NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

MASTERS OF THEIR CRAFT Celebrating preservation trades

FULL COURT PRESS Seeking a save for a historic high school gym

MAKE MERRY! Holiday Open Houses for members

Carried Away Eberson-designed theaters transport patrons to fanciful places FROM THE PRESIDENT STARTERS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS Olon F. Dotson Muncie Still Hon. Randall T. Shepard Honorary Chairman Jeremy D. Efroymson Indianapolis Parker Beauchamp Endangered Chairman Melissa Glaze Roanoke James P. Fadely, Ph.D. LOCATED ON A HILLSIDE Sound Investment Past Chairman Tracy Haddad Columbus overlooking the Ohio Sara Edgerton YOU’D THINK, AS AN ORGANIZATION that works with his- Vice Chairman David A. Haist River in Lawrenceburg, Culver tory, Indiana Landmarks might reflect often on its own history. Marsh Davis the c.1860 Daniel S. President Bob Jones Evansville In fact, we are not particularly good at that, probably because Doris Anne Sadler Major House was built Secretary/Assistant Treasurer Christine H. Keck to be seen, with brack- we are so focused on present projects and eagerly moving on Evansville Thomas H. Engle to meet new challenges. But at our recent annual meeting we Assistant Secretary Matthew R. Mayol, AIA eted eaves, half-round Indianapolis looked back with interest on one program: the Efroymson Brett D. McKamey windows, hood mold- Treasurer Ray Ontko Richmond ings, and bay windows Family Endangered Places Grants. Judy A. O’Bannon Thanks to a generous gift from the Efroymson Family Fund Secretary Emerita Martin E. Rahe that gave rise to the Cincinnati, OH in 2014, Indiana Landmarks makes grants to support local DIRECTORS James W. Renne home’s nickname “Twin preservation efforts around the state. The grants, which tend Hilary Barnes Newburgh Bays.” Designed by Indianapolis George A. Rogge EVAN HALE to be in the $1,000 to $5,000 range, are made to local non-profit The Rt. Rev. Jennifer Gary Cincinnati-based archi- preservation organizations throughout Indiana. Many of the Baskerville-Burrows Sallie W. Rowland tecture firm Hamilton Indianapolis Indianapolis and Rankin, the property grants fund architectural and engineering studies that serve as Candace Chapman Peter J. Sacopulos catalysts for getting projects underway. Evansville Terre Haute offers one of the best Set in Stone Edward D. Clere Robert L. Santa We decided to look back on this program’s work over a five- New Albany Bloomington examples of high-style n 1899, Marion County received 15 bids from contrac- year period, 2010-2015, to gauge its effectiveness. The results Mike Corbett Charlitta Winston Italianate architecture Noblesville tors to build the Central Avenue Bridge over Fall Creek, are well worth repeating. During those five years, Indiana Indianapolis in the area, though its Ellen Swisher Crabb John D. Zeglis with options for both steel truss and stone arch spans. Landmarks made grants to 94 projects. Of those, 81 were Indianapolis Culver location amid sprawling I Coming in with the lowest bid at $37,000, Gansburg, Rony, Cheri Dick Beau F. Zoeller deemed successes. Zionsville Indianapolis development makes the and Heywood’s proposal for a stone arch bridge won. The Grants during those five years totaled $212,925, but they house’s future uncertain. bridge served for over a century until deterioration neces- leveraged an additional $28,428,578 in matching funds and OFFICES & HISTORIC SITES Now on the market for sitated its closing in 2017. Reopened to traffic in August after project investment. That’s an impressive return on investment $499,000, Twin Bays a two-year, $5.5 million restoration, the rehabilitated bridge Headquarters Southeast Field Office by any measure! And most importantly, 79 of those grants Indiana Landmarks Center Aurora needs a preservation- includes 1,700 salvaged stones and 800 newly fabricated resulted in historic places being saved. Moving forward, we’ll 1201 Central Avenue (812) 926-0983 minded buyer to ensure stones special-ordered to match the originals. Learn more Indianapolis, IN 46202 Southwest Field Office continue to measure this program’s influence as more recent [email protected] Evansville its future. Learn more at about the project during a talk at Indiana Landmarks Center (317) 639-4534 (812) 423-2988 (800) 450-4534 on November 14. See details in calendar. projects mature, and we’ll be reminded of the great, positive Western Regional Office indianalandmarks.org/ Northwest Field Office Terre Haute impact of the Efroymson family’s support of our work. Gary for-sale. (812) 232-4534 (219) 947-2657 Huddleston Farmhouse Central Regional Office Cambridge City Indianapolis (765) 478-3172 (317) 639-4534 Morris-Butler House Eastern Regional Office Indianapolis Cambridge City (317) 639-4534 (765) 478-3172 Veraestau Northern Regional Office Aurora South Bend Marsh Davis, President (812) 926-0983 (574) 232-4534 lights give the illusion of French Lick and West Northeast Field Office Baden Springs tours twinkling stars on the ceil- Wabash (866) 571-8687 (toll free) (800) 450-4534 (812) 936-5870 ing of Anderson’s Paramount Southern Regional Office Theatre. Designed by John New Albany (812) 284-4534 Eberson to reflect a Spanish court- yard under a night sky, the theater is one of five A rare atmospheric theater, the 1929 Paramount Theatre in Anderson ©2019, Indiana Landmarks; ISSN#: 0737-8602 in Indiana attributed to the acclaimed the- On the is one five Indiana venues designed by pioneering architect John Indiana Landmarks publishes Indiana Preservation bimonthly ater designer. Learn about Eberson’s legacy in Cover Eberson (see pp. 4-5). PHOTO BY DALE PICKETT PHOTOGRAPHY for members. To join and learn other membership benefits, JARRAD HOLBROOK visit indianalandmarks.org or contact memberships@ Indiana on pp.4-5. PHOTO BY DALE PICKETT PHOTOGRAPHY indianalandmarks.org, (317) 639-4534 or (800) 450-4534. To offer suggestions forIndiana Preservation, contact editor@ indianalandmarks.org. 2 INDIANA PRESERVATION indianalandmarks.org 3 MATTER OF STYLE

