VOL 18 NO 2
JOHN JAMES AUDUBON STATE PARK NEWSLETTER
APRIL—JUNE 2011
HIGHLIGHTS BLUEGRASS & CREATIVE ARTS WELCOMES THE SUMMER SEASON
APRIL
Eggstravaganza
April 16
Ohio Valley
Birding Festival
April 27
An Evening with
Rosemary
Clooney
April 30
MAY
Card making
Class
May 10
Walk on the Wild
Side
May 13
Bluegrass &
Creative Arts
Festival
May 14
JUNE
Creatures of
the Night
June 4
Kids Fishing Derby
June 11
Concrete Canoe
Competition
June 18
It’s festival time again here at
Audubon State Park! This year
the Homegrown Bluegrass &
Creative Arts Festival will be
held on Saturday, May 14.
Come join us for a day of local
Bluegrass bands, artists, food
booths, and a variety of free
children’s activities. Whether
it’s sprawling out on a blanket
in the Museum Garden and
tapping your toes along to the
banjo, or a family fun day of
face painting, petting zoo, arts
& crafts booths, and more —
this festival has something for
everyone in the family.
Bands for this year’s lineup
include: Keith Vincent, The
Clabber Boys, King’s Highway,
Jeanne Marie &
Brad Parrott, and
Fields of Home.
Sponsors for
this year’s festival
are Henderson
County Tourism
Commission,
Dempewolf Ford,
Ohio Valley
Financial Group,
and Methodist
Hospital,
In conjunction
with this year’s festival, the
Henderson County Community
Foundation for Excellence will
be hosting the Audubon Woods
5K Run / Walk through the
trails of Audubon State Park.
To register, visit
www.friendsofaudubon.org and
click on “Bluegrass & Creative
Arts.”
We hope to see you here and
look forward to a great day!
Please Join Us for “An Evening with Rosemary Clooney”
Saturday, April 30th at the Audubon Museum
Ticket sales have begun for “An Evening with Rosemary Clooney,” a Chautauqua performance
and cocktail party hosted by The Friends of Audubon on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 6 p.m. in the
Audubon Museum. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at Audubon State Park. The
event will be a fundraiser for the Audubon Theater Project and will feature an actress portraying
Kentucky-native and Grammy Award winning artist Rosemary Clooney. Live performances, hors
d’oeuvres, cocktails, and several exciting giveaways are all part of this exciting event honoring one
of Kentucky’s most treasured entertainers. Seats at this
event are filling fast so please call the Park and purchase
your ticket today to help support the Theater Project and
to attend this exciting celebration.
Clooney was born in Maysville, Kentucky in 1928. In
1945, she and her sister Betty won a spot on Cincinnati,
Ohio’s radio station WLW as singers. She broke out on
her own with a hit single "Come On-a My House" in 1951.
From duets with Marlene Dietrich to her role in the 1954
movie “White Christmas” with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye,
and Vera-Ellen, Clooney was always in good company
throughout her career. By 1956 she had her own musicalvariety show “The Rosemary Clooney Show.” Clooney, the
constant artist, continued to perform even late into her
life. She received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement
Award in 2002 and died later that year.
FRIEND US ON FACEBOOK OR FOLLOW US ON TWITTER FOR UPDATES ON EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES. VISIT
WWW.FRIENDSOFAUDUBON.ORG or WWW.PARKS.KY.GOV FOR MORE INFORMATION OR CALL (270) 826-2247.
PARK NEWS
Park Manager, Mark Kellen
(270) 826-2247 or [email protected]
2011 MARKS THE YEAR OF CONSERVATION FOR MUSEUM CURATOR
At the Friends of Audubon annual meeting in January, Audubon Museum Curator
Alan Gehret announced a new initiative to emphasize the conservation needs of the
Audubon collection. In response, Kentucky Department of Parks has taken initial
steps to update the Museum’s environmental control system and expand and improve
the collection archive area. With this comes the launch of a new Adopt a Painting
program for items that are in need of professional conservation treatment. Through
this program interested individuals, families, companies, or organizations can “adopt”
a painting or other object in the Museum collection that is on the Museum’s priority
list. Top priority objects available for adoption are original paintings and prints but
the Museum also has other historic artifacts, photographic images, documents, books,
and frames that will be available for sponsorship. Sponsors may choose which art
work or artifact they wish to conserve. Also, the Museum staff will gladly match an
item to your interests from its priority list. Each object on the adoption list will be
fully appraised by a trained conservator for the cost of the necessary treatment.
