City of Murals - Ligonier

City Murals Your guide to discovering the legends

of

THE NEWS SUN

1911

100 Years

2011

TheAdvance

Leader

Mural Society of the Future Ligonier Alliance Ruth Elijah, Betty Peterson, Jerry Donley and Norma Donley.

Sponsor plaques for each mural donated

by Tower Advertising Products.

Ligonier Historic Murals Legends of Ligonier Outdoor murals throughout the downtown area were suggested in the Revitalization Plan for Ligonier. All the ideas and suggestions in this plan were to be carried out by volunteers.

Volunteers Ruth Elijah and Betty Peterson were excited about doing murals because they had contact with Lake Placid, a city in Florida that has over 40 outdoor murals and had found them beneficial to their city. They talked with the people in charge and discovered they needed to start a Mural Society and have a vision statement as well as a mission statement. The first meeting was April 27, 2007. Several people offered to help, but the working committee is Ruth and Betty along with much volunteer help in preparing and painting the walls before the artists arrive. Mural subjects had to be decided, buildings had to be chosen and then professional artists needed to be found.

Jerry Donley works to prepare the buildings along with help from Gary Clemons and Jim Mehl. Along with this financial assistance was also needed.

Originally, 36 businesses, industries, individuals and foundations were contacted. All of these contacts were interested and even excited about helping. One of the Ligonier Foundations offered a grant of $7,500 if it could be matched. After more contacts, the match was made and the first mural was completed that same year in October 2007.

There are now a total of 31 murals.

Artists have been chosen from Bronson, Mich.; Winona Lake, Ind.; Goshen, Ind.; Butternut, Wis.; Kendallville, Ind.; and Albion, Ind. from the Dept. of Corrections at Chain O’ Lakes State Park.

The murals all depict historical places, businesses and events. No tax money has been used for the murals. All money and time has been donated by local foundations, individuals, businesses

CINDY MILLER

and industries, even to the bronze plaques on each mural.

Ligonier was honored when an annonymous donor offered to give four bronze sculptures to the city. Then another sculpture was donated by Jean Alber Ferrari in memory of her husband, Dr. Robert Alber, a former Ligonier dentist. Everyone was delighted when the city was covered with snow that some caring person put wool scarves on all 5 sculptures. The sculptures were made by Dan Hill of Ogden, Utah, and were installed by his son, whose name is also Dan Hill.

E.J. Peterson

On the Cover A picture of a sign at the north entrance on SR 5 to downtown Ligonier. The sign was gifted by BRC Rubber Company based in Churubusco with locations in Ligonier and Lincolnway North. Number 31 on the map.

See page 39.

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Welcome to Our City!

Congratulationss Future Ligonierr Alliance e on investing inve esting time & energy ene ergy towards beautifying b Ligonier Ligon nier and preserving preservin ng our history. history.

Fire Department

City Hall

Police Department epa

Parks & Recreation Department

Water Department

Street Department

Wastewater Treatment Plant

From the City C of Ligonier Dedi Dedicated icated to serving g the citizens off Ligonier Ligonier. r.

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Page 3

1 - Ligonier 1835 A

LOCATION 113 S. Cavin Street SPONSOR Jenny Thompson Foundation City of Ligonier Structural Composites of Indiana ARTIST Robert A. Hudson COMPLETED 2007

river flows through tree covered hills. A peaceful and beautiful area inhabited by Miami and Pottawatomie Indians. Their homes were made from green tree branches that could be bent to form their homes. Wild strawberries grew abundantly along the river bed which gave this area the name of Strawberry Valley.

A man named Isaac Cavin from Pennsylvania made many trips to Indiana by horseback, by covered wagon and even by boating on the rivers looking for land to build a new city. It was here in this area with the river and the hills that he chose to layout his dream city. He paid 75 silver dollars for 80 acres of land in May 1835 and laid out 110 plots, naming the town Ligonier after his home

town of Ligonier, Pa. This was done one year before Noble County was organized.

The town was laid out similar to Ligonier, Pa. with a town square and gazebo. Main Street was made extra wide to accommodate the retail area; however, as businesses began to think of building stores they realized that Cavin Street, which was one block east of Main Street, was bustling with traffic. Cavin Street was then known as the Huntington-White Pigeon Road connecting Huntington, Ind., with White Pigeon, Mich..

Consequently, the business and retail stores built on Cavin Street and Main Street became a residential street.

This mural depicts the area in 1835.

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2 - Isaac Cavin LOCATION Third Street on North side of building @ 300 S. Cavin St SPONSOR Dekko Foundation ARTIST Jeff Haylett COMPLETED 2008

I

saac Cavin was born in Ligonier, Pa. in 1807. He purchased 80 acres of ground along the Elkhart River for 75 silver dollars from the Teal family who owned 640 acres they had acquired from an Indian princess for $1.25 per acre. Later, the Teal family sold most of the land to Levi Perry.

Perry Township was named after him.

Cavin plotted the town of Ligonier in 1835 and named it after his hometown of Ligonier, Pa. He divided the land in 110 lots. It was recorded in LaGrange County because Noble County had not yet been organized.

Cavin Street, named in honor of Isaac Cavin, was laid out on the old Indian trail and was the only road from Ft.

Wayne to Michigan through this part of the country. It was known later as the “The Huntington & White Pigeon Road.”

Isaac Cavin never lived in Ligonier, but he built a farm house about 2 miles north of Ligonier, where he raised his family. He and his wife Elizabeth had five children. Cavin’s son, John, lived in Ligonier at 504 S. Main Street. It was his son John who donated the beautiful Seth Thomas clock to the City of Ligonier in memory of his father. The clock is standing in triangle Park and has become Ligonier’s icon.

Isaac Cavin is buried in the Salem Cemetery north of Ligonier on S.R. 5, just east of the church.

