An Appeal to Griffith Historical Society, Inc. Members,
Every now and then an opportunity arises where we can contribute to the education of young students in Griffith. We have that moment this coming September.
All Griffith third-grade students since 2022 participate in a week-long Historical Society activity entitled, The ElmerJ Program, which provides historical information about our town as part of the schoolโs Social Studies curriculum.
The students see/hear an in-class PowerPoint presentation about the founding of Griffith, complete with photos and maps. This is followed by a school bus trip to our Historical Park, where each class receives a guided tour of our Depot, railcars and Tower.
While the presentation and tours are done at no cost by Historical Society members, there is a fee for the bus and for the two paperback books pertaining to Griffith history that are part of the program.
Last year, 8 classes โ 161 third graders โ participated, and the school anticipates a similar number this year. The cost last year for the book and the bus came to $7, but these costs may rise some this year.
To make sure that no student misses out on learning about their town, we are trying to fund the cost for all students through extra donations from our Members.
If you’d like to help, please, can you send a donation to: Griffith Historical Society, Inc. 201 N. Griffith Blvd. #3 Griffith, IN. 46319
Getting your first car is usually an unforgettable part of the high school experience, as well as the adventures with friends that come along with it. Then, as now, fueling up is part of the experience.
34-cent per gallon gas in the 1970s is equivalent to about $2.86 in 2023 dollars.
Students built and operated what was called a โHamโ radio, which originally was developed as an emergency broadcast system. Students could talk across town, around the world, into space for fun, or in times of need: all without the Internet or cell phones.
Come down to the Griffith Historical Park to view a specialย photographyย display,ย โMoving Freight Along the Great Lakes”,ย from 1 to 4 p.m., on June 15th and 16th.ย ย
The work showcases the railroads of the Great Lakes Region in action, moving freight forward to destinations all over the country.
Max Crosby, the photographer, has loved trains for longer than he can remember, and is passionate about capturing magic moments on the rails. He is talented, knowledgeable and has a wonderful eye for new and fresh compositions.
The photographs, a sample shown below, will be displayed colorfully and dynamically, along with descriptions throughout our iconic sleeper car. Guests can linger, experiencing trains, history, and pondering what it REALLY takes to move freight among the Great Lakes.
Our Grand Trunk Western Depot will be open, as well as our Road Caboose and Tower (which is celebrating its 100th birthday!)
Griffith Daisy Troop 15620 will have cookies and lemonade for sale on Saturday.
On both weekend days, Cub Scout Pack 622 and Boy Scout Troop 623, will be on hand selling hot dogs and chips, and pop on Sunday. Picnic tables will be available.
On Memorial Day we honor those service men and women who ‘gave all,’ fighting to keep America free.
Memorial Day began on May 30th, 1868, as โDecoration Day,โ ย a way to honor American soldiers who died in the Civil War by decorating their graves with flowers each spring. It continued as a an informal patriotic holiday until was expanded after World War I to honor fallen service men and women from all American wars. It became a federal holiday in June, 1968.ย
Chauncey Depew Walters, 22, was the first soldier from Griffith to die in World War I. Chauncey was one of 10 brothers, all but one of them born in Griffith. All the brothers worked on the railroads.
The Griffith American Legion named their post in honor of him after the war. After Word War II and a move to a larger building, the Legion changed their name to Griffith Post 66 to honor veterans from both wars.
Friday: ๐ฃThe Hess Express is back! ๐Come ride the barrel train at Central Market! ๐ฐ4:30 โ dusk (weather permitting)
Saturday: ๐๐ฝโโ๏ธLast chance to check out our museum rooms at Franklin Center! (Until September, that is!) ๐ซSaturday, May 18th ๐ฐ11 am – 3 pm ๐ชEnter door G