(New Carlisle, IN) - Schuyler Colfax may not be the most famous name in American history, but he’s a big deal in New Carlisle, where the former congressman and U.S. vice president once lived. There’s now a park there named in his honor.
On June 13 over 100 people gathered for a ceremony to dedicate a pocket park at the corner of Cherry and Front Streets. The event captured the best of small-town life: flag-raising, bell-ringing, residents young and old, first responders, veterans, even an ice cream social. And what is a park dedication without speeches by history experts and state and local dignitaries? The unifying theme of all who spoke was building for the future, enjoying the present, and remembering the past.
Two years ago, the ravages of time caught up with the town’s original First Methodist Church building, constructed in 1858. When the roof finally caved in, the building was condemned by the town and torn down.
In its place has cropped up a public park, thanks to the benefaction of residents Tim and Melanie Creason, who live across the street. For 25 years they stared at a dilapidated church, then a vacant lot. Then they decided to do something about it.
“Due to the various setbacks, there’s really no way to build much of a house there,” Tim said, “so the town was kind of stuck with this vacant lot. They weren’t really sure what to do with it. That’s when the idea sprung into our heads to develop it as a pocket park.”
Creason was inspired by his mother, who, as president of the Bluffton, Indiana Park Board, did something very similar with a burned-out vacant lot in his hometown about 40 years ago. The two parks look remarkably similar.
Creason is proud of the fact that this project came together without draining tax dollars. “It wasn’t a municipal enterprise,” he said. “I don’t know how much that ever happens anymore.” He said the Olive Township Board contributed a flag pole and the town provided an electricity pole. He and his wife took care of the rest. “As far as the actual construction, I knew the right people, and we got some really good help from some really good contractors, and they put together a really nice product,” Creason said.
The park’s design is pure, simple Americana— beautiful grass, comfortable benches, a gazebo, and brick walkways suitable for baby buggies and a quiet evening stroll.
The Creasons have named their contribution to the community Colfax Park, in honor of Schuyler Colfax— onetime resident of New Carlisle, journalist, speaker of the house, vice president under Ulysses Grant, and champion of the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery.
From the old Methodist church, the Creasons were able to save the bell, which is now the centerpiece of the new park. This 4th of July they’re ringing that bell for freedom.
