Bridging History and Community in Odon, Indiana

At the heart of Associate Professor Melody Deusner’s American Art, 1865–1945 course was Odon, Indiana’s Abraham Lincoln statue—a towering limestone monument located in the middle of Odon Park—and the hope of a community to celebrate the statue’s artist, sculptor Ira A. Correll.

When I enrolled in this course, I had very little familiarity with the Center for Rural Engagement, but as the semester unfolded, I found myself in a unique position as both a student participating in a Sustaining Hoosier Communities (SHC) course and as an intern working with the center’s communications team. It gave me a unique opportunity to develop a multifaceted view on how the program bridges university and community collaboration.

A Collaborative Approach to Art History

Our objective was to help the town apply for a historic designation marker for the monument and create educational placards that would inform residents and visitors about the monument and its significance.

As a class, we divided into groups that explored different facets of the project, from the life and work of sculptor Ira A. Correll, to Indiana's role in the Civil War, and art movements that influenced the statue's early 20th-century design. Research emphasized first-hand accounts such as newspaper articles, photographs, government records, and property deeds from Ira A. Correll’s life. Our independent work fed into a larger collective goal, making collaboration an essential part of the course.

Jeremy Hackerd, assistant director of special projects at University Collections and former manager of the Indiana State Historical Marker Program, visited our class to talk about the historical marker application process. He explained the importance of primary sources in offering the closest possible connection to the historical truth.

Preserving the Past in the Present

Odon is a town with a rich history that can be traced back to pre–Civil War times, and this monument serves as a reminder of Odon’s history and the broader history of this country. Working on this project reshaped how I understand the connection between art, memory, and community.

As a class, our job was to revive the history of Ira A. Correll, a sculptor who may not be widely known, but whose work is important. Every discussion, document, and draft contributed to a project that was larger than ourselves and would live beyond the classroom. There was a strong sense of camaraderie among our classmates, knowing that our work could help preserve a piece of Indiana’s history.

Through old newspaper articles, announcements, and exhibition reviews, we were able to piece together not only the life and work of Ira A. Correll, but also pieces of Indiana’s historic cultural identity. Preserving the past is essential, and this class became a way to understand how art anchors community memory and keeps local history alive.