“Adoptions” will be available for as low as $100 for an octavo print to perhaps a couple thousand for a major oil painting. Each sponsor who “Adopts a Painting” will
receive:
A before and after photograph of their adopted item.
A Certificate of Appreciation for the individual or groups contribution for the conservation project.
A special plaque near the adopted item to acknowledge the donor along with other information.
A letter of acknowledgment for contribution to the project for tax purposes.
And other benefits are to be announced.
More information will be forth coming and interested individuals are invited to contact Alan Gehret.
BRAIN BUSTER
Our State Park isn’t the only place named after John James Audubon. His boisterous presence and tireless travels across the United
States resulted in quite a number of honorary namings. From cities to parks to bridges and more, can you trace the footsteps of
Audubon?
1. A city in this Eastern state was named in Audubon's honor and is home to
the Audubon Bird Sanctuary.
5
1
3
2
2. This jazzy city features “Audubon Park,” created on land purchased by the
city for an urban park.
3. The “Audubon Park and Country Club” in this Kentucky city is located in
the area of Audubon’s former general store.
4
4. Several towns in this state’s “Audubon County” are named in honor of
John James Audubon.
5. This state features the John James Audubon Bridge which crossed the
Mississippi River between Pointe Coupee Parish and West Feliciana Parish.
6. This Kentucky city features both John James Audubon State Park and the
Audubon Memorial Bridge which crossed the Ohio River.
6
FOA MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
RENEWALS & NEW MEMBERS
April — June 2011
The following memberships were renewed or created January-March. Audubon State Park and the
Friends of Audubon thank you for your friendship! If you would like to become a member or renew
your membership, see the back page for fees and information.
Steve and Pam Austin
Louise Benton
Jean Berger
Patricia Black
Mary Ann Blackwell
Donald M. Boarman
Bobbie Buchanan
Dan and Judy Buckman
Bill and Dina Campbell
Jimmy Canter
Gary and Katherine Cola
N. Crichton Comer II and
Sharon Felty-Comer
Stan Cotton
Joe and Nan Craig
Donald Davis
Joyce P. Davis
Elyon Davis
H.J. Deig
Thomas Dempewolf
Barry and Mary Dee
Denton
Marilyn K. Dixon
Billie R. Dixon
James and Debra
Dunaway
John and Charlene Eblen
Wallace C. Eblen
Lucinda Evans
Dr. and Mrs. John B.
Evans III
Deborah B. Faupel
Frank A. Fraembs
Carol L. Gatlin
Alan and Carol Gehret
Granville Family
Sally T. Greene
Joyce K. Hahn
Ruth Hazelwood
Cathe Hedgespeth
Martha Hodge
Sybille S. Hodge
John and Ann Hodge
Joan Hoffman
Susan Hubbard
Phyllis Igleheart
Diane Foster Igleheart
Alice Irwin
Irwin-Pokorny Family
Ann James
Sue B. Jennings
Catherine Jennings
Charles S. Johnson III
Don Johnston
Scott Keach
Doris Ann Kellen
Ed Kenney
Gail King
Frank King Jr.
