History worth preserving - and exploring
- Grace Caswell
- Aug 31
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 22
SEPTEMBER IS INDIANA ARCHAEOLOGY MONTH. This September, we are thoroughly exploring our local history. Here is just the first shovelful!
Founded in 1836, Noble County is dotted with historically significant sites worth visiting.
In this charming area of Northeast Indiana, seventeen sites are included on the National Register of Historic Places, a recognized list of locations deemed worthy of preservation across the United States. The register was created by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and is part of a program that promotes both public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect the nation's important historic and archaeological resources.
Historic Downtown Kendallville
Kendallville's Main Street area, recognized as the Kendallville Downtown Historic District, is among Indiana's most complete and continuous historic downtown areas.
In 2021, Kendallville's features and the community's ambitious plans and enthusiasm led to its recognition as one of two Pilot Communities in Indiana's PreservINg Main Street initiative. Kendallville received $2 million to be distributed to downtown property owners who are investing in restoring and preserving the historic elements of their buildings.
This grant has sparked the transformation of this historic corridor over the past four years, with even more developments on the horizon! The nationally accredited Main Street organization, Historic Downtown Kendallville, organizes a variety of unique events, free concerts, and more throughout the year. Stroll down Main Street to explore personal biographies of historic figures displayed on large window decals in storefronts. Don't forget to visit the website to access a walking tour app, find upcoming events, and more!
Old Jail Museum
History buffs and architecture enthusiasts have several choices to explore while visiting Noble County, and the Old Jail Museum, located just off the historic courthouse square in Albion, is a well-suited starting point for their adventure.
The structure at the corner of West Main and North Oak Streets was completed in 1876. The brick and limestone building, lovingly tended to by the Noble County Historical Society, is considered a Second Empire architectural style. It features original jail cells and living quarters, preserved and presented with period furnishings and artifacts. The building once served not only to contain criminals and alleged violators, it was also home to multiple Noble County Sheriffs and their families from 1876 through 1965.
The jail's cell floors and walls are composed of Indiana limestone. Purchased by the Noble County Historical Society in 1968 for $2,275, with funds contributed by individuals and organizations, the Old Jail Museum houses the society's collection of artifacts, photographs, ledgers, and more. Among them are jail records that paint the stories of some of the 20,000 prisoners and 35 sheriffs and families who resided there. Inmates' etchings on the community dinner table and a mastodon tooth are some of the thousands of interesting things to see inside the walls of the museum.
Ligonier Visitor Center & Heritage Museum
The Ligonier Visitor’s Center is more than just a stop for information—it’s a step back in time. Housed in a restored 1920s filling station at the corner of Lincolnway South and West Union Street, the center also features the Heritage Station Museum, a treasure trove of artifacts from Ligonier’s rich past.
Visitors can explore unique pieces of history, including a beautifully restored Mier carriage originally built in Ligonier. The museum also highlights antique telegraphs, microphones, and other fascinating items that reflect the town’s storied history.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about Ligonier’s heritage, the museum offers a memorable glimpse into the community’s past. (Please note: hours may vary.)
Noble County Courthouse
Voted one of the most beautiful courthouses in Indiana during the Indiana Bicentennial in 2016, the Noble County Courthouse sits in the center of the county and the Albion Courthouse Square Historic District. The courthouse and district, which includes many contributing buildings occupied today, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Noble County Courthouse, designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, is constructed of red brick and limestone. Embellishments may not stand out at first glance, but upon closer examination, observers will discover some beautiful details, including asymmetric structural elements, rock-faced limestone detailing, a standing-seam copper roof, and a variety of intricately carved faces and other decorative façade features.
Any downtown Albion adventure might continue to the many historic buildings that face the courthouse square. A total of 64 buildings contribute to the Register designation for the District, including commercial buildings and residences. Many are Italianate, but others represent International style, Romanesque Revival, Gabled-ell/Free Classic, Craftsman, Queen Anne, Neo-Classical, Contemporary, Greek Revival, Upright and Wing, and Hall and Parlor styles.
Two such buildings are now combined as the home of Doc's Do-It-Best Hardware. Not only is this family-owned small business a staple for locals, but the interior still contains many original elements from decades past. If Don, the proprietor, is around, ask him to see some of the hidden, historic elements. He has stories to share!
