian and rose through the ranks to become an art preparator and
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LIBRARY: FROM PAGE 1
this past year of planning. Frankly, that was unexpected for both of us — a really lovely surprise for which we are so grateful. It’s basically been a mini Human Library in action — two women who would be considered ‘other’ in their respective worlds taking the time to learn about each other and shifting their worldviews as a result.
How did your careers develop and how do they relate to what you are doing with the human library?
Nicole has a long tenure as a grant writer, currently working at Unity Performing Arts Foundation. She is also very active in discussing the needs of the community particularly those underserved. It’s her personal mission given that she has been in that category at various times in her life. Ellen started life as an occupational therapist, seeing firsthand the effects of disconnection and prejudice that her home health clients had to endure. Now she’s an artist and writer who has been drawn to explore and highlight how we as a community and humanity have forgotten how intricately we are all connected to each other — and how remembering and embracing that
Downtown Fort Wayne • July 1 2018
Names: Ellen Sauer and Nicole King Titles: Community project co-coordinators Community project: Human Library-Fort Wayne Facebook page: @HumanLibraryFW International website: www.humanlibrary.org First event: Aug. 4 at Allen County Public Library in downtown Fort Wayne Day jobs: Sauer is a freelance artist and writer; King is a grant writer and executive director at Open Minded Development. Education: Sauer studied at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Indianapolis and Penland School of Crafts; King studied at Western Governors University and participated in Leadership Fort Wayne training. connection heals all of us. Thus, this human library project was a very organic next endeavor for both of us What is ahead for your careers and your volunteer work with the human library?
We’ve already termed this upcoming ACPL event our First Annual Human Library event because we trust that it will be a perfect way to continue to represent our community in its entirety. We are considering hosting additional events throughout the year as well — getting different venues and audiences with either the full or partial human library involved. As for our personal careers, Nicole recently ran for office to serve as a Democratic party delegate as well as a vice precinct chair for the Indiana Democrat African American Caucus (IDAAC) — both positions in an effort to
continue her passion of disseminating information related to the underserved in our communities. Ellen plans to continue her passion of seeking connectedness with her art and writing as well as continuing and expanding a group she formed this year with her husband, Joel, called CREWW — a Collective of Radical Engaged White Witnesses. CREWW’s mission is to highlight true history and the personal embedded racist structures we as white people need to see in order to unwind them. All of this so we can have the crucial connected conversations that are necessary with other white folks as well as people of color. What do you like about this kind of work?
We have been truly humbled by this experience. The stories from our books are filled with challenge and also incredible perseverance
BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ
Community project coordinators Nicole King (left) and Ellen Sauer meet at Taqueria Salsa Grille in George’s International Market to discuss the Human Library-Fort Wayne.
how creative we need to be with financing for a project like this. The international Human Library through which we are licensed does not allow corporate sponsors of any kind, so we are securing as much donated time and talent as possible, as well as seeking community individual donations via our GoFundMe page. At the same time, when we are hiring services, we are committed to supporting local, small, diverse businesses.
and love. We are so grateful for their willingness to share their toughest, most profound life experiences with us and others all for the purpose of healing and connecting. We also love learning first hand the many faces of ‘Survivor.’ This event is truly a step in the direction of showing the other side of healing.
What stands out so far with the development of the Human Library – Fort Wayne?
First and foremost, our friendship is a standout for both of us. And with that comes the reminder that laughter is vital! We are working hard, and at the same time, so fully enjoying each other and the process. Our other stand out is
What advice have you found particularly valuable in your efforts to develop the Human Library – Fort Wayne?
We spoke with several places in the U.S. who have hosted human libraries prior to embarking on our own event. All of them told us to
allow ample time to secure the Books as there is a lot of back and forth communication involved in the process. In following that advice, we’ve learned the value of the books and the sacredness of their stories. So for us, that valuable advice led to our main goal of ensuring that our books have a positive experience with all of this — leading up to the event in their communications with us, at the event as they share with readers who come to check them out, and down the road for future events. We’re feeling really protective of them; they are our living, breathing library and we’ve learned that the human story is the best story whether it’s read on paper or live and in person.
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Downtown Fort Wayne • July 2018
Broadway Street Stroll celebrates music, food, local artisans KPC News Service
Businesses on Broadway will host the third annual Broadway Street Stroll on Sunday, July 29. Broadway’s antique stores plus Art by Alexandra Hall, Fancy & Staple, Mad Anthony Brewing, Sassie Cakes, Terry Ratliff Fine Art, the Brass Rail, the Clyde Theatre, the HEDGE, the Philmore on Broadway, the Phoenix and Trubble Brewing will feature tours, specials and live art, 1-6 p.m. New to this year’s street stroll is the Swinney Avenue Art Market. Sponsored by Electric Works, this feature provides a central location for local artists and artisans to showcase and sell their work. The art market will
have longer hours, taking place 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Following the event, the 07 Pub will host the official after party. The one-day street festival made its debut in 2016, with the aim to highlight the unique art, shopping, food and brew featured on Broadway. This year’s event will also feature a tour of Mad Anthony Brewing Company, Pique magazine’s “The Art of Recycling” art show at Fancy and Staple, open mic and farmers market at the Phoenix, specialty cocktails and mocktails crafted at the Philmore on Broadway, free foosball games at the Brass Rail and more. The Broadway Street Stroll is open to all ages and is free to the public. For more information,
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Broadway Street Stroll will return Sunday, July 29.
contact Mandie Kolkman at (985) 778-6083 or
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Downtown Fort Wayne • July 2018
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Sharing a canvas By Sonya Flores
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If you take a walk through downtown Fort Wayne, you might notice that public art is springing up on walls and on street corners. Public art has the power to transform its surroundings and add value to a community. It can also bring strangers together in surprising ways. The friendship of local artists Matthew Plett and Stephanie Woodson is proof of that. A message of perseverance The friends met last fall while Plett was working on a mural on the side of arts nonprofit Wunderkammer Company. According to his Kickstarter campaign to fund the project, the 30-by-20foot mural entitled “Don’t Give Up” is about perseverance. “I want everyone who drives by this mural, everyone who comes through my neighborhood and sees this, to catch that spark. To know that they aren’t fighting alone. That there’s hope, and a possible future for them. To change the way they think about themselves and their
situations,” Plett said on his Kickstarter page. As Woodson drove by the mural that day, she was touched by the message. “He was working on a mural on the outside of Wunderkammer on Fairfield. The big bold words ‘Don’t Give Up!’ caused me to pull over on my way home from work and thank this stranger for the motivation he provided for me that day,” she said. “I had never met or seen him before that. I hugged him and went to my car and cried because that had been a really low day for me.” Plett said it was a humbling moment. “I feel like, at that moment, I had ‘made it’ kind of. Like, this was exactly what I was trying to do with this mural,” he said. Plett and Woodson later found each other and stayed in touch on social media. Plett, owner of Undefeatable Illustrations, is a graphic designer, illustrator and stay-at-home dad from Fort Wayne. He studied at Huntington College and Manchester University. Woodson owns Love,
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Public art sparks friendship between strangers
SONYA FLORES
Local artists Matthew Plett (left) and Stephanie Woodson completed a mural together for Art This Way Alley Activation Project.
