Munster Herstory

Munster Herstory. Remarkable women that have shaped the town. , Aartje Jabaay , Accompanying her husband Peter, they were the first Dutch immigrants to acquire land along Old Pike (Ridge Road)., Martha Dyer Hart , Martha and her husband Aaron owned most of south Munster, substantial tracts in Crown Point, Lake Station, Dyer, and Schererville. Aaron died in a ditch he was inspecting in Munster, so Martha and her children completed the ditch project in the 1890s., Wilhelmina Kaske (A.K.A. Minnie) , Mrs. Hugo Kaske formed a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) with 25 other parents in 1922. The PTA created a hot lunch program for their children where lunches only cost a few pennies. Most of the food served was grown locally or donated by the PTA., Caroline Stallbohm , Caroline, Wilhelmina Kaske's sister, worked as a secretary for renowned Chicago reformer Henry Demarest Lloyd. She had personal correspondence with famous social reformers, such as, Helen Keller and Jane Addams. In 1986, Brownie Scouts had discovered Caroline's personal trunk under the front porch of the Kaske House., [Photo captions:] Julia Watkins Brass, Henrietta Munster, Wilhelmina Stallbohm, Helen Kaske Bieker (photos courtesy of Munster Historical Society), Dr. Louise Chickie-Wolfe , Dr. Louise Chickie-Wolfe started her teaching experience at Wilbur Wright Middle School, and then went on to teach at Munster High School. After that, she sered at the Educational /Behavioral Consultant for the School Town of Munster and Lake Central District before coming back to teach at Eads from 2000 to 2008. When Dr. Chickie-Wolfe knew, in 2007, that she would be retiring from a 35 year career in education, she realized that she wanted to find a way to stay connected with her students. So, she created the Munster Junior Historical Society (MJHS). MJHS, still continuing to this day, takes time to learn about Munster's unique history and provides service to the community. , In 2016, Dr. Chickie-Wolfe created the Demonstrating Outstanding Citizenship project (DOC 200) for her MJHS to celebrate Indiana's 200 year history. Students can earn their DOC 200 by completing and recording 200 acts of kindness in the fields of integrity, acceptance, service, and patriotism. The DOC 200 was recognized by Indiana's Bicentennial Committee with its designation as an official Indiana Bicentennial Legacy Project; making DOC 200 available to all Indiana students. Next, DOC 200 was honored for its anti-bullying component at a Civility Day awards ceremony; when DOC 200 became available to all students across the nation from kindergarten to college. (photo from Dr. Louise Chickie-Wolfe), Tresa Radermacher , Teresa Radermacher is well known to most students from subbing for the School Town of Munster for 11 years. However, she also continues to take part in an organization that she was once in as a child. From 2nd grade to high school, Teresa was a Girl Scout in Murray, Kentucky. In 1985, Teresa became the Service Unit Manager for the Munster Girl Scouts and still is currently in that position. She also serves as the Service Unit Manager for Tri-Town Girl Scouts; Schererville, Dyer, and St. John. As the service unit manager, she enjoys watching girls make a difference in their world locally and globally. (photo from Teresa Radermacher), Amanda Jez , Amanda passed away at the age of 47 on June 8, 2023. She grew up in the Northwest, Indiana area, and was a 1993 graduate of Munster High School. Her love for the Munster schools and community led her to raise her family in the area. Amanada was a highly valued individual in the School Town of Munster. She started teacing at James B. Eads Elementary School. Then, Amanda worked as an assistant principal at Wilbur Wright Middle School and Elliott Elementary School. She was a proud national board-certified teacher and member of the Indiana Teachers Association. Amanda also gave back to her community, as she was an active member of the Munster Junior Woman's Club. (photo from the Jez Family), Munster Junior Woman's Club , The Munster Junior Woman's Club (MJWC) was incorporated in 1965. The club raises funds for organizations and volunteers their time in the community. Some notable events include their annual Bunco and Quarter Auctions, providing baked goods for a local domestic violence shelter, participating in a donation drive to keep reusable items out of the landfill, and donating several thousands of dollars to a variety of charitable groups and organizations. (photo from MJWC), Munster Historical Society Leaders , The four women pictured above help lead the Munster Historical Society (MHS) in their designated roles. Carole Cornelison serves as the president, September Alexander as vice president, Beth Palmer as treasurer, and JoAnne Shafer as the curator. MHS was organized in 1976. The non profit group consists of volunteers who manage the Munster History Museum and the surrounding Heritage Park gardens. Their mission is to educate the public and promote an interest in local history. MHS volunteers and organizes events, such as, providing educational tours of the museum, holding their annual holiday open house, participating in local garden walks, and much more. (photos provided by MHS members)