This daguerreotype, taken in 1852 on Calhoun Street in Fort Wayne, is the oldest exterior photo in our collection. (We have some undated photos that could be older.)
At the time we purchased this image, it was one of the earliest known extant outdoor daguerreotypes made in Indiana. It measures 3 1/4 inches by 4 1/4 inches.
Just transcribed a couple of letters found in an antique store by Cianna Lee who made them available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent. They were written by Will Johnston, Jr. of Fort Wayne, Indiana (pictured below) to his friend Burritt K. Lawlin of New York City, both written during the American Civil War. The main topics pertain to recruiting and the drafts—a frequent topic among civilian males of military age. The second letter is a great reaction to the New York City Draft Riots and the political consequences anticipated as a result.
Transportation around Fort Wayne was extremely difficult and time intensive in the first 100 years of our existence. The populace either relied on horses and wagons or just their two feet. With the reliance on horses, one of the most important people in the community was the local farrier. Farrier comes from the French word for blacksmith. The art of farriery means the shoeing of horses. The trade is believed to have been date as far back as the Roman Empire. Since 1998, National Farriers Week has been celebrated each year during the second week of July. Founded by the American Farriers Journal, it helps promote and draw attention to the dwindling workforce and the high expectation for being a professional farrier. Throughout the week take some time to learn to recognize good farrier work. Those who do will be improving the care of their horses, while also becoming more knowledgeable custodians. If you know a farrier, express your appreciation to him or her. Today, the History Center celebrates National Farriers Week by sharing some of the items in our collection used in the farriers trade. #sociallyhistory
Timeline of Selected Horse Events
An 1847 letter from John Johnston the former Fort Wayne Indian agent said 46 years ago it took 27 days hard riding on horseback from Fort Wayne Indiana to Washington City.
1895-1913 photos of horse drawn fire fighting equipment at Fire Station No. 3
1914 - Charlie Deam the first Indiana State Forester mentioned that thanks to improved roads he was driving an automobile in 1914 to collect many more plant specimens around the state of Indiana.
September 8, 1921Mrs. Pauline Meyer slips when she jumps from her buggy when the horses are frightened by a passing car fracturing her skull and dying the next day.
A full page in 1919 with photos discusses the history of the William Penn House built by the Aveline Family which mentions eight times it was a stagecoach stop on the north side of rural Fort Wayne. Mail delivery is also mentioned a couple of times.
Indiana’s first stagecoach route was established along Buffalo Trace (Vincennes Trace) between New Albany and Vincennes in 1820.
April 10, 1824 United States mail delivery by stagecoach was established between Vincennes, Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky.
The stagecoach was the major vehicle for overland group transport until railroads began to dominate in the 1850s. Rural inhabitants continued to rely on stagecoaches for local travel, and hotels sent them to meet trains or take guests sightseeing. Copied from Stagecoach Travel at the Henry Ford Museum.
The Wells Fargo stagecoach is probably the best known stagecoach in modern times shown July 31, 2015 at Monument Circle in Indianapolis below:
The Wells Fargo stagecoach and four beautiful horses were just taken out of the Wells Fargo semi. Our #WestFest kick-off event begins at 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. Make your way down to Monument Circle NOW!
The Wells Fargo stagecoach and four beautiful horses were just taken out of the Wells Fargo semi.
Explore the stagecoach When Wells Fargo was founded in 1852 as a bank and express company, they used stagecoaches to safely transport mail, valuables, and even people across the western states. The stagecoach became an icon for the Wells Fargo brand, and remains an enduring symbol of longevity, forward momentum and a commitment to help customers succeed. Have a look around one of our historic coaches. From History of Wells Fargo.