Lucine. The company’s mission is to create quality art that is accessible to people from all walks of life, that reflects positive images of African American culture and evokes joy and pride in their heritage in a unique and colorful way. She holds a bachelor of arts in psychology from Fisk University, as well as a master of arts
in sociological practice from Indiana University — Purdue University Fort Wayne. A new project Plett later answered a call for entry for artists to submit mural ideas to the Art This Way Alley Activation Project. Art this Way is a public art program operating under the umbrella of the Fort Wayne Downtown Economic Improvement District. According to Art This Way’s website, public art engenders a distinct identity, fosters pride of place and generates economic growth. The Alley Activation Project includes privately owned properties within a two block area of downtown Fort Wayne. Property owners have agreed to allow the installation of artwork on their building facades. Plett asked Woodson to be a part of the project. “I really think that Stephanie’s style and intention in her work resonates in me and many people. People are genuinely inspired by her work,” he said. “Also, I think her art would translate very well into mural work if she ever chooses to go that route.” Collaborating with a woman of color was also important to him. “Opportunities in public art are growing, but still there is an enormous gap in the balance between opportunities given to men and women. Especially people of color,” he said. “Knowing that just the experience of working on a mural does a lot of things for an artist. It takes away some of the fears of working on something at that scale, gives professional experience on your CV,
and hopefully gets you started thinking about how you would attack a wall with your ideas and style. Also, she’s the kind of person who you just want to get to know better. I’m so happy she agreed to help.” Woodson said she was thankful for the opportunity. “It felt incredible to be asked by Matt to be included in his mural,” she said. “To know that someone with such amazing talent and experience took notice of my work and wanted to share an opportunity with me is pretty special to me.” The mural, located at 112 W. Wayne St., is composed of a series of panels. Panels reading “Breathe” are spaced between panels with colorful patterns. “My personal view of the divine has transformed over the years but one of the most resonant understandings for me is of the Hebrew YHVH (I am who I am) where the original pronunciation of those letters was breathed and could literally not have been spoken with the tongue or lips. The idea of the divine/source expressed as breath itself is so powerful for me. An invitation to include all of us. Also, it’s just kind of a cool place to take pictures.” Plett said of the mural. To see the mural or to meet Plett and Woodson, check out the 2018 Art Crawl 5-9 p.m. Sept. 21. The event will take place at five downtown locations. Each location will feature a live band, an artist performing live, free appetizers, a cash bar, and a gallery show. For more information, visit downtownfortwayne.com/artthisway.
INfortwayne.com • A5
Downtown Fort Wayne • July 2018
LINDA LIPP
Artist Jerrod Tobias painted this cardinals mural in 2016.
Mural project uses crowd-funding platform By Linda Lipp llipp@kpcmedia.com
Two “platinum” level sponsors who each pledged $4,500 or more have the North Anthony Corridor Group’s Mandala Murals project well on the way to achieving the organization’s $13,000 fundraising goal. The corridor group is using the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s CreatINg Places program and a crowdfunding platform developed by Patronicity to raise money for the project. The $13,000 raised by the donations will be matched with an equal amount by the state, bringing the total funding for the mural project to $26,000. The mural project would add artwork to the north- and west-facing walls of the building at 3511-3523 N. Anthony Blvd. that houses The Firefly coffee house, the Health Food Shoppe and Studio Seva Yoga. It was proposed by muralist Jerrod Tobias, who painted a cardinals mural on the south wall of the building in the summer of 2016. “A mural painting can jar people from their daily routine and allow them a moment of sublime reflection,” Tobias said. “It has an intangible quality that draws people together to consider their sense of place. It is a direct method of redefining that sense of place.” The CreatINg Spaces program has been used by several other northeast Indiana communities, including Warsaw, Wabash and Decatur, to
BY LINDA LIPP
A rendering shows the new Mandala Mural planned for a building on the North Anthony corridor.
raise money for projects that beautify and enhance downtown areas. One of the corridor group’s board members came across the program and suggested the organization give it a try, said Allison Demaree, another board member. “They’re giving away tons of money, so we thought, this is a big project ... let’s go for it,” said Demaree, whose family owns the Firefly. At the time it was painted, the cardinals mural was the largest in the city. The new mural will continue the corridor-group’s efforts to make the neighborhood commercial district “hip and cool — a destination where people will come shop and hang out and view public art,” Demaree added. The neighborhood already has a lot going for it, including unique local businesses, access to the river greenway and several nearby schools,” she added. “We want to make it vibrant and welcoming.” Founded in 2013, the North Anthony Corridor Group has enhanced the corridor with sculptures and banners, facilitated connections to nearby college campuses and the Rivergreenway trail system, increased public awareness of the neighborhood and provided a voice for local businesses and organizations. The crowd-funding campaign concluded May 31. For details and updates on the amount raised, visit patronicity.com/ mandalamural. Parkview_93335 1/2 page box INAN/INNE/INNH/ INDV/INFW 6/29/18 #62
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Downtown Fort Wayne • July 2018
Al fresco dining options abound mknowles@kpcmedia.com
Now that the warmer days and evenings are here, we want to be outside as much as possible – including at mealtime. Fortunately for al fresco addicts, the Fort Wayne area offers plenty of options for eating outdoors no matter the time of day or occasion. Date night The Deck, 305 E. Superior St.: As the name implies, this Don Hall’s restaurant has an outdoor deck perfect for enjoying on a summer’s evening with loved ones. As a bonus, the restaurant overlooks the St. Marys River for a view you won’t find anywhere else. The Deck does not take reservations, however, and is always on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure to plan your special night accordingly. Other great spots: Black Canyon, 1509 W. Dupont Road (accepts reservations) Club Soda, 235 E. Superior St. (accepts reservations) The Oyster Bar, 1830 S. Calhoun St. (accepts reservations) Tolon, 614 S. Harrison
St. (accepts reservations) Wine Down, 301 W. Jefferson Blvd. (accepts reservations) Lunch outdoors Calhoun Street Soup, Salads and Spirits, 1915 S. Calhoun St.: Despite being located off busy Calhoun, CS3’s outdoor dining is carefully tucked behind a fence in a secretgarden setting, perfect for a quiet, casual lunch with family or friends. Other great spots: 816 Pint & Slice, 816 S. Calhoun St. Caliente, 1123 E. State Blvd.; 120 W. Wayne St. Dash-In, 814 S. Calhoun St. Friendly Fox, 4001 S. Wayne Ave. Hanging out with friends Three Rivers Distilling Company, 224 E. Wallace St.: What better way to spend an evening in Fort Wayne than sitting outside with good friends enjoying a local libation? New kid on the block Three Rivers only opened their outdoor space earlier this year, but it is a beauty. Bonus: The distillery is offering discounted frozen drinks on Thursdays from 4-9 p.m., according to
BY MEGAN KNOWLES
The outdoor patio at O’Reilly’s Irish Bar and Restaurant offers a view of Parkview Field, perfect for hanging out with friends and enjoying some TinCaps baseball.
their Facebook page. Other great spots: 07 Pub, 3516 Broadway Black Dog Pub, 6230 Covington Road, Fort Wayne Curly’s Village Inn, 4205 Bluffton Road Deer Park Irish Pub, 1503 Leesburg Road El Azteca, 535 E. State Blvd. East Haven Tavern, 635 Green St., New Haven The Hoppy Gnome,
203 E. Berry St. JK O’Donnell’s, 121 W. Wayne St. Junk Ditch Brewing, 1825 W. Main St. Mad Anthony Brewing Company, 2002 Broadway Nick’s Martini and Wine Bar, 1227 E. State Blvd. O’ Reilly’s Irish Pub, 301 W. Jefferson Blvd. Pedal City, 1215 W. Main St. Scotty’s Brewhouse, 6282 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Summit City Brewerks, 1501 E. Berry St. Trion Tavern, 503 Broadway St., New Haven Trubble Brewing, 2725 Broadway Bringing the pooch along On May 25 the Allen County SPCA released its list of paw-friendly patio locations where man’s best friends are welcome from now through Labor Day. Beamer’s Sports Grill,
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5108 W. County Line Road North, Columbia City Black Dog Pub, 6230 Covington Road, Fort Wayne Caliente, 1123 E. State Blvd.; 120 W. Wayne St. Curly’s Village Inn, 4205 Bluffton Road Deer Park Irish Pub, 1503 Leesburg Road Friendly Fox, 4001 S. Wayne Ave. Nick’s Martini and Wine Bar, 1227 E. State Blvd. Pedal City, 1215 W. Main St. Scotty’s Brewhouse, 6282 W. Jefferson Blvd. Summit City Brewerks, 1501 E. Berry St. Tim Hortons, 3975 Ice Way; 4210 Crescent Ave.; 8939 Lima Road; 12677 Coldwater Road locations only Tolon, 614 S. Harrison St. Trubble Brewing, 2725 Broadway In addition, these locations are also part of the Paw-Friendly Patio Passport, where people and their pets can visit each location, collect a stamp and present the finished passport to the Allen County SPCA for a free T-shirt, according to the release from the Allen County SPCA.
