News Release

PIERCETON — People may experience the history of downtown Pierceton during a guided walking tour at the Heirloom Tomato Festival.

It will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. People may discover the town’s history dating back to the early 1850s. Tourgoers will view buildings from the late 1800s, hear about the 1895 fire that destroyed half of the commercial district and discover why tomatoes and antiques are so integral to Pierceton’s legacy.

Historical photographs will be posted along the path. As a behind-the-scenes stop, participants will also visit the temple room of the Masonic Lodge, designed by Pierceton architect Frank Logan.

This approximately one-hour tour led by historian Joan Hostetler of The Indiana Album departs from the information booth on the west side of The Old Train Depot. A suggested $10 donation helps the Whitko Community Digital Image Project share historical photos and documents. Please pay on the day of the tour or make a donation of any size by clicking here.

The tour is limited to the first 25 registrants, so either register through the above link or email [email protected] in advance to reserve a spot.

Hostetler, who is documenting the history of the Whitko community as well as copying images from throughout Indiana for the Indiana Album, will be available before and after the tour in a booth at Second Fiddle, 119 N. First St. People may bring along Indiana-related photographs to be scanned or contact [email protected] to arrange a private scanning appointment.