HAMILTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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

Join HCHS Donate A heartfelt invitation to start a membership with us! We'd love for you to share the joy of history by inviting your family, friends, and anyone passionate about the past to join our organization. Your membership and unwavering dedication are the backbone of our efforts to preserve Hamilton County's rich history and fund future projects. Together, we can sponsor impactful programs that bring awareness of our local stories to life for everyone. 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.

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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.

Dottie Young: A Life Rooted in Hamilton County Mark Passwater in the jail office By Nancy A. Massey, Hamilton County Historical Society, Board Director Two days before her birthday, Sandra Lynch and I sat down with Dottie Young at the Hamilton East Public Library for a conversation about her life and her reflections on living in Hamilton County. The interview was part of the Hamilton County Historical Society’s ongoing oral history initiative—an effort to preserve the lived experiences of longtime residents whose stories illuminate the county’s past and guide its future. Dorothy “Dottie” Jane Zeiss Young was born on August 7, 1946, in the old Harrell Hospital on 9th Street in Noblesville. Her early morning arrival marked the beginning of a life deeply interwoven with the land, people, and traditions of Hamilton County. Raised in Clarksville—a small community nestled between Noblesville and Pendleton—Dottie’s childhood unfolded in a world of barns, bicycles, and neighborly trust. She fondly calls it “a golden time.” Dottie’s family roots in the area stretch back to the 1830s. On her father’s side, the Zeiss family came from Tiffin, Ohio, traveling by train with their livestock and even their dog to settle in Wayne Township. Her mother’s lineage includes the Careys, Paulsels, and Lehrs—names etched into the cemeteries, church rolls, and civic records of Hamilton County. Her great-grandfather Carey fought in the Civil War and later cared for orphans in Westfield. Her grandmother was born in a log cabin on Hinkle Creek and attended the Quaker church in Noblesville. Dottie’s early years were filled with freedom and imagination. “We’d ride our bikes, play hide-and-seek in barns, and explore abandoned buildings,” she recalls. “Nobody worried. You just had to be home for supper.” She remembers the Mexican families who moved into an old lodge building, how the children taught her Spanish, and how her father ran electricity from his shop to help them. The local church pitched in with food and support. “It was a beautiful time,” she says. “We didn’t have much, but we had each other.” The Clarksville Masonic Lodge—once the second-longest continuously active in Indiana—played a central role in the town’s social calendar, especially during its legendary December oyster suppers. Dottie fondly remembers the pump organ tucked in the corner. The lodge was a place of fraternity and charity. Its furniture was eventually moved to Noblesville, where it lives on—restored, repurposed, and preserved. Her family home sat across from the historic residence of Abraham and Sarah Nicholson, the town’s founders. Over time, it became a gas station, then a beloved neighborhood landmark. “We lived on Highway 38, now the Bataan Memorial Highway,” Dottie says. “I always joked I’d name my life story ‘My Life on the Bataan Highway… or How Can I Get Off This Road?’” When one of the two general stores burned down in the 1950s, Clarksville had no fire department. Locals formed a bucket brigade from the Masonic Lodge pump in Clarksville. “It was like a scene from an old movie,” she recalls. Her father’s shop, once a blacksmith shop built in the 1840s to attract tradesmen to the territory, stood as a symbol of Clarksville’s working-class resilience. Dottie’s father, Richard, was a cabinetmaker and a self-taught artist with extraordinary talent. From Roman-themed illustrations for the 1929 Noblesville Shadow yearbook to advertising murals for theaters in Bloomington, Omaha, and Davenport, his legacy shines in photos and ink. Dottie inherited his creativity—and his conviction that art gives dignity to history. Her mother, Thelma, worked as a nanny before marrying and later took a position at Butler University alongside her husband as caretakers of Ross Hall. Dottie attended Durbin Elementary School, where kindergarten didn’t yet exist, and completed eighth grade in Wayne Township. At the time, the township didn’t offer high school, so students had to choose between Noblesville, Lapel, or Walnut Grove. Dottie chose Noblesville, following in the footsteps of her parents, grandparents, and siblings. She became a cheerleader—an unexpected honor for a girl from Durbin—and took the role seriously. “There were only five of us,” she says. “We had a cheer