Logansport, Indiana (Fort Wayne, Wabash, Delphi: lease, train, horse)

[Southside Shrek]

heritage is very important. Logansport once did have the Iron Horse Festival every summer which featured the old Wabash Cannonball steam locomotive. That festival attracted tourists and train buffs from all over. They even had train rides between Logansport and Lafayette on the old Wabash Cannonball.

who was the genius who elected to sell the old Wabash Cannonball about 4 years ago and put an end to the Iron Horse Festival?

I personally think that the small town of Delphi has been doing an outstanding job preserving its heritage. For example, just look at the Wabash and Erie Canal Park and the Interpretative Center there. absolutely outstanding and an excellent tourist attraction. Mayor Mike Fincher was there about 3 years ago. I would like to see Cass County and Carroll County undertake a cooperative endeavor to rebuild a stretch of the old Wabash & Erie Canal between Logansport and Delphi, and have canal boat trips for area residents, visitors and tourists.

[Southside Shrek]

another thought about losing or giving up a town's heritage. China Lane in downtown Logan on East Market Street is about the oldest building left standing downtown. It is sad to see it standing alone and just surrounded by empty space. Kind of reminds me a little of Hiroshima after the bomb was dropped there in August 1945---the last building left standing.

[Kado Downs]

Absolutely! And with the references to my comments to Notfromhere, What you may or may not know is she wrote a post that personally flamed me inregards to what I do to try to make a difference in this community. I was lashing out in regards to her comments about, " If you knew who I was, You wouldn't be talking to me like that" and " You think just because you pull weeds downtown, that it's making a difference".

I do agree very much with your comments regarding working together to make Logansport a better place, this was the point all along. But , there is no use putting down community organizations that do alot of good in this community, just because they don't fit you particular political needs.

We have alot of organizations in this community that deal with the issues of "special needs", whether it being Big Brother-Big Sisters, Area Five, HUD, Emmaus Mission, Salvation Army,Succeed, AIM, United Way and the list goes on and on.

And we'll have to agree to disagree on the issue of Logan's Landing, Cass County Arts Council, Art's Association and performing arts council not being a viable source for a community . All of these organizations contribute to the quality of life in Cass County. Without a stable and enriched quality of life, a community will decay. All large companies looking for locations has Quality of life standards for the communities they consider. Every organization in town plays into a larger picture......sometimes the picture is more vast than some people can see. And the reference to these particular organizations being for the benefit of people who may have more, well, that's simply not true. And I think we both know that. I your defense it may seem that more well-to-do people help with these organizations, Why is that a problem? I would rather say THANK YOU to them and be on my way. Why would I get upset, because someone may have more that me. This is the way alot of people give back to their community, This is the way they choose to make a difference. And the perception of only the rich run these organizations is just false, Hundreds of people...Rich and poor and everyone in between volunteer their time to Dozens of organizations.

And in sumation, Of course I know what you're talking about when you talk of the have-nots. My only question was, What are doing to correct the situation?

I'll continue to do what I can, howerver long I can do it. I'm commited to this town and I'm glad I moved back. Logansport is a great city and it's only getting better,and I'm proud to be a small part of the process.

It seems that I've been sucked into a drama that has no end. And I should be ashamed of how I've responded to all of the negative comments on this thread, I'm better than that.

This will be my last post, Thanks to the people that choose to make a difference in this community. Lead by example, they may be able to cast a dim light on all of the negative. But, they can never take away the fact that the positives in this community outweighs everything else.

You can't please everyone. Get involved.

[courtjester]

I didn't see that post. Looks to me that not thought better of it, and deleted it. Appears to have taken the high road. Just my guess.

I can see that this isn't getting anywhere, so I think I'll do the same as the rest and just let it lie.

Good Luck to all!

[Southside Shrek]

it's always amazing how different people in the same community can see things so much differently. Oftentimes an 'outsider' can see things that neither of them see because they're too close to the situation.

[Shae]

Hi Pat!

My name is Shae Young and I am the Executive Director of Logan's Landing, which is the downtown organization. I was happy to see your interest in some of the homes along Banker's Row. I have been able to go through almost every house that is currently for sale along Banker's Row and I would be happy to gather information on any house that you are particularly interested in. There are tax credits, tax abatements, and other resources available to assist anyone who is interested in investing in these homes. I have even had a contractor go with me on 2 visits to get a better idea of how much money and time would be involved in some of the houses.