Stanley School
South of Albion, located in Chain O'Lakes State Park, is the Stanley School.
Built in 1915, the former school sits about two hundred feet up a hill from Lower Finster Lake, one of several lakes in the park. Typical of schools built in this period, the Stanley School is a one-room, T-shaped building with a single chimney. It has multiple windows and a large chalkboard that lines one entire wall.
Wood floors, walls, and ceiling covered in plaster, and openings trimmed in simple, stained hardwood moldings, are well preserved. Period furnishings help tell the story of days gone by. Noble County once had a one-room schoolhouse about every two miles. The Stanley School is the only fully preserved structure that celebrates this history in the county, thanks to a restoration completed in 2012 by Chain O'Lakes State Park. Staff there provide interpretive programs.
Sweet Church
Northeast of Albion, north of Skinner Lake, is the Jefferson Union Church and Sweet Cemetery, restored by Sweet Church Community Organization, a local nonprofit organization, in the early 2000s. Locals refer to the structure simply as "Sweet Church."
Constructed in 1875 by George Harvey, who also constructed the Noble County Courthouse, the building originally served as a nondenominational church known as Jefferson Union Township Church. It was later nicknamed "Sweet Church" after James Sweet, who donated the land for its construction.
In 2012, an annex was added to the property, now functioning as a community center that hosts local 4-H meetings and Skinner Lake Homeowners Association gatherings. Sweet Church is available for rent by reservation for private family events. Visitors are welcome to explore, though they may find the doors locked unless a community event is taking place. More information can be found on the organization's website.
Kneipp Springs
Kneipp Springs Historic District, located along State Road 9 on the north edge of Rome City, is another of Noble County's historic gems. Comprised of approximately 80 acres, the district includes a large sanitarium constructed by the Sisters of the Precious Blood, a Catholic order, in the early 1900s.
Drawn to the site by land that is rich with natural springs, near Sylvan Lake, the property developers constructed a chapel, Queen Anne-style house, a Gothic-arched dairy barn (now home to the Sylvan Cellars Event Center, tasting room, and restaurant), and an early threshing barn.
Today, Our Lady the Immaculate Virgin Patroness of America is in residence and is restoring the building to be utilized as a retreat facility with a "contemporary conference center," according to their website. Visitation hours and policies are provided on their website.
Gene Stratton-Porter Historic Site- Her Cabin Home
One of Noble County's most-visited historic sites is the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site on the shore of Sylvan Lake in Rome City. Stratton-Porter, Indiana's most widely read female author, naturalist, and entrepreneur, designed her Cabin in Wildflower Woods here.
The stunning log cabin home is nestled in an ancient forest on the lake's south shore, where Stratton-Porter enjoyed picturesque sunrises. The white cedar log cabin boasts several porches, a conservatory, and a photographic darkroom.
A striking stone fireplace in the living room is adorned with carved Aztec Indian heads, personally brought from Mexico by Stratton-Porter. The home was completed in 1914, and the author lived there until 1919. Today, a vast collection of Stratton-Porter's belongings is displayed for visitors. Guests can also pay their respects at an above-ground marble garden crypt situated in the woods on the property.
Discover more and plan a visit to Stratton-Porter's cherished Limberlost home by exploring the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites website.
Keep exploring
Historic homes - some listed on the National Register of Historic Places - may be observed in Ligonier, including the Jacob Straus House. Travel down Main Street in Ligonier to see some of the region's most impressive period homes. Main Street runs north and south just one block west of the commercial corridor (Cavin Street.)
Other local structures of interest include Ahavas Shalom Reform Temple, Stone's Trace, and the buildings that contribute to the downtown Ligonier Historic District.
Other Noble County properties on the National Register of Historic Places include:
Wilmot Milling Company, Wilmot (now a private home)
Luckey Hospital, Wolf Lake (not open to the public)
Cromwell Historic District, Cromwell
Brimfield School Number Two, Brimfield
Registry nominations and supporting documents, offering extensive details about these historic properties, were referenced for this blog. Find them at https://secure.in.gov/apps/dnr/shaard/welcome.html.
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