block. It was organized and passionate—not like today’s squads.” After high school, Dottie worked at RCA in Indianapolis to save money for college. She attended Indiana University, working multiple jobs to support herself, including scheduling appointments for Kirby vacuum sales and working in Bloomington schools. Her determination and work ethic were shaped by her family’s example—her father worked three jobs to put her brother through Purdue’s chemical engineering program. Dottie’s professional life included teaching in Indianapolis Public Schools and raising her daughter, Emily. But her heart remained in Hamilton County, where she became a tireless advocate for historical preservation, community service, and civic engagement. She joined the Hamilton County Historical Society in 1973 during the county’s sesquicentennial and has served in nearly every leadership role since, except treasurer. She helped launch the Flower Faire, organized teas and style shows, and traveled across the county collecting oral histories from service veterans and donations. Her involvement extended to the Cemetery Commission, where she worked to protect and restore neglected burial grounds. “I hate to see vandalism and neglect,” she says. “We led the way for other counties.” She’s also been a longtime member of Tri Kappa, a philanthropic sorority that allowed her to serve others even when resources were tight. “It’s a wonderful sisterhood,” she says. “You get to help people in meaningful ways.” One of Dottie’s proudest achievements was helping save the Sheriff’s Residence and Old Jail from demolition in the 1990s. “They wanted to tear it down for parking,” she recalls. “Irvin Heath threatened to chain himself to the porch. People thought it was just old—but it was historic.” The building was eventually restored, including its tower, which had been destroyed by a tornado in 1948. She remembers stories of girls avoiding the 8th Street side because prisoners would yell crude things through the windows. Former inmates have returned to show their children where they once stayed—some of their drawings still visible on the walls. At a recent museum open house, a woman said, “This is beautiful... and I wanted it torn down. Was I crazy?” Dottie reflects, “Some people can’t see the potential beneath age and wear. But if enough of us do, we can change minds.” Her reflections on Noblesville’s growth are tinged with both pride and concern. “I remember driving with my mom and seeing the lights from Indianapolis. I said, ‘Maybe someday they’ll come here.’ She said, ‘I hope not—too many people.’” Dottie has watched subdivisions replace cornfields, historic homes vanish, and barns collapse. She mourns the loss of landmarks like the Opera House and the Armory, where she once cheered at county-wide basketball tournaments. “We need to slow down and think before we tear things down,” she says. “Maintenance matters. Appreciation matters.” Dottie’s passion for preservation is matched by her love of storytelling. Her family photos—colorized portraits, snapshots in galvanized tubs, church gatherings, and memento mori images—tell stories of resilience, humor, and heartbreak. She speaks of her grandmother who died of tuberculosis, her cousin who drank disinfectant, and her great-grandfather who was kicked by a horse and lay by a fence post for three days before dying. “History isn’t perfect,” she says. “But it’s ours.” Some family photos hint at deeper stories: a possible memento mori photograph of a layered ancestor, haunting and serene. Others spark laughter—like her grandfather’s sleigh tipping in the snow, rolling out a very round passenger who simply laughed, got up, and rode on. She’s especially concerned about the loss of cursive writing. “If kids don’t learn it, they won’t be able to read the letters their ancestors left behind,” she says. “I tried to share a letter my cousin wrote to my mother when she was dying. My children couldn’t read it.” Today, Dottie lives in Noblesville, watching the landscape change and remembering the people who shaped it. She speaks with reverence about her neighbors, her teachers, and her family. Her message to future generations is clear: Appreciate the past. Preserve what you can. Ask questions. Stay curious. “I used to think everything was perfect,” she says. “But we’re made of people. Not all of them are perfect—but we keep striving.” “History isn’t flawless, but it’s ours to reckon with. That’s why I believe so strongly in preserving and knowing our past—good, bad, and complicated.” In sharing her story, Dottie Young has given Hamilton County a gift—not just of memory, but of meaning. Her life reminds us that history lives in barns and bridges, in handwritten letters and family photographs, in laughter and loss. And most of all, in the voices of those who remember. With stories like hers, Hamilton County doesn’t just remember its past—it learns from it. Mark and Marjorie on a date

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!

