Historic homes present a glimpse of the past we can only imagine. While many of these unique homes remain in Indiana cities and towns, few are as authentic to their origin story as The Cragun House in Lebanon.
Now home to the Boone County Historical Society, this beautiful three-story Victorian home is a living history museum that holds county treasures and records.
The house and all remaining contents were donated to the Society in 1988 by the Cragun family, who had occupied the home since it was built in 1893. The family wanted the community to see how a late 19th-century home was appointed and to have a place to store and preserve historical information and artifacts.
The Society has embraced the Cragun House, which has become the perfect place to preserve historical documents and artifacts and make them accessible to the public.
A costly repair
Maintaining a historic home is challenging, especially when features like a curved turret window need replacement. Faced with that situation, the Society found that securing a qualified and willing contractor and the cost of materials were daunting. Months went by with tarps covering the window space. Recently, Boone Power provided a $5,000 grant through the Operation Round Up program to help complete the project.
Society President Jane Hammock is grateful for the grant that has restored the appearance and security of Cragun House. “Boone Power has always done great things in the community,” she said. “They are great to work with in storms and quick to fix things. And it’s nice to know that there is a company in the community that is willing to help nonprofits.”
Boone Power has been an important part of Boone County’s history. Formerly known as Boone County REMC, it became the first electric distribution cooperative in Indiana in 1935, sparking a chain reaction of REMC locations in rural communities across the state.
A trusted community resource
Society visitors can immerse themselves in authentic furnishings and décor on a tour of the Cragun House as well as access genealogy records, historical books and atlases, and original township records. The unique space is also available to rent for events, including meetings, showers, and parties. The education program offers various presentations by local experts on topics such as quilts, tea, beekeeping, and racing.
Hammock has been involved with the Society most of her adult life, and she can attest to its impact on the community. She explained why the county’s history should be preserved. “Right now, we are losing farmland and old houses to new businesses and renovations,” she said. “We need a way to keep history alive for the community, and The Cragun House gives us the perfect place to do that.”
Boone Power is honored to support the Society’s mission to preserve and make county history accessible for generations to come.
The Boone County Historical Society is located at 404 W Main Street in Lebanon. To learn more, call 765-483-9414 or visit online at boonecountyhistorical.org.
Story by Juli Knutson
Photos by Collin Stroup, Stroup Media
The Operation Round Up Board of Trustees meets quarterly to review grant applications from local non-profit organizations. The next application deadline is Aug. 15.
Learn more and apply online at boonepower.com/operation-round-up.
Patches of history
Just in time to celebrate 250 years of our nation’s independence, Boone County’s Bicentennial Sampler Quilt was hung in the courthouse in late April. The historic 10-foot-by-12-foot patriotic quilt was meticulously created by devoted residents in 1976 to celebrate the U.S. bicentennial.
The quilt was a true labor of love. An estimated 2,500 community members contributed a total of 40,000 hours to the project. The front shows a loose depiction of the county, including each township with key details stitched by its residents, such as gardens and tractors. The back side features rectangular patches that represent local families, organizations, businesses, and townships. Residents purchased these for $1 to decorate and return, claiming a spot in Boone County history.
One of the patches is embroidered with the image of Willie Wiredhand, the original mascot of electric cooperatives in the United States. This was a nod to Boone Power’s pivotal role in bringing electricity to rural communities. If you’ve dined at Arni’s in Lebanon, the quirky character might look familiar, as the restaurant houses one of the cooperative’s early building signs.
The quilt hung in the courthouse rotunda for 41 years, becoming a local landmark and point of pride. The Indiana State Museum had stored it since 2017 for preservation and archival care.
Boone County Historical Society President Jane Hammock said the quilt’s return has caused quite a stir in the community. “The quilt has received a ton of attention,” she said. “Everyone wants to take pictures and see it up close. There is also a book that shows the details of the quilt and documents its creation.” The Society has reprinted the book, which is available for purchase.
