|
Permanent "Old Grouch"
|
| Centerville "Old Grouch" Ron Dixon |
The Archway Days Festival has officially named 2006's Old Grouch, Ron Dixon, Centerville's permanent
Grouch. In 2006, Dixon, owner of the Old Brass Hog antique shop, said “Every day of my life I’ve been working
for this.” Festival official Gary Killen said it was fitting that Dixon be named. And he said no one else
wanted to be so honored.
Centerville, so named because it is nearly on the geographic center of the county, is the second oldest
town in Wayne County. It was platted in 1814. It became the county seat in 1818 and remained as such until 1873.
Original streets were 100-feet wide, but with the increased activity in town when it became the county seat, the width was
decreased to 65-feet. Buildings with common walls were erected in front of original buildings. These original
buildings could then be reached through the archways.
24th Annual Archway Days
Join Us In Celebrating
198 Years of
Centerville History and Architecture
on August 24, 25 & 26, 2012
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Centerville Archways
Centerville Architecture focuses on Greek Revival and Italianate style; yet,
the area does have a few Victorian homes. The buildings in the historic area range from 1820 through 1898 with the majority
being built from 1830-1860. The five existing Archways are unusual in the interior of the U.S. The Centerville
Archways date from 1820 through 1836:
Backenstoes Archway
c.1835 at 139 East Main Street
Dill Archway
c.1830 at 109 South Morton Avenue
Lantz Archway
c. 1823 at 212 West Main Street
Malone Archway
c. 1836 at 119 West Main Street
Shortridge Archway
c. 1820 at 205 W. Main Street
The Archway Days Festival began in 1988 as Hoosier Celebration '88. It included
a parade of antique vehicles which ended at Maplewood Park. There, people enjoyed "Music! And Dancing! and ice cream
and pie and fellowship of the Centerville community." Before the end of the day, the dates for the next year were set
and the name of 'Archway Days' was chosen. In 1989, Centerville celebrated 175 years and the festival grew to include
a pageant, "Walking Through the Archways of Centerville", a horseshoe tournament, 5K Run and Fun Walk, a Pet Parade, a Lemonade
Stand and a Homes Tour.
The Festival has grown and evolved into a very popular festival in eastern Indiana.
It now includes many vendors of food, crafts and traditional fair merchandise plus games such as the pedal tractor pull, pie
and watermelon eating contests. A large variety of entertainment including country and gospel music is heard in the
Stiver Performance Shelter in Maplewood Park.
|
|
|
|
|
|