The club was named after Charles Stockbridge who was a nationally known as an ornithologist. He was born January 16, 1856, to parents who had come on the newly opened Wabash and Erie Canal. His father owned one of the first bookstores in Fort Wayne, Indiana and Charles worked in the bookstore before becoming a letter carrier in Fort Wayne for many years. He lived at 2323 Webster St. and was married 55 years to Ada Ashley.
He served as president of the Fort Wayne Audubon Society...gave many talks on bird life before clubs, schools, Boy Scouts, and the Historical Society. He is believed to be one of the two observers on the first Fort Wayne Christmas Count, in 1910. He sent migration reports to the state and national governments, and had a fine collection of bird specimens.
He retired from the post office at age 65, and then, with his two daughters, operated the Fort Wayne Baby Chick Hatchery until his death on March 4, 1934. He was survived by his wife, Ada, daughters Alathea and Mary, and son Willard. His bird collection was moved from the public library to the Swinney Homestead and later they went to Earlham College. He is buried in Lindenwood Cemetery, section H near where we look for white-winged crossbills in the tall hemlocks. Ed and Cynthia Powers found the large gray granite family marker, over the hill from the prominent one for Henry Rudisill
Cynthia (Oct. 04) went by Charles Stockbridge's old home at 2323 Webster. It's a white two story (looks like the top floor is an apt.) that needs paint and maybe more.....but it's for sale, with Century 21! No trace of the chick hatchery! - Anybody for a historical marker?
William H. Buskirk, Professor of Biology stated that they have most of the Stockbridge collection at Earlham College in the Joseph Moore Museum. Few of the mounts are on public display, most are housed (rather unceremoniously) in storage cabinets. Many were without tags and in poor condition when Earlham received them though some (including some important specimens, e.g. Wood Stork, Northern Raven) are in good shape and do have data with them.
If members of the Stockbridge Audubon chapter wanted to peruse the collections, Bill would be glad to give you a tour ("behind the scenes" as it were) including our more modern collection of birds (and mammals).
If you would like any further information about the collection, let Bill know!
William H. Buskirk
Professor of Biology
Associate Director, Joseph Moore Museum
Earlham College
Richmond, IN 47374
765-983-1320
By Cythia Powers
He served as president of the Fort Wayne Audubon Society...gave many talks on bird life before clubs, schools, Boy Scouts, and the Historical Society. He is believed to be one of the two observers on the first Fort Wayne Christmas Count, in 1910. He sent migration reports to the state and national governments, and had a fine collection of bird specimens.
He retired from the post office at age 65, and then, with his two daughters, operated the Fort Wayne Baby Chick Hatchery until his death on March 4, 1934. He was survived by his wife, Ada, daughters Alathea and Mary, and son Willard. His bird collection was moved from the public library to the Swinney Homestead and later they went to Earlham College. He is buried in Lindenwood Cemetery, section H near where we look for white-winged crossbills in the tall hemlocks. Ed and Cynthia Powers found the large gray granite family marker, over the hill from the prominent one for Henry Rudisill
Cynthia (Oct. 04) went by Charles Stockbridge's old home at 2323 Webster. It's a white two story (looks like the top floor is an apt.) that needs paint and maybe more.....but it's for sale, with Century 21! No trace of the chick hatchery! - Anybody for a historical marker?
William H. Buskirk, Professor of Biology stated that they have most of the Stockbridge collection at Earlham College in the Joseph Moore Museum. Few of the mounts are on public display, most are housed (rather unceremoniously) in storage cabinets. Many were without tags and in poor condition when Earlham received them though some (including some important specimens, e.g. Wood Stork, Northern Raven) are in good shape and do have data with them.
If members of the Stockbridge Audubon chapter wanted to peruse the collections, Bill would be glad to give you a tour ("behind the scenes" as it were) including our more modern collection of birds (and mammals).
If you would like any further information about the collection, let Bill know!