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Downtown Fort Wayne • July 1 2018
• A7
Indiana Pinball Show coming to fairgrounds Inaugural state event to coincide with Heritage Days By Louis Wyatt lwyatt@kpcmedia.com
A local business continues to put the Fort Wayne area on the Hoosier stage. With the help of Fort Wayne Pinball Wizard’s World Arcade and the Hoosier Arcade & Coin-op Kollectors Society, the 2018 Huntertown Heritage Days Festival will welcome the inaugural Indiana Pinball Show and Tournament in August. “Huntertown has welcomed us with open arms, and the community as a whole supported our team throughout our first season. We’re proud to report that, as the host of multiple state and nationally recognized tournaments, Wizard’s World Arcade has become known as one of the elite pinball facilities in the Midwest,” said Mike Burgess, owner of Fort Wayne Pinball Wizard’s World Arcade in Huntertown. Burgess sees the festival
Briefs Clinic to hold softball tournament
Matthew 25 Clinic is planning a family-friendly, slow-pitch softball fundraiser 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 8 at Kreager Park. The clinic is in the process of soliciting sponsors, players and volunteers for this first-time event. The day will consist of eight teams in a bracket style elimination tournament. The clinic is looking for sponsors at any level to help cover the umping, a game, fields, concessions and other costs. For those interested in playing, teams must consist of three boys and three girls. Full rules will be given to the team captain who registers his or her team. Volunteers are needed for help setting up, tearing down and running concessions. Spectators are also welcome to come cheer the teams on. According to the clinic’s website, Matthew 25 is the only full-time clinic in Allen County offering free medical, dental, vision and hearing services. The clinic asks patients for a $5 donation for each medical visit and a $10 donation for each dental visit.
event as a way of giving back to the community while spreading the joy he has found in competitive pinball. The event will be at the Allen County Fairgrounds Home and Family Arts Building during Heritage Days Festival hours, Aug. 9-12. The schedule of events includes several tournaments, and several pinball and arcade machines set for free play throughout the four-day event. Vendors will also be showcasing pinball machines, arcade games, coin-ops and “all the cool things you need to complete your game room, including neon signs, gas pumps and more,” Burgess said. Individuals competing in sanctioned tournaments during Heritage Days may qualify for state and worldwide ranking points, with winners receiving trophies. The cost for the event is $15 per day for adults, $8 per day for children ages
For more information, visit www.matthew25online.org/communitysupport/events/ home-runs-for-health/. Children’s Fest moves to North Side HS
The Three Rivers Festival, in a new partnership with Fort Wayne Community Schools, will host Children’s Fest at North Side High School, 475 E. State Blvd., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, July 20, and Saturday, July 21. “The event’s move from IPFW to North Side High School will allow the event to be more centrally located and closer to the festival’s events and attractions in and around Headwaters Park,” according to a Three Rivers Festival statement. Each year, more than 30,000 visitors attend the Children’s Fest. Open Streets returns to Calhoun
The second Open Streets Fort Wayne will return to Calhoun Street July 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open Streets is a car-free block party that encourages walking, cycling and connection with local businesses and neighborhoods, according to a release from the Fort Wayne Division of Public Works. The free community event will block traffic
COURTESY PHOTO
The Indiana Pinball Show and Tournament will come to the Allen County Fairgrounds Home and Family Arts Building Aug. 9-12.
5 to 13 and free for those younger than 4. Advance tickets will be available online for $10. In honor of the Huntertown Fire Department’s 100-year anniversary, Wizard’s World will bring
two Williams “Fire” pinball machines to the show. “Fire is a great game for firefighters as well as anyone who enjoys the firefighting theme,” Burgess said. “It’s a family
friendly machine that can be enjoyed by adults and kids. This is going to be fun and we’re looking forward to aligning with the Huntertown community to offer this entertainment alternative for young
and old alike.” For more information or to purchase advance tickets, visit https://www. facebook.com/FWAPinball/ or email indianapinballshow@gmail.com.
for two miles on Calhoun Street from the St. Marys River to Williams Street, with activities on Berry, Wayne, Ewing and Barr streets, according to the release. Activities will include giant board games, boxing demonstrations, live music, the chance to test drive an e-bike and sports including street hockey, Wiffle ball, pickleball and more. There are 25 new activities this year, according to the press release. A complete list of activities can be found at openstreetsfw. org. Volunteers are still needed for the event. Those interested can visit openstreetsfw.org for more information and to sign up by clicking the “Get Involved” button.
with a musical performance by Colin English, baritone July 15: Worship service at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1636 St. Marys Ave., Fort Wayne July 22: Pastor Voelker July 29: Pastor Voelker with a musical performance by Don Wharton Aug. 5: Worship service at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1636 St. Marys Ave., Fort Wayne Aug. 12: Pastor
Voelker with a musical performance by Because He Lives Aug. 19: Pastor Voelker with a musical performance by Kristine Agen, singer/guitarist Aug. 26: Worship service at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1636 St. Marys Ave., Fort Wayne Sept. 2: Pastor Voelker with a musical performance by the Trinity Handbells & Choir
McMahon’s Best-One Tire & Auto Care opened a new location on the southwest side of Fort Wayne, according to a press release from the company. The new location at 5319 Illinois Road was scheduled to open in June. The company will offer the same automotive services, selection of tires and customer care as provided at their other three locations on Coldwater Road, Coliseum Boulevard and American Way.
Auto company expands
Outdoor services offer variety of musical performances
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church will offer “Worship in the Park” 8 a.m. most Sunday mornings through Sept. 2, at Foellinger Theatre. Communion will be offered afterward at the church, 1636 St. Marys Ave., Fort Wayne. For more information, visit www.trinityevangelicallcms.com or call (260) 422-7931. July 1: Pastor Voelker with a musical performance by the Shepherd’s Brass July 8: Pastor Voelker
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A8 • INfortwayne.com
Downtown Fort Wayne • July 2018
Hiking fun for all ages By Megan Schrader For IN|fort wayne publications
It’s summer vacation, and many families are looking to spend some quality time outdoors. With 100 miles of trails in Allen County, families don’t have to go far to take a hike. Before embarking on a hike, parents should consider the varying needs of different age groups. A few tips and tricks can ensure the whole family remains safe while enjoying hiking the trails. Hiking tips for youngsters
According to Wilderness.org, part of preserving wilderness for future generations is teaching youth to appreciate and enjoy nature. A trail with several features such as a lake, stream, waterfall or rock formation can help keep them interested by giving them a goal to reach. Food can also be an effective motivator. Hiking burns energy quickly, so be sure to back food to refuel. Plan frequent breaks to snack and hydrate. Salty snacks and water or sports drink should be consumed on any hike lasting longer than 30 minutes, according to the National Park Service’s website. “You can use energy breaks as a way to keep your child moving by saying, ‘At that footbridge, we’ll take a break and have a snack,’” according to Wilderness.org. The website also suggests packing a medley of snacks in case your child becomes a picky eater on the trail. For small children’s first few hikes, pick trails that aren’t too long or strenuous. A tired, fussy toddler is hard to deal with. A tired, fussy toddler in the middle of the woods with an hour hike back to civilization is harder.
Step away from Fortnite and take a Fort hike
10 HIKING BASICS
Depending on where, how long and in what weather conditions the hiking is being done, all these items may not be necessary. With that in mind, it important to pack as light as possible, since lugging heavy bags around will make the trip more difficult. Navigation: map, magnetic compass, optional altimeter or GPS receiver Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen for lips and skin, hat, clothing for sun protection First-aid supplies Insect repellent Nutrition: add extra food for one additional day for emergency Hydration: add extra 2 liters of water for one additional day for emergencies Insulation: hat, gloves, jacket, extra clothing for coldest possible weather during current season
COURTESY OF ACRES LAND TRUST/
People hike at an ACRES Land Trust property.
Illumination: headlamp, flashlight, batteries Fire: butane lighter, matches in waterproof container Repair kit and tools: knives, multi-tool, scissors, pliers, screwdriver, trowel/shovel, duct tape, cable ties Emergency shelter: tarp, bivouac sack, space blanket, plastic tube tent, jumbo trash bags, insulated sleeping pad
Follow Little River Wetlands Project on Facebook to learn about children’s programming such as “Short Hikes for Short Legs,” a series of interactive and educational hikes appropriate for kids ages 3-5 years at Eagle Marsh. Younger families might consider packing additional kid-friendly supplies such as wet wipes or tissues, lip balm, binoculars, a magnifying glass, field guides (to point things out to kids), a camera and safety whistles for each child (teach them what they are for and when to use them). Hiking is all about experiencing and learning about nature, so let children get up close and personal. “If you let little kids lead you on the trail, you will be amazed at the kind of teachers that they are,” ACRES Land Trust outreach manager Lettie Haver said.
