Reflections on Kankakee River’s Historical Significance

Our nation is celebrating 250 years since its founding. Locally, one of the notable historical sites is the Kankakee River and its marshland. I cross this via a bridge twice daily on my way to and from our family farm. Historian John Hodson has always emphasized the history of the Kankakee River along Baums Bridge Road in Kouts. This location has a rich past from the mid-1700s to the 1930s.

The Collier Lodge near this bridge was built in the late 1800s. It served as one of the many lodges for sportsmen in the dense woods and swamp area. Hodson purchased it in 2000 due to its dilapidated state. This site and Baums Road provided clear access to the river.

During the late 19th century, government agencies decided to drain the Grand Kankakee Marsh, impacting more than 500,000 acres of marshland along the river’s 250 miles. My father Chester recognized that, although the aim was to create farmland, the ecological changes were soon seen as a mistake.

Today, the Collier Lodge stands as the sole relic from the sportsmen era, defined as 1880 to 1910. It was a time when President Theodore Roosevelt and notable figures like General Lew Wallace and President Grover Cleveland visited to hunt.

Last week, while visiting my niece Bethany in North Judson, I took the backroads around a neighboring blueberry farm and passed the Kiwani Marsh. Near San Pierre in Starke County, it spans over 125 miles. Managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the Kiwani Marsh was restored as a waterfowl observation area, part of the 2010 restoration of the Indiana Grand Kankakee Marsh. In January 2012, this site was dedicated as a haven for various wildlife.

The marsh, vibrant with teal, ducks, geese, and other wildlife, is a testament to conservation efforts. The Indiana DNR notes that ‘kiwani’ means ‘lost,’ a reference to the marsh’s history before restoration. Ducks Unlimited has been involved in surveying and designing the site.

Presidential history connects here as well. My brother David named his son Quentin after President Roosevelt’s son, who was the only child of a U.S. President killed in combat.

Theodore Roosevelt, remembered for his robust nature, enjoyed hearty meals. At 5 feet 8 inches and weighing over 220 pounds, he favored fried chicken with pan gravy. He led the Rough Riders with this robust appetite, defending the need for satisfying meals.

William Howard Taft, Roosevelt’s successor, required a larger bathtub due to his own significant weight during his presidency. He weighed over 340 pounds and passed away at 72 in 1930.

Columnist Philip Potempa has published four cookbooks and hosts a weekly radio show on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at [email protected] or via mail at From the Farm, PO Box 68, San Pierre, Ind. 46374.

President Teddy Roosevelt’s Favorite Fried Chicken with Pan Gravy

Makes 4 servings

• 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or bone-in pieces)
• Brine: 1 cup buttermilk, 1 egg, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• Coating: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 2 teaspoons paprika, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons black pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• Frying: 4 cups peanut oil
• Gravy: 2 tablespoons bacon fat (or butter), 2 tablespoons flour, 1 1/2 cups whole milk, 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Directions:

Brine the chicken by pounding thighs to a half-inch thickness. Whisk buttermilk, egg, and salt, then add chicken and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and spices for the coating. Add some wet brine to the flour to form flaky bits. Coat chicken by pressing flour mix into meat.

Heat peanut oil to 400 degrees and fry chicken until golden. To make gravy, melt bacon fat or butter, whisk in flour. Gradually add milk, simmer until thick, stir in vinegar, and season. Serve gravy over chicken.