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Page 5

3 - Frederick Straus LOCATION West 3rd Street SPONSOR Dekko Foundation ARTIST Jeff Haylett COMPLETED 2008

F

rederick Straus was born in 1833 in Germany. He came to the United States and immigrated to northern Indiana, probably residing in Fort Wayne, Angola or Auburn. Advertisements in the newspapers in 1854 declared the railroad would go through Ligonier, Indiana and a station would be established there.

This valley attracted both Mr. Straus and Solomon Mier settling in Ligonier.

F.W. Straus opened a small general store.

By 1860 he brought his brothers, Mathias and Jacob, from Germany. The company grew large because people had confidence in him. Honesty and fair dealings had been an infallible rule from the start of business. In addition to the store, members of the Straus family

branched out into other business ventures. They manufactured buggies and founded the Citizens Bank. Their first farm was purchased in 1860 when two of the Straus Brothers rode into the country in one of their factory-made buggies with the idea of selling some buggies to a local farmer. A trade was made — the farm land in exchange for some buggies.

From this first transaction, the Straus Quality Farms developed into the largest real estate firm this side of the Mississippi. Jacob Straus built the beautiful White House at 210 Main Street in 1898 which is now on the National Register.

He died in 1914 after his brother Mathias and Frederick died in 1890 and 1898 respectively.

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4 - Solomon Mier LOCATION West 3rd Street SPONSOR Dekko Foundation ARTIST Jeff Haylett COMPLETED 2008

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olomon Mier was born September 15, 1833 at Kerchberg, Germany and came to America, settling in Auburn, Ind. Mr. Mier and Frederick Straus came to Ligonier in 1854. They were peddlers selling spices from packs on their backs.

They decided that Ligonier would be a good place to stay because of the river and road known as the “HuntingtonWhite Pigeon” road. This road was busy (now S.R. 5) and was highly traveled.

Also, the railroad was being built to connect New York and Chicago with a stop in Ligonier.

During the next four years, Mr. Mier,

through his estate buying and excellent business ability, built up an enormous retail trade and established a bank named the Banking House of Solomon Mier.

He also began to deal in real estate. He built the first three-story building in Ligonier. During his later years Mr. Mier had interests in various enterprises among which was the Mier Carriage and Buggy Company and was assisted by his son A.B. Mier. Solomon Mier died February 20, 1910. The Carriage and Buggy Company was one of Ligonier’s largest employers. Mr. Mier built approximately 11-13 Mier automobiles called the “Runabout” in this building.

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Page 7

6 - The Original Cavin Street Bridge

T

he beauty of the bridge with the concrete spindles and street lights is accented by the beauty of wild life along the Elkhart River. Canoeing is popular on the river from Rome City to Goshen.

A River Walk is being built along the river which gives land lubbers a closer glimpse of the beauty and quietness of the river.

LOCATION Inside Ligonier City Hall, City Council Room SPONSOR Wal-Mart Kendallville ARTIST Arthur Biro

COMPLETED 2009

The River Walk is paritally complete. The river walk currently goes from Bridge St. to N. Martin St. and will continue to Cavin St. There are plans for a foot bridge to cross the river, Cavin St. and Pigeon St. following the river.

A Farmers Market is under construction at the new Pettit Park at the corner of Cavin St. and Lincolnway West.

Prentice Park In 1839, Nathaniel Prentice was buried in a park in Ligonier at the corner of Martin and Sixth Street. It is believed that he served with General George Washington at Valley Forge. In 1914, a boulder and grave maker was placed on his grave. His daughter Eliza Prentice Johnson, a true Daughter of the Revolution, is buried in the Ligonier Oak Park Cemetery and her grave was designated on the Tombstone Trail in 2010. It was also in 2010, that a 10-foot high statue was

carved to depict a Revolutionary Soldier. It is located just behind his gravesite.

This impressive carving was done

by J.C. Workman of Churubusco, Indiana, using chain saws of various sizes. The carving was done from a red oak tree that had been damaged by wind and lightning. Mr. Workman is an employee of Jeld-Wen Exterior, a Ligonier door manufacturer, and did the work on company time as their donation to Operation Foundation.

Ligonier Parks & Recreation “Watch Us Grow” Our next community project is the construction of a Splash Pad for the enjoyment of the children of Ligonier & the surrounding communities. We are seeking donations to make this project a reality in the Spring of 2012.

Donations may be sent to: NCCF at 1599 Lincolnway S., Ligonier, IN 46767 In memo reference: Ligonier Splash Pad. Contact the Park Department for more information at 260-894-7344 • e-mail: parks@ligonier-in.org Ligonier City of Murals • September 2011 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Page 9

7 - Wilkinson Quilt Factory LOCATION Station Street SPONSOR Noble County Community Foundation ARTIST Beth Ivanov COMPLETED 2008

Iona and Rosalie Wilkinson operated a quilt factory in Ligonier from 1914, then in 1943 it was incorporated. Rosalie was 16 years younger and gradually worked into the business.

In 1908, Iona was requested to make quilts for the trousseau tea being given by Carolyn Weil Loesser for her daughter,

Hattie. The tea was held in the big white house at 705 South Main Street. One of the quilts was made of rose pink sateen in the Honeymoon design. It featured a large heart in each corner and fancy scalloped edges. The second quilt was a reversible whole cloth quilt in cotton satin with raspberry on one side and Delft blue on the other. The quilts were displayed at the tea and created great interest among the quests. Numerous orders followed.

Ligonier’s large Jewish community began to purchase finished quilts and encouraged Iona to organize a business to support her endeavors beyond their patronage. In 1914 the Wilkinson Quilt Company was incorporated.

Although begun as the typical cottage industry in the Wilkinson home, business soon dictated that the company expand.

The first factory was in the Bee Hive Building that still stands at the northeast corner of Sixth and Grand Streets. Eight or ten quilt frames could work at one time and employ 50 quilters. The eventual home of the Wilkinson Quilt Company

was the wool storage building at 308 North Martin Street. The main floor included the showroom and offices, while the upper floor served as the workroom and provided storage, batting, fabrics, and supplies.

