Glenwood Park Current and Past

I know Glenwood Park and Glenwood Court as two tidy streets east of Beharrell Avenue and north of East Spring Street. There’s one home, which I considered buying several years ago, that I’d swear was an exact replica of Beaver Cleaver’s home from the show “Leave it to Beaver”. I chuckle when I see it, expecting a dapperly clad Ward Cleaver to pop out the front door and give a wave and a nod.

But there’s much more there than meets the eye. That land had another life before the stately homes we see today were constructed. Our New Albany history is there.

In 1902 twenty five acres (the current site of Glenwood Park/Court) were acquired by the Louisville and Southern Indiana Traction Company. The Company ran the interurban rail line that connected New Albany, Jeffersonville and Louisville. Electric streetcars hustled passengers and freight between the cities at speeds up to 90 miles per hour.

As a marketing tool to help increase passenger traffic the entrepreneurs of the line wanted to create a destination spot. That’s exactly what they did at Glenwood Park. The site had a dancehall pavilion, ballpark, bowling alley, bandstand, tennis courts, amphitheater, refreshment stand (no intoxicants were allowed), Ferris wheel, and more. The map below shows the impressive scale of the Park and sports complex.

Thousands of people flocked there to enjoy a resort atmosphere. Picnics, pageants, outdoor opera, swimming, boating, dancing, music - you could call it the Disney of New Albany.

The pageants entertained the largest audiences (up to 25,000). They were monstrous productions involving hundreds of local performers and organizers. A photograph and sample programs are below.

Special thanks to Floyd County Historian, David Barksdale, for providing these wonderful images from the parks golden years.

By 1931 the park had been abandoned. Automobiles and alternate entertainment venues were the likely agents of the demise. In 1935 the park was sold to real estate developers and the homes we see today were constructed in the years that followed.

If this brief overview has sparked your interest in the history of Glenwood Park then please come to the Floyd County Historical Society Meeting Tuesday June 27th (7:00pm, New Albany Floyd County Public Library). A presentation on the park will be made. Following the meeting all guests are invited to stop by the Museum House at 509 W. Market where Glenwood Park memorabilia will be on display.

Oh yeah - there’s one more thing. I intentionally left out a large chunk of the history of the park. Chautauqua. Some of you probably know what it is/was. I did not. But I am quite enraptured by the Chautauqua concept and felt there was enough meat there for a separate post at a later day.

Research Source - Floyd County Historical Society presentation, "Glenwood Park, Chautauqua, Pagents", by Bebe Cody (May 24, 1988)

St. Paul's Banners and a Jazzy Sunday

I thought it was worth noting that St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (one of my favorite churches in terms of exterior architecture) has added some very handsome banners along Main, East 11th, and Market Streets. The designs were approved by the New Albany Historic Preservation Commission several months ago.

It is also my understanding that banners will be added to the outside of the parish house located at East 11th and Main Streets.

This Sunday St. Paul’s is having a “Jazz on the Grass” service. Sounds like a fun way to spend a Sunday morning. Good job St. Paul's.

Preservation Month Review

May Preservation Month has come to a successful end. Nearly 300 people participated in preservation workshops, walking tours, forums and other activities. Ultimately, the goal of the month is to raise awareness of preservation issues. How do you think it went?

Please take this chance give your feedback to enable organizers to enhance the experience in coming years. Post your comment here or email me directly at fulmore_runner@msn.com

Below are a few pictures from various events during the month.

831 Cedar Bough Place old Photograph

Thanks to David Barksdale, Floyd County Historian, we have a picture of 831 Cedar Bough Place from 1909. This property is currently listed for sale by owner.

See http://www.historicnewalbany.com/ for details. The property is fire damaged and has been the subject of a couple of past threads.

meet-cedar-bough-place-historic-district

The detail on the photo is not the best but it does confirm that nearly all the architectural features on the front of the home are intact. The small gable on the front porch has been altered some. Feel free to cut and paste the picture from this site and blow up to see more detail.

Even while fire damaged it is still an impressive home. It’s worth saving.

If you have questions please contact the property owner. Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana (284-4534) may also be able to provide information on the damage to the property. Representatives have toured the home since the fire.

