PRESERVATION MONTH 2017 - CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Tuesday, May 9/ Pizza and Preservation: Unlock the History of your Historic Home
Meet in the Strassweg Auditorium for pizza and an introduction to how to date, research and identify your home’s past. From there, you’ll go to the Indiana Room to research your own property. Designed for homeowners of historic properties and anyone interested in the historic of property in their community or neighborhood, this workshop will share the most efficient steps through the research process and the best resources for finding the information you’ll want to know.
Presenters: Dave Barksdale, Floyd County Historian; Todd Scannell, Floyd County Recorder; Nancy Strickland, Kaitlyn Tisdale and Melissa Wisehart, New Albany-Floyd County Public Library
Time: 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Registration required: Limited to 20 participants. Call 812/284-4534 or email south@indianalandmarks.org for a reservation.
Location: New Albany Floyd County Public Library, 180 West Spring Street, New Albany
Sponsors: New Albany-Floyd County Public Library, Wick’s Pizza Parlor, Indiana Landmarks
Saturday May 13/ Open House
TheatreWorks of Southern Indiana is pleased to announce an open house at our new permanent home in the historic former Indiana State Bank Building, built 1837. We have spent the last three months completely transforming the building into a community arts center and performance venue.
Time: 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: Theatreworks, 203 East Main Street, New Albany
Sponsors: Theatreworks of Southern Indiana
Wednesday, May 17/ New Albany Historic Preservation Commission’s Facelift Awards
Join the New Albany Historic Preservation Commission for a reception and the presentation of the annual Facelift Awards, recognizing outstanding rehabilitation and preservation projects within the city. A regular meeting of the HPC follows and is open to the public.
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Theatreworks, 203 East Main Street, New Albany
Sponsors: City of New Albany, Develop New Albany, New Albany Historic Preservation Commission
Tuesday, May 23/ Floyd County Historical Society Program: Historic Homes of New Albany - RESCHEDULED TO JUNE 27
Learn about New Albany’s historic residences. Barksdale and Sekula, authors of the 2015 book Historic Homes of New Albany, will discuss their book and give an overview of the history and architectural features of some of the outstanding properties highlighted in it.
Presenter: David Barksdale, Floyd County Historian, and Greg Sekula, Indiana Landmarks
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Strassweg Auditorium, New Albany-Floyd County Public Library, 180 West Spring Street, New Albany
Sponsor: Floyd County Historical Society
Saturday, May 27/ Scribner House Tours
Take a tour of the oldest surviving building in New Albany, the 1814 home of founding father Joel Scribner. The home has been meticulously cared for and operated as a museum by the Daughters of the American Revolution for a century. Restoration work is ongoing, including recent projects to restore all of the windows in the home and summer kitchen, and the installation of a new wood shingle roof.
Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Southeast corner State and Main Streets, New Albany
Sponsor: Piankeshaw Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
Saturday, May 27/ Historic Mansion Row Walking Tour
The longtime Mansion Row historian will lead his annual walking tour of New Albany’s most illustrious neighborhood. The East Main Street district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and contains and a wide variety of homes from the mid-nineteenth to early-twentieth centuries.
Presenter: Dave Condra, Mansion Row Historian
Time: 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Location: meet in front of the Scribner House, southeast corner State and Main Streets, New Albany.
Sponsors: Floyd County Historical Society, Main Street Preservation Association, New Albany Historic Preservation Commission
PRESERVATION MONTH 2016 - CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Wednesday, May 11 / Pizza and Preservation: Unlock the History of your Historic Home
Meet in the Strassweg Auditorium for pizza and an introduction to how to date, research, and identify your home’s past. From there, you will go to the Indiana Room to research your own property. Designed for homeowners of historic property and anyone interested in the history of property in their communities or neighborhoods, participants will learn the most efficient steps through the research process and the best resources for finding what you want to know.
