HAMILTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Sheriff's Residence and Jail Museum in Noblesville, Indiana. Also known as the Hamilton County Historical Society. More than a JAIL Engage History, Embrace Today, Empower Tomorrow What's happening? NOBLESVILLECREATES.ORG/LEVISON-FAMILY-WALKING-TOUR/ Mission To preserve and interpret the history of Hamilton County, create an interest, awareness, and appreciation of our history, and be a clearing house for county-wide historical preservation. Vision HCHS will be the trusted, welcoming hub for Hamilton County history connecting residents and visitors to accurate stories, strong collections, and meaningful partnerships while strengthening the Sheriff’s Residence & Jail Museum as a must-visit destination. OUR HOURS Fridays and Sa turdays 12 p m - 5 pm We schedule tours for groups other days of the week. Please do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to schedule a tour if we are available. Email us at: info@hamiltoncoinhs.com CONTACT US Thank you. We will be in conctact soon. Submit Home: Contact

Use the provided link to donate to the Hamilton County Historical Society or pay for gift shop items. Donate The Hamilton County Historical Society relies on the generosity of our community to thrive. We invite you to contribute to our mission of preserving local history and making it accessible to everyone. Your support is vital to our ongoing efforts to preserve and share our community's rich history. Any contribution, large or small, will make a significant difference. Button Donate By clicking the 'Donate Button' you will be redirected to our safe and secure Square donation site. All transactions are secure and encrypted. You will choose the amount of your support. It will also take your name and contact information for us. Our most sincere thanks for any donation that you can give to us.

Minutes of our Meetings We provide minutes of our Board meetings for you to view. 2023 Board Meeting Dates* January 2023 Minutes March 2023 May 2023 July 2023 September 2023 February 2023 Minutes April 2023 June 2023 August 2023 October 2023 November 2023 December 2023 OCT - NOV - DEC 2022 Newsletter JAN - FEB - MAR 2023 Newsletter APR - AUG 2023 Newsletter

Researching your home's history. Investigating the history of your home. The first place to start would be at the local library - Hamilton East Public Library. Visit the Crossroads Discovery Center [formerly the Indiana Room] Also helpful is to visit the Library of Congress site and look at their collection of Sanborn fire maps. About this Collection at the Library of Congress: The Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps Online Checklist provides a searchable database of the fire insurance maps published by the Sanborn Map Company housed in the collections of the Geography and Map Division. The online checklist is based upon the Library's 1981 publication Fire Insurance Maps in the Library of Congress and will be continually updated to reflect new acquisitions. Fire Insurance Maps in the Library of Congress. 1981 The Sanborn maps are arranged by state, then city and release data. The online checklist also contains links to existing digital images from our collection and will be updated as new images are added. Sanborn Keys & Colors Fire insurance maps are distinctive because of the sophisticated set of symbols that allows complex information to be conveyed clearly. In working with insurance maps, it is important to remember that they were made for a very specific use, and that although they are now valuable for a variety of purposes, the insurance industry dictated the selection of information to be mapped and the way that information was portrayed. Knowledge of the keys and colors is essential to proper interpretation of the information found in fire insurance maps. Baist Atlases, also produced for fire insurance purposes, include similar maps drawn on a smaller scale. Consult a local library or the Indiana State Library for original or microfilm copies. Check Indiana Memory for digitized maps. If there has already been research on your home in the past, it may be helpful to visit Indiana DNR SHAARD site. Indiana State Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD) and Indiana Historic Buildings, Bridges, and Cemeteries (IHBBC) Map Visit Indiana Landmarks site for more assistance. HISTORIC HOMES FAQ & DIY Consulting City Directories City directories are an easy source to consult for the names of a home’s occupants (as opposed to owners), as well as approximate construction dates. These directories typically also give the principal resident’s occupation. Published for cities of various sizes, the directories were inaugurated in some towns as early as 1855. If you have completed a chain of title, compare the names on the title to the city directories. From 1914 forward, most Indiana city directories contain an index by street address as well as occupant’s name. If you don’t know the names, research in pre-1914 directories becomes a tedious hunt through column after column of names as you search for your address. However, online, digitized versions can save you time if they allow you to search for names and addresses. Examining Census Data Beginning in 1850, census records include the names and number of people living in a house. In addition to revealing where inhabitants were born, their race, sex, age, and marital status, later records sometimes tell their occupations. Your local library or historical society may have census records, and many are available online free of charge or through subscription services such as Ancestry.com. The Genealogy Division of the Indiana State Library has several helpful links related to census records including a list of those available online. This file contains many helpful links: PDF From Hamilton East Public library Local help may be found at the: Noblesville Library - Discovery Center Noblesville Preservation Alliance [there may be an option for paid research] An appointment may be necessary How to list your home or property as a Historic Property The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archeological resources. The National Register nomination process usually starts with your state historic site. Indiana DNR Historic Preservation Application forms for Historic Site in Indiana How are Properties Evaluated? To be considered eligible, a property must meet the National Register Criteria for Evaluation . This involves examining the property’s age, significance, and integrity. Age and Integrity: Is the property old enough to be considered historic (generally at least 50 years old) and does it still look much the way it did in the past? Significance: Is the property associated with events, activities, or developments that were important in the past? With the lives of people who were important in the past? With significant architectural history, landscape history, or engineering achievements? Does it have the potential to yield information through archeological investigation about our past? National Register Listing Process Nominations can be submitted to your SHPO from property owners, historical societies, preservation organizations, governmental agencies, and other individuals or groups. Official National Register Nomination Forms are downloadable or from your State Historic Preservation Office. National Register Bulletins can also provide guidance on how to document and evaluate certain types of properties. Sample Nominations provide additional useful information. The SHPO notifies affected property owners and local governments and solicits public comment. If the owner (or a majority of owners for a district nomination) objects, the property cannot be listed but may be forwarded to the National Park Service for a Determination of Eligibility (DOE). Proposed nominations are reviewed by your state’s historic preservation office and the state’s National Register Review Board. The length of the state process varies but will take a minimum of 90 days. Complete nominations, with certifying recommendations, are submitted by the state to the National Park Service in Washington, D.C. for final review and listing by the Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places. The National Park Service makes a listing decision within 45 days. Local Help - Noblesville Preservation Alliance An appointment may be necessary to meet with them.