accolades, becoming Eberson’s first fully atmospheric theater in Indiana. In his design for the Palace, Eberson pulled out the stops, incorporating ornate light fixtures, velvet draperies, statuary, and fountains intended to suggest a European courtyard under a blue sky. A light show on the ceil- ing before films simulated sunrise and sunset. After the theater closed its doors in 1972, a succession of short-lived and ill-fated uses hastened the building’s downward spiral. Years of vacancy have left the once-grand theater in dire straits. Two of Eberson’s most exuber- Eberson’s first fully Roman goddesses. It narrowly escaped the wrecking ball ant Indiana designs thrive today as atmospheric design in 1989 after sitting empty for five years. Rescued by the in Indiana, Gary’s events venues: Fort Wayne’s Embassy long-vacant Palace Paramount Heritage Foundation and reopened in 1995, the Theatre and Anderson’s Paramount Theater (above left) Paramount hosts concerts, big band shows, live performances, design for the Hippodrome Theater. Theatre. Fort Wayne architect A.M. has fallen into ruin, symphony, ballet, dance recitals and ballroom dances. Recent A vaudeville venue at the corner Strauss and Eberson joined forces while in Terre Haute, renovations of the ballroom and marquee have made the Flights of Fantasy: the Indiana Theatre of Eighth and Ohio streets, the on the originally named Emboyd, a (above right) serves theater shine even brighter. “We don’t have a lot of bells Indiana’s Eberson-Designed Theaters Hippodrome became a community vaudeville and movie house opened as an event venue. and whistles, just a lot of beauty and history,” says Randy theater and movie house, and, in in 1928 along with the adjoining Volunteers res- Hammel, executive director. “When we have visitors, I take cued Fort Wayne’s YOU’RE SITTING IN A BALCONY OVERLOOKING Austrian-born 1955, a Scottish Rite Cathedral. Indiana Hotel. Though it’s not one them on the WOW tour. People walk in the theater, see the Embassy Theatre architect John an Italian garden dotted with statues of Roman goddesses, After selling the Hippodrome, of his atmospheric designs, Eberson from demolition and architecture and stars in the sky, and say, ‘WOW!’” Eberson pioneered mounted an impres- bubbling fountains, and birds poised to take flight. Lightning the design of atmo- Barhydt hired Eberson again to design employed terra cotta, Italian mosaic As the 1930s advanced, atmospheric theaters went out of sive fundraising flashes across the sky, but you don’t fear rain. You’re inside, spheric theaters, the Indiana Theatre, a vaudeville floors, and ornate molded plaster fashion, supplanted by more streamlined, modern designs campaign to restore using architecture, after all, and the storm clouds are just a special effect projected and silent movie house he opened embellishments to create a visual the landmark to its and the deepening Depression. But visiting one of these rare lighting, and special on the ceiling. Such is the magic of atmospheric theaters— in 1922 just a block away from the feast in the lobby and theater. In the former glory (below). survivors still holds the power to carry you to another time effects designed PHOTOS BY LEE LEWELLEN grand movie palaces designed to transport audiences away from to transport Hippodrome. It was here that Eberson 1970s, community leaders and vol- and place, exactly as Eberson intended. the cares of everyday life. movie-goers to began experimenting with elements unteers formed the Embassy Theatre Pioneered by Austrian-born designer John Eberson (1875- exotic locations. that would come to define his atmo- Foundation and raised $250,000 to 1954), atmospheric theaters used architecture, lighting, and In Anderson’s spheric work, including stylized motifs spare the theater from demolition, Paramount Theatre, special effects to give movie-goers the illusion of sitting out- Eberson employed and lighting to simulate different kicking off its renovation. One of doors in exotic destinations—an Italian garden, a Persian court, stucco facades, fig- times of day. For the Indiana, Eberson the Embassy’s most popular events, a a Spanish patio, an Egyptian temple. Classically inspired plaster ures of goddesses, employed a Spanish theme, with Festival of Trees, draws thousands and birds and twinkling statues, stuffed birds, lanterns, and ornate architectural detail lights to create a ornate plasterwork inside and out, a serves as the theater’s largest annual added to the fantasy. Machines hidden in the walls projected Spanish courtyard two-and-a-half story entry rotunda, fundraiser, supporting its ongoing images of wispy clouds, sunrises and sunsets, even passing under a starry sky. terra cotta ornament, mosaic floors, operation and restoration. PHOTO BY DALE PICKETT airplanes, on painted ceilings. PHOTOGRAPHY and hand-carved sculptures. The the- Of the roughly 100 atmospheric Trained as an electrical engineer, Eberson began designing the- ater was renovated in 2013 to serve as theaters Eberson designed in the aters in the ’teens, mainly in the South and Midwest, promoting an event venue. U.S. and Canada, the Paramount his designs with the alliterative slogan, “Prepare Practical Plans Eberson considered the 1923 in Anderson is a rare survivor. The for Pretty Playhouses – Please Patrons – Pay Profits.” Eberson’s Hoblitzell Majestic Theatre in theater’s interior evokes a Spanish five Indiana commissions illustrate the evolution of his work. Houston, Texas, his first fully atmo- courtyard underneath a twinkling In 1915, Terre Haute theater operator Theodore Barhydt spheric design. Two years later, Gary’s starry sky, with flower-covered trel- hired Eberson to create an eclectic Neoclassical Revival Palace Theater opened to fanfare and lises, birds, and statues of Greek and