In May of 1914, Iona traveled to Chicago to hold a quilt display in the Congress Hotel. Other selling exhibitions were held in large cities in the Midwest and then they went on to the East Coast and Florida. Advertisements were placed in Harper’s Bazaar, House Beautiful and Vogue.

Iona thought of herself as an artist. She used whole cloth as her canvas, needle stitches in place of a paintbrush, and solid colors as her paint. The sizes of quilts ranged from 27” X 30” to 90” X 90”.

Prices ranged from $3.75 to $46.50.

Washing instructions were included. A 1920’s catalog listed sixteen patterns.

For more information and an opportunity to see the quilts visit the Ligonier Visitors Bureau and Heritage Station Museum.

Noble Co County ounty Communit Community ty Founda Foundation, tion, Inc. I and its supporting s organization, orrgganization, Community C Initiatives, Initiatives, Inc Inc. c.

1599 9 Lincolnway South,, Ligonier, Ligonier, IN 46767 (260) 894-3335 894--3335 • nccf@ligtel.com • www.NobleCountyCF.org www.NobleCountyCF F..o org Page 10

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8 - Kidd & Company LOCATION Station Street SPONSOR Charles and Chloe Kidd ARTIST Beth Ivanov COMPLETED 2008

“Everybody loves Kidd’s� was the slogan for this company. Albert Kidd started the business in Chicago in 1895. A small town environment was sought by the Kidd family and Ligonier was chosen.

This business continued from three genera-

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tions in Ligonier under the supervision of George, Robert and Charles Kidd. Noble County was the marshmallow capital of the world with both Kiddâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marshmallow Company and marshmallow division of Kraft Foods located in Kendallville, also a Noble County business. Two-thirds of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marshmallows were made in Noble County. Kiddâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s provided marshmallows for 130 different store brands. The Kiddâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business was expanded with a plant in Henderson, Nev. Kiddâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s could make up to 30,000 pounds of marshmallows in a day. At one time the plants in Indiana and Nevada made more marshmallows than any other company but Kraft. Flavors of Kiddâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marshmallows included Coconut Marshmallows, Smurfmallows, Martianmallows and even Penn State Nittany Lion Marshmallows. Kiddâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s made the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest marshmallow in 1994. It was four feet high, four feet across and weighed in

at 671 pounds â&#x20AC;&#x201C; more than a half-ton.

Kosher marshmallows were made in February each year when a Jewish Rabbi came to Ligonier from New York for a week to personally inspect and certify that the marshmallows were kosher; Kiddâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s would produce 20,000 cases of kosher white and toasted coconut marshmallows all in that week.

The company offered self-guided tours where you could see the whole marshmallow production process. Guests received a bag of mini marshmallows. The annual celebration of Labor Day in Ligonier is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Marshmallow Festivalâ&#x20AC;? where visitors receive packages of marshmallows all though no longer labeled Kiddâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Marshmallow Festival tee shirts can be purchased. There are bands, competitive events, rides, a parade, food and many other interesting displays and booths.

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Page 11

9 - The Wars 1775-1974 LOCATION Station Street SPONSOR Rex Hagen ARTIST Robert A. Hudson COMPLETED 2008

Page 12

THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR (1775-1783) During the American Revolution, 4,435 Americans lost their lives as Great Britain’s 13 colonies rose up in insurrection, and won their independence and formed a new nation called the United States of America on July 4, 1776.

THE CIVIL WAR (1861-1865) Fueled by the debate over slavery and states rights, this war pitted the North against the South, neighbor against neighbor, brother against brother. 140,414 soldiers lost their lives in the costliest war ever fought on American soil.

WORLD WAR 1 (1914-1918) Centered in Europe, and started by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, we remained neutral until 1917, when Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare threatened our commercial shipping. The Central powers faced off against the Allied powers in a devastating conflict, in which 116,516 Americans lost their lives.

WORLD WAR II (1939-1945) Instability created in Europe by World

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See THE WARS page 13

THE WARS From Page 12

War I set the stage for another international conflict, involving all the major countries in the world. It started with Adolph Hitler trying to take over the world by invading Poland. 292,131 Americans gave their lives protecting our freedom.

KOREAN CONFLICT (1950-1953) After World War II, Korea was divided at the 38th parallel, into North Korea, which was controlled by the Communists, and South Korea, which was led by the United States. North Korea, along with China, invaded South Korea in 1950. This continued until 1953, when a truce was finally agreed upon, costing us 33,651 more lives.

VIETNAM WAR (1965-1974) The Vietnamese waged war with France in 1956, where Laos, Cambodia and Viet Nam gained their independence.

Viet Nam was divided between the communist led North and the anti-communist led South. Conflicts continued for almost 8 years until the United States became involved.

The war escalated, and became the longest war in American history 47,369 Americans died protecting our freedom.

Through all these conflicts and wars the American flag has continued to stand for freedom, and be a prominent icon in our national history today. The flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes (seven red stripes alternating with six white stripes.) The stripes represent the original colonies, and the stars represent the fifty states in our union.

The colors of the flag are symbolic as well. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

LOCATION Station Street SPONSOR Rex Hagen ARTIST Robert A. Hudson COMPLETED 2008

10 - And Our Flag was still there F

or more than 200 years, the American flag has been the symbol of our nation’s strength and unity. Since Betsy Ross sewed the

first flag in 1776, it has been a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens. Some of the highlights of its unique past are shown in mural #9.

Joe Saggars, President 800-995-5399 • Fax: 260-894-4078 E-mail: cwslig@ligtel.com • www.cws-inc.net Communications Wiring Specialists, Inc.

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Page 13

11 - Ligonier Dentists LOCATION South Cavin St. SPONSOR Bruce W. Dragoo, D.D.S., Mrs. Dorothy Stoelting, Mrs. Jean Alber Ferrari, The office of Doctors Brown ARTIST Robert A. Hudson COMPLETED 2007

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esidents of Ligonier and the surrounding area have been offered the services of several outstanding dentists over the years.

