History-related groups meet to discuss common issues, goals
By Jennifer Archibald Staff writer

Communication among historic preservation groups in the county was one of the purposes of a meeting last Wednesday night at the Wabash & Erie Canal Conference and Interpretive Center in Delphi.

At least 62 persons attended, according to the number registering that night. This included representatives from 22 groups or entities, as well as others from the community.

The idea for bringing together those interested in preserving historic assets in Carroll County was conceived by Delphi residents Bonnie Maxwell and Anita Werling. They were primarily responsible for planning the meeting.

The two are part of a task force, Historic Resources of Carroll County, formed to discuss management of the county's historic resources and plan county-wide meetings such as this one. Others involved with the task force are Janet Ayres, Brenda Garrison, Andy Cougill, and Brian Stirm.

Janet Ayres facilitated the meeting. It was endorsed and sponsored by Carroll County Focus on the Future.

One pre-established representative from each of the groups had five minutes to tell about the group's history, accomplishments, needs, concerns, and goals.

The groups and speakers are listed below.

Adams Mill - Mark Scharer.

Camden Community Preservation Society - Barb McCain.

Camden Museum - Barb Mc- Cain.

Carroll County Focus on the Future - Janet Ayres.

Carroll County Government - Beth Myers.

Carroll County Historic Bridge Coalition - Mary Mears.

Carroll County Heritage Transportation Group - Brian Stirm.

Carroll County Historical Museum - Phyllis Moore.

Carroll County Historical Society - Carol Oliver.

Carroll County Parks - Bob Burton.

Deer Creek Valley Rural Historic District - Mary Mears.

Delphi Historic Trails - Dan McCain.

Delphi Main Street - Hank Ivey.

Delphi Preservation Society - Anita Werling.

Eel River Tribe of Indiana - Mike Floyd.

Libraries of Delphi, Flora and Camden - Kelly Currie.

Heritage Tourism Committee of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce - Cindy Knoth.

Mullin School House - Bonnie Maxwell, filling in for Hazel Mullin.

NICHES Land Trust - Janet Ayres, speaking for Lynn Corson.

Old Settlers Association - Bonnie Maxwell.

Wabash & Erie Canal Association - Dan McCain.

Wildcat Creek Foundation - David McCain.

Issues

Some of the issues brought up by the speakers were funding and fundraising, need for becoming a not-for-profit, need for volunteers, attracting tourism, accessibility and facility problems, and aging membership.

Attendee Judy Berkshire said there is a need to keep watch over historic documents and keep them from deteriorating.

Dan McCain said one of the common goals of various groups is to attract tourists, but there is a need for more overnight accommodations while they're here.

He also mentioned that the groups need to make an effort to avoid planning events for the same night, forcing people to choose which one to attend.

Cindy Knoth said if groups are planning an event, they should let the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce know so it can be placed on the Chamber's calendar of events.

As a way to learn more about each other, many of the groups brought brochures, newsletters, and other informational materials to share.

Several of the speakers said they learned things they didn't know about the various groups.

Sampling of information

A sampling of the myriad of facts presented were: • Carroll County Historic Bridge Coalition became a model for the state in its bridge-saving efforts and was featured on the History Channel. • The first state highway went through Carroll County. • Efforts are being made to place Delphi's Commercial District on the National Register of Historic Places. • Delphi Public Library subscribes to 12 Indiana history periodicals and has Delphi city phone directories dating back to 1917. • Wildcat Creek Foundation purchased wooded land between Adams Mill and the covered bridge for the purpose of establishing a nature park. • Carroll County Wabash & Erie Canal Association has acquired 80 acres of donated land, a little at a time. • Deer Creek Park has camper hook-ups. • Friends of Adams Mill has disbanded, and the mill owner is considering establishing a trust or not-for-profit corporation to take over the mill.

This initial meeting established a connection for future networking and brainstorming among the groups. Other goals of Historic Resources of Carroll County are for management and protection of the county's historic assets, including long-range planning.

Janet Ayres, who closed the meeting, said this was a start - communicating with each other - and next will be action.

Bonnie Maxwell said those who turned in response cards at the end of the meeting unanimously agreed that the meeting was useful, and they would like to have future meetings. Some volunteered to help plan them.

No date was set for the next meeting, but organizers say there will be one, with the date to be announced later.