Presenters: Dave Barksdale, Floyd County Historian; Lois Endris, Floyd County Recorder; Nancy Strickland and Melissa Wiseheart, New Albany-Floyd County Public Library
Time:6:00 to 8:30 PM
Registration required: Limited to 20 participants. Contact 812/284-4534 or south@indianalandmarks.org to reserve a space.
Location: New Albany Floyd County Public Library, 180 West Spring Street, New Albany
Sponsors: New Albany-Floyd County Public Library; Wick’s Pizza Parlor
Saturday, May 14 / How Leaky is Your House? Reducing Energy Loss by Managing the Chimney Effect
Presenters:Ron Zmyslo, Preservation Consultant, Preserve Restore Maintain Indiana
Ron Zmyslo, who has many years of experience in construction and preservation, will help participants understand how to make their homes more energy efficient, and will demonstrate a blower door test. Among the topics covered will be: What is the chimney effect? How can a blower door be used to locate areas of air leakage? What is air sealing, and how does it relate to insulation? How and where should insulation be installed for the best payback? And what is the difference between comfort and energy loss?
Time:10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Sumler residence, 315 East 10th Street, New Albany
Sponsors: New Albany Historic Preservation Commission; City of New Albany
Registration required: Contact 812/284-4534 or south@indianalandmarks.org to reserve a space.
Tuesday, May 17 / Lunch and Learn: Historic Homes of New Albany
Bring your own lunch and learn about New Albany’s historic residences. David Barksdale and Gregory Sekula, authors of the 2015 book Historic Homes of New Albany, will discuss their book and give an overview of the history and architectural features of some of the outstanding properties highlighted in it.
Time: Noon to 1:00 PM
Registration required:Contact 812/944-7336 or dthomas@carnegiecenter.org to reserve a space.
Location: Carnegie Center for Art and History, 203 East Spring Street, New Albany
Sponsors: Carnegie Center for Art and History
Wednesday, May 18 / New Albany Historic Preservation Commission’s Facelift Awards
Join the Preservation Commission for a reception and the presentation of the annual Facelift Awards, given to outstanding rehabilitation and preservation projects within the city. A regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission follows at 7 PM and is open to the public.
Time: 6:00 PM
Location:Third floor Assembly Room, City-County Building, 311 Hauss Square, New Albany
Sponsor: City of New Albany; New Albany Historic Preservation Commission, Develop New Albany
Saturday, May 21 / Hands-on window restoration workshop
Presenters: Tom and Holli Nance, River City Window Works
Window restoration experts Tom and Holli Nance will demonstrate the steps of rehabbing a historic wooden window, then participants will get a chance try the work themselves at a series of work stations. Participants will be able to practice glazing a window, re-roping and reassembling a window, and gain the confidence to tackle these projects at home.
Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location:137 East Market Street, New Albany
Sponsors:River City Window Works; New Albany Historic Preservation Commission
Registration required: Contact 812/284-4534 or south@indianalandmarks.org to reserve a space.
Tuesday, May 24 / What’s Under the Second Baptist Church? Digging up the Past
Presenters:Kylie Holmes, University of Indianapolis
At the regular monthly meeting of the Floyd County Historical Society, learn about recent archaeological investigation that has occurred in the undercroft below Second Baptist Church. The lower level of the church has long been believed to have been utilized by fugitive slaves making their way north to freedom, as the congregation was an Abolitionist stronghold before and during the Civil War.
Time:7:00 PM
Location:Strassweg Auditorium, New Albany-Floyd County Public Library, 180 West Spring Street, New Albany
Sponsors: Floyd County Historical Society
Wednesday, May 25 / The Underground Uncovered
Join developers Ron and Andy Carter for a look at the intensive rehabilitation project that yielded downtown New Albany’s newest shopping area, Underground Station, and saved the 1834 Frank A. Kraft Building, believed to be New Albany’s oldest remaining frame commercial building. The shops will stay open late for participants to peruse their wares, and refreshments will be served.