In 1937 Dr. Richard Stoelting began his dental practice in Ligonier. He left the practice temporarily in 1942 to serve in the military in which he received a Bronze Star. He resumed his practice in Ligonier until 1983.

Robert Alber, D.D.S., started his practice in Ligonier in 1948. He treated dental patients in the area until he was killed by a drunk driver in 1970. A dental scholarship in his name to the IU Dental School has been received by several local dentists.

Practicing since 1971 (with the exception of a three year sabbatical) Dr. Richard Brown enjoys the relationship and friendship with employees and patients that is possible when serving in a small community. He has treated four generations of some families. He has been involved in Haiti and Belize doing short term mission dental services. His son, Dr. Peter Brown, has been working with him since 1992.

Dr. Bruce Dragoo returned to Ligonier in 1978 after living here for four years as a child. A few years after being in practice he purchased the old State Police Post at Triangle Park where he continues to serve Ligonier and the surrounding area.

Bruce W. Dragoo, D.D.S. Page 14

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Saturday Night in Ligonier I

LOCATION 312 Cavin Street Alley SPONSOR Noble County Community Foundation ARTIST Robert A. Hudson COMPLETED October 2009

n the 1930’s and 1940’s everyone looked forward to Saturday night.

The stores downtown were open late and everyone went to town to shop for groceries. The kids would meet their friends and walk around together or go to the movies at the Crystal Theater.

It was a fun get-together time. Cars parked at an angle at that time and people were known to park their car in the afternoon to have a good parking place.

From the theater, just across the street (where Dr. Brown’s office is now) young

people went to the Philadelphia Candy Kitchen, owned and operated by Charlie Andrews. The booths and floors were shiny and clean, a nickelodeon provided music for a nickel and people could dance. Sodas and sandwiches were available and the candy counter was full.

In the winter Charlie had everyone welldisciplined to remove their snowy boots and leave them by the door. He welcomed all the boys as they came home from the service on furlough.

After a basketball game the “Phil” was packed with teenagers.

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Page 15

13 - Amish Trail F

reedom of Religion brought our Amish populace from Switzerland and settled in our rural farming area. Most farms started with 20 to 40 acres. They hewed their houses and barns from native timber, farmed the land and made their lively hood from the grain raised.

Farming was done by horses and mules; their food source was raised and preserved in their own kitchen. Most farms had what was called a â&#x20AC;&#x153;summer kitchenâ&#x20AC;? where canning was done.

Their Bible teaching is â&#x20AC;&#x153;the simple lifestyleâ&#x20AC;?.

LOCATION 319 S. Cavin Street SPONSOR Ligonier Merchants ARTIST Robert A. Hudson COMPLETED 2011

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14 - Gregory McDougal LOCATION East 4th Street SPONSOR Dekko Foundation ARTIST Robert A. Hudson COMPLETED 2008

T

he “Blacklegs” existed in Noble and surrounding counties. They were involved with horse thievery, murderers and counterfeiting.

Gregory McDougal was one of the

“Blacklegs;” on Sunday, January 17, 1858, a posse of fifteen or twenty members from Ligonier Regulators proceeded to Rome City, then headquarters for several of the criminals, and arrested nine of them, including Gregory McDougal, all of whom were taken to Ligonier and placed in confinement and held for investigation.

From the time of the arrests until the 25th of the month, thousands of people from all over the country, came to Ligonier to see the imprisoned rascals, and watch the proceedings of the Regulators. Each day brought people whose property had been stolen, seeking information and trying to recover their property. The career of McDougal had been much more infamous than the others, breaking jail twice, robbing four stores and two tanneries, robbing peddlers, stealing horses and passing large amounts of counterfeit money. He boasted that no jail would

hold him and he feared neither God, man nor the devil.

He was accused of murder. Witnesses testified that he had killed a jailer’s wife in order to free his brother from confinement.

That he had robbed and murdered a school teacher in Canada, and that he had tortured persons by fire to compel them to reveal the hiding places of their valuables, and many other crimes. His own confessions and the evidence of witnesses convinced the Regulators of his guilt and on January 25, 1858 at 2 p.m. all companies of regulators in Noble and surrounding counties were summoned to meet at noon on Jan. 26, 1858, at Ligonier. They met and the evidence of guilt and the report recommending the execution of McDougal were submitted and approved and adopted.

He was hung at Diamond Lake hill and buried in Rome City.

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Page 17

15 - Family Physician & Veterinarian LOCATION East 4th Street SPONSOR DEKKO FOUNDATION ARTIST Robert A. Hudson COMPLETED 2008

T

hroughout the years, Ligonier has been fortunate to have had quality family physicians who have tirelessly served the community.

Practicing in a small area required traveling to area hospitals to deliver babies, making house calls and giving generously of their time to fill patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; medical needs.

Dr. Robert C. Stone graduated from IU Medical School and began his practice in Ligonier in 1959 and continues to provide care today. He also serves the area by participating in many organizations and has been honored as Sagamore of the Wabash.

Also graduating from IU Medical School is Dr. Donald Hooker, who began

his practice in 1961 and continued in Ligonier until 1992. Dr. Hooker stated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reflecting back, I cannot imagine a more enjoyable and rewarding career than being a doctor in a small town with wonderful people.â&#x20AC;?

Serving the community from 1977 to the present, optometrist Dr. Geoffrey Hemmick, also shares his time and expertise with many in the mission field.

Dr. Floyd Warren, Veterinarian, took care of all small animals. He is active in Stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trace, Ligonier Historical Society, Visitor Center and Heritage Station Museum and the Presbyterian Church. He was in WWII and awarded the Purple Heart. He was both Mayor of Ligonier and a County Commissioner.

