Honoring the Hoosier Poet

By
Rorye Hatcher
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City officials gathered before the statue of James Whitcomb Riley at the Hancock County Courthouse this morning to lay a wreath in honor of the 100th year since Riley’s death.
In addition to laying the wreath, Greenfield Mayor Chuck Fewell issued a proclamation naming July 22, 2016 “Remembering Riley Day.”
Indiana Poet Laureate Shari Wagoner read the Riley poem, “Away,” and local artist Deborah Smith sang “Prayer Perfect,” one of Riley’s poems set to music. Bridgette Cook Jones, coordinator of the James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum, read a poem by Riley’s cousin, William R. Hough, called “In Memoriam.”
In addition to the wreath laying Friday morning, Riley’s death was also observed through black decorations along the James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home.

City officials laid a wreath before the James Whitcomb Riley statue at the Hancock County Courthouse on Friday to mark 100 years since the poet's death. Submitted photo
City officials laid a wreath before the James Whitcomb Riley statue at the Hancock County Courthouse on Friday to mark 100 years since the poet’s death.
Submitted photo
Greenfield Mayor Chuck Fewell reads a proclamation declaring July 23, 2016, "Remembering Riley Day." Submitted photo
Greenfield Mayor Chuck Fewell reads a proclamation declaring July 23, 2016, “Remembering Riley Day.”
Submitted photo
Indiana poet laureate Shari Wagoner reads the James Whitcomb Riley poem, "Away," at a wreath laying Friday morning. Submitted photo
Indiana poet laureate Shari Wagoner reads the James Whitcomb Riley poem, “Away,” at a wreath laying Friday morning.
Submitted photo
The James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home was draped in black to mark the 100th year since the poet's death. Rorye Hatcher | Daily Reporter
The James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home was draped in black to mark the 100th year since the poet’s death.
Rorye Hatcher | Daily Reporter

 

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