Chamber Magazine, Spring 2023

CHAMBER AWARDS ITS TOP HONORS

New Castle’s two centuries of legacies Downtown New Castle coworking office space open for business

150 YEARS

INSIDE:

The rich community history of Citizens State Bank — New Castle’s Large Business of the Year

Chamber Career Day will inspire youths to chart future pathways

Henry County, like many other areas of the Midwest, is constantly looking for ways to stem “brain drain” among its youth, as students graduate from high school and begin looking for what they consider greener pastures.

The reason for some of this out-migration is young people’s natural desire to spread their wings and see the world. But more often, they simply are unaware of the options available to them right here at home.

That’s where Chamber Career Day comes in.

The annual event, a partnership of the Chamber and Eastern Indiana Works, offers a day of exploration, insight, and discovery for Henry County high school students. This year – the event’s third iteration -- is on Friday, May 5 at the Arts Pavilion Arts on 15th Street in Downtown New Castle.

SPRING 2023

Volume 13, Issue 1

PUBLISHER

Shonda Kane, Executive Director, New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce info@nchcchamber.com

DESIGN AND EDITORIAL DIRECTION

The JMetzger Group

Juli Metzger | juli@thejmetzgergroup.com

John Metzger | john@thejmetzgergroup.com www.thejmetzgergroup.com

765.744.4303

CONTRIBUTORS

Writing: Brenda Morehead, Darrel Radford, Courtney Schmoll

Photography: Kurt Hostetler, Jeff Morehead, Adam Sturm

Design: Tammy Pearson

To advertise, contact The JMetzger Group: 765.744.4303 | john@thejmetzgergroup.com

For subscription information, contact Shonda Kane at 765.529.5210.

We expect to have representatives from about 60 businesses on hand to talk with students about the many career opportunities ahead of them. Schools will visit with businesses from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and beginning at 2:30, the public is invited to talk with the businesses to connect about employment opportunities.

One of the most important initiatives of Chamber Career Day is to inspire young people to consider their future, wherever that path leads. While a college degree is a valid choice for many high school students, Career Day coordinators stress there are other options for meaningful, profitable careers.

Short-term credentials and apprenticeship programs are a sensible starting point for many good careers. The Chamber is working hand-in-glove with area businesses who need the talent to staff their companies.

Indiana simply does not have the talent to meet the growing demands of employers. We hear it all the time. We need to keep more of our best here. There is a swelling urgency to address the shortage.

There are many unknowns facing high school students of today, as technology changes the needs of the workforce. But this much we do know: A post high school credential is vital. Chamber Career Day helps local students forge their path to the future.

Chamber Magazine: The voice of New CastleHenry County Chamber businesses. It is a product of the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and The JMetzger Group. These materials are the sole and exclusive property of the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and The JMetzger Group, and may not be used without written consent.

Copyright 2023: The New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and The JMetzger Group.

The JMetzger Group specializes in branded content, custom publishing and social media solutions.

Learn more: www.thejmetzgergroup.com

Shonda Kane is Executive Director of the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Shonda Kane

‘Indiana simply does not have the talent to meet the growing demands of employers. We hear it all the time. We need to keep more of our best here.’

8

ON THE COVER: 10 CITIZENS STATE BANK

14

20

An economic development perspective

SPECIAL REPORT: Chamber of Commerce annual Gala celebrates community champions

Latina Masters is President of the New Castle Henry County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She is a Raintree Banking Center Manager for Citizens State Bank.

New Castle celebrates 200 years of history

@TheOffice coworking

Our annual New Castle Henry County Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala sold out again, for the second year in a row. That’s just one indication of the growth experienced recently. During 2022, your Chamber:

l Added 52 members, bringing the total membership to 315.

l Included 13 active committees available to members.

l Hosted 10 Chamber lunches with 578 attendees.

l Conducted 25 educational workshops/sessions.

l Produced seven events with 1,413 registered attendees, not including attendees to the Memorial Day Parade and Christmas Walk.

l Held 15 ribbon-cutting celebrations.

l Awarded $1,000 in scholarships to Henry County students.

In communication and outreach efforts, 2022 saw even more impressive results:

l The Facebook page has 4,000 followers and received 3,500 page likes.

l Our Instagram account is growing steadily.

l The Chamber eblast has 1,753 subscribers with an above-average open rate of 40%.