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16 - Ligonier School House T

LOCATION Alley wall of Wigent Building 321 S. Cavin SPONSOR Noble County Community Foundation ARTIST Peggy Tassler

his little school was built in 1876 to educate children from 1st grade to 12th grade. The gymnasium was on the 3rd floor. Eleven proud graduates were in the first graduating class. As population grew in Ligonier, the school added wings on each side to accommodate more students.

This was done in 1911. By 1900 there were 2,200 residents including Jewish families. In 1928, the school was again remodeled. The top floor was removed and a large addition to the north added for a gymnasium on the lower level and

classrooms above. There were matching stairways at each end with shrubberies on each side of the stairs and along the walkway to the two entrance doors and one on the south and one on the north. It was then known as the Ligonier High School. As a note, this little school was not the first school built. The very first school was built in 1837 on the property now occupied by the Ligonier Carnegie Library on Main Street. It was the only school in the area at that time and the teachers there worked for their room and board.

COMPLETED 2009

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Page 19

17 - Ligonier State Police Post O

LOCATION East end of Police Dept Building Corner of Cavin St. and Third St. SPONSOR Jenny Thompson Foundation ARTIST Kelly Meredith

COMPLETED 2011

n December 9, 1943 the new Indiana State Police post was dedicated on land donated by the citizens of Ligonier. The Ligonier Post was the district headquarters, with seven counties under their jurisdiction.

Ligonier Police Post also had sub-posts in Ft. Wayne and Angola, plus, at one time handled most of the State Police work for the Indiana Toll Road.

More radio traffic was handled by the Ligonier State Police Post than any other post in the state. The Ligonier Post had very high standards. A frequent saying in Indianapolis was, “If you want it done

right, send it to Ligonier”.

In 1982 the Ligonier Post was closed and moved west to Bremen with the final radio transmission at 8:00 a.m. on May 27, 1982. The post was torn down several years later and the McDonald’s Restaurant now sits on the site, which is approximately ½ mile south of the Ligonier Visitors Center and Heritage Station.

The 320 foot tower, which stood behind the post and served the area for many years, was dismantled and taken 1 mile north of Ligonier where its blinking red light can still be seen.

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18 - Ligonier Circa 1899 LOCATION East 3rd Street SPONSOR Rex Hagen Family Foundation ARTIST Kelly Meredith COMPLETED 2009

T

his mural is a collage of downtown stores from the late 1800s to early 1900’s. The stores are not in the sequence as they were on Cavin Street. These stores were chosen because there were pictures available. In order from left to right: WEAVER HARDWARE owned by Albert Weaver and later by his son Elmo

Weaver. It included two store fronts one for the hardware and one for gift items.

SCHLOTTERBACK GROCERY owned by Melvin & Mary Schlotterback. This grocery as well as some other independent stores delivered to homes.

To all the school-age children, it was their candy store.

HOTEL GOLDSMITH was originally built in 1874 under another name then renovated in 1895 with a new Palace Queen Furnace of the largest size; new plumbing and bathrooms along with a double steel range in the kitchen and a first class cook making it one of the neatest and best hotels of its size in Indiana. From 1914 to 1935, the Ligonier Post Office was in the north entrance with George Galey and William Milner as postmasters.

W. A. BROWN FUNERAL HOME was owned by Mr. Brown and son Seeley.

The hearse was pulled by a white horse covered with black netting. They also operated a furniture store in the same

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building. They were located on the corner of 2nd Street and Cavin Street.

SOLOMON MIER BANKING COMPANY was started by Solomon Mier. It was sometimes called The Banking House of Solomon Mier. It was located at 310 S. Cavin Street and was later occupied by Franks Sporting Goods. The marble walls are still intact inside and the polished red granite pillar outside is very impressive.

THE CITIZENS BANK was owned by the Straus family and later when the Mier and Citizens Bank combined in 1928, it became the American State Bank.

SOLLIE KAHN’S DRY GOODS was a popular store for clothing and sewing materials.

JACOB RAUBERT JEWELRY STORE was on the west side of Cavin Street. It had a large clock hanging in front of the store.

Mr. Raubert was a watchmaker and engraver. He also sold fine china and silver flatware.

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Page 21

19 - Railroad and Depot LOCATION 223 S. Cavin & 3rd Street SPONSOR DEKKO Foundation ARTIST Kelly Meredith

T

he Lake Shore Railroad was being built in 1854 around the time that Solomon Mier and Issac Straus came to Ligonier. The fact that there would be a depot in Ligonier was a factor that helped these two men to decide to stay in Ligonier. Transportation would be beneficial to businesses. The train was important to bring people and freight as well as mail.

The local livery stable provided

transportation for the Jewish ladies to and from their homes to the station when they traveled to Chicago and Toledo to do their shopping. Freight delivery was vital to the businesses. The line was later called the New York Central and now is known as the Norfolk and Southern. As you walk past the corner of the mural, you will hear the train whistle and sound of the tracks. The sound system was donated by M&M Security.

SOUND M&M Security COMPLETED 2008

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20 - Operation Foundation O

LOCATION Behind Lake City Bank SPONSOR Star of the West Milling ARTIST Peggy Tassler COMPLETED 2011

peration Foundation is a faithbased volunteer effort designed to address not only the physical needs of the community, but also the cultural and spiritual needs as well. It is a weeklong cleanup and restoration project focused primarily on the downtown and surrounding residential areas.

Each year, over 500 volunteers donate thousands of hours of their time during this weeklong event. With a population of about 4,500 people, this is a major

undertaking, and has been an overwhelming success. Since 2007, over $1.2 million dollars worth of work has been completed within the City of Ligonier.

Because of this project, Ligonier became the first Good Works City in Indiana under the office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives.

More information of this project can be found on their website: www.OperationFoundation.com.

