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INDIANA DIVISION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND ARCHAEOLOGY

PreservingIndiana fall/winter 2009

DNR


Indiana Department ofNatural Resources

James A. Glass, Director, Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology

Courthouse Commission responds to Jefferson Co. fire

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A fire badly damaged the historicJefferson County Courthouse in Madison,on May 20. The courthouse, built in1855, is an outstanding example of Clas-sical Revival architecture in the state. Thecounty had nearly finished a restorationof the Italian Renaissance-style dome androof. The fire destroyed the roof, muchof the dome, and the top floor of thecourthouse. At the request of county offi-

cials, two members of the state’s newlyestablished Courthouse Preservation Ad-visory Commission visited immediatelyafter the disaster to provide preliminaryadvice on how to respond. The designated professional engineermember of the Commission, Fritz Herget,a principal with ARSEE Engineers ofFishers, toured the lower floors, observedthe roof from a truck-mounted crane, and

met with local officials. Hergetprovided Julie Berry, presidentof the Jefferson County Boardof Commissioners, with aprompt report that pointed toparticular areas of potentialstructural failure, such as thecharred roof trusses, twoweakened masonry gables,and the dome itself. He alsorecommended attention begiven to stabilizing or remov-ing elements that appeared tobe in danger of failure. Hergetillustrated his report with aportfolio of photographsshowing the areas of greatestconcern. David Duvall, his-torical architect with the Divi-

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Did you know that PreservingIndiana is available on the DHPAWeb-site—and in full color? Areyou a new subscriber or have youmissed an issue? Previous issues arealso available online. We hope that this option will be-come your way to keep informedabout preservation and archaeologynews and topics. In fact, you can help the DHPAreduce the costs by signing up toview the newsletter online in-stead of receiving a copy in themail.

sion of Historic Preservation and Archae-ology, accompanied Herget and madeadditional observations concerning thedamaged architectural features of thecourthouse.

Th cupola, roof and trusses of theJefferson Co. courthouse after theMay 20, 2009 fire. (Photocourtesy of Fritz Herget).

Fire continued on page 14

This publication has been financed with federal funds from the NationalPark Service, U.S. Department of the Interior administered by the IndianaDepartment of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preservation andArchaeology. However, the contents and opinions do not necessarilyreflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior. Regulationsof the Department of the Interior strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination indepartmental federally assisted programs on the basis of race, color, nationalorigin, age, or handicap. Any person who believes that he or she has beendiscriminated against in any program, activity, or facility operated by arecipient of federal assistance should write to the Office of Equal Opportunity,National Park Service, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.

DNRIndiana Department of

Natural Resources

Preserving Indiana fall/winter 2009 • page 2

STATE OF INDIANAMitchell E. Daniels, Jr., Governor

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCESRobert E. Carter, Jr., Director,

State Historic Preservation OfficerRon McAhron, Deputy Director

DIVISION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATIONAND ARCHAEOLOGYJames A. Glass, Ph.D., Director,

Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer*****

Karie A. Brudis, Assistant Director,Environmental Review

Dr. James R. Jones III, State Archaeologist;Archaeology Team Leader

Amy L. Johnson, Senior Archaeologist,Archaeology Outreach Coordinator

Laura R. Black, ArchaeologistCathy A. Carson, Records Check CoordinatorCathy L. Draeger-Williams, Archaeologist

*

John L. Carr, Historic Structures ReviewTeam Leader

Ryan Berger, Environmental Review Log-InCoordinator

Shawn Niemi, Historic Structures ReviewerAdrienne G. Schmetzer, Historic Structures

ReviewerChad W. Slider, Historic Structures ReviewerAshley Thomas, Historic Structures ReviewerMiriam L. Widenhofer, Historic StructuresReviewer

*****

Frank D. Hurdis, Assistant Director,Preservation Services

Paul C. Diebold, Architectural Historian,Survey and Registration Team Leader

Jeannie R. Regan-Dinius, Director, SpecialInitiatives

Amy E. Walker, Architectural HistorianHolly A. Tate, Architectural Historian

*****

Steven D. Kennedy, Assistant Director,Financial Incentives, Administration andPlanning

David B. Duvall,Historical ArchitectMalia D. Vanaman, Associate Grants Manager;

Editor, Preserving Indiana

Preserving Indiana is published semi-annually by the De-partment of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preser-vation and Archaeology. For address changes, please sendyour information to Editor, Preserving Indiana, Departmentof Natural Resources - Division of Historic Preservation andArchaeology, 402 W. Washington Street, W274, Indianapo-lis, IN 46204-2739, or email: [email protected].

