Hold An Autumn Meeting At Huffman’s Mill

Oct. 10, 1924

(Mrs. Mildred Sapp, Secretary) The, Perry county Historical Society made the second independent pilgrimage on Sunday Oct 5th 1924 Their objective point was, Huffman’s Mill, Spencer County.

This, the second invasion of Huffman Mill, but if the good people felt bored they politely hid their feeling and welcomed the pilgrims cordially at the Church grounds.

There were a number of Automobiles from Cannelton and Tell City laden with passengers and lunch boxes. After social chat cloths were spread on the grass and lunch served in the good old picnic style.  Coffee was made and served piping hot by Mrs. G. W. Goble adjacent to the church. Ice cream was served by members with neatness and dispatch. Should their present occupations fail, they are assured of a job.

The pilgrims were fortunate for the presence of Mrs. Bayless Leandu Guffy of Washington, D. C. Mrs. Guffy, or Jane Huffman represents the fourth generation of’ Huffman’s in Indiana. (My note: Jane Huffman is Rhoda Jane Huffman)

At 1:30 the members of the Historical Society and visitors, numbering about, 100 gathered  in the church.

The meeting was called to order by President C. D. Schrieber, Address Pilgrimages.

            Song America             Audience.

Address Significance of Mill Sites.

            Thomas de la Hunt.

Mr. de la Hunt told of laws governing these Mill sites and the value of these mills to the pioneers.

Song    Long    Long Ago.

Address by Mr. Lemuel J. Huffman

Mr. Lemuel J. Huffman is a grandson of old pioneer who came here in 1812. His talk dealt with the early life in this vicinity, the building of the old water mill, the unique character of which he described clearly. This mill ran steadily even after the steam mill was built, and it is regretted that the dam has been removed, although a few foundation stones of the old mill remain.

Address by Dr. Porter Coultas.

Dr. Coultas discussed feelingly on the ‘early days’ and the old families settled around. He did justice to the old Huffman settlement” showing the wisdom and sterling qualities of these people, Dr. Coultas quoted from Grays Elegy, “Full many a flower is born to blush unseen” And waste its sweetness on the desert air.” Still as we think no good is wasted we of today hope to carry on the good our pioneers began.

Talk: Mrs. Guffy told of examining the old deeds to, Huffman’s, dated to 1815. The first land was bought in the deed is this provision. “No, saloon to be established nor liquor sold on this land.” Later land was bought for $2 per acre till eight hundred acres belonged to the Huffman family.

The ole homestead stands in a very large lawn; the bricks for this were burned on the ground. The wood work all had been hand made. More improvements seem to have been made without marring its old appearance.

Mr. John Chewing Added to the entertainment with a cheerful full of reminiscences.

Mr. Schreiber then told why Perry County people made this pilgrimage to Spencer. This being formerly a part of Perry.

A word of thanks was given to the good people of Huffman.

Song: On The Banks of the Wabash.