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Aug. 22 event honors settler Jonathan Alder
(by Earl Ballenger, columnist - August 18, 2010)
(Posted Aug. 18, 2010)
This picture shows the Jonathan Alder cabin as it stood on Lafayette Plain City Road at Foster Chapel Cemetery. Jonathan Alder built it sometime in the late 1700s to early 1800s, approximately one mile north of the site at Foster Chapel, on land in Stuckey Corners. The Stuckey Family donated the cabin to Jefferson Township and moved it beside the Alder Chapel. Jonathan Alder and his descendants are buried at Foster Chapel Cemetery.
The cabin was deeded to the Madison County Historical Society in 1980 after a battle over its ownership. In 1986, it was moved to the Madison County fairgrounds. It was then move to its present site at the Madison County Historical Society in 1987.
On Aug. 22, the Historical Society will hold Jonathan Alder Day from noon to 5 p.m. The museum and grounds are located at 260 E. High St., London. All buildings and the gift shop will be open.
Larry L. Nelson, author of “The History of Jonathan Alder: His Captivity and Life with the Indians,” will be present for a discussion and book signing.
Live demonstrations will include blacksmithing, butter making, a Civil War encampment, rope making, broom making, chair caning, loom weaving and soap making. Additionally, local artist Harry Croghan will be doing a painting of the Alder cabin. Antique bicycles will be on display in the museum. The Springfield Dulcimer Club will perform at 2 p.m. Food will be available throughout the event.
For more information, call the Historical Society at (740) 852-2977.
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