UPDATES ON CHAMBER INITIATIVES:

l The first-ever Designer Bag Bingo on October 13 raised money for the Chamber Scholarship Fund. The event was very successful, with net

proceeds of more than $18,000 contributed to the fund! Speaking of the scholarship awards, be sure to watch the website and social media channels for this year’s recipients.

l The Chamber Network for Women offers professional women a unique opportunity to grow within an atmosphere created specifically for them. The group meets every other month and features guest speakers from the community and allows women to expand their network of business contacts and develop new skills. Watch our website and social media channels for updates on this program featuring women mentoring, educating, and supporting women.

l The Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade is your Chamber’s gift to the community! This is Indiana’s largest Memorial Day parade, and in 2022 we had more than 200 entries. This year’s celebration will begin at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 29 with the Veterans ceremony, followed by the parade at 10 a.m.

l Tickets are on sale now for Cash Bonanza on Saturday, Sept. 9. Last year’s event sold out, so don’t wait too long to reserve your spot! The evening kicks off with a cocktail hour and entertainment, followed by a variety of games and the reverse raffle with a chance at the $10,000 grand prize! To get your ticket, check the website or contact the Chamber office.

BOARD PRESIDENT

‘The Chamber Network for Women offers professional women a unique opportunity to grow within an atmosphere created specifically for them.’

Latina Masters

what’s ahead at the chamber of commerce Chamber celebrates successes and builds new initiatives

COVER PHOTOS: Dan Maddox, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Citizens State Bank.

JMG photo by Jeff Morehead. Chamber awards prior to presentations.

JMG photo by Adam Sturm.

‘MakeMyMove’ initiative seeks to attract new residents to county with incentives

With a goal of infusing new residents into Henry County, the community’s MakeMyMove efforts are officially underway.

MakeMyMove.com is an online directory launched in December 2020 that connects communities trying to attract new residents with remote workers and other work-from-anywhere talent.

HENRY COUNTY INCENTIVES

Henry County’s MakeMyMove offer includes: $5,000 cash for relocation, free co-working space for a year, a complimentary Arts Association of Henry County membership, free internet use for a year (within certain locations), a free gym membership, and a Henry County Welcome Basket.

Movers can also choose three of the following amenities: a state and local park pass, a golf course membership, $200 local wine-and-dine package, a free youth sports registration, allaccess high school sports pass up to $300, or $200 worth of ice cream and treats.

While the primary focus of the marketing in this effort is remote workers, the New Castle Henry County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will extend incentives to people who currently live out of state and are coming to work for local employers. Employers who have potential qualifying staff members should notify the EDC with the name of the person before they apply to MakeMyMove.

ENCOURAGING DATA

The effort is gaining traction and reaching interested people. Consider this MakeMyMove data for March:

l More than 2,500 unique views received.

l Almost 200 people applied.

Indiana communities including Greensburg, West Lafayette, and Muncie are among the other places offering relocation incentives to encourage new movers.

Henry County’s offer was piquing the interest of movers before the promotional page on MakeMyMove.com was complete.

The team at MakeMyMove made several visits to Henry County this fall and created a series of videos, capturing the community’s story to share with potential movers.

A “PLAYFUL” THEME

The theme behind Henry County’s MakeMyMove campaign is “Everyone can play,” summarizing the options available for all ages to participate in recreation around the community. From youth sports at the Henry County YMCA to the theatrical opportunities at the Guyer Opera House, Henry County provides plenty of ways to “play.”

l Ten offers were made, and one was accepted.

One new resident has moved and a total of seven have accepted offers since the local campaign began last fall.

“I am excited to welcome new residents to our beautiful county,” said Henry County Commissioner Bobbi Plummer. “From the small towns along the National Road to the rural countryside, we have a safe community for new people to call home.”

The local MakeMyMove initiative is a partnership between the EDC, Henry County, City of New Castle, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. The team recently began a full marketing campaign around the community’s offer targeted to out-of-state movers.

Corey L. Murphy, CEcD, serves as President of the New Castle Henry County Economic Development Corporation.

EDC DIRECTOR

Corey Murphy

‘While the primary focus of the marketing in this effort is remote workers, the New Castle Henry County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will extend incentives to people who currently live out of state and are coming to work for local employers.’

Proud supporter of the New Castle Henry County Chamber Magazine!