Volunteers taking part in the Elkhart River cleanup included, from the back, Nic Weimer, Niles Butler, Wayne Lewis, Janelle Miller and Laura Miller. More than a ton of debris was pulled out of the waterway by the Operation Foundation volunteers.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

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Page 23

21 - Lyon & Greenleaf LOCATION West 2nd Street SPONSOR Ligonier Merchants ARTIST Peggy Tassler COMPLETED 2010

T

he Lyon and Greenleaf Mill was established in Wauseon, Ohio, in 1866 with the purpose of supplying flour to the Union army during the Civil War. In 1885, Marcus Lyon and his son, Arthur, moved to Ligonier, purchased the land between the New York Central railroad track and the Elkhart River and began constructing the mill. In July 1886, the first wheat shipments began rolling in to the facility.

The flour production capacity of the plant was originally 300 barrels (58,800 lbs.) per day. The production today is 800,000 lbs. per day.

The Ligonier mill generated all its own power with a 150,000 watt and a

50,000 watt coal-fired generator. At one time (during night time hours when the mill was not running) they sold electricity to the city of Ligonier for its street lights.

In 1929, Lyon and Greenleaf sold the generating plant to Indiana & Michigan Electric Company. Items made from the flour produced by the mill included cookies, cakes, donuts, crackers, ice cream cones, pretzels and licorice.

Star of the West of Frankenmuth, Mich. purchased the assets of the Ligonier plant of Lyon & Greenleaf Co. Inc., in June 1987.

Ken Schuman, the present plant manager, is the great-great grandson of Marcus Lyon.

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22 - M&M Store LOCATION West 2nd Street SPONSOR Ligonier Merchants ARTIST Peggy Tassler COMPLETED 2010

R

ay Mathew and Dick Mathew were owners of the store located at 313 S. Cavin St. It was originally called a “five and dime” store. It was a version of Alco with a soda fountain as Marge Kavanaugh – daughter of Dick Mathew, describes it.

There was also a whole candy counter where you had to walk around several times before making a choice! The store was right next door to the Crystal Theater, so it became a hangout after the movie. Movie tickets were 25 cents and the popcorn there was amazing and only ten cents.

Ligonier High School had an open lunch hour and many of the students

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went to the M & M Store for hot dogs, barbecued beef sandwiches and toasted cheese. You could get a nickel Coke flavored with cherry, lemon or chocolate – also milk shakes and banana splits….foot long pretzels were a penny.

In the 50’s, Ligonier had no fast food restaurants – just the M & M, Anderson’s Drive In, Crossroads and Lauers’ Truck Stop.

The store was sold in the late 60s to a Mr. Leedy, then later it was the Bucket & Brush followed by Edgell’s Pizza Shack and now Leti’s.

The M & M Store along with the other establishments mentioned are all Legends of Ligonier.

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Page 25

23 - Ligonier Telephone Company Inc. LOCATION West 2nd Street SPONSOR Ligonier Merchants ARTIST Peggy Tassler COMPLETED 2010

T

he Ligonier Telephone Co. mural depicts the old switchboard. Harry Inks started the phone company in one of the little

offices on 2nd Street â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which is the street where this mural is painted. At that time, he made his own telephones to sell. He built his first telephone in an upstairs bedroom in their family home.

His daughter, Louise Inks, delivered the phone bills on her bicycle. Among the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first accomplishments was the establishment of a long distance line between Ligonier and the Noble County seat of Albion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 miles away.

Among the early phones was the phone that was attached to the wall with a crank on the side. Each phone owner had a ring â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for example, long and a short ring or two short rings and everyone on that line in the county could listen in on their neighborsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; conversation.

In 1919, the phone company relocated into the building which is now Dr. Stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. Telephone operators at that time earned $25 per month. A relief operator received $12.50 per month.

Many ladies from Ligonier were telephone operators: Erma Gates, Thelma Holden, Norma Hite, Lillian Brandeberry, Nadja Horne, Erlis Rex, Vivian Hayden, Linda Gunder, Eva Sandlin, Hazel â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nickâ&#x20AC;? Kurtz, Maureen Black, Mable Ramsby and Bernice White. Do you remember others?

Ligonier is very unique in having a home-owned telephone company which along with our telephone; they offer 100% digital television and high speed internet.

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24 - Schrock’s Flowers LOCATION West Second Street SPONSOR Ligonier Merchants ARTIST Peggy Tassler COMPLETED 2010

O

tto L. Schrock and son Walter Schrock formed Schrock’s Flowers in 1938. In time, they had 14 large greenhouses which was 45,000 sq. ft. of space. Their business was raising flowers for customers within a 50 mile radius of Ligonier. They had an office, a retail store, a wholesale store as well as FTD service. They rented out candelabras and other supplies for weddings and parties.

Schrock’s Flowers furnished standing wire baskets of flowers for customers asking them to be placed at the cemetery.

They watered the baskets through the summer; and in the fall, took them back to the greenhouse and when spring arrived filled them again with plants.

They were also responsible for planting flowers around the fountain in Triangle Park. Local people working at the greenhouses included Kenny and Mary Smith, Dewey Biddle, Jim Wallace, Hap Vanette, Ralph Rex, Ed Stoner, Bob Heyback and Dale Sperry.

In 1969, Dale Sperry bought the flower shop only and in time the greenhouses were torn down.

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Page 27

25 - Ligonier Quality Bakery

LOCATION West alley between LWW & Cavin St. SPONSOR Ligonier Merchants ARTIST Robert A. Hudson COMPLETED 2011

F

or 75 years the aroma of quality baked goods has wafted from the Ligonier Quality Bakery. It is one of only two small retail bakeries left in the area. Most fresh baked goods come from bakeries in grocery stores or chain stores.

The bakery has been in the Creps family since 1926 when Earl & Lula Creps started it. Earl died in 1956 and Bob & Virginia Creps took over in 1958.

Their son, Jim, joined them in the

business in the early 1970’s. The bakery is popular all around the area. People in the lakes area come to buy baked goods as well as tourists have found their way to the bakery. Factory workers stop to take donuts to fellow employees. Their baked goods are also popular at business meetings. Jim’s daughter, Heather and her husband are now associated with the bakery making it a fourth generation business as well as one of the oldest existing businesses in town.