Research Resources Did the Bicentennial pique your interest in history? Great! We've collected resources here to help you research your township, family or topic of interest. Enjoy digging into Hamilton County's past. 1 The Indiana Room Visit online or in person inside the Noblesville Library The Indiana Room , located on the second floor of the Noblesville Library, houses a special collection dedicated to preserving and providing local and state history, genealogy and more. Access databases (including many of those included on this Research page) and books to help you. Plus, library staff are on hand to help. While the Indiana Room is housed inside the Noblesville branch, you can access many Indiana Room resources on the library website. Visit the Indiana Room online for more information and helpful links. 2 Primary County Histories Available Online Get access to the old standards and lots of details These are ideal if you have a specific need and know what you're looking for. 1880: History of Hamilton County, Indiana , by T.B. Helm. Peruse illustrations and biographical sketches of some of the county’s prominent men and pioneers, to which are appended maps of its several townships. 1901: A History of the Formation, Settlement and Development of Hamilton County, Indiana , by Augustus Finch Shirts. From the year 1818 to the close of the Civil War, this local lawyer and writer’s authoritative history includes lots of lists. (If you've heard of the so-called Great Squirrel Stampede of 1822, this is where it can be traced.) 1915: History of Hamilton County, Indiana: Her People, Industries and Institutions , by John F. Haines. A great source of biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of old families. Reminiscences of the Long Ago , by Zina Warren. This “historical sketch” covers “the early settlement of Bethlehem, now Carmel and vicinity … with … an account of the Indians and of the doings and makeshifts of the early pioneers who have passed away with a partial list of their names … and … a list of the dead of Bethlehem-Carmel … an account of merchandising and other branches of business, accidents, suicides, shootings, fires, etc. up to 1911.” 3 Books from Arcadia Publishing Drill down and get community specific with recently produced works by local authors Arcadia Publishing prides itself on reconnecting people to their community, neighbors and past by offering a curbside view of hometown history and often forgotten aspects of American life. Several local authors have penned works about Hamilton County cities and towns through the publisher. (Most links below lead to complete texts.) Hidden History of Hamilton County, Indiana , by David Heighway (2021). Hamilton County's past harbors sundry strange tales, many of them lost to time--until now. (Heighway is also a contributor to the Hamilton Co. Bicentennial book.) Wicked Fishers , by Robert Bowling (2021). Fishers is one of the safest places to live in the United States, but it was once a lawless town where anything could happen. (Bowling is also a contributor to the Hamilton Co. Bicentennial book.) A History of Westfield, Indiana: The Promise of the Land , by Tom Rumer (2015). Founded in 1834 by a small group of Quakers protesting human slavery in the South, Westfield and Washington Township served as an important home station on the Underground Railroad. Noblesville , by Nancy A. Massey and Carol Ann Schweikert (2013). Since 1824, Noblesville has served as the county seat for Hamilton County, Indiana. This book documents the history, community life, and growth of Noblesville using stories and photographs. (Massey is also involved in the Hamilton Co. Bicentennial book.) Carmel , by Terri Horvath (2007). Carmel started as a small trading post and farming community in 1836 but has long been regarded as a gateway to Indiana's capital city. The nickname "North Gate of Indianapolis" was adopted by Carmel's centennial committee, reflecting the town's appreciation of the big-city association. 4 County and State Maps Online Explore who owned what and how land has changed hands Property ownership is important. You can research a larger-acreage property, a commercial property or the your home. TIP: Start with finding names of people associated with a property, and then you can further your research. (Researching an individual residence often requires a trip to the Hamilton County Courthouse.) Also, Newspapers.com is available without a fee at all Hamilton East Public Library branches, and is a great resource with a robust, user-friendly search function. The Library of Congress holds historic maps that show the area of Indiana and Hamilton County going back to 1753. The first map that shows the county was created in 1825. (One curiosity: There is strong evidence that William Clark came through in 1791, but it has never been proven. Maps of the area are deemed inaccurate until the until 1830s.) Original purchasers map – Created by the Hamilton County Surveyor’s Office from land records. 1866 map – First detailed map of the county. It shows property ownership and the layout of the towns. 