4 INDIANA PRESERVATION indianalandmarks.org 5 Decades, even centuries ago, workers built houses, commercial structures, civic buildings and monuments specialized knowledge through formal training, learning from employing specialized skills, knowledge passed through genera- lifelong tradesmen, and “good old hard knocks.” tions and perfected over lifetimes of practice. In recent decades, he’s seen construction trades frequently As historic structures age, their maintenance and repair call excluded from area college and career days, leaving those in for many of those same skills. It takes special expertise to mend the industry to coordinate separate recruiting efforts. “It’s ornate plaster, repair slate and clay roof tiles, replicate historic discouraging that there’s this mindset that if you’re not going to woodwork, conserve stained glass, or duplicate vintage wall- college, you’re not worth as much,” says Dennis. “People who paper. But it’s becoming harder to find crafts and tradespeople work in our industry go through apprentice and journeyman with the will and experience to take on such work. training and make some nice money and a nice living. I think According to a 2019 survey conducted by Associated General we contribute a lot to the world as far as maintaining struc- Contractors of America, 80 percent of construction firms reported tures. We save history.” having a hard time finding qualified workers to fill hourly posi- Ball State University Professor Ron Morris has renovated tions. Anecdotal evidence suggests that finding those with the two historic homes in Centerville, beginning with the c.1830 specialized skills to work on historic homes and commercial James Rariden House. Next year, he hopes to wrap up most buildings is becoming equally—if not more—challenging. of the work at 1848 Gov. Oliver P. Morton House, which he

With over 20 years “This is hard work, and it takes a special individual to want acquired from Indiana Landmarks in 2012. With only a decade of experience restor- to do that work,” says Brad Dennis, project manager for South separating the two projects, Morris found it more difficult to ing and repair- ing stained glass, Bend-based Ziolkowski Construction. “Every year it gets find qualified workers for the Morton House than he did for Rhonda Deeg is pas- harder and harder to obtain qualified technicians.” his first project. “It’s been a painful trial and error process. sionate about shar- Founded in 1974, the company started a masonry division It’s about finding that person who is a problem solver and is ing her knowledge. in 1980 and restoration division in 1993, repairing landmarks willing to match their skills to the project,” says Morris. “The She’s worked on windows in historic including the University of Notre Dame’s Main Building in plumbers I have working on the Morton House are brothers buildings around South Bend, the University of Saint Francis’s Bass Mansion in getting ready to retire. I’ve told them they can’t until they’ve the state, including Fort Wayne, St. Paul’s Cathedral in Birmingham, Alabama, finished the house’s last bathroom.” the 1847 Madison and our own Kizer House in South Bend. Dennis, who has A series of serendipitous discoveries is helping Morris bring Presbyterian Church. PHOTO © RHONDA DEEG been working in the industry for the past 38 years, gained his back the home’s historic wallpaper. Earlier owners had ripped

6 INDIANA PRESERVATION indianalandmarks.org 7 called in reinforcements—his father, nars, and leading workshops. As a former high school voca- Dan England. A retired machinist for Glass Act tional education teacher, Deeg incorporated glass work into her Bethlehem Steel, England crafted tools Rhonda Deeg RLD Glass Art & assignments, hoping to spark an interest in heritage trades. “If to match the different-sized horizontal Restoration, LLC the youth are not exposed to this beginning in schools, how are and vertical mortar joints specific to Southeast Indiana they going to appreciate our history and even know that there the house. Armed with the correct preservationrho.wixsite.com/ is a career in this? The school curriculum is so set on prepar- tools and materials, workers brought rld-glass-art ing students for four-year college educations that much of the the house’s original character back into hands-on curriculum in the trades is overlooked.” sharp focus. Born in Kokomo just a few blocks In Indianapolis, veteran rehabbers away from Kokomo Opalescent Glass, Joe Everhart and Ken Ramsay knew it seems kismet that Rhonda Deeg Paper Trail they had to get the details right in would devote much of her career to Laurie Kiefaber Aesthetic Interiors Wabash renovating one of the Near Eastside stained- and art-glass restoration. A aestheticinteriors.com neighborhood’s most significant archi- craft class in stained-glass she took out most of the historic wall covering, leaving behind only ABOVE: It took spe- tectural treasures. Hidden behind a in the 1990s and a friend’s request to Laurie and Robert Kiefaber started their historic wallpaper a shred, which Morris discovered while taking down a wall cialized knowledge layer of ivy for many years, the house repair an arched stained-glass panel business out of necessity. While restoring their Queen Anne to bring back the added to the house in the 1920s. In searching for companies elaborate plaster at 1454 East 10th Street was con- started her on her journey into the house in Wabash, they found the historic wallpapers they liked that could replicate the design, he was impressed by the historic details in every cor- structed in 1885 for William Prosser, field. Through her company, RLD best were quite expensive. “We began to wonder if there was an wallpaper replicated during restoration of the Delphi Opera ner of Indianapolis’s the English-born artisan responsible Glass Art & Restoration, she has easier way to print wallpaper than the traditional silk-screening House by Wabash-based Aesthetic Interiors. Instead of using Prosser House, built for all of the ornamental plasterwork restored and repaired window and method, which is more costly and takes more manpower. We in 1885 by the same a traditional silk-screening method to produce the design, the artisan responsible in the Indiana State House. door panels for commercial build- thought, ‘Surely other people are restoring their homes and company uses computer programs to re-create the pattern. for all of the orna- Though modest in size, the home ings and houses dating from the early When they couldn’t wanting something authentic, yet affordable,’” says Laurie. To “They were very conscious about replicating my design and got mental plasterwork became a showcase for Prosser’s prodi- 1800s through the twentieth century, find affordable fill the void, they founded Aesthetic Interiors in 2007. historic wallpaper the colors and proportions just right,” says Morris. in the Indiana State gious skill, appointed inside and out as well as taking on new commissions. Robert draws and uses computer programs to re-create House. for their own home, In 2016, workers began undertaking the monumental effort PHOTO ©EVERHART STUDIO with exuberant plasterwork: plaster “I consider every panel that comes Wabash residents designs, then the couple works with a four-color press to manu- of repairing masonry on the Kizer House in South Bend. An quoins and cornices, stucco etched to into my studio a child of mine,” says Laurie and Robert facture them. Along with reproducing wallpaper designs from LEFT: Trial and error, exterior wall hidden by an addition helped unlock clues to the create the illusion of ashlar masonry, Deeg. “It’s not about a paycheck for Kiefaber created old pattern books, they have used fragments of old wallpaper and tools uniquely their own com- original mortar color and detailing. When he couldn’t find crafted for the job, and delicate classical plaster ceiling me. It’s about making a difference; it’s pany in 2007. They to create full designs, and recolored patterns in their current commercially manufactured tools that could accurately re-create allowed workers to moldings. Years of neglect and water about repairing and maintaining our count recreation of catalog to suit clients’ tastes. the bead joint between stones, lead tuck-pointer Tony Bowen recreate a histori- infiltration left much of the plaster history in glass.” three designs for They’ve filled orders domestically and abroad, designing and cally accurate bead heavily damaged, so Everhart and A member of the Preservation the Delphi Opera constructing room sets for high-style Victorian homes, like joint executed in House, including a the original mortar Ramsay hired Indianapolis-based Red Trades Network for the past 20 years, special crane frieze, the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California. The color between Line to repair the delicate plasterwork, Deeg is passionate about sharing her as one of their larg- Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, ordered stones on South coordinating with Indiana Landmarks knowledge, writing numerous articles est undertakings. their “Teddy G Nursery” wallpaper for a children’s room, and Bend’s Kizer House. PHOTOS COURTESY DELPHI PHOTO BY TODD ZEIGER to make sure all work met the stan- for trade magazines, speaking at semi- OPERA HOUSE the Eisenhower Birthplace Historic Site in Denison, Texas, dards of our preservation easement on the house. Following a rehabilita- tion worthy of Architectural Digest, Everhart and Ramsey sold the home for $375,000, earning the 2019 Old House Rehab Award presented by our Central Regional Office. In the pages that follow, we share insights from people who work in the preservation trades in Indiana, highlighting how they honed their skills and came to work on historic landmarks.