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26 - Blazed Trail Garage O

n the Lincoln Highway that went through Ligonier was the Blazed Trail garage. It was owned by Charles â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jinxâ&#x20AC;? and Lucy Winebrenner. The wrecker they owned was the largest one in the area. It is said the big door was always open and Jinx was always in there.

Mrs. Winebrenner told that there were more fish caught on that bench outside the building than on any lake around!

The Lunch Car, attached to the garage, was owned by William & Elizabeth Furkis for 23 years.

LOCATION Lincolnway West SPONSOR Erica & Bill Lapham ARTIST Robert A. Hudson COMPLETED 2009

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Page 29

27 - Mier Car

LOCATION Lincolnway West SPONSOR Erica & Bill Lapham

I

n 1905, Mr. Solomon Mier founded the Mier Carriage and Buggy Company. He produced many carriages and eventually he built 10-12 automobiles which he called the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mier Runabout.â&#x20AC;?

One of these cars is on display in the

ARTIST Robert A. Hudson COMPLETED 2009

museum in Syracuse, Ind. Although the car was built in Ligonier, the engine was built by a man in Syracuse. A map from the Auburn Duesenberg Museum shows Ligonier as one of many car manufacturers in Indiana.

First house in Ligonier

M

ajor Bradford, a decedent of Governor Bradford of Mayflower fame, was born in Portage County, Ohio, on April 13, 1809, and moved to the Haw Patch area in 1831. In 1833 he purchased 120 acres on the Elkhart River, north and east of present Pigeon Street Bridge. When Ligonier was

platted, Mr. Bradford built the first dwelling, on or near Lot 1 of the original plat. He also built the first river bridge, a span of 128 feet, hewed and framing the timbers with a broadax. He received $520 from the County Commissioners for materials and labor. Mr. Bradford served in the civil war and died in 1890.

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28 - Tyler Tank Oil Company LOCATION Lincolnway West SPONSOR Erica & Bill Lapham ARTIST Robert A. Hudson

O

riginated from the purchase of The City Oil Wagon by Elias Tyler from L.G. Cooper in September, 1907. After the death of his father in 1909, Ed Tyler continued to drive the wagon for ten years.

In 1919 he purchased the City Oil Wagon from his mother and continued to drive it until 1923. At this time he sold the business to Mr. Ed Crockett and went to work for the Topeka Home Oil Co.,

owned by Kempp and Leming of Topeka. He worked for this company for five years, building up a business which required them to build a Bulk Plant at Ligonier.

In 1928 he bought the Bulk Plant from the Topeka Home Oil Company, located in Ligonier. Mr. Tyler delivered kerosene to residents in Ligonier and the surrounding area with his tanker which was pulled by a horse.

COMPLETED 2009

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Page 31

LOCATION Lincolnway West SPONSOR Erica & Bill Lapham ARTIST Robert A. Hudson COMPLETED 2009

29 - Mier Carriage M

any buggies and carriages were made in the Mier Carriage and buggy company. This three-story building was later known as the Wirk Garment Company. It greatly deteriorated in the early 2000’s and was later razed.

Carriages were the elite transportation of the day and the Jewish homes most all had a “carriage house” to house their carriage and horses. The carriage

depicted in this mural was found in Washington, Pa., and purchased by a group of 12 or more interested people. It was tattered and broken, but after receiving a grant, the carriage was restored to its original state, if not better.

The metal tag on the back identifies it from the Mier Carriage Co., Ligonier, Ind. It is presently on display in the Heritage Station Museum at 800 Lincolnway South, Ligonier.

1248 Lincolnway South, Ligonier, IN 46767 e-mail: depew@ligtel.com

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Quilt Garden LOCATION Corner of Lincoln Highway West and Cavin Street SPONSOR Irving Gravel, Ligonier Chamber of Commerce, Ligoner Rotary Club, Ligonier Lions and citizens DESIGNER Fashion Farm Countryscapes and Gardens

I

n dedication to the Lincoln Highway a quilt garden was designed to represent the long traveled miles that ran from coast to coast going through small towns like our beloved Ligonier. Approximately one mile south of Ligonier there is a stretch of the original brick road.

BOB BUTTGEN

Several volunteers including employees of Countryscapes and Gardens of Ligonier donated their time to build the quilt garden on Monday. From the left are Miles Kritzman, Orlando Banda, Elson Mast, Kyle Cross, Jason Becker, Min Miller, Ren Cripe, Reed Miller and Austin Wilson.

Water W ater Gardens F ountains Fountains Idea as Landscaping Ideas Patio Patio Decor Garden Accessories Accessories 1680 16 80 Lincolnway W West, e est, Ligonier,, IIN Ligonier N 26 260-894-4498 0-894-4498 Ligonier City of Murals • September 2011 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Page 33

30 - City of Murals

LOCATION 103 S. Cavin Street SPONSOR Rex Hagen Family Foundation ARTIST Kelly Meredith COMPLETED 2011

T

he murals began as a result of a revitalization program initiated

by Future Ligonier Alliance in 2005. Artists from various parts of the United States have come to Ligonier to paint these murals showing the history and legends of our city. The artist of this

mural details the icons of Ligonier, such as the Seth Thomas clock and the Triangle Park Fountain as well as flowers that adorn our parks and gazebo.

The flowers are planted each year by the Beautification Team sponsored by the Jennie Thompson Fundation.

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Ligonier City of Murals â&#x20AC;˘ September 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ kpcnews.com â&#x20AC;˘ ŠKPC Media Group Inc.