From the Director: Of courthouses,Hoosier heritage, rules and bridges

While we continue to devote much of our time to our regular programs that ourreaders are familiar with and possibly have made use of, we also have embarked onsome new activities that we hope enhance public awareness and appreciation of his-toric places and facilitate our environmental review responsibilities. The new Courthouse Preservation Advisory Commission (see p. 1) held its orga-nizational meeting on April 8 and has moved with speed and enthusiasm into its three-year mission of providing technical assistance, public education, and recommenda-tions concerning the state’s 84 historic courthouses. Our division, by statute, providesstaff support for Commission meetings and has also been staffing other activities,together with Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana and the Indiana Office ofCommunity and Rural Affairs. The Commission has formed three committees—tech-nical assistance, education, and communications—and under the leadership of theChair, Chief Justice Randall Shepard, it is developing a work plan for each year untilits mandate ends in 2012. We expect the Commission to stimulate much more publicawareness of the value of these indelible symbols of local government, history, andarchitecture. We also helped coordinate the efforts of 13 state agencies and three non-profitorganizations for the first annual Hoosier Heritage Day (August 13) at the IndianaState Fair. The agencies collaborated to provide fair-goers with about 50 fun andeducational activities. Included were trivia games, scavenger hunts, history and archi-tecture tours of the fairgrounds, Civil War re-enactments, first-person interpretationsof African American history, prehistoric lithic technology demonstrations, “house doc-tor” question and answer, window repair demonstrations, and cemetery preservationtechniques. If you missed it this year, be sure to look for Hoosier Heritage Day at nextyear’s State Fair. On the environmental review side, we have been testing two new temporary rules—one to allow the division to issue clearances to state agencies with construction projectsthat don’t adversely impact state-owned historic properties the other providing fortraining and permits to people probing for cemetery memorials and preserving suchmemorials. So far, both rules seem to be working well. Finally, we have been working with the Indiana Department of Transportation,Federal Highway Administration, and consultants Mead and Hunt in carrying out the2006 Programmatic Agreement (PA) Regarding Management and Preservation ofIndiana’s Historic Bridges. The chief goal of the PA is to provide a listing of “Select”bridges that are “excellent examples of a given type of historic bridge” and “mostsuitable for preservation.” The draft lists of Select and Non-Select Bridges will beready for review and discussion by the agencies and consulting parties in August. Keyconsulting parties include the Historic Spans Task Force, Historic Landmarks Foun-dation of Indiana, the Indiana Association of County Commissioners, and local countyengineers.


Help for Indiana’s historic homeownersDave Duvall, Historical Architect

Since 2002, nearly a hundred Hoo-sier homeowners have been supportedin preservation of their historic residencesby close to $1 million of Indiana stateincome tax credits. These tax creditshave assisted over $5 million worth ofinvestment in qualified preservation, res-toration and rehabilitation costs. Althoughthe state does not collect data on suchadditional investment, there is no doubtthat many more thousands of dollars in-vested in site development and histori-cally sensitive new construction relatedto these projects have been leveragedby this assistance. The income tax ben-efit is equal to 20% of the cost for quali-fied rehabilitation activities, including moststructural, finish, and building systems thataffect the existing structure, both interiorand exterior. To qualify for this tax credit (not tobe confused with similar state and fed-eral programs for income-producingcommercial and rental property) the sub-ject building must be an owner-occupiedresidence. Such a home need not neces-sarily be freestanding. Units within con-dominium buildings may also qualify. Although the property does not haveto be listed on the Indiana Register ofHistoric Sites and Structures before thecommencement of work, the buildingmust be formally registered on this listbefore the tax credit may be certified.Buildings may be individually listed on thestate register as being characteristic andillustrative of a historical style of archi-tecture, type or period of building, or byassociation with an important historicalperson or event; or a building may beconsidered to contribute to a listed his-toric district. Individuals should contactthe Division of Historic Preservation andArchaeology with inquiries aboutwhether their residence is presently listed

Project Profile: John W. Wright House

or considered eligible for the IndianaRegister of Historic Sites and Structures. To access the tax credit assistance, athree-part application is required. Thefirst part of the application determines thatthe property is eligible for the tax creditby being listed on the Indiana Register.The second part describes the work forwhich the credit is to be claimed, and the

third part documents the completed workand testifies as to the costs incurred. Besure to submit the work plan before itsexecution to ensure that the completedwork will be certified as meeting the Sec-retary of the Interior’s Standards for Re-habilitation of Historic Buildings. Pho-

Clockwise from top: Reconstructing the fire-box and chimney in the kitchen; contractorJohn Marsh attaches the mantel; the completedfireplace; the 1860s roof, wood sheathing andnew copper on the house; contractor PatrickCunningham installs a standing seam coopperroof.

Photos courtesy of Donna Weaver.

Tax Credits continued on page 14

Donna Weaver has been lovingly restoringthe John Wright House outside of Vevay inSwitzerland County. The Greek Revivalhouse, constructed in 1836, has wonderfullyexuberant interior details. It was listed on theIndiana Register in January.


For the past 20 years preservation-ists have taken time in October to get to-gether, attend lectures, and visit historicsites at the Cornelius O’Brien Conferenceon Historic Preservation. In 2010, thingswill change. The busy fall season in thepreservation world encouraged us tomove the conference to the spring andnew partners have come on board to re-invigorate and reshape the conference. Iinstead of convening this October forthe Conference, the Division of HistoricPreservation and Archaeology, IndianaUniversity, and Historic LandmarksFoundation of Indiana invite you to Pre-serving Historic Places: Indiana’sHistoric Preservation Conference inApril 7-9, 2010. Join us in New Harmony for moreworkshops, educational sessions, andtours – but the same great mix of preser-vationists, historians, archaeologists, andarchitects. Conference planners are alsoworking to expand the attendance bymarketing to related professional groupsto provide them a better understandingand appreciation of archaeology and ourbuilt environment. Our two keynote speakers for theconference include Paul Goldberger, ar-

Statewide Conference has aNew Name and Date

Jeannie Regan-Dinius, Director of Special Initiatives

chitecture critic for The New Yorker,where, since 1997, he has written themagazine’s celebrated “Sky Line” col-umn. He also holds the Joseph UrbanChair in Design and Architecture at TheNew School in New York City. He wasformerly dean of Parsons School of De-sign, a division of The New School. Hebegan his career at The New York Times,where in 1984 his architecture criticismwas awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Dis-tinguished Criticism, the highest award injournalism. Our second keynote speaker isBernhard Karpf, Associate Partner atRichard Meier & Partners, who willspeak about his firm’s design of the Ath-eneum, the noted Modernist landmark inNew Harmony. Currently he oversees anumber of projects in Germany, includ-ing the Burda Collection Museum inBaden Baden, and the department storefor Peek & Cloppenberg in Mannheim. Program material will be mailed inJanuary 2010, or go to www.IN.gov/dnr/historic for up-to-date informationon the conference program and registra-tion.