A Window Reborn

It's been about one year since I peeled the vinyl off of my home. Some days I question the decision. But not today. This was the condition of my homes front window - it was wrapped in aluminum, covered by a massive storm window and the top trim had been hacked away.

Today the first coat of primer went on a newly restored window. It's a pretty dramatic transition if I do say so myself.

Please no comments about the ornaments on the little tree in the window. I suppose that little piece of Christmas spirit just hung around a wee bit longer than it should have.

Anyway, if you have not signed up for the Window Restoration Workshop this Tuesday please do so. You'll learn from a professional (definitely not me!) about how to restore your historic windows.

Tuesday, May 30 Progressive Pizza and Preservation: Hands-on Repair of Historic Windows

Learn to care and repair historic windows. Topics to be covered: removing sashes, removing old glazing and glazing application techniques, repairing sash weights and ropes, and making minor window repairs.

*Presenter: Patrick Rymer, C & S Painting Co.

*6:15 PM to 8:30 PM

*Carnegie Center for Art and History, 201 East Spring St, New Albany

*Sponsor: New Albany Historic Preservation Commission.

*Free and open to public.

*Limited to 35 participants. Reservations required by calling Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana 284 4534.

Preservation Month Events You Need to Attend

Saturday, May 27
Scribner House - open for visitors.
The oldest surviving building of any kind in New Albany, the Scribner House was built in 1814 by Joel Scribner. Joel Scribner, one of the city's founders, built this first frame house in the brand new river town.
*11:30 AM – 1:00 PM.
*Free and open to the public.

Saturday, May 27
Mansion Row Walking Tour, New Albany
Hear “live stories” from “Women of Main Street.”
*1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
*Meet at Scribner House, corner of State and Main streets, New Albany.
*Tour Leader: Dave Condra.
*Sponsor: Floyd County Historical Society.

Tuesday, May 30
Progressive Pizza and Preservation: Hands-on Repair of Historic Windows
Learn to care and repair historic windows. Topics to be covered: removing sashes, removing old glazing and glazing application techniques, repairing sash weights and ropes, and making minor window repairs.
*Presenter: Patrick Rymer, C & S Painting Co.
*6:15 PM – 8:30 PM.
*Carnegie Center for Art and History, 201 East Spring St, New Albany
*Sponsor: New Albany Historic Preservation Commission.
*Free and open to public.
*Limited to 35 participants.
Reservations required by calling Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana – 284 4534.

Downtown Ball State Project Completed

As was reported back in October (see post more-news-after-darn-busy-week) Develop New Albany had partnered with Ball State Universities Center for Historic Preservation to conduct assessments and renderings of three downtown buildings. This evening they unveiled the results.

Ball State student, Jennifer Mastri, led the presentation.

Below are three stunning renderings of possible restoration options for the Shrader Stables (which will be located directly across the street from the YMCA), the Baer Bazaar and the Reisz Building.

Floyd County Historian, David Barksdale, provided a surprise for the evening with a blown up vintage photo of the left side of the Reisz Building that he only recently discovered.

Not many postings - Preservation Month goes on

Time has been in short supply lately due to some home improvement projects and life in general.

Please don't forget about upcoming Preservation Month events. Saturday features a Mansion Row Walking Tour. Next Tuesday is the last Pizza and Preservation Workshop (Repair of Historic Windows). See all the details at http://www.historicnewalbany.com/

There has also been some action on a previous post about the Cedar Bough Historic District

meet-cedar-bough-place-historic-district

Discussion has been going on about a tragic house fire at 831 Cedar Bough Place. You can view a photograph and listing of the property in the residential section at http://www.historicnewalbany.com/

Preservation Conversation and Destination

It's Preservation Month - Full Throttle!
Tuesday features a Workshop (see previous post) and Wednesday is our second Preservation Conversation of the month.

Wednesday, May 17
Preservation Conversation: Filling Holes in New Albany’s Downtown Historic Fabric

Focus on the implications and strategies for filling the gaps in downtown’s streetscapes and neighborhoods.
Panelists: John Miller, Community Housing Development Organization; Mark Dollase, Vice President, Preservation Services, Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. Panel forum facilitated by Ted Fulmore, Chair, New Albany Historic Preservation Commission.