8 INDIANA PRESERVATION indianalandmarks.org 9 Jack of All Trades

Scott Bartel Architectural Restoration Richmond Technique

scottbartel.com

When it comes to working on historic homes, Richmond resident Scott Bartel compares himself to the shipwrights of centuries past. “They could repair, restore, or renew anything on a ship, and could make rope, sew, fix the rigging, do all the sail making,” says Bartel. “I want to be that thoroughly knowl- edgeable about old houses, not just focusing on one heritage trade, but all the heritage trades.” He started by working on his own historic home, the 1885 Isham and Viola Sedgwick House in Richmond. When a installed their “Monarch” fill and Richmond resi- bricklayer he’d hired lacked knowledge about the lime-based frieze on its walls. dent Scott Bartel mortar needed for repairs, Bartel started researching and ended create matching tile for missing or A historic newspa- (above) works in up doing the work himself. Applying skills he’d gained doing per account clued Paint the Town Assisting the Delphi Opera House several heritage damaged pieces in historic build- trades work in California, reading old journals, and applying museum caretakers restoration proved to be their largest trades, plying skills ings,” says Zech. into the existence Brian Fick & Acanthus Arts Williamsport Mary Yeager Indiana undertaking to date. “One gained work- lessons learned in rehabbing his own house, Bartel began work- She got in touch with Indiana of frescoes at the of the most challenging parts was ing on his own ing on other historic houses, repairing plaster and masonry on Landmarks and offered to add Lew Wallace Study acanthusarts.org historic home. the Oliver P. Morton House in Centerville, and fixing masonry in Crawfordsville. a frieze,” says Laurie. “The original In Indianapolis, her services to our database of and replacing lintels on the Conklin-Montgomery House in Working with con- navy background had to be just the Barbara Zech’s art contractors that work on historic servation company Acanthus Arts founders Brian Fick and Mary Yeager can track right blue and opera house officials school training and Cambridge City. He’s also worked as a carpenter, painter, and places. That listing connected her Acanthus Arts, their legacy in the painted details that adorn state capitols, mansions, wanted some of the pattern fading ceramicist work stucco repairman. with a family in Indianapolis’s artist Carla Knopp courthouses, churches, theaters, and modest historic homes. With 30 help her recreate and wear to remain in the re-creation. “Unfortunately, there are very few older tradesmen to even Old Northside neighborhood who (above) helped years of architectural conservation experience, the pair specializes in missing tiles, includ- restore artwork We are very proud to have been ing the decorative watch, so I’ve learned on my own, through trial and error,” says needed to have tile repaired and hidden beneath preserving historic painted interiors. In addition to working on proj- involved in the restoration of this border on a fire- Bartel. “So many don’t know the correct mixings and technol- replaced around fireplaces in their nine layers of ects through their own company, they’ve traveled throughout Indiana place (below). ogy that needs to go back in old houses. We need to be more paint, uncovering beautiful opera house.” PHOTOS SUPPLIED historic home. Zech replicated and around the country as subcontractors, including working on the knowledgeable to take care of these places that represent those frescoes, gilding, relief tiles with acorn and oak leaf and original paint Jefferson Library of the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. who have come before us.” detailing by taking a mold of the ringing the domed “In order to get the experience you need, you have to be willing existing tile and hand-carving a skylight. to travel, because there aren’t really enough jobs in one place,” says Happy Glaze slightly larger matching design, PHOTO BY BRIAN FICK Yeager. “You also have to be willing to problem-solve and investi- since the tile shrinks in the firing gate hidden clues.” Barbara Zech Ceramicist Indianapolis process. “It takes some layering Take, for example, their work at the study built for Civil War zechstudio.com and testing to get the size and general and author Lew Wallace in Crawfordsville in 1898. Ella glazes just right, and you have to Kostanzer, a Montgomery County native who had visited Wallace Working as a ceramicist for over 20 years, Indianapolis resi- calculate how the tile will shrink,” in 1900, published a detailed description in a newspaper article of dent Barbara Zech honed her craft first as a student at Indiana she says. an elaborate fresco ringing the domed skylight, but no one living University’s Herron School of Art. An apprenticeship taught Zech, who grew up in a had ever seen its evidence. In 2011, Yeager and Fick removed layer her the basics of installation, and she began creating tile for fine century-old farmhouse, holds long upon layer of paint, uncovering a decorative trompe l’oeil of musi- art, public art, and mosaic murals in the early 2000s, as well as appreciation for historic homes, cal instruments and weapons of war, confirming Kostanzer’s story. period replicas for historic homes. and sees her work as helping to In 2015, the pair worked to expose the original paint throughout It wasn’t until she took Indiana Landmarks’ “before” tour protect their character. “Tile lasts the study, preserving over 95 percent of the original painted surface of Indianapolis’s Coca-Cola Bottling Plant in 2016 that she forever if it’s taken care of, and I’m and bringing the fresco back into view. began to realize how she could apply her skills to help historic hoping this helps fill a need.” “What people most often say when they see us working is, ‘That places retain their character. “Seeing all the vintage tile in that looks tedious,’” Mary jokes. “But it’s very satisfying to know you’ve building, I began to think there must be a need for someone to preserved something for present and future generations.”