Teenage trailblazers
Getting teenagers outside usually means dragging them away from some form of electronic device. Once they’re unplugged, however, it can often be smooth sailing. “That would be my advice to parents, to just recognize that that verbal complaint doesn’t have to be legitimized,” Haver said with a laugh. “You can take your kiddo out there and discover that they can have fun and just in one look, their protestations melt.” Parents should involve teens in the planning, like choosing a location. Letting them give input and incorporate their ideas and interests into the plan will make for a more successful outing. A more challenging trail with hills and rougher terrain, or an endpoint with a big, exciting feature is often a good motivator, where as a stroll through
TAKE A HIKE
Fort Wayne Trails: Allen County is home to more than 100 miles of trails. Download a map at fwtrails.org/maps. Lindenwood Nature Preserve: The 110-acre nature preserve offers four hiking trails of varying length (one is wheelchair and stroller accessible). No pets or bikes allowed. For more information, visit fortwayneparks.org. Eagle Marsh: Located on the southwest border of town, the 756-acre wetland nature preserve offers more than 10 miles of trails. For more information, visit lrwp.org. Metea Park: This 250-acre county park offers a nature center, five miles of trails, a 1.5-acre lake with swimming beach and picnic areas.
the ordinary woods may not interest them as much. Additionally, having a shared goal or challenge between parent and child can also be a good motivator. “Letting a teenage son or daughter invite a friend along has long been a staple parenting strategy,” according to TheBigOutside.com. So when planning a hiking trip, have them bring a friend along, but if the hiking is particularly strenuous, make sure the other child is up to the challenge.
Admission is $2 per person age 7 and older. Children younger than 7 are admitted for free. For more information, visit allencountyparks. org. Fox Island: This 605-acre county park features a nature center, seven miles of trails, bird observation building, a swimming beach and a doggie beach. Admission is $2 per person age 7 and older. Children younger than 7 are admitted for free. For more information, visit allencountyparks.org. ACRES Nature Preserves: There are 14 ACRES nature preserves to explore in Allen County. The trails are free for everyone and open from dawn to dusk. Visit acreslandtrust. org for more information and rules.
“I would just ask kids to follow their own natural curiosity for the wonders of this world and to pay attention,” Haver said. Tips for all ages
When hiking, remember to dress in layers. Mornings and evenings get cold, but midday when the sun is beating down will make you glad you wore a T-shirt under that jacket. Choose lighter, synthetic fabrics over dense, water-absorbent cotton and the right shoes depending on hiking location, length
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and anticipated weather. “I would encourage all people to enjoy natural places,” Haver said. “There’s just so much fun to be had and so many adventures, quiet time, there are places of reflection, there are places where you can hang out with friends and family, and you can discover the richness and diversity of life on earth. It’s incredible and the more you see and experience that, the more you begin to recognize about yourself too as part of this living system.”
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INfortwayne.com • A9
Downtown Fort Wayne • July 2018
Father passes on gift of entrepreneurship By Gwen Clayton gclayton@kpcmedia.com
Parents significantly impact their children’s outlook and perspective of life, teaching them values in addition to their ABCs, but one local father has gone a step further: He’s handing down the family business to his two daughters. John Hurley, owner of Marathon Labels, recently decided it was time to “step back a bit” and enjoy semiretirement. Last December, he gave his daughters Kelci Burnham and Lindsey Hurley the business, naming Kelci as president and Lindsey as vice president. “Our father started the company about 20 years ago all by himself and has grown Marathon Labels into a multimillion-dollar label manufacturer,” Burnham said. “I feel incredibly fortunate to be given this gift, but it is also somewhat bittersweet as I have the responsibility of upholding the incredible legacy my dad created.” The company specializes in UL-certified durable labels that are produced with the intention of lasting through the life of the product. “I am only one in a long line,” John Hurley said. “It is now their turn to learn to be stewards of our family’s legacy.” Hurley’s ancestors fled the British Isles seeking opportunity for themselves and their families in a time of desperation. “They arrived here with little other than the clothes upon their backs but with big dreams for a bright future,” he said. The future did indeed get brighter. Hurley’s paternal grandfather worked as an apartment-building superintendent at night while attending Indiana University and eventually graduating with his medical doctor degree. His oldest son — Hurley’s father — “was the center of my moral universe,” the patriarch explained. Hurley’s maternal grandparents were subsistence farmers, working 110 acres in Logansport, and during the Depression, every day was about survival. “Both of my parents went into education and made clear to my sister and myself how it is the key to a bright future,” Hurley said. “My forebears had thus instilled in future generations a commitment to education, hard work and a feeling of responsibility for
CONTRIBUTEDJohn
coming generations along with endless optimism and confidence about what would be possible to achieve working together.” Those are the values John is passing on to Kelci and Lindsey. Both women have worked at Marathon since their middle-school days, served internships while in high school, and became the fifth generation to graduate from IU. “Their education would make my great-grandfather proud,” he said. “They are wonderful with customers, vendors and employees alike. My family responsibility to them is to leave them as strong of a start as possible.” Hurley defines “a strong start” as being debt-free. “In our industry, acquisition-initiated debt loads are often a false coin,” he said. “The ability to set this issue aside becomes a competitive advantage as debt’s pernicious effects on pricing and strategic planning cause mission drift.” Treating the transition this way also creates a gentler change in ownership. “Rather than having a formal transaction that creates finality and a new beginning to the enterprise in a short period of time, I am allowed to slowly reduce
Hurley (center) recently gave his daughters Lindsey Hurley and Kelci Burnham his business, Marathon Labels.
my involvement while setting up a non-adversarial way of sharing decision-making. I can be more of a coach because it’s all about improving their skills.” Youngest daughter, Lindsey Hurley, has acquired many skills as a result of her father’s coaching over the years. “My dad is the quintessential family man,” she said. “That being said, he is also the quintessential business man. I’ve just seen him through my entire life, not necessarily bouncing around jobs, but always immersed in his career and always wanting the best for himself and for his family.” She remembers being a little girl about 8 years old, and her father sitting the two girls down to talk about basic business concepts such as supply and demand and how to charge money for a product or a service that they’re selling. “What’s funny is my sister and I at such a young age had such a hustle spirit too,” she said. “There were days we’d get the Sunday newspaper and cut out coupons and walk around the neighborhood and try to sell them. Or we’d walk around asking ‘What can we do? What kind of odd jobs?’ I think a lot of his principles kind of rubbed off on us. It’s almost like we’ve been wired that way.”
This hustle spirit will continue as the company grows. “Our future plans include continuing to provide high-quality
labels to our customers while seeking new business relationships that would allow us to broaden our customer base,” Burnham said.
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A10 • INfortwayne.com
Downtown Fort Wayne • July 2018
Lutheran hospital hosts Safe Sitter classes By Meghan Schrader For IN|fort wayne publications
Lutheran Children’s Hospital Safe Sitter classes, open to ages 11 years and older, began this spring. The program teaches youth how to handle emergency situations when caring for young children. Dr. Patricia Keener, who was working at an Indianapolis hospital, started the program in 1980 when the child of a nurse Keener worked with choked to death while in the care of an adult baby sitter. Within two weeks, the Safe Sitter program took root. Lutheran Children’s Hospital adopted the program almost 20 years ago. In the single-day classes, participants learn basic first aid skills, CPR and how to talk to an emergency dispatcher, as well as how to change diapers, how to be safe while using social media, how to find appropriate online activities for children and how to screen potential baby-sitting jobs to determine which ones are the best fit for them, as well as additional child care and safety information and skills. A graduation ceremony takes place at the end of each class. Participants receive a completion card demonstrating that they
COURTESY PHOTO
Participants who complete Lutheran’s Safe Sitter class receive a backpack, shown, of helpful items.
know how to use their skills in situations they encounter and a Safe Sitter backpack/kit. This kit includes a manual of all the information they learn in class and an important number file for parent information and phone numbers of anyone to call in case of emergencies. The class focuses on the safety of not just the
child but the baby sitter as well. Children learn what red flags to note and address before accepting a job and/or while on the job. “We keep both sides, the children and the baby sitter, safe,” Safe Sitter Coordinator for Lutheran Children’s Hospital Lisa Pearson said. Registration forms for the class as well
as additional information can be found on the hospital’s website. Although staff prefer to have registrations completed two weeks before the respective class, Pearson will take participants up to the day of the class so long as the class does not exceed 24. “We want to make sure that anyone that’s interested gets the chance to
do this program because we are just so passionate about children being safer and learning to be better parents and baby sitters,” Pearson said. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis with the average class size being 10-13 participants and average ages between 11 and 14, though they have had and welcome older
participants. Each class costs $60, which includes the Safe Sitter backpack, but participants should bring money for lunch. Additional information as well as registration forms can be found at lutheranchildrenshosp. com/classes-for-kids or by contacting Lisa Pearson at lpearson@lhn. net or (260) 435-2699.
