The Town of Shirley is showcasing brand new history panels showcasing the community’s rich history along the new trail and throughout town. Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
Tom Russo | Daily Reporter
SHIRLEY — His name was William Traill and he was one of the first to settle in the Shirley area in the 1800s. Trail and his wife Sarah had his seven sons, who worked the land as one of the early African American settlers, died and were buried in the family grave just east of Shirley.
A new historical marker titled “Trail’s Grove” tells the story of the Trail family and their farm. The marker is one of many new historical boards installed along the Shirley Trail. These are markers worth exploring to find parts of a forgotten past that might otherwise be lost without the historical markers.
The Trail’s Grove sign says Trail was born into slavery in Maryland in 1774, but fled to Henry County, Indiana, in search of freedom.
The idea to add historical markers to the area first arose when Shirley Town officials established the Health Heritage Trail several years ago. The six different signs currently in place run along the Shirley Trail, which begins in the historic district and runs from Octagon House to Shirley Park.
Andy Evert is the chairman of Shirley Visionaries and did all the historical research on the sign. He said he only had the funds to install two signs when they were first installed on the trail, but recently he has four more left, including the “Trails Grove” sign installed at Shirley Park. They said they raised about $8,500 to add a historical marker.
The Town of Shirley is showcasing brand new history panels showcasing the community’s rich history along the new trail and throughout town, including the Trails Grove exhibit. Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Tom Russo | Daily Reporter
“We placed signs at each trailhead when we first finished the trail,” Ebert said. “One of the signs explains how the town of Shirley was formed and shows a map of where some of the industries were in 1900.”
Another trailhead sign is located in the park near the refuge and shares information about the water tower and when Shirley installed the water system and created the park in the early 1900s.
“These two signs were the originals installed on this trail two years ago, and as the Stellar grant cycle was coming to an end, we had some extra money and were able to recently add the other four signs. ,” Evert said.
The whole idea behind the historical markers is to showcase the great heritage the town has to offer while also beautifying the quaint town.
“I like this sign because it helps educate people who aren’t from here,” Evert said. “I’m getting older in town and I remember the stories I’ve heard about this town. So this sign is a reminder to people who are new to town and don’t know the story of this generation that we… It helps us continue to tell the story of where we came from.”
Of the six signs, four are small, single-sided signs and two are large, double-sided signs.
Dennis Denny is a Shirley Town Councilman and supported the idea of adding a historical marker.
“I walk my dog every day and it’s kind of fun to see the signs and stop and read them,” Denny said. “They’re really cool.”
Denny said that while he was old enough to know a fair amount about Shirley’s history, he didn’t know everything and was somewhat surprised after reading all the historical markings.
“Some of the things I read I didn’t know about and I thought it was really cool,” Denny said. “A lot of the older people who used to tell us stories about the past are no longer with us, so it’s great to go out and read stories from the past and refresh your memory.”
Denny said local officials have a real opportunity to develop Shirley into a nice “bedroom” type town for people in Indianapolis who want to escape the big city, and that’s their goal. .
“For a small town, we have over 20 acres of parkland, so we have to make better use of it, just like with signage,” Denny said. “You can take a pleasant stroll along our trails and learn a lot about the town and region through these signs.”
Ebert likes the fact that the historic markers tell Shirley’s true story and give people a reason to stop, get out of their cars, and check out the town instead of just passing by.
“We want to see people stop, come to the park and stay for a while,” Evert said. “We’ve been working on the park over there, and the signs only make the park better, which leads to making more things better.”
Ebert said all of the signs were great, but the one on Main Street is his favorite. Because it captures a real moment and shows the growth of the town.
“You might see a photo on a sign on Main Street and look at the current situation and think, ‘Wow,’ because people don’t realize how long we’ve been here. is.”
Ebert noted a “Trails Grove” sign in the east-facing park where Trail and his family lived a short distance from the sign’s location.
“There’s still a small family cemetery in the field outside,” Evert said. “Before the bushes grow and the crops grow around them, you see the tombstones.”
Ebert pointed out that Trail and his family moved near Shirley before the railroad came and the town was never even considered.
“When the railroad came through, it was right next to his property,” Evert said. “So many people don’t know his story until they go and read the signs.”
