Holland Commons among six Dubois County Bicentennial Legacy projects

Two additional Dubois County projects have been listed as Indiana Legacy Projects for the state’s bicentennial celebration.

The Indiana Bicentennial Commission is currently endorsing projects across the state that highlight the best of Indiana. The designation as a Bicentennial Legacy Projects will be used to promote and support those various community projects and programs.

The Holland Commons was approved at the January 8 meeting of the Bicentennial Commission headed by Becky Skillman.

The new feature celebrates the town’s past, present and future and will include four features: a gazebo; a commemorative flagpole acknowledging community servicemen and women; a Holland, Indiana, USA sculptured sign made of Indiana limestone and including community history; and a green space with native shade trees. Bicycle racks will also be included to promote wellness. Completing the commons will be decorative benches and lamp posts. Upgrading sidewalks and parking spaces will enhance the area for future growth.

The idea was brought forwarded by Lee Bilderback, a town historian and events committee member who also co-chairs the Holland Commons subcommittee.

“This is the first community project for the Town of Holland in 100 years,” Holland Events Committee President Andrea Peters explained. “This is big project for our community to create a green space in the downtown. We have no area in town for gathering together.”

Here is a photo of the last community project created for the state’s centennial, the brick pillars near Holland Elementary.

In the future, Peters said they would like to use the commons as a gathering area for the town for special events like concerts.

Currently, the Holland Events Committee’s goal is to raise $140,000 to create the town’s new centerpiece and establish an endowment to support it. They are seeking grants and contributions from businesses and individuals to help make it a reality.

Peters estimated they have raised a little over $20,000 since starting last week. With pledges, she thought they had about $50,000 for the project so far. Once they reach the halfway point in fundraising, the group plans on breaking ground on the new common area that will be next to the town’s post office at Fourth and Main Streets.

Donations may be sent to Holland Events Committee, Inc. PO Box 344 Holland, IN 47541. Add a note that it is for the Commons Project. Anyone with questions can contact Holland Events Committee President Andrea Peters at 812-536-2329.

The other project approved as a legacy project is a new display at the Dubois County Museum, An Indiana Bicentennial Remembrance – The Story of German Immigration to Dubois County.

Dubois County has been much-studied for its large proportion of German immigrants and the strong heritage it has preserved. The galley on German immigration will include: “The Long, Long Trip” – the stories of the decision to come to American and the journey; “Germans Come Flying like Snowflakes” – the inundation of German immigrants based on family stories and the doctoral work of Dr. Elfrieda Lang; “A Scene from the Early Days”; “County Tecklenburg” – an example when large parts of villages came to America; and “Flourishing Religious Faith and Service” – early churches and expressions of their faith.

In addition to the displays, there will be programs including the history of immigration, the influx of Catholics and Lutherans, translations of old German script, Germans in the Civil War, etc. This permanent museum display identifies and interprets Dubois County’s unique culture and celebrates the contributions of German immigrants to our economy along with our religious, educational and social life.

Previously approved projects include:

The Toussant Dubois Plaque by the Dubois County Historical Society – a plaque at the east entrance to the Dubois County Courthouse commemorates the namesake of our county, Toussaint Dubois, for current and future generations of citizens and guests of Dubois County. This project is being completed by the

Buffalo Trace Educational Boxes by the Indiana Historic Pathways – Buffalo Trace Educational Boxes will be provided to each school in the eight counties which the buffalo trace historically crossed. Each box contains hands-on items and activities which link children to their history and bring buffalo, surveyors, rangers and the early postal riders alive for kids. Items such as buffalo teeth, hide and horn will be included. Buffalo nickels and rifle barrels from a ranger’s rifle all have a story to bring to life. A teacher’s guide walks teachers through lesson plans and links to Indiana standards.

Ferdinand State Forest Bicentennial Nature Trust by the Department of Natural Resources – will add 20 acres featuring high-quality upland forest to the Ferdinand State Forest.

Jasper Wooden Ravine Purchase by the City of Jasper and Dubois County Community Foundation – the purchase of 25 acres of property to be added to The Parklands.

If your organization would like to create a Legacy Project for the Bicentennial, please contact your local county coordinator, Kevin Manley, at kmanley@visitduboiscounty.com. Legacy Project applications are considered for approval at every meeting of the Indiana Bicentennial Commission.