Annual Meeting 2025 David Heighway, Hamilton County Historian Emeritus Jessica Layman, President 6 years Quilt of Valor Wreaths Across America

The Parlo r Like most parlors in the day, ours is located at the front of the home. Parlors were intended for special occasions. Children dare not tread into the parlor. The parlor was typically the only room in the home that had a large carpet. The room may have been kept locked for most of the winter months when not in use so they did not have to heat it. Most parlors either a piano or organ in the room. We are fortunate to have a Kimball pump organ Kimball Pump Organ Kimball (W. W.) Co. William W. Kimball, a native of Maine, moved from Iowa to Chicago in 1857, when he was 29 years old. Kimball made a living by renting pianos and selling sheet music. By the 1870s, his music store reported annual sales of nearly $1 million. At the beginning of the 1880s, Kimball opened his first factory, which made organs and pianos, at 26th and Rockwell Streets. By 1900, W. W. Kimball & Co. employed about 1,500 people at this facility. By the 1910s, the company was turning out more than 13,000 pianos each year, making it one of the top 10 manufacturers in the U.S. piano industry. During the 1950s, when it moved its main plant and general offices to suburban Melrose Park, the company continued to employ hundreds of Chicago-area residents. In 1959, Kimball was purchased by the Jasper Corp. of Jasper, Indiana, a maker of television cabinets; the piano plant moved to West Baden, Indiana. In 1974 the name of Jasper Corp. became Kimball International Inc.; at the end of the century, this company was still making Kimball pianos. WW Kimball made 13 types of pump organs. This type is fittingly called the parlor organ. Wilson, MR January 18, 2024. Encyclopedia of Chicago, http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/2740.html About The Pump Organ Pump organs are interesting musical instruments. Human beings have always been interested in creating a culture wherever they ended up settling, and we see that this isn’t limited to a particular region or part of the world. Of course, they came up with their own instruments and unique instruments, as well. Many people might not be familiar with the pump organ, but it has quite a rich history that can’t be denied. One of the reasons that pump organs gained popularity centuries ago is because they were often times more portable than pipe organs. It became a staple of many affluent homes, and some churches ended up adopting pump organs rather than pipe organs, as well. A pump organ is also called a “harmonium.” The pump organ ended up being replaced by the electric organ, but it had several decades of popularity. You can still find it being used by certain musicians, but you are not as likely to hear a harmonium in modern times. However, it is still used in Indian music and Pakistani music. The pump organ works by pushing air past a piece of thin metal (called a “reed”). It should be noted that while a pump organ can sound incredible, it is somewhat limited in tone. The pump organ was most popular between 1850 and 1930. You can hear the pump organ in the work of many classic artists, from Debussy, to Bach, to Franz Liszt. From The Keyboard Experts, January 24th, 2024 https://www.pianoorganrepair.com/a-brief-history-of-pump-organs Parlor Fireplace In 1978, our museum underwent a huge renovation. From 1972 to 1977 the home was only used as a jail and sheriff office. They had taken over the family portion of the home for much needed office and jail space. The before and after of this fireplace shows the great strides that we made in getting back as closely as we can to the original look of the residence. The room was usually cold and originally fires were started with coal. In the 1880's there was a natural gas boom in Indiana, and the fireplace would most likely have been converted at that time. The Family Bible – The original Ancestry.com Prior to easily retrievable birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and digitized record keeping in general, the family Bible held the ultimate narrative of ancestral history. They are a treasure trove for both genealogists and historians. Often, the family Bible was the only written record of births, marriages, and deaths of loved ones. In addition, between the leaves of this precious possession one could expect to find a wealth of newspaper clippings, letters, photos, and other ephemera pressed for safekeeping over generations of forbears. It was understood that the book was to be carefully guarded and passed along. Source: https://www.appalachianhistory.net/2019/09/family-bible.html Parlor – Wool Rug By the late 1700s, an important innovation occurred: the ingrain carpet. These bold flat-pile wool floor coverings were made on a more sophisticated loom that could produce elaborate geometric and floral patterns. The most popular colors were red, yellow, and green. Since ingrain carpets were machine-made, they were relatively affordable and were found increasingly in middle-class homes. Ingrain carpets retained their popularity well into the 1800s. We are fortunate to have a wool rug for our parlor in such great condition considering it is most likely over 150 years old. We love that the colors are still so vibrant and beautiful. American author Edgar Allan Poe is best known for his mournful poetry and eerie short stories. He also had plenty to say about what we today call interior design. In an 1840 essay about interior decorating , Poe states, “A carpet is the soul of the apartment.”

