The Kokomo Tribune from Kokomo, Indiana • Page 106

12D Kokomo (Ind.) Tribune Sunday, March 22, 1992 Sunday, March 22, 1992 Kokomo (Ind.) Tribune 13D RVs at fairground rally Tipton economy By Susan Goff Tribune Tipton Bureau TIPTON, Ind. When extension agent James Woolf said he was looking for ways to increase the amount of recreational vehicles that park at the Tipton County Fairgrounds each year, he's not talking about adding one more tent or two. Money RV users spend in the county is a good source of revenue, according to Woolf. And he wants to promote the fairgrounds to bring in more RVs. The money comes in not only from fees paid for space rental, but by money spent in Tipton by the people involved in the rally.

According to Woolf, people taking part in the rallies spend $35 to $40 a unit per day in town for gas, food, restaurant meals and vehicle repairs. According to a report presented to the Economic Development Corp. of Tipton County in September, the "Fan Trailer Club" stayed at the fairgrounds in July for five days. The average amount of money spent in town per unit was $34.43. The report also said that 31 percent of the money raised by the fairground during the last three years was from the RV rallies.

Woolf said the economic in- pact on the county for a rally with 600 units would include $5,400 for space rental and ap- proximatly $24,000 a day spent in town each day. "That's just one 600-unit group, "he said. Money brought in during 20 days a year, Woolf said, will allow the community to enjoy the benefits the RVs bring the rest of the year. "We're not talking about a $100 tent here," ne said. "We're talking about people who have made major investments (in their vehicles)." According to Woolf, prices for recreational vehicles ranges from $5,000 to $150,000.

And as the population of the county ages, the use of RVs increases. These modern day "campers" have formed many large organizations. Some organzations center on a shared interest, such as square dancing; others are based on a region; and some on the type of RV the person owns, Woolf said. "There is a vast array of why these associations nave formed. So there is a need for rally grounds." But, he added, the fair board did not decide to market the fairgrounds as a rally site; the business evolved over time.

Last summer, RV consumer advocates Hal and Penny Gaynor were in Tipton, speaking at a rally at the fairgrounds. Woolf said the Gaynors told him the Tipton fairgrounds are set up very well for staging rallies. And they suggested that he promote the location in recreational vehicle magizines. One of the reasons the location is attractive is the number of activities that are within driving distance of the fairgrounds. And at $9 per unit per night, the fairgrounds is cheaper or equal to the price the state parks charge.

But the parks do not have kitchen facilities like the fairground has. "We could probably put 650 to 670 units in, depending on how close they are parked on the present grounds. Where we are right now," Woolf said, "is looking for support. "It's exciting. My speculation is it's only vision, basically if, in fact, we want to promote that facility out there For RV rallies, (and the) economic impact to our community we will need more land available to the fair board." Fairground usage Recreational vehicles and campers are becoming a much more common sight on the Tipton County Fairgrounds.

One reason is the low rent, but available facilities are also an attraction. The fairgrounds now attract over three times as many campers as five years ago. 1,400 1,200 1965 1986 1967 1968 1989 1990 Those who come to the Tipton County Fairgrounds do so for a variety of reasons. Broken down, those reasons include: Indians 12.7% Source: Tipton County Extension office 1991 Campers 31.0% Threshers 12.7% 25.5% Community shaping 21st Century schools Alternative program curriculum is one of 41 sub-committees (Tribune file photo) Tribune staff graphic By Trlsha Guthrie Tribune staff writer "It simply is an opportunity to work in a formalized structure with people from all parts of the community to better our children's education. And what we are doing will place the City of Firsts with a first-class school system." So said Kokomo-Center Superintendent Larry W.

Homer of his corporation's 21st Century Project. The venture, which has ballooned into a $51 million experience, actually will not cost the taxpayers an extra cent. Through bond issue to be paid over a period of 20 to 25 years, Homer said, Kokomo- Center Schools will provide funding for educational improvements in 11 areas. But what those improvements will be is still being debated. The project, begun last April, calls for 41 subcommittees in six areas of education to discuss possible changes in the corporation's schools.

The subcommittees, comprising representatives from all positions in the community, nave been meeting since October to come up with solutions to the corporation's problems in educating its students. The subcommittees are led by the heads of the six areas, who report to the 21st Century general board of advisers. "It's a complicated process, but we seem to be working through it," said Larry Murrell, chairman of the general board. When the discussing is through and the decisions have been made, recommendations for improvements in the schools will be made to the school board. But no one is sure when that will be.