City fines garbage collector for missed pickups KPC News Service
The city of Fort Wayne is fining its new
garbage and recycling contractor, Red River
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Waste Solutions, a total of $65,000 for failing to meet performance benchmarks in its contract in April and May. Missed collections by Red River have been a major source of complaints to the city over the last six months. A $15,000 fine was assessed in April, and an additional fine of more than $50,000 is being assessed for May. The fine structure is similar to fines that were assessed to the previous garbage and recycling collection provider for the city. Mayor Tom Henry announced the fines at an update June 12. Red River began providing services on January 2. The city and Red River recognize there have been some issues and have been working to correct them. It’s not uncommon, though, for there to be an adjustment period for any new
provider. “We expect better results from Red River,” Henry said in the statement. “My staff and I, along with City Council, are adamant that improvements need to be made to ensure garbage and recycling collection procedures and outcomes meet the needs and expectations of our residents and neighborhoods. Though we recognize that challenges are to be expected with a new provider, Red River has assured us that they’re prepared and ready to enhance their daily operations. I’m optimistic that they’re up to the task. Over the past six months, my office has heard from residents complimentary of the work that Red River is doing as well as from those expressing concerns. No provider is perfect, and it’s appropriate for us to allow them additional time to
perform their duties.” Garbage and recycling contractors across the country are experiencing a shortage of drivers who are eligible and interested in employment. Red River is leading proactive efforts to attract and retain the best talent possible to provide services in Fort Wayne. Prior to the bid process, community focus groups provided input on residents’ expectations of garbage collection, which helped formulate the bid solicitation. The city received bids from five companies for the garbage and recycling collection contract, the highest of which was $9.61 million, and the lowest of which was $6.96 million, from Red River. Questions and concerns about missed pickups can be addressed by calling the city’s help line, 311.
INfortwayne.com • A11
Downtown Fort Wayne • July 2018
Make the most of July
Affordable and family-friendly fun
By Bridgett Hernandez bhernandez@kpcmedia.com
The kids are out of school and summer vacation is in full swing. Looking for affordable, family-friendly fun? July in Fort Wayne is packed with local attractions and events that fit the ticket.
FILE PHOTO
July 26 is Kids Day at the Allen County Fair.
FILE PHOTO
Fort Wayne Museum of Art offers free admission each Thursday from 5-8 p.m.
Fest: This two-day free event held in conjunction with Three Rivers Festival, offers visitors more than 50 booths offering crafts, storytelling, magic, education and hands-on activities for kids. Check it out from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 20-21 at North Side High School. For more information, visit… Enjoy the Allen County Fair: The Allen County Fair takes place July 24-29 at the fairgrounds, 2726 Carroll Road. Admission is $5 (buy four tickets, get one free) and children age 5 and younger get in free. Thursday, July 26, is Kids Day and carnival rides will be $1. Other Kids Day highlights include activities and games for children, free crafts, fun contests and a free ice cream social. For more information, visit allencountyfairgroundsin.com.
EXPLORE YOUR HOMETOWN ON FOOT ENJOY REDUCED ADMISSION TO LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
$1 Night at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory: From 5-8 p.m. July 5, enjoy admission to the Conservatory for $1. Visitors can also drop in to the programming room for “Edible Insects: A Yummy Treat!” from 6-7 p.m. For more information on First Thursday programming, visit botanicalconservatory. org. Free admission to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art: Admission is free 5-8 p.m. each Thursday. Current exhibits include “The National: Best Contemporary Photography 2018” (through July 18) and “Outlaws of Print: The History and Artists of the Underground Collective” (through July 8). Free admission to the History Center: The History Center, 302 E. Berry St., offers free admission during the YLNI Farmers Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each Saturday through Sept. 29. The museum maintains more than 26,000 artifacts, photographs and documents representing the history of Fort Wayne and Allen County.
Take a hike at Lindenwood Nature Preserve: Located at 600 Lindenwood Ave., the 110-acre nature preserve offers four trails, picnicking, an open-air pavilion and wildlife watching. This summer, the preserve is offering free themed trail hikes. From 10-11 a.m. July 7, learn about the oaks on the Oak Paradise Trail. From 10-11 a.m. July 21, experience See LIST, Page 12
FILE PHOTO
A historical re-enactor performs at the Old Fort.
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AN INTERACTIVE LEARNING FAIR FOR KIDS & THEIR FAMILIES
Saturday, August 4, 2018
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. • Noble County Fairgrounds • Tots - Middle School
MAKE THE MOST OF FESTIVAL SEASON
Explore Chalk Walk 2018: July 14-15 a portion of Main Street will be closed off to traffic and artists will take to the streets. The event draws on the city’s most creative citizens, and the chalk drawings are truly works of art! Check out Children’s
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A12 • INfortwayne.com
Downtown Fort Wayne • July 2018
Still afloat By Louis Wyatt lwyatt@kpcmedia.com
Jeff Funk thought 2018 could be his last year in business, but all signs point to open waters ahead. After awaking to the news that his Huntertown boat restoration shop had gone up in flames, whether or not he would keep working was all but certain. “The fire was on late Friday night, early Saturday morning, and that weekend we seriously talked about retiring,” the 62-year-old business owner said. Looking back, keeping the Antique Boat Shop alive was the right decision. “When I had a meeting with the crew, I said we can call it a day or we can keep going and maybe even get a little bit bigger, and they all said keep going and get bigger,” Funk said. “We all love what we’re doing and we don’t want
to stop. Without exception, everybody said full speed ahead, and that’s what we decided to do and we’re on our way.” After the Jan. 13 fire, the Antique Boat Shop was deemed a total loss. Despite losing eight boats, all of their equipment and the entire building, the shop’s crew moved into a new space — twice the size of its old home — and got things up and running within three weeks. “We just really hustled — we wanted to get back to work,” Funk said. “We had a lot of boats that were in our storage waiting to be restored and we moved those in right away. They didn’t miss a beat.” By the end of the year, Funk expects to the business to be right back where it was before the fire. Since 2005, the Antique Boat Shop has made a business out of restoration
— an extension of Funk’s personal hobby. He previously owned an insurance business, but sold it to pursue a more enjoyable career. “Word got around that I was doing it, so people would bring one boat and then another boat, and next thing you know, we’ve done nearly 250 of them altogether,” he said. The shop usually contains about eight boats at a time. Currently, it’s up to five. The crew works in an assembly-line fashion, starting with the bare boat at the south end of the building and moving it north as they progress with the bottom, sides and top. Each boat then spends some time in a separate varnish room away from any dust. Depending on the lumber, the crew will apply anywhere from 12 to 15 coats of varnish, sanding
LIST: FROM PAGE 11 the sights and sounds on the Trail of Reflection. Open to all ages. No pre-registration is necessary. The Trail of Reflection is wheelchair and stroller accessible for a half mile from the trailhead to the pond. Pets are not allowed. Time travel at the Old Fort: The Old Fort, 1201 Spy Run Ave., will host two free events in July. Historical re-enactors representing times from the early Vikings through World War II will converge for the Timeline Event July 14-15. Then, experience colonial life at the Old Fort July 28-29. Re-enactors will provide demonstrations throughout the day on period specific artillery and military maneuvers as well as daily activities such as cooking, gardening and blacksmithing. Donations are welcome.
