Chronology of "Purpose of the

Elkhart County Genealogical Society"

Meeting minutes first draft, 16 Nov 1967, Alice Fairfield, Acting Secretary 

"To gather together [sic] a group of persons interested in tracing their ancestors for the purpose of helping one another. The goal being to gather histories and pictures and any other item that can be found and salvaged for the purpose preserving history for future generations." 

How it All Began

"A pirate you're kidding!" It was a chance remark by a relative about a long-ago ancestor that prompted this delighted response from Mrs. Bruce Fluke and whetted her curiosity to find out more about her family. She began collecting information, but soon found herself with a hopeless jumble of facts. She didn't know how to get it all organized. Talking about her problem with friends, she learned of an Elkhart woman who had for years been engaged in genealogical work. Chatting with her about the need for an area group to work together learning of the organized methods of tracing a family tree, Mrs. Fluke started thinking how wonderful it would be to belong to such a group. A short time later, in November of 1967, Mrs. Fluke, together with 22 others, formed Indiana's first and only Genealogical Society. 

Where to Look

The members soon realized the value of personal conversations with older members of their families, and these grandparents, great aunts and uncles were often more than willing to tell of the good old days." The members also found a wealth of useful information in old family records, family Bibles, journals, and letters. They learned how to research for old birth and death certificates and how to scan old census and legal records. With the knowledge gained about their ancestors, they also gained a realization of the vast sources available to the amateur researcher. As one member is often heard to state, "I won't give up till I've found a link with Adam!" And almost unbelievably, some members. have unearthed family connections to the 15th and even to the 9th century which is, of course, an incentive to the other members who hope to do as well. 

The First Meeting Location

Oct 27, 1967 Genealogy Society Formed Here 

How about barking up your own family tree? 

Family tree climbing appears to becoming up in the world and Elkhart County isn't about to be left behind. 

The just formed Elkhart County Genealogy Society is planning its first meeting for Thursday, Nov. 16 at the Elkhart Public Library meeting room. 

Interested persons may direct inquiries to Mrs. Bruce Fluke, 660 Strong, 523-3531. 

According to Mrs. Fluke, she has already talked with about 13 persons interested in such an organization. 

Mrs. Fluke reported the library has recently invested $200 for some new books on genealogy.