"We are supposed to be done by this fall, Murrell said, "but we are careful not to put time restraints on the participants. We want to give them plenty of time to put together what they need." Changes in the classroom and in construction will be planned from that point, Horner said, but the entire operation which, if all goes as planned, will result in schools unlike any others in the area is tentatively scheduled for completion in 1998. If this sounds like it would lead to its share of problems along the way, it has, including questions about how the project will be financed, a time delay and complaints about lack of communication. But Horner said he is not fazed. "I like to look at it in terms of opportunities and challenges," he said.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for us to do something amazing, and I think those volunteering their time to serve on subcommittees realize that." Burlington Community Building Burlington FALL FESTIVAL Since 1982 Sept. 17, IS, 1992 At the Burlington Park All Proceeds Go To The Park Burlington BINGO At the Community Bldg. Play the 2nd and 4th Thursday of Every Month At 6:30 BURLINGTON Laid out in 1828 by David Stipp. Promoted for seat of a new county to be made partly from the Great Miami Reserve, which began two miles east. The Lafayette Muncle Road crossed the Great Michigan Road here.

It was an Important stage stop, mill village and trading center for both whites and Indians from the Reservation. Among early families were Ewing. Foster, Gwlnn, Harness. Landrum, Rinker, Shlnn and Stockton. Incorporated as town In 1967.

HF Country Stable Crafts Specialty Wood Crafts Made To Order. Bring Us A Picture. Call for Free Estimates. Cedar Planter Boxes Jelly Cabinets Dry Sinks and Much Much Morel Visit our showroom in downtown Burlington JOS Michigan Rd. (317) BREWSTER ASSOCIATES FINANCIAL SERVICES 317-566-3587 Tax Preparation Personal Business Financial Planning BREWSTER INSURANCE Serving the Burlington Community Proudly Since 1928 Your only locally owned and operated Insurance Agency.

4 Generations Old! 566-3587 THE BRIGHT NATIONAL BANK Flora, Delphi, Burlington, Rossville, and 2 locations in Lafayette Member FDIC DR. DON WAGONER AND DR. MARILYN WAGONER "Serving Burlington for 26 Drs. Don and Marilyn Wagoner opened their office for family practice in December, 1965. The facility includes an emergency room for treatment of minor trauma, lacerations, fractures and other minor surgical procedures.

The newest sonar equipment is available to diagnose heart and circulatory disorders, as well as a fulHab and X-ray. Dr. Don Wagoner has an interest in am management and Dr. Marilyn Wagoner's practice in- eludes female disorders and weight loss. 601 St.

Rd. 22 Burlington, IN Monday thru Friday (317) 566-3351 (Burlington CEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS Hoot Pump Specialist "Closed-Loop" r'OpeiW Niter Source Hert Praps AIR TO AIR HEAT WIK System: GT (317) 566-3446 SALES SERVICE Serving Howard Clinton, Carroll, Cass, White Counties GREG FOUTS 106 WEST 4TH STREET BURLINGTON, IN 46915 A COMMUNITY GROWING AND BLOOMING WITH PRIDE BURLINGTON: The Parent of Kokomo David Stipp built his home in 1830 along the Michigan Road, a new road stretching northward from Madison to Michigan City, after seeking the site of Burlington for a county seat of Carroll County. This road was of plank and log construction through the lower-lying swampy area. Trees which sprouted from the logs, may still be seen in areas like Sycamore Row along Indiana 29 on the banks of Deer Creek. Carroll County and the area on which Burlington is located was created from the Great Miami Indian Reserve set aside for the northern tribes by treaty in the early days of the Northwest Territory.

The families of Foster, Gwinn, Kelly, Harness, Shinn, Landrum, Ewing, Rinker, and Stockton were the early settlers of the area. Stipp laid out the town with 92 lots running south from Wildcat Creek. He filed that plat in the land office Crawfordsville, where he worked. In 1830 and 1831, Phillip Rinker constructed a grist mill on the creek northwest on the town. John Kelly and Robert Ewing cleared the dense forests for the town plat.

William Stockton operated the towns first tavern and kept a relay house for the exchange of horses on the stage couch route. Andrew Watts and William Henry purchased Stipp's home and it became a tavern. The Michigan Road cost $102 for each completed mile in 1831. The width of the clearing was 100 feet with the center 30 feet grubbed clean and no stumps allowed more than a fool in height. David Foster, the founder of Kokomo, came to live in Burlington in 1834.

More families began populating Burlington a year later and the town began to flourish. Henry Boles opened the first general store in 1837 and took E. P. Stone as a partner in 1846. Dr.

