The month of April was all about Jackson Township for the Hamilton County Bicentennial celebration. Community-minded folks from across the township came together to recognize the history of the township, its towns, and its people and their importance to the development of Hamilton County.
Here are some brief descriptions of many of the events that were held during April:
The Nickel Plate History Express train ride on April 15. After disembarking in Atlanta, riders enjoyed refreshments and walked about town. During the ride, they learned about the history of the Nickel Plate and how the rail line fit into the growth of Hamilton County. Thanks to a grant from the Hamilton County Bicentennial Commission, riders were able to enjoy the event at a discounted ticket price!
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A self-guided historical tour that included 12 locations and videos made by Hamilton Heights Middle School students. On April 15, several of these locations held open houses. The QR codes are still available and can be found at JacksonTownshipTrustee.com and the Husky Broadcasting Network on YouTube.
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An athletic event where trivia was used to highlight diversity and inclusion with the unified sports program and the evolution of girls sports at Hamilton Heights, as well as some historic baseball information. A total of 250 rally towels were passed out to Husky fans there to watch baseball, softball, track and tennis. The towels had the names of all the schools that came together to make Hamilton Heights: Arcadia, Atlanta, Cicero, Walnut Grove, and Jackson Township.
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Cicero Parks created a self-guided scavenger hunt that covered parks throughout the entire township, hosted a movie night showing an old Hoosier Hot Shots movie played on a vintage projector, and announced permanent signage that will show pictures of the original red bridge that was the inspiration for the current Red Bridge Park. The town of Cicero had the PBS special Now Entering Cicero playing on a loop, and local restaurants served bicentennial-themed desserts.
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Students honored those who have passed by remembering the impact they made on the community. Hamilton Heights High School theater students showcased research on 15 people buried in cemeteries around Jackson Township and portrayed these notable citizens as visitors walked through the halls at the Student Activity Center when weather caused a change in venue from the Cicero Cemetery.
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The Town of Atlanta was bursting with pieces of history at its town-wide event. There was a parade, a market, open houses, a combined church service, and much more. A special event that will be enjoyed for years to come is the mural on the side of the community building at Dolles Park, created by the Heights art teachers and produced by many volunteers.
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The Town of Arcadia provided a self-run event at The Remnant Coffee Shop. Along with some Hoosier Hot Shot highlights, a 52-foot timeline presented visitors a look into Arcadia’s history since its established date in 1849. The timeline will be moved to the Arcadia Town Hall for its permanent home after the event.
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The township’s signature event was a success with its art gallery, VIP ceremony, faces and families photography opportunity, book signing, and more. The celebration was also blessed with good weather during a mini parade that served as the debut of the newly restored 1955 fire engine, the first engine from the Jackson Township Fire Department.
Great events. Great memories. Happy #HamCoTurns200!
Photos provided by Jackson Township Trustee’s Office