Friday, November 21, 2008

Paul & Dorothy Kelly farm in Peru, IN. vandalized


Dear friends, It is with great sadness that I write to tell you of the tragedy that has occured at the Kelly Winterquarters in Peru, Indiana. Sometime last week vandals broke into the barns and smashed doors, windows, and basically trashed the place.Dorothy is 93 and her son Eddie is in his 70's and they don't have the funds to even board up the damaged doors and windows to protect what is left of the barns from the upcoming winter.This historical property was the last known winterquarters of the Cole Bros Circus (railroad show) and still has caging and artwork in the ring barn. Many famous Circus families spent time there in the winter practicing in the ring barns or the cat barn. There is hope that soon someone will take over and restore the place but that doesn't help now. I am writing to let everyone know that a fund has been established to help with the repairs or, at least, board up the place to help secure it through the winter.Joey Kubesch, a dear friend of the Kelly's, has set up an account to handle the Kelly's repairs and is donating the labor. Any funds sent will be spent specifically on the repairs at the Kelly farm. Dorothy and Eddie will appreciate this so much, remember that no donation is too small! Anyone wishing to donate can send their donation to: Mrs. Joey Kubesch, Indiana Rural Preservation Council, 1325 S. Frances Slocum Trail, Peru, IN--46970

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