*7:00 – 8:30 PM.
*Destinations Booksellers, 604 E. Spring Street, New Albany.
*Free and open to the public.

For a full listing of events this month, please visit: http://www.historicnewalbany.com/

While at Destinations_Booksellers make sure to drop into "Preservation Destination". Randy and Ann have donated space for the display of historic photographs from New Albany's past. Also on display are the perfect books for preservation minded individuals. Visit this month!

Preservation Workshop #2 On Deck!

The first preservation workshop “Unlocking the History of your Historic Home” was a hit. The unofficial head count was 28. Attendee response was positive and many began their own research right after the workshop concluded. Look for this topic to be repeated in the future.

Make your reservations now for next Tuesday’s workshop:

May 16th
6:15 PM – 8:30 PM.
Rich O’s Public House, 3312 Plaza Drive, New Albany

Progressive Pizza and Preservation: Paint Your Historic House Beautiful
Learn the basic guidelines for selecting the appropriate colors for historic buildings.
Bonus tips from the presenter on interior and exterior finishes and techniques to give you professional results.

*Free and open to residents of New Albany and surrounding communities.
*Sponsor: Porter Paints.

Reservations required by calling Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana – 284 4534.
Participants purchase own beverages. Limited to 30 participants.

First Preservation Workshop is Tuesday, May 9th

Sign up now! Openings are still available.

Tuesday, May 9
Progressive Pizza and Preservation: Unlock the History of Your Historic Home.

First workshop in New Albany’s May series of preservation workshops.
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; Linda Berger, Floyd County Recorder; Betty Menges, Asst. Manager, Indiana History Room and Lynn Rueff, Manager, Indiana History Room, New Albany Public Library.
*6:15 PM – 8:30 PM.
*Carnegie Center for Art and History, 201 East Spring St, New Albany, for pizza and introduction to researching, dating, and identifying your home’s past. From the Carnegie Center, you go to the New Albany Public Library to research your own property.
*Sponsor: East Spring Street Neighborhood Association.
*Free and open to public.
*Limited to 20 participants. Reservations required by calling Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana - 284 4534.

Historic Lunch Downtown

It wasn't really historic, except for the fact that it was my first visit to "Bistro New Albany" at the corner of Bank and Market Streets in downtown New Albany.

I'll echo the sentiments of many others and say that you simply must go check it out. They've only been open for three days but you could hardly tell that based on the large crowd, good service and excellent food. No dinner hours yet, but they are expected in the next week or two.

Our city council did pass the Riverfront Development Area ordinance on Monday which makes it even more likely that the simple act of eating downtown (in a restored building) will become much easier and frequent. But it's hard to imagine another eatery capturing the charm of the courtyard at the Bistro. It was wonderful. And of course the draft beer selection, anchored by our very own New Albanian Brewing Company, was the icing on the cake.

Preservation Month Activities

See a full list of Preservation Month activities at www.historicnewalbany.com
Pick out your new historic home while you are there!

Mark your calendar for the next event - Wednesday, May 3

Preservation Conversation Forum: What’s Next for New Albany’s Older and Historic Neighborhoods.

*7:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
*Destinations Booksellers, 604 E. Spring Street, New Albany.
*Contact - Randy Smith - 944-5116.
*Free and open to the public.

More photos from our National Cemetery

Here are some more pictures from a foggy early morning visit to the New Albany National Cemetery.

Civil War and a Final Resting Place

When Civil War erupted in 1861 New Albany was recognized as an asset to the Union. It was a center of trade, boat building, steam engine construction and the outfitting of ships of war. Early in the war correspondence was frequent between the Secretary of War Edwin Stanton and the Mayor of New Albany. The Union needed our help and got it.

Assessments at the time show that New Albany was one of only five shipyards on the Ohio. The following was taken from a memorandum for Lieutenant-General Scott in June 1861 (1)

Building-yards for boats.--The principal boat-building places on the Ohio River are: (1) Pittsburg, Pa.; (2) Wheeling, Va.; (3) Cincinnati, Ohio; (4) Madison, Ind.; (5) New Albany, Ind.; (6) Mound City, Ill.