Chamber champions Awards celebrate those who make a difference in sold-out Gala

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

recognizes a Henry County business with 26 or more employees that demonstrates achievement and innovation in management, product service development and commitment to growth in Henry County. This business is also civically engaged with the communities in the past 12 months.

Finalists:

l McGowan Insurance Group

l Russ Hubler Automotive

Award presenter:

l Jake Adams, Jake’s Heating, Air & Plumbing

PHOTOS BY ADAM STURM THE JMETZGER GROUP

For the second time in a row, this year’s Chamber Awards Gala was sold-out, with about 350 people in attendance!

“The recognition of so many community members really resonates with people,” said Shonda Kane, the Chamber’s executive director. “This year, voting for awards was opened to Chamber members, and they were eager to single out all the people who make a difference in Henry County.”

This was the second iteration of the revamped event. Last year, the number of annual awards was broadened from two to nine, and final nominees were announced beforehand.

“That gives community members a chance to join in the celebration of friends, neighbors, and business associates,” said Latina Masters, the board president for 2023. “It was a lot of fun to be able to honor so many deserving people.”

A cocktail hour kicked of the March 22 gala, with bar service from L.A. Liquid Catering. Background music was provided by harpist Megan Biner. Dinner was catered by Ky’s Kreations, with service assistance from New Castle Career Center Culinary Program. Chamber recognitions are based on the previous year, and all organizations, businesses and individuals must be active and/or located in Henry County. Included here are the award descriptions, finalists and award recipients for 2022.

HENRY COUNTY REMC

COMMUNITY CULTURE EXCELLENCE

recognizes a Henry County workplace that has made significant strides in employee practices to establish a highly desirable work environment. The award also recognizes the company for its leadership, culture and best practices, and its demonstration of uniting people of different backgrounds and abilities, including a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Finalists:

l Jake’s Heating, Air and Plumbing

l Eastern Indiana Works

Award presenter:

l Cara Huffman, F.C. Tucker Crossroads Real Estate, 2021 winner

From left: Heather Flynn, Marketing Coordinator; Brandon Hall, CIO; Melissa True, CEO; Adam Warwas, COO; Amber Houser, CFO; Anita Irvin, Administrative Assistant; Monica Sexton, Accounting/HR Coordinator

CITIZENS STATE BANK

From left: Dan Maddox, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer; Kirby Purciful, President

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

recognizes a Henry County business with 25 or fewer employees that has been in business for more than five years. The business demonstrates achievement and potential growth and has also civically engaged with the communities in the past year.

Finalists:

l MRS Heating & Cooling

l The Barnett Co.

Award presenter:

l Kevin Brown, Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service, 2021 winner

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS FIVE WHO INSPIRE

HOSPITALITY & SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD

recognizes a Henry County service employee whose efforts often go unrecognized. They are the frontline at restaurants, stores and attractions. The nominees are those who help make Henry County a great place to live, work and visit.

Finalists:

l Noah Carrow

FRONTLINE HERO OF THE YEAR

recognizes a Henry County frontline worker who has excelled in working toward the well-being of our residents and visitors in the past year. Nominees may be a volunteer or employed in the areas of health care, law enforcement, firefighting, or education.

Finalists:

l Wendel Michael Jaggers

New Castle Police Dept.

l Chase Koger

New Castle Police Dept.

Award presenter:

l Amy Glaser

Amy Glaser State Farm

The Press Coffee Co.

l Tisha Green Primo

Award presenter:

l Melissa True

Henry County REMC

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

recognizes a Henry County business in business 5 or fewer years. This award honors the skill, courage and determination to create a business out of an idea. It celebrates the hard work and inspiring stories of many outstanding Henry County entrepreneurs.

Finalists:

l Ben & Emily Hamm

The Press Coffee Co.

l Aubrey Lindsey

Ollie Lue Soap Co.

Award presenter:

l Greg York Mayor of New Castle

TEMPTATIONS | Inga Neal

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

recognizes a Henry County young professional ages 18-40. The award celebrates the accomplishments of a highly motivated, emerging leader from Henry County. Nominees demonstrate excellence, creativity and show initiative in their company or profession.

Finalists:

l Aubrey Lindsey

Ollie Lue Soap Co.

l Casey Richards Memorial Park

Award presenter:

l Cindy Brooks Chamber of Commerce

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

recognizes a Henry County citizen who, through their personal involvement, leadership abilities, and selfless giving of their time and talent, has positively affected Henry County and the lives of its citizens. The award honors a recent effort resulting in a substantial benefit to the county, and a steady, reliable long-term history of service.

