Community Pride & Historic Preservation in Cass County

Community Pride and Historic Preservation in Cass County

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story by ANGIE LALLA, Executive Director Cass County Visitors Bureau photos by RICH VOORHEES STUDIO

DDriving through Cass County, looking at the architecture, it becomes very obvious that the county has a very rich history.

Once an important trade route owing to the

Michigan Road, Wabash-Erie Canal, and the railroads, Cass County was also a part of the early automotive history of Indiana, namely Bendix and the ReVere. While the automobile boom ended in the early 1900s, the story doesn’t end there. In a world of constant changes, the area has stood the test of time, continuously evolving, while maintaining pride in its history.

The early leaders were entrepreneurial dreamers and wanted to make this a unique place to live. That dream still lives on in the heart of the residents of the cities, towns and farms of Cass County. County residents Matt & Katya Swisher, owners of Bonus Pints, a bar arcade in Logansport, said, “We chose Logansport as the place for our business because we love how our community supports small businesses! It’s a great feeling being able to build a connection with the customers and our children making friends with their families as well. We’re proud to be able to call Logansport home.”

Paul Willham and Greg Drake were looking at a five-state radius for a location to settle down and establish their business. They fell in love with the rich history of Logansport. They saw the potential in the building at 630 South 15th Street, bought it, and converted it to Victorian Antiquities and Design, a gallery-like antique shop. Paul has been busy restoring the building to its former glory along with running a very successful business. Greg says small town living is what attracted them to settle down here. Both are very passionate about preserving the history

CLOCKWISE: River Bluff Trail at Riverside Park Immigrant Statue at Heritage Park Cole Fountain on Bankers Row in Downtown Logansport

of Logansport and are active members of Historic Landmarks and Preservation Association. (Victoriananitiquitiesanddesign. blogspot.com).

Born in Logansport, Richard Voorhees relocated when he was 18 years old. He returned after two years to help his father, thinking he would stay for a couple of months. Once back, he realized what he had been missing--the ease of going to work in the morning, the daily experiences

of living in a small town, the possibilities and opportunities to further his craft at his photography studio (Voorheesstudio.com). Wanting to become a contributing member of the community, he has been an active member in various civic organizations.

Jason Myers is a very successful artist who has traveled all over the world (myersdesigninc.com & jasonmyersart. com). He grew up on a 180-acre farm and moved away to get an education. But the charm and convenience of small-town living beckoned this world-renowned artist ever made. Watching downtown’s evolution and growth over the last eight years, and knowing I played some small part in that, is truly amazing.”

For Stacie Angle, owner of People’s Winery, starting a business in Cass County was an easy choice, since, in her words, “My family is here, my friends are here, my heart is here.”

Scott Johnson, owner of Black Dog Coffee & Legacy Outfitters got a teaching job here and thought he would stay for a few years. He ended up teaching for 28 years. He made quite a few connections during his stay, and when he decided to start his own business, he wanted it to be here.“I didn’t grow up here, but this became my community.,” Scott said. “I wanted to provide everyone with a gathering space.” What sets Cass County apart are the people, sense of community, and a cohesive effort working together for the betterment of the county. Today, you’ll see people on electric scooters in downtown Logansport, downtown buildings being renovated, and new projects are underway. You’ll see a community where preserving the history is just as important as keeping up with the times.

back home to Logansport, though he still maintains houses in Cabo, Alaska and Zwolle.

Kevin Burkett, President & CEO of The Historic State Theatre Preservation Society is a Logansport native who moved away for seventeen years to pursue a career on the East Coast. He wrote a book about Logansport’s history while living in Philadelphia, then jumped at the opportunity to buy the State Theatre and try to save Logansport’s only remaining historic theatre. “It’s one of the best decisions I

CLOCKWISE: Canoeing on the Wabash River at Little Turtle Waterway Fireworks over the Eel River at Riverside Park Music Preformance at The Historic State Theater

– Something for everyone

Logan’s Landing’s Taste of Logansport Downtown Logansport • logansslanding.com Logan’s Landing presents the return of the Taste! From 5-11 pm on Saturday August thirteenth, downtown Logansport is the place to be for food & drink vendors, live music, adult beverages, and a Kids Korner with free activities for the youngsters. Admission is just $2 per person or $5 per family. People’s Winery 414 S. 3rd St. • Logansport, IN 46947 People’s Winery provides a cozy atmosphere where you can taste wines, share a glass/bottle with friends or take some home. While visiting, be sure to check out our local art and gifts. Watch facebook for live music events. Thursday 2-8; Friday 2-8; Saturday 11-7; Sunday 11-4

Bonus Pints & The Record Farm 422 East Broadway • Logansport • bonuspintslogansport.com Music. Games. Food. Beer. A craft beer and wine spin on the classic arcade is what you’ll find at Bonus Pints. Tons of free and coin play arcade games. Open to ALL ages. Sharing space is The Record Farm, Cass County’s only independent record store.

Black Dog Coffee, Gifts and Tavern 116 S. 6th St. • Logansport • blackdoglegacy.com Our business is a rustic coffee shop in downtown Logansport that brings more than coffee to the table. Sip an espresso while browsing our local handcrafted gifts, unwind with a drink at Black Dog Tavern, or attend our Live Music Events.

Cass County Historical Society Logansport • Jerolaman-Long Home • 1004 E. Market St. casscountyhistory.org The Cass County Historical Society invites you to connect with our local history! Visit the 1853 Jerolaman-Long Home to view our astonishing collection of local historical artifacts, on display throughout twenty beautifully appointed rooms. There is something for everyone to enjoy in this nationally recognized historic property.

VISIT-CASSCOUNTY.COM • LOGANSPORT, INDIANA Bodyworks Studio & Empower Wellness Cafe 213 S. 3rd St. • Logansport • bodyworks-studio.com Bodyworks Studio & Empower Wellness Cafe is like a retreat, a place to reconnect with your inner peace in a world of chaos. Drop-in for a yoga class, then step into the new Empower Cafe for cold pressed juice, a locally sourced salad or avocado toast. Check out the Local Food Store or the on-site gardens.