The Kitchen This kitchen was not only the heart of the home, but also of the jail. The sheriff had a small staff, some of them were only part time. The sheriff depended on his family to help with the jail house's duties. The sheriff’s wife was a staff member and received a stipend. She had to prepare meals for the inmates and her family. If there were women or children in the jail; she was also the matron for them. The sheriff’s children helped when they were needed. Children had chores to do, including cleaning and upkeep of the yard. The children were expected to help in the kitchen. Early days required that there always be firewood in the kitchen so that they could have a good hot stove to cook their meals on. The children were called upon to deliver trays at mealtimes. The prisoners were served three meals a day. Breakfast was usually simple and consisted of a biscuit, an egg, usually boiled and some coffee. Lunch was also a simple meal, and they had a sandwich, soup, and bread. Lunch varied depending on the seasons, what was available, and sometimes what community members and businesses in the area had and shared with the jail. More than once, a prisoner said that he loved the cooking and the meals that he had here at the jail. Depending on whether ‘Dad’ was home for the meal, decided on where they ate. If he was away from home, they would eat here in the kitchen. If they were lucky to have Dad home for a meal, then that would sit at the dining room table. Family members of the sheriff who have been interviewed, told us that at holidays, sometimes a long table was set up in the Foyer. They played wiffle ball outside, had pets, and the courthouse square was their playground. There was a swing in the tree outside the west porch. The sheriff’s children were allowed to have friends sleep over. The attic was a favorite place to pla y, as well as the downtown square. The Majestic Manufacturing Company, sometimes called the Majestic Stove Company, produced about two million ranges between the 1880s and the 1940s and was one of the ten largest stove producers in the United States prior to World War II. Many of their ranges are still in use today, and they are very commonly found in stove restoration shops. We have a majestic stove here at the museum. Source: https://stoves.com/2011/10/great-majestic-cook-stove/#:~:text=The%20Majestic%20Stove%20Company%20produced,prior%20to%20World%20War%20II. McDougall was one of the early manufacturers of a Hoosier cabinet. An advertisement from 1919 identified the McDougall as "the first kitchen cabinet". George McDougall began the McDougall Company in Indianapolis, Indiana, sometime after the Civil War. The company's products were pie safes and kitchen tables. H oosier cabinets were more than just a cabinet; they were a must-have in most homes. The cabinets not only stored kitchen staples like flour and sugar, they also held workable utensils inside. Most Hoosier cabinets housed flour sifters, Lazy Susan's for spices, bread boxes, and even meat grinders. The typical Hoosier cabinet had a large base, sometimes on casters, with a pull-out work surface and several drawers. The top was narrower and had several cabinets and drawers and usually one compartment had a roll-top or tambour. Most were made of oak or other solid wood. The Hoosier cabinet began to decline in popularity after World War II when more modern appliances began to emerge. Source:https://www.americanantiquities.com/Journal%20Articles/who%20made%20it.html#:~:text=McDougall%20was%20one%20of%20the,pie%20safes%20and%20kitchen%20tables. The hand pump may seem like an antique to us, but the sheriff and his family were thankful to have “running water” in their home. Before the luxury of the indoor pump, they had to bring their water in from the outside well. Hand pumps are one of the most ancient