Information on each building included in the initial project is featured on window clings placed in early August by Wendel and fellow scouts on the inside of the windows. The clings feature a QR code and website link for each building. For those who scan the code or type in the website address, their phones will be redirected to a web page with building history and pictures.
A senior at Tippecanoe High School, Ethan Wendel is the son of Bill and Heather Wendel. He is a member of Troop 395 with leaders Todd Sonnanstine and Nick Lambert.
“I feel like this project is important because Tipp City has a lot of interesting history that not too many people know a whole lot about. Getting the word out is important to me,” Ethan Wendel said.
The concept of the walking tour came from his friend who put together a walking tour of the WACO Air Museum in Troy for his Eagle Scout project. Ethan Wendel hopes to wrap up his Eagle Scout project requirements yet this year.
The information on buildings was obtained from the historical society with the help of member Kathy Flohre. “We sifted through hundreds of physical documents they had on hand and transferred the information into digital files,” he said.
Heather Dorsten, Downtown Tipp City director, helped with logistics by obtaining access to buildings and ordering signs. Money for the project was provided by the downtown organization.
“We are thrilled that Ethan chose to focus his efforts on educating our residents and visitors on the rich history that is behind every single one of these beautiful buildings. It truly is a fantastic addition to our town,” said Dorsten.
The buildings included in the project were: The Roller Mill, The Buggy Whip building, Browse Awhile Books, The Burwell Building, Harrison’s, The Opera House, the old Post Office (now Royal Crest Agency), Sam and Ethel’s Restaurant, The Hotel Gallery, The Eagles (John Clark’s home), Tipp Monroe Community Services (old Municipal Building) and the Vocke Building (featuring the Gem City ice cream logo).
For more information on downtown Tipp City visit downtowntippcity.org.
Contact this contributing writer at nancykburr@aol.com
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