Last Civil War Veteran Buried in Orange County Honored

Ceremonies were conducted at Ames Chapel Cemetery on August 28th to formally rededicate the grave of Thomas Jefferson Cave (1844-1940)-Last Civil War Veteran to be buried in Orange County. The brief ceremony included a biography of Sgt. Thomas J. Cave, a presentation of wreaths and a full musket salute by Civil War Reenactors. The event was sponsored by the French Lick West Baden Museum, in conjunction with the Sons of Union Veterans, John W. Foster Camp.

OCHS Will Host IHS’s Traveling Exhibit Faces in the Crowd: Indiana and the Political Process

The Orange County Historical Society (OCHS) will host Faces in the Crowd: Indiana and the Political Process, an Indiana Historical Society (IHS) traveling exhibit that shows how Indiana has entertained debates on issues and candidates throughout the state's history. From August 16th through September 20th, the exhibit will be on display at Orleans Public Library, located at 174 N. Maple (S.R. 37). 

Society President Robert F. Henderson said “Faces in the Crowd is not the story of the candidates behind the microphone, but of the individual citizens in the crowd—each of whom play a crucial role in ensuring the electoral process works.” “Since the early years of the electoral political system, Hoosiers have attended rallies, expressed their opinions and participated at the polls. They have supported and opposed candidates, and of course, run for office themselves.” 

“We are grateful to our community partners at the Orleans Library for allowing us to showcase this educating and informative display in their main reading room.” Henderson added.

The included images have been collected from across the state, showcasing Hoosiers at a host of campaign events throughout history. The IHS collections images that appear in the exhibit were placed in context with support and cooperation from The Indianapolis Star, the Calumet Regional Archives and the University of Southern Indiana.

For more information about this exhibit, call 812-653-1212.

August Monthly Meeting

Attendees at the August meeting enjoyed a fun Historic Music Presentation presented by Becky Sprinkle, Marty Mundy, Randy Tuell, Eric Harmon, Sarah Calhoun and Gary Spear. The group performed a variety of songs both traditional and folk stretching from the Civil War through modern day while also sharing tidbits of history behind the music and some of the instruments.

Tuell shared the background on one of his Dulcimers, handmade by Jim Fox created from historic wood dating back to tree cut about 1757.

May Monthly Meeting

Author Bob Moody was the guest presenter for the May 24th Orange County Historical Society meeting held at the Paoli Library. Bob held attendees fairly spellbound while sharing the strange story and tragic death of Professor Wilbur at the Orange County Fair in 1871. Bob also presented some new interesting and informative research about events leading up to that tragedy and beyond.

Orange County Historical Society Meeting - May 24th

Special Guest - Author Bob Moody

The Orange County Historical Society (OCHS) will meet for its next regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 24th 7 p.m. at the Paoli Public Library.  Author Bob Moody will be presenting a program on the 1871 strange and sad fate of “Professor R.H. Wilbur.”  The event once again placed Orange County in the National Spotlight.   The public is welcome to attend.

Orange County Historical Society To Host IHS’s Traveling Exhibit Faces of the Civil War

Civil War history will come alive for visitors who experience Faces of the Civil War, an Indiana Historical Society (IHS) traveling exhibit. From May 25th through June 22nd, Orange County Historical Society (OCHS) will host the special exhibit at the Paoli Public Library, located at 100 W. Water Street in Paoli.

Society President Robert F. Henderson said the exhibit brings to life the stories of many Hoosiers whose lives were touched, and in some cases taken, by the Civil War.  “Not all are well known or revered—many were just everyday citizens fulfilling their duties to their friends, family, state and country,” He added.  Rather than focusing on statistics and large-scale battles, the exhibit illustrates how regular people coped with the tragic experiences of the day—all from an Indiana perspective.

“We certainly appreciate our partnership with the Paoli Library and staff and their wiliness to allow us to display this interesting and informative exhibit.” Henderson said.

About IHS Traveling Exhibitions

Historical societies, museums, libraries, schools and other nonprofit organizations in Indiana can book this and other traveling exhibits through IHS’s Local History Services department. Exhibits may be borrowed for approximately four to five weeks at a time. To book an exhibit, please contact Karen DePauw at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (317) 233-3110. For more information about the traveling exhibit program, visit www.indianahistory.org.

About the Indiana Historical Society

Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana’s Storyteller^™, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing the state’s history. A private, nonprofit membership organization, IHS maintains the nation’s premier research library and archives on the history of Indiana and the Old Northwest and presents a unique set of visitor experiences called the Indiana Experience. IHS also provides support and assistance to local museums and historical groups; publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; produces and hosts art exhibitions, museum theater and outside performance groups; and provides youth, adult and family programs. IHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and a member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.

Old-Fashioned Holiday Event at The Historic Lindley House

The Orange County Historical Society will once again play host to an old-fashioned holiday event at the historic Lindley House in Paoli this coming Sunday, December 5^th 2021 from 2 to 4 pm.

The nearly 170-year-old farmhouse will be decorated downstairs in part to reflect a simple 1860s Christmas past and will be open for informal touring. Robert Henderson, president of the Orange County Historical Society, said volunteers will be present to share information related to the house. The musical group “Wildflowers & Weeds” will perform period music in the front parlor of the house that afternoon as well. 

Hot Cider and cookies will be served.

No admission will be charged; however, donations will be accepted to help maintain the historic home site.

Due to the lack of ability to adequately social distance masks are recommended inside the historic farmhouse.

The house was the home of Thomas Elwood Lindley, an early Orange County settler and is located just off Hwy. 150 West on Willow Creek Rd. in Paoli. 

Orange Peelings Newsletter - Spring 2022

Click on the graphic below to download our most recent Orange Peelings Newsletter

Join us for Living History Day - July 10th 2021 

Celebrating the Generosity of a Benefactor with a Red Bud Tree

A gift to one of the OCHS Endowment Funds is a gift to the future, as it provides funding for the Society's work each and every year...forever.

We accept a number of types of gifts, including cash or check. But you could also like our friend Mid and remember us in your will with a bequest to our endowment or provide us with other forms of planned giving.