Finalists:

l Rex & Cathy Crabtree

l William R. Colvin

l Angela Bertram Smith

Award presenter:

l Debi Ware, 2021 winner

COMMUNITY NON-PROFIT

recognizes a Henry County non-profit organization that has made outstanding contributions to the county. This organization, over the previous 12 months, has positively affected Henry County and the lives of its citizens. The organization has a reputation for integrity in its dealings with clients, volunteers, staff or other individual groups. The organization must be an active 501(c) organization.

Finalists:

l New Castle Little League

l Kiwanis Club

l Art Association of Henry County

Award presenter:

l Cathy Crabtree, representing New Castle Evening Optimists, 2021 winner

Alex Millis Henry County Dispatcher

Tracy Jo Klotz

Jo Scott Ky’s Kreations

Holly Lee ICAP

Carrie Barrett New Castle Main Street

MIRACLE LEAGUE OF HENRY COUNTY

The Chamber of Commerce awarded its Community Non-Profit award to the Miracle League of Henry County for the organization’s contributions.

2023 Chamber Gala

The National Anthem performed by Todd York

Jake Adams, owner of Jake’s Heating, Air & Plumbing, Chamber Awards Gala Presenting Sponsor

Jeff Jaco of The Sanctuary delivers the invocation.

Outgoing board president Cindi Kiner, The HR Connection

Kloee Fowler, left, winner of the $500 raffle, with Brianna Chapman. The raffle contributed $1,305 to the Chamber Scholarship Fund.

Incoming board president Latina Masters, Citizens State Bank

State Bank Citizens

builds its 150-year foundation on family, community & change

STORY BY BRENDA MOREHEAD | PHOTOS BY JEFF MOREHEAD

Thewalls of Citizens State Bank in New Castle hold a wealth of history. 150 years to be exact. And if those walls could talk, the tales told would be of family, community, and change.

Dan Maddox

1873

Citizens State Bank was organized on July 3, 1873, just three days after new banking laws went into effect in Indiana.

1930s

During the Great Depression, Citizens State Bank used its financially sound position to acquire Central Trust & Savings and other small county banks, making Citizens State Bank an early pioneer in the concept of “branch banking.”

1968

The Maddox family purchased Citizens State Bank on September 9, 1968. James Maddox became president.

1973 Citizens State Bank, after 100 years in business, enlarged its main office in downtown New Castle.

2007

Citizens State Bank was able to thrive and expand into new markets during the 2007 - 2008 financial crisis.

2008

Dan Maddox, son of John Maddox, Jr., became the fourth generation of Maddox family actively involved in the bank operation.

2023

Citizens State Bank was named 2022 Large Business of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce at the annual Awards Gala.

Some of the original bricks in the basement of Citizens State Bank in New Castle.

Interior of Citizens State Bank main office on the northwest corner of Broad and Main Streets in Downtown New Castle, in 1923.

An antique LC Smith and Corona typewriter, used during the 1930s, on display in the lobby at the bank.

A rolled coin storage tray from the 1940s on display.

An antique change machine used in the 1920s by tellers at Citizens State Bank in New Castle is on display in the bank’s lobby.

FAMILY

Across the 150 years since Citizens State Bank opened its doors, only two families have owned the bank. It was formed in 1873 by the Millikan family, with John Millikan serving as the bank’s first president, starting an association with the family that would span five generations before being purchased by the Maddox family in 1968. Dan Maddox, the current bank Chief Executive Officer, represents the fourth generation of his family to operate the bank.

The Maddox family’s original company, Rural Loan & Savings, was started by Dan’s great-grandfather, Raymond, in 1925. The business was a small consumer finance company that Raymond and his two sons, John R. Maddox and James B. Maddox, grew throughout Indiana and Michigan. In the 1950s, due to major banking legislation and reform, the Maddox family decided to focus on the banking side of the business. The family opened First National Bank in Hartford City and then started to buy up other small banking charters in east central Indiana, ultimately ending with Citizens State Bank in 1968.

In addition to New Castle and Hartford City, Citizens State Bank now has branches in Carmel, Fishers, Knightstown, Pendleton, Rushville and Union City. The New Castle bank building, at the corner of Broad and Main streets, was built in 1923 and expanded in 1973.