Because of the size of the newsletterin Adobe Acrobat Reader (usually a2MB or 3MB PDF file), the DHPA willsimply E-mail you a notice that the news-letter is available on the Web-site, andwill provide a link directly to the new is-sue. If you have an E-mail address atwhich to receive the newsletter announce-ment, please send an E-mail [email protected] and in-clude the name and address at which youcurrently receive the newsletter, so wecan remove that address from the mail-ing list. DHPAConnect is the new E-mail ad-dress for us to communicate outreachpublications or programs, so you mayreceive a couple of other informationalE-mails throughout the year. If youchoose to opt out of any E-mails, exceptfor those for Preserving Indiana, we willaccommodate that request! If you signup to view the newsletter electronically,you will not be removed from any otherDHPA mailing lists, but you will not beinundated with E-mails or spam from theDHPA. Furthermore, we will not sharethe DHPAConnect distribution list withany other agency or organization. Please note that DHPAConnect is nota Listserv, so it will not be an active fo-rum or an avenue to conduct DHPA busi-ness other than notification of outreachpublications or programs. As stewards of the archaeological andbuilt environment, the DHPA is also con-scious of the natural resources used inthe production and distribution of Pre-serving Indiana. As a state agency, wealso try to be responsible stewards ofthe financial resources provided to meetour mission. We hope you’ll help us bysigning up for E-mail notification and readPreserving Indiana online.

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The Mesker storefronts of NewHarmony will be featured forone of the tours during the con-ference. A limited seating tourwill also be offered for the newlyNational Register-listed LST325 docked in Evansville (see ar-ticle on page 11). (Photo cour-tesy of Historic New Har-mony).


Indiana Archaeology Month to focus on ancient artistryAmy Johnson, Senior Archaeologist

Each year, Indiana Archaeology Month features a theme orfocus for the state. In 2009, the skill and artistry of Indiana’s ear-liest peoples will be highlighted. These past arts and crafts peopleswere truly artists and created works of high skill, function, art, andbeauty. Although many people are familiar with what are com-monly called “arrowheads,” (archaeologists use the term “projec-tile points”) they may have never seen some of the outstandingexamples of other types of artifacts that have been discovered inthe state. By highlighting the artistry of these artifacts, and thevariety of types and forms, we hope to illustrate the immense cre-ativity and skill that went into manufacturing these objects, andcontribute to the understanding and appreciation of these culturesand their ancient artistry. The poster design this year features a wonderful array of arti-facts, including elaborate pottery vessels, a projectile point, a shell gorget, two pipes, clay face effigies, and a drilled bear canine.These Indiana artifacts are thousands of years old. More detailed information regarding the artifacts, such as the cultures thatcreated them, their use and significance, their age and discovery, and what they contribute to our knowledge of past peoples, is atwww.IN.gov/dnr/historic.

How can you learn even more about these types of artifacts, theirfunction, and the people who made them? Participate in Archaeol-ogy Month. Each year there are interesting and exciting activities forthe public to attend and participate in. Event information, and detailsabout commemorative posters, T-shirts and much more, can be foundat www.IN.gov/historic. Connecting with archaeologists, attendingevents, going to museums, volunteering at a “dig,” and exploring thevast and varied prehistory of our state are great ways to begin.

Above: During a 2008 Archaeology Month event at Strawtown Koteewi Parkin Hamilton County, Cathy Carson of the DHPA(at right) showed youngvisitors how to screen for artifacts. (Photo courtesy of Cathy Carson). Left: TheIndiana Archaeology Month poster is available from the DHPA. It highlightsthe theme for 2009, which focuses on the artistry of past cultures, the intricacies oftheir pottery, sculpture, and tools. T-shirts with the theme will also be availablefrom the DHPA for $7. The Archaeology Month calendar of events will be postedonline, along with educational materials for all ages.


Malia Vanaman, Associate Grants Manager

Historic Preservation Fund assists local projects

Once again, the Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology is working with local communities and not-for-profit orga-nizations to strengthen Indiana’s historical and cultural heritage through preservation projects. The DHPA has awarded 16 federalgrants for historic preservation to 18 Indiana communities. The grants, totaling $494,793, provide a match of $473,756 in localand state funds, for a total projected investment of $968,549. The federal funds come from the National Park Service, a part ofthe U.S. Department of the Interior, which distributes federal funds to the states through the Historic Preservation Fund Program.Since 1974, the state has awarded more than $16.5 million to Indiana communities through this program.

Adams County: ARCH, Inc., receiveda $27,472 award for a countywide sur-vey to document historic sites, structures,and landscapes throughout AdamsCounty. The survey will cover 339 squaremiles, and is expected to document ap-proximately 1,850 sites for the state’shistoric sites and structures database.

Carroll County: Historic LandmarksFoundation of Indiana received a$26,719 award for a countywide sur-vey to document historic sites, structures,and landscapes throughout CarrollCounty. The survey will cover 402 squaremiles, and is expected to document ap-proximately 2,200 sites for the state’shistoric sites and structures database.

Fort Wayne: The City of Fort WayneCommunity Development received a$27,929 grant to prepare a NationalRegister nomination for the Brookview-Irvington Historic District, which will in-clude approximately 315 contributingproperties. The project will also preparea nomination to the National Register forapproximately 41 parks and 12 boule-vards/parkways in the historic FortWayne Park and Boulevard System.

Architectural and Historical Grants HPF FY 2010grant applications

are available Application Packets for the FY 2010Historic Preservation Fund matchinggrant program are available. Interestedapplicants can request a packet from theDHPA grants staff or download an ap-plication from: www.IN.gov/dnr/his-toric (under Featured Items) and alsoat the Web-site for State Forms OnlineCatalog: www.in.gov/icpr/webfile/formsdiv. There are three project cat-egories: “Architectural and Historical”(paper-based projects such as countysurveys, National Register nominations,public education products, feasibilitystudies), “Archaeological” (surveys, in-vestigations, National Register nomina-tions, public education programs), “Ac-quisition and Development” (rehabilita-tion activities). When requesting an ap-plication packet, please specify the cat-egory. The Grants Staff is available togive guidance on preparing a proposal.The grant application deadline is 5 p.m.on Friday, October 2, 2009. This is nota postmark deadline. Grant proposalsmust be received at the DHPA by thistime—late submissions cannot be ac-cepted.

