Northern Beach, a 1920s Carmel swimming spot. (Photo courtesy of Carmel Clay Historical Society)
Throughout the month of November, the Hamilton County Bicentennial Committee is focusing on Clay Township and its rich history.
The community is invited to discover and celebrate the region’s history through a variety of events featuring art, education, and historic preservation.
Throughout the year, HCBC has planned and funded community events focused on each township in the county, said Bicentennial Coordinator Jessica Layman.
“We plan to end the tour in Clay Township in November,” Layman said. “Our goal is to not only educate people about where they live, but also educate people who live in other parts of Hamilton County about different communities.”
A free map designed by a local artist is available each month as a souvenir at CCPL. Artistic maps allow you to explore Clay Township’s farms and homesteads dating back to the early 20th century.
HCBC will conclude the year with a Bicentennial Celebration on Dec. 3 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Ivy Tech Community College, 300 N. 17th St., Noblesville. The event will include family-friendly games and activities, food from local vendors, and a highlight reel of memorable moments from his Bicentennial events held throughout the year.
Below are highlights of free events featuring Clay Township. For more information, visit Hamcoturns200.com/events.
Preserving the history of Coxhall Gardens
Hamilton County Parks and Recreation will celebrate the history and heritage of Cox Hall Gardens with a presentation on Nov. 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Participants will learn about the 1865 Italianate brick house once owned by John Williams. Williams built this house in the mid-1800s when he owned the land with his family. In addition, archaeologists from the University of Indianapolis will conduct a public excavation of the Williams family lawn, and Cox Hall House will be open for tours.
Coxhall Gardens is located at 11677 Towne Rd. In Carmel.
Carmel United Methodist Church 175th Anniversary
Carmel United Methodist Church, 621 S. Range Line Rd., welcomes the community to celebrate its 175th anniversary on Nov. 5 from 4 to 7 p.m. This event will feature the church’s congregational history shared by current and former leaders. The celebration will also include historical exhibits and tours, followed by a pitch-in fried chicken dinner.
Home Place Historic Home Tour
The community is invited to take a tour of the Greater Home Place Neighborhood Association’s historic home on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests begin their tour at their desired home, which includes:
- Edwards’ “House on the Hill” (originally Hammer Combs House), 1201 East 106th Street.
- McShane’s home at 10000 Westfield Blvd.
- Setter House, part of the farm sold to create the Lexington Farm subdivision
Detailed maps and other points of interest will be provided to guests during the tour.
Clay Township Signature Event: Carmel Retrospective
This family-friendly event, hosted by the Carmel Clay Historical Society and Carmel Clay Public Library from 1 to 4 p.m., Nov. 12, will take place at the library, 425 E. Main St., and will include historical exhibits. Masu. A special program of music, speakers, activities and more will be held from 2 to 3 p.m.
Holiday decorations and cemetery tour
Park and meet at 10 a.m. Nov. 18 at the John W. Hensel Government Center, 10701 N. College Ave., to learn about the historic residents of nearby cemeteries and explore the cemetery and Clay Township Military Library for the holidays. and decorate museums. The event will conclude at noon with refreshments at the museum.