William H. Buskirk
Professor of Biology
Associate Director, Joseph Moore Museum
Earlham College
Richmond, IN 47374
765-983-1320
By Cythia Powers
Charles Stockbridge
by Terri Gorney
Charles Stockbridge Audubon Society was named after Charles Stockbridge (1856-1934) who
was a native to Fort Wayne. He was the son of Nathaniel Stockbridge, one of the first bookstore
owners in the city. Charles was a long time mail carrier and taxidermist.
Newspaper articles about Charles Stockbridge
Additional Society
Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Stockbridge entertained the Alumni association of the Fort Wayne Training school, at an Audubon party last evening. Between two and three hundred birds belonging to Mr. Stockbridge’s collection, were on exhibition. There was also a fine case of birds’ eggs and nests. A feature of the entertainment was a bird naming contest. Miss Bledsoe identified forty out of forty-six birds and received the first prize. Miss Wilber, with thirty-nine, received second. The prizes were mounted bird specimens. There were thirty-four members of the society present.
Source: The Fort Wayne News, 20 May 1905, p. 12
Audubon Society Holds a Meeting
Some Interesting Addresses On Birds Delivered
Arrangements Made to Place Collection in Public Library ---Amos Butler to Speak. The Allen County Audubon Society held its regular monthly meeting in the assembly room of the court house last evening. Some excellent papers were received and interesting addresses
made. Miss Maud Caps read a paper on the migration of birds, Miss Baldwin discussed the bird law of Indiana, Miss Maud Gorrell spoke on bird literature. Some personal observations on bird life were told by Harry Dinnius, C.A. Stockbridge gave an interesting description of the barn owl and Miss Annie L. Graham recited one of Riley’s poems in a pleasing manner. As the school board has accepted the offer of the society to place a fine collection of bird specimens in one of the rooms of the public library, arrangements were made by the society to
have the cases made and the collection placed. The society hopes within the near future to be able to announce the date of a lecture to be given by Amos W. Butler, of Indianapolis. Mr. Butler is the secretary of the state board of charities and corrections and also an authority on the birds of Indiana.
Source: Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel, 22 Nov 1905, p. 5
Collection of Birds
Charles Stockbridge Will Donate Addition To Library Museum
Public Institution Will Be Greatly Benefited---General News of the Library
The announcement was made today that Charles Stockbridge, of this city, will soon make a donation of his collection of stuffed birds, numbering several hundred specimens, to the public library. The collection, which embraces all of the species found in northern Indian and many others, will be placed in the museum of the library, on the second, as soon as the rooms are prepared for it. The addition to the museum is a very valuable one and will be of great benefit to all bird students as well as a great pleasure to all those interested in the feathered tribe. Since Miss Sikes, of Indianapolis, has taken charge of the children’s department of the library, a really remarkable increase in the attendance at the children’s room has been noticed. Miss Sikes is a graduate of the Pratt Library Institute, of Brooklyn, and this department of the library has been wonderfully increased in efficiency under her able management. In the general library now books of fiction are in greatest demand. The most popular book of this class at the present time is “Coniston.” Directly after the publication of “The Fighting Chance” that book enjoyed a tremendous vogue. “The Price of India” has been in considerable demand lately owing to the prospective coming of the play of that name to this city.
Source: The Fort Wayne News, 26 Feb 1907, p. 10
The children’s room at the public library is to have three interesting exhibitions during this month, arranged by the children’s librarian, Miss Marian Webb. An exhibit of birds collected by Mr. Charles Stockbridge will be shown and the bird houses built by the school lads of the city will have a place with the nests in the collection.
Source: The Fort Wayne News, 3 Mar 1911, p. 10
Bird lovers are looking forward with interest to the meeting of the state Audubon Society, with will be held in Logansport May 1, 2 and 3. Prominent among the members are: Mrs. Jane Hine, of Dekalb County, and Charles A. Stockbridge, who has been the Allen County authority on birds since, as a lad, he began gathering the “Loan Collection” of birds now housed in the Ft. Wayne public library. Attendance at the meeting will not be restricted to members.
