Talk of the Town - Whitley County

(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, Governor Mitch Daniels, seated at left, surprises 92-year-old Whitley County resident Elmer Heinley, right, with a Sagamore of the Wabash award at Copp Farm Store Wednesday afternoon. Heinley is seated in his regular spot at what he and others describe as "The Table of Knowledge." Below, at right, snapshots from the gathering at Copp Farm Store held in Heinley's honor.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Gazing out the window of his home on Dowell Road, Elmer Heinley waited for his ride to arrive, taking the 92-year-old Whitley County resident to the Lincoln Day Dinner Wednesday evening.

Dressed in a burgundy suit, he was looking forward to an exciting evening visiting with Governor Mitch Daniels, politicking and shaking hands. Heinley had no idea, however, that Governor Mitch Daniels was on his way to see him – and that the governor would be among the many cars and trucks traveling down the normally quiet Dowell Road to Copp Farm Store late that afternoon with an important document in tow – a Sagamore of the Wabash award.

The Sagamore of the Wabash award is an honor first bestowed by Indiana Governor (and Whitley County native) Ralph Gates. The award is named for a word used by eastern Native Americans to describe a great and wise man who a chief might look to for wisdom and advice. The award is the highest honor that can be given by a governor for service to the Hoosier state and is given at his discretion.

Heinley’s first surprise was that he wasn’t going immediately to the Lincoln Day dinner, but instead found himself back where he’d already been several times on Wednesday at Copp Farm Store surrounded by scores of friends and family members. A regular at the store, Heinley enjoys coffee among friends seated around what used to be referred to as “The Liar’s Club.” According to Mike Copp, the table was renamed “The Table of Knowledge” four months ago with a cake ceremony and rededication.

Seated in his usual place at the table, a high-backed executive chair with a clear view of the doorway and store, Heinley listened, chided his friends and was dazzled as those around him shared stories of his life in Whitley County. Heinley was joined by his 91-year-old wife of nearly 70 years, Helen, as well as his daughter Sandra Hollar, son-in-law Roger and grandson, Greg.

“We are so fortunate to have someone like Elmer,” said Mike Copp, neighbor and owner of Copp Farm Store. “His knowledge spans many years.”

“I’m so impressed with Elmer’s gusto for life,” Copp said to the assembled crowd who came to see Heinley receive his Sagamore award. “Elmer never stops.”

In fact, Copp went on to say Heinley had already been down to visit three times that day and wondered why everyone was in such a concentrated mode to clean up the place.

A lifelong resident of Whitley County, Heinley was born in 1915 in what he describes as “the roughest neighborhood in Whitley County” – Hell’s Half Acre, a notorious section of Columbia Township with a sketchy, outlaw past. At the age of two and a half, he moved to the family farm on Dowell Road – a 140-acre farm that had been in the family since the Civil War era. Heinley eventually became a long-time community volunteer and an outspoken leader.

After sharing many stories about Heinley’s life and his work ethic, Copp said, “Elmer, there’s people who've noticed a lot about that.”

“For me, personally, you were one of the grandfathers I never had,” said Copp.

Sheriff Mark Hodges then spoke. “Elmer is quite a historian and never fails to share what he knows,” Hodges said. Hodges also shared Heinley’s dedication to his Rotary Club and how invaluable he is as a member.

Highlighting Heinley’s effervescent personality and keen sense of humor, Senator Gary “Doc” Dillon said, “I’ve kidded a lot with Elmer, but truly Elmer is one of my heroes.”

“Here he is at 92 and he’s still willing to take on some controversy,” Dillon said, mentioning Heinley’s outspoken stance of support for the Eel River Trail project.

“I want to thank Elmer for the example you’ve set for the rest of us,” Dillon continued. “I hope when I’m 92, I’m still as involved in what’s going on.”

Sharing various anecdotes from his life as he awaited the arrival of Governor Daniels, Heinley spoke openly about his life.

Heinley represented local farmers on the first planning commission set up in the county, serving more than 25 years. “We were called Communists for telling people what to do with their land,” Heinley said. “Without planning, Columbia City would never have grown to the place it is now. It’s a necessary part of government.”

Heinley was a volunteer fireman for many years. “There was no volunteer fire department,” he said of bygone days growing up. “If you had a fire, neighbors came with milk buckets.” During the 45 years he served on the fire department, Heinley went from a volunteer bucket brigade to an organized group of firefighters with a truck that served four townships. Though sharing a truck wasn’t easy, Heinley said, “It was better than anything we ever had – it worked because we made it work.”

Heinley spoke lovingly of his wife, Helen, whom he met in front of the canon on the Whitley County Courthouse lawn, unaware that she grew up just three miles from him. The couple had their first date at the Tri Lakes dance hall. Helen, he said, wore a purple hat that night. “She took my eye and I stuck with her – she’s been one of the greatest assets I’ve ever had.” The couple will celebrate their 70^th wedding anniversary in June.

For Heinley, meeting Governor Daniels was a highlight in itself, but he was even more thrilled when the true nature of his visit to Copp Farm Store was revealed.

“You have done remarkable things,” Daniels said as he handed the oversized navy blue folder containing the Sagamore of the Wabash Award to Heinley. “We don’t go around littering the landscape with these. I’ve been very stingy,” Daniels said of his caution in presenting the award during his administration.

Upon receiving the award, looking around the room at the glowing room of familiar faces, Heinley said, “I’ve never had anything in my whole life like this. It’s a culmination of my whole lifetime.”