1876 state atlas – Detailed maps of some of the towns. Maps of the county at the State Library can be found online in a few different ways: Indiana State Library maps - You may access lists of maps, atlases, and plat books by clicking on the link to the desired county Or browse by county here. Sanborn maps - Created for use by fire insurance companies and give an extremely detailed plan of the buildings in a community. These are for Hamilton County towns for several years: Noblesville 1883, 1887, 1892, 1898, 1905, 1914, 1922, 1933, 1947 – click here Arcadia 1896, 1902, 1909, 1915, 1933 – click here Atlanta 1902, 1909 – click here Sheridan 1896, 1902, 1909 – click here 1922 plat map - Track the ownership of a property. Other 20th century plat maps - Track the ownership of a property from maps available through the Surveyor’s Office. Library of Congress Maps — Here’s a link to get started with a search of maps available from the Library of Congress. 5 Online Directories of Names Dig into a rich ‘who’s who’ of Hamilton County residents Enter a name and see what you can find in these directories of Hamilton County residents. In the 20th century directories, you can go street by street to see who lived where. (If you need more, come to the Indiana Room for non-digitized directories.) 1874 Hamilton County directory 1893-1894 Hamilton County directory 1907-1908 Hamilton County directory 1920 Noblesville directory 1929 Noblesville directory 6 Interesting & Offbeat Sources More ways to think outside of the box SURVEY SAYS! - The first survey of the area was made in 1820. These are their notes . Technically speaking, using this source requires knowledge of surveyor’s terminology to make heads or tails of. For some layman's context on the survey , check out David Heighway's piece (page 22, Hamilton County Business Magazine). The article provides some background on the original survey talks about how Cicero Creek got its name. GO “UNDERGROUND” - Hamilton County was a part of the Underground Railroad. Information can be found in the Wilbur Seibert Underground Railroad collection . CHASING PATENTS - The first known patent issued to a Hamilton County resident was in 1853. There were around 243 issued between then and 1950. Most can be found at the Google Patents website by using the phrase “in the county of Hamilton” and “Indiana” like here . GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY - The state created a soil map of Hamilton County in 1912 . It’s much like a topographical map except that it shows soil types rather than physical features. The soil map gives you an idea of size of city, location of buildings, etc. Plus, get a report to go with the soil map. HILLS & VALLEYS - Topographical maps of Hamilton County going back to the 1950s can be found at this U.S. Geological Survey web page . KEEP TABS ON THE DECEASED - The cemetery map was created to keep track of burial sites around the county and to make sure that they were not disturbed. HIGH WATER - White River has had several dramatic floods in the time since the county was founded. Read all about historic floods in this article by Hamilton County Historian David Heighway. And get information on historical crests for the White River at Noblesville. SANFORD COX RECALLS: Sandford Cox described a family trip along the Lafayette Trace (the early trail running from the Ohio River to the Wabash River) through Hamilton County in 1824. Dig into Recollections of the early settlement of the Wabash Valley by Sandford C. Cox (1860). FICTIONAL WESTFIELD - James Baldwin wrote a fictionalized version of his growing up in Westfield prior to the Civil War. Browse the pages of In the Days of my Youth: An Intimate Personal Record of Life And Manners in the Middle Ages of the Middle West , by James Baldwin (1923). 7 Photograph Collections of Hamilton County Scenes A relevant picture is worth a thousand words We all love looking at old pictures, but for historical research, photos aren’t the place to start. As you research, keep relevance top of mind. Earl Brooks collection at HCHS and HEPL Joe Roberts Collection at HEPL Indiana Album Indiana Historical Society

FACTS What You Need to Know IS IT FREE? We are a donation-based organization, so we do not have an admission fee. IS THIS APPROPRIATE FOR KIDS? We have kids come in all the time! The exhibits and jail cells are appropriate for children. Some graffiti in the juvenile cell block is graphic, however, it has been blocked from view. IS THIS WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE? WHAT WILL I SEE HERE? The first floor of the museum is wheelchair/stroller accessible, with a ramp at the side door into the kitchen. However, the upper floors of jail cells and house are only accessible by stairs. We have so much to offer for all ages and all interests! Our building was the Sheriff's Residence and Jail for Hamilton County from 1876 to 1977. Check out our "Our History" page to see more details. PARKING Parking is free around the square with a three hour time limit during the week - Monday through Friday. If you will be in town for longer than three hours, we suggest you park in the Levinson parking garage, just one block south of our museum. Four hour free parking in there. https://www.cityofnoblesville.org/department/division.php?structureid=294 WHAT KINDS OF MATERIALS DO YOU HAVE IN YOUR COLLECTION? We have many items relating to Hamilton County history, including genealogy, veteran records, old photographs of locations throughout the county, school yearbooks, sheriff information, and more! We collect artifacts as well as paper documentation, and we have a library with many resources for you! Contact us with questions. FAQ: FAQ

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.