Presenters: Ron and Andy Carter, Carter Management Company
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Underground Station, 37 Bank Street, New Albany
Sponsors: Carter Management Company; Develop New Albany
Thursday, May 26 / Steeple reinstallation, Second Baptist Church
Built in 1849-52 as the Second Presbyterian Church, this magnificent edifice was originally topped with a sixty-foot steeple. Visible for miles up and down the river, the spire stood as a symbol for the city and a beacon for fugitive slaves seeking refuge here. Removed following a 1915 lightning strike, the steeple has been replicated thanks to a community-wide fundraising effort, and will be lifted back into place.
Time: 9:00 AM
Location:Second Baptist Church, 300 East Main Street, New Albany
Sponsor:Friends of the Town Clock Church; Second Baptist Church; Develop New Albany
Saturday, May 28 / Scribner House Tours
Take a tour of the oldest surviving building in New Albany, the 1814 home of founding father Joel Scribner. The home has been meticulously cared for and operated as a museum by the Daughters of the American Revolution for almost a century. Restoration work is ongoing, including a recent project to restore all of the windows in the home and summer kitchen, and the installation of a new wood-shingle roof.
Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location:Southeast corner State and Main streets.
Sponsors:Piankeshaw Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
Saturday, May 28 / Mansion Row walking tour
Presenter: Dave Condra
The longtime, unofficial historian Mansion Row historian will lead his annual walking tour of New Albany’s most illustrious neighborhood. The East Main Street district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and contains and a wide variety of homes from the mid-nineteenth to early-twentieth centuries.
Time: 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Location:meet in front of the Scribner House, southeast corner State and Main streets.
Sponsors:Floyd County Historical Society; Main Street Preservation Association; New Albany Historic Preservation Commission
PRESERVATION MONTH 2015 - CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Thursday, May 7 / Restoration of the Stained Glass Windows of the Historic Town Clock Church
Presenters: Donna and Kirk Baldacci, Stained Glass Gallery
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about and see firsthand the painstaking restoration work being done on the stained glass windows from the Second Baptist Church, as part of the wholesale restoration of this c.1850 landmark. Refreshments will be served.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Stained Glass Gallery, 416 East Spring Street, New Albany
Sponsors: Friends of the Town Clock Church, Inc., Develop New Albany
Saturday, May 9 / Division Street School archaeological dig
Under the guidance of the Falls of the Archaeological Society, volunteers are invited to learn the basics of archaeology and participate in a dig on the grounds of Division Street School, used as a school from 1885-1946. Volunteers should bring water, sunscreen and a hat, and children must have adult supervision present. Tools will be provided.
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Division Street School, 1800 Conservative Street, New Albany
Sponsors: Falls of the Ohio Archaeological Society, Friends of Division Street School
Saturday, May 9 / Find Your Ancestor Day at Fairview Cemetery
Think you may have ancestors buried in historic Fairview Cemetery, but haven't been able to locate them? Volunteers will be available - stationed near the cemetery office - to help you locate your ancestor. Event will be held rain or shine. Call 812/948-5357 with questions.
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Fairview Cemetery, New Albany - enter at the main entrance on Culbertson Avenue between East 5th and East 7th streets
Sponsors: City of New Albany, The Friends of Fairview, Stories Behind the Stones Society
Thursday, May 14 / Planning a Project in a Historic District
Presenters: Brendan Brown, AIA; Scott Wood, Director of New Albany Plan Commission; David Brewer, New Albany Building Commissioner; Laura Renwick, New Albany Historic Preservation Commission Administrator
Designed for those who own or are considering buying property in one of New Albany’s Historic Districts, this workshop will offer a step-by-step overview of the design and permitting process to accomplish a rehab project. The speakers will cover topics including how to work with an architect, how to get a variance, working with licensed contractors, and the Certification of Appropriateness application process, and there will be plenty of time for questions and answers about your project.
