Vivalia

Vivalia was a collection of homes partly in Putnam and Parke counties in Section 6 in northwestern Madison Township, about two miles north of Brunerstown. This community was never platted and does not show up on very many maps.

One of the early prominent citizens of the community was Isaac Brattain. According to an article in the June 26, 1974 edition of the Banner-Graphic, as told by Isaac Brattain’s son Emery: “Isaac Brattain’s father (Millican or Milligan Brattain) established a store, which also dealt in furs, on the Parke county side of the (county line) road in 1870. About 1882 it was said that Isaac Brattain moved the store across the road to Putnam County and operated it until 1918. Vivalia had the only telephone exchange in the area with around 350 subscribers. The community had a post office which was in operation from Dec. 26, 1882, to Feb. 6, 1905.”

A review of “Postmasters 1832-1971” maintained by the National Archives indicates the following postmasters were appointed to Vivalia:

Dec 26, 1882 Richard A. James

Feb 18, 1884 Asa C. Cook

June 16, 1886 Isaac Brattain

Jan 14, 1890 Eli C. Brattain

Discontinued and moved to Lena Feb 6, 1905

According to his obituary published April 6, 1942 in The Daily Banner: “Isaac Brattain was born in Milton, Fayette County, Indiana on March 1. 1857. The family moved to Putnam county in 1860 and he spent the remainder of his life in the vicinity of Vivalia. He was twice married, his first wife being Mary E. Martin of Noblesville, who with three children preceded him in death. He was again married to Hattie Lancaster of Madison township, who passed away in June 1939. Surviving are two sons, Emery Brattain, county highway superintendent and James Eldon, of Madison township.”