By Shelly Gattlieb
Indiana Artisan and the Carmel Clay Historical Society are collaborating for an evening of education and personal stories surrounding the rich history of a site in downtown Carmel.
Historical accounts of the land date back to 1829, when Charles Ketchum received the property, that now includes 22 N. Range Line Rd., as an 18th birthday gift from his grandmother, who married the chief of the Lenape Native American tribe. The first building was erected on the site in 1870.
A previous building there was destroyed in a fire in 1913 and was replaced with the existing structure. It is now the home of Indiana Artisan Gifts and Gallery, but multiple businesses have occupied the space, including a dry goods store, hatchery, furniture and appliance store, Brown’s drug store and Gilbert’s pharmacy.
The presentation, set for 7 p.m. March 1 at 22 N. Range Line Rd., will include historical background followed by comments from former employees and others associated with Gilbert’s pharmacy. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and browse and shop in the store.
“People drive by these buildings every day and don’t necessarily think about the stories of the buildings that have been here longer than many of our Carmel residents,” said Debbie Gangstad, CCHS executive director.
The event is free, but seating is limited. Register for the program at carmelclayhistory.org.