Maddox said he had no doubt that from an early age banking was the career path for him. He loved going into the office with his dad and granddad and hearing their stories of the banking business.

“I know a lot of kids really struggle with what they want to do, and I get that, but for me it was in the blood,” he said. “I never felt pressured by my parents to do it, but I gravitated toward it, and I love it.”

Leah Driver, Marketing Project Manager, stands in the doorway of the old vault at Citizens State Bank in New Castle.

COMMUNITY

Community banks like Citizens State Bank have some distinct advantages over larger national banks, Maddox said.

“A system of community banks can be laser focused on certain geographies because they are your neighbors and in the places you live,” he said. “The trust that builds is just so different. And it allows a lot better access to credit for communities that are outside the major metro areas that are already served by the largest banks in the country.”

A recent example of that community focus is Citizens State Bank’s response to business and community needs during the early days of the COVID pandemic, specifically the rapid implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). During PPP, Citizens State Bank advanced funds to 900 area businesses, saving more than an estimated 7,000 local jobs.

“Community banks like ours really jumped on the program to deliver economic response. Bigger banks were a lot slower,” he said. “It was great to be able to jump into action and assist the community.”

Citizens State Bank and its commitment to the community was recognized recently at the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce annual awards gala as Large Business of the Year for 2022.

CHANGE

Banking has seen a lot of changes since the days when tellers used manual change machines and typewriters. During the bank’s 150th celebration, visitors to the bank can view some of the antique banking items on display in the New Castle lobby and at Community Appreciation events to be held throughout the year.

Digital banking advancements over the past two decades have led to some of the biggest changes in the industry, Maddox said.

“What we find is that it is a multi-channeled approach,” he said. “People still want to come into the bank, so banking centers matter, but maybe they don’t want to come in for everything. The role of a banking center has changed from being a transactional hub to more of an informational hub where we’re troubleshooting with customers and coming up with solutions.”

But despite the technological advances, one thing has remained constant through the years – the impact banks make on a community, and on individual lives.

“It’s that moment where you can help a business grow and bring on new employees – or help that first time homebuyer buy that home and start their lives and their families’ lives, or get that first car,” Maddox said. “It’s those monumental events in people’s lives that we get to play an integral part of. To me, that’s the coolest thing about our job.”

We’re advocating for innovators through Entrepreneurship-Led Economic Development (ELED). Learn more at GrowInHenry.com

This collaboration with other community partners includes the Business

Builders workshop series and pitch contest. The 2023 winner is CJ’s Candies.

The Enterprise Loan Fund (ELF) is a revolving loan fund that offers an attainable funding option for local businesses.

Your EDC hosts the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC). They offer free resources and business consulting services.

Inside Citizens State Bank in New Castle today.

New coworking space fosters community & flexibility

STORY BY COURTNEY SCHMOLL | PHOTOS BY KURT HOSTETLER

@TheOffice, Henry County’s first coworking space, is up and running in downtown New Castle. Located at 1112 Broad St., @TheOffice offers a flexible, affordable alternative to the traditional office space.

As the number of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers continues to rise, so too does the popularity of coworking spaces. Shared workplaces like @TheOffice provide individuals and small businesses with the opportunity to collaborate, network, and access a range of amenities.

The 1,155-square-foot @TheOffice building offers open space, private offices, conference rooms, highspeed internet, printers, kitchen facilities, recording/ filming equipment, and more. The space gives a single person or an entire business all the resources of a traditional office.

“@TheOffice offers not just a place to work, but a community of like-minded individuals who can provide support, collaboration, and a sense of belonging,” said Cara Huffman, owner of @TheOffice and realtor/owner of F.C. Tucker/Crossroads in New Castle. “It’s a place where you can grow your business and expand your network, all while enjoying the flexibility and affordability that comes with a shared workspace.”

Freelancers, entrepreneurs, and independent workers in Indiana and beyond continue to prefer smaller, come-as-you-please workspaces to renting large and often-expensive business offices. Rather than being tied to a long-term lease, @TheOffice members can rent a desk, office space, or conference room—and all of the amenities—for as little as an hour or as long as several months. Day passes are also available for $45. Members can access the space seven days a week between 7 am and 9 pm and same-day bookings are often available.

In addition to curating @TheOffice’s menu of

resources and services, Huffman carefully selected the space’s design elements. Modern, spacious, and full of natural light, artwork, comfortable seating, and games, the environment is lively and inviting for its future patrons.