Franklin County: Historic LandmarksFoundation of Indiana received a$26,735 award for a countywide surveyto document historic sites, structures, andlandscapes throughout Franklin County.The survey will cover 386 square miles,and is expected to document approxi-mately 1,400 sites for the state’s historicsites and structures database.

New Albany: The City of New Albanyreceived a $3,500 grant to prepare a Na-tional Register of Historic Places nomi-nation for the Hedden Park/HeddenCourt Historic District, which includes ap-proximately 45 contributing resources,and an individual nomination for the Wil-liam Young House.

Parke, Tipton, and Union counties:Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indi-ana received $15,829 to publish the re-sults of the countywide historic sites andstructures survey of Benton, Newton, andPulaski counties conducted in 2008-2009.

Wells County: ARCH, Inc. received$6,415 to publish the results of thecountywide historic sites and structuressurvey of Wells County conducted in2008-2009.


HPF Grants continued on page 8

Acquisition and Development Grants

Indianapolis: Footlite Musicals, Inc., received a $36,750 grant torehabilitate the exterior masonry, including 12 chimneys and the roofparapet, and the four iron balconies and fire escape on the PearsonBuilding of the Hedback Community Arts Center.

Huntington: The Huntington Historic Preservation Review Board received a $50,000grant to rehabilitate several masonry features at the 1923 Sunken Gardens in Huntington.The gardens were created in a former quarry and feature fieldstone bridges, columns,ponds and decorative plantings.

Hancock County: The American Military HeritageFoundation received a $50,000 grant for the replace-ment of the right engine on the PV-2 Harpoon aircraft,also known as “Hot Stuff.” The PV-2 Harpoon was amedium maritime anti-submarine patrol bomber used byboth the Navy and the Marines throughout the Pacific inWorld War II. Replacement of the engine will return “HotStuff” to flying condition.

Without an operational right engine, “Hot Stuff” is land-bound.The engine replacement will help the American Military HeritageFoundation put the aircraft back in the skies, and on the air showcircuit to interpret and educate the public about WWII aircraft andtheir contributions to the war effort. (Photo DHPA).

The Hedback Community Arts Cen-ter complex includes the 1893 PearsonBuilding which is home to The Epi-logue Players theater group. The ma-sonry structure includes a roof parapetand 12 chimney structures that showsevere pointing loss, brick damage andbrick loss. (Photos DHPA).

The Sunken Gardens is a unique de-signed landscape. Several features haveundergone rehabilitation recently, in-cluding the East Footbridge, which wasassisted with an HPF Grant in 2008.The 2009 grant will rehabilitate twoof the main masonry staircases thatprovide access to and within the park,and will also stabilize the masonry re-taining wall along the pedestrian ac-cess tunnel under West Park Drive.(Photos DHPA).


Whiting: The City of Whiting Parks & Recreation Department received a $50,000 grant to update the obsolete and unsafeelectrical systems in the 1923 Whiting Community Center. The Center was built by the Rockefeller family and Standard OilCompany as a memorial for those who fought in World War I and to provide a recreation, entertainment and social activity venuefor Whiting, home of the oil company’s largest refinery. The facility covers more than 70,000 square feet and includes twogymnasiums, an indoor track, a 12-lane bowling center, indoor swimming pool, billiards room, a 700-seat auditorium, a ballroom,two banquet halls, and a variety of fitness areas.

Petersburg: The Pike County Commissioners received a $46,050 grant to stabilize and restore the stained glass dome of thePike County Courthouse. The stained glass panels are deteriorated, the dome has structural flaws, and metal fatigue has weak-ened the supports, all of which were exacerbated by the April 2008 earthquake.

The Pike County Courthouse stained glass dome is a significant and stunning feature in the building, however, installation methods contributed to failures

of the metal and glass system and have threatened the stability of the structure. The April 2008 earthquake further damaged the dome to the extent that a

debris net was installed in the rotunda to protect the public if any pieces dislodged and to help retain any pieces that came loose. The photo on the right shows

the deflection visible between the dome’s glass sections. (Photos DHPA).

The electrical systems in the Whiting Center are not only outdated, allowing for a possibility of electrical failure which would force the building to shut

down, but also have devloped into an unsafe hodgepodge of systems, with some panels in publicly accessible areas. Updating the electrical system is crucial

for the continued use of the building and to verify compliance with safety codes and eliminate the liability of the outmoded units. (Photos DHPA).

Acquisition and Development grants (continued)


Archaeology Grants

Allen and Hamilton counties: The Ar-chaeological Survey of IPFW receiveda $48,939 grant to conduct an archaeo-logical investigation of two sites in Allenand Hamilton counties. The sites repre-sent large and important elements of theLate Prehistoric Western Basin settlementsystem.

Clark County: The Archaeological Sur-vey of IPFW received a $43,730 grantto conduct archaeological investigationsin Clark County, including two majorMississippian sites. This area containsimportant resources ranging from thePaleoindian to historic periods and is ex-periencing rapid development pressure.

Posey County: Indiana University’s De-partment of Anthropology received a$24,751 grant to conduct investigationsat two reported but uninvestigatedYankeetown phase archaeological sites:Dead Man’s Curve and the SquirrelHunter Site, and will also conduct recon-naissance survey in the area. If eligibilityis determined, one of the sites may alsobe nominated to the National Register ofHistoric Places.

