"Idealist, philosopher, 'word technician' Max Ehrmann a Terre Haute treasure"

by
Mike McCormick
Tribune-Star
September 8, 2002

Terre Haute native Max Ehrmann is an international treasure. The last time anyone counted, at least two of his works — "A Prayer" and "Desiderata" — have been translated into 32 languages. That number surely has increased. In the modern world of the Internet, a simple search unearths about 3,000 Web sites around the world featuring the man or his work.

Ehrmann deeply cared for Terre Haute. It was the site of his birth, death, friends and most profound thoughts. In return, the city provided Ehrmann with an arena to witness life as it passed before him. He was a discerning observer. About his hometown, Ehrmann once wrote:

Born on Sept. 26, 1872, at a home on North Fourth Street, Ehrmann died Sept. 9, 1945, just before his 73rd birthday. He was the youngest child of Maximilian Ehrmann Sr. and Margaret Barbara Lutz Ehrmann, both natives of Bavaria.

The Ehrmann family embodied much of what Terre Haute was in the late 19th century: a bustling city of railroads, coal mines, meat packers, craftsmen, manufacturers and a large contingent of German immigrants.

Ehrmann's father was a fine cabinet maker, fashioning woodwork for Pullman palace cars for the Terre Haute & Indianapolis Railroad at the Vandalia Shops. Ehrmann's oldest brother, Charles, became a coal mine owner, meat packer and, for awhile, president of the State Bank of West Terre Haute. He platted the community of Ehrmanndale in Nevins Township, near mines operated by the Ehrmann Coal Co. Brothers Emil and Albert became garmentmakers, founding Ehrmann Manufacturing Co. in 1888 that made, among other things, overalls. For several years, Emil Ehrmann owned the former site of Fort Harrison, now the site of the Terre Haute Elks Country Club. Sister Mathilda, called "Tillie," married Frederick Reckert, who became associated with the overalls company. Shortly after the turn of the century, Ehrmann Manufacturing Co. erected the building at 929 Wabash Ave., now occupied by Glidden Furniture Co.

Into this industrious, affectionate family stepped Max, idealist, philosopher and "word technician."

During college days at DePauw University and then at Harvard University, Ehrmann resolved not to become rich—everyone's "conventional goal"—but to "write beautiful books."

Unable to eke out a living despite publishing six books in the first 10 years, Ehrmann studied law and was admitted to the bar. For two years, he was a Vigo County deputy prosecutor but that life did not enthrall him. So he became the credit manager for his brothers' factory, writing poems and essays after each 10-hour working day. Meanwhile, he forged strong intellectual bonds with Eugene V. Debs, James Whitcomb Riley and several Indiana State professors.

Months before his death, Ehrmann married Bertha Pratt King, founder of the King Classical School. After his death, his widow dedicated the rest of her life to disseminating his work, republishing some of it, writing his biography and editing "The Journal of Max Ehrmann." Bertha K. Ehrmann died on Jan. 16, 1962.

Next weekend [September 14-15, 2002], Terre Haute will commemorate Ehrmann's 130th birthday. Coincidentally, 75 years ago—on Jan. 3, 1927—Ehrmann secured the copyright for "Desiderata" (a Latin word for "things to be desired"), his most popular work.

Ehrmann's relatives from four states, including Florida and California, will participate in the festivities as honored guests. The public is invited to attend all scheduled activities.

Coordinated by a committee headed by Gene Vaughn, the celebration will begin Saturday with a wreath presentation at the Ehrmann plot in Highland Lawn Cemetery.

Family mementos will be displayed at cemetery chapel following a brief service.

Ehrmann often visited his parents' graves at Highland Lawn. The cemetery offered solace to the spirit and a refuge for reflection. Fairbanks Park overlooking the Wabash, Deming Park and Turkey Run were among Ehrmann's other sanctuaries.

At 10:30 a.m. Sept. 15, local author Dorothy Jerse will present an address covering highlights of Ehrmann's life and work at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation Church, 1825 S. Fruitridge Ave.

Frog's Bistro at 810 Wabash Ave. will be the site of a "brunch break" at 12:30 p.m.

David Lewis, of the Vigo County Public Library, will chaperone a walking tour of several Ehrmann landmarks in Farrington's Grove. Those desiring to participate are requested to meet at 2 p.m. at the Vigo County Historical Museum, 1411 S. Sixth St.

At 3:30, interested parties, including members of the family, will attend a "Readings From and Conversations About Max Ehrmann" session in the Coffee Grounds at 423 Wabash Ave.

[Thanks to Mike McCormick for forwarding this news article to us and for alerting us to the Max Ehrmann commemoration ceremony.]