The New Carlisle Public Library began its first of a six-part local history series in partnership with the New Carlisle Historical Society last Thursday.  The monthly “Local History Show and Tell” series will run through June and feature speakers from the NCHS as well as a venue in which visitors can share their own pieces of area history.

Dave McWhorter of the NCHS kicked off the series last week with a presentation on early New Carlisle history.  McWhorter asked the crowd if anyone knew what New Carlisle was called prior to its current name, delighted that Vice-Mayor Mike Lowrey provided the correct answer.  McWhorter said in March of 1810, a band of what he called “squatters” obtained a deed to develop the town of York.  The town of York was around until 1816, when the name changed again to Monroe, which existed until 1828, when New Carlisle was officially christened.  McWhorter presented the first deed of York to the crowd of 30 Thursday night, which he acquired from the Champaign County Recorder’s Office, saying no one in town had ever seen it before.  McWhorter also discussed New Carlisle’s earliest settle, John Paul, who could possibly be the first settler in Clark County as well.  Paul lived just northeast of New Carlisle, near the present-day Twin Creeks development.

McWhorter said the true purpose of the series is to encourage visitors to stop by with a piece of local history to share.  He said many people brought photo albums to last week’s event—one containing references to famous local families such as the Leffels.  He said while they prefer pieces of local history at the show and tell, that any interesting relics are welcome.

The Local History Show and Tell series, sponsored by The New Carlisle Public Library, will be hosted the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm.

First Group 2x2
First Group 2x2
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