Center Point Town Hall. Hayley Cooper photo
Center Point Town Hall. Hayley Cooper photo
The Wabash Valley Community Foundation’s “Community Builders” Tour made Center Point its third stop, showcasing the small town’s unique historic preservation and charm.

Each tour allows visitors to see the impact of the foundation’s grant opportunities across Clay County and provides a unique learning experience about our local history and culture. Previous tours have included Brazil and Poland.

Around 35 participants traveled to Center Point, touring the Clay County Genealogical Society, Center Point Town Hall, and the park.

Guests were treated to the history of each Center Point landmark.

Clay County Genealogical Society

The Clay County Genealogical Society began with individuals wanting to share their genealogical information. Records and information were kept in Helen Tarvin’s home until the collection outgrew the space. A member bought the current building to serve as a larger space for records and to become the library.

“As far as I know, we’re still the only genealogical society in the state of Indiana that has its own building,” said Patricia Wilkinson.

The library has abundant unique information from Clay County, other counties in Indiana, and other states you won’t find anywhere else, including online. The CCGS has also recorded every county cemetery.

“Every cemetery up through probably 1990 they were accurate at that time. We have been trying to add to it,” said Wilkinson.

President Tonia Tucker has worked tirelessly to update cemeteries in the county.

“We have one cemetery that we’re working very hard on; it’s called the Otter Creek Cemetery,” said Tucker. “Back in the early 1900s, this was a cemetery for only all the blacks. There all no headstones whatsoever.”

The CCGS is working to get a monument for the individuals buried there.

As history repeats itself, the number of records has, once again, exceeded the allotted space.

“We have a wealth of information, and we don’t have enough room to put it. We are planning on building a new library right next door,” said Wilkinson.

The CCGS is halfway to its goal and has a new book, “Journey into the Past,” featuring articles about the county.

Center Point Town Hall

Center Point is one of the smallest incorporated towns in Indiana, with a population of around 250. The building, now known as Town Hall, was once the last tavern in Center Point.

Speakers noted how the small, tight-knit community had come together to rejuvenate the town while maintaining its charm.

Center Point Park

The park is a community hub and a symbol of their love for one another and their town. An out-of-town traveler has generously donated funds for the park’s upkeep, and community members have donated time, materials, and money to revitalize the playset. Local businesses, including The Feline Rescue Center, mowing the grass at no charge, also contribute to the maintenance of the park.

“All of it is volunteer and community pride,” said Roy Smith.

The next tour will be on August 6th in Cory, focusing on festivals and community engagement. To RSVP, email jonathan@wvcf.org or call 812-232-2234.
© 2024 Brazil Times