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Location: Strassweg Auditorium, New Albany-Floyd County Public Library, 180 West Spring Street, New Albany
Sponsors: New Albany Historic Preservation Commission
Friday, May 15 / 100th Anniversary of the Jacobs Chapel School Building: 1915-2015
Open house celebrating the history of this iconic school building, now adaptively reused as offices.
Time: 4:00 to 7:00 PM
Location: 4802 Charlestown Road
Sponsor: RE/MAX Results – Pam Lumley
Saturday, May 16 / Cedar Bough Place/Shelby Place walking tour
Presenter: Christina Pfau, architectural historian and Realtor
The former Chair of the New Albany Historic Preservation Commission will lead a walking tour of two of New Albany’s ‘hidden gem’ neighborhoods, both of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Cedar Bough Place - also a locally-designated historic district - contains a rich variety of homes dating from the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries, while Shelby Place was developed in the first two decades of the 20th century.
Time: 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Location: meet corner of 13th Street and Ekin Avenue
Sponsors: New Albany Historic Preservation Commission
Tuesday, May 19 / Pizza and Preservation: Unlock the History of your Historic Home
Meet in the Strassweg Auditorium for pizza and an introduction to how to date, research, and identify your home’s past. From there, you will go to the Indiana Room to research your own property. Designed for homeowners of historic property and anyone interested in the history of property in their communities or neighborhoods, participants will learn the most efficient steps through the research process and the best resources for finding what you want to know.
Presenters: Dave Barksdale, Floyd County Historian; Lois Endris, Floyd County Recorder; Nancy Strickland, New Albany-Floyd County Public Library
Time: 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Registration required: Limited to 20 participants. Contact 812/284-4534 or south@indianalandmarks.org to reserve a space.
Location: New Albany Floyd County Public Library, 180 West Spring Street, New Albany
Sponsors: New Albany-Floyd County Public Library
Wednesday, May 20/ New Albany Historic Preservation Commission’s Facelift Awards
Join the Preservation Commission for a reception and the presentation of the annual Facelift Awards, recognizing outstanding rehabilitation and preservation projects within the city. A regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission follows at 7 PM and is open to the public.
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Third floor Assembly Room, City-County Building, 311 Hauss Square, New Albany
Sponsor: City of New Albany; New Albany Historic Preservation Commission
Saturday, May 23 / Scribner House Tours
Take a tour of the oldest surviving building in New Albany, the 1814 home of founding father Joel Scribner. The home has been meticulously cared for and operated as a museum by the Daughters of the American Revolution for almost a century. Restoration work is ongoing, including a recent project to restore all of the windows in the home and summer kitchen.
Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Southeast corner State and Main streets.
Sponsors: Piankeshaw Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
Saturday, May 24 / Mansion Row walking tour
Presenter: Dave Condra
The longtime, unofficial historian Mansion Row historian will lead a walking tour of New Albany’s most illustrious neighborhood. The East Main Street district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and contains and a wide variety of homes from the mid-nineteenth to early-twentieth centuries.
Time: 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Location: meet in front of the Scribner House, southeast corner State and Main streets.
Sponsors: Floyd County Historical Society; Main Street Preservation Association; New Albany Historic Preservation Commission
Tuesday, May 26 / Gunnison Magic Homes: Man’s Greatest Gift to Women
Presenters:Randy Shipp, Historic Preservation Specialist, Lexington-Fayette County Urban County Government
At the regular monthly meeting of the Floyd County Historical Society, learn about the Gunnison Housing Corporation, a New Albany pioneer in manufacturing pre-fabricated homes. Find out how the company’s mass-produced interchangeable parts came together to create dream homes for many Americans.