water-lifting devices that have been used for thousands of years. In recent centuries, these devices were often installed over community water wells in the days before piped water supplies. During the Industrial Revolution (1760 – 1840), hand pumps became a common sight in Europe and North America. They were used for a variety of applications, including pumping water from wells, cisterns, and water tanks. A hand pump works by creating a vacuum that draws water up from a well or other water source, such as a borehole. The pump has a piston or plunger that moves up and down inside a cylinder, creating suction that draws water up through a valve at the bottom of the cylinder. As the plunger is lifted, water is drawn into the cylinder through a one-way valve at the bottom, and when the plunger is pushed back down, the water is forced out through a spout or outlet. This process is repeated until enough water has been drawn up or the desired pressure has been achieved. Source: https://www.aymcdonald.com/en/news/2023/May/get-a-handle-on-the-history-of-hand-pumps--304#:~:text=Hand%20pumps%20are%20one%20of,days%20before%20piped%20water%20supplies. Antique iceboxes , in principle, work similarly to the modern refrigerator. Simple, yet practical. Given the limitations of the 19th century, the icebox got the job done. The icebox itself was hollow and lined with zinc or tin. This lining kept the internal temperature cooler longer. An ice block was placed in the top compartment near food that needed to stay cold. The ice would typically last about two days with the exception of the hot summer months. The design of the icebox and the humidity circulated the cold air in the device. Source: https://blogs.loc.gov/teachers/2019/03/icebox-exploring-states-of-matter-using-historic-photographs/ This is the first CROCK POT A piece of home cooking history! The Ideal Cooker by The Toledo Cooker Co. was an early version of today’s crock pot or slow cooker. The spacious metal lined well within the wooden housing was designed as a new style of cooking, advertised as economical in fuel saving and in keeping the kitchen cool in warm months. The lid has a supporting hinge and securing latch. Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/846324954994313974/ THE TOLEDO COOKER CO. Ideal Cooker History of our braided rug - with a tuxedo woven in ! Our braid rug history – with a tuxedo woven into it. Braided rugs can be traced back to the 1700’s. They started as all things did back then, of necessity. We wanted to cover our bare wood floors. Wooden floors were not smooth like they are now. Straw mats were first used. Wool was preferred over straw mats as they were more durable and prettier. Hand braided rugs continue to be a favorite with many, even today. Noblesville native Denzel Hufford loved many things, besides her main love of gardening, Mrs. Hufford also caned chairs and braided wool rugs. She was a longtime member of the Huckeepudler Rug Hooking Association. We are fortunate to have one of her rugs donated to us at the Historic Sheriff’s residence and jail on the square in downtown Noblesville. Most of everything that Denzel was involved in she always threw in a little bit of fun with it. Our kitchen rug is no different. Denzel was married to Marvin ‘Red’ Hufford, who was a very well-known big band leader in the 30’s and 40’s in Indiana and surrounding states. Denzel used some of Red Hufford’s tuxedo’s that he wore as a band leader to make the rug that we have in the kitchen of the sheriff’s residence. All the black fabric is from his tuxedo’s. Recently at the historic sheriff’s residence and jail we took some time to repair the rug in the kitchen. Board members, Nancy Massey, Janet Phillips, and Sandra Lynch. During our ‘sewing bee’ we began to wonder about the history of this rug, and we wanted to share that story.