City Livery Stable Wayne Street, near Calhoun Street, looking west, Pen Eng Co. Detroit, from page 62 of Fort Wayne illustrated Publication date 1897 on Archive.org. Several other advertisements show horses in their photos. Photo discussed July 31, 2024 on True Fort Wayne Indiana History on Facebook. April 19, 2024 Facebook with the same photo stated:: "The 1900 City Directory listed seventeen(!) livery stables, with the majority of them being located on Broadway, Main and Harrison Streets." - Fred J. Reynolds.
December 17, 2023 Facebook post with photos discussed Gustave L. Horstman Livery Stable 210 - 216 West Main Street.
Property was between Main and Columbia on the west side of Barr Street.
[ Today the location is Freimann Square - with The Landing to the east all that remains of Columbia Street south of Superior Street, see Google Maps ]
The stable was built seventy-four years ago by a man named Sauer, and was a famous resort for early characters, as the old stage coaches that were the only means of passenger travel, except for horseback and river pirogues, used to put up with Mr. Sauer, and the building was a favorite gathering place for the jolly old stage-drivers of the period. [ First mention found of stage coaches in Fort Wayne ]
The property eventually passed through different hands and finally came into possession of Mr. J. F. Fletcher, who conducted a livery business for many years past.
The old building was infested with rats and the workmen killed forty-eight of the rodents during the day.
"I'll be there with bells on!" You’ve undoubtedly heard the phrase. You may have even said it. But do you know where the saying came from or what it means?
It has to do with one of Lancaster County's most famous products—the Conestoga wagon. It was used for over a century to grow the nation's business and westward expansion. The men who piloted these four-wheeled behemoths were a toughed lot known as “Waggoneers.” These hardened drivers were able to cope with all the demanding conditions of frontier roads regardless of the weather. They learned to be on the lookout for brigands who roamed stretches of unguarded highways or back roads. They were also competitive, always ready to race with each other. When they finished a day's haul, they partied together at the inns along the way.
The Conestoga horses—animals specially bred for the purpose—that pulled these wagons typically wore bells. Waggoneers were VERY proud of their bells. Tradition said that if a Waggoneer got into trouble and someone else came to the rescue, the rescuer would take the bells with him. It was this practice that gave rise to the popular saying, "I'll be there with bells on!" Click the link to learn more.
Lynnanne Dennison-Fager shared this photograph awhile back of a farm family being photographed with their sturdy, farm wagon also known as a buckboard wagon. It was called a buckboard because the angled board where their feet rest was called a buck and would protect the riders from a bucking horses feet. These early farmers were a hearty breed in their own right and took great pride in their horses and wagons. Men spent countless hours cleaning and maintaining their wagons much as they do today with pickup trucks. Wagons were used to haul supplies, carry agricultural instruments, gather hay, crops and wood for personnel use or to transport to market. In the early days wagons were called wains and a man who made them was called a wainwright. Nearly every community in Wabash County had a blacksmith that could help repair wagons that the farmer couldn't. Larger communities had wagon shops that could make a one for you.
In 1894, there were seven wagon makers in the county. Thomas Alber was in Wabash, Michael Cook in Liberty Mills, E.G. Harvey in Somerset and Enyart & Son, D.J. Rupley, William Stadler and H. Thrush and Son in North Manchester. You could also get wagons from buggy makers at F.M. Beck & Son, Al Hettmansperger, Launder & Harter in Wabash, A.W. Bowman, J.H. Butterbaugh and A.B. Miller in North Manchester, H.J. Bowman in Roann and Lewis Shinkle in Lagro. At the same time there were 27 blacksmiths all over the county that could help with repairs.
Three Rivers Horse Trails
Yesterday afternoon, Commissioner Rich Beck was joined by representatives from Three Rivers Horse Trails Inc., Fort...
Commissioner Beck welcomed guests and discussed the project’s funding sources. The land, already owned by the Allen County Board of Commissioners, requires development that will include close to 10 miles of trails, equestrian obstacles, and a handicap accessible mounting area. A grant of $250,000 from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources was obtained due to the commitment of $62,000 in matching funds from Allen County.
