HPS talk, tours mark Preservation Month

Monday, May 15, 2017
Rose Wernicke
Courtesy photo

The Heritage Preservation Society of Putnam County continues its observation of May as National Historic Preservation Month by hosting a talk on the “Treasures of Putnam County’s Small Towns: Bainbridge, Cloverdale, Roachdale and Russellville.”

The presentation by consultant Rose Wernicke will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 20 in the Kiwanis Room at the Putnam County Library, 103 E. Poplar St., Greencastle. The event is free and all are welcome.

Wernicke will detail special finds from her research as a contractor for HPS, preparing the nominations of the neighborhoods to the National Register of Historic Places.

Previously, she has given lectures in each of the individual towns while in the process of writing the proposals. The purpose of those events was a give and take between the historian and the audience. She explained the implications of being listed on the National Register, and the ongoing case for each locality’s eligibility. In turn, residents shared anecdotal knowledge and vintage photos of the community.

Saturday’s program is a chance to hear the overview and learn the highlights from the result of many months of in-depth investigation into the structures and history of the area.

Wernicke received a master’s degree in public history from IUPUI and was formerly with the Indiana Historical Society. She currently works as part of a team on Downtown Revitalization studies and writes National Register nominations throughout the state.

In a special double-billed event, immediately following her presentation a tour of Greencastle’s Courthouse Square Historic District will be offered by HPS President Phil Gick. Technically, this area is roughly bounded by College Avenue, Walnut, Market and Franklin streets. This promenade, however, will most likely center on the square itself, within sight of the new clocks. There the featured architecture is primarily late 19th- and 20th-century revivals as well as late Victorian. The walk and talk offers a chance to fully appreciate the result of all the Stellar Grant work done over the past few years in the heart of downtown, as well as to brush up on historic events that took place there.

Next, HPS is planning a public tour of the oldest residence in the Eastern Enlargement, the Aker House, on Saturday, June 17.

This Greek Revival home is situated at the corner of Bloomington and East Washington streets. Constructed in 1840, this structure affords a chance to see what renown architect Elisha Braman designed for himself to live in.

Braman was responsible for two of the most important landmark buildings of his era in this area. First he created “The Edifice” which was the original college building for the fledgling Indiana Asbury College (now DePauw University). Later he was the architect for the second Putnam County Courthouse. Neither of these buildings has survived, the former due to fire and the other outgrown by progress.

Through the generosity of the current owners, his home will be available for view as one of the few examples of his considerable historic legacy.

In addition, plans are shaping up for a possible Sunday, July 2 dedication of the Civil War Monument in Forest Hill Cemetery. The much-needed restoration work on the soldier’s statue, which is taking place under the auspices of HPS and the City of Greencastle, is scheduled to be finished mid-June.

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