As @TheOffice is now accepting members and conference room bookings, Huffman encourages the New Castle community and beyond to consider trying out the space for upcoming meetings and presentations, or just a place to work for the day.

“I hope that @TheOffice is a place that people can truly get started with their dreams and their visions,” she said. “When great minds come together, great things happen. Don’t be surprised if you get your next big idea, find inspiration, or create something spectacular while working here.”

Henry County’s first coworking space, @TheOffice, located on the upper level of the building at 1112 Broad Street in Downtown New Castle. Photo provided by Cara Huffman.

I hope that @TheOffice is a place that people can truly get started with their dreams and their visions.

’

Cara Huffman settles into the coworking space in downtown New Castle with Tracie Harter.

Cara Huffman, owner of @TheOffice and Realtor & Owner of F.C. Tucker/Crossroads in New Castle.

@TheOffice offers open spaces, conference rooms, a kitchen, printers and high-speed internet. Above, Jonathan Kindred utilizes one of the personal work spaces.

War generals. Floor generals. Manufacturing.

at

New Castle 200

A heart for art. And two centuries of lasting legacies.

New Castle

1819

Asahel Woodward, born in 1791, 25 years after the American Revolution, is the first settler in what is now New Castle.

1823

New Castle is platted and named after New Castle in Henry County, Kentucky.

1841

The Indiana Courier, forerunner of The Courier-Times, now the eighth-oldest newspaper in Indiana, is first published in New Castle.

1853

David Nation, future husband of future temperance leader Carrie Nation, opens a book shop in New Castle.

1864

Henry County’s second courthouse is destroyed by fire.

1869

The third and present Henry County Courthouse is constructed. Cost: $120,000.

1870

Gen. William Grose, who was in many historic battles during the Civil War, has his 16-room home built on what is now S. 14th Street

1886

The Henry County Historical Society is founded in New Castle. It is believed to be the oldest, continuously operating organization of its kind in Indiana.

1897

New Castle artist Frances Goodwin’s bust of U.S. Vice President Schuyler Colfax is placed in our nation’s capital.

In 1901, brothers Myer Heller (left) and Herbert Heller created “the American Beauty Rose,” a flower inspired New Castle’s nickname of “Rose City.”

1902

The former home of Civil War General William Grose is dedicated by the Henry County Historical Society as its new headquarters and museum.

1907

U.S. Vice President Charles Fairbanks is in New Castle for the laying of the cornerstone at the MaxwellBriscoe Automobile Plant, regarded as the largest in the country.

1918

New

1871

President Ulysses S. Grant and family stop in New Castle on their way to Chicago.

1873

Citizens State Bank, the third bank to receive an Indiana charter, opens it doors, three days after the state’s new banking laws went into effect.

1900

Gen. William Grose dies at his home in New Castle. The Civil War general was 87 -- or -somewhat poetically, four score and seven years.

The stately former home of Civil War General William Grose has been the site of the Henry County Historical Society for more than 100 years.

1913

Bus service is brought to New Castle by Ray Ridenour. A national magazine calls him “America’s first bus driver.”

New Castle native Gen. Omar Bundy refuses an order to retreat during the battle of Belleau Wood and his forces repel the enemy, likely saving Paris from capture by the Germans.

General William Grose, stands on the first step (far right) at the Courthouse with the 1885 Henry County Bar Association.

Castle artist Frances Goodwin puts the finishing touches on her bust of U.S. Vice President Schuyler Colfax. The bust remains on display at the U.S. Capitol.

200-YEAR TIMELINE

STORY BY DARREL RADFORD | HENRY COUNTY HISTORIAN

Nothing but an untamed wilderness – 200 years ago – greeted weary travelers from North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Ohio to this place that would be called New Castle.

But roses would bloom. War generals and floor generals would be born. Artists would sculpt and paint iconic images. Largest and finest would be built.

As the Henry County seat celebrates its 200th anniversary, the birthday cake oozes with history.

On April 8, 1823, a new town was officially platted among trees and a river. Formed from 100 acres of land near what is now Broad and Main streets, this place named New Castle was born.

Located in almost the exact center of Indiana’s Henry County, most believe the town was named after

1928

the former home of Ezekiel Leavell: New Castle in Henry County, Kentucky.

