Fairland, Indiana History

(The Fairland Bulletin, 30 Jan 1879, Vol. 1, No. 45) The Fairland Bulletin newspaper began publishing in March 1878 in Fairland, Shelby County, Indiana. With the motto Multum in Parvo (a great deal in a small space), George S. Jones shared the local news. In the 30 Jan 1879 issue, we see that Lewis W. Mohr was the best student at the school, the fraternal lodges announced their regular meetings, the churches held services once or twice a month, the temperance movement was active, & student Adah Padrick died.                                         (The Fairland Bulletin, 30 Jan 1879, Vol. 1, No. 45) Since Indiana did not organize death certificates until 1899-1900, these newspaper articles are the only record of young Adah's life & death. There is a grave stone in the Boggstown Cemetery for her, but it has no dates. The ads list area businesses, such as William...

  On Sunday morning, 5 Nov 1961, Fairland residents were awakened by a 28-train car derailment in the heart of town. The 161-car freight train was en route from Indianapolis to Cincinnati on the New York Central line with 1 loaded & 160 empty cars. The journal box broke on the car that was loaded with steel scrap which led to the derailment. Newspapers across Indiana reported the story. No one was injured, but Bertha Hasler, age 80, was quoted with her description of the loud crash as some of the train cars landed 15 feet from her house. A tool shed & utility poles were smashed. A crew of 20 with 2 wreckers had the site cleared by Monday. We thank Richard "Dick" Thurston for photographing & documenting the scene and his family for sharing the photos! If you have photos of interest, please consider sharing them with the Fairland Historical Society.

The Fairland Historical Society of Shelby County, Indiana announces events for 2025. Thanks to our partners who help to provide locations throughout the community. These events are supported by City & County Progress Grants administered by Blue River Community Foundation. March 5 , 7 p.m. Newspapers of the Late 1800s: Local News & Gossip Donna Dennison, Genealogy Dept. Head, Shelby County Public Library, portrays Gabby as she reads the local newspapers from the late 1800s. What stories will she share? What have the locals been up to? Join us for an evening of fun & history as we kick off our 2025 events! This event is free & open to the public; donations accepted. Fairland Town Hall, 105 S Walnut St, Fairland April 9 , 5:30 p.m. Doors open, Tour museum; 6:30 p.m. Presentation Stories & Symbolism in Cemeteries Tour the Grover Center’s exhibit about Shelby County cemeteries. Then, Sarah Richardt, Grover Center Executive Director, will highlight the stories & symb...

The  Fairland Historical Society  is pleased to announce our first presentation for 2025!  Join us on  March 5, 2025 at 7 p.m.  for  Newspapers of the Late 1800s: Local News & Gossip. Donna Dennison, Genealogy Dept. Head, Shelby County Public Library, portrays Gabby as she reads the local newspapers from the late 1800s. What stories will she share? What have the locals been up to? Join us for an evening of fun & history as we kick off our 2025 events! This event is free & open to the public; donations accepted.  The event will be at the  Fairland Town Hall , 105 S Walnut St, Fairland, Indiana, 46126. Watch for more events in 2025, and be sure to  Follow us on Facebook  as we share more Fairland area history. We thank our 2024 donors! If you wish to make a donation in 2025,  donations may be made online . Thank you for your support!

Good news! The Fairland Historical Society is pleased to be recognized as a Shining Star in Shelby County! THANK YOU to the Blue River Community Foundation for including us in the Shining Bright Together surprise grant cycle!

The Fairland Historical Society is excited & honored to receive this grant supported by City & County Progress Grants administered by the Blue River Community Foundation! Watch for exciting programs in 2025. And, be sure to follow our Facebook page for local history, photos, and event announcements.