I’m a basketball fan who lives in the middle of Hoosier Hysteria, but my love for the game goes beyond buzzer-beaters and obscure stats: I’m fascinated by the history of the gyms themselves! Recently, I’ve been diving into old Sanborn Maps to see how high school gymnasiums were laid out, built, and changed over time. Here’s some more of what I’ve found.

I loved to draw as a kid and even won some art contests. I was also endlessly fascinated by water towers. Somewhere around age seven or eight, those two interests collided when I proudly assembled a handmade book cataloging every water tower I’d ever seen! Nearly thirty years later, I still can’t help but notice old or unusual water towers. One of my favorites looms over Gaston. It’s known as a “witch’s hat¹.” 

I’ve always been drawn to places where people once gathered, and old theaters seem to pull me in more than most. I’d known about the Hartford Theater near downtown Hartford City for years, but I’d never actually stopped to take pictures of it. Even with its current use, the building still gives itself away- in a town of about 6,000, it doesn’t take much to spot a former movie palace.