Leavell was the first agent appointed to sell land here, and his Kentucky home, 35 miles northeast of Louisville, is one of the oldest in the state. It was settled in the 1790s, less than two decades after America won its independence.

Indiana’s New Castle has its links to the American Revolution:

l Both grandfathers of Gen. William Grose, New Castle’s Civil War hero, served during the Revolutionary War. One died for the cause of American freedom.

l A monument not far from town marks the burial site of Christopher Long, who was in several major Revolutionary War battles and spent the winter of 1777 at Valley Forge. Later in life, he reportedly claimed to stand “thirty steps from

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

1932

1940

Internationally

1959

New Castle Fieldhouse opens and called “the world’s largest and finest high school gymnasium” by IHSAA Commissioner L.V. Phillips.

1983

Steve Alford breaks multiple records by scoring 57 points in the IHSAA Semistate, leading New Castle past Broad Ripple and into the “Elite Eight.”

1990

The new Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame opens.

2009

Donald C. “Danny”

Danielson receives the “Sachem” Award from Gov. Mitch Daniels, the highest award an Indiana citizen can receive.

Timeline providedphotos by:

l Henry County Historical Society

l Doug Magers historical photo collection

l Henry County News Republican archives

l The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame

l Kurt Hostetler/JMG, Chamber Magazine archives

│

Program from the dedication of the “world’s largest and finest” fieldhouse on November 21, 1958.

Kent Benson was named Indiana’s Mr. Basketball in 1973.

Steve Alford was named Indiana’s Mr. Basketball in 1983.

Robert Indiana’s iconic “LOVE” image was the inspiration for a sculpture erected in early 2017 in an area in New Castle named for the artist: Robert Indiana Arts & Cultural District.

Robert Clark was born in New Castle. He became known nationally as the artist Robert Indiana, creator of the LOVE statue that became a U.S. Postage stamp.

New Castle’s boys basketball team wins the Indiana State High School tournament.

known disability rights advocate Helen Keller visits New Castle.

2017 New Castle girls’ volleyball team wins the first of three consecutive state championships.

As the Henry County seat celebrates its 200th anniversary, the birthday cake oozes with history.

Some historians say the actions of New Castle’s Omar Bundy in World War I saved Paris from a German takeover.

Gen. George Washington and saw Gen. Cornwallis surrender his sword.”

l Today, more than 30 men who fought in the Revolutionary War are buried in Henry County.

Grose, whose stately New Castle home has been the site of the Henry County Historical Society for more than 100 years, lived up to his family heritage. The lawyer-and-legislatorturned-general served bravely in the Civil War and historians say “he was where the bullets flew the thickest” – places like Lookout Mountain, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, and Atlanta.

Less than six decades later, another New Castle general would come to the aid of his country.

Omar Bundy, born in New Castle the same year the Civil War started in 1861, would rise in the military ranks to general – one who didn’t always follow orders. During the battle of Belleau Wood in World War I, he refused a French commander’s order to retreat.

Some historians say Bundy’s action probably saved Paris from complete takeover by the Germans and represented a turning point for the U.S. in World War I.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NEW CASTLE & HENRY COUNTY HISTORY:

Henry County Historical Society and Museum

606 South 14th Street New Castle, IN 47362

765-529-4028

henrycountymuseum.org

Visit the historical society’s Facebook page for “This Day In Henry County History” posts published daily.

“We regret being unable on this occasion to follow the counsels of our masters the French,” Bundy said, “but the American flag has been forced to retire. This is unendurable and none of our soldiers would understand they’re not being able to repair a situation which is humiliating to us and unacceptable to our country’s honor. We are going to counterattack.”

New Castle has also been a place of flower power.

In 1901, brothers Myer and Herbert Heller created “the American Beauty Rose,” a flower that became a national status symbol with buds the size of goose eggs and petal counts higher than any other. The flowers were sold across the country and gave New Castle the title “Rose City.” At one time, because of the famous flower, more than 100 greenhouses operated in the city.

But a March 11, 1917, tornado swept through town, killing 21 people, and destroying many of the greenhouses. New Castle’s Rose City reputation faded from the forefront by the 1920s.

Henry County native Darrel Radford is a retired journalist, and spent his career writing and editing for various regional newspapers, including the Courier Times in New Castle. A longtime member and current co-executive director of the Henry County Historical Society, he is the official Henry County Historian appointed by the Indiana Historical Society.