The Heritage Preservation Society of Putnam County continues the observation of May as National Historic Preservation Month by hosting a talk with consultant Rose Wernicke on the “Treasures of Putnam County’s Small Towns: Bainbridge, Cloverdale, Roachdale and Russelville.” The presentation will take place on Saturday, May 20 at 10:00am in the Kiwanis Room at the Putnam County Library. The event is free and all are welcome.

Ms. Wernicke will detail special finds from her research preparing the nominations of these neighborhoods to the National Register of Historic Places, as a contractor for HPS. Previously, she has given lectures in each of the individual towns while in the process of writing the proposals. The purpose of those events was a give and take between the historian and the audience. She explained the implications of being listed on the National Register, and the ongoing case for each locality’s eligibility. In turn, residents shared their anecdotal knowledge and vintage photos of the community.

This is a chance to hear the overview and learn the highlights from the result of many months of in-depth investigation into the structures and history of the area. Ms. Wernicke’s expertise and enthusiasm are an engaging combination.

She received a Master’s degree in Public History from IUPUI and was formerly with the Indiana Historical Society. Wernicke currently works as part of a team on Downtown Revitalization studies and writes National Register nominations throughout the state.

In a special double-billed event, immediately following her presentation a tour of Greencastle’s Courthouse Square Historic District will be offered by HPS President Phil Gick. Technically, this area is roughly bounded by College Avenue, Walnut, Market, and Franklin Streets. This promenade, however, will most likely center on the square itself, within sight of the new clocks. Here the featured architecture is primarily Late 19th and 20th Century Revivals as well as Late Victorian. The walk and talk is a great way to fully appreciate the result of all the Stellar Grant work done over the past few years in the heart of downtown, as well as to brush up on historic events that took place there.

Last year a sizable group enjoyed a narrated amble through a portion of the Eastern Enlargement Historic District.

Next, HPS is planning a public tour of the oldest residence in the Eastern Enlargement, the Aker House, on Saturday, June 17. This Greek Revival home is situated at the corner of Bloomington and East Washington Streets. Constructed in 1840, this structure affords a chance to see what renown architect Elisha Braman designed for himself to live in. Braman was responsible for two of the most important landmark buildings of his era in this area. First he created “The Edifice” which was the original college building for the fledgling Indiana Asbury University (now DePauw). Later he was the architect for the second Putnam County Courthouse. Neither of these buildings has survived, the former due to fire and the other outgrown by progress. Fortunately through the generosity of the current owners, his home will be available for view as one of the few examples of this considerable historic legacy.

In addition, plans are shaping up for a possible dedication on Sunday, July 2, for the Civil War Monument in Forest Hill Cemetery. The much-needed restoration work on the soldier’s statue which is taking place under the auspices of HPS along with the City of Greencastle is scheduled to be finished mid-June.