Regiments were mustered here. Supplies for the Union Army were stored here. The Ohio River was the highway to the South. New Albany was a key stop on that highway and critical to sustaining the Union Army.

The city was also a site designated for the care of wounded soldiers. Eleven hospitals were in operation during the war years. At any given time up to fifteen hundred wounded soldiers were located here during the war. After each major battle in the Western theater of the war, steamships would arrive and disgorge the maimed men from recent battle.

Nearly all the local school buildings were converted to hospitals. Woodward Hall, 128 West Main Street, was also converted to a hospital.


Woodward Hall is one of the few remaining structures in New Albany that served as a hospital.

Following the Battle of Perryville (also know as Chaplin Hills) which took place on October 8th, 1862, New Albany received a large group of wounded. The Ledger reported a listing of soldiers being treated in New Albany hospitals on October 15th(2).

One soldier arriving in October was Private Augustus Huff, from the 42nd Indiana Regiment. Census records from 1860 show that Augustus was a school teacher in Greer Township in Warrick county Indiana. He was 27 years old, his wife was Harriet and he had a six year old son.

Augustus was wounded at Perryville. His regiment was involved in bloody hand to hand combat. Total losses reported for the regiment were 174 killed, wounded and missing - over 1/3 of the regiment of 490 (3). He was sent to New Albany to recuperate. The sight of the quaint river town must have been comforting to him and other wounded compared to the sights and sounds of battle. Our city was a site of refuge.

Private Augustus Huff would recover from these wounds, only to return one final time in 1864 to be buried in the New Albany National Cemetery located at 1943 Ekin Avenue. I recently visited the resting place of Augustus (section B, plot 1486). He earned our thanks and respect.



















The cemetery is a hauntingly beautiful place. It was a foggy spring morning when I paid my respects there.


As the weather warms seize the opportunity to take the walk from our riverfront, past Woodward Hall and then to the National Cemetery. It’s a long but rewarding stroll. Many young men took the same route between 1862 and 1865. But they never got to take the walk back home.



(1)Union Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Southwestern Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, West Florida, And Northern Georgia, From January 1, 1861, To June 30, 1865.

(2) New Albany Daily Ledger 15 Oct 1862 p2 c3: Sick and Wounded from Perryville, transcribed at Southern Indiana Genelogical Society website http://www.rootsweb.com/~insigs/

(3) 42nd Indiana Volunteer Infantry website http://www.geocities.com/indiana42nd/

see also website for the New Albany National Cemetery
http://www.cem.va.gov/nchp/newalbany.htm

National Cemetery Teaser

Good Morning New Albany.

Here's a teaser picture from a post I'm working on involving the New Albany National Cemetery. Enjoy and have a great weekend.

Preservation Month - Begins April 25th

Preservation Month (May) activities are here! We actually kick things off in April this year with the Floyd County Historical Society meeting next week. Be there to hear Greg Sekeula speak about Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana.

April 25 Preserving the Past – the work of Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana.
Learn about the accomplishments and challenges during 30 years of preservation efforts in southern Indiana. Presenter: Greg Sekula, Director, Southern Regional Office, Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana.

This meeting kicks off Preservation Month 2006 that continues throughout the month of May. Designated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the national celebration of historic preservation celebrates this year’s theme: Sustain America-Vision, Economics, and Preservation. Participants learn about the events celebrating preservation in southern Indiana.

*7:00 PM
*Elsa Strassweg Auditorium, New Albany Floyd County Public Library, 180 West Spring Street, New Albany
*Free and open to the public.

Banners Up in Downtown

Have you seen our new banners Downtown?

They are a great addition to Downtown and add a touch of class to the area. Thank you Develop New Albany.

Spanish Moss - Historic Architecture - Big New Bridge

I took a recent trip to Charleston, South Carolina. It's a favorite destination of mine because of the history and heritage there. Heritage tourism is big money and New Albany certainly has its share of desirable places to visit. Are we marketing ourselves properly? Your thoughts, please.

Enjoy some pictures from the trip - especially the incredible new bridge - which includes an expansive pedway. It's truly an impressive piece of engineering and architecture. Take a close look and you'll see the old bridge being dismantled in the background.