Bicentennial Events
Madison
city founder John Paul
to be honored during event
Tours
of historic cemeteries
among Bicentennial events
By
Konnie McCollum
Staff Writer
(November 2009) – In 1808, Revolutionary war
soldier John Paul scouted throughout the territory in southern Indiana
looking for a prime piece of land on which to settle. He chose a point
along the Ohio River that offered good landings for river traffic, an
expanse of flat land for a settlement, and rich forests and farmland
just beyond. In 1809, he built his home there and decided to name the
new frontier town Madison.
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Madison schoolchildren will honor Paul’s birthday
on Nov. 12 with a variety of activities and events at their schools.
Students from Lydia Middleton Elementary will gather at 1 p.m. at John
Paul Park, on West Street, for a short ceremony that will involve Madison
Mayor Tim Armstrong proclaiming the day “John Paul Day.”
The John Paul Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will
be on hand for the ceremony and make a short presentation. The John
Paul Chapter of the Daughers of the American Revolution has worked to
preserve the park.
in 1823, Paul gave the land on which the park is situated for use as
a city cemetery. The site was located outside the developed area of
the town on a plateau above Crooked Creek and its floodplain. The last
burial was in the late 1830s.
“We had students write songs about John Paul, and they will sing
them,” said Susan Ohlendorf, coordinator for the event. “We
will also have a student portraying Paul in a short re-enactment.”
The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
The school system is also holding a portrait contest open to all elementary
students. In the contest, students will create a portrait of the founder.
“We don’t have a portrait of Paul,” said Ohlendorf. “We
thought this would be a great idea and would inspire many students.”
The John Paul Day celebration is part of ongoing festivities sponsored
by the Madison Bicentennial Celebration Committee. Throughout 2009,
commemorative events, including a 200-Hour Birthday Party, have been
held to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the city. There are still
numerous events being held.
“We’re not finished yet,” said Jan Vetrhus, Madison Bicentennial
Committee chairwoman. “We have some wonderful events planned for
the last few months.”
On Nov. 14-15, tours of two historic cemeteries will be offered. Guided
tours of historic gravesites will be available at from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday at Springdale Cemetery, 605 W. Fifth St., in downtown Madison,
and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Fairmount Cemetery, Michigan Road,
on the hilltop. Tours will begin every 15 minutes and last for approximately
45 minutes, Vetrhus said.
There is also an ongoing living stories video project, an oral history
project in which residents can describe a favorite aspect of life in
Madison.
The Bicentennial Quilt, which is on display at the Madison-Jefferson
County Public Library, will be moved in January to its permanent home
at the Senior Citizens Center.
The Bicentennial Band still rehearses at 7 p.m. each Tuesday on the
second floor of the Crystal Beach Swimming Pool complex. The band is
preparing to perform every six to eight weeks.
Efforts are also under way to secure financing to produce an outdoor
drama of “Rivertown the Musical,” which was commissioned in
honor of the Bicentennial.
In January, all babies born in Madison in 2009 are invited to participate
in a group photo and recognition. The date has yet to be announced.
• For more information about these events, visit: www.MadisonBicentennial.com.