Past Events in 2024 Front Porch Music Festival June 7th, 2024 Emma Clouse a museum volunteer and docent performed on our front porch for this June 2024 event. She was wonderful ! A Day at the Barn June 9th, 2024 Sid Davis welcomed the Historical Society members and guests to visit his barn. Mr. Davis is an avid collector of Hamilton County items and we were honored that he shared them with us. Mr. Davis shared some Forest Park pictures and an amusement ride. He told us of the many items that he had gotten from the ground using his metal detector. Some items date back to the Civil War. Prints from local artist Rodney Reveal of the Blue Ribbon Dairy and the Rainbow Roller Rink. The crowd of over 30 people were glad to see his collection and hear his stories.

2026 Events Indiana Peony Festival - May 17, 2026 Buzz on the Square - June 5-6, 2026 The event was sponsored by the Hamilton County Historical Society US250 - Local History Fair - June 20, 2026 The event was sponsored by the Hamilton East Public Library

Drone Fly - Through Drone's Eye View of the Museum Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Recently we had the honor of Matthew Doudt offering to 'fly through' our museum with his drone. The resulting clip is amazing, and a great showcase of our museum. Matthew Doudt Photography https://matthewdphotography.com/ Noblesville, Indiana Hello! We're Matt & Jen, a husband/wife team. We’ve worked hard to develop a style of shooting and editing pictures that is attractive and desired in today’s market place. We are constantly growing. Please feel free to ask us to try something new. We love the challenge!

History Books Delve into Hamilton County history! Build your own bundle of books for just $30 -Visit us today! While visiting the museum, please browse through our selection of books and gifts. Celebrating Hamilton County, Indiana: 200 Years of Change On the occasion of Hamilton County’s 200th anniversary comes an updated history of one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States. Celebrating Hamilton County, Indiana: 200 Years of Change builds on past histories of the county while introducing new stories, people, photography, and art to modern readers. Buy your copy at Nickel Plate Arts, All Things Carmel, Conner Prairie or from the Hamilton County Historical Society (Saturdays, 12-5 p.m.). (Please contact the individual retailer to confirm operating hours.) Hardcover Book $42.50 Explore neglected corners of Hamilton County history Hamilton County's past harbors sundry strange tales, many of them lost to time--until now. In 1867, a groom disappeared just before his wedding, presumably running away on cold feet. Four decades later his remains were discovered buried under a shed in a mystery that remains unsolved. In the 1870s, the Sheriff marshaled a seven-man posse, including two local African Americans, to deal with "desperados'? in an isolated corner of the county. Their heroic efforts swiftly liberated the local populous from the yoke of banditry. A giant wave of ravenous squirrels descended on Central Indiana in 1882 to feast on crops, to the shock and dismay of new settlers. Paperback $22.00 Join county historian David Heighway for a tour of all things odd and forgotten. Since 1824, Noblesville has served as the county seat for Hamilton County, Indiana. Located on the White River just north of Indianapolis, Noblesville grew from rural beginnings, changing as businesses and industry moved into the area, which was encouraged by the discovery of natural gas. This book documents the history, community life, and growth of Noblesville using stories and photographs collected from local residents, historians, church archives, the Hamilton County Historical Society, and the Hamilton East Public Library. These photographs bring the daily life of this Midwest community vividly into view. Paperback $22.00 Noblesville's transformation from small town to one of Indiana's largest cities is a fascinating story. From the earliest settlers struggling for survival on Horseshoe Prairie in 1819 through the heady times of the 1880s Gas Boom era to today, the city thrived with uncommon personalities and landmark events. Discover the stories of former slave Reverend Barney Stone, daredevil Earl "Lucky" Teter and renowned fashion designer Norman Norell. Delve into the account of the Great Flood of 1913 and the origin of the nation's first independent telephone company. Join authors Paula Dunn and Nancy A. Massey on a journey through Noblesville's unique history. Paperback $22.00 Local Historian Joe H Burgess Included are Civil war stories from Hamilton County families. Stories from the drummers to front line battles and the Hamilton County soldiers who were a part of this history. Hardback book $15.00 Floyd Hopper Print $35.00 Wooden Display $15.00 Blue Sun Catcher $15.00 Maroon Sun Catcher $15.00 Note Cards Packs for $5.00 By Local Artist - Sarah Kenley 8 x 11 Prints $10.00 by Local Artists