BY LOUIS WYATT
Many of the boats that come through the doors of the Antique Boat Shop have their bottoms replaced with brand new mahogany shipped in from Michigan. Owner Jeff Funk said with newer materials, wooden boats no longer need to be swelled.
in between each coat. That process alone can take about a month, Funk said. Once the boat leaves the varnish room, the crew can then reassemble the remainder of the parts, adding the engine,
hardware and interior. The entire process can occasionally take as many as 18 months, depending on what the customer wants done and the rarity of the model. Some just need the bottom wood
replaced — a four- to six-week job — while, oftentimes, customers will ask Funk’s crew to sand, re-stain and re-varnish the See AFLOAT, Page 14
nights in July will feature “Despicable Me, Despicable Me 2”, “Despicable Me 3” and “Minions”. Discover a new film: Allen County Public Library screens the latest releases of award-winning independent and foreign films in the Globe room at the Main Library on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Free admission for adults age 18 and older. July’s feature film is “After the Storm,” a Japanese movie with English subtitles about a struggling novelist’s opportunity to reconcile with his mother, ex-wife and young son.
ENJOY A FREE CONCERT
Celebrate America’s independence with Patriotic Pops: The Fort Wayne Philharmonic will present Patriotic Pops at Parkview Field 8:30-10 p.m. July 3. Admission is free and gates open at 6 p.m. Fireworks will accompany the finale. Check out Friday Nites Live at Jefferson Pointe: Enjoy a free concert from 6:30-8:30 p.m. each Friday through Aug. 30. This month’s concerts feature Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra, Brother, Ty Causey and Big Caddy Daddy. Don’t forget your lawn chairs!
CATCH A FREE MOVIE
Enjoy an outdoor movie: Foellinger Theatre offers free movies during the summer each Thursday at 8 p.m. Concessions are available for purchase. Movie
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Fireworks will accompany the finale of Patriotic Pops at Parkview Field.
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Patrons can catch a free movie at the Allen County Public Library.
INfortwayne.com
Downtown Fort Wayne • July 1 2018
• A13
COLLECTION: FROM PAGE 1 advocated for the inclusion of African-American artists in the museum’s exhibitions. When Ferguson started a museum in the black community, Clark would assist with the exhibits. “He would get the materials and I would do the fixing up – the mounting and what have you of that sort,” Clark said. Sharing stories
The Clarks lived in California from 1958 to 1994 before moving back to Jefferson City and eventually to Fort Wayne. Today, sharing – not hoarding – his treasures is just as important as collecting them, Clark said. Each item has a story, a history lesson. He has shared his collection at churches, schools, barbershops and the African/African-American Historical Society and Museum of Allen County. Recently, Clark participated in a black doll show at his church, St. John Missionary Baptist. He started picking up black dolls at secondhand stores and garage sales, spending less than $10 per doll. While dolls are typically thought of as innocent relics of childhood, the “topsyturvy” doll has a less light-hearted history. The doll has two heads and two bodies conjoined at the waist. Typically one doll is black and the other doll is white. When flipped upside down, the doll’s dress reveals one body and hides the other. Clark’s “topsy-turvy” doll is a replica, so both dolls’ bodies are black, he explained. “Usually, it’s black on one side and white on the other,” he said. “So if
BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ
Clark’s collection of African-American cultural artifacts includes a collection of black dolls.
Clark holds a replica of a “topsy-turvy” doll.
BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ
Clark holds framed displays about Martin Luther King Jr.
a black kid was playing with it and a white person came along, they could cover that side up. It was okay to have a black [doll], but it wasn’t okay to have a white one.” Clark’s collection also includes currency minted by Azie Taylor Morton, who served as Treasurer of the United States during the Carter administration from 1977 to 1981. She remains the only African-American to hold that office. Her signature was printed on U.S. currency during her
tenure. Also mounted in his basement is “Currency of the Confederacy.” During the Civil War, the Confederates featured scenes of slavery on their money. Another board displays Jim Crow era advertisements that exploit African- Americans. Kids today, Clark said, can’t imagine the realities of growing up in a segregated world. They can’t imagine having to enter a restaurant through the back door, he said.
BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ
Clark’s black history collection includes a display of Jim Crow era advertisements that exploited African-Americans.
“That’s why I do what I do now,” he said. “If they can’t come to the museum, let me bring the museum to them or a place they can come.” Keeping up with his growing collection is a lot of work, but it makes him feel relaxed. Geri helps by typing and printing labels. She
also helps him from getting carried away, she laughed. “I support his hobby, but it can get expensive,” she said, remembering the time her husband was eyeing a $900 penny. Knowledge of Clark’s collection has spread mostly through word of mouth. He has been
invited to display and present throughout the community. He welcomes donations, but he is happy to share his collection for free. Educators and others who are interested in viewing his collection can reach him by contacting St. John Missionary Baptist Church.
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A14 • INfortwayne.com
Downtown Fort Wayne • July 2018
AFLOAT: FROM PAGE 12 entire boat while it’s disassembled, which can take up to a year. For rarer, older boats, finding parts adds to the timeline. “Some of these boats are 70 to 80 years old and finding the parts is difficult. If you can’t find them, you’ve got to have them refabricated and that takes both time and money to do that,” Funk said. The shop’s new location, just a couple buildings down from where the fire occurred, doesn’t yet contain a varnish room, but Funk said they plan to build one over the next four to six months. Believe it or not, about 80 percent of the shop’s customers send their boats to Huntertown from out of state, Funk said, adding that they received business from owners in Washington, Texas, Florida, New York, New Hampshire, Michigan, Tennessee and Georgia, in addition to other states. One of the boats in the shop last week came from California. “We have one boat in here now that’s from Indiana, but we have a national exposure and a national reputation, and people bring us boats from all over the country,” Funk said. “We’ve actually even had several boats from
Canada.” Customers sometimes drive their boats in personally, or the shop can make shipping arrangements. Some customers will fly out to Indiana to check on the progress. The shop buys mahogany in bulk from Michigan and then fabricates the wood into the pieces it needs for each area of the boat. Getting it just right is an art to those in the business. “You need to have good woodworking skills, because there are no straight lines in the boats. To the eye, it may look straight, but all the boats have compound curves and bends,” Funk said. With thousands of models, shapes, sizes and configurations in circulation, nearly all of the Antique Boat Shop’s 250 completed projects have been unique in one way or another. “There’s a lot of similarities, but the difference is what makes them so special,” Funk said. “It’s not like a modern car where there’s 5,000 of the exact same car coming out.” Golden era of boating
As a personal enthusiast, Funk owns eight to 10 wood boats of his own — some seaworthy and some currently undergoing restoration — and each of his kids owns one as well. His primary boat is a Century Coronado, which he keeps on Lake James.