Samuel Anderson set up practice in Burlington in 1837.. In 1848, James Harmon constructed a brick kiln in the town and in 1857, Mahlon Shinn finished building a saw mill nearby. Shinn went on to open the town's first hotel, became justice of the peace and is believed to have been the first postmaster. The Star Roller Mill was build following a fire in 1872. The lumber mill originally on the site had been constructed by Mahlon Shinn during the 1850's.

The mill was purchased by Martin Haun in 1882, and remained in the family until 1965. Earl Haun, who succeeded his father as owner of the mill also installed the first Burlington electric generator in the plant and the first telephone exchange. During the depression, the mill provided jobs for dozens of unemployed workers because there was always a steady demand for flour. Until 1854 when the first railroad came to Kokomo, Burlington was considerably more important to Kokomo than was Indianapolis. From Burlington, Kokomo brought its first machinery for both saw mill and grist mill.

The first hack that ever arrived in Kokomo came from Burlington, carrying mail, bundles and passengers. From Burlington, Kokomo brought its Ifirst stock of furniture, its first coffins, its first fruit trees. Back in the ox-cart era a journey from Burlington to Kokomo consumed a whole day and could be accomplished only by starting early and arriving late. When the hack was installed a round trip in a day became possible, later when the old trail became a turnpike, a good team to surrey or sample wagon could ho the swing in half a day. Intimately related as they have been, no steam road or electric has ever connected Kokomo and Burlington.

A railroad bed (was started near Burlington during the 1880's but the project fell (through. Now subdivisions filled with employees from expanding kokomo in industries have grown around this village at the end of Ind. 22. No wonder there has been so much in common between Burlington and Kokomo through all the years; no wonder there is so much in common now. Burlington: 164 Years Young and Counting Your Longaberger Consultant: BRENDA WELCHER 1757 N.

1050 W. KOKOMO, IN 46901 317-566-3763 LONGABERGER BASKETS AND POTTERY. ALWAYS AT HOME IN YOUR HOME. LIMITED EDITIONS NEW POTTERY NEW HOSTESS LINE CALL TODAY JOIN OUR FAMILY Neptune Funeral Home Since 1962 We're Proud of the Burlington Community 44 Michigan Burlington (317) 566-3343 BURLINGTON LOCKER THE FINEST IN WHOLESALE RETAIL MEATS (317) 566-3360 Fifth P.O. Box 218 BURLINGTON, INDIANA BOB RICHASON CAPITAL PRODUCTS ENTERPRISES, INC.

Manufacturers of Floral Products NATIONWIDE DISTRIBUTORS Proud to be a part of the Burlington Family! 317-566-3495 800 Michigan Ave, Burlington, IN Frankfort (317) 659-4000 Flora (317) 967-3244 Good Food with the Country Touch! Prime Rib Dinner on Fridays Homemade Ice Cream On Sundays Open 7 Days A Week SOFT SERVE VIDEO RENTALS MANN'S CHAINSAW SUPPLIES SERVICE ICE CREAM AUTO REPAIRS PIT STOP CONVENIENCE STORE 24 HR. WRECKER SERVICE 1ST. RD. 22 29 566-3817 PAPA LOUIE'S PIZZA PIZZA SANDWICHES BROASTED CHICKEN POTATO WEDGES 'YOU'VE TRIED THE REST, NOW TRY THE BEST' Wayne E. Salsbery, DVM Cattle and Swine Practice Proud to live in the Burlington Community for 34 years and to be on the team that is feeding America! WELL DRILLING "OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE" 'OWNER-OPERATED" RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL FARMS PUMP SALES SERVICE INSTALLATION FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED INSURED SAND-FREE WELLS HEAT PUMP WELLS TRENCHING LIVESTOCK FOUNTAINS CALL COLLECT IF NO ANSWER 566-3986 566-3362 455-2445 P.O.

BOX 345 BURLINGTON IND. 46915 BT3 Waddell 9 IGA Market "Serving the Burlington Area for over 30 years" N. Michigan Rd. Burlington 566-3349 POST BUILDINGS Farm Garages Industrial Commercial Custom cut steel. Treated Lumber 2x6, 2x8, 4x6, 6x6.

Cannon Ball Track Door Hardware. MATHEWS BUILDINGS, INC. R.R. 1 Box 232, Frankfort, IN 46041 1-800-638-7439 317-258-3018 Salin Bank P.O. Box 98 Burlington 566-3322 6 Other Locations to serve you 223 N.

Main St. Kokomo 452-1545 Member FDIC.