Fairland, Indiana History

Joseph and Luvina Plymate moved to Fairland in 1873. In addition to owning a store that sold harnesses, stoves, hardware, and hats and operating a boarding house, they each also served as the postmaster in Fairland. These are the post office boxes that were in their store at the southwest corner of Washington and Mulberry Streets. You can see the new display when you attend an event or meeting at the Fairland Town Hall, 105 S Walnut St. The boxes were carefully restored and donated to the Fairland Historical Society by Tom Plymate. Pictured are Anne Hardwick, President, and Tom Plymate. Thanks, Tom!

  Join us for " Preserving Family Heirlooms " on  July 15, 2025 at 7 p.m. Do you have some treasured heirlooms that have been passed down through the generations of your family?  Tamara Hemmerlein, Director, Local History Services, Indiana Historical Society, will discuss best practices for preserving those items. Join the Fairland Historical Society for this in-person event.  The event is free & open to the public; donations accepted. Location: Moral Township Government Center, 8333 N Frontage Rd , Fairland, Indiana. This event is supported by City & County Progress Grants administered by Blue River Community Foundation. Be sure to Follow Us on Facebook for more history!

The Fairland Historical Society is excited to work with community partners to share history. Today, we hosted the Historic Marker Celebration - Fairland because of the work of many people. Robbie Stonebraker first suggested the idea of a plaque to document the history of the Fairland School. We love great ideas! Rick Daily helped to research county records. Jim & Joyce Harrell shared photos of the 1883 & 1928 schools. The City & County Progress Grants administered by the Blue River Community Foundation provided the funding to make this possible. Mike Green said “Yes” when we asked if we could install a plaque for Fairland & railroad history at the old train depot. Tammy, John & Larken at Begley Signs helped turn the images & text into beautiful historical markers. And, our Board members were essential throughout this process. So, today, we say “Thank you” to our community for making this possible! We are so happy to celebrate with you. Robbie Stonebraker, John ...

  The Fairland Historical Society is pleased to install two historical markers to share the history of Fairland, the schools, and the railroad. You are invited . We will have a brief thank you and photo opportunity on Tuesday, May 20 at 6 p.m. at the Fairland Park at 209 Commercial St in Fairland.  The second stop of the evening will be at 102 W Washington St at the depot. These markers were made possible by City and County Progress grants administered by Blue River Community Foundation and by dedicated community volunteers.

  Will you be attending the Fairland Volunteer Fire Department's Fish Fry on June 13 or 14?  While you are there, visit the Fairland Historical Society tent outside to talk to our volunteers. Want to join a walking tour? Walking tour times: Friday, June 13: 5:30 & 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14: noon, 1, 3:30, 4:30, 5:30 & 6:30 p.m. Walking Tours of Fairland will start at the Fairland Historical Society tent. Walking tours are free; donations accepted. Tours may be cancelled due to weather conditions. Location: Fairland Volunteer Fire Dept. Fish Fry, 325 W Jackson St, Fairland, Indiana 2025 Fairland Historical Society events are supported by City & County Progress Grants administered by Blue River Community Foundation.   1880 map of Fairland, Atlas of Shelby County, Indiana

  Join us on May 4, 2025 at 2 p.m. for Early Transportation of Central Indiana! Nancy VanArendonk, President of the Franklin Township Historical Society, will give a presentation on early transportation in central Indiana, including the railroads that changed our communities. This event is free & open to the public; donations accepted. Location: Moral Township Government Center, 8333 N Frontage Rd, Fairland, Indiana. Fairland Historical Society events are supported by City & County Progress Grants administered by Blue River Community Foundation.