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“It gets into your blood, and once it gets in, you just can’t get it out,” he said. “These are very special boats.” The majority of the boats Funk’s shop restores were built between the 1940s and the late ‘60s — part of what many refer to as the “golden era” of power boating, spanning the ‘30s through ‘60s. “They kept getting bigger and bigger motors, and back in the ‘30s through the ‘60s when these mahogany power boats were really at their height, if you had a ChrisCraft or a Century or a Hacker or a Gar Wood moored at your dock, everybody knew that you had arrived and you were successful,” Funk said. “This is like having the most expensive Cadillac in your driveway. If they see you have a mahogany power boat, you have really made it, and a lot of people like that attention.” The Antique Boat Shop has restored vessels dating back to the late ‘20s, not long after mahogany power boats hit the market. “They started making these in the late teens when the internal-combustion engine really started making its way into these boats,” Funk said. “It started with World War I when the Liberty engine and some of these other engines were developed for the war effort. Once the war was over, the government had thousands of these engines that were not going to be used anymore, so a lot of these boat manufacturers — Gar Wood, Chris-Craft and Hacker in particular — would buy these engines for 10 cents on the dollar, if not less, and they would marinize them for marine use and put them in their boats. And, just as technology and metallurgy evolved, the engines got lighter, more powerful, more fuel
efficient and more economical for the average guy to buy a boat with an engine in it.” In the late ’60s, manufacturers began replacing wood with fiberglass, and companies like Gar Wood and Hacker-Craft went out of business after opting not to make the transition, Funk explained. Companies like Century and Chris-Craft built their last wood boats around 1968. While the mahogany was traded out for fiberglass, Chris-Craft still incorporates wood in the aesthetics of many of its models. “People like the look of wood. It’s a little warmer and it breaks up the all-white or all-solid-colored boats. People love wood, and with today’s adhesives and today’s prep marine products, the boats require a lot less maintenance than they did 30 to 40 years ago. The paints are better, the varnishes are better, the sealers are better, and with the bottoms we put on with the new adhesives, you don’t have to swell the boat,” Funk explained, adding that the bottoms the Antique Boat Shop constructs allow owners to keep their vessels on a boat lift or a trailer — just like a fiberglass model — without having to wait two or three days for the wood to tighten up between uses. Renewed interest
Many of the Antique Boat Shop’s customers are collectors or enthusiasts for whom Funk’s crew has restored anywhere from two to five boats each. Funk said the biggest collector among his repeat customers owns about 200 boats personally. As far as collecting and trading goes, classic boats are a good investment because they never depreciate in value, Funk said. Most of the boats the Huntertown shop restores are second or third ones in
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a customer’s collection. “They may have their Ski Nautique that they pull their kids tubing or water skiing with, or they have a pontoon that they can take grandma or grandpa out in or a party boat. But when they want a boat to go out in for them — a cocktail cruiser or they just want to be noticed, or perhaps they want to go to a classic boat show, of which there are over 100 each year in the country — this is their baby,” Funk said. “Most of the time, they don’t let anyone else drive it. I have a lot of customers who make people take their shoes off before they get in it and they won’t allow any food on the boat.” Over the years, Funk said he has seen the hobby gain more and more attraction among first-time owners — especially in the Midwest. “You have to remember Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin and Illinois have the highest concentration of wood boats in the world, and the primary reason is because Michigan really started the wood boat manufacturing with ChrisCraft, Hacker and Gar Wood,” he explained. “This was kind of the mecca for all of these wood boats — not all of them, but most of them — and a lot of them stayed here.” Funk believes the hobby hit its biggest public stride in 1981, when Henry Fonda appeared in the film, “On the Golden Pond,” his final performance as an actor. The Mark Rydell classic featured a 1950 Chris-Craft U22 — the exact same model as one the Huntertown crew is currently restoring. “People realized, that is really special boating — it’s classic boating — so the hobby and the Antique and Classic Boating Society was formed, because people wanted to become more involved and reignite this interest in classic boating,” Funk said. With a continual increase in interest, the Antique Boat Shop’s business has been better than ever. “Even during the recession in ’08 and ’09, those were some of our best years ever,” Funk said. “People are putting big money into these boats, because they see it as a good value for the experience they have using them. Now with the economy doing much better, we’re even doing better. Last year was the best year we ever had. This year will be a little bit of a hiccup with the fire, but I think we’re still going to have a strong year.” Reliving history
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Although the number of wood boats worldwide has remained stagnant for half a century, the amount of people looking to restore them has not dwindled. Every time Funk thinks there are no more boats for his business to work on, the Antique Boat Shop sees
another good year, he said. “There are thousands of these boats around the country stored away in garages or marinas, and as people discover them, they bring them out and want to get them restored. Most of these people really enjoy the restoration process — they like the feeling of ‘I’m taking something that was forgotten and bringing it back to life and using it.’ These boats almost have a soul in a sense that they want to be used and they want to live again on the water,” Funk said. Many of the customers that come through the Antique Boat Shop’s doors for the first time are looking to restore a boat from their childhood, or one owned by their father or grandpa — many of them Chris-Crafts or Centuries, as the two manufacturers became popular for making affordable wood boats that families could own. “They’re trying to relive their childhood and youth and the times in those boats with dad and grandpa,” Funk said. “That might be the boat they learned to water ski behind or the boat that they dated their future spouse in, so there’s a lot of sentimental reasons for these boats. And when you finish one for somebody that maybe has been in the family since it was new — it could be either ‘40s or ‘50s — I’ve had customers here cry when they see their boat, they’re so happy. It makes us feel really good when that happens.” Funk said Chris-Crafts are most commonly associated with wood boats by those not involved in the hobby, much like the way people associate copy machines with Xerox. The ‘50s and ‘60s Chris-Crafts and Centuries still remain the most popular. “There are still a lot of them around, people recognize them and they seem to have survived, and they just want to bring them back to life,” Funk said. Asked about the “cream of the crop” in the antique boating world, he said Riva, an Italian manufacturer, has claim to the “ultimate wood boat.” “They’re very expensive,” he said. “You can spend a million dollars on a Riva. We’ve done two, and we have another one coming in next fall.” Beyond that, Gar Woods and Hackers are still very desirable as their production numbers are low. Whatever the model, the Huntertown shop looks to continue stoking the nostalgia of many for years to come. “I love what I do, these guys love what they do and we’re passionate about it.” Funk said. “It’s therapeutic to work in here with the wood, to work with your hands. When the boat’s all done, you can stand back and know you’ve preserved a piece of history.”
INfortwayne.com • A15
Downtown Fort Wayne • July 2018
Community Calendar Include news of your group, too Send news of your group to gsnow@kpcmedia.com by July 8 for the August issue. Items will be selected and edited as space permits.
3. July
July
Community Calendar 2018
Appleseed Quilt Guild meeting: Classic Café, 4832 Hillegas Road, Fort Wayne. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m. Meeting starts at 7 p.m. Meetings conclude with show and tell. For more information, contact appleseedquilters@ yahoo.com. Jewelry and painting exhibit opens: Orchard Gallery, 6312 Covington Road, Fort Wayne. Enjoy gemstone jewelry by Suzie Emley, plus her newest oil paintings July 3-31. The gallery is owned and operated by local artists. For more information, visit theorchardgallery.com.
4. July
Fourth of July fireworks: Indiana Michigan Power Center, downtown Fort Wayne. 10 p.m. If the TinCaps game is not completed by 10 p.m., the fireworks will begin immediately following the conclusion of the game.
5. July
Yahweh Sisterhood Book Club: The Chapel, 2505 W. Hamilton Road South, Fort Wayne. 6:30 p.m. Read and
discuss “Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible” by Liz Curtis Higgs. This event is free. Enter through door 2 and meet in room 102. For more information, contact Jo Massaro at (260) 609-5049 or visit www.yahwehsisterhoodbookclub. com. $1 Night at the Conservatory: Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne. 5-8 p.m. The Conservatory will be open for a discounted admission of $1 per person. Visitors can drop in to the programming room for “Edible Insects: A Yummy Treat!” 6-7 p.m. Try an array of edible insects and learn about their health benefits. The event also includes a bug-themed craft that participants can take home. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
6. July
Screen on the Green: Praise Lutheran Church, 1115 W. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne. Free dinner and movie series. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 8:45 p.m. Bring a chair, blanket and insect repellant. For more information, visit www.praiselutheran.org/screen-onthe-green/.
9. July
Civil War Round Table: Globe Room at the Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne. 6:30 p.m. Hon. Roger B. Cosby will present “The Lincoln Conspiracy Trials and their Aftermath.” The public is welcome to attend. For more information, contact Dick Tagtmeyer at (260) 745-1081 or CWRTNEI@aol.com. Additional information is also available at www.facebook.com/CWRTNEI and www. civilwarroundtableofNEI.wordpress.com.
11. July
Town Hall, 15617 Lima Road, Huntertown. 6 p.m. The board is looking for volunteers for the three-day event in August. For more information, contact board chair Angie Keck at (260) 710-4197.
12. July
Disorderly Bear Den: Community Center, 233 W. Main St., Fort Wayne. 6:30 p.m. The local chapter of Good Bears of the World always welcomes visitors to the meetings, which include social time and regular business. For more information, contact Donna Gordon-Hearn at (260) 409-9886 or email tdbear7@comcast.net. The group’s goal is to provide soft, cuddly teddy bears and other stuffed animals to kids and lonely adults in the Fort Wayne area.
13. July
Three Rivers Festival kicks off: The city-wide festival takes place July 13-21. This marks its 50-year anniversary. Enjoy events throughout the city, including Food Alley, Art in the Park, the Bed Race, the Three Rivers Festival Parade and Children’s Fest. For more information, visit threeriversfestival.org.