Hamilton County and Noblesville, Indiana both celebrated their 200th birthday in 2023. 2023 Hamilton County Bicentennial January - December, 2023 · 9 Townships · Hamilton County, Indiana View 2023 Gallery Watch Podcast Bicentennial Blog Bicentennial Commission Kathy Williams, Co-Chair Kent Ward, Co-Chair David Heighway, Hamilton County Historian, ex-officio Ron Stone, Adams Township Deborah Gangstad, Clay Township Rick Fain, Delaware Township Suzanna Hobson, Fall Creek Township Nicole Duncan, Jackson Township Dottie Young, Noblesville Township Danielle Tolan, Washington Township Diane Nevitt, Wayne Township Jamie Rulon, White River Township Jessica Petty, Bicentennial Coordinator Guiding Principles The Bicentennial celebration was created with these guiding principles in mind: We plan to celebrate … all 200 years of Hamilton County history (and beyond) in a complete, accurate way. We will reflect … on our past, celebrate our present, and build towards the future to make Hamilton County a better place for all people to live. We aim to represent … many different perspectives and raise all voices in celebration, not just the most visible ones. We strive to collaborate … and advocate for community through programming, publications, and promotion of our Bicentennial themes. Hamilton County Bicentennial January 2024 Final Report Celebrating Hamilton County, Indiana: 200 Years of Change Our book is available for purchase on Amazon, the publisher’s website, and several locations throughout Hamilton County. We have sold (at least) 695 books out of a 1,000 book print run - so get them while you can! Budget: We distributed $58,000 in grants to 29 organizations and representatives from all nine townships for almost 50 programs. We paid the Bicentennial Coordinator, three communications contract workers, a photographer and videographer, and three content developers. Our merchandise provider MarketPro allowed us to only pay for merchandise that did not sell before the end of 2023 Communications: Our website, hamcoturns200.com, included a biweekly blog, a monthly email newsletter, and served as the clearinghouse for public information on the Bicentennial. In addition to advertising online and in print publications, this team sent press releases, designed and developed merchandise with local partner MarketPro, designed a print calendar, created special video promotions for social media, as well as designed several aspects of the book. Traveling Exhibit: Funded by the Hamilton County Community Foundation, it covered all 5 themes and traveled over 35 weeks to almost 30 locations throughout the county, including schools, libraries, businesses, etc. It will continue to be used by the Hamilton County Historical Society. Event Management: This team planned our opening ceremony in January of 2023, as well as our closing event, the Bicentennial Bash in December. The opening, at The Palladium in Carmel, had around 600 attendees and the Bash at Ivy Tech in Noblesville had around 360. Both showcased the entire county. Our grant-funded programs had a total of approximately 15,250 attendees. High School Ambassador Program: Funded by County Commissioners individually, 11 students from almost every high school in the county attended programs led by community leaders as well as Bicentennial events. They engaged in approximately 60 hours of activities. Transportation Marker Program: In development as a legacy project, the Hamilton County Historical Society will take the foundation of this idea and bring it to fruition. Lost transportation routes like canals, stagecoach stops, interurban stops, etc, will be memorialized with permanent signage. Photographer/Videographer: We contracted with Daniel Grose Photography and Adam Grubb Media to create a permanent record of the Bicentennial.