31 - Indiana’s first “Good Works City” LOCATION US 6 East of SR 5 & 33x SPONSOR New Community Initiatives ARTIST Kellie Shidler COMPLETED 2010

A

30 foot high sign just east of the U.S. 6/S.R. 33/S.R. 5 intersection was standing as an eyesore. It had been used by a tavern that had burned down about 10 years ago and served no purpose. The New Community Initiatives group decided to take up the problem of the big sign. The company owning the property had no problem with fixing the sign as long as it was no cost to them. Kellie Shidler was asked to create a design for the sign.

The top has the Ligonier clock logo, the middle part shows Ligonier as the First Good Works City as designated by Gov. Mitch Daniels, especially for the good works of Operation Foundation, and the bottom promotes Noble County.

Historic clock serves as citys landmark

L

igonier's historic clock has become our landmark. It was given to the city in 1924 by John Cavin in memory of his father, Isaac Cavin, who was the founder of our city. It is a Seth Thomas clock and originally it was weight-driven which means it had to be wound once a week!

It was finally converted to electricity in 1957.

The clock was installed in front of the old American State Bank building at the corner of Third and Cavin Streets. In 1968, when they decided to tear down the bank and replace it with a new one, the clock was moved south on Cavin Street in front of the Ligonier Telephone Company. The clock stood there until the fall of 1981.

One day, a semi stopped at the telephone office for some information. As the truck pulled away, it struck the clock and knocked it down.

The clock was a mass of broken metal and glass and the pieces were placed in 55-gallon drums and buckets.

When the city contacted the company that owned the truck, it was discovered that the

Aurora’s

company had declared bankruptcy and allowed its insurance to lapse, leaving the city with no funds to repair the clock. The barrels and buckets were stored in a warehouse for about a year.

In December of 1982, an anonymous donor left a $50,000 gift to the city to repair the clock.

A search was on to find someone to repair the clock and John Moss of Newton, Mass., was selected. His resume included the restorations of the Symphony Hall Street clock in Boston and the famous Waterhouse clock at Harvard University.

Then, a way to transport it to Mass., had to be found. Since we had Kidd's Marshmallow Company in Ligonier that shipped marshmallows throughout the country, the company offered to ship the pieces of the clock to Massachussetts with a load of marshmallows at their expense!

Eighteen months later, the clock was returned to Ligonier by Kidd's and put into service at 2:20 p.m. on Decemeber 8, 1984.

It now stands proudly in Triangle Park amid beautiful flowers and the fountain.

When you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, call

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Page 35

Stone’s Tavern

T

he first homesteaders arrived in this area along the Ft. WayneGoshen Trail near Perry’s Prairie in about 1830. Richard Stone arrived, filed his claim to the land and built a double log cabin. By 1839, he had built the first two story, frame structure in the area to be used as a stopping place for the weary traveler. Hence Stone’s Tavern. For the next 20 years it was a busy place being used as an inn, school, post office, court room and gathering place for neighbors. But, alas, in the 1850’s the railroad put a station in Ligonier and a more modern hotel came into existence. The value of the tavern ceased. It was then used as a family dwelling and finally a farm shed. It was about to be torn down. In 1964, Stone’s Trace Historical Society began restoring the dilapidated building as a historical site. Dedication was held in June, 1966.

Stone’s Tavern is now a historical museum which welcomes visitors to tour its rooms. The society has since added a picnic area with shelter house, the Cyrus

Kimmell House, the Feldheiser-Hontz Museum and an old time wood working shop. The Noble Regulators operate a black powder firing range on the

grounds. The site is open for tours and visits May through September.

Our Motto — “To give our past a future”.

The Ligonier Jewish Temple

T

he temple was dedicated in September of 1889. It was named Ahavath Shalom, meaning “Lovers of Peace.” Ligonier had quite a Jewish population during the 1850s until 1932, when the Jewish population began to disappear. From 1932, services were only held on High Holy Days and finally the temple was closed at the end of World War II. From 1965 until 1989, the temple was a place of worship by several churches. During this time, the pews and much of the Jewish furniture was removed. Much of it has been lost in time. The Eternal Light which once hung from the ceiling was removed and presented to the Lakeside Temple of Lake Forest, Chicago,

by Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Wertheimer, members of the congregation.

Because it was part of Ligonier's past and a great part of our Jewish heritage, a group of concerned citizens went searching for someone to buy the temple. It was purchased by the Ligonier library, along with help of some grants, and was made into a museum to be known as the Ligonier Historical Museum.

To help celebrate our Jewish heritage, a rededication of the museum was held in September of 1989, just 100 years from the date the building was first dedicated. It contains many Jewish artifacts along with many items from Ligonier's past.

It is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

On visiting the Temple today, one is struck by the beauty of the 3 large leaded glass windows displaying figures of King Solomon, King David and Jonathan and David with the smaller Menorahs and the Star of David above. On either side of the recess, which held the Torah, the Burnt Offering and Page 36

Ark of the Covenant are depicted.

The museum is now operated by the Ligonier Historical Society and is open to visitors and tours from May 1st through October 31.

Ligonier City of Murals • September 2011 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Dan Hill’s Sculptures

W

hy does Ligonier have all these sculptures? It all started with an anonymous donor who wanted to honor his hometown’s heritage while contributing to the city's downtown revitalization. This donor’s efforts have been so well received by the citizens of Ligonier that others have purchased sculptures for permanent placement in the city.

The sculptures provide a nice artistic compliment to the beautiful murals.

Quite Time was a 5th sculpture added in 2010. This sculpture was donated by Jean Alber Ferarri and girls in memory of Dr. Robert J. Alber, a popular dentist in Ligonier.

Tug-O-War 2009

Booked for the Day 2009

Boy & Lamb 2009

Fuzzy of the Day 2010

Quiet Time 2010 Ligonier City of Murals • September 2011 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

Page 37

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Ligonier City of Murals • September 2011 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.

1. Ligonier 1835 2. Isaac Cavin 3. Frederick Straus 4. Solomon Mier 5. Ben Glaser 6. The Original Cavin St. Bridge 7 Wilkinson Quilt 7.

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894-3127 Ligonier City of Murals • September 2011 • kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc.