As one would imagine, growing up near the Wabash River in the 1960s was a vastly different experience than it is today. Mike Guglielmetti was able to attest to that in a recent interview. From memories of the water, the community that surrounded it, or the wildlife that resided in the river, Guglielmetti provided insight into the Wabash River's impact in the past.
The Old Ways of the Water
Mike quickly revealed through his fond memories on the river just how impactful it was as a child. Recalling the river, the first thing Guglielmetti mentioned was his grandparents' cabin. Before purchasing a house on the river, his family members would spend the summers riverside in the small cabin. Their love for this eventually led to their family owning a block of houses along the river bank. The ability to dock a boat in their backyard led to many fishing adventures. Mike's father would obtain bait from searching local streams and creeks, and the fun would begin. Even when it did not involve fishing, hanging out on the boat was a popular pastime. Guglielmetti mentioned that they were even able to water ski on the Wabash River at times. To this day, Mike still regularly ventures down to the river but notes how it has changed. A significant change he noticed was the water quality. As a child, he remembers the water was safe enough to do nearly any water activity.
Mussels and the Wabash
Musseling on the Wabash was not an activity that was unique to the Guglielmetti family. It was a popular activity in nearly any community along the river. Mike described the technique he was familiar with as one that was commonly used in the river community. This technique involved wading in the river along the banks while holding onto a boat. Using their feet, they would feel for the mussels in the sand. But, the process did not conclude after the hunting portion was over.
After gathering buckets full of mussels, the Guglielmetties would boil them. Boiling the mussels allowed them to open, which was otherwise nearly impossible. After that, the meat would be taken out and sorted through for pearls. The meat was repurposed as fish bait, but the pearls and shells were more often than not sold to companies. Although rare, pearls were commonly bought by various businesses for jewelry. The shells would sell for $500 a ton and were typically sold to companies that would utilize them to make buttons. As this hobby became popular, it created a significant issue. The mussel population began to decline seriously. Over time, mussel regulations and restrictions were instituted, and the hobby of musseling began to die out. Although mussels started to decline, the community around them did not.
Community and Family
Guglielmetti acknowledged how special being raised in a small town on the river was in support and a sense of community. The first thing that Mike brought up was how close-knit the community was. Everyone along the river knew each other and knew what was happening along the river. This included Mike’s dad, who was known for keeping things along the river in check. In Blandford, Indiana, where Mike was born and raised, the only grocery stores were small family-owned ones. Penny candy and glass bottle collection for the deposits provided fun for the kids running around the town. In circumstances that warranted it, the community would quickly come together to support families that needed extra help. Tough times were typical, but the community and the support it provided were unique.
The Impact
The interview that Mike provided shows, without a doubt the river can impact a community beyond what we can imagine. As a society, we have gone away from our river. As mussels have begun to make a comeback, improvements along the river have recently been recognized. Once again, the importance of the Wabash River is slowly being realized.
Community and Family
Guggliemetti acknowledged how special being raised in a small town on the river was in support and a sense of community. The first thing that Mike brought up was how close-knit the community was. Everyone along the river knew each other and knew what was happening along the river. This included Mike’s dad, who was known for keeping things along the river in check. In Montezuma, where Mike was raised, the only grocery stores were small family-owned ones. Penny candy and glass bottle deposits provided fun for the kids running around the town. In circumstances that warranted it, the community would quickly come together to support families that needed extra help. Tough times were typical, but the community and the support it provided were unique.
The Impact
The interview that Mike provided shows, without a doubt the river can impact a community beyond what we can imagine. As a society, we have gone away from our river. As mussels have begun to make a comeback, improvements along the river have recently can be recognized. Once again, the importance of the Wabash River is slowly being realized.