One of the highest awards or honors given by the Governor of Indiana is the ‘Sagamore of the Wabash’ award.
Shan Sheridan received the Sagamore of the Wabash in a surprise tribute Monday evening at Wesley Manor. Sheridan thought he was coming to the large retirement community to deliver an update to the residents and community on his Glover’s Ice Cream project. The 99 year old Ice Cream factory is located in Frankfort and owned by Sheridan and Tony Del Real, David Meek and brothers Juan and Tony Reyes. Shan and his partners are in the process of saving the Ice Cream Factory set to turn 100 years old next year.
To Shan’s surprise, following his Glover’s presentation to the community, Sheridan received the Sagamore of the Wabash award nominated by Bob Moore and presented by Mark Genda, District 41 State Representative.
The entire presentation was streamed LIVE and World-Wide and archived at Hoosierland TV.
The LIVE and Archived Hoosierland TV Broadcast was produced by Ashley Johnson and presented by the Hoosierland TV partners listed on the channel and below.
In the video above, State Representative Mark Genda presents the Sagamore of the Wabash award at the 12:35 mark.
In the video below, State Representative Mark Genda presents the Sagamore of the Wabash award at the 13:15 mark:
Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets read a proclamation citing September 16 ‘Shan Sheridan Sagamore of the Wabash Day’.
Clinton Prairie Head Coach Kurt Schlicher and several Clinton Prairie football players joined in acknowledging Shan’s importance in the community. These remarks can be viewed in the Hoosierland TV coverage directly above. (second video)
Several noteworthy individuals have received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award including:
- Robert A. Taft-Senator of Ohio
- Simeon Willis-Governor of Kentucky
- Gus Grissom-Astronaut
- Barbara Bush-Then Second Lady, future First Lady and mother to son President George W. Bush
- George H.W. Bush then V.P
- Willie Nelson-Country Singer
- Ginger Rogers-Dancer and actress
- Herman B Wells-Former President of Indiana University
- David Letterman-Television Host and Comedian
- Jim Goar (instrumental in starting Clinton County Industrial Park)
- Curley Myers-Musician and entertainer from Mulberry, Indiana
There have been several more recipients to receive the notable award in addition to those listed above.
The Following description of the award is from the in.gov website:
SAGAMORE OF THE WABASH AWARD
The Sagamore of the Wabash award was created during the term of Governor
Ralph Gates, who served from 1945 to 1949. Governor Gates was to attend a tri
state meeting in Louisville with officials from the states of Ohio and Kentucky.
Aides to the governor discovered that the governor of Kentucky was preparing a
Kentucky Colonel certificates for Governor Gates and Senator Robert A. Taft, who
to represent the State of Ohio. The Hoosiers decided that Indiana should have an
appropriate award to present in return.
The term “sagamore” was used by the American Indian Tribes of the northeastern
United States to describe a lesser chief or a great man among the tribe to whom the
true chief would look for wisdom and advice.
Each governor since Gates has presented the certificates in their own way. It has
been said that one governor even resorted to wearing full Indian headdress as he
read the scrolls. The award is highest honor, which the Governor of Indiana
bestows. It is a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered a
distinguished service to the state or to the governor. Among these who have
received Sagamores have been astronauts, presidents, ambassadors, artists,
musicians, politicians, and ordinary citizens who have contributed greatly to our
Hoosier heritage.
It should be noted that the Sagamores have been conferred upon both men and
women. There is no record of the total number which have been presented, as each
governor has kept his own roll; just as each has reserved the right to personally
select the recipients.
Coverage of this event on Hoosierland TV presented and made possible by:
- 51 West Event Center
- Culligan of Boone and Clinton County
- T-C Trailers
- The Farmers Bank
- Big O Tires
- Day and Genda Funeral Home
- Arborwood
- Shoup’s Country Foods
- Freckles Graphics
- Welty Custom Exteriors
- Rinehart Realty
- Sam I Am Carpet Cleaning