Spencer County: The DNR Division ofState Parks and Reservoirs was awarded$9,974 to conduct archaeological re-search at Lincoln State Park in SpencerCounty. Archaeological testing will focuson three areas significant to Lincoln’s lifein Indiana: Colonel Jones’ property, theGordon Homestead, and the presumedlocation of the Gordon horse-mill, andwill include opportunities for public par-ticipation and educational presentations.

Preserving Indiana newsletter to get sympathetic remodel

They say that change is inevitable,except from a vending machine. Well,changes are coming for Preserving In-diana. The DHPA’s Outreach Commit-tee has been reviewing and discussingwhat information Preserving Indianaprovides to our readers and whether it isthe best option for disseminating that in-formation. As the committee reviews andmakes changes, you may find that someof the standard components of the news-letter are no longer included. This will bemostly because the Web-site or other av-enue is a faster, more time-sensitive andultimately better way to report preserva-tion and archaeology news. We hope youwill bookmark www.IN.gov/dnr/his-toric. Once upon a time, before Webs-itesand E-mail blasts, the DHPA newsletterwas the primary way to announce up-coming events in preservation and archae-


ology. However, Preserving Indiana isonly published twice a year, so it’s notthe best avenue for communicating time-sensitive information. One of the segmentsof the newsletter that is being retired is“Upcoming Events.” The DHPA Web-site’s Event Calendar will have updatedinformation on the “goings-on” throughthe DHPA, including Review Board andIndiana Freedom Trails meetings, as wellas Archaeology and Preservation Monthevents, and other conferences, work-shops, or training opportunities. Some of you may also remember theDHPA’s publication, Historic Indiana,which was published periodically and in-cluded of all the properties listed in theNational and State Registers. This publi-cation has been replaced with a Web-site listing of National and State Regis-ter-listed properties that is easily updatedas nominations are approved

(www.IN.gov/dnr/historic/3654.htm).The National Register Listing section ofthe newsletter had been a way to supple-ment Historic Indiana twice a year, butthis section has also become obsolete. Wewill to give our readers a more in-depthglimpse of the properties and districts thatare listed, so look forward to NationalRegister profiles rather than a list of newlyregistered properties. Are there other things you would liketo see in the newsletter? The DHPA Out-reach Committee welcomes your sugges-tions for topics, articles, questions, or justyour thoughts and comments! Send anE-mail to [email protected].


Jeannie Regan-Dinius, Director of Special Initiatives

Lyons Cemetery gets help from preservation workshop

Years of neglect, vandalism, lack ofexpertise, and apathy can wreak havocon a cemetery. Without continued main-tenance to remove shrub and trees, theroots of which get into the grave shaft,keeping weeds and other plants low so

people can get to the stones, and keep-ing lichen and mold off the stones causesthe cemetery to slowly fall apart. In ad-dition, people move stones to make iteasier to mow, kids topple stones for“fun,” and caretakers use harmful chemi-cals and concrete to “fix” the stones. Allof this combined damages a cemetery –most people think beyond repair. But,luckily, with some know how and a lotof elbow grease, these outdoor testa-ments of our heritage can be saved andbrought back to a place of respect andhonor. In 2006, the new Township Trusteefor White River Township in JohnsonCounty contacted the DHPA. He hadjust taken office and a constituent wantedto know what he was going to do aboutthe Lyons Cemetery. Years of neglect,abuse, and vandalism meant every stonewas either moved or broken. He knew

he should do something, but just did nothave the knowledge to do it. Cemetery and burial ground registrycoordinator Jeannie Regan-Dinius visitedthe site and agreed the cemetery was inawful shape, probably one of the worst

in the state. But, she knewsomething could be done.Stones could be cleaned, re-paired, and reset. The prob-lem was not expertise; thereare several professional cem-etery restorers in the state.The problem was money.Township trustees are re-sponsible for several parts oflocal government, includingpoor relief, fire protection,and some cemetery mainte-nance. In White RiverTownship, the previousTrustee had not budgeted

enough money to fix the cemetery, esti-mated at over $35,000. The DHPA had a way to help. Thecemetery was not eligible for the NationalRegister of Historic Places, so grant fundscould not be used, but each year theDHPA co-sponsors with the Indiana His-torical Society a cem-etery preservationworkshop. Individualsfrom around the state(and even from out ofstate) come to learnabout cemetery-relatedlaws, probing regula-tions, and proper tomb-stone restoration. InMay, about 60 peoplegather to learn the ba-sics and then reunite inAugust to learn ad-vanced techniques. The

situation at Lyons Cemetery made it aperfect option for the workshop: a lot ofwork needed to be accomplished and theworkshop would provide the participantsand the training. So the beginners’ work-shop convened at the Lyons Cemetery. In May 2008, we got port-o-johns,water buffalos (as fresh water is neededin the cleaning phases of stone repair),and workshop participants. Theyscrubbed stones, probed for buriedpieces, learned proper “gluing” tech-niques, and worked hard. The Township Trustee also allocatedmoney in the 2009 budget to get the cem-etery completed. He hired John “Walt”Walters, one of the preeminent stone re-storers in the state, to finish the work thatremained. Today, the cemetery is onceagain a respectable place for our Hoo-sier pioneers to rest. If you would like to learn more aboutcemetery preservation or to learn aboutthe next beginners’ workshop, go towww.IN.gov/dnr/historic/3744.htm orcall us at (317) 234-1268.

Top left: Lyons Cemetery before the PreservationWorkshop. Below: The cemetery in July 2009,after the Workshop and the restoration services ofJohn Walters. (Photos DHPA).


