Old Settlers Days

Author: gen@blueriverd.com

  • The President’s Award is Given to the Lawrence E. Wolfe Community Handbell Choir

    The President’s Award is Given to the Lawrence E. Wolfe Community Handbell Choir

    For over 50 years the Old Settlers Day Association and local American Legion Post #98 have collaborated to bring the annual American Legion Parade held during the Old Settters Day Festival.

    The American Legion has always taken the lead in coordinating and officiating the Parade. The Legion also judges and awards monetary gifts to outstanding parade entries. The Old Settlers Day Association contributes funds towards the monetary prizes.

    This year the Old Settlers Day Association wanted to set a precedent by honoring an entry with the distinction of the Old Settlers President’s Award. President Kim Wheeler had the honor to select this award for the first time and he chose the to the Lawrence E. Wolfe Community Handbell Choir. A monetary award of $750,000 was presented to the Choir earlier this year.

    Pictured with President Kim Wheeler is Jill Daniel, director of the Choir, as she received the recognition certificate.

  • Recognizing Local Nonprofit Organizations with Grants

    Recognizing Local Nonprofit Organizations with Grants

    Each year the Old Settlers Day Association reinvests proceeds from their festival by recognizing local not for profits organizations with grants. This year Old Settlers Day has granted over $10,000. Old settlers estimates that they have given over $750,000 to local organizations they can continue to do their good works in the community.

     

     

    Pictured left to right:

    Brent Bockelman, 2027 President

    Kim Wheeler, 2025 President

    Hank Workman, The Forklift

    Crystal Leighty, Boomerang Backpacks

    Abby Witte, YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne

    Jeremy Freeman, Whitley County Night to Shine

    Megan Horsley, TROY School

    Courtney Whetstone, Junior Achievement serving Whitley County

    Laura Tucker, B.A.B.E. Of Whitley County

    Rachel Alexander, Giving Gardens of Indiana

    Jim Argerbright, 2026 President

    Greg Hockemeyer, 2028 President

    Back row:

    Adam Boyle and Gary Bird, Whitley County Veterans Cemetery Cleaning & Restoration

    Not pictured Whitley County Historical Museum.

     

     

  • Presentation of Oldest, Longest, and Youngest Whitley County Resident

    Presentation of Oldest, Longest, and Youngest Whitley County Resident

    Old Settlers Presidents met with the Old Settlers Day recipients to present their plaques and certificates. Each recipient visited the Whitley County Historical Museum on Old Settlers Day held on Thursday, June 20th.
    Recognized as being the Oldest Settler was Gerald Grable at the age of 101 years, 10 months and 24 days. The Longest Continuous resident was Matthew Henney living in Whitley County for 98 years, 4 months and 21 days. New this year the committee added an award for recognizing the Youngest Settler. Five year old Oliver Whetstone received this award.
    Recognizing the Oldest and Longest Continuous residents date back to the early 1900’s when Old Settlers Days was originated. Then recipients were given the coveted Loving Cup, a brass trophy engraved with their names. In later years recipients were given an individual plaque or medal. Wanting to record the recipients name in more of a visible and accessible manner the Old Settlers committee began presenting recipients with a certificate to keep in honor of their distinguished awards and their names are also engraved on a continuous plaque that will be housed permanently at the museum.
    The requirements to be considered for all recognitions is the entries must visit and register at the museum on Old Settlers Day, traditionally held on Thursday during the 5 day festival. The Youngest Settler must also be under the age of 18 and be able to sign their name.
    The Old Settlers Day committee expresses their thanks to all who registered on Old Settlers Days and congratulate the recipients as they are now a permanent part of Old Settlers history. Old Settlers Day 2025 will be held Thursday, June 19th, during the their 121st festival. Registration for this years awards will be on Thursday 6/19/2025.

     

  • SAVE THE DATE! Old Settlers Festival 2025

    SAVE THE DATE! Old Settlers Festival 2025

    As the calendar pages turn, excitement builds in the heart of Whitley County for a tradition that has been the highlight of our community for over a century. We are thrilled to announce the dates for the Annual Old Settlers’ Days Festival, a timeless event that brings joy, laughter, and a sense of community to downtown Columbia City.

    Mark Your Calendars: June 17th – 21st, 2025

    Join us in a celebration that has been a cornerstone of our community’s heritage. Old Settlers’ Days is more than just a festival; it’s a gathering that unites generations, a place where memories are made and the spirit of our town shines the brightest.

  • Old Settlers Association: Supporting and Advancing Together

    Old Settlers Association: Supporting and Advancing Together

    The Old Settlers Day Association continues to support the community by giving back. They recently donated to Junior Achievement serving Whitley County for their fundraising event Whitley Royale.

  • Old Settlers Association: Giving Back and Growing Forward

    Old Settlers Association: Giving Back and Growing Forward

    The Old Settlers gave to the Columbia City Police Department for their upcoming event Patrolling 4 Presents. The Old Settlers Association meet throughout the year for planning the upcoming festival June 20-24, 2024. In the last few years new attractions were introduced to the Old Settlers festival and the group continues to explore the possibility of bringing more new events each year.

  • Gift of $2,000 to the Troy Center

    Gift of $2,000 to the Troy Center

    Just today, Vice President Kim Wheeler had the pleasure of presenting Cindy Baker from Troy Center with a check of $2,000 to assist with their program requirements!
  • Gift of $1,000 to the YMCA

    Gift of $1,000 to the YMCA

    This morning, 2nd Vice President Jim Argerbright presented Abby White of the Whitley County Family YMCA with a check of $1,000 to go toward their program needs!
  • Presentation of Oldest and Longest Whitley County Resident

    Presentation of Oldest and Longest Whitley County Resident

    Old Settlers and OSD Presidents were proud to present Mr. Mathew Henney with the awards for oldest AND longest residing Whitley County resident.
    Pictured are the following:
    Kim Wheeler (OSD President), Jim Argerbright (Old Settlers President), Mr. Mathew Henney, Chad Whetstone(Old Settlers President), and Linda Hyndman (OSD President).
  • Donation of $1,000 to “The Center”

    Donation of $1,000 to “The Center”

    Old Settler’s Day president, Linda Hyndman delivers a donation to Jeff Wike of The Center. The Center is a non-profit, community-based, youth development organization benefiting Whitley County since 2005.