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Strassweg Auditorium, New Albany-Floyd County Public Library, 180 West Spring Street, New Albany
Sponsors: Floyd County Historical Society
PRESERVATION MONTH EVENTS 2014
Sunday, May 4 / Floyd County Historical Society brunch
This annual fundraising brunch helps support the operations of the Floyd County Historical Society’s Padgett Museum. $15/person
Time:11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Padgett Museum, 509 West Market Street
Sponsor:Floyd County Historical Society Auxiliary
Wednesday, May 7 / The Scribner House: New Albany’s Homeplace
Learn about the fascinating history of the Scribner House, built by one of New Albany’s founding fathers and celebrating its 200th birthday in 2014. Also learn about the ongoing restoration work occurring there, including major projects that will be occurring in the upcoming year. The evening will conclude with refreshments and a tour of the house.
Time:6:00 – 8:00 PM
Location:YMCA multipurpose room, 33 State Street, New Albany
Sponsors:Piankeshaw Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution; Develop New Albany; New Albany Historic Preservation Commission
Wednesday, May 14 / Floyd County Archaeology: Breaking New Ground
Presenters:Christopher Moore and Rebecca Van Sessen, University of Indianapolis
In preparation for an archaeological survey they will be undertaking of Floyd County, the speakers provide some background on the science of archaeology and how archaeology can be used to understand the past. They will describe what we currently know about Floyd County archaeology and highlight the major gaps in our knowledge, emphasizing the community's involvement to date and provide some details as to where they will be surveying and what they hope to find.
Time:6:00 to 8:30 PM
Location:Strassweg Auditorium, New Albany-Floyd County Public Library, 180 West Spring Street, New Albany
Sponsors:Falls of the Ohio Archaeological Society, New Albany Historic Preservation Commission
Saturday, May 17 / Division Street School archaeological dig
Under the guidance of the Falls of the Archaeological Society, volunteers are invited to learn the basics of archaeology and participate in a dig on the grounds of Division Street School, used as a school from 1885-1946. Volunteers should bring water, sunscreen and a hat, and children must have adult supervision present. Tools will be provided.
Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Division Street School, 1800 Conservative Street, New Albany
Sponsors: Falls of the Ohio Archaeological Society, Friends of Division Street School
Tuesday, May 20 / Pizza and Preservation: Unlock the History of your Historic Home
Meet in the Strassweg Auditorium for pizza and introduction to how to date, research, and identify your home’s past. From there, you go to the Indiana Room to research your own property. Designed for homeowners of historic property and anyone interested in history of property in their communities or neighborhoods, you learn the most efficient steps through the research process and the best resources for finding what you want to know.
Presenters: Dave Barksdale, Floyd County Historian
Time:6:00 to 8:30 PM
Registration required: Limited to 20 participants. Contact 812/284-4534 or south@indianalandmarks.org to reserve a space.
Location:New Albany Floyd County Public Library, 180 West Spring Street, New Albany
Sponsors: Floyd County Historical Society, New Albany-Floyd County Public Library
Wednesday, May 21/ New Albany Historic Preservation Commission’s Facelift Awards
Join the Preservation Commission for a reception and the presentation of the annual Facelift Awards, recognizing outstanding rehabilitation and preservation projects within the city. A regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission follows at 7 PM and is open to the public.
Time:6:00 PM
Location:Third floor Assembly Room, City-County Building, 311 Hauss Square, New Albany
Sponsor:City of New Albany, New Albany Historic Preservation Commission
Saturday, May 24 / Scribner House Tours
Take a tour of the oldest surviving building in New Albany, the 1814 home of city father Joel Scribner. The home has been meticulously cared for and operated as a museum by the Daughters of the American Revolution for almost a century, and celebrates its bicentennial this year.
Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location:Southeast corner State and Main streets.
Sponsors:Piankeshaw Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
Saturday, May 24 / Mansion Row walking tour
Presenter: Dave Condra
The longtime, unofficial historian Mansion Row historian will lead a walking tour of New Albany’s most illustrious neighborhood. The East Main Street district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and contains and a rich variety of homes dating from the mid-nineteenth to early-twentieth centuries.
Time: 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Location:meet in front of the Scribner House, southeast corner State and Main streets.