10 INDIANA PRESERVATION indianalandmarks.org 11 MEMBER PROFILE NEWS

air painters as Harry Davis and John Elwood Bundy. He serves on the Historic Gym Needs an Assist board of the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association (IPAPA), a connection IN INDIANA, “HOOSIER that led him to help form a partner- Hysteria” is a real thing, a statewide ship between Indiana Landmarks passion for basketball, especially at the and IPAPA for the third book in its high school level. Once ubiquitous, Painting Indiana series, which focused historic gyms are disappearing, victims on historic places and landscapes as of school consolidation and new subject matter. construction. In Marshall County, the McKnight counts the town of New 1928 Bourbon Gym needs a cham- Harmony on the Wabash River in pion, and the local school corporation Posey County as one of his favorite is offering a chance to own a piece of historic places to visit—a tranquil Hoosier basketball history. setting with rich history where early Built as an addition to the c.1918 nineteenth-century buildings and Bourbon school building, the gym modern architecture blend seamlessly. served as home court for genera- “You feel like the stress of life has tions of “Comets” basketball teams, been lifted when you pull into New including the winners of boys’ Harmony. And if you get to spend sectionals in 1943, 1950, and 1962. time in Philip Johnson’s Roofless Designed by the Fort Wayne archi- Concern for Heritage Church at midnight on a summer tectural firm Bradley and Babcock, night, you really feel the spirit of New the building became a community Drives Connection Harmony,” says McKnight. centerpiece, hosting school plays, His concern and appreciation for dances, assemblies, graduation cer- HERITAGE AND HISTORY AREN’T JUST PASSING Richard McKnight’s Indiana’s heritage led McKnight to emonies, and movies in addition to concerns for Indiana Landmarks member Richard McKnight. work to preserve serve on an advisory committee for athletic events. Construction of a New Castle land- His family holds deep roots in Indiana, with ancestors on Indiana Landmarks’ eastern office Construction of a new modern new high school marks led him to activities center his mother’s side settling in present-day Wayne County even support Indiana and on our board of directors, and activities center at the current high leaves Bourbon’s before Indiana achieved statehood in 1816. His great-grand- Landmarks, serv- he’s included us in his estate plans. school leaves the historic gym with an 1928 gym without father served as a county commissioner in Henry County, a ing on our board He’s currently working with staff uncertain future as the school corpora- a purpose. Owner of directors and connection Richard thought about working an early job in the in our eastern office on finding a tion has no plans for the property and Triton School including us in his Corporation is invit- 1869 Henry County Courthouse, one of the first landmarks to estate plans. His long-term solution for a deteriorat- no funds for its ongoing maintenance. ing proposals for make an impression on him. love of heritage ing Neoclassical courthouse annex in Triton School Corporation invites sale of lease of the Concern for the historic buildings in his hometown extends to his art New Castle currently used primarily proposals for the long-term lease or building, a National collection, which prompted him to help form the local preservation group for storage. sale of the gym, seeking individuals Register-listed land- includes paintings mark and Marshall Preserve Henry County, where he first worked with Indiana by Harry Davis of “The outreach that Indiana or organizations with ideas for the County’s best-pre- Landmarks staff to seek solutions for ailing downtown New buildings includ- Landmarks has throughout the state historic building’s reuse and funds served early gym. for preservation tax credits. Proposals are due by March 13, ing Indianapolis’s PHOTOS BY TODD ZEIGER bit.ly/bourbongymrfp Castle landmarks, including the Jennings Building, a for- Bates-Hendricks with its regional offices is so unique. for its rehabilitation. The Bourbon 2020. Download the RFP at for more mer entry on our 10 Most Endangered list. The relationship House (pictured). Knowing that we have someone from Gym is listed in the National information, or contact Todd Zeiger, 574-232-4534, spurred the creation of the New Castle Historic Preservation PHOTO BY DAVID NANTZ, JR. Indiana Landmarks that we can call at Register, which could make it eligible [email protected]. Commission, where McKnight now serves as vice chairman. a moment’s notice to come to a meet- After a daily commute to Indianapolis where he works in ing or support us on a local preserva- the Indiana Department of Education’s school improvement tion issue is critical,” says McKnight. • Renewing your membership division, McKnight appreciates spending the weekends relaxing “I’m not sure how many other • Making a donation in addition in front of the fireplace in the living room of his 1932 Tudor Help Indiana non-profits have that kind of instant Like what to membership Revival-style home in New Castle. An avid art enthusiast, his impact and assistance.” Landmarks • Including Indiana Landmarks collection includes landscapes and streetscapes by such plein you’ve achieve even in your estate plans read? more by: For more information talk to Sharon Gamble, 12 INDIANA PRESERVATION 800-450-4534 or visit indianalandmarks.org LANDMARK NEWS