Source: The Indianapolis News, 29 Mar 1913, p. 22
Audubon Delegates In Speeches To Children
Logansport, Ind. May 2- Talks to the children of the various city schools by members of the Indiana Audubon society featured the second day of the society’s meeting. Those who spoke to the children on birds and the society’s work were: Amos W. Butler, William Watson, Woollen,
Miss Florence Howe, Mrs. Etta S. Wilson, R.W. McBride and Miss Elizabeth Downhour, of Indianapolis; Miss Lucy B. Hessler, Mrs. George W. Wolters, A.H. Douglass, Miss Mamie Cushman and Miss Helen Brandt of Logansport; Mrs. George M. Naylor and Charles A. Stockbridge, of Fort Wayne, D. W. Dennis, of Earlham College; Donaldson Bodire, of Wabash College, and Mrs. C. J. Pickering, of Middletown.
Source: The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, 3 May 1913, p. 10
Arbor and Bird Day in Public Schools
Probably the most appropriate celebration of the Arbor and Bird day Friday was held at the Clay school, the entire afternoon being devoted to the study of birds. Charles Stockbridge, the ornithologist, was present with his exhibit of birds, going from room to room telling bird stories to the children. A short program was given at the Hamilton school by the Parent-Teacher’s club, the members assisting the children in planting a hedge along the front of the school property. Rev. C.O, Shirey, pastor of the Bethany Presbyterian church, spoke at the McCulloch school, Friday afternoon, on the subject of “Trees.” There was an interesting program at the Miner school including recitations by Paul Rothert, Alice Keysberry, Evelyn Somers, Saven Somers, and two songs, “Lady Spring” and “April Showers.”
Source: Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel, 17 Apr 1915, p. 3
The Burroughs Nature club will meet at the public library at 7:45 this evening. An especially entertaining program will be given. Mr. Adolph Jaenecke, the new city forester, will take on “Trees” and Charles Stockbridge, the well known authority on birds, will discuss pigeons and
doves. The public is invited.
Source: The Fort Wayne News, 5 Sep 1917, p. 6
To Tell of Water Birds
Mr. Charles A. Stockbridge will deliver a lecture on “Water Birds or Swimmers at a public meeting of the Burroughs Nature club at the public library tomorrow afternoon. The public is invited to be present.
Source: The Fort Wayne Sentinel, 1 Apr 1918, p. 13
Bird Lore, 1917, p. 30
Christmas Count
Fort Wayne, Ind. Dec 28 7:45 am to 1 pm. Clear, ground partly are; wind west, strong; temperature 17 degrees.
Downy Woodpecker, 12; Blue jay, 3; Crow, 48; Purple Finch, 1; Tree Sparrow, 25; State-colored Junco, 7; Song Sparrow, 1; Fox Sparrow (?); Cardinal, 4; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Tufted Titmouse, 7; Black-capped Chickadee, 22; Robin, 1. Total 12 species, 143 individuals. – Charles A. Stockbridge and A.A. Ringwalt
by Terri Gorney
Charles Stockbridge Audubon Society was named after Charles Stockbridge (1856-1934) who
was a native to Fort Wayne. He was the son of Nathaniel Stockbridge, one of the first bookstore
owners in the city. Charles was a long time mail carrier and taxidermist.
Newspaper articles about Charles Stockbridge
Additional Society
Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Stockbridge entertained the Alumni association of the Fort Wayne Training school, at an Audubon party last evening. Between two and three hundred birds belonging to Mr. Stockbridge’s collection, were on exhibition. There was also a fine case of birds’ eggs and nests. A feature of the entertainment was a bird naming contest. Miss Bledsoe identified forty out of forty-six birds and received the first prize. Miss Wilber, with thirty-nine, received second. The prizes were mounted bird specimens. There were thirty-four members of the society present.
Source: The Fort Wayne News, 20 May 1905, p. 12
Audubon Society Holds a Meeting
Some Interesting Addresses On Birds Delivered
Arrangements Made to Place Collection in Public Library ---Amos Butler to Speak. The Allen County Audubon Society held its regular monthly meeting in the assembly room of the court house last evening. Some excellent papers were received and interesting addresses
made. Miss Maud Caps read a paper on the migration of birds, Miss Baldwin discussed the bird law of Indiana, Miss Maud Gorrell spoke on bird literature. Some personal observations on bird life were told by Harry Dinnius, C.A. Stockbridge gave an interesting description of the barn owl and Miss Annie L. Graham recited one of Riley’s poems in a pleasing manner. As the school board has accepted the offer of the society to place a fine collection of bird specimens in one of the rooms of the public library, arrangements were made by the society to
have the cases made and the collection placed. The society hopes within the near future to be able to announce the date of a lecture to be given by Amos W. Butler, of Indianapolis. Mr. Butler is the secretary of the state board of charities and corrections and also an authority on the birds of Indiana.
