About Us
Learn about Wythougan Valley Preservation, our members, & our collective past.
Formation
Wythougan Valley Preservation Council is named for the Native American name for the Yellow River, which flows through the county. Wythougan was established as a county-wide preservation organization in 1999 to undertake our first project: the relocation of the Garn House on Plymouth’s south side. Since that time, the organization has restored Jacoby Church and Summit School, as well as provided educational programs on a consistent basis. The idea for the preservation organization began in 1997 when a small group met to list downtown Plymouth to the National Register and grew to formal organization in 1999, since which time we have been an affiliate member of Indiana Landmarks.
Summit Chapel-School Restoration
State Road 10
Tippecanoe Township
In 2001, Wythougan entered into a long-term lease with Tippecanoe Township to restore the former one-room schoolhouse, originally built around 1865. The building, which also served as a Methodist church, was restored and rededicated in 2002 with two former students in attendance. Wythougan successfully added the chapel and its cemetery to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the building is furnished to reflect its appearance around 1910 and is used for community events such as reunions, concerts, and weddings.
Garn House Relocation
Angel Street
Plymouth
Wythougan was founded in large part to save the 1900 Free Classic–style Garn House from demolition in 1999. The organization relocated the historic home from South Michigan Street to a new site on Angel Street, moving it down Michigan Street and across a field. With funding from Indiana Landmarks’ revolving loan program, Wythougan purchased the lot, built a new basement, and completed exterior restoration. The house was later auctioned with protective covenants to ensure its preservation.
Jacoby Church Restoration
King Road
Center Township
Built in 1860 by local German Lutheran families, Jacoby Church was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places by Wythougan in 2006. This designation helped secure grant funding, leading to a full restoration that included a new roof funded by the Marshall County Community Foundation. Wythougan maintains a long-term lease with Center Township to preserve and manage the building. The church was rededicated in 2010 on its 150th anniversary and continues to host concerts, weddings, and hymn sings.
Chief Menominee Statue Rededication
Peach Road
West Township
In 2009, Wythougan organized the centennial rededication and refurbishment of the granite statue honoring Chief Menominee. The statue, commissioned by the Indiana Legislature, commemorates both Chief Menominee and the 1838 Trail of Death, when the Potawatomi were forcibly removed from the area. It is believed to be the first publicly funded statue of a Native American in the United States. The rededication ceremony included readings, prayers, and a musical performance by Menominee Elementary students reflecting on Potawatomi history.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is composed of representatives from each of Marshall County’s townships who have a strong interest in seeing Marshall County’s built heritage preserved for future generations. The board has meetings on a semi-regular basis and annual meetings in October during which time we elect officers and new directors.
How to Donate
Wythougan appreciates donations made to the organization for general expenses, or for specific projects. We also maintain separate line items for continued work at Summit School and Jacoby Church. Wythougan also has an endowed fund at the Marshall County Community Foundation, the corpus of which was secured in 2009. We appreciate all gifts to this fund which has more than doubled in size since its formation.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is composed of representatives from each of Marshall County’s townships who have a strong interest in seeing Marshall County’s built heritage preserved for future generations. The board has meetings on a semi-regular basis and annual meetings in October during which time we elect officers and new directors.
How to Donate
Wythougan appreciates donations made to the organization for general expenses, or for specific projects. We also maintain separate line items for continued work at Summit School and Jacoby Church. Wythougan also has an endowed fund at the Marshall County Community Foundation, the corpus of which was secured in 2009. We appreciate all gifts to this fund which has more than doubled in size since its formation.
About Us
Learn about Wythougan Valley Preservation, our members, & our collective past.
Formation
Wythougan Valley Preservation Council is named for the Native American name for the Yellow River, which flows through the county. Wythougan was established as a county-wide preservation organization in 1999 to undertake our first project: the relocation of the Garn House on Plymouth’s south side. Since that time, the organization has restored Jacoby Church and Summit School, as well as provided educational programs on a consistent basis. The idea for the preservation organization began in 1997 when a small group met to list downtown Plymouth to the National Register and grew to formal organization in 1999, since which time we have been an affiliate member of Indiana Landmarks.