The Ohio River, as it bends pastEvansville, seems like a peaceful, eventimeless place. That changed in2005, when a battle-worn warshipstarted prowling. But don’t bealarmed, it’s one of ours. USS LST325, a World War II ship, is oneof Indiana’s latest listings on theNational Register of HistoricPlaces. Docked in Evansville, thisfully functioning ship is a living les-son in America’s contributions tothe victory of Allied forces in WorldWar II. Very few of us think of the timewhen the Ohio River played amajor role in our national defense. Cer-tainly, the Ohio was a significant factor inthe Civil War, but, think instead of WorldWar II. Military planners deemedEvansville’s location, with access tothe Gulf via the Mississippi, rail ac-cess, and proximity to highways asan ideal place for heavy industry.Evansville was safe from maraudingU-boats or foreign sabotage efforts.Furthermore, Evansville had a ship-building tradition and facilities thatcould be used to build and assembleboats. That’s why it was one of fewplaces chosen to build the LST –short for Landing Ship Tank. Today,you can experience this history whenyou tour LST 325 docked at Evansville,Indiana. Though it was built at the NavalShipyards in Philadelphia, LST 325 isidentical to those built in Evansville. Theship was located in New Orleans, butafter consideration, the non-profit groupthat owns the ship, LST 325 Memorial,Inc, decided to move the ship to Evans-ville. DHPA staff immediately contactedthe owner to gauge interest in having theship listed in the National Register of His-

Paul Diebold, Architectural Historian

LST 325 listed in the National Register of Historic Places

toric Places. DHPA staff assisted the ef-fort by providing research, editing and

photography, but ultimately, it was theLST 325 Memorial, Inc. board’s deci-sion and research that moved the appli-cation forward.

LSTs are odd ships. Designed to carry18 Sherman tanks, their crews, and hun-dreds of soldiers, 4 smaller LCVPs (land-ing craft) and cargo, the LST may seemungainly. Its top speed of 12 knots wasn’tgoing to win any races. One feature thatsometimes raises alarm in visitors is thebow. It actually hinges open at the sides,and a ramp can be lowered, allowingtanks to roll into combat directly from theship. Into action, from the water? No, this

massive ship truly went where no ship itssize went before – ashore. An array of

winches and anchors allowcrew to beach the ship, unload,and pull back into deeper wa-ters. So what it lacked in therefinements of naval architec-ture, the LST more than madeup for by delivering the goods.More than amazing is the factthat LST 325 can still performnearly all the tasks it was com-missioned to do in 1942. The LST was born of ne-cessity. With the fall of Francein 1940 and initial Japanese

successes following the Pearl Harbor at-tack, the Allies had no secure ports fromwhich to invade and recapture territory.Worse still, Nazi invasion of the Soviet

Union in 1942 was rapidly knockingthe Soviets out of the war. Withoutfirst securing and repairing a port, theAllies would have no way to unloadheavy equipment to support an inva-sion. Time was against the Allies. Nonation had ever tried to design, build,and crew a fleet of such sophisticatedvessels, much less do it all within thetime frame of one year. Yet, from thetime of request from the British Ad-miralty in November, 1941 it wasonly June of 1942 when the firstLSTs were completed by U.S. work-

ers. LST 325 is one of the few of its kindleft in the world. A strong part of the drawof this ship is its history. LST 325 wasthere for the invasion of Sicily on July 11,1943; carrying elements of the U.S. 1st

LST continued on page 13

Top: The LST 325 is docked in Evansville and

available to tour. Lower: A rare view of the ve-

hicle bay doors open. (Photos DHPA).


National Register ListingsHolly Tate, Architectural Historian

This list includes all Indiana properties and archaeological sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places betweenFebruary 2009 and June 2009. The National Register is the nation’s official list of historical and cultural properties that are worthyof preservation. The DHPA processes all National Register applications for Indiana properties. This list is arranged by county andincludes the historic property name, period of significance, location, and areas of significance for which the property is eligible. Forall sites in Indiana listed in the National Register of Historic Places, go to www.IN.gov/dnr/historic.

**Indicates nominations that were completed as part of the DHPA and Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana’s HistoricCourthouse Initiative.

Questions?Call the DHPA National Register

staff: (317) 232-1646or go to the DHPA Web site:

www.IN.gov/dnr/historic

Boone CountyTraders Point Hunt Rural HistoricDistrict, 1847-1958(Eagle Township and Pike Township,Indiana MPS)Zionsville vicinityAgriculture, Exploration/Settlement,Entertainment/Recreation

Clinton CountySouth Frankfort Historic District,c.1875-1940FrankfortArchitecture, Community Planning andDevelopment

Franklin CountySalmon Turrell Farmstead, c.1830West Harrison vicinityArchitecture, Exploration/Settlement

Hancock CountyLincoln Park School, 1926-1959(Indiana’s Public Common and HighSchools MPS)GreenfieldArchitecture, Education

Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon No. 37396,1945Mount ComfortMilitary, Engineering

Hendricks CountyOra Adams House, 1883-1900DanvilleEducation

Huntington CountyChenoweth-Coulter Farm, 1866-1948LaFontaine vicinityArchitecture, Agriculture

Lake CountyThe following were listed under the“Concrete in Steel City: The EdisonConcept Houses of Gary Indiana”Multiple Property Document:

American Sheet and Tin Mill ApartmentBuilding, 1910-1958GaryArchitecture, Community Planning andDevelopment, Engineering, Invention

Jackson-Monroe Terraces HistoricDistrict, 1910-1957GaryArchitecture, Community Planning andDevelopment, Engineering, Invention

Monroe Terrace Historic District,1910-1958GaryArchitecture, Community Planning andDevelopment, Engineering, Invention

Polk Street Terraces Historic District,1910-1957GaryArchitecture, Community Planning andDevelopment, Engineering, Invention

Marion CountyGibson Company Building, 1917-1958IndianapolisArchitecture, Industry

HCS Motor Car Company, 1920-19271402 N. Capitol Ave.IndianapolisArchitecture, Industry

Traders Point Eagle Creek RuralHistoric District, c.1830-1956(Eagle Township and Pike Township,Indiana MPS)Indianapolis vicinityAgriculture, Exploration/Settlement,Entertainment/Recreation, Architecture

Switzerland County**Switzerland County Courthouse,1864-1958VevayPolitics/Government, Architecture

Vanderburgh CountyUSS LST 325 (tank landing ship),1925-1945EvansvilleMilitary, Engineering


REMEMBER!Listing DOES:

Give a property prestige.Provide eligibility to non-profit

properties for preservation grants.Provide eligibility to home- and

business-owners for rehabilitation taxcredits.

