The Making of a Indiana Historical Marker

Under all of the ivy, weeds, honeysuckle and poison ivy we found the medal wheel.  As we continued to clean out this mess we dug up the stones of a grist mill. 

PVH volunteer members cleaned out the various roots to create a space befitting the marker.

The marker process takes patience and dedication.  PVH talked about applying for a marker recognizing Frank Hohenberger's work in Brown County in early of 2018.

Contacting the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is the first step.  We needed to discuss our interest in obtaining a marker for Frank Hohenberger and seeing if they are in agreement.  PVH was convinced that Hohenberger was a viable historic person deserving of a marker.   Once that was determined PVH could proceed.

Wording is important.  The words must tell the story in just a few words that the DNR finds acceptable.

Placement of the agreed upon words is the work of DNR.  The marker materials, the length of the post and installation is determined by the DNR.

PVH contacted James Glass PhD of Historic Preservation & Heritage Consulting LLC to discuss his interest in filling out the application; an agreement, contract and half deposit was made in the beginning of 2018.  Applications are tedious and require significant                                                                                                                            research, every point must be proved; professional historians are not necessary but PVH felt Frank Hohenberger deserved to have a proven professional fill our this application.  The final application cost was $5,203.18.  Once the process was started we were drawn into meetings to discuss the correct wording by members and others which took months of correction and rewrites, reviews, meetings and input from Casey Pfeiffer.  Finally we were ready to submit the application to the DNR's Indiana Historical Bureau.   At that point they had their own review before it was approved and once the approval was given the application went on to be made which was in June, 2019.  The cost for the marker itself was $2,950 which was paid by a grant received from the Brown County Community Foundation.   The marker was delivered and then a date had to be agreed  upon within all of the parties involved.  August 29, 2019 decidedly worked for PVH and DNR.   PVH  contacted people involved with getting the marker the point of installation.  Members got commitments from speakers and decided Buzz King, who had personal experience with Frank Hohenberger agreed to talk about the man his family considered a friend.  Members started on advertising the event, preparing posters and printing programs.  The building and area needed cleaned which took many hours over five days.  So the time came, area set up, cookies baked by members and lemonade was ready; people came along with the editor of the Democrat and a journalist with a camera from WTIU.  The final cost of the marker was close to $8,500.  A gift to the community that will last a life time.