This March we are going to have a celebration.  It is going to celebrate the hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of  Wabash being the first electrically lit city.  There are going to be a lot of events for people young and old.  There is going to be an educational event for grades 4, 5, & 6.   It is called Historical Story and Song of the 1880 Event, a commemoration on the courthouse lawn, and the mayor's breakfast with the Charles Brush family.  Also there will be a parade of lights and the grand finale will be an 1880's variety show.  The town is searching for the decedents of Charles F. Brush, Lee Linn, T.P Keater, and Thad Butler.  The town is also seeking contributions, since they are shy about $5,000.  If you would like to donate money please contact Wabash Marketplace Inc, P.O. Box 420, Wabash Ind.  46992 or for more info contact the WMI office at [260]-563-0975.   



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Pictures used with permission from the 125th anniversary Committee.

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This music was written by Mrs. Susan Jones.  She wrote it to celebrate Wabash being the first electrically lit city. Mrs. Jones is a retired music teacher. She came to our class to explain the story. She also sang her song.

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Picture used with permission of Mrs. Jones.



            THE FIRST ELECTRIC LIGHTED CITY
Wabash is the first electric lighted city.  Can you believe it?
Wabash is the first electric lighted city.  Isn't it exciting?

Out of all the places in the world, Mr. Brush could have held the test,
Aren't we glad that Wabash was the place, chosen out of all the rest?

Great big cities and tiny towns, No matter whether great or small,
Wabash has a courthouse on a hill, that won out over all!

Wabash is the first electric lighted city.  Can you believe it?
Wabash is the first electric lighted city.  Isn't it exciting?

My Pa says it makes sense, to fill the whole town with light.
But Ma says don't get any ideas about stayin' out all night!

Mr. Butler and Mr. Keator were the two, who came up with the plan.
McCrea, Caldwell, Lutz, Skully, Bruner, and Payne said "We'll do it if we can!"

Wabash is the first electric lighted city.  Can you believe it?
Wabash is the first electric lighted city.  Isn't it exciting?

Determination!  That's what it takes to lead a community.
Far sightedness!  For goodness sakes!  To seize this opportunity!

Wabash is the first!  Yes we are the first!
Wabash is the first electric lighted city!  Hooray!


FYI:  Charles Brush invented the Brush Arc light that was used on the courthouse in 1880.
            Thad Butler and T.P. Keator were the editor and publisher of the Plain Dealer who
                 came up with the idea.
             McCrea, Caldwell, Lutz, Skully, Bruner, and Payne were the members of the city
                  council who voted to try it.
This web site was created by the 2004-2005 fourth grade Quest class of the Metropolitan School District of Wabash County, Indiana.
This page is made by Anna Marie