Sponsors:Floyd County Historical Society; Main Street Preservation Association; New Albany Historic Preservation Commission
Tuesday, May 27 / Town Clock Church: New Albany’s Symbol of Freedom
Presenters:Pam Peters, Alice Miles, Irv Stumler – Friends of the Town Clock Church, Inc.
At the regular monthly meeting of the Floyd County Historical Society, learn about the fascinating history of New Albany’s Second Baptist Church and its role in the Underground Railroad. The speakers will also discuss the ongoing restoration work being done on the church, and how the public can assist with the project.
Time:7:00 PM
Location:Strassweg Auditorium, New Albany-Floyd County Public Library, 180 West Spring Street, New Albany
Sponsors:Floyd County Historical Society; Friends of the Town Clock Church, Inc.
NATIONAL PRESERVATION MONTH EVENTS IN NEW ALBANY - 2013
May 5 - Floyd County Historical Society brunch
$15/person, to benefit the Padgett Museum
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Padgett Museum, 509 West Market Street
Sponsored by the Floyd County Historical Society Auxilary
May 9 - Second Baptist Church: A Community Treasure Under Restoration
Learn about the history of the Second Baptist Church and its role in the Underground Railroad, as well as the ongoing restoration project there. The evening will conclude with a tour of the church, including the basement.
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Second Baptist Church, 300 East Spring Street
Sponsored by Second Baptist Church, Friends of the Town Clock Church, Inc., Develop New Albany, New Albany Historic Preservation Commission
May 11 - Division Street School archaeological dig
Join the Falls of the Ohio Archaeological Society in their search to uncover the hidden history at Division Street School. Adults and children are welcome; children under high school age must have adult supervision present.
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Division Street School, 1800 Conservative Street
Sponsored by Falls of the Ohio Archaeological Society, Friends of Division Street School
May 14 - Pizza and Preservation: Energy Conservation and Your Historic Home: It's not the 1970s Anymore
Join Ron Zmyslo of Preserve Restore Maintain Indiana for a discussion on how to understand how your home really uses energy, and what the best conservation measures to invest in are.
6:00 - 8:30 PM
PC Home Center, 123 Cherry Street
Reservation required - call 812/284-4534 or email south@indianalandmarks.org
May 15 - Facelift Awards and regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission
Join the Preservation Commission for a reception and the presentation of their annual Facelift Awards, recognizing outstanding preservation and rehabilitation projects throughout the city. A regular meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission follows at 7 PM, and is open to the public
6:00 PM
Third Floor Assembly Room, City-County Building, 311 Hauss Square
May 16 - These Are the Good Old Days book signing
Author signing for the new book discussing the role of Stephen Day and Sons Carpenters and Contractors had in building New Albany.
6:00 - 8:00 PM
River City Winery, 321 Pearl Street
May 18 - New Albany Highland Railway Line Tour and Historic Marker Dedication
Take a self-guided, one mile loop tour of the former Silver Hills Trolley streetcar line. A marker explaining the rail line's role in the development of Silver Hills will also be unveiled.
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (tour), 4:30 PM (marker dedication)
For tour, register at West 8th and West Spring Streets; for dedication, 411 Highland Avenue
Sponsored by Silver Hills Historical Society
May 21 - Pizza and Preservation - Unlock the History of Your Home
Dave Barksdale, Floyd County Historian; Lois Endris, Floyd County Recorder; Nancy Strickland, Indiana Room librarian
6:00 - 8:30 PM
New Albany-Floyd County Public Library, 180 West Spring Street
Reservation required - call 812/284-4534 or e-mail south@indianalandmarks.org
May 23 - The Many Layers of Historic Preservation
Christina Pfau of Peacock Preservation will help unravel the complexities of different types of historic designation, and what they mean to a property owner. Refreshments will be served.