Source: Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel, 22 Nov 1905, p. 5
Collection of Birds
Charles Stockbridge Will Donate Addition To Library Museum
Public Institution Will Be Greatly Benefited---General News of the Library
The announcement was made today that Charles Stockbridge, of this city, will soon make a donation of his collection of stuffed birds, numbering several hundred specimens, to the public library. The collection, which embraces all of the species found in northern Indian and many others, will be placed in the museum of the library, on the second, as soon as the rooms are prepared for it. The addition to the museum is a very valuable one and will be of great benefit to all bird students as well as a great pleasure to all those interested in the feathered tribe. Since Miss Sikes, of Indianapolis, has taken charge of the children’s department of the library, a really remarkable increase in the attendance at the children’s room has been noticed. Miss Sikes is a graduate of the Pratt Library Institute, of Brooklyn, and this department of the library has been wonderfully increased in efficiency under her able management. In the general library now books of fiction are in greatest demand. The most popular book of this class at the present time is “Coniston.” Directly after the publication of “The Fighting Chance” that book enjoyed a tremendous vogue. “The Price of India” has been in considerable demand lately owing to the prospective coming of the play of that name to this city.
Source: The Fort Wayne News, 26 Feb 1907, p. 10
The children’s room at the public library is to have three interesting exhibitions during this month, arranged by the children’s librarian, Miss Marian Webb. An exhibit of birds collected by Mr. Charles Stockbridge will be shown and the bird houses built by the school lads of the city will have a place with the nests in the collection.
Source: The Fort Wayne News, 3 Mar 1911, p. 10
Bird lovers are looking forward with interest to the meeting of the state Audubon Society, with will be held in Logansport May 1, 2 and 3. Prominent among the members are: Mrs. Jane Hine, of Dekalb County, and Charles A. Stockbridge, who has been the Allen County authority on birds since, as a lad, he began gathering the “Loan Collection” of birds now housed in the Ft. Wayne public library. Attendance at the meeting will not be restricted to members.
Source: The Indianapolis News, 29 Mar 1913, p. 22
Audubon Delegates In Speeches To Children
Logansport, Ind. May 2- Talks to the children of the various city schools by members of the Indiana Audubon society featured the second day of the society’s meeting. Those who spoke to the children on birds and the society’s work were: Amos W. Butler, William Watson, Woollen,
Miss Florence Howe, Mrs. Etta S. Wilson, R.W. McBride and Miss Elizabeth Downhour, of Indianapolis; Miss Lucy B. Hessler, Mrs. George W. Wolters, A.H. Douglass, Miss Mamie Cushman and Miss Helen Brandt of Logansport; Mrs. George M. Naylor and Charles A. Stockbridge, of Fort Wayne, D. W. Dennis, of Earlham College; Donaldson Bodire, of Wabash College, and Mrs. C. J. Pickering, of Middletown.
Source: The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, 3 May 1913, p. 10
Arbor and Bird Day in Public Schools
Probably the most appropriate celebration of the Arbor and Bird day Friday was held at the Clay school, the entire afternoon being devoted to the study of birds. Charles Stockbridge, the ornithologist, was present with his exhibit of birds, going from room to room telling bird stories to the children. A short program was given at the Hamilton school by the Parent-Teacher’s club, the members assisting the children in planting a hedge along the front of the school property. Rev. C.O, Shirey, pastor of the Bethany Presbyterian church, spoke at the McCulloch school, Friday afternoon, on the subject of “Trees.” There was an interesting program at the Miner school including recitations by Paul Rothert, Alice Keysberry, Evelyn Somers, Saven Somers, and two songs, “Lady Spring” and “April Showers.”