Margaret A. Knox
Phelps L. Lambert
Mary E. Lee
Martha A. Letson
Beth A. Mache
Lorie Maltby
Agnes Marchand
Eleanor Martin
Dennis and Debbie Martin
Wanda Mattingly
Marjorie Mattox
Jule McClellan
Deborah McCollom
Susan E. McGinnis
Paula Middleton
Dr. Paul and pamela
Moore
Pamela A. Moran
Morozott Family
Morris and Marsha Mullins
Malcolm E. Neel III and
Tammy S. Neel
Malcolm Neel
Herman and Christine
Nelson
Leslie Newman
Dr. Ray W. Nicholson
Jeanette Oldham
Connie Oleary
Martha Ann Otey
Joyce Owens
John S. Palmore
Charles and Marjory
Payton
Robert and Judith Peak
Bart Pinkson
Martha Polk
Perry Potter
Mary E. Priest
Nibby Priest
Martha D. Rankin
Dorsey and Glenn Ridley
Gerald and Diane
ATTENTION MEMBERS
GO GREEN! Get your Warbler newsletter
e-mailed to you instead of printed and
mailed. Save ink, paper, and fuel for postal
service. If you wish to receive The Warbler
by e-mail, send your e-mail address to
[email protected]
Rightmyer
Lois Rini
Bruce M. Ritter
Richard and Cheryl
Schofield
Tiffany Sights
Barbara Skirmants
Michael and Kay Smith
Elizabeth Snyder
James and Rachel
Solomon
Frank and Marilyn
Stanonis
Pamela J. Thomas
Mary Ann Thrasher
James A. Tillotson
Melissa J. Troost
Michael Susan Vickers
Fred and Janet Gail
Wallace
George Warren
Donald Wathen
Dr. & Mrs. David A.
Watkins
Richard Wham
Tom and Marlene Williams
Pamela Williams
Leo and Mary Winchester
Danny Wooton
Brenda B. Wright
MUSEUM NEWS
Curator, Alan Gehret
(270) 827-1893 or [email protected]
AN INTIMATE LOOK AT LUCY’S SEAL
The emphasis of the Audubon Museum focuses on the life
and magnificent art work of
John James but a big part of his
life was certainly his family and
most of all his loving wife Lucy,
whom he referred to as “My
Dearest Friend.”
We are fortunate to have a
number of letters and artifacts
pertaining to Lucy Audubon in
the Museum collection. For this
issue of “The Warbler,” I have
chosen to focus on one such
piece; Lucy’s personal seal.
While it may seem strange
to the younger folks reading
this, there once was a time in
the not so distance past that
people actually corresponded
with others by physically writing letters. In John and Lucy’s
early day letters were generally
written on one side of a single
sheet of paper with the other
side left blank. The letter would
then be folded in to form its own
envelop and the address written
on one side. In order to seal the
letter, a drop of sealing wax
would be melted and dripped
onto the paper and then you
would press your personal seal
into the wax. The first envelope
was patented in England in
1845 but still required the use
of wax to seal the contents from
the eyes of a nosey postman.
Our collection includes both
John and Lucy’s personal seals.
John’s has the image of his Wild
Turkey Cock on it while Lucy’s
very simply reads in script:
“Lucy”. (I personally like to
think that the simplicity of
Lucy’s seal is a reflection on
Lucy herself.) The seal is made
out of a type of quartz known as
citrine that has been cut in a
hexagon shape and is only
about ¾” in height and ½” wide.
The seal was most likely part of
a writing set commonly sold in
merchant shops and customized
with the purchasers name. The
set would have consisted of a
small writing box, a quill, ink,
paper sealing wax, and the customized seal itself.
It may have been a gift from
her father back at the family
farm, Fatland Ford, in Pennsylvania or perhaps a gift that
John brought back from one of
his many travels.
Unfortunately, we will never
know since no family stories
concerning its history were on
record when the seal came to
the Museum in 1938 as part of
the Tyler collection. But, how
lucky we are to have this little
gem of a personal artifact from
Lucy herself.
Looking at the seal in Gallery
C of the museum we can imagine Lucy sitting by candle light
writing letters to friends and
family and of course to her beloved John and sealing his with
a drop of wax, her little seal,
and a kiss.