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Pepin House, 1003 East Main Street
Reservation required - call 812/284-4534 or email south@indianalandmarks.org
May 25 - Scribner House Tours
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Scribner House, southeast corner State and Main streets
May 25 - Mansion Row Walking Tour
Dave Condra
1:00 - 3:00 PM
meet in front of the Scribner House, southeast corner State and Main streets
June 1-2 - Culbertson Mansion Open House
The Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site hosts a Community Open House: for just $2/adult and $1/child, guests may take a self-guided tour of the Mansion and its grounds, with docents on hand to discuss Culbertson family history.
1:00 - 5:00 PM
Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site, 914 East Main Street
Appearing Monday, February 27, 2006:
History for sale
Old New Albany properties offer modern appeal
By Chris Poynter
mailto:cpoynter@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal
There's a historic 1900s firehouse, renovated into a contemporary loft-style home, the fireman's pole still intact. Price: $189,000.
Or, how about a 1926 bungalow with hardwood floors and original metal sconces? A skeleton key opens the front door. Price: $114,900.
"Everything you see here, we've
done," said seller George Riggle,
who has made improvements to
his 1850s Federal home. (Photo
by Sam Upshaw Jr.,
The Courier-Journal)
Or, the Federal-style Capt. Solomon Malbon House on Main Street that has been rehabbed and includes an in-ground pool: $224,900.
"We want people who will take care of these buildings and cherish them," said Greg Sekula, director of the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana.
Sekula, along with historic preservation advocates and neighborhood leaders, have launched a Web site -- http://www.historicnewalbany.com/ -- that boasts of their city's architectural gems. The city hopes to attract buyers from Louisville and elsewhere who are looking for a bargain.
The Web site contains an inventory of historic homes and commercial buildings for sale. Each property, in turn, has a history, including former owners, a description of its architectural style and details, and interior and exterior photos.
David Barksdale, a historian and teacher at Silver Creek Middle School, voluntarily culls through old city directories and courthouse records to write the histories, at no cost to the homes' sellers or Realtors.
"We want to get the word out," said Sekula, who started a similar program when he worked in historic preservation in St. Joseph, Mo. "Today, more than ever, communities are having to be savvy about marketing their assets."
The background for one home on the Web site, priced at $124,900 and located on East Main Street, describes the former owner, Frank Edwards, as "a broadcaster during the pioneer days of radio. … He also wrote extensively on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), authoring six books on the subject."
Another property, a commercial building on East Main priced at $50,000, once contained a salon that, during Prohibition, "started serving soft drinks and manufacturing cigars," the history shows.
Sekula believes the Web site, launched in December, will showcase New Albany to people in Kentucky who are reluctant to cross the Ohio River to visit the town, a 15-minute drive from downtown Louisville.
New Albany, population 37,600, had a median home sales price of $105,000 at the end of January, according to the Southern Indiana Realtors Association. In Louisville, for the same period, the median sales price was $132,000, according to the Greater Louisville Association of Realtors.
Sekula, who lives in a Victorian home in New Albany, said he believes his city's architectural treasures can draw Louisville buyers because of the prices, along with the charm of a small town.
Standing inside a 1926 bungalow for sale, Sekula, along with real-estate agent Mary McRae, pointed out building details of yesteryear: strip oak flooring, a slot mailbox, the skeleton key.
"I just think this house is gorgeous," Sekula said.
McRae said the Web site is ideal for advertising homes because it gives buyers a history -- and it costs sellers nothing.
When Realtors write property descriptions to post on the Multiple Listing Service, the property database, there is limited room to describe a house. Now, McRae said, she can send potential buyers to http://www.historicnewalbany.com/.
George Riggle, who is selling his 1850s Federal home, said he and his partner, Kevin Ashabranner, spent eight years restoring the clapboard house to its former splendor. But, Riggle said, as they age they need a one-story house with no steps.
"Everything you see here, we've done," Riggle said, showing off the 3,100-square-foot, two-story house with a full attic.
Barksdale, the historian, said he hopes the Web site will entice people to consider moving to his town.
"New Albany is just filled with historic buildings," he said.
Reporter Chris Poynter can be reached at (502) 582-4475 .
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