Source: Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel, 17 Apr 1915, p. 3
The Burroughs Nature club will meet at the public library at 7:45 this evening. An especially entertaining program will be given. Mr. Adolph Jaenecke, the new city forester, will take on “Trees” and Charles Stockbridge, the well known authority on birds, will discuss pigeons and
doves. The public is invited.
Source: The Fort Wayne News, 5 Sep 1917, p. 6
To Tell of Water Birds
Mr. Charles A. Stockbridge will deliver a lecture on “Water Birds or Swimmers at a public meeting of the Burroughs Nature club at the public library tomorrow afternoon. The public is invited to be present.
Source: The Fort Wayne Sentinel, 1 Apr 1918, p. 13
Bird Lore, 1917, p. 30
Christmas Count
Fort Wayne, Ind. Dec 28 7:45 am to 1 pm. Clear, ground partly are; wind west, strong; temperature 17 degrees.
Downy Woodpecker, 12; Blue jay, 3; Crow, 48; Purple Finch, 1; Tree Sparrow, 25; State-colored Junco, 7; Song Sparrow, 1; Fox Sparrow (?); Cardinal, 4; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Tufted Titmouse, 7; Black-capped Chickadee, 22; Robin, 1. Total 12 species, 143 individuals. – Charles A. Stockbridge and A.A. Ringwalt
Society News from 1913: Two Birders Receive Invitations from Mrs. Woodrow Wilson
By Terri Gorney
“An honor was recently conferred upon Mr. Charles A. Stockbridge, the president of the Fort Wayne Audubon Society and a member of the American Ornithologists’ Union.” He received an invitation from Cornish, N.H., from Mrs. Woodrow Wilson, for himself and his family to attend a “bird masque” given by the Meriden bird club in protest against the use of birds’ plumage for millinery. The little skit, or “masque” was written by Percy MacKay and “at the close of the performance the artist, Herbert Adams, presented Mrs. Wilson with a parchment, dedicating the place where the “masque” was given as a bird preserve. One other person in his district received an invitation to the affair and that was Mrs. Jane Hine, of DeKalb County, who wrote an article recently for the Fish and Game Report. She is also a member of the American Ornithologists’ Union.” Unfortunately, there is no evidence that either Stockbridge or Hine actually attended the elaborately-costumed drama, at which President and Mrs. Wilson and the English Ambassador were present and the Wilsons’ daughters, Eleanor and Margaret, both played parts. The Wilsons were birders who maintained a residence in Cornish, New Hampshire. And the Meriden Bird Sanctuary dedicated that day still exists!
Source: Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, 20 Sep 1913, and Meriden Bird Club History by Peggy
Meyette, Philip Read Memorial Library, Plainfield, NH.
This article was published in the November 2009 issue of the Stockbridge Audubon newsletter.
By Terri Gorney
“An honor was recently conferred upon Mr. Charles A. Stockbridge, the president of the Fort Wayne Audubon Society and a member of the American Ornithologists’ Union.” He received an invitation from Cornish, N.H., from Mrs. Woodrow Wilson, for himself and his family to attend a “bird masque” given by the Meriden bird club in protest against the use of birds’ plumage for millinery. The little skit, or “masque” was written by Percy MacKay and “at the close of the performance the artist, Herbert Adams, presented Mrs. Wilson with a parchment, dedicating the place where the “masque” was given as a bird preserve. One other person in his district received an invitation to the affair and that was Mrs. Jane Hine, of DeKalb County, who wrote an article recently for the Fish and Game Report. She is also a member of the American Ornithologists’ Union.” Unfortunately, there is no evidence that either Stockbridge or Hine actually attended the elaborately-costumed drama, at which President and Mrs. Wilson and the English Ambassador were present and the Wilsons’ daughters, Eleanor and Margaret, both played parts. The Wilsons were birders who maintained a residence in Cornish, New Hampshire. And the Meriden Bird Sanctuary dedicated that day still exists!
Source: Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, 20 Sep 1913, and Meriden Bird Club History by Peggy
Meyette, Philip Read Memorial Library, Plainfield, NH.
This article was published in the November 2009 issue of the Stockbridge Audubon newsletter.