NATURE NEWS
Naturalist, Julie McDonald
(270) 826-4424 or [email protected]
GET READY FOR A LIVELY SPRING
Once again we welcome the Spring with the
Wildflower Extravaganza April 2. Three 1hour wildflower walks are provide the opportunity to get out and experience the floral
explosion blanketing the forest floor here at
Audubon State Park.
April also features the fourth annual Ohio
Valley Birding Festival. This regional event
seeks to educate people about our fabulous
feathered friends. The Festival activities,
spread over five days (April 27-May 1), include speakers, live bird programs, bird
hikes and trips throughout NW Kentucky
and SW Indiana, art activities, and a Family
Newly planted tulip in the Day. Participating sponsors include Friends
Audubon Museum Garden
of Audubon, John James Audubon State
in full bloom.
Park, Henderson County Tourism Commission, Evansville Audubon Society, National Audubon Society, Save
the Screech Owl Foundation, Wesselman Nature Society, Wild
Birds Unlimited, Southern Indiana Master Naturalist Association,
PAR, and The Izaak Walton League.
The 24th Annual National Concrete Canoe Competition, taking
place at the Audubon Boat Dock from 10am-4pm on Saturday, June
18, will match 22 civil engineering schools from across the US and
Canada. These schools will bring their innovative designs and will
compete in sprint races as well as endurance and slalom races. The
competition is hosted by the Student Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers at the University of Evansville and is sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Family Adventure Quest Begins
The Kentucky State Parks will
again offer the Family Adventure
Quest – a trivia and digital photo
contest for families or friends in
teams of two to six people.
The Family Adventure Quest presents a series of challenges that teams complete by traveling and
taking photos at state parks across Kentucky. It’s a great way to
explore the outdoors, have fun and learn something all at the same
time! While some challenges will simply require a little thinking,
many will require a visit to different state parks and use of a digital
camera to show your team along your journey. The prize for entries
that correctly answer all 25 questions is an $85 gift card good at
state parks. For correctly answering 20 questions, winners can receive a $50 gift card. There is a $15 registration fee, which will get
you an information packet with the questions, a backpack and a
surprise gift. Registration forms are available at www.parks.ky.gov
Check out our new Naturalist’s Blog for nature
sightings, hiking club updates, and event listings.
www.kspappdev.com/blogs/audubon/
APRIL
• Migrant songbirds such as warblers
are moving north for the breeding
season.
• Wildflower numbers reach their
peak. Look for spring larkspur, phlox,
& blue-eyed marys.
• American Toads calling;
salamanders breeding.
• Woodchuck litters born.
• Canada Geese nesting and first
young hatch.
• Maples, Birch, Alder, Redbud,
Spicebush, Serviceberry, and
Dogwood all in bloom.
• The fruiting of morel mushrooms
begins.
May
• Warbler Migration at its peak.
• Rose-breasted Grosbeaks,
Nighthawks, Chimney Swifts, Wood
Thrush, and Veerys return.
• Purple Martins return to establish
new colonies (early in month).
• Catalpa, Black Locust, Tulip Poplar,
Pawpaw, Buckeye, Apple, and Lilac
all in bloom.
• Beaver kits born, skunk litters born.
June
• Bird migration finished – summer
residents nesting.
• As month progresses, feeders
become busy with parents bringing
fledglings.
• Box Turtles and Snapping Turtles lay
eggs on land .
• Fawns continue to be born through
mid-month.
• Wood Duck and Mallard ducklings
hatch.
• Young Woodchucks and Raccoons
emerge and venture out with their
mothers.
• Bullfrogs begin calling.
• Crickets begin nightly serenade.
• Green Tree Frogs become plentiful in
wetland areas.
ART NEWS
Art Educator, Kim McGrew-Liggett
(270) 827-1893 or [email protected]
MUSEUM STORE NEWS
Museum Store Supervisor, Raini Hall
(270) 827-1893 or [email protected]
The Museum Store is now carrying many
“Kentucky Crafted” and “Kentucky Proud”
products. If you aren’t familiar with these two
brands, we welcome you to visit our collection
and see what your fellow Kentuckians are
crafting!
