The original name of the celebration was indeed Potlatch. In 2022 it was decided that a name change was in order, and in 2023 the name was changed to Great Lakes Regional Puppet Family Reunion. The following was written by one of the event’s founders and explains how it came about and evolved throughout the decades.
The History of Potlatch
The Great Lakes Region of the Puppeteers of America is unique in that it is the only region that has a yearly get-together. We call it Potlatch, which is a Native American term for a celebration characterized by lavish gift giving. This is the spirit of Potlatch that people share their knowledge generously with one another.
The Potlatch was the brainchild of the Atlantis Expedition - Nancy Henk, Dick Waskin, Bill Wilson, and Cindi Yott. On their way to perform in Indianapolis, they stopped to the Potawatomie Inn for lunch, and began talking about what a wonderful place it would be for a regional festival. When they returned home, they contacted then Regional Director Kathy Piper, and shared their idea. What transpired was not a regional festival, but a very relaxed imitation of one. Registration costs were minimal. No one was paid for performing or conducting workshops and most people brought something to share - a song, a game, a puppet idea, or a new technique.
Two of the founding members
Nancy Henk, Dick Waskin
Photo by Tim Penfil
The Potlatch began in October 1982. This first Potlatch was probably the wildest. The icebreaker was supposed to be a long underwear party, and while some made elaborate costumes out of union suits, others just came out in their skivvies. The Inn was much more tolerant at the time and no one ever complained.
Potawatomie Inn
Over the years we have had a variety of madcap events - including at least two parades throughout the Inn, Halloween costume parties, many Scotch auctions, a game of “Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?”, a murder mystery, campfires, a mock wedding and a square dance - among many other activities. Through it all there have been performances, wonderful and not so wonderful, great workshops, a trading post, and the ever-popular potpourri.
Workshops
Photos by Tim Penfil
We’ve been at Pokagon in balmy 65º weather, in chilly rain, and a raging snow storm. We’ve weathered the expansion of the Inn and the attendant rising prices. We’ve had good meals and ones that sent us scrambling for the nearest restaurant.
At the beginning, the Potlatch was planned for every two years - 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988, and 1990. In 1990 we were told that, if we wanted to secure our dates, we would have to reserve them every year. So, we did. Since the 1991 we have met annually.
Photos by Tim Penfil
Potlatch is a time to celebrate, to remember all those who have attended throughout the years but are no longer with us, reunite and reconnect with old friends and to make new ones, and a time to share generously what we know. That is what Potlatch is all about.
Nancy Henk