These homes are in desperate need of love and attention (and yes that also means money), but they are by the river and they do hold a lot of history if that is something that interests you. There is something unique and very beautiful about these houses. It draws you in and if you have a good vision, you will be able to see how beautiful one of these homes could be for you. There are good people who live along Banker's Row who have invested a lot of time and money and I know they would be happy to share their stories with you. There are quite a few who fell in love with these houses and moved from another state because they saw the potential not only in the houses, but the community as well.

Our community is like every small community in America, actually like any community in America large or small. There are always going to be negatives in a community, but that is what makes us work harder to push forward. We have a good community. I am very proud to call Logansport my home, with its faults and all. I think that if given the opportunity, you would also see that there is something about Logansport that makes you want to try. I hope you haven't been too frightened by the responses you got from your inquiry, I hope that you still choose to at least take a look for yourself what kind of community Logansport is with its good and bad. I hope you are able to see the potential this community has and you may never know how far we have come, but we have made some great strides forward and I certainly appreciate seeing all of these responses. I think that almost everyone who has responded cares about the community and would not have taken the time to respond if they didn't.

So again to sum it all up, if you have any questions or would like more information on the incentives for purchasing a house along Banker's Row (we actually have numerous incentives to get new businesses and helping existing businesses in the downtown as well--this is something we continue to work on), please contact me at 574-722-9345 or email at lldirector@loganslanding.com.

Thank you so much for your time and interest in our community and I hope that if you come to town for a visit, you will find what you are looking for!

Thanks!

Shae

[courtjester]

Now Shae,

That is the sort of balanced response that should have taken place here from the get go. Admitting the good AND the bad. Instead of pretending that Logan is the perfect place. There just is no such thing.

I think that if things hadn't gotten so personal, this thread would have been much more informative and less of a hot topic.

Thank you for the balance!! I for one appreciate it. Nice to see someone in your position who has a realistic view of our community.

Have a great day!

[Southside Shrek]

one question: who bought the old Wabash Cannonball and where is it at now?

[HayPaulJ]

Dear Pat,

Thank you for your inquiry of the house on Banker's Row. I am pleased to announce that I am employeed by the organization that currently owns this property.

Specifically in regards to 136 Eel River Ave, this grand old dame is a circa 1880's Italianate with a three story corner tower, carved limestone hooded windows, wide corbeled overhangs and has an ornate first story bay window. The interior features a curved walnut staircase, tall ceilings, inlaid wood floors, built-in cabinetry, a fireplace & very spacious rooms.

The house has a great view of the Eel River from the back porch and the front porch is a few steps away from the corner park with large fountain.
The exterior of the house has a new roof and the masonry (this is an all brick house) is currently undergoing substantial restoration.

That is the good news. In the interest of fairness, much work remains. This house will require the new owner to finish the utilities, install a new kitchen, baths & laundry. Most of the plaster repair, painting & floor refinishing still remains to be completed.

The neighborhood, much like the house itself, has some great assets but problems areas still exist. The architecture on Banker's Row is some of the nicest in the city, however a number of vacant houses await new owners to restore them to their former glory. The area is experiencing an ever changing dynamic with many diverse populations represented. Within several blocks one can surely find low income familes, professional singles, rentals, beautifully restored owner occupied homes, a mix of whites, blacks and Hispanics co-existing in a wonderfully complex enviroment commonly referred to as an "urban neighborhood".

In the larger Logansport community, our oganization has received invaluable support for our numerous projects. From the Mayor's office to individual contractors, many have donated time, energy and resources to ensure a better community. I would also like to acknowledge the Century Career Center who has staffed our house restoration on Eel River with a full time instructor and many students who are learning skills in the construction trades. Overall, our experience has been this: many fine, hard working local folks dedicating themselves to improving their tiny corner of the world.

If you would like more information about our house project, feel free to check out HistoricProperties.com Our organization is working in many fine communities like Logansport so you might want to go to our website at HistoricLandmarks.org

Once again, thank you Pat for your interest.

Paul Hayden
Community Preservation Specialist
Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana

[Southside Shrek]

Paul
any lead paint and asbestos in that old house?