Five Recognition Awards Presented at DPS Annual Membership Meeting

Since 2004, the Delphi Preservation Society has presented awards at its annual membership meeting to recognize achievements in preservation in the Delphi area. Dr. Gregory Norman announced the 2013 Recognition Awards.

Dan McCain of the Wabash & Erie Canal Association received the Atkinson, Sanders, Rodriguez Leadership Award for the dedicated service shown over the past decades in preserving the historic sites at Canal Park. Dan has also spearheaded the saving and relocation of several historic bridges to Canal Park, and most recently, the Freedom Bridge which will reconnect the trail segments severed by the Hoosier Heartland Highway. Dan McCain stands tall--literally and figuratively--among preservationists and promoters of heritage and cultural tourism throughout the region.

Richard Funkhouser was awarded the Charles Gerard Historic Archival Award for his many contributions to protecting and making available important archival resources. In particular, this past year Funkhouser published through the Delphi Preservation Society, the definitive work on William Henry Whistler who died during the ill-fated Lady Franklin Bay Expedition led by Adolphus Greely. A distant cousin of Whistler, Funkhouser collected information and documents related to the expedition focusing on Whistler’s role. Among the documents were Whistler’s diaries from the expedition and a letter written to his Aunt Lydia. These were transcribed in Funkhouser’s publication. A historical marker commemorating Whistler was donated by Funkhouser and installed at the Whistler Cemetery near Rockfield.

The Historic Site or Structure Award was presented to the Sherry and Lois Mears family for the Schweitzer Bank Barn on the historic farm in the Deer Creek Valley Rural Historic District. The barn was built around 1880, with a rough coarse rubble stone foundation and lower wall, vertical board siding, gable roof and two gabled cupolas containing louvered vents. The hay floor can be approached by an earthen ramp. East-facing hay doors can be opened in the overhang in order to drop hay to the feedlot outside. Sherry Mears and daughter-in-law Mary Mears are pictured.

The Historic Church Award was presented to the trustees of the Delphi United Methodist Church for their historic former home on North Union Street. Built as the Methodist Episcopal Church in the 1870s with Gothic Revival styling, the building saw many additions through the decades. A handsome parsonage was built in 1896 and a large education wing added in the 1930s. Maintaining heat and air conditioning in the historic church even after it was vacated is just one indication of the stewardship which the trustees have exhibited for this important Delphi landmark. Accepting the award on behalf of the trustees was Randy German.

The trustees have announced their intention to gift the historic structure to the Delphi Preservation Society which will place a preservation easement on the property to protect it in perpetuity.

The Italianate structure at 104 W. Main Street received the Historic Commercial or Public Building Award. Built around 1863 by Samuel Barnett, this handsome building is one of two historic properties in this quarter block owned by Rick Paul. The Barnett building is striking for the triple-hung sashes on its upper story now uncovered and painted with an historic palette. Rick Paul’s own hands have remodeled the retail bay in this building which now houses a day spa. Rick Paul was ahead of the Stellar Communities curve in his stewardship and restoration of the façades of his historic properties.

The Young family received a special tribute from the Delphi Preservation Society acknowledging the donation of the Young/Culligan building at 117 East Main Street to the Society at the end of last year. The Young family was presented with a framed rendering of the building as it will appear once the façade is restored. The Society plans to name the building in honor of the Youngs and will place a plaque on the building once the renovation is completed. Julie Knoeller, DPS President, presents the rendering to Shirleen Young Dimmitt, J. D., and Tim Young.

President Julie Knoeller presided over the annual membership meeting at which the membership approved a suspension of board member and officer term limits until May 2015 to ensure board continuity through the crucial Delphi Opera House restoration currently under way as a result of the Stellar Communities project. The membership also approved maintaining the present board and staggered terms through May 2015.

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Historic Delphi Property on Indiana Landmarks' 10 Most Endangered List

Update: Property set for Sheriff's Sale on June 26

The foreclosure crisis hits new and old structures, but it can strike historic houses with deadlier force. If a roof leak develops in a suburban house, a section of drywall gets ruined, and it’s not a big deal to replace. When the tile roof of the Bowen House springs a leak, decorative plaster, wall murals, carved woodwork and wainscoting suffer -- and may not recover if it remains vacant much longer. Built on Delphi’s Main Street in 1896, it’s one of the town’s great Victorian houses. It’s vacant, in real-estate limbo, and will endure slow demolition by neglect if something’s not done.
For more information, visit the Indiana Landmarks site.

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Gallery News: Nusbaum, May & Daehler Guest Artists

Mary Ann Nusbaum, Plein Air Painter

Plein air oil painter, Mary Ann Nusbaum, from Logansport, began her career in the fine arts just three years ago with several seminars with nationally known artists. She recently won an award at the prestigious New Harmony paint out. This is Mary Ann’s first exhibition. Come and celebrate this emerging artist work.

Diana May, Ceramic Artist

Diana May started working with clay while in high school in Lafayette and then studied it at Oakland Community College near Detroit. A minor in business and accounting led to a profession while in the back of her mind she knew she "would find clay again." Twenty years later, with the support of her husband and children, she launched Muddog Pottery, creating functional and sculptural art using clay.

Dwayne Daehler, Photographer

Dwayne Daehler describes himself as "something of a mystic type of person...drawn to scenes and images that move me to contemplation." Favoring street scenes and landscapes, Daehler has traveled and photographed extensively in America and other countries. One photograph won a major award from National Geographic Traveler.

Deborah Waymire, Jeweler & Bead Artist

An award winning glass bead artist and silversmith living in Monticello, Indiana, Deborah specializes in intricate glass bead designs. Her silver cuff bracelets are set with gemstones and engraved with inspirational messages for women.