Downtown Fort Wayne’s “Be A Tourist in Your Own Town” day occurred this year on September 11th, 2011.  We walked the grounds of Historic Fort Wayne,  which showcased a replica of the Old Fort http://www.oldfortwayne.org/ , located near Headwaters Park,  just off of Spy Run.

The Fort was originally built for protection against Native American’s in 1815.  It was one of three in Fort Wayne.  The brochure states that their Mission is:

“To establish the Old Fort as a historic education center for the Northeast Indiana area focusing on the eras from the Native American Culture to the Civil War.”

As we entered the site we were welcomed by a friendly woman crocheting in a bonnet and apron characteristic of what a homemaker wore in the pioneer days.  Civil War era military Re-enactors with guns and fire booming canon’s guard the wooden fortress.  Patrons crowd around a blacksmith as he wields a hook.  His hammer shapes the fiery hot metal.

We make our way through the grounds to view the sleeping and eating quarters.  Kitchens of yesteryear have a hearth as it’s centerpiece.  Candles, metal pots and pans, long cooking utensils, hanging herbs and wooden benches create the setting for this rustic former dinning spot of our ancestors.

Rain San Martin is a composer www.RainSanMartin.com, digital artist and homemaker living in Fort Wayne, IN

Disclaimer: The Occupy Wallstreet movement does not represent my personal views.

Occupy Fort Wayne, the following Sunday ( October 16th, 2011) after Saturday’s main event

A downloadable  flyer from www.Occupyfortwayne.com  reads:
“The People of Fort Wayne will stand united with our brothers and sisters across the globe to fight for democracy, not a corpratocracy. About 50 million Americans are living below the poverty line; people have lost their jobs, homes, healthcare, and hope for the future. The top 1% holds almost 40% of the wealth.  We are fighting to stop this corporate greed and corruption.  It’s time to care.

On October 15th, the other 99% will occupy Fort Wayne, we are nonviolent but we will not be silent. Join us when you can.  We will be there! Help restore humanity. “

According to Wane.com the protest drew 300 on Saturday October 16th, 2011.  I walked down to witness the event on the following Sunday to capture the energy and sign holders messages.  At first I am hesitant knowing there have been hundreds of arrests across the country due to unlawful behavior in support of the Occupy Wallstreet movement.

The situation appears peaceful on day 2 of the event.  At the corner of Clinton and Main street, down town in front of Fort Wayne’s court house, the remaining chanters waved their signs as the cars drove past in curiosity.  Modern youth with multiple facial piercing and punk style clothing were joined with Grateful Dead era hippies.  Flags waved bearing peace symbols.

Drivers who supported the cause honked their horns.  One man yells out “Get a job!” through his car window.  An army vet wearing a long army green trench coat, poses for a photograph and hands me his card which reads Peace Rally, Allen County Courthouse Green, First Saturday of Every Month 12:00-1PM (Main and Clinton) “Walk The Talk”.

Rain San Martin is a composer www.RainSanMartin.com, digital artist and homemaker living in Fort Wayne, IN.

Rain San Martin is a composer www.RainSanMartin.com, digital artist and homemaker who lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Rain San Martin is a composer www.RainSanMartin.com, digital artist and homemaker who lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana