The Great Snake Hoax happened in the early 1880s! A giant snake was reportedly seen by the Rev. Clark Hosier and his wife as they made their way along Spiceland Pike (what is now Bundy Avenue, between I Avenue to South Main Street). They had seen a “snake,” pass from South Mound Cemetery to Bowers Woods to the east of the cemetery. The snake was said to be 15-20 feet in length, at least 8 inches around. No one doubted the Reverend’s word. For over 6 weeks, a posse of men searched the cemetery and woods for the “snake.” At last, a slaughterhouse owned by Tede Hart, located by a creek just south of what is now Woodlawn Drive, was searched. There, in a trapdoor, the “snake” was located! Made of burlap and stuffed with sawdust, the “snake” had been colored by pulling it up and down the chimney! Two button eyes were sewn on. Oddly, the article doesn’t reveal the jokester behind the greatest hoax ever pulled off!
What is the name of the oldest fraternal organization (lodge) in Henry County, having formed in 1844?