Throughout November, the Hamilton County Bicentennial Commission is highlighting Clay Township and its rich history.
The community is invited to discover and celebrate the history of the area through an array of events that feature art, education and historic preservation.
Throughout the year, HCBC has organized and funded community events highlighting each township in the county, according to Jessica Layman, bicentennial coordinator.
“We’re wrapping up our tour in November with Clay Township,” Layman said. “Our goal is for people to learn about where they live, but also for people who live in other parts of Hamilton County to learn about the different communities.”
Free maps designed by local artists will be available at CCPL as keepsakes throughout the month. The artistic maps explore Clay Township’s farms and homesteads dating back to the early 20th century.
HCBC will wrap up the year with the Bicentennial Bash, set for 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 3 at Ivy Tech Community College, 300 N. 17th St. in Noblesville. The event will include family-friendly games and activities, food from local vendors and a highlight reel of memorable moments from bicentennial events held throughout the year.
The following highlights free events featuring Clay Township. Learn more at Hamcoturns200.com/events.
Preserving History At Coxhall Gardens
Hamilton County Parks & Recreation will celebrate the history and heritage of Coxhall Gardens during a presentation set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 4.
Attendees will learn about the 1865 Italianate Brick House, once owned by John Williams, who built the home in the mid-1800s when he owned the land with his family. Additionally, archaeologists from the University of Indianapolis will conduct public excavations of the Williams family lawn, and the Coxhall Mansion will be open for tours.
Coxhall Gardens is 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 year from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 5. The event will feature the history of the church’s congregation as shared by current and previous leaders. The celebration will also include historic displays and tours, followed by a fried chicken pitch-in dinner.
Home Place Historic Home Tour
The community is invited to explore the Greater Home Place Neighborhood Association’s historic home tours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 11. Guests will begin the tour at homes of their choice that include:
- The Edwards “House on the Hill” (originally the Hamer-Combs House) at 1201 E. 106th St.
- The McShane house at 10000 Westfield Blvd.
- The Setter house, part of the farm sold to create the Lexington Farms subdivision
Detailed maps and additional points of interest will be given to guests during the tour.
Clay Township’s Signature Event: A Retrospective of Carmel
Hosted by the Carmel Clay Historical Society and Carmel Clay Public Library from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 12, this family-friendly event at the library, 425 E. Main St., includes historical exhibits. A special program will run from 2 to 3 p.m. with music, speakers and activities.
Holiday Decorating and Cemetery Tour
Park and meet at the John W. Hensel Government Center, 10701 N. College Ave., at 10 a.m. Nov. 18 to learn about historic residents of the nearby cemetery and to decorate the cemetery and Clay Township Military Library and Museum for the holidays. The event concludes at noon with refreshments at the museum.