FOR LANDMARKS ON THE MARKET SALE see more at indianalandmarks.org/for-sale Six New Directors join Indiana Landmarks’ Board

THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE OF INDIANA Bob Jones of Evansville serves as chairman Landmarks, chaired in 2019 by Charlitta Winston, recom- of Old National Bancorp after retiring as BRIEFLY NOTED mends candidates each year to our membership for election to CEO in April 2019. He serves on the boards JOSHUA BIGGS JOINS INDIANA Indiana Landmarks’ board of directors. At September’s annual of the University of Evansville and Riley Landmarks as community pres- meeting, members approved six new directors with valuable Children’s Foundation and has chaired many ervation specialist in our Central experience in historic preservation, neighborhood revitaliza- successful capital campaigns as part of his Regional Office in Indianapolis. tion, and philanthropy. They will serve three-year terms expir- philanthropic work. Biggs, who holds a master’s ing in September 2022: degree in architectural stud- Ray Ontko of Richmond is president of ies from the University of Utah, Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows of Indianapolis Doxpop, LLC, a web-based information service previously worked at Restoration Phanuel Lutheran Church serves as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese located in Richmond’s Historic Depot District. Exchange Omaha. 2720 E. Lutheran Church Road, Hillsboro of Indianapolis. In addition to her work in He has long been involved in advocating for the Episcopal church, she holds a master’s historic preservation in Richmond and is part Save the Date! Preserving Historic Built in 1917, this Neoclassical former church could make a unique Places, Indiana’s statewide pres- single-family residence, weekend retreat, or artist’s studio. The former degree in Historic Preservation Planning from of Indiana Landmarks’ current efforts to save sanctuary includes stained-glass windows and a decorative pressed Cornell University and serves on the board of Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church. ervation conference, travels to metal ceiling, while the lower level is adaptable for many layouts. South Bend April 14-17, 2020, directors of Partners for Sacred Places. $42,000 • Tommy Kleckner, 812-232-4534 exploring creative adaptive reuse To lend continuity, board members generally serve two [email protected] Candace Chapman of Evansville is execu- consecutive terms for a total of six years. The following board projects that preserve the city’s tive director of Downtown Evansville members were re-elected to second terms, also ending in industrial and manufacturing leg- Development Corp., where she works to pre- September 2022: Hilary Barnes of Indianapolis, Cheri Dick acy for the twenty-first century. serve and promote Evansville’s historic down- of Zionsville, Brett McKamey of Westfield, Martin Rahe of Organized by Indiana Landmarks, town assets. She lives in a restored 1879 home Cincinnati, Ohio, and James Renne of Newburgh the Indiana Division of Historic in Evansville’s Riverside Historic District. Four retiring board members join our Brain Trust, a group Preservation and Archaeology, of former directors who continue to advise Indiana Landmarks: and Indiana University, the annual event offers inspiring lectures, Mike Corbett of Noblesville is owner of Gregory Fehribach of Indianapolis, Judith Kanne of Rensselaer, educational sessions, tours, and Hamilton County Media Group and Sharon Negele of Attica, and Cheryl Griffith Nichols of Little networking opportunities. publisher of Hamilton County Business Rock, Arkansas. Tim Shelly of Elkhart, former board chairman, Magazine. He is active in the Noblesville leads the Brain Trust. Indiana Landmarks and Indiana 4704 Washington Street Suzane Thomas House Indianapolis 828 East Adams Street, Muncie Preservation Alliance and has renovated The board itself re-elected officers for the coming year: Humanities make Historic many historic houses, including his current Randall Shepard, Honorary Chairman; Parker Beauchamp, Preservation Education Grants Built in 1862, this home offers a Alfred Grindle-designed 1896 park-like setting on over a half- Colonial Revival gem in National 150-year-old home in old town Noblesville. Chairman; James Fadely, Past Chairman; Sara Edgerton, up to $2,500 to Indiana-based acre near Irvington, just minutes Register district has 5,400 square Vice Chairman; Doris Anne Sadler, Secretary and Assistant tax-exempt organizations for from everything. Loving care by feet (plus third floor and base- Melissa Glaze of Roanoke has been active in Treasurer; Thomas Engle, Assistant Secretary; Brett McKamey, educational projects related the owner has ensured the home ment), original woodwork and revitalizing historic buildings for many years, Treasurer; Marsh Davis, President; and Judy O’Bannon, to historic places in Indiana. retains original details, including hardware, large rooms with lots of serving a prior term on our board from 2010 Secretary Emerita. Applications for the next round of hardwood floors and four fire- natural light, eight fireplaces, and places. 3 bedrooms, 6,000 square large carriage house. 4 bedrooms, to 2013. She and her husband, Scott, pur- grants are due February 28, 2020. feet with attached greenhouse. 2.5 baths. Saved from exploitation, chased and restored the 1934 Art Deco-style Download an application on our and largely restored. $299,900 website, indianalandmarks.org/ Brokaw Theatre in Angola, reopening it as the Jodie Chandler $300,000 Brokaw Movie House in 2016. grants-and-loans. F.C. Tucker Frank Meeker 317-496-9701 765-702-0717