14. July
Timeline Event at Old Fort Wayne: The Old Fort, 1201 Spy Run Ave., Fort Wayne. Two-day event: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 14 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 15. Historical re-enactors representing times from the early Vikings through World War II converge on Fort Wayne’s Historic Old Fort. Demonstrations will be given on period cooking, gardening, military life and more spanning up to 2,000 years. A freewill donation will be accepted. Parking is available at Headwaters
See CALENDAR, Page 16
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A16 • INfortwayne.com
Downtown Fort Wayne • July 2018
FILE PHOTO
5 things
you need to know about:
Riverfront Development 1. Promenade Park is on schedule to open next summer
Last summer, the city of Fort Wayne broke ground on the first phase of riverfront development. One year later, construction on the $17.1-million project is in full swing and programming is gaining momentum. Promenade Park will create public spaces in a park setting. Development is occurring on the south and north sides of the St. Marys River between Harrison Street and the historic Wells Street Bridge. To keep up with construction updates, learn about riverfront programming and find out how you can get involved, visit the Riverfront Fort Wayne website at www.riverfrontfw.org.
Promenade Park is about one third complete, said Sarah Nichter, information and development manager for Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation. “We anticipate opening the park next summer, but everything depends on weather,” she said. The Park Foundation Compass Pavilion’s structure is in place and passersby will notice the outline of the dramatic view it will have of the river, Nichter said. Soon, the construction company will add limestone to three walls while the north side will be mostly glass. Curious what’s been going on behind the fences? Hagerman Group, the project’s construction manager, has documented the progress with incredible time-lapse footage. Check it out at http://bit.ly/2JP1rND.
2. Riverfront Fort Wayne scheduled more than 200 summer events Riverfront scheduled more than 200 events between June and September, said Megan Butler, program and events manager for Riverfront. Programming usually falls into one of three categories: recreation, nature and art and culture. “We try to provide opportunities for people to interact with the rivers no matter what their interest area is,” she said. The programming is offered at a variety of price points so that cost isn’t a barrier for people who want to participate, Butler said. Regularly scheduled events include riverfront boat tours, paddle socials and educational programming including free monthly birdwatching and stargazing. To learn more about programming, visit http://riverfrontfw.org/calendar/ or follow Riverfront Fort Wayne on social media.
3. Riverfront development will increase river access “People can look forward to having access to the river, along it and in it for boating,” Nichter said. Both docks will be poured so that they each have different heights, making it easier for people loading/off loading from kayaks versus pontoons that need different accessibilities.
4. The project is inclusive of people of all abilities The AWS Foundation and Turnstone played an important role in planning the park to make it a place people of all abilities could enjoy, Nichter said. In addition to considering individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities, individuals with visual impairment and Parkinson’s disease were consulted to help with design and special needs.
5. Riverfront brings people together year round River recreation is limited in northeast Indiana’s winter months, but programming continues at the Riverfront year round. This year, Riverfront hosted its second annual Winter Cozy, an event based on the Danish concept of hygge. “It’s this idea of being cozy in terrible winter weather,” Butler said. Winter Cozy attendance doubled this year, she said. People gathered in a heated tent for drinks, food, live music and games. Butler set up communal tables to encourage strangers to talk to one another. “20 minutes into the event, I looked around and did a quick walk through and people were talking to the strangers next to them, dancing with them, playing cards, chit chatting,” she said.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR: FROM PAGE 15 and Lawton parks. For more information, visit www.oldfortwayne.org or call (260) 437-2836. Rummage and book sale: First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, 300 E. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. with bag sale 2-3 p.m. Proceeds benefit children and youth programs. Sports card and collectibles show: Ramada Plaza Hotel, 305 E. Washington Center Road, Fort Wayne. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Dealers from three states will buy, sell or trade sports cards and other cards and collectibles. The public may bring items to be appraised. For more information contact Brian Mayne at (260) 824-4867 or mcscards@ icloud.com. High’s Chicken sales: Sold at the four-way stop in Leo and by the Do-It Best hardware store in Grabill. 10:30 a.m. until sold out. Hosted by the Cedars Branch Auxiliary, proceeds from the sale will benefit the residents of the nursing care facility at The Cedars. Free airplane ride for kids: Gate 7 at the DeKalb County Airport, 2710 County Road 60, Auburn. 9 a.m.-noon. Children can take a free airplane ride with Experimental Aircraft Association members. Parent/guardian must be present to complete registration form. The goal is to spark an interest in aviation in the kids who attend. For more information, visit www.VAA37.org.
16. July
Vacation Bible School: St. Joe Community Church, 2900 N. Anthony Blvd., Fort Wayne. Free, three-day vacation Bible school for children age 4 through those who have completed fifth grade. 6:30-8:30 p.m. July 16-20. Register at http://www.stjoecommunitychurch.org/register---vbs-2018. html or arrive early on the first day. For more information, contact Lynnette Wallace at stjoecommunity@gmail.com or (260) 471-4705.
18. July
Miami Valley Coin and Relic Hunters Club: Aboite Township Trustee’s Office, 11321 Aboite Center Road, Fort
Wayne. 7 p.m. The club invites anyone who has an interest in the metal-detecting hobby and who is interested in learning more about the club.
visit www.fwsumc.org.
20. July
24. July
21. July
27. July
Queen of Angels Parish Garage Sale: Faber Activity Center, 1500 W. State Blvd., Fort Wayne. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Queen of Angels Parish Garage Sale: Faber Activity Center, 1500 W. State Blvd., Fort Wayne. 8-11 a.m. Rolling into Roanoke: On Main Street in Roanoke. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This classic car show is hosted by the Roanoke Beautification Foundation. This fundraiser supports downtown and the greater community of Roanoke. A portion also goes to the Auburn Cord Deusenburg Automobile Museum and the National Auto and Truck Museum in Auburn. For more information, visit rollingintoroanoke.com. Movie, ice cream social and fireworks: First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, 300 E. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. Movie starts at 7:30 p.m., ice cream social at 9 p.m. and fireworks can be seen from church parking lot at 10 p.m.
22. July
Vacation Bible school week: Lincolnshire Church of the Brethren, 6404 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne. Co-hosted with First Christian Disciples of Christ Church. 5:30-8 p.m. July 22-26. The program’s theme is Shipwrecked. Children age 4 through fifth grade are welcomed to participate in Bible-learning activities, sing songs, play games and enjoy treats. Sixth grade through high school age students can assist teachers. For more information, call (260) 456-1993.
23. July
Vacation Bible school: First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, 300 E. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. Vacation Bible school for children ages 3 through fifth grade (sixth grade and older are leaders and helpers). 5:45-8 p.m. July 23-26 (supper served 5-5:45 p.m.). For more information,
Allen County Fair kicks off: Allen County Fairgrounds, 2726 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne. July 24-29. Admission is $5 at the gate. Children age 5 and younger get in free. Seniors age 55 and older get in for $3. Parking is free. For more information, visit allencountyfairgroundsin.com/allen-county-fair-2/.
Outdoor movies: Resurrection Lutheran Church, 14318 Lima Road, will show outdoor family movies. Food and snacks will be available beginning at 6 p.m. A kids’ feature begins at 7:30 p.m., and a family feature starts at 9:30 p.m. Screen on the Green: Praise Lutheran Church, 1115 W. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne. Free dinner and movie series. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 8:45 p.m. Bring a chair, blanket and insect repellant. For more information, visit www.praiselutheran.org/screen-onthe-green/. Fort Wayne Pride: Headwaters Park, 333 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne. Two-day event: July 27-28. Includes vendors, live entertainment, beer tent, workshops, food, KidSpace, a march, tournaments and fun. People from all ages, sexualities and backgrounds are welcome to attend. Children age 5 and younger are not permitted after 8 p.m. For more information, visit fwpride.org.
28. July
Colonial America at the Old Fort: The Old Fort, 1201 Spy Run Ave., Fort Wayne. Two-day event: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 28 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 29. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the American Revolution at Fort Wayne’s Historic Old Fort. Reenactors will provide demonstrations throughout the day on period specific artillery and military maneuvers as well as daily activities such as cooking, gardening and blacksmithing. A freewill donation will be accepted. Parking is available at Headwaters and Lawton parks. For more information and a daily schedule of events, visit www. oldfortwayne.org or call (260) 437-2836.