The Old Settlers Day Association held its annual banquet Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at the Eagle
Glen Event Center. The banquet is traditionally held on the first day of the Old Settlers Day
festival held in downtown Columbia City. Present, past and honorary presidents along with
guests were in attendance to celebrate the 122nd year of Old Settlers’ Days.
Jim Argerbright, President, recognized and thanked those who have been a part of the festival.
He also gave a tribute in memory to Past President and Secretary, John Lefever. John was
involved with Old Settlers’ Days for 41 years as he was inducted as Vice President in 1984. He
was President in 1987. He then served as the Secretary from 1990 to his passing in September
2025.
Historian/Secretary and Past President, Linda Hyndman, spoke in memory of Gloria Smith.
Gloria began volunteering with registration on Old Settlers’ Days in 1980 when her husband,
Terry Smith, was President. In 1981 she was named Chairperson of Registration day. After
several more years of dedication she received her Honorary Red Coat in 1988. She was
involved with Old Settlers Days until her passing in September 2025.
Brent Bockelman, 1st Vice President, spoke in honor of Ira “Bill” Webber, who was inducted as
Vice President in 1985 and became President in 1988. He served as Treasurer from 1990 to
2026 when he passed his position of Treasurer to Past President, Dick Buchanan.
Greg Hockemeyer, 2nd Vice President, introduced the newest Vice President, Brian Bills. Brian
is a 1982 Columbia City Joint High School graduate and 1986 graduate of Indiana University
with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. In 1990 he was appointed to the Indiana State
Police Academy and primarily worked in Whitley County as a State Trooper for 25 years. After
retirement from the State Police he began working for Whitley County Consolidated Schools as
transportation director and currently as grounds supervisor. He has been married to his wife
Vanessa for 38 years. Brian will serve as President in 2029.
Charlotte Blair also spoke of America’s 250th birthday. She informed the group of the State
wide and local celebrations.
The Old Settler’s Day festival provides food, games, rides, events and vendors sponsored by
local groups and nightly free music entertainment. The highlight of the festival is the American
Legion Post #98 parade held Saturday night on Main Street at 6:00 p.m. The full schedule can
be found on their website www.oldsettlers.net or Facebook Old or Instagram Settlers Days –
Whitley County.