The project required support from the local horse community. Three Rivers Horse Trails Board President, Lynn Sroufe, shared that one of the top activities enjoyed by horse owners is trail riding. “Currently, you have to leave the county or even the state to find an appropriate and safe space to ride. It costs money to hook up your trailer and travel.” Sroufe and others worked to open a horse trail complex 18 years ago but ran into obstacles. “Our current board is made of a variety of equestrian enthusiasts with different skill sets and talents. Their push to make this happen was the catalyst.”
Kristen Guthrie, VP of Marketing and Communications at Visit Fort Wayne, shared that they never want to hear that residents must travel out of the community to enjoy a hobby or an amenity and noted that this new attraction will not only be greatly enjoyed by riders in Allen County, but will draw visitors from around the region.
Dawn Ritchie, Greenways Manager of City of Fort Wayne echoed the economic impact of the project. “Mayor Tom Henry and his Administration are supportive of Allen County government’s efforts to construct horse trails in our community. This is an important quality of life amenity that will be attractive to many local residents and visitors,” she said. “By working together, we’re going to make a lasting and meaningful difference for horse enthusiasts. This collaborative effort also helps position our area as a leader in recreational activities to enhance the well-being of the public and provide opportunities for possible economic development opportunities in the future.”
Development of the site is underway with trails scheduled to open late fall 2023.
(open photo descriptions for more information)
Here is a copy of the latest trail map! Keep it handy on your phone as you traverse the trails. You can also snap a...
Here is a copy of the latest trail map! Keep it handy on your phone as you traverse the trails. You can also snap a photo of the map at our information station at the trailhead parking lot. Or take a printed flyer!
Hold your horses. This it it...we open tomorrow!! Ribbon Cutting at 11am. Park opens at 9:30am. Hope to see you there.
The Allen County Board of Commissioners were joined by community members and horse enthusiasts from across the region at this morning’s Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for the new Allen County Equestrian Course located on E. Paulding Road.
For the safety of the public, the horses, and their riders, the trails at the Allen County Equestrian Course are equine only. Hiking and bike riding are strictly prohibited. The property is open to horse riders from dawn until dusk.
Throw Back Thursday to our first Trot the Trails October 19,2019. As our first member event draws near on November 12. It’s great to look back at where we started!
Throw Back Thursday to our first Trot the Trails October 19,2019. As our first member event draws near on November 12. It’s great to look back at where we started!
Thank you to everyone that joined us for our annual membership meeting Tuesday May 9th. Our board president, Lynn, presented some very exciting information about the new Horse trails!
-planning to be open Fall 2023
-We will have over 9 miles of trails once completed
-22 trail obstacles
-ADA compliant mounting area
-water hydrant
- gravel trail head
We elected three new board members: Gaby B., Jennifer M, and Christina M (not pictured). Re-elected to the board Brandi L.
We said goodbye to two board member who had termed off of the board. Thank you to Lindsey T. and Matt P. They will continue to serve on committees.
Not a member, let us know and we can get you signed up!
We had a great time today representing Three Rivers horse trails at Arlington Park
Three Rivers Horse Trails has some very dedicated volunteers. Today we introduce you to our Board President Lynn Hollowell Sroufe. She has been working to bring trails to our area for over 10 years. She has been riding her entire adult life. Her current partner is Persephone Bey (Beyli) an 18 yr old Arabian Mare. Beyli started her career as a halter horse but has made an excellent endurance horse for Lynn. Their favorite place to ride is Brown County, but they spend most of their time at Salomonie. Lynn’s favorite part of working on the horse trails is watching all the hard work materialize into trails in Allen County. Come meet Lynn Thursday May 5th at 6:30 at our member meeting. She will be presenting to you all of our hard work!
We have a new map showing locations of all the obstacles. See the link to the...
You’ve undoubtedly heard the phrase. You may have even said it. But do you know where the saying came from or what it means?