Listing DOES NOT:Prevent owners from altering their

property.Restrict the use or sale of the

property.Establish times the propertymust be open to the public.

Armored Division ashore. Salerno, Italy was the next call on September 13, 1943,when she carried the 40th British Royal Tank Regiment into action. On D-Day, June 6,1944, LST 325 helped bring the war to Nazi Germany. Serving as part of the backupforce for Omaha Beach, LST 325 landed troops in support of the invasion. In all,

LST 325 made 44 round-trips betweenEngland and Normandy during the monthsthat followed, supplying men and materielfor the liberation of France. LST 325 andher crew earned two battle stars duringthe war. It’s hard not to feel that history asyou walk the decks of the ship today. The rescue of this ship was almost asmuch a testament of the will of the humanspirit as its battle record. Along with a num-ber of her sister ships, the U.S. govern-ment had donated LST 325 to the GreekNavy. Such ships were ideal for a mari-time nation such as Greece. But after de-cades of use, all had been retired. USSLST Ship Memorial, Inc., secured volun-teers and international approval to find thebest preserved LST in Greek hands. With

support and approval, the volunteers repaired and supplied the ship. They enduredtemperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and limited comforts, despite the fact the

Above left: A Higgins boat, formally known as

an LCVP (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel) is

displayed on the LST, which carried several dur-

ing active duty. Higgins boats are shallow- draft,

barge-like boats that could ferry 36 men ashore

and were used extensively during WWII. Below:

A local color guard was on hand for a LST Week

memorial service on August

5, 2009. The DHPA’s Paul

Diebold officially presented

LST Ship Memorial, Inc.

with a National Register

Certificate. (Photos cour-

tesy of Paul and Peggy

Diebold).

LST continued from page 11.

crew of 30 had an average age of 72.They sailed back across the Atlantic toMobile, Alabama, arriving January 10,2001. Since then, USS LST Ship Memorialand its volunteers have maintained the shipand restored many features. Evidence ofthe Greek Navy’s use remains, includinga Greek flag painted on an interior walland systems controls labeled in Greek.In 2005, the non-profit owners of the shipdecided that the story of the LST mightreceive more publicity in the heartland,where so many of them were built. Thedecision was made, the Midwest wouldbe “invaded” from the Mississippi, up theOhio, to Evansville. Since then, the grouphas toured the upper Midwest, taking theship on the Mississippi or on the Ohio, tobe received at any number of river towns. Visiting the USS LST Ship Memorial:USS LST 325, 840 LST Drive, Evans-ville, IN 47713 812-435-8678. There isa fee for touring the ship. Make sure#325 isn’t out on tour by calling first.Dress for the weather since heating andcooling are usually not possible. The shipis docked on the east riverfront edge oftown. Be sure to leave time to tourEvansville’s remarkable historic districts.Check www.lstmemorial.org for moreinformation and availability.


tographs of the before-and-after condi-tions of the building are required to docu-ment the change in character affected bythe work and that the work has met thehistoric preservation standards. Ordinarily, the cost measurement andrecapture period for the project is limitedto 24 months (two years). However, upto 60 months of cost accumulation maybe allowed when the project is filed as aseries of phases. A taxpayer may receiveincome tax credit on a phase-by-phasebasis after the program’s minimum expen-diture of $10,000 has been exceeded, en-abling accelerated claim of the credits ina multi-phase project. The program doesnot limit the number of times that a tax-payer may take advantage of these cred-

Fire continued from page 1.

On June 4, Ron Ross, designated professional architect member of the Com-mission and project manager at the Fort Wayne firm of Martin Riley Architectsand Engineers, also visited Madison and inspected damaged architectural fea-tures and ornamentation. Ross provided a report to Berry soon after, illustratingwith additional photos the details that required stabilization or preservation, andoffered recommendations for addressing each. In particular, he drew attentionto the need to document surviving architectural details on the charred dome anddrum for possible replication during restoration. The advice provided by the Commission was helpful to county representa-tives and to local preservation organizations. Berry said that the advice ofHerget and Ross “assisted us in deciding on what to do next.” John Staicer,executive eirector of Historic Madison, said “the new Indiana CourthousePreservation Commission has been a great aide to all of us in Jefferson County.” The Commission is developing its work plan for assisting counties state-wide and public awareness of the value of historic courthouses over the nextthree years. It will provide preliminary technical assistance to counties withquestions about the maintenance, rehabilitation, preservation, and restorationof such courthouses. The Commission also plans to provide educational ad-vice on common issues facing counties with courthouses through presenta-tions to conferences and statewide meetings of county officials and othersinterested in the landmark structures. More information is available at: www.IN.gov/dnr/historic. Requests fortechnical assistance by county officials may be sent to David Duvall, Histori-cal Architect, Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology, 402 W. Wash-ington Street, Room 274, Indianapolis, IN, 46204 (E-mail:[email protected]).

its. As long as the cost of qualified workincluded in a project exceeds the requiredminimum, it may be filed as a separateapplication. After certification by the DHPA ofcompleted work, the credit may be filedon a Schedule 2 attachment to the IT-40income tax return. Related work affect-ing the building site and outbuildings isspecifically excluded from eligibility forthese tax credits, although other federaland/or state tax credit opportunities mayapply if accessory structures are relatedto income-producing uses. When the oc-cupancies of the dwelling mingle income-producing and private residential func-tions, such tax credits may be filed basedon proportional distribution of its func-tions.