The Jail The jail itself has seen many changes over the years. When it was originally built, there was only one floor in the mens' area. The cells were around the outside of the room, Common Area was in the middle of the room. There was a catwalk above the cells so the staff could look in the cells without having to go into the cells. 1883 Indoor plumbing was added in the jail and the home. 1898 Electricity and gas heat was added to the jail. 1931 Original cells were removed and sold for scrap metal. 1941 Metal Stairway in the back was added to get to the women's cells and for future when they added the second floor of mens' cells. 1941 Men's cells were updated. Cells were moved to the middle of the room with hallways along the sides for the deputies. 1977 The new jail on Cumberland Road was completed and they moved to the new facility. The last Sheriff to live in the jail was Larry Cook, 1971-1977. Main door to the jail area. When the jail was active, this door was usually closed and locked. Cell Block A - First Floor and to the Left Hall to Cell Block A Cell A1 Cellblock A - Common Room Cell A2 Cell block B First Floor and to the right. Exterior Hall to Cell Block B Hall to the cells and common area Cletus Knorr and Samuel Banta were successful in breaking out of the jail in September of 1940.. They took advantage of a broken cell and banged it against the concrete wall. After the first blow, the were confident that the staff was out of the building and they continued until they squeezed through the broken wall. and out the kitchen door. The pair were never caught. They were wanted in several states and the Sheriff received a letter from J Edgar Hoover about them and their crime spree. The locking mechanism made by The Fries and Son Steel Company of Covington Kentucky. You could open the cells or the common rooms, or the exterior doors from this unit. Common Room Cellblock B Cell B2 Visitation Window Cell Block C - Second Floor Stairs leading up to the Second Floor mezzanine and cells. Cell C1 Cell Block C Exterior Hall Steps leading into the second floor juvenile cells and also for adult overflow. Cell C2 Cell Block C common area Jail - 3rd Floor The cells on the third floor have seen the least amount of change. These are the Victorian cells. These were used to house women. Occasionally, they would have housed those that needed to be away from the main jail population. This would most likely have included D.C. Stephenson when he was in this jail during his trial and hearings. Juveniles may also have been housed up here before the second floor cells were added. When the jail was built, you could only access this floor through the residence. The back stairs were added in the 1930's and at that time, the entrance through the home was closed. Stairs that lead up to the 3rd floor Victorian cells. Sun shining through the bars. This chair was in the courtroom during DC Stephenson trial. There was a bathroom on the third floor. What the cell may have looked like when he was in our jail. Many books have been written on DC Stephenson, Madge Oberholzer, and the trial. These are two that our visitors have recommended. When he was 15 years old, Charles Manson was held in our jail as a runaway. He was here for several days until staff from the Plainfield Boys School came up pick him up and take him back to the reform school. The third floor shows some graffiti as well. To preserve the graffiti, the walls have not been painted in these cells. These cells were bigger, but they did not have a common area to go to.