“Kentucky Crafted” items are entirely
handmade by people who live in Kentucky.
One Kentucky Crafted artist lives right in
Audubon Satte Park’s own back yard — Alan
Hedgespeth — who crafts beautiful wood
products that range from pencil holders to
butcher blocks and even a very unique lockbox
made from an old post office box.
Other Kentucky Crafted items include
handmade luxury soaps and lotions, pottery
by Danny Dalton, and whimsical birdhouses
from the Jon Carloftis collection by Louisville
Stoneware.
“Kentucky Proud” items are edible items made right here in Kentucky.
These delicious delectables include jams, jellies, sauces, mixes, candyu, honey,
and much more. We have also
added the option of creating your
own gift basket and having us
deliver it for you!
If you find yourself searching for a unique gift this Spring,
please remember our Kentucky
Crafted and Kentucky Proud
items. You won’t find these items
anywhere else in the area! Please
stop by and visit the Museum
Store or give us a call if you have
a special request or order.
Current Park
Fees & Prices
COTTAGE PRICING
1 BDRM COTTAGE (APRIL-JUNE)
$110.18 / $121.21
2 BDRM COTTAGE (APRIL-JUNE)
$137.74 / $148.77
♦
Regular Rate; senior, AAA,
State Employee Rates
available upon request
GOLF GREEN FEES
Weekday: 18 holes—$12
9 holes—$6
Weekend: 18 holes—$14
9 holes—$7
Cart Rental: 18 holes—$11.75
9 holes—$7.50
MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER
Adults—$5
Senior—$4
Children 6-12—$3
Family—$12
MEETING ROOM
Meeting—$150
Reception—$300
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: 10 A.M. — 5 P.M.
MUSEUM GARDEN
Weekday—$250
Weekend—$500
PURCHASE YOUR OWN AUDUBON PRINT!
Visit the Audubon Museum Gift Shop or friendsofaudubon.org
STARTING AS LOW AS $25
CAMPGROUND
Weekday—$22**
Weekend—$24**
♦
Water & Electric Rates;
Primitive, Electric Only site
rates available upon request
BOAT DOCK
Re-opens May 30, 2011
___________________
The Warbler
Presorted Standard
U.S. Postage
PAID
Henderson, KY 42419
Permit #487
J.J. Audubon State Park
P.O. Box 576
Henderson, KY 42419
L 12 NO 3
JOHN JAMES AUDUBTE PARK ETTER
SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER
BE A FRIEND
FOA OFFICERS
Sign a friend up for a Friends of Audubon membership and receive:
• The Warbler—quarterly newsletter
• FREE museum and nature center admission
• 10% discount in the Audubon Museum Store
• Invitations to special art exhibit openings
Your membership contribution helps fund the acquisition of new
pieces for the Museum Collection as well as funding the preservation
and restoration of existing items.
Name______________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________
City, State, Zip______________________________________________
E-mail______________________________________________________
I would like The Warbler: (circle one)
BY MAIL
BY e-MAIL
Student/Senior ($20)
Individual ($35)
Family ($50)
Donor ($100)
Supporter ($500)
Cardinal ($1000)
PAYABLE TO: Friends of Audubon, PO Box 576, Henderson, KY 42419
Elyon Davis
Leslie Newman
Debbie Faupel
Dina Campbell
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
BOARD MEMBERS
Beth Bird
Judy Buckman
Stan Cotton
Marilyn Dixon
Scott Keach
Phelps ‘Pete’ Lambert
Steve Martin
Pam Moran
Tammy Neel
Judy Peak
Jeff Porter
Glenn Ridley
Mike Smith
Mike Vickers
Richard Wham
Robbie Williams
Sherry Wilkerson
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Mark Kellen
Dorsey Ridley
Dr. David Watkins
Steve Austin
Hugh McCormick
Marcia Eblen
Audubon Park Manager
State Senator
State Rep. Dist. 11
Mayor of Henderson
County Judge Executive
Director, Henderson
Tourism Commission