14 INDIANA PRESERVATION indianalandmarks.org 15 2019 HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSES

for Indiana Landmarks Members

Make merry and enjoy refreshments in revitalized places at Indiana Landmarks’ free holiday open houses for members around the state

December, join us for good food and good cheer in five historic spaces that demonstrate the power of preservation to revital- ize communities. Each of our holiday open houses for Indiana Landmarks members show off recently rehabbed landmarks, including a historic lodge and theater, a naval armory, a telephone company building, and two grand homes. The festive gatherings begin on December 4, when members can see the trans- formation of Rushville’s 1915 Masonic Hall into City Center, where a $3.8 million renovation adapted the building for city offices and a satellite classroom for Ivy Tech Community College and revived its first-floor movie theater. Many Rushville residents remember seeing films Indiana Landmarks’ five in the Princess Theatre, though the single-screen members-only Holiday theater had been closed since the early 2000s, Dec. 4 / Rushville 6-9 p.m. Open Houses in December unable to compete with larger megaplexes in nearby highlight recently restored City Center places around the state. On towns. Community leaders worked for years to find 330 N. Main Street December 12, guests can see a way to re-open the theater. The city purchased the results of a 20-month res- Dec. 5 / Indianapolis the building from the Masons in 2014 and formed 5-7 p.m. toration that transformed the a committee to oversee its restoration. The Heart Kunz Hartman House (left), Riverside High School 3010 N. White River Parkway the new home of our south- of Rushville, the city’s Main Street organization, East Drive ern office in New Albany. raised awareness through “Hard Hat Movies” at the PHOTO BY GREG SEKULA theater, showing classic films on the stained and Dec. 6 / Terre Haute On December 4, visit torn screen in the stripped-down space. With the 5-7 p.m. Rushville’s new City Center in The Lofts of Haute Maison theater’s seats long gone, audience members brought 120 South 7th Street the 1915 Masonic Hall (below, their own chairs. In an innovative partnership, right), including the refur- bished Princess Theatre. Greensburg’s Wolf Theaters, Inc., partnered with the Dec. 7 / Rising Sun 5-7 p.m. PHOTO © PERFORMANCE SERVICES city to show first-run films at the Princess via cable, Speakman House 10405 Old State Road 56 Dec. 12 / New Albany WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf Kieser Consulting Old National Bank 5-7 p.m. INDIANAPOLIS INDIANAPOLIS INDIANAPOLIS Kunz Hartman House 911 State Street Buckingham Foundation, Inc. Keymark Construction RCS + Associates INDIANAPOLIS & Development NEW ALBANY RSVP at indianalandmarks.org/ TERRE HAUTE tours-events or by calling State Representative Ed Clere RJE Business Interiors 317-639-4534 NEW ALBANY Midwest Restoration INDIANAPOLIS PARIS, IL Jim and Marjorie Kienle Van Rooy Properties INDIANAPOLIS INDIANAPOLIS 16 INDIANA PRESERVATION indianalandmarks.org 17 November/December 2019 Tours & Events allowing the Rushville theater to we already knew the Speakman function as an additional screen. House,” says Emery. First Friday The reopened theater brings addi- Aided by a $100,000 state his- Indianapolis tional foot traffic to downtown toric renovation grant, Banschbach Our Rapp Family Gallery hosts free art shows, with an option to tour our businesses and restaurants and and Emery directed a complete restored headquarters. 6-9 p.m. Indiana Plein Air Painters Association (IPAPA) Annual Member Show has already helped revive another exterior renovation, putting on NOV. 1 DEC. 6 IPAPA One-Day Holiday Show and Sale anchor building. The city’s com- a new roof, rebuilding verandas, mitment to the City Center chimneys, and the captain’s walk Studebaker Talk helped Rushville win Stellar on top of the house, and repair- Nov. 7, Indianapolis Community designation in 2016. ing the façade’s impressive double Andrew Beckman, archivist at the In Indianapolis, another creative portico. Inside, workers sanded, Studebaker National Museum and reuse provided a solution for the On December 5, our cal features include anchor sconces, ship’s wheel chandeliers and sealed, and stained the original author of The Studebaker National Holiday Open House in decommissioned Heslar Naval rare globes etched with a map of the world. wood floors, repaired water dam- Museum: Over a Century on Wheels, Indianapolis showcases the Armory, reopened in 2018 as 1938 Heslar Naval Armory Terre Haute’s 1910 Citizen’s Independent Telephone age, rehabbed the graceful main presents a talk at Indiana Landmarks Riverside High School following a (above), reopened in 2018 Company building on 7th Street—our holiday open house staircase, and added fresh paint. Center on Studebaker’s innovative four-year $7.5 million restoration. as Riverside High School venue on December 6—is no stranger to reinvention. After During the holiday open house, impact on automotive history. 5:30 p.m. following a four-year, cash bar and light refreshments; Built in 1937-38 by the Works $7.5 million restoration. the telephone company moved out in the ’20s, the build- members will be able to see res- Progress Administration as a U.S. On December 6, David ing housed a variety of tenants over the ensuing decades, toration progress throughout the 6 p.m. brief highlights from our Indiana Navy reserve base, the streamlined Adams and Al Ruckriegel including the local Works Progress Administration office, first and second floors and enjoy Automotive affinity group followed white landmark on West 30th open their luxury loft the Civilian Protection Corps, a radio station, dance school, Ohio River views from the second- by Beckman’s talk at 6:15 p.m. Free and rooftop terrace at a for Indiana Landmarks and Indiana Street hosts our holiday open house county offices, and more. In 2017, David Adams and Al floor balcony. FRENCH Terre Haute building the Automotive members; $10/general public. on December 5. In turning the pair rehabbed in 2017 Ruckriegel undertook the building’s next transformation, Our final holiday open house LICK & WEST BADEN landmark into a state-of-the-art (below). Mark Banschbach adapting it as The Lofts of Haute Maison, eight luxury on December 12 shows off the and Guinevere Emery Bridge Rehabilitation Talk SPRINGS campus, Indianapolis Classical residences. Fully leased today, the units feature a modern, 1899 Kunz Hartman House, new invite guests to explore Nov. 14, Indianapolis TOURS Rising Sun’s Speakman Schools retained the armory’s industrial aesthetic, with exposed original steel beams and home of our Southern Regional Since 2012, workers have been planning and imple- Tours depart from House (above, right) many naval-inspired features. Our brick walls. At our holiday open house, guests will be able Office in New Albany. In buying our Landmarks on December 7, under menting renovation of the c.1900 stone arch bridge Emporium shops in holiday open house takes place in restoration as a residence, to see the couple’s residence and take in views of downtown the Queen Anne house in 2017, spanning Fall Creek on Central Avenue, a character- each historic hotel the officer’s mess hall overlooking office, and community from the rooftop terrace. Indiana Landmarks saw an oppor- defining feature of the city’s George Kessler-designed on IN 56 in south- gathering space. the White River—now the school On December 7, Guinevere Emery and Mark tunity to bring an ailing, fire- parks and boulevards system. During an illustrated ern Indiana. Combo PHOTOS BY EVAN HALE, DAVID ADAMS, cafeteria—where the room’s nauti- AND JARRAD HOLBROOK Banschbach showcase the revival of the Speakman House damaged landmark back from the talk at Indiana Landmarks Center, Katlyn Shergalis, ticket available. near Rising Sun, a former 10 Most Endangered prop- brink and inspire investment in a bridge project manager at Butler, Fairman, and Discount for mem- Seufert, Inc., and David M. Borden, deputy director of bers on tours and in erty. Built by Stephen Speakman in 1846 on the banks of the surrounding neighborhood. A shops. Reservations Laughery Creek, the almost 7,000 square-foot showplace grand opening in May celebrated engineering for the City of Indianapolis’ Department recommended. included 17 rooms and a view of the Ohio River. More the house’s turnaround follow- of Public Works, shares insights about the com- 812-936-5870. plexities of the rehabilitation and lessons learned in than a century later, with the home deteriorating rapidly ing a 20-month restoration that APRIL-DECEMBER rebuilding the bridge. 5:30 p.m. cash bar followed by under a badly leaking roof, Indiana Landmarks commis- repaired damage and brought its West Baden Springs talk at 6 p.m. Free for members, $5/general public. sioned a professional assessment of the structure’s condition, exquisite details—parquet wood Mon.-Sat., 2 & 4 p.m. Sun., 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. which recommended $300,000 in urgent exterior repairs. floors, butternut staircase, stained- Holiday Sing Along The scope of work convinced the owners to sell the house glass and leaded bevel-glass French Lick Springs Dec. 12, Indianapolis Noon to Banschbach, who, with partner Emery, began reversing windows, and historic fireplaces— Immerse yourself in holiday cheer at “The Holly & The decades of neglect, adapting the house to serve as a commu- back to their former glory. See the JANUARY-MARCH Ivy,” our annual concert featuring singers and instru- Wed.-Sun. nity gathering place, residence, and an office for his com- results for yourself! mental accompaniment, including the historic organ West Baden Springs pany. Banschbach and Emery recently moved to the house Come to any or all of Indiana in Indiana Landmarks Center’s Grand Hall. Colorful 2 p.m. from nearby Aurora, where Emery serves as city manager. Landmarks’ holiday open lighting and holiday décor set the stage for a merry French Lick Springs They recognized the Speakman House as the work of archi- houses, free to members with evening, with the audience encouraged to sing along Noon

