BIRTHDAY GIFT IS TRIBUTE TO WOMAN’S LOVE FOR NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE | SURPRISE, MARTHA: SCHINGOETHE CENTER TO BOAST MASSIVE OIL PAINTING DEPICTING INDIAN LORE

The Beacon News – Aurora (IL) March 7, 1999 AURORA — It’s a fitting tribute. An 8-by-12-foot oil painting depicting Chicagoland Native American History from 2000 B.C. to 1673 A.D. was unveiled Saturday at Aurora University’s Dunham Hall during a birthday lunch for Martha Dunham Matyas Schingoethe.

It was the perfect accolade for a woman who has devoted so much time and energy to bringing Native American culture to the Fox Valley.

“I feel very proud and humble that this many people care about me,” said Martha, during the luncheon celebrating her 80th birthday Saturday afternoon.

“It just brings tears to my eyes.

It’s just wonderful.” Martha and her husband, Herbert, are the founders of the Schingoethe Center, a free on-campus museum of Native American culture at Aurora University.

While Martha knew about the luncheon — which featured her favorite lemon meringue pie instead of traditional birthday cake — the Chik A Gou Land as the Indian Knew It painting was a big surprise.

Crafted on three Masonite panels in 1961 by Joe Sidwell, founder of the St. Charles-based Sidwell Co., the map shows Chicago-area Indian history depicting villages, camps, trails, springs, fords, burial mounds and other topographical and archeological history.

The map hung in the mapmaking company’s West Chicago offices from 1961 until 1999 when it was donated to Aurora University.

Sidewell’s inspiration for the work, in his words: “In 1927, Rand McNally was building a map of the (Chicago) area for the Chicago Tribune.

I was assigned to pick out the points of most scenic value and gather historical data — both being of immense interest (to me). There was much Indian lore. To build two or three historical maps covering respective periods relative to this area would be unsound; hence that production of Chik A Gou Land as the Indian Knew It.” “It’s wonderful to be able to present something so special to someone who has given us so much,” said Aurora University President Thomas Zarle. site native american culture

“The Schingoethes are very genuine people.

They get so much joy from giving and sharing the Native American culture that they love, it’s great to be able to do something nice for them.” Zarle said that Schingoethe Center has had an incredible impact on the local community, attracting more than 20,000 visitors a year.

“They are amazed that people are interested,” he said.

“But their only desire in giving is to give.

Because of their heartfelt generosity, we’ve created a beautiful asset that is enjoyed and appreciated by the community.” Martha is quick to give credit to the center’s staff.

“They put it all together in such a great way,” she said.

“They focus on learning and the museum experience.

They do a great job.

Without the staff, there would be just a bunch of boxes that didn’t mean much down there.” She also thanks her husband, who recently went on a journey to Southern Illinois with a friend to claim a full-size fiberglass horse that has been hitched up to a travois in the newest museum exhibit.

“We feel deeply satisfied that people are enjoying the Native American culture that means so much to us,” she said. go to web site native american culture

“It’s really the best gift we could ask for, to see people enjoying the things we love.” Herb is quick to agree.

“The best part about the whole thing is sharing it,” he said.

“Finding that special thing, that feels pretty good.

Seeing it all come together into something meaningful, that’s great.

But seeing people enjoy it and learn from it, that is an indescribably wonderful feeling.” The painting will be kept on permanent display in Dunham Hall, near the entrance to the Schingoethe Center.

The center, located at 1400 Marseillaise Place, is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Admission is free.

For details, call (630) 844-5402.

———— Text on the dedicatory plaque:

Chik A Gou Land as the Indian Knew It was placed and dedicated on March 6, 1999 in honor of Martha Schingoethe on the occasion of her 80th birthday (February 27). This piece reflects Herb and Martha Schingoethe’s passion for Native American people and for their own homeland of northeast Illinois. Because of the Schingoethes’ commitment to preserving and celebrating Native American culture, many future generations will enjoy and learn from their collection.

Above: Martha Dunham Matyas Schingoethe reaches up to embrace her brother John Dunham during her 80th birthday celebration Saturday at Aurora University. | Below: Martha Schingoethe addresses the audience during her birthday celebration. In the background is her surprise birthday gift, an 8-by-12-foot oil painting depicting Chicago area Native American history. Martha and her husband Herbert, are founders of the Schingoethe Center, a free on-campus museum of Native American culture at Aurora University.