2025 Recognition Awards
Historic Residence – Pre Civil War
316 E Main St (1849)
Historic church – Delphi Wesleyan church (1958)
Derek and Casandra Shilling accepting the award with DPS President Christina Langsdorf
Samuel L. Milroy Award – Ross Striebeck
Ross served the students, school, and community for 43 years within the Delphi Community School Corporation. Ross has been a a member of the Carroll County 4-H Exhibit Board and the Indiana Association of Agriculture Educators. He is a former member of Delphi Lions Club and Delphi Chamber of Commerce. He has enjoyed numerous leadership, coaching, and community service activities with his students. This included many park projects and community food and toy drives. In 2022, Ross received the Project E, Excellence in Education teacher award and the Conservationist of the Year for Secondary Teachers. In 1998, he received an award from Delphi Chamber of Commerce “in recognition of contributions to the Delphi educational school system,” and in 2003, he received the Making a Difference Award.
Charles Gerard Historic Archival Award: Lifetime Achievement - Candi Pastor Harrison
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Candi is preserving the history of Delphi and Carroll County in a series of books, which now numbers 12. First focusing on those who she knew best, Candi produced “People on the Hill” followed by “History of the Hill” and four volumes on “Doyennes of the Hill.” But there would be two more about living on the South hill with “Hill Kids” and “Artists on the Hill” before Candi expanded into producing volumes on Carroll County with “Carroll County Artists”, “Carroll County Scenics” and “Famous Folks & Local Heroes of Carroll County.” Her most recent book, “Carroll County Veterans” lists Carroll County Veterans from every war fought by the United States beginning with the Revolutionary War. Coming in 2025 will be a book on the Old Settlers Association, The Delphi Opera House will be the subject of a future book.
Atkinson, Sanders, Rodriguez Leadership Award – Mike Tetrault
Before taking on the Wabash and Erie Canal, Mike was a teacher. He then became the youth and worship director at Riverside Covenant Church in West Lafayette. Since 2021, he has been the executive director of the Carroll County Wabash and Erie Canal. Mike joined the Delphi Redevelopment Commission in 2025 and was a member of the inaugural class of the Lilly Scholarship Network for 2024-25 - a statewide leadership development program.
Endangered historic structure – Delphi Interurban Station (1906) ceased operations in 1932
2024 Recognition Awards
Historic Residence Pre 1920
132 West North Street
1865 Italianate Style home, built in the “South Hill” neighborhood of Delphi (originally the neighborhood was called Lebanon because of large cedar trees found there).
Owners: Theresa and Frank Knapp
Historic Residence Pre Civil War:
121 West Front Street
Known as the “Rinehart-Baum House"
1858 Italianate Style House with an “Eastlake Style” porch. Originally built by Enoch Rinehart, owner of a local paper mill, and one of the early sheriffs. Local history says Abraham Lincoln visited here before his election to president in 1860. Current Owner: Daniel Winner
Historic Residence Post 1920:
213 East North Street
Known as the “Thayer House”. 1930 Cottage Style House, it is a "Sears" home.
Owners: Randall Cox and Diane Coghill.
Historic Church
315 East Main, Delphi Christian Church 1908, Romanesque Revival style with arched windows- Romanesque was popular in 1905-1940 time period. This site was purchased from an established church (the Presbyterians who were building a new church across the street).
Charles E. Gerard Historic Archival Award: Michael G. Griffey
A long time journalist and photographer. Michael is now editing and writing for the Carroll County Comet. He has had his own print newspaper as well as an online news paper. Michael has spent years documenting the history of Carroll County publishing a Pictorial History of Carroll County with Charles Gerard. Michael also has published “Lynched: A Story of Forbidden Love” about the Amer Green lynching in October of 1887.
Atkinson, Sanders, Rodriguez Leadership Award: ​
Julia Leahy is currently the Executive Director of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce a position she has held for 13 years. She has made a difference in Carroll County by helping businesses and business owners become successful. She has also spearheaded the “Leadership Carroll County” organization which helps prepare young leaders to assume positions of leadership in our County, cities and Towns. Julia also serves on the Carroll County Economic Development Committee and the Brooks Center Board.
The Samuel L. Milroy Award was presented to Carl Seese in recognition of his many contributions to the City of Delphi.
Carl taught Social Studies, Spanish, and English at various public schools for many years, and was a volunteer ESL classes teacher. He served as Spanish Club advisor and was frequently called on to help with translating for Spanish speaking parents and students. He was active with the teachers union and served for one term on the Delphi Community School Corporation Board. He is an enthusiastic supporter of the arts, and a frequent volunteer usher at the Delphi Opera House for the variety of presentations there.
He also served on the Wabash and Erie Canal Park Board of Directors for a number of years, and is a dedicated volunteer of the park’s work-days for the last 32 years, as well as volunteering as navigator and narrator for the replica canal boat tours.
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2023 Recognition Awards
Historic Residence Pre-1920:
"Dewey-Lathrope House" at 206 South Union Street, Delphi. Built 1855, Gothic Revival Style.
Current owners: Marcus and Jessica Brunton. Previously home of Captain John Lathrope, Civil War Band Leader - Cornet Player and Co-owner of the Delphi Opera House with Joseph Ruffing
Historic Residence Post-1920:
218 W Summit St. Delphi. Built circa 1930. Brick cottage style. Owners: Steve and Judy Smith
Historic Church: "Little White Church By the Canal". Originally German Lutheran Church. Renamed the Lutheran Church during World War I. Last services were held in this church in 1950's Moved to current location along the canal in 2015. Extensive work done by the "Monday, Wednesday, Friday Volunteer Crew"