tect Timothy Newman, who had designed a historic house RSVP at indianalandmarks. on favorite carols. $14/member; $18/general public; Indianalandmarks.org/ their friends owned. “We fell in love with that era’s flair org/tours-events or by calling free for children age 10 and under. Doors open at 7 p.m. french-lick-west-baden and history. Because we knew Newman’s work, we felt like 317-639-4534. and concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

18 INDIANA PRESERVATION indianalandmarks.org 19 Nonprofit Org. PAID 1201 Central Avenue U.S. Postage Indianapolis, IN Indianapolis, IN 46202 Permit No. 3464

AND FINALLY

Monumental Save

IN SEPTEMBER, INDIANAPOLIS CITY AND PARKS Now undergo- Strengthening Indianapolis Through officials, preservation advocates and neighborhood residents ing restoration, Arts and Cultural Innovation Indianapolis’s 1931 broke ground for the Taggart Memorial Mainstage Thomas Taggart grant program, sparking collabora- Amphitheater in Riverside Park. Fueled by a $9.24 million Memorial will tion between Indiana Landmarks, grant from Lilly Endowment, the project will restore and trans- serve as a per- Indy Parks, Indianapolis Parks form the Taggart Memorial into a new performing venue and formance venue Foundation, and Indianapolis and home stage home stage for Indianapolis Shakespeare Company. for a professional Shakespeare Company. “At last a Indianapolis Mayor Thomas Taggart directed the creation of Shakespeare com- clear vision for the Taggart Memorial Riverside Park in 1898, named for its location along the White pany. Community, emerged. Indiana Landmarks parks, and city River. The Neoclassical memorial built in 1931 recognized leaders, including is immensely grateful to Lilly Taggart’s role as the father of Indianapolis Parks. Indianapolis Mayor Endowment for making this day Years of neglect landed the memorial on Indiana Joe Hogsett (above possible,” said Indiana Landmarks Landmarks’ 10 Most Endangered list in 2011, spurring the left), celebrated the President Marsh Davis at the project’s kick-off in creation of a task force that stabilized the structure. Finding a September. groundbreaking. new use proved elusive until Lilly Endowment announced its PHOTOS BY EVAN HALE indianalandmarks.org