A recent all-school assembly proved to be much more than a mere single announcement ceremony for Eads Elementary School students.
The special get-together included a visit from Former U.S. president Benjamin Harrison (aka. local historian Terry Lynch), a history lesson about Indiana and its celebrity natives, trivia about education and politics, and a birthday party for the state of Indiana.
“To celebrate Indiana’s 100th birthday this year, we had an ongoing program that each month recognized a famous Hoosier and the character trait they portray,” said Eads principal Linda Bevil. “Students were awarded a special tag if they use that trait during the month.”
Lynch staged a presentation earlier this year for the Munster Historical Society’s annual dinner, appearing as Harrison — the 23rd U.S. president — and Bevil thought he would be a perfect fit for her students and their mission.
She was correct, as the re-enactor held the children’s rapt attention for more than an hour.
As he did research on Harrison, who served as the nation’s leader from 1888 to 1892, Lynch found that Harrison did not like public speaking and wasn’t a people person.
“To make my presentation more enjoyable, I’ve taken some artistic license by being animated,” he said, with a laugh, as he prepared to go onstage.
He began his talk with facts about Indiana businesses, interwoven with Indiana history. He described the president’s take on transportation during the late 1800s, specifically his idea of getting rid of the horse-and-carriage mode of travel.
“He felt there was a better way,” Lynch said.
Indeed, that spurred the development of South Bend-based Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company Car Company, which became very successful nationwide.
Fifth-grade teacher Traci Zabrecky watched the interest on her students’ faces as the speaker engaged the entire assembly.
“It’s important for the kids to learn about their state’s history and what is located here,” she said. “We have great things in Indiana.”
Facts about Indiana, such as being the first state to establish an educational system for children, were interwoven throughout the presentation.
Frank Sinatra got his first break at the Indianapolis Opera House in the 1930s, and Elvis Presley gave his last public concert in Indianapolis in 1977.
Another interesting piece of information was the development of a company that became known nationwide.
“There’s a glass company that settled in Muncie in 1887, moving here from New York,” Lynch said. “The Ball Corporation became a household word when they manufactured their popular canning jars, and they also designed and produced the famous Coca-Cola bottle.”
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The company also used its profits to re-invest in the community, he added. “They developed Ball State College.”
Toward the end of the afternoon presentation, a video showing pictures of famous Indiana residents was shown.
Among those featured were singers John Mellencamp (Seymour), Axl Rose, (Lafayette), David Lee Roth (Bloomington), actor Karl Malden (Gary), basketball Hall of Famer Larry Bird (French Lick), journalist Ernie Pyle (Dana), popcorn icon Orville Redenbacher (Brazil), the Wright Brothers (Millville), and Abraham Lincoln (Perry County).
The assembly was capped off with a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday, Indiana” by hundreds of students. A colorful downpour of confetti followed.
Snacks also were on the day’s agenda, as North Township Trustee Frank Mrvan, who sat in on the presentation, distributed goodies to the students.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance writer for the Post-Tribune.