Tax Credits continued from page 3.

Check Preservation and Archaeologyevents at the DHPA’s Web site:www.IN.gov/dnr/historic.

The Indiana Freedom Trails meetsquarterly in January, April, July, andOctober. Contact the DHPA fordates, times and locations.

The Indiana Historic Preserva-tion Review Board meets quarterlyin January, April, July, and October.Contact the DHPA for specific dates,times, and locations.

Indiana Archaeology Month isSeptember 2009. The DHPA andother organizations will sponsor ac-tivities around the state. For more in-formation go to: www.IN.gov/dnr/historic.

Friends of the Network toFreedom Annual Meeting(Underground Railroad) willconvene in Indianapolis September16-19, 2009. For more information:www.indianafreedomtrails.org.

A street view of the Jefferson County Courthouseafter the fire. (Photo DHPA).

UPCOMINGEVENTS


In the fall/winter 2008 issue of Pre-serving Indiana, we reported on the de-struction of the 1886 Moscow coveredbridge by a June 2008 tornado. A year later, a largely volunteer efforthas raised 75 percent of the $1.4 millionneeded to rebuild the landmark and pic-turesque bridge. The rebuilding campaignis being led by Gov. Mitch Daniels andJim Schellinger, president of CSO Archi-tects. Rush County Heritage, Inc., a non-profit preservation organization, is man-aging the Moscow Bridge RestorationFund. Reusable timbers were salvaged fromthe remains of the bridge, which will re-duce the cost to rebuild. In addition, theDepartment of Natural Resources’ Divi-sion of Forestry is donating new timber,

Efforts continue to rebuild Moscow Bridge

Amy Johnson, Archaeology Outreach Coordinator

Changes to Indiana Code (IC) 14-21-1 last year authorized the creation of theArcheology Preservation Trust Fund.Section 34 provides that the Division ofHistoric Preservation and Archaeology(DHPA) may conduct a program with thisfund to assist private homeowners whohave accidentally discovered an artifact,a burial object, or human remains and whoneed assistance to comply with an ap-proved plan to excavate or secure the sitefrom further disturbance. State law protects archaeological siteson both private and public property. Thisfund is intended to assist in the preserva-tion of archaeological resources that areaccidentally discovered on private prop-erty. In the past, ground-disturbing activi-ties have accidentally uncovered artifactsand human remains, and the resulting ar-

and project engineer Dan Barker andParke County bridge builder Dan Collomare contributing part of their fees to off-set costs. “We believe the bulk of thebridge’s skeleton will be completed bythe end of this summer,” said WayneGoodman, eastern regional director ofHistoric Landmarks Foundation. Meanwhile, Larry Stout, president ofRush County Heritage and others hopethat volunteers will help make up the re-maining $360,000 that needs to be raised.“The Moscow covered bridge rebuildingproject reaffirms two of Indiana’s mostvaluable resources—the historic land-marks that make Hoosier places uniqueand Hoosiers who band together forworthwhile causes,” Stout said.

chaeology required under IC 14-21-1had associated costs. In order to assistlandowners, professional archaeologistshave sometimes conducted the investiga-tions on a limited volunteer basis; how-ever, this is not always possible. Oncesufficient donations are received, this TrustFund will be available to provide somefinancial assistance in future situations. The public is able to help the DNR-DHPA with this important task. UnderSection 34 of the statute, the DHPA mayreceive gifts and grants as sources ofmonies for the fund. Members of the pub-lic may make contributions and add tothe small amount of funds that have al-ready been accepted. To learn more about Indiana Code14-2-1-1, go to www.in.gov/legisla-tive/ic/code/title14/ar21/ch1.html. The

DHPA Web-site, www.in.gov/dnr/his-toric, is a great place to read more aboutour state’s irreplaceable archaeologicalresources. A contribution to this fund canhelp make a difference in the preserva-tion and understanding of Indiana’s past.We hope that you will consider becom-ing a partner in this important effort toprotect the past for the future.

Archeology Preservation Trust Fund


To donate, make checks or moneyorders out to the Archeology Preser-vation Trust Fund and send to the fol-lowing address:Archeology Preservation Trust Fund,Division of Historic Preservation andArchaeology, 402 W. WashingtonStreet, Room W274, Indianapolis, IN46204-2739

Tax-deductible contributions arebeing accepted by Rush CountyHeritage, Attn. Moscow BridgeRestoration Fund, Main SourceBank, PO Box 249, Rushville, IN46173.

If you have a question about the project,contact Wayne Goodman at HistoricLandmarks Foundation, 765-478-3172,or [email protected].

DNR-DHPA402 West Washington Street, Room W274Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2739

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

402 West Washington Street, Room W274 • Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2739Phone: 317-232-1646 • Fax: 317-232-0693Email: [email protected] • www.IN.gov/dnr/historic


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PreservingIndiana fall/winter 2009

DNRIndiana Department of

Natural Resources


The fourth (and first electronic) volume of the Indiana Archaeology Journal will be published online through the DHPA’sWeb-site. This volume presents articles on the exciting archaeology that is occurring throughout Indiana. Projects that receivedfinancial assistance through the Historic Preservation Fund grant program were required to submit articles for publication as a wayto share their important activities and discoveries with other archaeologists and the general public. The Journal also includes acouple of non-grant funded articles on public archaeology and outreach, and on INDOT’s relocation of the Wright-Whitesell-Gentry Cemetery. Go to www.IN.gov/dnr/historic to check out the journal of Indiana Archaeology, Vol. 4, No. 1.

Electronic Volume of Indiana Archaeology Journal Online

indiana department of natural resources indiana · james a. glass, director, division of historic...

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