December 2004 The Megaphone Page 7
by Sharon (Benedict) Hurst
For
those of you who read the Megaphone each month this message will not come as a
shock. There are those of us in town that are working hard to help with the
revitalization and restoration of Elwood. This includes the
At this time the Elwood/Pipecreek Historical Society is working with Historic
Landmarks of Indiana to market the old city building. We have received several
phone calls ranging from
It
is a shame that more people from Elwood do not recognize the architectural value
of these buildings that are bringing national interest to this community. They
were built to a standard that far exceeded what could be found in most small
towns. The wealth of Elwood during the gas boom is not only evident in the style
and construction of the buildings but in the materials used and the architects
that were hired to design them. For example, the old city building is built on
the model of the
Housing
developments here are still growing and the prospect for this growth is steadily
increasing. New fiber optic phone cables are here and more are being installed
to handle the increased demand with the new housing. The I-Lite broadband for
computers they are bringing along the I-69 corridor will also be beneficial for
personal and business use. The schools have all been redone and are so much
better for both teachers and children who are attending them.
The
"attractive" package the Elwood Chamber is able to showcase regarding
Elwood is also bringing much interest in the town for new families who want to
raise their children in a small town atmosphere with big city availability. They
are drawn by the combination of historical and modern convenience. Those who do
the work to publicize the community and the assets available are certain of the
growth coming this way. They talk with the companies who are researching sites
for both business and living developments. They see how the improvement and
saving the history of this town will help the growth, which has started coming
in. They see what is being done here and how it is different in other small
towns. Elwood has great foresight for the future. It is not unusual to drive 45
minutes when you live in a large city to get to the mall, a physician, vet or
other places you need to go. It is only 45 minutes from Elwood to the Castleton
Mall at
As
people travel here to see what has been done, is being done and will be done,
the interest just keeps growing and soon so will Elwood grow even better. These
new people are drawn here because the work being done is what they are looking
for in their community. They have bright ideas and want to make Elwood an even
better community to live in. They would not have looked twice at Elwood eight or
ten years ago and vaguely remembered the ugliness and slovenliness that was rife
when they passed through on their way to the lake country or other points of
interest. They are astounded that so much has been done improving both the
uptown and residential areas of Elwood. There is still a lot of work to be done
and there are a lot of people who are working to help.
The
city sold the Carnegie building to a person here in town who has found it is
much more costly to rehab as it should be done. We have located a developer who
would like to purchase the building and rehab it to its original glory complete
with tile roofing and skylight that pictures taken shortly after construction of
the building ended. Perhaps this can still happen.
The
groups that are working so hard to make this town better can only do so much.
The rest is up to the individuals who live here. Hopefully, all who live here
will become filled with pride as we look around to see what has already been
done. Hopefully, we all will strive to better the small corners we live in and
become aware that we each have an impact on people as they drive through this
small town. What a place, and what a history is shared by all who live here.
The
whole town is preparing for Christmas and getting decorations out and ready to
go. We're taking advantage of the lovely weather we are having. It did rain a
couple of days, but there are still a lot of sun filled days. Dan Nance and his
little elves are making the park look even more festive this year. Maybe someone
will be able to take some pictures that can be sent on the Den site.
Sharon
(Benedict)
to Page 8