The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1922-03-16
INDIANA Federated
W0MEN'S CLUBS SEEK
TO own OLD HOME

ganiZeG in 1899 VIII become the prop |
erty of the Indiana Federation of
Women's clubs if the movement to
raise funds, started at the state con-
yention last year, is successful. The
abode of a number or eminent scien-
lists and scholars as well as the birth
place of the first of Americas CLUBS
for women, the old homestead, has
been the subject of increasing interest
in the past few years and the goal of
mary pilgrimages by motorists and
travellers from every part Of the coun-
try. Fitted with rare and beautiful
antiques, many of intrinsic value, it is
said to be inferior to few of the most
famous places in the New England
states.
The price of the home, if sold to the
federation, is $4,000, an absurdly low
figure, it is said, as the furnishings
themselves, including a rare old piano
priced at $4,000 are themselves worth
considerably more. The $4,000 covers
the cost of the grounds, house, and
furnishings complete.
The federation, composed of 500
clubs and a total membership of 10000
women has organized to raise the
man for the committee is assisted by
the chairmen of each district. Mrs.
Harry Dalbey, as chairman of the sixth
district, is in charge of raising the
quota from the Richmond clubs which
are affiliated with the federation.
Built in 1916
| The old Fauntleroy home is frame
dwelling, built in 1915, on land decided
/ to George Rapp in 1914. The archi-
lecture of the building is peculiar to
the German style of 100 years ago
square, firm, with apparent lasting
qualities, good for another century
| The timber used, came from neigh
/ boring forests, and is hand-hewn
hardwood hickory, walnut and oak.
| Labor was free and the community
members in putting up the house used
LITTLE metal and few nails in the con-
struction. Even the joints were NOR
tised.
Records show that one, Franz Pfiel
and family, Rappites, were the2 first
occupants. Ten years later the Owen
community took possession of the
town and the building became the
| home Of number of scientists and
authors of national prominence
Thomas Say, the father of American
zoology, lived there with his artist
wife, Lucy Sistare. In 1887, Oliver
Evans, son of the inventor, came into
possession of the place. He operated
a boundary and made the first cast
plOws in Indiana.
In 1871 Robert Henry Fauntleroy
became the owner. He was man of
marked ability, mathematician, en-
! gineer, musician and inventor Later
he became one of the principal Off
GERS of the United States Coast Sur.
vey Near Seattle, Wash, is an inlet,
Fauntleroy Cove, named for him.
| Near the inlet are three mountain
peaks named for members of his fam
4 lily.
/ He married Jane Dale Owen, the ac-
! complished daughter of the eminent
/ socialogist. in 1885 and it was their
oldest daughter, Constance, who
! founded the Minerva, the first wom-
ans club of America From this dis
| tinguished family the house receives
it's name. The house was enlarged
and at different periods the Owen
brothers at some time resided there
1t was to this house that Robert Dale
! Owen. the statesman, returning from
! Washington, brought the astonishing
news to those congregated in his home
| that ga man in congress had been
bribed = bribed!" Higher education
was given the young people of the
community at this house, as such a
thing was not as yet afforded by the
public schools.
1 While still in possession of the
Fauntleroy heirs, the house was occu
pied by several interesting families
among the Go1dens of historic fame
. and it was here that Grace Golden
. the brilliant prima donna, was born
After the death of the Minerva clubs
founder, Miss Mary E. M. FauntIeroy
took possession, living there with hel
mother, who was second president O
the old society, and who lived to re
ceive visit from the board of direc
tors of the General Federation il
1912.
en- Touring Route.
New Harmony, being on the histo-
ical map of Indiana has been placed
: en- the state highway No. 20, also OF
r the proposed park touring system, II
be known as the Wonderland Route
branch of the Atlantic-Pacific high
2 way. The county Of Pcsey is know
; for its fine county roads, having NOR;
: than SOC miles OF gravelled way.
Several hundred women in this city
: including members of the Womant
club, Progressive Literary club. Athe
naea, and Aftermath are members c
:, the federation The sixth district, O
which Mrs. Harry Dalbey of this city
:, is president, and in which the Rich
mond clubs are members. is comDoceG
of SO women's clubs. The district Il
, date is said to be far behind in it
quota. Each club has been asked T.
give 81 for each member, which i
done all over the state, would make
the sum.
A number of individuals in the stat
! have subscribed generously to the
fund, some women having given sWD
ranging from S25 to $500. The mat
ter is TO be taken up at the dlstric
convention at Liberty, May 16 and II
e and in the meantime plea is sent Il
!, all sixth district cubs to join in tn
: undertaking to preserve the historical
5 Fauntlerroy home as an Indian;
4 treasure.
+ Ill El